Evelyn will never be bored with her big sister, Gloria, there to make her smile and dress her up. These feathers are getting heavy!
"Finally, some hair! All right, so they're feathers, at least it's something!"
Evelyn: "What am I in for?"Thursday, February 25, 2010
Gloria's "doll"
Evelyn will never be bored with her big sister, Gloria, there to make her smile and dress her up. Evelyn: "What am I in for?"
Colorado Refuge from Oklahoma Ice Storm
It has taken me a while to get back into the swing of things after getting back from our fleeing to Colorado, which is why I'm just now getting some pics out of our week in Colorado. After arriving back home, we took the rest of the week off of homeschooling since unpacking and cleaning were hanging over my head. Emergency equipment, propane cans, blankets that were covering windows, candles, and more had to be put away. Max had been making a fire pretty much everyday, so there were many wood chips, pine needles and ashes to sweep up.
Sunday, February 07, 2010
Monday, February 01, 2010
Iced Out
It has been a while since my last blog post because we lost power in Altus on Thursday morning. On Wednesday it was close to 70 degrees, which I think made it difficult to comprehend losing power in freezing temps for a long time. The ice storm and wind and plummeting temps hit early Thursday morning. We woke up to icicles hitting the window because the wind was blowing them off of the roof. The windows were covered with a layer of ice so we couldn't look outside unless we opened the door to our room to the outside and got blasted with icy cold air. Back to our warm cozy bed - I heard the beeping of something that indicated that there was no power getting to it. Max tested the bedside light and said "yep, the power's out. Better start the house warming up." At this point he broke out the generator that we had for 6 years and never used, just moved it from house to house. He also built a fire in the fireplace that would burn and smolder for another four days and is probably still burning as Max is in a forty something degree home by himself with Zephyr while the kids and I stay warm in Colorado. Never thought I would head to Colorado from Oklahoma to keep warm.
The first two days felt like an adventure as Max kept the fire going, we cooked on the propane grill and burner right outside the living room sliding door, and listened (sadly) to branch after branch of the trees around our house break off in loud cracks and crashes. The layers of ice from the freezing rain covering the branches got thicker and thicker and the wind finished them off, ripping them from the trees. We did get some amazing winter pictures, which capture the cold and wind and also show the destruction of the trees.
I gained an appreciation for cast iron, which we used on the grill and in the fireplace to cook things. We did not have hot water to wash the dishes since we do not have any gas in our house, only electricity. It may be nice not getting a gas bill, but having hot water to take showers, baths, wash dishes, and the like would have been heavenly. I just had to wash my hair eventually and decided to brave the ice cold water of the kitchen sink. We actually had some hot water left in the tank but were trying to conserve it since that was the last hot water we had for God knows how long. The icy cold water hurt my scalp, but it was worth it to have clean hair...somehow having clean hair, even if by body hasn't been washed too, makes a huge difference. It think it was too cold in the house to get stinky bodies. The first night I had a huge amount if dishes to do because I had not run the dishwasher the night before when we DID have power. I took everything out of the dishwasher and turned on the Rival hot pot powered by the generator and boiled water. I poured pot after pot into the sink and used this water to wash the piles of dirty dishes.
Although we were cold (and Max still is, braving it in our power-less house) and dirty and without much light at night, many good things came out of our three days at home without power. We played a lot of games in front of the fire as a family. We got some beautiful pictures of the ice that make me feel cold again just looking at them. I got a new appreciation for cast iron cookware, which Max likes. I learned how to use the propane grill, which probably would not have happened otherwise because i usually leave that to Max. I learned some extra survival skills and thinking from Max. The kids didn't rely on electronics for entertainment and the computer didn't always "call my name." Max got the opportunity to go around on the 4-wheeler checking on neighbors, some we already knew and some we didn't.
To keep warm, of course we had the fire, I also put extra comforters on the beds, Evelyn slept in our bed, we covered the windows of the kids' rooms with blankets and quilts, we had a couple of space heaters which took the edge off a little bit, we heated up liquids to drink and had hot venison stew everyday, and lastly, snuggled to keep warm. Max's paranoia of cataclysmic (is that the right word?) events definitely paid off with the generator, the stored up food and firewood, and stocking up on gas and propane before the storm. Also, having plenty of lanterns, flashlights, batteries, and candles to provide light at night and in dark corners of the house, including closets.
Well, Benny is sick and I think might have a sinus infection, so I am going to try to get him an appt at the Pediatric Clinic here in Colorado. I'm so thankful to have such a loving and prepared husband, and also to have family nearby to crash at their house during times like this. Coming here, we drove through lots of fog through Oklahoma and Texas, which left the trees and bushes blanketed in white hoar frost. The drive also provided a chance to see the extent of the damage on the trees and power lines/poles. It seemed like about half of the country road power lines were down, if not more. We saw trucks bringing poles into the effected areas and also saw the machines and men putting new poles up. Soooo, progress is being made, but in our area, in the outskirts of Altus, it could be at least another week until we have power.
Max drove with us to Amarillo to pick up another generator and other supplies, which was three hours of the nine-ten hour trip. Then in Raton, NM I met up with Michele, who drive to meet us so that she could help in getting 4 kids in and out of the car. The kids did not watch DVDs the whole time because the trip was less torturous for them being broken up by having different people with us along the way. I also know that the Holy Spirit was with us along the way, protecting us on the trip, and keeping up good attitudes, as well as providing loving helpers. Now we just wait for power to come on in Altus as we rely on a Power much much greater and thank the Lord for provision.
The first two days felt like an adventure as Max kept the fire going, we cooked on the propane grill and burner right outside the living room sliding door, and listened (sadly) to branch after branch of the trees around our house break off in loud cracks and crashes. The layers of ice from the freezing rain covering the branches got thicker and thicker and the wind finished them off, ripping them from the trees. We did get some amazing winter pictures, which capture the cold and wind and also show the destruction of the trees.
I gained an appreciation for cast iron, which we used on the grill and in the fireplace to cook things. We did not have hot water to wash the dishes since we do not have any gas in our house, only electricity. It may be nice not getting a gas bill, but having hot water to take showers, baths, wash dishes, and the like would have been heavenly. I just had to wash my hair eventually and decided to brave the ice cold water of the kitchen sink. We actually had some hot water left in the tank but were trying to conserve it since that was the last hot water we had for God knows how long. The icy cold water hurt my scalp, but it was worth it to have clean hair...somehow having clean hair, even if by body hasn't been washed too, makes a huge difference. It think it was too cold in the house to get stinky bodies. The first night I had a huge amount if dishes to do because I had not run the dishwasher the night before when we DID have power. I took everything out of the dishwasher and turned on the Rival hot pot powered by the generator and boiled water. I poured pot after pot into the sink and used this water to wash the piles of dirty dishes.
Although we were cold (and Max still is, braving it in our power-less house) and dirty and without much light at night, many good things came out of our three days at home without power. We played a lot of games in front of the fire as a family. We got some beautiful pictures of the ice that make me feel cold again just looking at them. I got a new appreciation for cast iron cookware, which Max likes. I learned how to use the propane grill, which probably would not have happened otherwise because i usually leave that to Max. I learned some extra survival skills and thinking from Max. The kids didn't rely on electronics for entertainment and the computer didn't always "call my name." Max got the opportunity to go around on the 4-wheeler checking on neighbors, some we already knew and some we didn't.
To keep warm, of course we had the fire, I also put extra comforters on the beds, Evelyn slept in our bed, we covered the windows of the kids' rooms with blankets and quilts, we had a couple of space heaters which took the edge off a little bit, we heated up liquids to drink and had hot venison stew everyday, and lastly, snuggled to keep warm. Max's paranoia of cataclysmic (is that the right word?) events definitely paid off with the generator, the stored up food and firewood, and stocking up on gas and propane before the storm. Also, having plenty of lanterns, flashlights, batteries, and candles to provide light at night and in dark corners of the house, including closets.
Well, Benny is sick and I think might have a sinus infection, so I am going to try to get him an appt at the Pediatric Clinic here in Colorado. I'm so thankful to have such a loving and prepared husband, and also to have family nearby to crash at their house during times like this. Coming here, we drove through lots of fog through Oklahoma and Texas, which left the trees and bushes blanketed in white hoar frost. The drive also provided a chance to see the extent of the damage on the trees and power lines/poles. It seemed like about half of the country road power lines were down, if not more. We saw trucks bringing poles into the effected areas and also saw the machines and men putting new poles up. Soooo, progress is being made, but in our area, in the outskirts of Altus, it could be at least another week until we have power.
Max drove with us to Amarillo to pick up another generator and other supplies, which was three hours of the nine-ten hour trip. Then in Raton, NM I met up with Michele, who drive to meet us so that she could help in getting 4 kids in and out of the car. The kids did not watch DVDs the whole time because the trip was less torturous for them being broken up by having different people with us along the way. I also know that the Holy Spirit was with us along the way, protecting us on the trip, and keeping up good attitudes, as well as providing loving helpers. Now we just wait for power to come on in Altus as we rely on a Power much much greater and thank the Lord for provision.
Pictures of our Icecapade
Max taking a look around the property on his "beast".
Lots of branches fell off of the trees around our house.
My title for this picture: "BRRRRRRR"
We used the fire in the fireplace and the propane grill and burner outdoors to cook stew, oatmeal, and heat water. The kids and I also popped popcorn, the non-microwave kind.
Max has an artistic eye and a good camera for capturing the wildlife amidst the ice.
Cooking outside on the propane burner. It was fun for a while "camping" at home, but does get old after a while. Glad to be in Colorado even though I miss Max.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Brainstorming on names for our Homeschool
I'm trying to think of a name for our home school and would like to have our inspiration and ideas come from Proverbs 1:7,8. Does anyone have any ideas for a name from those verses?
7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
8 Listen, my son, to your father's instruction
and do not forsake your mother's teaching.
Prov 1:7-8 (NIV)
Thanks!
Max brought up our tie to Chronicles of Narnia and the Pevensie children. We sometimes joke that we should have named our children "Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy" since they came in the same order. I wonder if we can think of a homeschool name relating to that.
7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
8 Listen, my son, to your father's instruction
and do not forsake your mother's teaching.
Prov 1:7-8 (NIV)
Thanks!
Max brought up our tie to Chronicles of Narnia and the Pevensie children. We sometimes joke that we should have named our children "Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy" since they came in the same order. I wonder if we can think of a homeschool name relating to that.
Shooting
It's very important to match your gun.
Practicing shooting my new gun.
Max teaching JB how to shoot his new cricket. We are shooting at a wall of Railroad Ties two layers thick that Max built so that we could shoot at targets and not shoot cows.
Playing and Learning
Benaiah and Gloria build a track together. Gloria is such a good sister to Benaiah. She is like a second mommy to him.
Who knew that Connect Four could be a math tool? JB came up with the idea of using to help add and subtract. What is the name of one of those things with the beads that's been around for ages that helps with math??? I think it's the same principle.
JB and Gloria play Battleship on opposite sides of the ottoman to decrease the temptation of looking at the other's battleship set-up or maybe it is a defense against against the other cheating. Either way, I thought it was cute.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Fire Starters
We had quite the adventure making fire starters yesterday.Things I learned (this is the "live and learn" part):
1. Do not use scented candles as the majority of your wax because melting it all at once made me nauseous and I don't think I'll enjoy the scent of "clean cotton" for quite a while.
2. Put down paper or something disposable to catch the dripping wax or the clean-up will take a very long time.
3. Make sure I have a plan for turning off smoke detectors that are near the vaulted ceilings, way out of my reach. A tall stool and very long level (tool) came in handy for pushing the "off" button for the very high ones. A short stool and jumbo pencil with a huge eraser came in handy for the ones that were just out of my reach. This can be challenging because the button has to be pressed for about 5 seconds before the alarm will go off. This time I was actually glad that we don't have neighbors near enough to hear the smoke alarm go off four times in a period of an hour. At least we know they work.
4. Make sure the flue is open on the fireplace before testing out the fire starters. This was the cause of two smoke alarm experiences.
5. Make sure the wax is just hotter than its solid state before dipping the pine cones and string or you don't get enough wax to keep the flame going.
Monday, January 11, 2010
The Princess and the Potty-Trainee
Note: Click on purple words (links) to see related pictures
We now have a "boys' room" and a "girls' room" in our home. The boys' room, as you can guess, consists of Benaiah and JB while the girls' room currently consists of Gloria and Zephyr, our 9-year-old Boykin Spaniel. Evelyn will join eventually when she's not so inconsistent in her waking at night. We're not sure what happened - she decided to grow really quickly or something - she used to sleep through the night when she was two months old and now she's been eating twice per night for the last couple of months.
Benaiah is now in Gloria's old bed, which is now a "big boy bed", as opposed to the "baby crib". He loves being in this bed because he has seen his big bro and sis for so long get tucked into the hunter green upper and lower bunks. It's taken a little convincing that we are serious about him not getting out of his bed at nap time and bed time. JB occasionally reports his escapes, but it's tricky because Benaiah is always back in his bed trying to look innocent by the time we get there. Twice I have caught him with about 20-30 cars and trucks in his bed, which tends to make it difficult for him to lay down and sleep (which he still needs even at age 2 and 3/4).
When Benaiah was sleeping in his crib we pulled the side all the way up and had the mattress at the lowest level and he never ventured beyond its comforting wooden bars unless we put the side down and invited him out. The comfort of the wooden bars has been replaced by the excitement of being a "big boy" and the freedom that comes with not being "caged" in. Other "big boy" activities in which Benny has been involved are wearing underwear, going on the potty, and sitting on the regular dining chairs without a booster seat. The lion feels like he is part of the pack joining a wolf (JB), a leopard (Gloria), and a Spaniel (Zephyr).
Gloria feels very special in her own princess room and princess bed. I haven't decorated her room in Disney princesses or even put generic princess paraphernalia on her walls or bed, she's just a princess, not the spoiled kind, but a real one, which makes it a true princess room. When she wears her princess dress, which Gramma Shell made for her, people ask "so which princess are you?" Gloria looks puzzled and simply replies "I'm princess Gloria." She is just starting to recognize that there are other "fake" (but still glamorous) Disney Princesses, but I hope that doesn't change her thinking she's a princess, as long as she ultimately knows that she is a princess because her Heavenly Father is the King of Kings who paid the ultimate price for her.
We now have a "boys' room" and a "girls' room" in our home. The boys' room, as you can guess, consists of Benaiah and JB while the girls' room currently consists of Gloria and Zephyr, our 9-year-old Boykin Spaniel. Evelyn will join eventually when she's not so inconsistent in her waking at night. We're not sure what happened - she decided to grow really quickly or something - she used to sleep through the night when she was two months old and now she's been eating twice per night for the last couple of months.
Benaiah is now in Gloria's old bed, which is now a "big boy bed", as opposed to the "baby crib". He loves being in this bed because he has seen his big bro and sis for so long get tucked into the hunter green upper and lower bunks. It's taken a little convincing that we are serious about him not getting out of his bed at nap time and bed time. JB occasionally reports his escapes, but it's tricky because Benaiah is always back in his bed trying to look innocent by the time we get there. Twice I have caught him with about 20-30 cars and trucks in his bed, which tends to make it difficult for him to lay down and sleep (which he still needs even at age 2 and 3/4).
When Benaiah was sleeping in his crib we pulled the side all the way up and had the mattress at the lowest level and he never ventured beyond its comforting wooden bars unless we put the side down and invited him out. The comfort of the wooden bars has been replaced by the excitement of being a "big boy" and the freedom that comes with not being "caged" in. Other "big boy" activities in which Benny has been involved are wearing underwear, going on the potty, and sitting on the regular dining chairs without a booster seat. The lion feels like he is part of the pack joining a wolf (JB), a leopard (Gloria), and a Spaniel (Zephyr).
Gloria feels very special in her own princess room and princess bed. I haven't decorated her room in Disney princesses or even put generic princess paraphernalia on her walls or bed, she's just a princess, not the spoiled kind, but a real one, which makes it a true princess room. When she wears her princess dress, which Gramma Shell made for her, people ask "so which princess are you?" Gloria looks puzzled and simply replies "I'm princess Gloria." She is just starting to recognize that there are other "fake" (but still glamorous) Disney Princesses, but I hope that doesn't change her thinking she's a princess, as long as she ultimately knows that she is a princess because her Heavenly Father is the King of Kings who paid the ultimate price for her.
Saturday, January 09, 2010
Benaiah - free the toys!
The boys are the only ones that assault boxes this way. Gloria would sometimes follow if JB was doing it, but the boys always initiate it. He's also experimenting with different methods of destruction.
Friday, January 08, 2010
Frrrreeeezing temperatures
I love the way the fountain froze. I even could stand on it. The "fluffy" white stuff is bubble/foam that froze, which feels very delicate and thin to the touch.
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