Things

This time of year is difficult, although we have had a wonderful reprieve from the bitter cold we experienced. Sickness lasted a full month in our house. Noah was sick for a solid 2 weeks... I have never seen him so ill. Thankfully, Daniel and myself managed to only catch colds, and mild ones at that.

I haven't been much about blogging these days as you can tell. I have always been one for being honest about life in general on my blog, but lately the thoughts and challenges we have faced... well, let's just say it isn't always becoming to air one's dirty laundry. In addition, I suppose I fear backlash, judgment, etc.

What it comes down to is the simple fact that raising and homeschooling several youngsters is HARD. Fostering a teenage boy is HARD. And by "hard" I mean wishing-pot-was-legal-hard, or daydreaming-about-sending-the-kids-to-daycare-and-school-and-working-at-McDonalds-hard.

I hate the thought that if I make any mention of the challenges of our life choices, I will be shut down with the blunt statement, "Well that's what you asked for, isn't it?"

I am blessed with supportive friends who make me feel like I am not a bad person for having a hard time on occasion. Because let's face it, just because we are trying to be obedient to God's calling in our lives does not mean we will have an easy road to travel. Obedience often means suffering and trials. It leaves us more vulnerable to attack from the Enemy. Which leads to clinging to God's mercy and help more than ever.

So, that's were I am right now. It's not ALL that bad, but after a day like today, wow. It makes me so thankful that tomorrow is a new day!

His mercies are new each morning! (And I am seriously praying for a better day tomorrow.)

P.S. I haven't taken any pictures lately, and it's been a good break from my camera. I do intend to have a princess photo shoot with my girls in the near future, which will be fun (Lauralyn got a special dress for her birthday made by Nanut). Just gotta carve out some time and a location to do it.

P.P.S. I am trying to quit something... it's a terrible, terrible addiction. Facebook. I am one day "clean" as of today, and it feels great! No withdrawals! I won't be shutting down my account because I use it for emailing on occasion. But I am trying to not sign on other than communication purposes. My kids have reprimanded me for "rotting my brain" on the computer (which is so often FB), so I must show them that I can quit! Now if I could quit my FoxNews.com addiction...

A Dream

I have been reading the Little House on the Prairie series out loud to Isaac and Lauralyn...
we are on the second book.

Such great books! Sometimes, I have to stop myself from reading ahead.

And do you know what?

My re-occurring life dream has popped back into my head as I read these books about unsettled, open land.

I dream about living in the middle of nowhere.

Where I can't see any neighbors from my house.

Where I can have horses, and chickens... maybe a goat or two.

A big garden, and the ability to can and freeze lots of vegetables.



A place where my children can run free, where we don't ever feel confined.

Where I can hop on a horse and just GO.



BUT, then I think about missing family and friends. Our church.

Then I ponder thinks like rattle snakes, and scary wildlife.

Driving an hour to get groceries.

No form of income for us out in the boonies.

Then the moment slowly leaves, and my urge for escape fades.

But if given the chance... I'd probably give it a go... because sometimes you just need to live out a dream.


(Photos are all of property for sale out west... the only place big land is still fairly affordable because it is literally in the middle of nowhere.)

Weebeasties, be GONE!

13 days.

The past 13 days have been filled with sickness, and there is no end in sight.

First Mr. F, then Lauralyn, Kristin, Isaac, and Mr. F (AGAIN), and now Noah.

Daniel has been fighting a low grade temp on and off. Fight, son, fight!!

Whatever this illness is, it is a BEAST. I not-so-fondly call it, "Never Ending Sickness."

Lauralyn battled a fever for 9 days. NINE days!

Kristin is on day 7. And is just as bad, if not worse than day 1. Temps up to 104.

Isaac looks like he may be on the mend and end his illness on day 6 or 7 (yay, Isaac!).

Four doctors visits thus far. Insanity.

And now Noah.

Lord, make him well!

For my sake, of course. Because, as you know, a sick husband in addition to sick children is simply forbidden.

Lord, please, please, please, keep ME well. Cheap wine is germ fighting, right? 'Cause I'm going to drink a lot the next few days... just kidding. Maybe.