While Some Were Shoveling Snow....

We were shoveling sand. That is right, after school yesterday, my boys and I headed straight for the beach. I try to do this as much as I can in the winter...just because one of the things I disliked the most was scraping my car windows when they were icy and I really didn't enjoy shoveling tons of snow just so the snow plow guy could come and block me in again.

So we went to the beach for a couple of hours. We walked and walked and my children got wet (of course) because how could you possible find the perfect shells if you didn't get close to the water.

The boys dug holes 'till the hearts content and I sat in the sand in the warm sun. Ahhh...it was peaceful. Then we went for a walk and collected a nice amount of shells which we put in a jar to remind us of our winter sand adventures! We will be adding all winter! OH...I love Florida in the winter!

Don't worry, I haven't gone off the deep end. I know that snow is beautiful and fun too. In fact I really want to drive my boys up to Georgia or South Carolina if I hear that there is going to be a good amount of snow. I figure we could do it in a day. One of the sad sights at the beach is when my boys get this wet sand and pack it, and then the roll it in the dry sand, like a snow ball. They throw them like snow balls (only not at each other, because that would make a mess). So they would love to see snow...my Shane has never seen snow and my other boys were too little really to remember it. So we will hopefully see snow at some point this winter, but for now, I'm enjoying the fact that we have beautiful sand!

Oops What Happened To October & November?

Let's start on Kyle's last day of public school....October 31st. Above you can see them in their costumes for our Harvest Party at church. Shane is a cowboy (he wants to be a Cowboy Math Teacher when he grows up), Brendan is Albert Einstein (he as markers in his pocket with E=MC2 on his jacket - of course he wants to be a scientist when he grows up) and then there is Kyle the Lenni Lenapi Indian (he wants to be a zoo keeper when he grows up, but that doesn't require paint of his face so he opted for the Indian!)

November brought lots of field trips and park days and nature walks with friends! (shhh... I think that is going to be my Christmas card picture...yes even with that pesky straw hanging in front of Kyle's face.)

The birds cracked me up! We were covered in them. Shane did not like it at all....Kyle loved it...Brendan liked it too, but he was sure to cover his head!

Our great homeschool buddies. We do a lot of our homeschooling with them. We live a few streets away and I just love their Mommy!! I am so grateful to have such a wonderful friend in Aleatha...God place us in each other's lives on purpose!! We see each other at least twice a week and I love it!!

Here is my boy...he just had to read ahead!! In that book Kyle was reading...these two boys shot a BB gun and missed their target...so we went to our friend's property and learned to shoot a BB gun! Kyle, Brendan and Shane all hit the target...do you see that L there...that would be me! So proud!

It's Mario and Mario....a little too much Nintendo influence! HA!

Ahhh...Dinner with our small group! Don't look too closely at our food...this was so not WW friendly. Mike and Elinor made an amazing dinner of lasagna and homemade meatballs!!

So, this is why I am homeschooling him now! This is my Kyle...the one that we missed so much! The happy Kyle!

This past month we did a lot of hiking and bird watching! Oh this trip was the first time I ever used a portable potty too. Not an experience I ever want to repeat! UGH!

Lots of park hopping! We have to get that energy out!!!

Oh yea...and we finally did a 550 piece puzzle together in just 4 days! I was so impressed...my boys absolutely loved doing this. Believe it or not...not one piece was missing! We can't wait to do our next! We've been studying birds in our Science curriculum and there are at least 4 species in this puzzle!

So that should catch you up quickly. So much more happened...so many wonderful surprises! We had a wonderful Thanksgiving with our family in Jacksonville and now we are ushering in Christmas! Lord, please help it to slow down a bit!

Monday's Menu

The pressure is on. My Weight Watchers friends wrote down my blog address this past Saturday, so now I absolutely MUST get my menu on screen. It is always on my refrigerator, but since Thanksgiving, I have had very little time to type. (I also have to share a computer with my three superheros...so squeezing some quality screen time in..is not so easy these days!)

Remember if you add anything like butter to your veggies, you have to count that too. I typically do not, however when I do I always count it. We use the Smart Balance butter and it is 1 point for a whole tablespoon. I rarely use that much!

Monday:
Pork Chops & Potatoes in Creamy Gravy
6 WW points
Click Here for the Recipe (I did include a picture though!)
Tuesday:
5 Spice London Broil, Green Beans, Yam
3 oz. of lean beef for 4 points, 7 oz of yam for 3 points = 7 WW points
(I don't use butter on my veggies, just a little salt & pepper)

Recipe to follow (since Bev did request it!)

Wednesday:
Biscuit Topped Chicken Casserole with a Salad
1 1/2 Cup serving for 6 WW points

Thursday:
Grilled Pork Chops, garlic mashed potatoes and green beans
I rub some adobo seasoning and throw these on the grill. (BOGO at Winn-Dixie this week)
3 oz pork chop for 4 points, 3/4 cup of garlic mashed potatoes (WW recipe) for 3 points = 7 WW points

Friday - Crock Pot meal: (This is a GREAT winner in my house)
Meatloaf with Mushroom Tomato Sauce - from the Slow Good Cookbook
Garlic Mashed Potatoes (left over from Thursday)
Broccoli & salad
1 slice of meatloaf with 1/4 cup sauce is 3 points so this meal = 6 WW points

5-Spice London Broil
Weight Watchers TurnAround Cookbook

1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
1 lb. lean London Broil

(I put mine on the grill...the recipe calls for the broiler)

Simply combine all the spices and rub it on the meat. I let it stand for about 15 minutes and then place it on the grill. It is really that simple. My family likes their meat a little pink...so just keep an eye on your time. Remember to let the meat stand after you take it off the grill so that the juices don't all run out on you. Slice it thinly on an angle against the grain.

Enjoy...let me know what you think...leave a comment if you would like me to post a recipe! Don't forget to check out my friend Michelle's blog for more menu ideas!

The Best Way To Celebrate...

is with friends! We had our annual anniversary date night with our dearest friends the Bradleys! We are so grateful to the Lord for placing them in our lives. We have been friends for a few years, and these past two years our friendships have just flourished! Mike and I count Don and Linda as family and seriously, when we talked about what to do for our anniversary we didn't have to think but a moment...we wanted to double date with the Bradleys!

So I wanted to show this year and last years pictures, (let's be honest...it is mainly because I'm proud of the fact that I am 57 lbs. lighter this year!) well, because you know, I love tradition!! ;0)

This is us last year!

I find it so funny that we sit in the same spots. Do we always sit that way? I guess so! Oh..and the scarf...that cracks me up! I have got to ditch the scarf next year. But, it was very cold (you know in the 60s) both times!
Then it is as if we don't ever get Starbucks! HA! I can't help it! That is what happens when your husband worked for the company for 8 years! This is Mike and I last year:


Ahhh...after 19 years we are still drinking coffee together!

Before we left for our night out...Pop (our almost 92 year old grandfather) says to me..."Wow, 19 years, you don't look old enough to have been married for 19 years!" That made me feel so good, doubled with the fact that since I homeschool all of my children, a night out with adults is SOOO special...you couldn't wipe that smile away if you tried!

So what do two middle aged couples who are not into drinking or "partying" do when they get a chance to go out (and they live in Volusia County Florida)? They go out to dinner, have coffee and sit in the driveway and talk for two hours. (Hey, the alternative would been to go to Walmart!) We had such a wonderful evening! Thank you Don and Linda for celebrating with us again this year! So, we are on for next year right? I can't wait to see the pictures!

This Is What It Is All About

The shopping, the busyness, the baking, the caroling, the traditions....it is all part of it, but really this picture makes me want to slow down and cherish the meaning of Christmas. It is my goal this year to soak in as much Christmas as possible this year. My children are still young enough to really enjoy all of the traditions (and we have so many) of this time of year! So we decided to add a few new traditions. Like reading a Christmas story every night before bed. Believe it or not I have 16 Christmas books (a couple of them are very long so they take up two nights) and we will end with The Night Before Christmas of course! We are also trying to watch as many Christmas movies as we can...last night we snuggled up for the Alister Sims version (old version) of A Christmas Carol. So here are just a few more things we have done so far and it is only December 5th today!

Here we are making a Christmas chain to count down the days until December 25th! Each day a different person gets to rip the chain and also push the button on our musical advent calendar.

The finished product!

Decorating the Christmas tree is laden with tradition. Each and every one of our ornaments have a story to tell. My husband had a new ornament every year as a child so we continue the tradition and tell the stories of each one every year. It is a great way to pass the memories down from generation to generation.

Here we are at our homeschool Christmas party. The children were able to make their own cookies and decorate them. Twenty seven children play games, singing songs and learning to sign "Silent Night"....what a sweet way to start off the month.

Then we had our annual tree trimming at the New Smyrna Beach Sheriff's office. What a fun time for the kids. They look forward to this every year! This year one of the officers took pictures of them with a Polaroid camera...they thought it was magic! Remember Polaroids!

I pray you enjoy your traditions and remember the humble beginning of our Savior's birth!

I Am Embarassed

A few months ago, I received this amazing honor...remember the one...this one! Well, now I totally feel as though they should come back and strip me of my title! HA! Seriously, it is most difficult to write when you have so much to write about. That is why it is 12:15am and I am starting this post (can't sleep with the guilt). I think that if I just get this out of the way, the words will flow in some logical sequence and I can get my thoughts back on paper (well not paper exactly). I have been working on my book during my very limited free time, but mostly my absence has been to life circumstances.

Homeschooling my three amazing superheros -- this has been an experience that words are difficult to describe. Full of emotion and literal awe, all I can say without detail is that bringing home my third son has made this family, this experience and my life feel complete! The other time consuming drama in my life has been living with my husband's grandfather who is suffering with dementia. This has consumed me these past couple of months. The challenges and emotions that surround this situation is like no other. The busyness of this season (as much as I don't want it to be) seems to strip me of those precious minutes that I can sit and type my thoughts. The onset of a new ministry, the birth of a dream, like any other birth, consumes so much of my time as well.

So there you have it. I have so much to write about, but where do I start? I guess I start right here. I have, in essence, typed a beginning paragraph in the first chapter of what is to come. Stay tuned for a hopeful continuation!

Menu for The Week #3

Ahh...so little time....so much to write about! I promise to update soon. So much is happening in the Engel home right now..it is very exciting.

The menu this week:

Monday: 4 points for 3 oz meat, 3 points for small yam = 7 point dinner
5 Spice London Broil
Yams
Broccoli

Tuesday: 3 points for 1 1/2 cups of soup!
Pasta Fagioli
Salad

Wednesday: 4 points for a hefty burger, 1 point per 1 cup of potato sticks, 1 point for bun = 6 point dinner (salad dressing must be measured and calculated)
Turkey Burgers
Spiced potato Sticks
Salad

Thursday: 4 points per meatloaf, 3/4 cup garlic mashed is 3 points = 7 point dinner
Mini Meatloaves
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Green Beans

Friday: See above for points
Leftover Mini Meatloaves from Thursday

Did you notice?... NO CHICKEN!!

OK..so no one person responded or wanted a recipe. Did you try the pork chops? They were great! If you haven't tried them you might want to. They were moist and delicious!

This week our family favorite is 5 spice London broil. London broil is often on sale (B1G1) and we just love grilling!! Also, the garlic mashed potatoes taste like you are seriously cheating! No kidding!

Leave your comments if you would like a recipe! I will leave it next Monday!
Happy Healthy Eating!

Monday's Menu 2

At first I typed Menu for the Weed...hmmm...I think I may be in need of more veggies. Not sure! HA!

Ok..so I promise I'm going to include the burrito recipe this time..since a few of you asked for it! I totally loved the burrito..it was amazingly filling (Husband however, did not like it so much...hmmmm?)!

Monday: Sweet & Sour Pork with Brown Rice & Bok Choy - 7 points (nice bowl and delicious..had this tonight)

Tuesday: Tortellini Soup (husband's made up recipe..this is unbelievable delicious) If you are doing WW, then everything is free except the tortellini...I put in 10 tortellinis for 3 points. YUM

Wednesday: General Tso's Chicken over Rice - 4 points, 1/2 cup rice would add extra 2 (I've made this before...fantastic!)

Thursday: Chili Con Carne - 4 points for 1 1/3 cups (reminds me so much of Wendy's Chili) My family likes this over elbow macaroni...it stretches the meal for leftovers, but you could totally use 1 cup of noodles to make this even more hefty if you are starving and add an extra 4 points)

Friday: Left overs ;)

Saturday: Hamburgers/Hot Dogs, Salad & Beans! Yeah....that is my weigh in day..so whatever! ha!

Sunday: Hmmmm....shame on me...I haven't thought that far yet!

So here is how this particular blog will work...I will post a recipe based on response. If there is a recipe you would like me to post next week based on my menu this week...let me know...the majority will win! How does that sound? So...here is the Burrito recipe from last week. Enjoy!


Spinach, Rice, and Black Bean Burritos - 4 points per serving
From Weight Watcher's Take Out Tonight Cookbook

Makes 8 servings (1/2 burrito per serving)

Ingredients:
2 cups water
1 cup long-grain white rice
1/2 teaspoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups spinach, cleaned and coarsely chopped
3/4 cup tomato sauce
1/2 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
4 (10-inch) fat-free flour tortillas
1/4 cup nonfat sour cream
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup sliced pitted ripe olives

1. Bring the water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the rice and simmer, covered, over low heat, until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender, about 20 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside.

2. Meanwhile, heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Swirl in the oil, then add the onion, garlic, cumin, and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens, about 8 minutes. Stir in the spinach, tomato sauce, and beans; bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the spinach begins to wilt, about 3 minutes. Stir in the rice and heat through.

3. Stack the tortillas on a microwave proof plate. Cover with plastic wrap and microwave on High 1 minute. Spoon the rice and bean mixture (about 1 cup) onto each warm tortilla. Top with the sour cream, cilantro, and olives. Fold the sides over and roll up to enclose the filling. Cut each burrito in half!

I look forward to hearing from you!
Bon Appetit!

And Then There Were 3

Kyle at a homeschool function this past Friday, he is a Lenni Lenape Indian from NJ!

Well, I've always had three! Just when it comes to homeschooling, I started out with one and then I brought in the second and as of next Monday we are bring home the third! I am so excited. It feels like it is just right with my heart. To the world it may seem crazy, but to our family, well, it just feels right! I say it may seem crazy because my husband has no job, we care for his 91 soon to be 92 year old grandfather and my son has special needs! I have to just chuckle!

I have always hung my hat on the fact that every year, we did what was best for each child. Keeping Kyle in school I felt was really the best thing for him. He has been attending this school since he was 3 years old! I remember the day I sent my child off in this huge bus, and he didn't speak at all! I drove my car behind the bus until it pulled into the school parking lot. My boy had no words. He was diagnosed with PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified) an autism spectrum disorder, he was nonverbal at age three (he could repeat words, but never initiate words), he had sensory integration dysfunction, and obsessive/compulsive disorder! (He was one of the three cutest/sweetest boys in the whole wide world though!!)

Needless to say, off he went to school and by the time he was almost 4 he said these words to me: "Mommy, I love you!" He had never said those words before! That moment is etched in my brain and heart and as I type these words the memory brings tears to my eyes! A year later when he was 5 years old, he could hug me with a full hug. Years before, he would want a hug, but have to back up into my arms. When he was five I got a full on hug!! Speech/language therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy...several times a week, plus these wonderful, nurturing teachers....I had my boy...the little boy I knew was in this quiet little soul!

Fast forward to present time. Kyle is 8 years old and in 2nd grade. (He really didn't pass 1st grade, but he had already been left behind in kindergarten...you get the picture) At the beginning of this school year, Kyle was content with going to "his" school. He loves "his" school. Brothers get homeschooled, he was curious about that, but he had friends now at "his" school. He was invited to a birthday party by himself for the first time ever!! A friend "chose" him! However, slowly, I started to see serious regression. My happy little boy, was angry. He was reverting to toddler type behaviors (a classic response to shutting down). He was exhibiting behaviors that I hadn't seen in years. What was going on?

We had a few meetings at school. "Let's change Kyle from having been pulled out to one or two places and put him in a co-teach situation. With a regular class, with a resource teacher assisting the primary teacher. Let's do this for two subjects now." For a child who has never done well with transition (when he was very young if we made a u-turn in our car he would cry and kick), and who thrives with routine, my boy had to transition at least 10 times a day..from teacher to teacher to this classroom to that classroom. He was on overload!! While he held it together at school, he let it loose at home (toddler behavior and total regression). So much more went into make this decision, but when I finally decided to "get out of the boat" and go with what the Lord was telling me to do, not only have I been confirmed, but I have been set free!

Kyle will begin homeschooling with his brothers this coming Monday! I am so excited and very nervous as well. This will be a transition for sure. There are kinks that will need to be worked out for sure! He will be partially enrolled with his special education teacher and his speech/language therapist - it equates to about 1 1/2 hours a day at the school! It is almost like the best of both worlds. He will still see his friends, and I will make the serious effort to keep those going outside of school!

The benefits far outweigh the fear! Is there fear...well...yes! I think that I gave too much credit to the school (after all they taught him to say "I love you"! Well, as my husband said...we had been saying that for 4 years...we taught him to say I love you...they just gave him the opportunity to grow and some tools to help him!

Here he will do devotions with us, snuggle on the bed to hear some of the most amazing books ever!! We will go on nature walks and make meals together. He will learn a new way to do math and see history come alive as we do some fun activities with our history! He will take art classes with the local art museum and have park play dates and do co-ops with our homeschool friends. He will be with his brothers who love him, and he will be able to work at his own pace and not feel overwhelmed or rushed! He will feel successful and confident! This is what is best for my boy!! So....Welcome Home Kyle!!!

(shh....my other boys are planning a surprise breakfast...all of Kyle's favorite foods (because he must eat and run most mornings he has enough time to only eat an oatmeal bar for breakfast every day)...so they made up the menu...grapes...pancakes with chocolate chips...chocolate milk...and decorations of course! )

Menu For The Week

My friend Michelle has a blog that is devoted to the kitchen. On Monday's she is posting her menu for the week to inspire new recipes and money/time management skills as well! I'm very proud of her. Since joining Weight Watchers making a menu is almost imperative. I need to know what I'm having for dinner so I can plan the rest of my day carefully. As you can see by my last blog...it works for weight loss too!

So I'm joining her and including my "Monday's Menu". Don't get all hung up on the fact that today is Tuesday...I will be on the ball next week! Or maybe not...and that is where all of my blog friends extend some grace!

Just a couple of disclaimers:

1. I am on Weight Watchers but when my husband has class two nights a week there are weeks I just don't feel like feeding the birds (children and grandfather) in my home...making a whole meal for each of them to eat a spoonful! So there are those weeks (like this one) that I make something for them and I eat something "point worthy"! So bear that in mind!! What I eat (except for Saturday, that is my splurge day), is very heart healthy and Weight Watcher friendly. I hope this blesses anyone wanting to eat healthy!!

2. My husband is unemployed so other than our little tiny unemployment check...we don't have an income at this time. SO, my menu has to reflect our budget. Thus you will notice...a recurring word: leftovers! All I have to say is....get to love them ok!!


Monday: Garlic Roasted Chicken with red potatoes, carrots and garlic (it is one dish that goes in the oven and I use skinless split chicken breasts) I serve it with broccoli (my kids favorite veggie). It is a family winner (we don't always have winners in this house) :) 4 points for 4 oz of chicken and for 3/4 cup of potatoes and carrots with roasted garlic 3 points --- 7 point meal!

Tuesday: (Husband has school) Famous Homemade Baked Macaroni and Cheese (NOT Weight Watcher friendly...9 points per 1/2 cup) (I ate leftover from yesterday....children and Pop ate this and LOVED it!) Another family winner!!

Wednesday: Spinach, Rice & Black Bean Burritos 8 points for a whole burrito!! BIG SERVING-- you could totally eat half a burrito with some salad and have it be less points!

Thursday: (Husband has school) Leftover Baked Macaroni & Cheese for family (left over burrito for me)

Friday: Pork Chop & Potatoes with Creamy Gravy - 6 points (recipe to follow) - This is a new recipe, I will let you know how it is next week. It sounded good!


Pork Chops & Potatoes In Creamy Gravy
Found in: American Heart Association One-Dish Meals
6 WW points
Serves 4 (1 pork chop & 1 1/4 cups veggie mixture)

4 lean pork chops with bone in (about 5 oz. each)
Paprika to taste
Pepper to taste
Veggie oil spray
2 cups fat-free, low sodium chicken broth
1 lb. red potatoes cut into wedges
2 medium onions, thinly sliced
2 medium carrots, thinly sliced
1/4 tsp. dried tarragon, crumbled
1/2 cup fat-free evaporated milk
2 tbsp. all-purpose flour
3/4 tsp. salt
4 oz jar sliced pimientos

Sprinkle one side of the pork chops with paprika and pepper.

Heat a large skillet over high heat. Remove the skillet from the heat and lightly spray with vegetable oil spray. Cook the pork chops with the seasoned side down for 1 minute. Remove from the skillet.

In the same skillet, stir together the broth, potatoes, onions, carrots, and tarragon. Bring to boil. Top with the pork chops with the seasoned side up. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for 12 minutes, or until the pork is no longer pink in the center and the potatoes are tender.

Using a large slotted spoon, transfer the veggies to a serving platter with a rim or to a large shallow bowl. Top with the pork. Cover with aluminium foil to keep warm. Set aside.

Increase the heat to high. Bring the broth to a boil. Boil for 2 minutes, or until reduced to 1 cup.

Reduce the heat to medium. Whisk in the evaporated milk and flour until well blended. Stir in the salt. (You can scrape the skillet with a flat spatula...you know to get the yumminess on the bottom) Cook for 2 minutes.

Stir in the pimientos (You could totally leave this out if you were not a pimiento fan)! Pour over the vegetables on the serving platter and voila! Sounds like comfort food to me!!

This was fun!!

Before & After

Well, it is confession time! I have hesitated to put up a before and after shot of my weight loss journey so far. I think perhaps because looking at it makes me feel a little queasy! However, in order for my family in NJ to see me, this is a necessary step. So.....

Here I am before joining Weight Watchers back in January of 2009:

Now after 9 months I have lost 54.8 lbs:

What the pictures do not show is that I feel amazing and am healthier than I have been in years. I have been on blood pressure medication since my days of infertility at least 12 years now, and presently my doctor says I need to be off this medication (as well as other medications)! 2010 will be the year that I meet my goal (35 more pounds) and I become a Weight Watcher's Leader! 2010 will also be the year I get off all my medications. 2010 will be the year I run my first 10K! I have a lot to look forward to!

The Creator & The Created

"You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created."

Revelation 4:11 NKJV

I live in the Sunshine State. I have beheld the beauty of a sunrise over the ocean, the sunset over the river, some of the most beautiful shells upon a sand that is so soft!


When I use to live in NJ, my husband and I would frequently visit The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Oh I how loved the Impressionist wing (I loved the entire museum, but was always drawn to this part in particular). To stare at an actual Monet or Manet or to gaze longingly at a Renoir...it would take my breath away! I studied the paintings and learned about the artist. It was thrilling and inspiring.

To gaze upon the beauty all around us, the glory that shouts praises to its Creator, is in many ways far more thrilling and inspiring because I have a personal relationship to the artist. For how could you watch the sunrise or see a hawk coast above your head for what feels like an eternity without being inspired and grateful to the Creator.

Today I am grateful for the beauty that I behold every day.

Romans 1:20 "Since the creation of the world his invisible attributes are clearly seen."

The Wind of Change

Oh please don't think that I have dropped off the face of the earth! I have not! It is just that my world has begun to spin at a very fast pace and I'm just doing all I can to stand up straight! With that said...there is change in the air. Change is sometimes frightening (and I'm a little nervous), but change is often a very healthy and exciting bringing growth. That is what we are about to experience.

If the world were to look at my life they may lable me crazy, but I'm holding my ground. What is about to take place has been in God's plan for a long time, we are just about to see it transpire.

Purposefully I'm leaving you with only this. Stay tuned...check back...I will return...just give me a few weeks to let my world settle! For those of you who know already because I can't contain my excitement...shhh! Just smile with me and wait!

First 4 Weeks of School

Even though I homeschool two of my three children, I do not want anyone to think for a moment that I don't "school" my Kyle! Yes, he is well cared for at his school, but we do a lot of "schooling" at home too. This is my Kyle...the most creative little boy I know. Let him spend some time alone and he comes up with this. The picture above is Kyle's art work. A boy with interchangeable faces. (check out his foot in the flip flop!) I have to crack up! My one friend told me it looked like a picture of someone raptured. HA!

This picture below is what Shane most recently made since studying Ancient Rome: this is Ancient Roman Bread Pudding. He and Brendan are eating it just like the Romans did...on their bellies lounging and laughing with food!

Here we are doing Physical Education! Not bad huh? And we get to do it with friends! (The bowling alley was practically empty)! We had a blast!

Now this is the way to start your morning off...This is Brendan doing devotions..every morning on his own! I love it! Eight years old and after 4 weeks he really misses it when he doesn't get to do it on Saturday or Sunday (he can...but he gets distracted...sound familiar?).
Since Mike is now unemployed, he got to bring them on their second field trip this year. They went to the Orlando Science Center for Homeschool Day! So much fun!
We learned about animals for the first couple of weeks in Science...here we made a Mocha Bear (I used espresso...and mmmmm...did it smell so good!)
Another thing we are trying to implement this year is giving them the freedom to cook. Here is Brendan making Salad for dinner. He makes amazing scrambled eggs and yesterday he and Shane looked for a recipe to make cookies from scratch. They made Chocolate Chocolate Chip cookies. Brendan made the list, we shopped, and then Shane measured the dry ingredients, Brendan did the liquids and the mixer. The cookies were amazing.
We are having friends over tonight and we will be eating said cookies! Yippee!! Training up little husbands-to-be someday! So the first 4 weeks of school have been great for everyone!

Raising The Bar

A repost from my blog archives 2007...

When I was a teacher I remember that one of my big beliefs was that if I set the bar high, my students would work hard to attain that. I believed that if I motivated them, showed them their value and help them to belive in themselves, that they would desire to reach the bar. As a teacher it was more about helping these kids to reach that "love of learning" that was inside of them, as well as finding the good in themselves and culitivating that, causing it to grow. It was about helping them believe in themselves and that they ABSOLUTELY could reach higher than they had ever reached before.....and then we did a little Accounting, Business Law, Entreprenuership or Computer class.

Now, I know at least one or two of my former students keep in touch with me still. They would have to agree that that was Mrs. Engel. For the most part, it is EXACTLY what happened. So many of my students were able to find that within themselves, and many of them came back to me throughout the years (long after they graduated) just to be encouraged again. For you skeptics out there - no not every student reached for their highest potential. But in a class of 25 if 2 were able to then......

I am a Mom now. After 10 years of trying to get pregnant and losing so many little one's to Heaven, I have three boys. Back when I first gave birth I remember feeling like the Lord placed on my heart that my first and highest calling was to be a mother to these boys. It was liken to missionary work in a way. I was called to this "people group"(and they can be a wild people at times) and the Lord would supply for me what was needed along the journey I just had to be obedient to Him and surrender MY will and He would enable me to do the rest. So I'm doing my devotions today. It's a book/study guide about Lies Women Believe & The Truth that Sets them Free. I have read many of Nancy Leigh DeMoss books, heard her speak and truly her wisdom has always impacted my life in a big way. So the Lie was this: "Children need to get exposed to the real world so that they can learn to function in it." (in the book it follows Eve and her sin/repentance/restoration...) Satan convinced her that by eating the forbidden fruit, she would learn something she needed to know. "When you eat of it your eyes will be opened...knowing good and evil" (Gen 3:5). Satan was right -- when Eve ate, her eyes were opened (v.7); she did learn something she had not known before--the experience of evil. The result of this knowledge was shame, guilt, and alienation from God and her husband. God never intended that you and I should know evil by experiencing it for oursleves. His desire is that we should be "wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil" (Rom. 16:19)

The challenge of every Christian parent is to bring up children who love God with all their hearts, souls, minds, and strength; who have a vibrant, personal relationship with the Lord Jesus; and whose lives will be bright and shining lights, penetrating the darkness around them. We are to be seeking to raise up not just "good" children, but children who enthusiastically embrace the Truth, children who love righteousness and hate evil, children who will be used by God to change this world. I am encouraged to RAISE THE BAR. I had no issue with this when I was a High School Teacher. Now I'm a mom and the stakes are much higher - these are MY children. I've been called to raise Godly men. I am not able to do this alone - I must rely on Christ and I trust He will show me every day how I can best do this.

Is what Nancy says unrealistic? Read Psalm 101. I think not! Nonetheless, I am unable to sit and be happy with a bar that is only half way up - I need to raise it. For myself and for my kids. (Because we all know that when we raise the bar, the child may not reach the top of that bar, but becuase it was raised higher - the higher they had to jump, climb, grow...

No one would think of taking a young tender plant and planting it outside on a day when the snow was falling hard on the 8 inches of snow that had fallen the day before and have any hope of its surviving. That's what a greenhouse is for--to provide an optimum environment for plants to grow. Then, when their roots have developed and they are strong enough to withstand adversity, they can be transplanted to the outdoors!

So in closing, I am spurred on. We are not to be molded by the culture, rather, we are to be filled with the Spirit and the Word of God that our lives will penetrate and convict the culture around us. That is my challenge as a Christian parent--to raise up a young men who are not conformers but transformers. OH YEA!

Sidebar: This is why I chose to name my homeschool "GreenHouse Homeschool Academy - a place to provide an optimum enviornment for my children to grow...Learning to Love Learning!"

We Fall Prostrate

At the time of sacrifice, the prophet Elijah stepped forward and prayed: "O LORD, God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. Answer me, O LORD, answer me, so these people will know that you, O LORD, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again." Then the fire of the LORD fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench. When all the people saw this, they fell prostrate and cried, "The LORD -he is God! The LORD -he is God!" 1 Kings 18:36-39

I enjoy the privilege of homeschooling. I am a teacher at heart, so academics don't frighten me, actually, they stimulate me in many ways. However, that isn't really the main reason why I choose to homeschool. I homeschool mostly to be sure my children are well grounded in their Faith. It is true that in many ways we lead by example for our children. But, then there are things that we practice that sometimes our children do not get an opportunity to see. Things related to prayer for example...things that are just done in private, in our "prayer closet". In our home, we have always been very open when it comes to prayer. Our children were introduced to laying hands on one another and praying for each other at a very early age, so when they are asked to pray for someone...it is natural that they lay hands on that person and pray. It is what they have always seen their Mom and Dad do, and it is what they do too. Sometimes when they pray, they say some of the things we say as we pray over them. Very natural! My son Brendan called a friend and prayed with him over the phone...another very common thing you might find my husband and I doing.

This past week we read about Elijah on Mount Carmel when he drenched his sacrifice in water and yet the Lord appeared and caused the sacrifice to burn showing Himself to be the one true God. Then all the people fell "prostrate" and acknowledged the One True God! In my quiet time there have been times when you could find me prostrate on the floor, my face in the carpet, crying out to God or simply worshiping Him and placing Him in the proper position in my life. My children, however, most likely would never have an opportunity to see this occurring because it is done during my own private quiet time. There is something that happens when one bows. It places you in a very reverent humbling position.

So when we read this verse I explained what it meant "to fall prostrate" and then I had them try it. At first it seemed silly to them. They giggled and then I asked them to be silent for a little bit. After a few moments of no words or movement I began to say the names of Jesus. After all He is our King of Kings and Lord of Lords, it is right at times to be in this position of reverence before our Lord. Yes, He is our Abba Father, and a friend that is closer than a brother, and we can laugh with Him and dance with Him, but then there are those moments when all I want to do is fall on my face before Him and honor Him in my posture, my praise and my prayers. Kneeling at the altar, falling prostrate before Him, standing with arms reaching to Heaven, whichever posture you choose...take some time just to honor Him.

Jesus, Son of God, Anointed One, Christ, my Redeemer, Righteous Judge, Only-begotten Son, Son of Man, Saviour, my Mediator, my Intercessor, my Advocate, Messiah, Yahweh, Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, Lord, my Good Shepherd, Immanuel, Master, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, The Risen One, The Way, The Truth, The Life, Light of the World, Almighty, The Bread of Life, my Rescuer! Oh how I love you! Oh how I worship you! You are so worthy of my praise! May my praise be sweet to your ears and may my children learn to honor you in all that they do and say! In Your Precious Holy Name...Amen.

I Didn't Want To Tell You...

Every once in awhile, I will tell a story about my children and people say, "You should write a book!". Funny! I am in the process of writing a book...I'm feeling a little overwhelmed by it today actually. The book really isn't about my children, but some of the examples I use are most definitely inspired by my superheros.

One of my recent conversations with my 6 year old has brought me so much joy, I really don't ever want to forget it. Isn't that why we journal in the first place? So we don't forget? Here is how the conversation happened:

Coming home from church one Sunday, two of my three boys were sitting in the back seat of the car. (The other in the store with Dad). I hear this being whispered:

Brendan whispering to Shane: "You have to tell Mom!"

Shane: "Shhh...don't tell Brendan...promise you won't tell!!"

Brendan: "We are not allowed to keep secrets from our parents...you know that!!"

I look back and say, "Hey what are you guys talking about? What is the secret...you know you can tell Mom anything!"

Brendan: "I told Shane he should just tell you...but he's afraid."

Me: "Shane, honey, there are no secrets between us baby, what are you afraid to tell me?"

Shane to Brendan: "Just go ahead and tell her Brendan." He looks down...red in face.

Brendan: "Shane is afraid to tell you that he is married now." (Lord, may I NEVER hear those words again)

Me: "What do you mean, you are married?"

Shane: "Well, (insert girl's name here) gave me a kiss on both cheeks the other day, so now we are married because you can only kiss when your married. I was scared to tell you because I didn't want to make you cry. You said you would cry when I get married."

Me: "OH, honey...just because she kissed you on the cheek doesn't mean you are married." (Oh how I wished I could keep that up...kissing was reserved for marriage...we will work on recovering that one). I went on to explain that she was just being sweet and gave you a little peck on the cheek. It did NOT mean that they were now married. And furthermore, when I said I would probably cry like a baby at your wedding...well those would be happy tears (kind of)!

Shane: "Mom, how old were you and Daddy when you got married?" (Loaded question because I was very young)

Me: "Well, I was 21 and your Dad was 25 (Oh it will be 20 years next year)

Brendan: "That means they were 4 years different" (thanks a lot smart boy)"and I think you have to graduate college and have a house before you get married."

Shane: "Well, what if someone else picks (girl) before I am old enough, what will I do then?"

Me: "Sweet heart, that would just mean that she wasn't the one for you." (His eyes opened wide) "God would have someone else in your path that you would fall in love with maybe." (Thinking...he is only 6 Lord...why am I talking about this now!)

Shane: "But I really do love her Mom and I think she loves me!"

Brendan: "Yeah...like a sister!"

Shane: "No way...she kissed me on the cheeks, and she is beautiful and she is nice, she is my girlfriend Mom!"

Somehow I wound this conversation down to this: "If (girl) is the one you are to marry someday (a long long time from now) then you will both know it when the time comes. It is possible...but so much can happen between now and then."

This sparks a series of conversations that I now must have with all of my children. Suffice to say it went well with Kyle and Shane...they know they can tell me anything now and Kyle is quite happy understanding that girls that are friends are girl friends. (Shane still has love issues) Brendan, well, he is another story.

Here is how this conversation went (with my 8 year old):

Me: "Brendan can we talk?"

Brendan, pulling the covers over his head: "Sure Mom."

Me: "You know you can tell me anything...I'm here to talk about whatever...your dreams, hopes, girls, problems...whatever"

B: "Yes Mom, I know."

Me: "Do you like any girls Brendan?"

B: "No, just you!"

Me: "Well, I know you love me, but do any girls make you feel silly in your tummy, or do you think any girls are beautiful?"

B: "No, Mom, just you, you are the most beautiful girl I know Mom!"

Me: "Awe come on Brendan...that is sweet, but really? I mean, do you think you might get married someday?"

B: "Mom, don't worry about it. I'm just going to wander around life and when some girl picks me, I'll marry her, but I'm not gonna worry about it Mom, so don't you worry about it ok?!"

Such great wisdom...wander around life and let some girl pick him...he is so not about the drama of it all! THANK YOU LORD!!

Please Lord, grant me more wisdom for the next time this conversation happens and we are dealing with teenage hormones. Please Lord!

Not Laboring on Labor Day

I "labored" hard all last week so I did not have to labor at all today. No laundry to be done, no official schooling, no dusting or cleaning, not even cooking to be done! How about that!?! So instead of laboring, I had the chance to simply rest. I slept in until 7:30am (that was huge for me!), had my quiet time and have been relaxing all day! This has given me time to record in my journal things that I'm grateful for...(1000 Gifts). I have lost count at this point, so instead of trying to number them, I'm just going to continue to list them on occasion!

Laura Ingalls Wilder once said ,"It is the simple things of life that make living worthwhile, the sweet fundamental things such as love and duty, work and rest, and living close to nature." The Bible says this in James 1:17: "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."
I am grateful for...

...a Father who greatly desires to bless His children.
...children who are learning unconditional love.
...little steps that lead to growth.
...superheros in my life to remind me of my vulnerability.
...opportunities for reconnecting.
...the feeling of a job well done!
...the smell of a shampooed head. (especially on one of my superheros)
...a husband who loves Jesus with all of his heart!
...friends who continue to sprout new fruit every day!
...a journey that never gets boring.
...the feel and smell of new books and sharpened pencils.
...the never ending encouragement from the body of Christ!
...the extra measures of Grace...noticeable every day!
...quiet moments of simple reflection.

How Many Hats Do You Wear?

In just one half hour at my home I have worn several hats. Being a Mom will allow for a plethora of hats. I happen to have this in my archive of pictures, but it is not unlike what I wear every day. Just today I have worn the following hats:

Nurse, Cook, Mechanic, Electrician, Referee, Coach, Bible Teacher, Preacher, Playmate, Mom, Shuttle Service, Maid, Wife, Teacher, Laundromat Attendant, Tutor, Therapist, Doctor (able to dispense medication), Granny Nanny, Secretary, Veterinarian, Computer Repair Service, and Bouncer!

I probably forgot to mention some. Just thinking about my day as a homeschooling Mom who helps care for her 91 year old grandfather in a house full of men and boys! Yup, that pretty much sums it up! I was due for a light hearted blog post after my more serious/teaching kind that no one dares even to leave a comment on! LOL!

So what hats did I miss? What hats do you wear on a regular everyday basis? No wonder we are tired at the end of a day!

The Note Read This Today...

..."As the Lord blesses us we want to bless you!" The voice on the phone last Saturday said this, "Can you come over on Sunday after church...I want to give you a lunch and a facial and just bless you!!" And the other note (from last month) said this: "You've been a blessing to us I'm so happy to send this!" And the note from a month and a half ago said this: "So proud of you girl, be blessed with these!"

You probably recognized the hand that wrote these notes right? Or the words on the other end of my phone conversation? Well, I know you cannot see the actual penmanship or hear the voice, but the words sound familiar right? Well of course, it's my Father.

Two weeks ago, Mike was let go from his job. Times are tough everywhere. This is not the first time he has been laid off, so we know how it works. We skipped right to the part where we 100% put our trust in our Father God and believe He would see us through! None of this doubting, none of this fearing...nope...just trusting! Whew...we finally got it! Mike is going back to school part-time to become a nurse. We are very excited that he is going down this path...we all feel like it is going to be a perfect fit for him! Meanwhile...he is looking for another job (a job in a hospital or nursing home or pharmacy would be great, but at this point...he has applied for every retail position in a 20 mile radius as well). We are confident that the Lord will make a way.

Meanwhile, in the past 2 months we have received so many blessings. Specifically just "love" blessings from people that had no idea we were now unemployed (some where preemptive...he still had a job and we received gifts from God. I actually got a box of clothes from a friend with pants and shorts my new size (after losing 45 lbs. I am running out of clothes). I know the people who have blessed us know who they are, but really, I know that they are God's hand extended from Heaven. God really just want to bless his children--you and me--He really does!

Thank you Lord for meeting our every need and blessing us with special moments, not just with finances or clothing, but with love and encouragement as well! Thank you Lord, for Your hand extended!