| August 11 2005 |
| My kind of education
We took our 4 younger children to a small water park where there was a place to float on inflatable rings down a canal called the "lazy river." My children thought I called it the "Yangtze River." Guess what country we've studied in history recently? So we called it the Yangtze River the rest of the afternoon. It was certainly a more colorful name than lazy. I've been thinking about other ways we may learn a little differently from your average water-park atttendee. For instance, my 6 year old can correctly identify 5 different kinds of toads but he still can't tell a P from a D. And all of my little ones could recite the names of the books of the New Testament well before they could count to 100. We just don't do education like everyone else. We have more fun. Posted by Suzanne at 8 : 36 am | Leave a note {2} |
| August 04 2005 |
| And how are you?
We just returned from a trip to visit my husband's family. While we were sitting around the table one morning my brother-in-law, who is a cattleman, said, "Suzanne, you're looking a little thin. I can use some de-worming medicine on you. That's what we do for cattle that can't seem to pick up any weight." How would you respond to a comment like that? My husband reassures me that any time a woman is told that she is thin it is intended as a compliment. The conversation continued around how they also give cattle magnets to swallow to pick up stray metal shavings from their feed or nails that they may have eaten that are keeping them from gaining weight. Interesting, huh? I won't be swallowing any magnets any time soon... We did have a very nice visit. And I really do like my brother-in-law. One summer the joke for both my husband's brothers was for them to be nice to me. They weren't teasing me and I knew something was up. I thought they didn't like me any more. I suppose I should be reassured this summer that they like me just fine. Posted by Suzanne at 10 : 13 pm | Leave a note {2} |
| July 27 2005 |
| How old are you?
Driving along in our van today we spotted a couple of motorcycles and son 5 of 7 yelled, "I drove one of those back in '92!" Daughter 4 of 7 replied with scorn, "you weren't alive in '92." Son 6 of 7 says, "Mom, were you alive in '92?" "Yes, son. I was alive in '92." "Were there gasoline engines in '92?" "Yes, there were gasoline engines in '92." "Was that before or after World War I?" Note to self: Discontinue our study of ancient history, jump ahead in chronological order, and display timeline in prominent place in dining room. Yes, mother, if you are reading. I remember asking you if you voted for George Washington or the other guy.... Posted by Suzanne at 2 : 48 pm | Leave a note {4} |
| July 21 2005 |
| Classic or country?
My brother-in-law first saw the movie Oh Brother, Where Art Thou? this past week-end. He was visiting last night and shared with us the title of the college course he was inspired to create based on the movie: "Homer or Gomer?" His career is actually in campus ministries so don't look for the course at any university any time soon. Posted by Suzanne at 9 : 27 pm | Leave a note {0} |
| July 19 2005 |
| Hello Again
It’s that time of year again. That’s right folks. Lock your doors. The zucchini are producing. If you are the proud recipient of a “gift” of a baseball-bat-size zucchini I have a recipe for you! This one is so good that daughter 4 of 7 wants it for her birthday cake. Chocolate Zucchini Cake I finally finished reading Bleak House. I really didn’t want the experience to be over. I had read the book before so I knew what was going to happen. Dickens’s writing and characters are so much fun and I was having a grand time picking up the book and reading a chapter occasionally and then thinking about it for, oh…a week. While reading I was imagining a BBC production of Bleak House but it just wouldn’t work in reality. Modern audiences would not be able to imagine the selfless motives of the main characters. The whole plot would have to be changed. I’m in the process of choosing my next Dickens’s novel to keep in my stack of reading materials. Dickens’s novels are rich with strong heroes that are worthy of emulating and there are plenty of moral dilemmas and “bad guys.” Good stuff. Thank you to all of the folks who still drop by here even though I haven’t updated this site in years (in blog time, that is!). I’m doing well. My family is doing well. Busy and happy…in fact we have strong heroes that are worthy of emulating, plenty of moral dilemmas, and although we also have some “bad guys” in our real lives, the Lord Jesus continues to be faithful and worthy of our trust. Peace to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen. Posted by Suzanne at 8 : 55 pm | Leave a note {6} |
| June 05 2005 |
| Life on the Farm
I am at my dad's house in an isolated town in the mid-west where they have high-speed internet access or I wouldn’t be able to write this. At home our phone has quit working so right now I don't have internet access at all. We live within 40 minutes of a major metropolitan area and the only internet access available is dial-up and they live in the boondocks and have high-speed access. How can this be, you ask (yes, I am putting words in your mouth). Small towns in rural areas receive government subsidies for phone, cable, and internet service. Our rural area is too close to major towns so we don’t qualify and Sprint hasn’t deemed us worthy of spending the money to run cables capable of running DSL. Please don’t fill my comment box with rousing discussions of the relative merits of government subsidies while I am incapable of responding! So until our phone is fixed things look somewhat like this:  Just picture me outside with my laptop up a phone pole writing these things. You will have to trust me that the area that we live in has enough redeeming qualities to more than make up for this minor inconvenience. I never liked New York. At least we have cell phones. Posted by Suzanne at 9 : 32 am | Leave a note {5} |
| May 16 2005 |
| Back to my Roots
This marks a full week of feeling good and healthy for me. Cheers! Healthy people really should not take that for granted. In fact, I don't think we should take any of God's good blessings for granted. I am cultivating the habit of qualifying anything I say about my future plans with the phrase, “Lord willing.” Or, as my grandmother used to say, “good Lord willing and the creek don’t rise.” Posted by Suzanne at 7 : 07 pm | Leave a note {5} |
| May 09 2005 |
| What’s Up?
Some bloggers seem to feel comfortable sharing intimate details of their lives. You may have noticed that I’m not one of them. I simply don’t feel comfortable letting anyone from Alaska to Zanzibar with internet access know that my children have runny noses this week (or whatever). I am stepping outside of my comfort zone a bit today because I believe sharing my experiences over the past year may help someone else. The fact is that I have struggled with health issues for the past year. And it hasn’t been so easy to figure out what is the matter. I haven’t had a spare spoon for blogging (if you or someone you love has a chronic illness and you want a way to explain what it’s like to someone else go to this link). When I have had a rare “good day” I use it to catch up on good times with my children or some of the many responsibilities that pile up on the days that I am keeping things going here by will-power and previous home organization. There are lots of people out there who have thyroid problems whose doctors tell them their blood work is fine. My thyroid levels were low-normal but I have a doctor who listens to me and I do my homework. The proper treatment has made a world of difference for me. These are some of the clues that something was wrong with me. You may have a thyroid problem if: · Your children say, “you’re always cold mom.” · While knitting mittens for your children you consider knitting a nose warmer for yourself. · You sleep 8 hours at night and you still fall asleep every time you sit down. · Your children say, “I don’t need the boo-boo bear from the freezer mom, I’ll just use your hands.” · No matter how much fiber you consume it is never enough. · The nurse at the doctor’s office thinks you’re a runner because your pulse is so slow. · Your feet hurt for no reason. · You have dry skin and brittle nails for the first time in your life. · Your children know that if they don’t see you write it down in your planner it will never happen because you won’t remember it. I found all sorts of help on the internet for clues to the diagnosis and treatment of my hypothyroidism. If you think this describes you I would recommend that you join the yahoo group for natural thyroid hormones. Read all of the group’s files and ask them questions. It’s an active, well-moderated board and the people there really want to help. There’s lots of chatter to sift through but in my experience it’s been worth it. Message boards on the internet really can be wonderful sources of information. There’s no need to go to a support-group meeting. Your doctor can read prescribing information in the PDR but there is nothing like hearing from someone else who is actually taking the same medication you are taking. It’s been shocking to me to find that chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia were invented as a diagnosis after doctors began to rely on the TSH test instead of patient’s symptoms to treat people adequately with thyroid replacement hormones. It is very important that you educate yourself and be persistent in your treatment. I’m not the only one who believes that there is much unnecessary suffering taking place due to undiagnosed and undertreated thyroid disease. Some of my friends will remember that I have problems with migraine headaches and that has certainly contributed to the complexity of my struggles this year. I found that my hypothyroidism put me at risk for developing migraines. Migraines are no ordinary headaches and I’ve had every symptom described in that link. I’m on preventive medication that has some pretty awful side effects (the nicknames for the meds include the names dope and stupor!). It’s been an amazing thing not to have a headache every day but the side effects have carried a huge price tag. I’m working on adjusting that medication to get the right balance of headache and brain function. Posted by Suzanne at 10 : 05 pm | Leave a note {12} |
| March 29 2005 |
| Tribute
We are on our way to Jimmy's funeral this morning. I was asked to share what I have learned from Jimmy to be read at his funeral. Here is what I have written. So many people don't understand why the *** took such a risk and gave up so much for a child these people saw as beyond hope. They don't seem to understand that any of us could have been in Jimmy's circumstances but for the grace of God. Posted by Suzanne at 9 : 03 am | Leave a note {6} |
| March 26 2005 |
| Jimmy's Family
Jimmy has a sister who is having a tough time understanding what is happening. She wants to know when Jimmy is coming back and if he has a nurse and where those people took Jimmy. To her Jimmy was just a sweet little baby. All those wires and tubes and machines seemed normal. Jimmy's sweet sister spent time at our house yesterday. We colored eggs and played baby dolls and played music loudly and danced in a big circle holding hands. She needs time to do normal child-like things while she thinks through what is happening. Jimmy is no longer bound by that broken little body he had here on on earth. In a sense, yesterday was the first time that Jimmy could be dancing with us. We Will Dance Sing a song of Celebration Lift up a shout of praise For the Bridegroom will come The glorious One, and oh We will look on His face We’ll go to a much better place Dance with all your might Lift up your hands and clap for joy For the time’s drawing near When He will appear, and oh We will stand by His side A strong, pure spotless bride We will dance On the streets that are golden The glorious bride And the great Son of Man From every tongue and tribe and nation Will join in the song of the Lamb. Copyright © 1993 Mercy/Vineyard Publishing Posted by Suzanne at 9 : 09 am | Leave a note {3} |
| March 25 2005 |
| Jimmy
Jimmy died in his mother's arms this morning. Thank you to those of you who have prayed for this little one. To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven. Posted by Suzanne at 3 : 36 pm | Leave a note {4} |
| March 05 2005 |
| Write them on the doorposts of your house
I’ve wanted to have scripture written on the walls of our home for quite some time. There’s nothing like a reminder of something that you see everyday for a reinforcement of what you really believe. I already have a couple of samplers and small wooden plaques along with various index cards with memory verses scattered throughout the house that have scripture written on them. What I’ve really wanted is to literally write scripture on the doorposts of our home. It makes sense. Let’s start a movement…or clue me in if there already is one….! Here is my feeble little attempt to write scripture above the door of my laundry room (right next to my borg dryer *hee, hee*).  Has anyone else tried to hand letter scripture above their doorways? I’m no artist (thought I’d mention that in case you can’t see the picture!). If anyone out there has a suggestion for a good instruction book for hand lettering for non-artists then please leave me a note! I would also love to be able to make beautiful titles in the photo albums I am making for my family. I have found a couple of more expensive and less personal alternatives for putting scripture on our walls for my family to see every day. One is pre-done lettering on a web site that is very fun to play with. Another is a wooden sign that would be easier to hang. I’m sure you can guess why I chose scripture reminding me to ask the Lord to set a watch over my mouth *blush*. I thought the laundry room was an appropriate place for me to have that little reminder while I am working away, many times by myself at all hours of the day and night. I need reminders of scripture written all over my house. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Posted by Suzanne at 11 : 02 am | Leave a note {15} |
| March 01 2005 |
| Versatility
We don’t eat out very often, but when we do we enjoy a Chinese buffet. The price is right, the food is ready, there is something for everyone’s taste, and we enjoy hearing the servers speak in their native tongue. Recently, my husband and I took our four youngest children to this fine dining establishment. We were all admiring the huge mural of the Great Wall of China so I asked the server what century the wall was built. No one there had any idea. So that must not be part of the collective education. Our check came with fortune cookies. Now before anyone is worried that we take these supposed “fortunes” too seriously, you should understand that we treat them as little proverbs or fun little sayings. And yes, Jesus Christ is Lord of everything, even fortune cookies; in case you were wondering. Son 6 of 7 had a slip of paper in his cookie that read Hasty anger leads to trouble. His response was to mutter “I don’t like that” and tear up the paper. Hmmmm…. My cookie had a slip of paper that read Versatility is one of your outstanding traits. After a moment of silence daughter 4 of 7 piped up, “I know why that applies to you. You can do lots of things at the same time, like talk on the phone and help us with our math and make lunch and let the dog out and do the laundry and take a picture and clean the kitchen and yell at the little boys.” Phewwww. Just call me versatile. That’s one word for it. Posted by Suzanne at 7 : 14 am | Leave a note {7} |
| February 28 2005 |
| When You Rise Up
When I started schooling my children at home I spent most of my time reading books about the why’s and how’s of homeschooling. I felt a little guilty that I was buying books for myself instead of “curriculum” but that didn’t stop me. I was blessed to have a couple of very good homeschooling friends who helped point me in the right direction and give me confidence. As I look back on that time I am profoundly grateful that the Lord blessed me in my ignorance. I knew where we were going because of the time I spent praying and planning how our family would educate our children. R.C. Sproul Jr. has written a book called When You Rise Up that will help clarify the vision for homeschooling families. I know others who have recommended going back to the Bible for educating their children. Mr. Sproul has done the best job I’ve seen of articulating just how realistic and sane and doable it is to be a Bible-believing Christian and live your faith in this area of your life. I think I will read R.C. Sproul Jr.’s book every few months for a little reminder of how God has entrusted my husband and me with these children and it is our job to care for them in every aspect of their lives. I have been indoctrinated by the public school system and even I, a mother who has been homeschooling for 10 years, can have moments when I think that I don’t have what it takes to prepare my children to make it in the world. Do I believe the Bible or not? Chapter 3 alone is worth the price of the book. Every Christian should read it. When You Rise Up is deceptively short and simple with a profound message. Buy multiple copies because you will want to keep yours to highlight and underline and otherwise dog-ear, and you will want to pass out copies to your friends who are considering homeschooling or are burned out on homeschooling. As Mr. Sproul points out, educating our children at home is as simple as talking to them “when you rise up.” Our family’s early morning routine finds the children climbing into the master bed as they wake up. My husband usually leaves for work, I do my daily Bible reading, and then quiet time is over. We have fascinating conversations. Todays went something like this: · There are lots of ways to get to 60…100 – 40. 5 x 12. 20 + 40. · Do babies come out of belly buttons? · Why are hearts called hearts? · Who made God? · I’m nocturnal. I like to stay up late at night. · Is time A.M and F.M.? I wouldn’t trade these wonderful, leisurely times with my children for anything. Educating our own children is a precious gift. As with so many of God’s commands to us, educating our children doesn’t have to be a burden if we remember that this is for our good and He is walking alongside us. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. Posted by Suzanne at 7 : 18 am | Leave a note {5} |
| February 15 2005 |
| Update on Jimmy
Jimmy's health continues to decline. He’s stable at the moment. Death can be a long process. You will have to understand if you are not privy to the details of Jimmy's health. I am the one who doesn't feel comfortable sharing that information on the internet. Jimmy’s adoptive parents have done everything they can to make Jimmy’s life as happy and comfortable as possible. Sadly, not all adoptive parents have been so loving to the children entrusted to their care, and the horrible examples are the ones who get all the publicity. Because Jimmy was once in state custody anything his adoptive parents have done or will do will be closely examined and scrutinized by the system after his death. Ironically, Jimmy’s birth parents were legally free to harm Jimmy’s health before his birth with their illegal drug use. They also would have had the legal right to terminate Jimmy’s life before he was born, and, in fact, would have been encouraged to do just that by many “health professionals” given the facts of Jimmy’s many disabilities.
Posted by Suzanne at 8 : 07 am | Leave a note {5} |
....Thoughts by a wife and mother of 7 children busy keeping her home, homeschooling and training her children; all from a reformed Christian view of living a simple, separate, and deliberate life..... 
"Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart." -- Galations 6:9 See Suzanne Read ESV Bible Living Well with Hypothyroidism, Mary J. Shomon The Well Educated Mind, Susan Wise Bauer Little Dorritt, Charles Dickens Every Thought Captive Westminster Confession of Faith for Study Classes, GI Williamson (highly recommended) World Magazine Altered Books Workshop, Bev Brazelton When You Rise Up, R.C. Sproul Jr. The Fruit of Her Hands, Nancy Wilson Spiritual Depression, D Martyn Lloyd-Jones As Unto the Lord, Pam Forster See Suzanne Read Aloud Tales From Shakespeare, Charles and Mary Lamb Stuart Little, E. B. White Various Nature Reference Books Plants Grown Up, Pam Forster Puppy Summer, Meindert DeJong Freddy's Perilous Adventure, Walter R. Brooks Kingfisher Illustrated History of the World Psalms The Story of the World, Vol 2, Susan Wise Bauer See Suzanne  Go, Suzanne, Go ….to the county fair and a PRCA rodeo. Oh, oh, oh, my funny, funny children..... Overheard at the rodeo: I'm much smarter than that clown, I know that bulls aren't girls. I want to sit in those box seats; they have back rests. When those clowns came out with their ambulance to rescue that girl, did she really faint? I recognize that calf from last night. I want that father and son team ropers to win cause I like that they work together.  …with apologies to Dick and Jane Favorite links Christian Answers Highlands Study Center Ladies Against Feminism Well Trained Mind Center for Reformed Theology Bible Gateway Five in a Row Large Family Logistics Upsaid Prairie Muffin Manifesto Reformation of the Arts Raising Godly Tomatoes Reformation Classics Five Solas Austin's Parenting Patriarch's Path, Godly Womanhood Jeannie Fulbright's Elementary Science Curriculum PubMed Postage Rate Calculator Scholar Google The Old Schoolhouse Blogs I read Home Realm Classic Adventures Buried Treasure Coram Dude Kyriosity Konkadoo Life, In A Nutshell Quiet Life The BadgerMum Selah Home Fires Semicolon Portrait in Linen Reformed Musings Blog and Mablog Mental multivitamin Keel the Pot Guilt-Free Homeschooling Abiding King's Meadow Holy Experience Soli Deo Gloria Doug's Blog Wrestling Mat Amy's Humble Musings Large Family Logistics Bound by Grace Random Comtemplations Dry Creek Chronicles Kansas Milk Maid Coffee and a Muffin Glorify God Alone Raging Calvinist View archived entries Favorites from the archives Fantasy Smart Mouth The Accidental Educator Don't Give Up The Power of Words Making Life Easier Reforming Some settling may have occured during shipping. Void where prohibited. No animals were harmed during the creation of this blog. The advice contained herein is not intended to replace the advice of your medical professional. Sold by weight, not volume. Warning, coffee is hot. Don't try this at home. Any resemblance to actual persons or events is purely coincidental. No purchase necessary. Best if used by date on bottom. May cause nausea, diarhea, vomiting or even death. Contains peanuts and other nut material. See contest rules for details. Wear proper eye and ear protection at all times. Do not operate heavy machinery while reading. Please fasten your seat belts and keep your arms and legs in the ride at all times. 040311 Guestbook View :: Sign  Direct email to emailsuzanne[at]gmail[dot]com |
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