FOR TODAY December 4, 2008

Outside My Window...I see the fog beginning to clear
I am thinking...about all the things I need to do to get ready for our trip
I am thankful for...my hubby and his health...I love him so much!
From the kitchen...I can smell the yummy aroma of coffee, coffee, coffee....YUM
I am wearing...my very comfy pink satin nightie :)
I am creating...a list of things to pack and do before I leave
I am going...to get my kiddos up so they can feed and send Marissa off to work (she's so excited she took a week off and you would have thought I was torturing her!)
I am reading...my many emails
I am hoping...we have a safe trip and Bec does well at State!
I am hearing...the fire cracking and the fan blowing
Around the house...things are scattered about as I collect everything we need for our trip
One of my favorite things...this season of the year I love the smells and the happiness that surrounds the holidays....so many fond memories!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:

• Finishing up our Christmas cards/cds and mailing them out
• Packing for our trip and hopefully not forgetting anything
• Leaving for Coos Bay tomorrow for Bec's state meet on Saturday
• Heading to Sally and Jim's on Saturday
• Heating to WA on Sunday for a week of visiting and relaxing

Here is a picture I thought I would share...

Update on us

Well, it's been a while since I've posted! We have been quite busy and I am also now on facebook which is so fun because I have been able to reconnect with friends from high school (some that I haven't spoken with in over 20 years!) and many family members are on there as well, what a wonderful way to reconnect with everyone and stay in touch!


Anyhow, things are going well and I wanted to give a quick (yea right) update on Rame's heart condition. It seems he has a premature ventricular contractions (PVC's) and a slightly leaky valve. Sounds pretty scary huh? Well, actually we met with the cardiologist (a real nice doctor) Monday and he spent a lot time explaining it all to us in great detail. For starters Rame has been on Toprol which is used to treat high blood pressure for several years now but is also a beta blocker which is used for heart patients as well. Dr. Cook (the cardio doc) says unless Rame has some heart issues he doesn't need this type of med and should only be on a low dose of high blood pressure med. He is weaning Rame off this type of med and has switched it to another type. He has also ordered a nuclear stress test which is a normal stress test but they will also do this other test (takes about 2 hrs) where they inject dye (I think it's similar to an angiogram type) so they can see how the heart muscle pumps or something like that. Basically he wants him off the beta blocker med which is used to control heart palpatations (similar to what Rame has) and see if he still has them the same and verify there isn't an underlying problem causing them. He says the echo he did the heart monitor and all the other tests (EKG, etc) show that he has these PVC's but that they are harmless he just wants to be sure and get him off this other med if possible. Sooooo, in a nut shell it seems all is well and this is just going to be something to live with that can be annoying but not life threatening but we just need to be sure and he is updating his meds. Just please keep Rame in your prayers he will be going through this test on the 15th and we will meet with the doc on the 17th. I have put my trust in God and I know things will be fine.

God challenges all of us

Well, I am finding that we are facing more challenges right now than we have in the past and I know in my heart we will get through all of them. Our latest mountain is Rame was told he has premature ventricular contractions of his heart. For those of you that know me you know this is an area that is very familiar with my family as we have history of severe heart disease. For Rame though it was a bit of a shock. Upon research I am finding that the leading cause of this is stress and lifestyles (aside from an underlying heart issue). I don't believe Rame has any issues with his heart, but it is scary none the less. Rame is a very high strung person and I would really like to see him relax a bit. I know neither of us will until we find out the details and get through the next couple doctor visits. I realize that God doesn't give us more than he thinks we can handle and good comes from everything so I am trusting in the Lord that this is the road he has chosen for us and I know we will travel it safely and things will work out. Please keep Rame in your prayers as he heads in to have an echocardiogram done (we don't know when yet-they are scheduling it). I truly don't believe it will end up being anything serious but whatever the outcome, we accept these challenges and we will put our trust in the Lord, but please keep Rame and our family in your prayers.

Life is so hard sometimes

It has been such a tough couple weeks lately and as I reflect on the events that have unfolded which involve my daughter directly I am amazed at how much it has brought us together and the life lessons this is teaching her. She has had some pretty rough times at gym lately and we are all at a loss on this and why she is the one targeted on a weekly basis, not sure why God has decided to test her this way, but He has and each time something happens we think, it can't get worse and why me....well it does and yup it's me again! So many times in life things happen and we feel like it's not fair this is happening to me...but I guess instead of feeling like why would this happen to me we should think "wow God has chosen me out of everyone, I must be special and really trusts me". With every bad thing we have to realize that He trusts us to make the right decision and be an inspiration to ourselves and others with how we handle things. I guess that's why God has chosen poor Bec right now...He knows what's right for her and I am trying to trust Him in this, it's just so hard to see your child struggling and you just want to make things right.....what a difficult thing when you can't. I know it will get better and I know we will get through this I am just hoping it's soon as I feel so incredibly exhausted and just ready to throw in the towel, but I know I can't do that. I just pray God can give me the strength to stand firm and tall and be there for my daughter who is honestly one strong, determined young lady that I am soooo incredibly proud of! You can do this Bec and so can I and together we WILL get through this and I love you!

For Today, Monday, November 10, 2008

Outside My Window...It' still very dark outside and I am hoping the wood will last in the woodstove so I don't have to go out there and get more before it gets light!!!!
I am thinking...of the many things we need to get done before I head into Medford!!!!I am thankful for...the internet; I was able to reconnect with many high school friends over the weekend, it was great!
From the kitchen...I can smell the coffee...thank goodness for coffee!
I am wearing...gray flannel lounge pants and a dark blue lounge shirt (I love lounge clothes
I am creating...the girls schedule and my schedule for the day
I am going...to Medford today, I have a very important errand to run
I am reading...the many posts and emails from my old school friends
I am hoping...things will go well with Rame today (he has to wear a heart monitor for 24 hours beginning this AM
I am hearing...the fire cracking and the creaks of my house!
Around the house...I have a few things to put away but all in all it's pretty clean!One of my favorite things...Spending time with my family and watching my kids cuddle up in blankets around the fire doing their school work!
Plans for the rest of the week
Girls writing club meeting at the Library today
A couple important meetings for Bec and I
4-H meeting on Wed
The girls friend spending the day with us Friday
Me driving to Medford at least 2X's this week (really enjoyed the past 2 weeks-no driving)
Catching up on laundry
Here is a picture I thought I would share:

FOR TODAY November 4, 2008

Outside My Window...I see the first snowfall on the mountains behind our corral
I am thinking...how beautiful the snow is and how quickly it will be turning from fall to winter
I am thankful for...Becca's x-rays being normal (for a gymnast) and that we turned a challenging week (last week) into a learning experience that has helped us grow in our faith and family!
From the kitchen...I can smell the aroma of yummy brownies that Becca is baking...mmmmmmm
I am wearing...jeans and a sweatshirt (cleaning clothes)
I am creating...a clean house :)

I am going...to be doing laundry all day and night at this rate
I am reading...my countless emails
I am hoping...Marissa's bunny is pregnant!
I am hearing...the washing machine
Around the house...I see one clean room and many more needing my attention!
One of my favorite things...my loving husband and my wonderful girls that always help me find the positives in situations and are so forgiving of the many mistakes we all make and ready to say it's okay....who could ask for anything more? I love my family!!!!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:

Finishing up our quarter end exams and paperwork to turn into Kolbe

Working a few hours tomorrow at the farm

Bringing our goats home finally this weekend

Marissa's confirmation meeting on Saturday, Adoration & Mass

Family pictures and a fun family day!

Here is a picture I thought I would share...

All Soul's Day

On this day when we acknowledge all those dearly departed from this world I want to personally pray for my dear family members that I have lost over the past years. My family is saying special prayers tonight and for the next several days for our family members we so desperately miss, my dad, my brother, my grandfather, grandmother, rame's sisters' sister in law, aunts, uncles, rame's grandparents, cousins and anyone else we have lost over the years. We pray for their souls and their families, may they find peace in knowing that we will all be together again someday and we are all on the same journey just some reach their destiny before others. May God have mercy on their souls today and always! Amen!

We knew it was coming!

We are headed in GP tomorrow morning to a sports injury doc and friend to have Becca's wrists checked and x-rayed. With gymnastics and any sports comes injury and we are hoping it's just a case of needing to do some strengthening exercises or just taking it easy. She didn't want to have them checked until after Sectionals and State championships the end of Nov and beg of Dec in the event she is told she has to take some time off. I don't think it will come to that, but I just want to be sure all is well and she isn't causing additional damage. She is very optimistic and so am I that it will all turn out fine with maybe a recommendation of new wrist bands that offer better support. She took last Thursday off to not only give them a rest, but so she could just be a kid and have fun with her friends that were spending the night! I must admit since she hasn't been at gym since last Wed she is very anxious to get back and work towards her goal for this week and that is to get her clear hip and work on her fly away (both bars skills). Please keep Bec in your prayers as she heads in at 10:00 to have them looked at.

Just life

I love homeschooling and would not trade it, but I have to admit this school year has been a challenge with educating a middle school student and now a high school student as well. When I look back at my days not only this week but over the past 8 weeks of school, I definitely find that I am spreading myself a bit too thin these days. I love to volunteer and be involved in all aspects of my children's lives and feel that to properly parent and be in control of your children it is necessary to be involved. However, it is important to not get your priorities out of whack and I think at some point in time we all do. I am thankful that I have a wonderful husband that is always there to help me see when I start to do this and he helps me get things back on track. I have done some serious thinking and praying and am re-evaluating my priorities to find the areas that I can cut back in. There comes a time in our lives when we have to stop and get things back into perspective and I have just gotten myself too deep in volunteering in several areas and I am taking baby steps to keep my primary focus where it needs to be and that is my family and educating my kids! What an exhilarating feeling to slowly be letting things go and put my primary focus on my family and my home! I do love to help people and be there and be the one "you can always count on to get things done" but I have come to realize that there are a lot of "those kinds of people" and a lot of time to be "that kind of person" but there is only 1 person that can be a mom to my kids and that's me and we only get one chance and starting today I am not going to miss my chance!

What a weekend!

Well, this weekend was jam packed with both of my girls favorite things...gym and horses!!!

We started the weekend off with dropping Marissa off at her home away from home, http://madronehillranch.com/beta01.htm on Saturday morning so she could prepare for her show on Sunday. We then headed north to Eugene for Rebecca's last gym meet of the season before the end of season championships in November. This was a great meet for our team since it included several teams from Northern Oregon (which tend to be a bit better than those in southern Oregon). Well about 4 hours later, Becca received 4 trophies and 1 medal and her team rec'd the 2nd place trophy! Becca scored a 36.125, 1st place all around (out of 40) 1st on floor, 9.275; 1st on bars, 9.2; 2nd on beam, 8.9 and 6th on vault, 8.75.

This was at the beginning, they had a costume contest for each team and our team decided to dress up as gymnastics judges. Becca is the 4th judge from the left (without a score card)


Listening to her coach before the meet!

Waiting for the judges to salute so she can begin her beam routine!

Becca with her trophies, great job baby, we be proud!!!!

So our weekend continued on Sunday when we headed south this time to Medford for Marissa's last dressage show of her season as well. These are very fun, but I am just learning so I am not near as familiar with the scores and what they mean. Marissa has only been riding dressage since January and this is a very difficult but beautiful sport! I love watching this type of riding because they are able to get the horse to do various things all with their subtle movements of their legs, bottoms and bodies! It is truly an amazing thing to see! The funniest part of this for us is that although we all know Marissa loves horses she never wanted to do dressage only because she swore she would NEVER wear these pants!!!! Well, look at her now....she looks great!!!!

This was practicing before the show, she looks pretty sharp doesn't she?

Aside from the horse doing his duty, this is a great pic!






Waiting to go in for her ride!


Marissa and Tez!!!

Marissa competed in 2 rides and rec'd 3rd place for both with scores of 60.9% and 58% both are great scores! Her trainer receives scores in the 60's and has been riding dressage for years, so Marissa's scores are very impressive!








Marissa helping her instructor by preparing her horse for her ride.

Great job Marissa, we are so proud of you and what a terrific rider you have become in such a short time!

Well, as you can see it was a fun weekend and we are excited for many more of these! Enjoy the pics!!!!

Outside My Window...It' still very dark, but one good thing is my windows are clean!!!!

I am thinking...Of all the things I need to do today!!!!

I am thankful for...for my family and my wonderful husband of 18 years today!!!!

From the kitchen...I can smell the coffee..thank goodness for coffee!

I am wearing...gray flannel lounge pants and a gray lounge shirt

I am creating...my girls schedule for the day

I am going...to GP today with the girls for a yummy blizzard to celebrate their accomplishments this weekend!

I am reading...the newspaper

I am hoping...to have a wonderful dinner for my hubby this evening and that I don't forget to get an anniversary card for him!

I am hearing...the fire cracking and the washing machine; trying to catch on my laundry I didn't do this weekend since we were gone :)

Around the house...I am happy that it is mostly cleaned up (thanks to my girls helping out yesterday evening)

One of my favorite things...watching my girls in gymnastics and dressage shows; doing the things they absolutely love!

Plans for the rest of the week:

• Going to GP today to DQ and running some errands


• Working on some transcripts that I need to finish up


• Let's hope I finish my mound of laundry


• Finding Bec's costume for a fun Clue party the girls are going to Friday night


• Reporting the gym scores for the paper


• Carving some pumpkins with the girls and their friends this week


• Attending Recognition night for 4-H on Saturday

Here is a picture I thought I would share:

Daybook Entry

FOR TODAY October 21, 2008

Outside My Window...I see the fog beginning to clear
I am thinking...I should be schooling my children and not sitting on the computer right now :)
I am thankful for...mornings such as this and my wonderful family
From the kitchen...I can smell the coffee and see the dishes I didn't do last night...oops
I am wearing...gray flannel lounge pants and a dark blue lounge shirt
I am creating...my girls schedule for the day
I am going...to get my children up very soon since Marissa is working at 11:00
I am reading...the newspaper
I am hoping...we will get all our schoolwork done before we leave
I am hearing...the fire cracking and the cats running about
Around the house...I see a few fans I need to put away for the winter and the rest of the clothes that need folding
One of my favorite things...cold mornings with a warm fire and reading with my kids!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:

Getting Marissa off to work this AM and Bec to her friends to do Science

Working at my friends farm on her books

Getting caught up on school

Becca's gym meet on Saturday

Marissa's horse show on Sunday

Here is a picture I thought I would share...

Gymnastics Meet :)

Wow, my baby just had a fabulous meet and I am so proud of her, 1st place with a 37.2...her personal best!!!! Just one more and then it's a bit of a break in between until sectionals championship!!! Let's just pray she can keep it up and have a great end to her season!

We're proud of you baby, you work so hard and it shows!!!!!
One Proud Mama!!!

Beginning to Blog

Well, here we go, let's see if I can do this. I have been a blog "lurker" for quite some time, I am embarrassed to say and I have finally decided to join in on the fun! I know my girls will be much better at this than I am so I am relying on their expertise.

So, let's get to blogging shall we?