an unexpected event

OK fine.....some mildly astonishing events are suitable with me..... gifts of coffee, chocolate, diamonds......surprise parties.......yes - even surprise parties! But who would be courageous or daring enough to attempt this feat? Seriously, I thought Merl might think it was a stretch to suggest a different place for birthday lunch.....knowing my inflexibility. I did not think he would attempt this! Brave man he is......and wise......as he brought my mom and dad into the situation to help.

Even though it is sort of a tradition to surprise someone on their 40th birthday.....I had completely written the possibility off, figuring Merl would not attempt to surprise me, the queen of figuring things out! So let's give credit where credit is due...... I really didn't have an idea I was being had until right before we left to have a "birthday dinner" at my parents' house. As we were getting ready to go I began to think it was mighty strange that my mom did not ask what kind of birthday cake I wanted or what I'd like to eat for dinner......which is fairly routine. I questioned the kids a little bit which made them act a little suspiciously......although up until that point they had been completely normal! Looking back I am realizing they gave away absolutely NO pieces of information - totally tight lipped! Impressive. When I inquired about an errand Merl said we were going on I caught a slight smile from him (he later said he just can't lie to me!). So when the van went the absolute opposite way from my parents' house I said, "We are not going to Chandler." And he said, "No, we are not! A few of your friends wanted to help celebrate." To which I responded, "Oh sure they do, since they are younger than me!" (Well lots of them anyway!)

So then I started to panic a little.....what in the world was going to happen? I knew I would probably start to bawl and besides - didn't even check my hair before we left! There were trillions of people at the park so I couldn't tell where our group was and as we got closer my brain was not able to process the different people I saw fast enough since they were from all facets of my life here.....I was honestly 100% shocked at all the people who began to sing Happy Birthday - which of course caused me to tear up.....The big 'ole group had signed signs the kids had made for me and I was also handed a button to put on:

The number one statement of the night was in general: "Knowing you do not like surprises I was really wondering how this would turn out....." I do have to admit that I did punch Merl in the arm twice as we walked up the sidewalk - I'm sorry - I do have a violent streak.....

So.......the verdict is in.......surprises are not so bad, I guess. Lighten up and let people love you, I am thinking (for those of you like me who think you would be mortified in this type of scenario). What a delightful combination of people I love so much! I so enjoyed visiting with everyone! I am humbled to have such amazing friends and family.....I am richly blessed.

books and coffee

I had ideas about what I wanted to do with the few days I'd have in San Antonio with Merl. It was the perfect combination of time alone and time with hubby. Honestly - I have to say - save going to such nice plush places for later in your marriage......or when you are "older" and more appreciative. I qualify as "older" now that I am approaching one of those milestone birthdays.....If I had stayed in a nice resort like this when I was younger with no children - I am sure I would not have relished in it quite as much! Since we really did not go away for a honeymoon - I thought, so this is what a luxurious honeymoon is like! Never stayed at a hotel which provides you with a bathrobe before......yes I could get used to this......but anyway back to reality.....I will not be getting used to this......my flannel bathrobe is lonely with the dog at home!

In any case, I hauled a lot of books and paraphernalia with me because I wasn't sure what I'd feel like doing. Homeschool planning, meal planning, budgeting?.....Uh - brought all the stuff but NOT! Whoa - didn't even want to surf the internet! I had big dreams of driving out to Fredricksburg on some hill country roads I remembered from our trip here 12 years ago in May and taking pictures. So on the first day that is what I did - drove and hunted for great shots. Only problem was......not quite spring here so everything was fairly brown. After many hours on my "not so scenic in March" route, I returned to the hotel with only a couple nice shots in camera and the day alone was almost gone......A friend had given me some great advice just a few days prior...."When traveling on business with your husband.....get your worrying, phone calls, etc. out of the way while hubby is in his conference. Then when he comes back, be refreshed and ready to spend time with him." Good counsel.......I tried to push the disappointment of a not so successful photo day away.....guess I was meant to have a nice drive.

This trip, I perceived, was going to be one of reading and coffee. Works for me! Finished one book and started 2 others......now for all you fiction fanatics - calm down and prepare yourself.....reading fiction in my free time stresses me out! It freaks me out! Therefore, I brought one juvenile fiction book with me....Pollyana, since Madison is reading it for book club. Just couldn't bear to crack it! When I have time away it rejuvenates me to read other things.....so here is a look at what I spent time reading - aside from my Bible and photography books. I highly recommend all these.....even though I am not finished with them all....

Dancing with My Father by Sally Clarkson is about Sally Clarkson's personal journey to discover how to live a life of grace and joy in the Lord.

Say Goodbye to Whining by Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller My word - please don't let the cover scare you! Get over it....it is a great book giving practical suggestions for building honor in your family.

Grace Based Parenting by Tim Kimmel....has challenged my thinking. It is written by a local author whom I met many years ago and respect. He asserts that many of the parenting books on the market tell moms and dads what to do and how to do it but are rigid, fear-based books that leave a large number of parents feeling directionless. This book is about the needs we are trying to meet in our children and the delivery system for how we meet them.

My time of good books and coffee, luxurious time with the husband, and magnificent accommodations has come to an end.......back to reality, but I brought my books back with me!

revival

Out of town + quiet time alone + my camera + books + coffee + gorgeous hotel + good food + some time with husband (notice emphasis on some) = Renewal, rejuvenation, refreshment, restoration, recovery......revival.

Sometimes I don't notice how broken - or dispassionate I honestly am until I get away. How easy it is to go through the motions - swept up in the daily events, routines, and difficulties. Truthfully, most of the time I only get away for a few hours. I am realizing this is definitely not enough time to be fully restored.....physically leaving the city is - helpful. Staying at an amazing hotel is not required......but highly recommended!

The Lord truly blessed Merl and I with an opportunity to get away together......Merl had a business trip to a conference in San Antonio planned - and when I saw the hotel it was being held at - well - what a shame for him to stay there alone? Gracious friends and loving grandparents encouraged us to go - offering to keep our kiddos. I was excited about going until about a week prior. A shock to me, I started to be sad about leaving my children. Usually I am looking for the unusual opportunity to "miss them". But this was the first time we would leave any of our kids for more than 1 or 2 nights. I worried about the dog, Jonathan at night, my friend having 7 kids to take care of. Writing up directions for the children, asthma treatment, packing - forget it! "This is not worth it", were my thoughts.....Then a few days before we were set to leave, our friends' 19 yr. old daughter had a heart attack and was in critical condition in the hospital....didn't seem right to be planning a blissful getaway. After Emily's astounding beginning toward recovery I felt joy in my packing.

Then, on the morning we were to leave - only hours before my parents were to pick up our children....my grandfather (97 years old) died. He was married to my grandmother for 73 years. Lord, are you sure you want me to go? "Yes" - was the heavenly and earthly answer. Incredible friendships give you this freedom. As rearrangements were made for our kids, I tearfully finished packing - pushing through my reluctance to go. This was not the joyous day I had imagined. But the Lord already knew what this day would hold - he is sovereign, absolute, and unlimited. He is trustworthy.

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. "I will be found by you,"declares the Lord, "and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,"declares the Lord, "and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile." Jeremiah 29:11-14

The Lord had heard the cries of my heart this past year - feeling burdened by the daily, relentless routines of life.....I lacked the joy I had once delighted in. I had based my joy on the circumstances of every moment - rather than on my perception of God's daily companionship. This had caused me to be dry and weary.....but the Lord was with me - He knew this - He knew I would seek Him and He again would reveal Himself to me in His grace.

Although renewed.....I have to admit.....I am a little reluctant to board the plane home. It is difficult there - hard work - lots of hats to wear. Having been away with 3 days of no cooking or cleaning, free time, and plush surroundings......I realize this. However, a top of the line Marriott , Starbucks everyday, hotel bathrobe, and blissful time with the husband is not real life - long term. It is just a stop along this journey - my pilgrimage toward authentic joy that comes from God, the Source of joy.

"Joy is an issue of the heart. Joy is not found in performing for people or in doing all the right things for God. Nor is joy in the absence of difficulties or problems. Joy is found in the presence of God in the midst of all circumstances, in delighting in the life he has given."

Sally Clarkson

spontaneous

After 17 years of marriage - my dear husband has learned a few things.....one of them being I don't do spontaneous. Who knows how much frustration I have caused him - but I don't like surprises or doing things I haven't thought through ahead of time. He hasn't given up trying to break me however......

Upon returning home from church he says......"Let's go hike at Usery Park - pause - you can bring your camera and shoot pictures of the wildflowers". Ahhh.....crafty guy.....knew there was no way I'd go for a spur of the moment hike like that.....unless he throws in the "you could take pictures" line! Well, don't give him all the credit.....little did he know I've been making an effort to be more "flexible" and "unplanned". And I NEVER pass up the opportunity to take pictures!

So on the way I had several questions in my mind once he suggested we hike Wind Cave Trail - "moderately difficult"....... 3.2 miles round trip......800 ft. ascent.....hiking shoes/sticks recommended. Question #1 - would there be loads of wildflowers? Question #2 - Could I really watch the kids, keep an eye on the dog, and take photographs? Question #3 - How would my bad knee respond to the climb/descent? I have recently been considering returning for physical therapy or even wondered if I needed another surgery. Question #4 - Can Jonathan and Allison REALLY hike 3.2 miles up and down like that or will one of them be wailing after the first hour?

Here are the answers: #1 - No there were hardly any wildflowers!!!!! So at first I was hacked.....but only a few minutes. It was still unbelievably beautiful.

This shot is at the beginning half of the hike, looking back the way we had come.....

Still on the way up....

I am not kidding, the sky was this blue (I don't own photoshop!)

Question #2 - No.....on the way up - I ended up lagging way behind shooting photos and yelling directives......"Watch out for that rock! Hold Aslan, runner coming!......Stop and turn around so I can get this picture!" Pretty soon the fam went ahead of me and left me to my photo dawdling.

See the tongue?

Question #3 - I was fairly pleased with my physical condition if I do say so myself! Not especially winded.... maybe all the rollerblading has given me some muscle conditioning. And notably.......why consider expensive physical therapy or surgery when you can descend down a small mountain 800 ft. - and accomplish the same results by falling? I mean, when I slid backward and fell, my knee bent farther than it has in three years - with loud snaps and pops and shooting pain......but no overpriced anesthesia was needed since it was completely a surprise! I was supposedly helping Allie down the hill when this happened.......the rest of the family was way ahead. Allie stayed on her feet while I sat on the ground and determined if I was capable of returning to my own feet. When I saw Merl was out of shouting range I decided getting up was the only option......and Allie sweetly became very determined to "look out" for me despite the fact she had already accrued a few wounds of her own.

Check the knee out......

The answer to Question #4 is a resounding "YES!" Jonathan and Allie hiked all the way up and back and were undoubtedly the youngest hikers on the trail!

Had to include this photo because it shows how high up we were.......it was also seconds before Allie fell chin first ....... wound #2.

Madison enjoying the view

Part of the reason the younger ones made it

and I could still take pictures......

No joke - this is the end of the trail and the kid was still running!

My last photo as we finished......the dark area on upper right portion is the "cave".

Goes to show ya (me)......spontaneous can be fun and have good fruits! (Even if you are lured..... I mean, lovingly encouraged to do it).

dog school

When we "adopted" Aslan, the Rhodesian Ridgeback, the RR rescue people told us that these dogs really need to be with people and always like to be "right under your feet". That was fine - we figured a homeschooling family was a good fit.....but had no idea how "textbook" this dog would be! He really is comical (when he is not snatching someone's food off the counter). Recently I have been trying to be more disciplined and work with Jonathan and Allison at the kitchen table for awhile - and Madison likes to join us. Sitting in his chair just 10 ft. away is not good enough for Aslan - he's got to be right with us - and I also might mention that he does not like lying on the cold tile floor......so what is an 85 lb. dog to do?

Curl up in a dining room chair, of course!

This dog can sleep ANYWHERE!

I would get up and leave the teaching to him if I didn't know (from tried and true experience) that he would immediately slurp my coffee up which is always on the table!

Who says you can't take your faithful dog to school?

garage school

I know I sound like a broken record, but homeschooling is a journey of figuring things out - and much refinement for the teacher and the students! Days are filled with trying and trying again - and discovering new ways of "doing school". Monday was one such day......after some struggles I decided we all needed a time out and sent the kids out to the garage to "reorganize" it. I had no idea what would ensue. About 2 hrs. later I was presented with a "made-over" garage - complete with a "school corner". The kids had decided we should have an area for school in the garage! Well - me and my inflexible self were not amused......Like I wanted to teach school in a cold garage.....or burning hot garage in May! I began to protest when all of a sudden the Holy Spirit nudged me and said "chill" - praise the good in this and relax and go with the flow.

Hence, school in a garage:

Student sized desks and chairs are over-rated after all.....

Who knew writing came so much easier in the ...... garage?

Seems the change in venue has its advantages. One of the strong points happens to be that we can all be outside and the younger kids can play in the front while the rest of us get some work done.

Guard dog, happy to be included......

Problem solving practice: how to ride a trike when you can't reach the pedals......

Persistence, baby

Allison trying something new

Students are able to take "lick breaks".

Students are able to "drive-thru" when they'd like to participate and "listen in."

In the end - everyone realizes they want to be in on the lessons....

So, as usual this time I tried to "roll with the punches"....... and the kids were right........I'm learning.

washing us clean

I am not kidding - a clean house makes me almost as happy as anything. Seriously - not just a picked up house - but a scrubbed, peppermint smelling house. I am not sure what it is that makes it so delightful.......the final product or the physical work that is put into it. Often when I begin the process I am grouchy or tired from a long difficult day - but by the end have "worked" my irritation off. This seems to work for my kiddos too.

Today was one of those not so "blue sky" homeschool days so I assigned us all a little work detail. I can honestly say I think we all are all going to bed with a "clean" conscience, happy hearts, scoured house, and even a bathed dog!

I must also mention that I believe I have stumbled upon something too, which gets my kids "excited" about cleaning: chemistry! Awhile back I was motivated to begin cleaning and washing our clothes with natural cleaner thanks to an online friend who shared her recipe for "scrubbing bubbles". I disliked the smell of household cleaner - and actually Ryan literally would not clean his bathroom as a result of the smell because it irritated him so much. So we tried good old vinegar and baking soda - and I added some peppermint essential oil for great smell and "refreshment" - presto! We are hooked! It works great and guess what? The kids beg to clean because they LOVE mixing the vinegar and baking soda together and watching it "bubble". So hilarious. Ryan loves the smell and making "explosions" (yes, I must sacrifice a little extra baking soda and vinegar). Madison has really gone crazy with it and did her speech for public speaking coop on toxic cleaners and making your own. She has even begun brushing her teeth with baking soda and salt! I am not that reformed yet.

"Scrubbing bubble ingredients"

The chemist (clearing the drain with baking soda and vinegar rinse)

We also are making our own laundry detergent from various recipes we've found online. We basically use washing soda, borax, and felsnaptha soap for that. Seems to work fine! I throw a downy ball in the wash then with some vinegar and peppermint oil for a good rinse and it makes the clothes fresh.

Basic laundry soap ingredients

Melting the felsnaptha soap in water first

Laundry "sludge" (you can also make powdered detergent)

I know that the sacrifice of Christ and his forgiveness is what really washes us clean after days like this and His love revives our attitudes - Christ only. But just this one time I am adding a few components: baking soda, vinegar, peppermint oil, and hard work......just a little icing on the cake.

Homeschool Day at the Capitol

Today we went down to our state Capitol together as a family to celebrate our freedom to educate our children at home! Daddy took the rest of the day off to spend with us which was a blessing! It was a delightful day all the way around with sunshine, blue skies, picnic lunch, and great friends! The event was sponsored by AFHE (Arizona Families for Home Education) and as always it exceptionally done. Over 1200 people RSVP'd, but final counts were a little under 1,000 people which was a great turnout! We were all excited to have Governor Jan Brewer address us and issue a proclamation for the first week in March as Homeschool Week. Senator John Huppenthal, Representative Rich Crandall, Representative Kirk Adams, and Governor Brewer all encouraged us that homeschoolers have "friends" at the Capitol who believe in a parent's choice when it comes to the education of their children. It was reassuring - though we know we live in one of the most "free" states for homeschooling in America and are thankful for that!

Governor Jan Brewer

A portion of the crowd....

Part of our group

Proud daddy with his kiddos

Gettin' a little tired of the speeches!

Conversation and fellowship......