The Grande Dame

She came into our lives 14 years ago.  I felt the children needed the responsibility of having a dog. So, I took the young crew to the animal shelter in Winnebago County Illinois to "look".  I knew I wanted a big dog; a dog for protection.  We found a perfect dog when they brought out a yellow lab mix with short legs and white socks that had been found roaming the streets.  We walked her outside.  She lay in the grass and my kids climbed all over her.  She was a happy, patient dog.

We came home with Millie after 2 baths from the pet shop.  She was still stinking like a farm animal, but we didn't care.  She was ours.  The kids loved her, and Millie seemed to fit right in.  She was about a year old and chewed our stairs, toys, stuffed animals, pacifiers.  She had a penchant for roaming.  If she slipped past us, out she went.  Many times we searched for the escapee in the pouring rain.  She made me mad.  Why, oh why, couldn't she be happy with just having a loving family and food in her bowl at all times?  Why did she need to take off at every opportunity?

We moved back to Virginia in 2001, and Millie couldn't be happier!  She loved the acreage and the freedom to roam.  I gave up trying to keep her confined to our property.  She had free reign and permission to roam wherever she chose.  Thankfully for her, there were plenty of cows and horses nearby.  The scents drew her to roll around in the forbidden stuff.  Eventually, she became an outside dog: that was her dream in life.  She preferred laying in the cool garage in the heat of the summer, or letting the snow pile up on her as she lay in the grass.

My children grew up with her.  She could not have been a more perfect pet for our family. She brought fear into the lives of the delivery men. Eventually, the UPS man just threw our packages off his truck when Millie would come running.  I can't blame him.  She had a ferocious bark and was not afraid of anything.  She was our great protector.

When we added to the family, she accepted the girls fully.  No questions asked.  She was always faithful.

As she got older, she got better.  I loved greeting her in the morning.  She was always happy with a smile on her face.  Yeah, she put on a little weight as she aged (don't we all?).  But, she was still beautiful to us all.

Nothing could deter her faithfulness.  Not even a rotten puppy named Moxie.

Millie took it all in stride and showed the new dog the ropes.  But, Millie was still the queen of the castle.  No other dog could usurp her!

They really did love each other.

She aged gracefully and holds the title of the "Grande Dame" of the home.  She maintained her dignity through arthritis, failing eyesight, and hearing.

She died September 25th.  Sadly, I didn't see her walk in front of my car.  I can chalk that day up to one of the worst days of my life.  I didn't sleep much that night, and had a "crying hangover" all day long on Thursday.

I never understood how people could be so sad over losing a dog.  Now I understand.  I belong to that "club".  We all knew it would happen one day soon, but just didn't expect it to happen last week or so suddenly.   I sure miss the queen of the castle.  She always made me smile.

Marriage...

My life is so crazy, hectic, chaotic, that I have to laugh  to keep from losing my mind at times.  Yes, school is very, very consuming.  Teaching 4 children takes a lot out of me.  There is a bunch of other life issues going on that I never, ever would have imagined my life to be.  So, without further ado...the new Mr. and Mrs....

No big wedding.  Nothing.  Nada.  My first son, Seth, is married to Tia.  Let's just say I didn't see it coming so soon.  But, they've known each other since they were 3 years old.  They didn't need to spend months and months getting to "know each other".

We had just moved to Illinois in 1997 and were just attending a new church.  I spotted Tia's mom, Laurie, one Sunday with all 4 of her children.  I admired her for bringing all the kiddos to church without her husband.  Well, Laurie has an amazing testimony of God's mercy.  She is a single mom.  Long story short, we became fast friends during our 4.5 years in Illinois.  We have visited regularly and kept in touch.  So much so that our kiddos married each other.  When they were younger, they played together.  Seth was more friends with her older brother, Nickolas, because, well....girls had cudies.

Seth is easy to spot. He wasn't shy even back then!  See if you can spot Tia.  It is during our kids program at church.

When Seth and Tia were around age 15, they "liked each other" and talked on the phone a lot.  They only saw each other once a year.  After all, she lived in Illinois; we lived here in Virginia.  Eventually, they made other friends, liked other people.  They both went through some tough times, but never stopped being great friends.

Then things just happened.  She moved to our house; started a new job; talked to Seth a lot.

But, God is so good through all the craziness of it all.  He is always faithful...even when I am not.

They Aren't Biologically Related

It is amazing that these siblings, born in different hemispheres, different decades, to different parents are so much alike.  Seth calls her Seth #2.

He bought her the lovely boots for an early birthday gift.

He couldn't resist.  She loves them.  She has already worn them to co op with her camouflage shorts and Marine Corp t-shirt.  I just don't get it.

Eva turned 8.  She is happy about that.  We made cake pops and opened birthday gifts.  Her daddy was out of town, so he called her and sang "Happy Birthday".

Jordan sent her a new backpack.  Perfect choice!  It is already packed with loads of stuff.

She got a new bike.  There wasn't a single camouflage bike at the store, so she settled for butterflies.

The morning of her birthday, Seth left clues and gifts of candy around the house for her.  The prize was the last one.  Something she has wanted for a while.

Yes, her very own pocket knife.  I've already found cut up nuts and branches on the patio furniture.  I told her that she isn't allowed to cut her sisters, carve into furniture, scratch her name in the cars, or stab stuffed animals or pillows.  If so, she will have her knife taken away....She got her knife taken away today.  She stabbed a stuffed animal while Joy was holding it.  

I thought this photo was kind of funny.  After I made some cake pops, I made myself a juice.  The irony.  We really do eat healthily most of the time.

It's That Time of Year...Again

You would think that after 13 years of home schooling, it would get easier.  But, it doesn't.  Each child is so uniquely different.  Each has a new experience.  So, it is no surprise that this year, school is kicking my behind.

Last year, I did a DVD program for Eva and Joy to give them a good phonics foundation.  And, I went ahead and purchased one for Ivy too.  It made things easier for me, and I devoted more time to schooling Jack.  Little did I know how easy I really had it.

We started school August 12th.  No DVD program.  I actually joined a co op.  Not an enrichment co op, but one that keeps records and lasts ALL DAY LONG on Mondays.  I teach a high school history class to 9 students.  Some things were recently brought to my attention, and I have to redo my syllabus.  Yep.  Redo.  But, that is okay.  I was not real happy with the one I did because I felt I was pushed for time with a 90 minute class once a week.  I've found some ways to make things work better, which is a good thing.

I never realized how slack we have been around here.  Co op has made me get it together.  Jack isn't a "together" kind of guy, so this is pushing his limits with having to keep his folders and books organized and papers turned in.  It's all good.  I'm just having to keep up with everyone's homework, making sure it is completed, sometimes having to read all the work too.

Yes, school is just a little more work this year, Jack.  It is called high school.

Jack is not abstract whatsoever.  He is my "matter-of-fact" guy.  When one question in literature asked about a poet's thoughts, Jack looked at me with a bizarre look and said, "How am I suppose to know?  I am not a poet!"  Those questions frustrate my boys.  And, I completely understand.

So, I want my kiddos to love reading.  Eva and Joy are reading a condensed, kids version of Robinson Crusoe.  Joy read Chapter 1 to me.  She was so intrigued that she sat for 2 hours on the sofa, reading to Chapter 15.  I was so shocked pleased.

Ivy and Eva made this mess on the school desk.  I wondered why Eva kept asking for any and all magazines around the house.  Little did I know they they were into mosaics.

I'm not crafty.  I couldn't come up with this stuff on my own.  I'm only a copycat.  I was quite impressed with their abilities...

Someone wants these for their birthday next month.  We were shoe shopping, and she (notice I said "she" not "he") picked these boots out.

It's killing me.  She wants these.  Really, really wants these.  She also wants a camouflage watch and backpack.  (Insert agonizing moan from mom right about here.)  But, at least on Sundays, I get this from all 3 girls.  No questions asked.

I just hope "she" doesn't ask to wear the boots with a pink dress on Sunday.

And, after 6 years, I almost let it slip my mind!  We met Joy 6 years ago tomorrow.  It is amazing how quickly the years can pass.  I wish I could do it all over again.  Temper tantrums, head banging, and all.  Joy is so worth it all.

That's it from here in Virginia.  I'm going to go work on a syllabus now...

My Life Lately

I guess it is that time for a boring post on my life...lately.  The natives are restless.  They need to start school...soon.  Last week, I took the four children and Moxie on a hike.  It was a beautiful day, but we have had a whole lot of rain this summer.

The path started out fine.  But, once we reached the lower parts, it became muddy and slippery.

We couldn't cross the creek because the bridge got swept away at some point this summer.  We could have crossed it over the rocks, but we were all ready to head backt.

 

We met this crowd as we crossed the pasture.  They were as unsure of us as we were of them.  It didn't help that Moxie was ready to chase them.  I'm just glad we weren't wearing red.

I love the scenery here.  It is so beautiful and peaceful.

Joy was my constant companion during the hike.  Lots of hand holding couldn't help the inevitable falls that awaited her.

She doesn't want to hike again anytime soon.  I don't blame her.  She's a bull in a china shop even in the great outdoors.

Ivy has tried her hand at baking.  She has made banana bread twice, and each time was delicious.  She just needs to mix those bananas a little bit more.  Jack didn't like the mushy parts.  Here is her chewy peanut butter/chocolate brownies.  I'm hoping soon she can take over the full time cooking.  Wait.  Is that considered child labor at age 10 even if I don't pay her?

And, I'm making some switches with the car seats since Joy will be in one until she is 25.  She currently weighs in at a whopping 32 pounds.

Mike and  I celebrated our birthdays last week.  Mike took his sweet card to his office before I could take a picture of it.  But, I got one from my girls and Jack, along with a sweet treat.

(Yes, those are fleece pajamas in August on Eva.  I don't know why.)

And, in other news...Moxie stunk.  Not just stunk, but stank!  Rancid!  I think she was sprayed by a skunk.  Well partially sprayed.  We couldn't take it.  So I dumped her stinky self in the tub.

Yes, she was humiliated.  But, don't take pity on her.  I've never smelled such a horrible smell.  Nothing could cover it up.  I tried perfume and baby powder.  It was worse than a dead animal.

New Email

So, I am changing my email.  I've had the same yahoo one for many years, but someone special told me I needed to change it.  If you want to know why, you can email me at jjjmagscribe@gmail.com.