My Babies

My children are my heart. I think that's why it's so painful when they are growing up and starting to pull away. At times, it feels like someone's ripping your heart from your chest. The easing of responsiblity from your shoulders to theirs is a wonderful, painful process. It's also a bit of a relief. The teething, stomach issues, teen angst, friend drama...I will miss none of these.

Scott's New Job

Yep, you read it correctly. Scott's no longer a yardmaster. He's moving back to a ground position at the railroad. He's scheduled to start work October 14. Until then, there's no paycheck. Aaahhhh!

Ok, Kim. Breathe. Remember, God has always provided our needs. Whew!

Please pray for me. Sometimes I forget His faithfulness, and I panic. Remind me of the Gospel whenever you see me. Pray for us as God brings us to mind.

Hmmm. The Spirit is settling my heart as even as I type.

This is one tired baby!!!

Rainy Days & Mondays Always Get Me Down

Well, today started out already pear-shaped. I woke up w/ a headache & went back the bed. Then Scott woke me w/ the news that Bren had a wreck on the way to his 1st day at his new job. UGH!

On the good side, Ellas & Gracie have been terrific today. Scott has been sweet & understanding. We've even done schoolwork! Yea!

I am seriously looking forward to going to Crissy's this evening. Loads o' laughs. I'm outa
Here. Gotta finish edumacating the yunguns.

Wooo, it's been a long day. We set up Ellas' new bed & cleaned his room while he was at the Jensens. Talk about messy! He HAS to be related to Fred Sanford.

Fixing the Wonky Picture

Have you ever looked at a picture, and known immediately there was something wonky (something not right), but you were unable to pinpoint what it was? That's what it's been like in our school room for a while now.

It is so frustrating to know that there is a problem with your child, and yet not know what it is. I have known for several years that Ellas has learning issues, but I didn't know what they were. Until this year, it has not hindered him too much in school, so I wasn't in a tizzy to get to the bottom of it. This year, however, has been slow and agonizing for both of us. Lots of tears, but very little learning.

Our pediatrician believed me when I said there was a problem, but was also at a loss as to what it could be. He has tested Ellas for many things over the years, with no diagnosis.

All I could think was, "Am I crazy? Do I WANT something to be wrong with my sweet little boy? Am I damaging him by not knowing? How much therapy is this kid gonna need by the time I'm through 'teaching' him? Please, God, give me wisdom. Show me what to do for my precious son."

Now over the years, Scott and Crissy have agreed that there was something wrong. Like me, they weren't sure what. Lately, Scott has said that we needed to have Ellas checked for dyslexia. You see, Scott is VERY dyslexic in a couple of different areas. He was starting to notice similarities between his issues and Ellas'.

So, I scheduled a conference with Debbie Landry, our fantastic homeschool administrator, who has been such an encouragement to me. She pointed me to the Alabama Scottish Rites Foundation. They have taken dyslexia/literacy as their cause. Because of their fundraising, they offer free testing, free evaluating, AND provide a free 2-year video-based curriculum. Woohoo!!!

Turns out, Ellas is dyslexic! Our issue has a name! We know how to fix the picture. Ellas can get the help he needs. Thank you, God, for providing for us. Thank you, God, for loving my baby even more than I do.

My Sangria

Well, my lush friends have been begging (Yes, I said begging!) for my sangria recipe. I don't know if they like it that much, or just want to make it themselves to drink alone...in secret! *Gasp!!!* ;D Well, no matter the reasons. I have decided to share this lusciousness with the world. Aren't I great and generous?! Yes, I thought so too. Well, here goes.

Ingredients:
1 bottle red wine (I use Lambrusco.)
1/2 cup brandy (Don't use the good stuff. You can't taste it anyway.)
1/2 cup peach schnapps (This you can taste. DeKuyper's is the best.)
1/2 cup sugar
12 0z can of Sprite or ginger ale (Sprite makes it sweeter.)
1 small can of mandarin oranges (juice and all)
2 TBSP lemon juice
1/2 can pineapple chunks (Use all of the juice.)
1/2 cup apple cider or apple juice (Doesn't matter which.)


Directions:
Mix it all together in a one gallon pitcher. If you can, let it sit overnight in the fridge before you serve it. If you can't, it's fantastic anyway.

***THIS STUFF IS VERY POTENT! DO NOT DRINK THIS WHEN YOU HAVE TO DRIVE ANYTIME SOON! SIP IT SLOWLY! THE FRUIT IS ALSO FULL OF ALCOHOL, SO DO NOT GIVE IT TO THE KIDS!***