Easy reading

Yesterday at the doctor's office, I picked up a magazine that looked interesting. Back Fence magazine immediately reminded of one of my favorite magazines that we receive courtesy of our insurance company back in TN, Tennessee Home & Farm magazine. I was always glad to see the articles, recipes, and lists of local events across the state contained within its covers arrive in our mailbox. While there will be no splurges to subscribe to my new find just yet, I can at least peruse the website and share it here with you. Victoria, another long-time favorite that is now back in print, and a gift subscription to Family Circle from my sister will have to suffice for the time being. I think that they will.

Beans in a Pod

Nowadays you hear a lot about iPods, but have you heard of coffee pods? I had not either until we moved to OH. OBT is now a member of the POD club at work. Thankfully these pods are not hard to find. Both Kroger and Wal-mart reputedly carry them.

I am already having to learn the layout of the stores in town since our move. It's nice to know that I won't have to search high or low to find pods too.

Cause for Excitement

Ever since hearing on Complete andUnabridged , a blog well worth checking out if you are interested in classic literature, that Masterpiece Theatre Classic 2009 season has been announced, I am excited. Since reading "Hard Times" and "The Life of Our Lord", I am a Dickens' fan and hope to read more of his works in future. "The Incomplete Charles Dickens" will include "Oliver Twist", "David Copperfield", "Little Dorrit", and "The Old Curiousity Shop". There will be a new host to replace Gillian Anderson and other new and old classics.

What's the weather like?

Is it snowing? Is it snowing?

Yes, it is. Yes, it is.

Snowing just a little. Snowing just a little.

Yes, it is. Yes, it is.

Is it snowing? Is it snowing?

Off and on? Off and on?

Yes, it's really snowing. Yes, it's really snowing

Where we live, where we live.

(sung to the tune of "Frere Jacques")

Thanksgiving 2008

We spent the day here at home - just the five of us. Many miles on the road made us choose to stay home right now. OBT and I cooked, and by early afternoon Thanksgiving dinner was ready. The fried apple pies (a modified version of Paula Deen's recipe) and cranberry sauce (courtesy of the Ocean Spray bag and Amber) were the favorites this year - both new recipes to try. This is how I like to spend the holidays - with my loved ones. Cooking with my family and enjoying that rare day when we can stay home and relax. Thank you, Lord, for days like that.

Sarah and Leora read poems before we ate.

Thanksgiving Time

When all the leaves are off the boughs,

And nuts and apples gathered in,

And cornstalks waiting for the cows,

And pumpkins safe in barn and bin,

Then Mother says, "My children dear,

The fields are brown, and autumn flies;

Thanksgiving Day is very near,

And we must make Thanksgiving pies!"

The Pilgrims Came

The Pilgrims came across the sea,

And never thought of you and me;

And yet it's very strange the way

We think of them Thanksgiving Day.

We tell their story old and true

Of how they sailed across the blue,

And found a new land to be free

And built their homes quite near the sea.

The people think that they were sad,

And grave; I'm sure that they were glad -

They made Thanksgiving Day - that's fun -

We thank the Pilgrims everyone!

With much to be thankful for, we remember the Giver of good gifts - now and always.

You never know

Our old house had a built-in microwave. Our new house had no microwave. OBT insisted that we get one even though I said that I could do without. So off we go to get a microwave. After bringing it home and taking it out of the box, it found a new home on the countertop by the kitchen sink. One night Sarah was checking it out, and this is what happened next.

Sarah: Momma, what does this button with the potato on it mean?

Lepidoptera: That button is for baking potatoes in the microwave.

Sarah: And it can make beer too!

Lepidoptera (wondering what this means): What does it say? Spell the word where you see that.

Sarah: B-E-V-E-R-A-G-E.

Lepidoptera: Honey, that spells beverage.

Sarah: What's a beverage?

Lepidoptera: It's something you can drink. That means the microwave can make hot chocolate or hot tea.

Sarah: Oh (as in "I see").

Butterflies and backyards

My mom gave me "The Life Cycles of Butterflies" book earlier this year, and L, LP, and I were looking at it last week. I noticed that there was a website for the authors and decided to take a look at it. Butterfly Nature is a site that will appeal to those interested in butterflies and also nature photography. There is a Kids Page with coloring pages, a word search, and other activities. Lots of butterfly pictures in various stages of development and don't forget to check out the pictures from their backyard butterfly garden. Wouldn't I like to have a garden like this in my backyard some day!

Back at our other house we had planted several butterfly bushes (some transplants from the originals), and they attracted lots of butterflies - Monarchs, Tiger Swallowtails, Frittilaries, Hummingbird Moths, Skippers - just to name some of the regulars. I am hoping that we can plant them here too. I would like to add at least one new plant to our yard every year. In the past OBT has bought me plants for Mother's Day, and if this tradition continues, little by little our goal will be achieved. Coneflower is one that I would like to try. Maybe next year will be the year for that.

I will miss the things that we planted at our old house but am also looking forward to seeing what pops up here in the Spring. We may have some surprises lying dormant and just waiting to be discovered when the weather warms up. We already know that there is a hickory tree and a crabapple in our new backyard. Whether the hickory be shagbark, shellbark, bitternut, or otherwise I do not know yet, but I am going to try to find out. Several oaks are here too. There's more to learn and more to see - right in our own backyard.

Off and on

Monday it snowed and stopped. Then it melted. Some more snow and then a repeated stopping and melting. By the time the sun went down, we still were getting some snow, and it was starting to stick. After dinner the children and I just sat by the back door with the inside lights off and watched the snow come down. I told the children to blow on the glass, and they were delighted to see their breath appear. We sang "Let It Snow" over and over again. The children jumped up and down in their excitement, and it was a good way to end our day.

Yesterday morning there was enough snow in the yard that I told the children if they got ready quickly after breakfast (brushing of the teeth, donning of the socks and shoes and coats), then we'd head outdoors to enjoy the snow. They got ready quicker than usual, and we headed outdoors. Footprints and handprints (I have yet to find our mittens; they are still in a box!) appeared in the snow. Butterfly nets found a new purpose in life as snow sifters, and it was COLD. I had planned on staying out for at least 30 minutes, but we headed in after about fifteen.

The weatherman is predicting more snow for tomorrow. I don't know how much, but I am looking forward to any amount. Winter snow has never been a common occurence anywhere I have lived. It is special because of its rarity. It is beautiful and awesome to watch coming down from the clouds. The wonder of the flakes - either large or small - and the knowledge that each one is different, unique. The transformation of your surroundings when they are covered in white. The fun that can be had while it lasts when the snow piles up on the ground. It brings back memories of snows past and dreams of snows to come.

Boxes upon boxes . . .

have been unpacked. Our belongings are moved. We are settling in. A new home, a new job, a new chapter in our life. Most of the boxes are unpacked (hallelujah for that!). School has resumed, and we are beginning to adjust to our new domain.

Thanksgiving and Christmas are on the way. There are plans to make and things to buy. Plenty to do, but after all of this unpacking, I just want to be in our new home. This morning when I got up it was barely snowing. By the time we left for church it was snowing a little more. I heard at church today that it is early for snow here. It was a nice change from the rain we had yesterday. As I filled the gas tank on the way home from church, the wind was COLD. It reminded me of a day, almost nine years ago now, when I came to visit OBT in Ohio before we got married. There was snow on the ground, but the wind was what got you. It cut through you like a knife! Bundle up; winter is on the way. Snowballs, snowmen, warm coats, and hot chocolate will be in order. Let it snow!!

Making Progress

Good News!!!

This is the start of the message from OBT in my inbox today. Yeah! We are really going to OH now. Next week we close, and the movers will be here. We are going-to-be packed up and ready to go! Faster than expected and none too soon.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow . . .

Waxing or Waning?

S and I have been keeping track of the moon phases for the month of October. Each night before she goes to bed, we go out and look for the moon. She then draws what she sees on her calendar for that day's date. This is part of our Apologia Astronomy studies for the year.

When we can't find the moon before bedtime, we head on over to moongiant and look up the moon the next day.

Click here to see an interesting video that helps to explain the phases of the moon and why we see what we see.

If you're still with us, enjoy this song which we will be listening to soon!

TOG Y1U1 Celebration

In addition to the Onion Incident, we also looked over Sarah's accomplishments for the first nine weeks of Tapestry today. As I displayed all of the books we have read, S remarked, "Wow, I didn't know that I had read so many books." Little by little, day by day. S and I also did several hands-on activities which we are really enjoying this year. That is one of her favorite parts of school. Here is her Ancient Egyptian paddle doll,

her pyramid which Leora helped her build,

and her shofar was in the first picture of the last post. For some reason I did not get a picture of her ziggurat. I will try to do that later and post a picture here.

The Onion Incident

Attention, FV Readers! A crime was committed today.

At our house all was well

as we prepared to celebrate,

and then it happened.

THE ONION INCIDENT.

It reduced my girls to tears.

There is a price to pay for that.

The punishment must fit the crime.

After being chopped to pieces and put in the pot, there were no more tears and we ate you up!

So excited!

OBT called today to let me know that we may be moving into our new house sooner than expected. After being mad at him today for not being here to help me out with the many things I have to do, I am now so happy. Even if we have no furniture, I don't care. Just to be where he is and soon - that is all I'm asking at the moment.

Tag, You're It!

Thanks to Life in Wakefield, we've been tagged. Requirements are listed above.

1. I have lived in HI, but I don't remember it.

2. I went to, at the time, the largest high school in the state.

3. I have always had a passion for butterfly rearing.

4. I do not like bananas - no matter how hard I try.

5. Being married to a preacher is a great blessing and also a challenge at times. He is my best friend, and I thank God for sending him into my life always.

6. Spring is my favorite season.

7. I enjoy Broadway musicals.

NOW FOR OTHER BLOGS:

http://lots2photo.blogspot.com/

http://journeyingwithjoy.blogspot.com/

http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/PBHeartSchool

http://kackzoo.blogspot.com/

http://oldbaptist-savedbygrace.blogspot.com/

http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/teacupsinthegarden

Another one?

Yesterday while munching on an apple Sarah's wiggly tooth came out. This makes five that she has lost this year. Her two baby front teeth are gone, but a new one is already making its way into the world. Now she is missing a bottom one too.

Moving forward

This past week we went back to OH to look at houses again. As we have crossed houses off of our list for one reason or another, we keep hoping to find something that is going to work. There have been moments when it seemed like it just was not going to happen. There have been times when we have really hated being apart and not knowing how much longer things would be like this. There have been moments when we have felt hopeful and strong too.

In all of this we have been doing our best to trust in the Lord and NOT to lean on our own understanding. After all, God has not given us a spirit of fear. He loves us, cares for us. We have felt our faith being tried and I have commented at times that I do not like it much even though it is for my good. Then this week - a house that looks like it is going to work, and even before finding it I have peace. I have peace in the midst of economic chaos in the housing market at present. I have peace as we go through the paperwork to obtain another house before our TN house sells. Peace that surpasseth understanding.

Family togetherness is a great blessing taken for granted by those who are always in one another's company. We who have not always had that know. Absence does make the heart grow fonder. When we are apart, we long to be back together again. Sooner rather than later.

I thank God that the price on the OH house we are buying has been reduced. I thank God that we are approved for a loan and feel that we can afford to do this. I thank God for OBT's new job and his ability to continue to work at his old job still too. I thank God for reliable cars while we are on the road so much these days. I thank God for our family and for the times when we are together. I thank God that He has been with us and will never forsake us. He is good, and His mercy is everlasting.

Life goes on

This week my parents have been helping out, and a big help they are. The house hunt continues. For a buyer's market, so far we are finding that the sellers are not willing to just give away their houses. Can't say that I blame them. We being possible buyers and sellers are not willing to just give away our house either.

We are still looking. The decision of buying a home ought not to be rushed. These things take time. In the meantime we are carrying on with work and school and whatnot.

House hunting

Here OBT and I are back in OH again. Him for work and me to scout out the area and help him house hunt. We have looked at houses and narrowed down locations. We are ready to settle down up here. Has our other house sold? Almost, but as I say, "almost doesn't count." We are walking out on faith here as we prepare to buy another house. Easier said than done. Life is not always the way we want it to be.

We would much prefer that our house be sold but are not willing to wait an indeterminable amount of time until then. In the meantime we are walking by faith. Doing our best to trust the Lord in spite of ourselves. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. He gave His all for me. What am I going to give for Him?

Last week

Our family including OBT's parents went to MO to see OBT's grandmother. A long drive in the car there and back meant that we got to see Gigi in her new home. While there we also visited the Wilson Creek Battlefied, swam (always on the list when we are on vacation), went to the playground, and visited the IMAX complex to see "Greatest Places".

Now we are home again and getting ready for another OH trip - just L and OBT this time. We are getting ready to make an offer on a house. OBT is now the interim pastor for a church in VA through the end of the year besides working in OH during the week and still in TN on Fridays. A lot of time on the road.

We look forward to the day when we can all be together all of the time again and lean on the Lord the best we can in the meantime. At church last Sunday the sermon was just what I needed to hear. Life is full of hills and valleys, up's and down's, but our Lord is always there and the end oftentimes is so much better than we ever could have expected. We keep praying that the Lord's will be done and try to discern it as best we can.

There was a possibility that our house was going to sell, but that door is closed and the answer is "no". We move forward - still trusting and still trying to make the best decisions financially and for our family with the Lord as our Helper and our Strength.

A few weeks ago

Our family has talked about going back to the Cumberland County Playhouse, and a few weeks ago we did - for the weekend. We saw "Smoke on the Mountain: Homecoming", and it was fantastic. Only about an hour from home, the CCP is a special place that we enjoy visiting.

Too much for me

Our house is up for sale. We are making an offer on a house with eight acres in OH. OBT is spending days away from us. I am on my own with the children more than usual. Is all of this the Lord's will? Where does he want us to be? How soon does he want us to be together? Do we need the place that we are possibly buying? Will our house sell and when? It is too much for me.

I am trying to lean on the Lord but finding myself not very good at it at times. Why are my moods so connected with the up's and down's of this life? Steadfast. That's the goal, but I find myself far from it many times. 'God, help me' is often my silent prayer. Increase my faith, Lord. I especially feel my need for you You right now.

Home again

OBT started his new job last week, and we ended up going with him to look for houses. We found one possibility: eight acres with a four bed, two bath house on it. It is out away from any cities or big towns. Even Wal-mart would be 30 minutes away (that is about how far Wal-mart is to us now so not really a big change). We are considering the country life. I've never lived on eight acres in my life so this would be a big change.

OBT is going to look at some more houses this week, but my spending days on end in OH with no car while Daddy works is not an option. Trust me. I know. It is a recipe for disaster. Guaranteed.

The TN house is up for sale too. Please keep us in your prayers that it would sell and sell soon if that is the Lord's will.

Movies

In my previous post, you can see the trailer for "Fireproof", the latest movie by Sherwood Baptist, makers of "Facing the Giants" and "Flywheel", both of which we have recently watched. If "Fireproof" is anything like these two forerunners, then we are in for another powerful movie. These movies really do make you laugh, cry, and think about the way that you live and who you are living for. Come and see.

"Fireproof"

He careth for you

"A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps." Proverbs 16:9

Troy accepted the job offer in OH last week and will start his new job next Monday. The realtor came today, and our house will soon be up for sale. With so many changes going on in our life right now, it is unsettling at times. The "what if's?" start coming fast.

TRUST. That is what we are supposed to do. WALK BY FAITH. Sometimes those things seen really hard to do.

Then today while reading to Leora about Joseph in her Bible lesson, this verse appears: "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." He CARETH for you. He careth for YOU.

Thank you, Lord. I needed that reminder especially right now. You care for me.

Direction

OBT had a job interview this week for a job in OH. Please keep us in mind and pray that we will make the right decision should he get an offer. Thanks!

Beaming!

An e-mail that I received from my Medical Transcription instructor gave me great joy after stressing out over doing my best on my assignments along with everything else that needs to get done. Here is what she said:

Hi, Lepidoptera! I have your reports graded and the scores recorded online. Your scores were probably the best I’ve seen for the first time, so good for you! There were just a few minor things, but I’m sure those will be worked out in no time. I will get these mailed to you in the morning. Have a good week!

Go to the ant!

We have been listening to a Judy Roger's CD called "Teach Me While My Heart is Tender" just about every day since it arrived. If you are not familiar with her music, go to her website where you can listen to samples of the songs. If you have children, rush right over there and check it out now. We have been very pleased and are already learning some of the songs. Thank you, MT, for recommending this music to us!

Recent happenings

This week the LP actually took some interest in potty-training and went ALL BY HIMSELF!

Lepidoptera: That's great, son! That's really, really good. Mommy is so happy that you pee-peed in the potty all by yourself!

LP: It's amazing!

Yes, it really was, and we are still waiting for his next amazing performance.



Today we were cleaning the house and getting ready for company. Sarah's new chore has been sweeping this summer. Requirement: the kitchen floor under the table (where food is likely to be dropped on a regular basis). Today a new assignment - sweep the entire kitchen floor. As she sweeps, I busy myself with the changing of the bedsheets and hear Sarah and Leora's (who is unloading the dishwasher) discussion in the kitchen.

Sarah: Oh, I am worn out. I have worked so hard.

Leora: I am worn out too.

Lepidoptera arrives on the scene to admonish her dds that life is not so bad: Who do you think has swept all of the floors in the house in the past? Who is going to sweep most of the other floors in the house today, not one, but several, when you are finished sweeping?

Sarah: I didn't know that you worked so hard.

Hmmm, what did she think that I did all day?

What's in your backyard?

While perusing our backyard one fine day, what did we discover? Tadpoles. A bunch of tadpoles. They are living in a water cooler full of rain and doing very well. When we go outside, they are a source of great interest now for the whole family. We have never had tadpoles before! Do you know what they eat?

A moonbow?

Sarah and I completed the Which Way USA? Kentucky book recently, and we both learned about the moonbow, a rare sight sometimes seen at the Cumberland Falls State Resort Park. It's the only place in North America where a moonbow happens regulary.

VA update

Mt. Olive asked OBT to be their interim pastor from September through December of this year, and he has accepted. Please keep us in your prayers as we will be making several trips back and forth in the coming weeks. Please also pray for this church as we seek to serve them to the best of our ability.

Back to school

OBT and I have been talking and praying for some time about finding something that I could do here at home. Something besides what I am already doing here at home. Because of this I have signed up for a medical transcription course through Gatlin Education Services which should last through December. This is the first step. After course completion we'll see where it takes us.

Going back in time (Day Two)

On Day Two we toured the Capitol building and heard a speech by Patrick Henry. Later in the week we also spent some time at the playground and went to Jamestowne Settlement with friends. This picture would be the Capitol building.

Mr. Patrick Henry

Having fun at the playground

Leora and the LP's favorite part of our vacation - the shuttlebus rides!

Jamestowne Settlement Visitors' Center

An inside view of one of the Powhatan Indian houses

The Susan Constant, Godspeed, and Discovery

LP trying on the armor at the fort. It fit him about as well as King Saul's fit David.

Lunch with friends

Going back in time (Day One)

The first part of June our family visited Williamsburg and Jamestown, VA. Here are pictures from Day One at Colonial Williamsburg - Revolutionary City. We toured the Governor's Palace.

Sarah helped grind cacao beans into chocolate in the kitchen.

Note the bamboo-like, Asian-inspired chair (not real bamboo) in the children's bedroom.

The wallpaper in this room was made of leather with gold painted onto it.

Lunch was at Josiah Chowning's Tavern.

Sarah visited with Susannah, the Governor's daughter.

Leora and LP relaxed back at the condo.

Breakfast Cookies

A while back I posted about Cassandra and her breakfast attempts. Now I will post about something else. OBT's mother is an avid fan of both HSN and QVC. Because of that we have been blessed with her purchases over the years. Our latest blessing is breakfast cookies. Yes, you heard me right. Cookies for breakfast. Erin Baker's Breakfast Cookies nonetheless. They're all natural, easy as pie, and even the children enjoyed them. Check them out or give them a try!

Recent conversations

While we were in VA, we had to visit the pool. It is a must when we are on vacation. One of the things we do. There was a kiddie pool just right for the waders where we stayed too. When Case heard Cassandra talking about the kiddie pool, he later asked, "Are we going back to the cat pool?". The answer to that is, "Yes, we did."

Last weekend we were in AL, and Charity told Cassandra, "Don't kiss me on the mouth. That would be marryish." Now you know.

Listen to the . . .

Today is our first full day back at home from VA, and this morning as I was sitting in the sunroom waiting for the children to wake up and doing a little praying and thinking in the quietness of the morning what do I see but a second nest in our butterfly bush (which is taller than me and shades our sunroom very well). Cassandra joined me, and we talked a while. Then I asked her if she had noticed the nest. No, she had not. I asked her if she could see the tail feathers sticking out of the nest. No, she did not. As we drew closer to see them up close, the mother bird noted our approach and vacated the premises, but before she left the scene I saw that it was none other than our state bird - the mockingbird. This is the first time I've seen a mockingbird nest and because it is in the sunroom which we do not frequent this time of the year (too hot!) I am in hopes that she will raise her babies and not abandon them before they hatch so I can watch from afar through the glass.

Going to VA

We are going to VA this weekend for Troy to preach again. Then we are staying in VA for a week's family vacation. Williamsburg. I have longed to return and bring my family to you. I had not expected it to happen so soon. Williamsburg. We are coming your way soon.

Things I have learned

At almost the end of our kindergarten school year, I have been thinking a lot about what we have learned. As I look back over the things we have studied, I am reminded that we have covered a lot of ground in a school year's time. From history, science, the Bible, reading, writing, and arithmetic, Cassandra knows a lot more than she did this time last year.

What is the most important thing that I have learned this year? It should have been obvious. Something that I should have already known. T-E-A-M-W-O-R-K. To work with my daughter and not against her. To help her when she needs help. That we are on the same team (How did I ever forget that?).

The blessings of the Lord

In one of the "Why I Like Spring" pictures you will see an almond which I am very excited about. OBT and Sarah planted two flowering almond trees in our yard two years ago. This year we have ALMONDS on our trees!! I have eaten lots of almonds but never seen them growing on a tree - no, not ever. Needless to say this is all very interesting to me, and I am enjoying watching our almonds grow.

I'm an Anne Fan

Yes, I've been an Anne fan for quite some time. It all started way back when "Anne" was on Wonderworks on PBS long, long ago. Then I read the books, and I have never been the same since then. Have you heard that they are making a prequel based on L.M. Montgomery's books about Anne? I'm excited; how about you?

"Anne of Green Gables: A New Beginning"
http://www.anneofgreengables.com/

Why I like Spring

Living life

In our absence from the blog we have been living life. A visit to Grandpa and Grandma's following Grandma's hysterectomy. She is doing extremely well and back on the go herself these days. A trip to VA and AL for dh to preach in those places. School, work, days at the park with our friends, trips to the library, etc. (that etc. covers a lot).

Thoughtful questions

Sarah: Are we going to die?

Leora: How can Jesus forgive sins?

These girls are asking tough questions, and I am answering them the best I know how. God grant me the wisdom to teach my children the truth of His word.

Happy Birthday!

The Little Prince recently celebrated his third birthday. He continues to be a source of joy to all those around him.

A great fan of things that go -

Happy Birthday, little one!

What are we hoping for? The opposite thereof

"Poor Lilly! Europe to her was all 'things'. She had collected trunks full of objects to carry home, but of the other collections, which do not go into trunks, she had little or none. Her mind was as empty, her heart as untouched as ever; the beauty and the glory and the pathos of art and history and Nature had been poured out in vain before her closed and indifferent eyes."

What Katy Did Next by Susan Coolidge

Old Baldy Top gets sick.

Old Baldy Top is working hard and getting sick.

I contracted the flu virus or something like it yesterday and came home really sick.

Please pray for me. I have medicine now after seeing doctor today and am hoping to make full recovery soon.

Hairy

Last fall Leora said that she would be Hairy's mother. With Lepidoptera's help, Leora took good care of Hairy until he made a cocoon to overwinter in. This very week something told Hairy that it was time to emerge. Thankfully Leora noticed him Thursday morning, and so we postponed breakfast for Hairy's release.

Now Hairy is a moth, and it turns out that he is a girl (the antennae determine the gender for moths) so Leora renamed her Polly. We took Polly outside and left her container open so that she could leave when ready. We checked on her a couple of times that day and by evening she had flown the coop.

We are now waiting and hoping that Tiger will come out of his chrysalis too.

Florida in February

Warmer weather, time with friends, and a church meeting - all good reasons to go to FL in February, and so we did. While we were there, our family enjoyed the Orlando Science Center. Where else can you pick oranges,

fly an airplane,

learn about robots,

invent,

build,

see dinosaurs up close and personal,

and be an archeologist all in one day?

A growing girl

Leora is good at explaining things. To me. How things ought to be. Just today Leora said that she was going to find out how tall she was now. With her hand, she measured, "one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten. Mommy, now I am ten pounds!".

Relationships

Leora: Sarah, you're my BEST friend!
Sarah, the older and somewhat wiser: Leora, you can't be friends with your SISTER.

Lepidoptera then steps in to enlighten Sarah that yes, sisters CAN and even ought to be friends.

Ever thankful and never the same

In regards to oncocytic variant of follicular thyroid carcinoma, (AKA Hurthle cell carcinoma), this is a potentially extremely aggressive tumor and has, in a number of patients, been responsible for their deaths. It is not uncommon that I am sent patients with their Hurthle cell thyroid cancers widely metastatic throughout their body, yet their original tumor pathology had been characterized as "minimally invasive". The minimal standard of care for such tumors is to have a TOTAL thyroidectomy, followed by appropriate and diligent radioiodine ablation and long-term followup scanning, in addition to thyroglobulin assessments and anatomical imaging at appropriate intervals (see message #2552).

************ **PLEASE BE ADVISED***** ********* *******
THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS COMMUNICATION IS INTENDED FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. IT IS NOT INTENDED, NOR SHOULD IT BE CONSTRUED, AS SPECIFIC MEDICAL ADVICE OR DIRECTIONS. ANY PERSON VIEWING THIS INFORMATION IS ADVISED TO CONSULT THEIR OWN PHYSICIAN(S) ABOUT ANY MATTER REGARDING THEIR MEDICAL CARE.
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Kenneth B. Ain, M.D.Professor of Medicine & The Carmen L. Buck Chair of Oncology ResearchDirector, Thyroid Oncology ProgramDivision of Endocrinology & Molecular MedicineDepartment of Internal Medicine, Room CC448University of Kentucky Medical Center, 800 Rose Street, Lexington, KY 40536-0093& Director, Thyroid Cancer Research Lab., Veterans Affairs Med. Cntr, Lexington, KY
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Remotely Connected to Austen

A fun find I came across today:

http//www.pbs.org/nights/blog/2008/02/the_complete_jane_austen_pride_2.html

Be sure to look for all of the Complete Jane Austen guest blogs. Enjoy!

It's math, you see

Lately Sarah's math lessons have been creative to say the least.

Sarah: Did you know that chocolate and green leaf equals light leaf?
Lepidoptera: No, I did not know that.

For those who are familiar with Math-U-See's http://www.mathusee.com/ block colors, you may understand. For those who are not, chocolate is eight, dark leaf would be one; and light leaf - that's nine.

The home executive

In our studies today we learned about the life of Mina Miller Edison, Thomas Edison's second wife. In a 1930 interview in "The American Magazine", Mrs. Edison noted that "The term housewife is the worst misnomer we have in our language. A married woman should be known as the home executive . . . A girl goes out into the world of business and gains a definite title of some sort -- secretary, stenographer, cashier, or bookkeeper. Think how insignificant and remote are her possibilities for constructive effort as compared to those within the reach of the woman who manages the home!"

Furthermore " . . . a home woman, to make a thorough going job of her home duties, Mrs. Edison believes, cannot be too well informed beforehand. Women, she said, should be educated in history, music, and art, not necessarily to perform, but to understand - for they must mingle with their husband's friends and with their own children."

Agree or disagree?

Breakfast dull?

If you are stuck in a rut when it comes to breakfast, come on over to our house where you never know what breakfast will be when Sarah is in the kitchen. Lately she has taken a liking to fixing breakfast for the family. Our daughter has some interesting ideas of what a meal like that should be. One morning it was crackers and candy. On another crackers and cookies. Crackers seem to be a recurring theme for breakfast.

Now I know that there are some who would rejoice at the thought of such like, but I must admit that I am not one of them. Candy and cookies have their proper place, and breakfast is just not it. I am very thankful that she wants to help, and with guidance this week we even made one of her favorite breakfasts (NOT crackers) - cheese grits. Keep on cooking, Sarah. It is such a joy to watch you grow.

Roanoke Trip

Troy preached at Mt. Olive last Sunday in Roanoke, VA. We enjoyed our stay and got to sight-see a little on Saturday night. We did not know that our hosts were taking us to see the largest man-made star found only in their hometown.

The Mill Mountain star stands eighty-eight and a half feet tall. It uses 2000 feet of neon tubes and 17,500 watts of power. It's best appreciated at night, but before midnight, because that's when Roanoke goes to bed and turns the star off.