we're going to jail

My boys found these birds outside. Thinking they were helping they caught them and put them in a box. They have been feeding and watering them. I went online to see how we can really help these birds and to make sure they can not transmit diseases to my boys. Well, apparently it is illegal to have any wild birds, injured or not. Yikes, anyone want to post our bail?

-Becky

two weeks into this nightmare

Today (Sunday, not Monday) my mom, brother Kevin, and boys went to a different church.

Then we all, plus my stepfather, Scott, Eric's girlfriend, Karrie, and my sister, Samantha went to Eric's to eat lunch, clean, and take care of the dogs. It was my job to clean the bathroom. I did get the job done (except the tub.) But it was so hard. I had to question everything. "Should I throw away his used tooth brush?" "Can I let these used q-tips go as they were used by Eric?" I know ridiculous, but still hard.

I am so surprised at the immense amount of energy it takes me to get through the day. Some days, it is all I can do to get up, and see that the boys are fed and entertained and safe.

I have ambitions to do other things, but they do not happen.

I am still in physical therapy 3 times a week for an hour and a half. I go about half an hour away and it is in the am, this is good as it gets me out of bed. Other days I stay in bed as long as I can. This has been a struggle my entire adult life as I am by nature a night person. So I love sleeping in. But sleeping in till 9am may be ok, till 2pm or 3pm, scary. In addition I am having trouble falling asleep, sometimes I am still up at 3am or 4 am.

My friends, Leighanne, Joanna, and Monica have been amazing in taking my boys alot. They have even assured I have been cared for as well. Others have made offers of food and childcare. It is all so appreciated.

Still my heart is very sad and angry right now and it is affecting how I interact with the boys. I am yelling at them for almost everything they are doing. Even stuff that kids just do. Please pray as they deserve so much better.

I am not drawing closer to God. I am backsliding. I am trying to fill this void that I know only He can fill with food, sleep, and even a past relationship. I need to find a way back to Him, yet I feel stuck.

Pray that I have motivation to spend time with Him, even if I have to do it in bed (since I like it there so much. lol.) It is so weird in that I know the right thing to do, spend time with God, yet it is so hard to actually do it.

Thanks again for all your prayers, love, and support.

-Becky

where do I live?

I am living in this weird state of alternative universe lately.

The day my brother died I ended up sleeping at my mom's. My brother, Kevin, and I slept on her couches (sorry, Kev, that I took the bigger one.) I think I fell asleep about 3 am, and woke about 6 or 7. When I woke up I was pretending it was Christmas morning. That would rationalize why I was sleeping at my mom's. Like we were all just there to celebrate.

Then when that didn't work in my mind I just kept praying it was all a mistake and they were going to resuscitate Eric at the hospital. Or maybe God would raise him as Jesus did with the sleeping child or Lazarus.

I guess now I realize he is dead and is not going to come back to us. Yet, still my mind is all jumbled. I am living in this fantasy world. I really do not know what day or time it is. I feel half asleep half the time, fully asleep the other half. Plus I am really wishing I could run. Like take a trip alone where no one knows me or my real reality. Where I can create the truth of my life.

Please pray for my boys, I have not been fun in a long time, but this is worse. I am not even present for them. As I type Josh is calling me, yet it really just is annoying (he is supposed to be in bed, it is after 9.) It makes my ears hurt. I don't want to be responsible for myself let alone two boys who don't understand why there world is turned upside down.

I did take them swimming at a friend's yesterday and then to see UP. Today Scott took them to a fire drill competition. They enjoyed that. Then Jason went to his friends and Josh played in puddles and watched a movie. We got pizza for dinner (thanks Joanna for the pizza gift card.) But still I feel like I am watching all that and not actually participating in it.

I guess I am just trying to make any sense of my thoughts. Trying to understand if I am not living in reality, then where am I living?


-Becky

my favorite flowers

My friend, Lauren sent me this picture, she remembered these are my favorite flowers.

I already have everything I need

I was seriously in a state of pity today. I was wishing that I had a husband to take care of me and help me grieve. I was thinking if only I had someone to help me. Well, God almost hit me over the head with the reminder of the great support system I already have. I was sitting outside a friend's as she is having a writing class this summer for the kids. Many other friends of mine were there with their kids as well. I didn't want to go inside because I was so sad and didn't want to have to answer any questions about my feelings or my brother. But after 45 min. sitting in the car I was so overwhelmed with God reminding me that I already have so many to help me through, some of whom were inside the house right now. So I went in and sat and talked and didn't talk, and thankfully no one asked me anything about my brother. At one point a friend just grabbed my hand, that was so helpful. No words, just love. I did share a bit about Eric when I wanted, which was so nice.
So again I am so thankful that I already have the support I need in my family and friends.

I still am sad, but reminded that I am not alone. I know I am loved and can literally feel that in the kind words, gestures, and prayers of others.

-Becky

depression makes me spend

Please continue to lift my family in prayer as we are all grieving my brother Eric.

For me specifically I have spent about $400 in the past two weeks that was not planned for. Actually right now my freedom account should be $1,200, but it is a little over $400. Yikes! Depression makes me spend money, this is not good. Especially since as of right now I do not have a job. I may get to go back to my office job, but am unsure at this time. Plus I am not ready. I hope to go back to my Sat. night babysitting job soon.

I just balanced all my checking and savings accounts so I know where I stand. I also put my 2 debit cards away, so they will not be in my wallet to tempt me. I may freeze them in ice as a further deterrent. At least I have no debt and money in savings, but I don't want to waste that money at all.

I do not need anything, so I do not need to spend any money at all. It just feels good for a bit, but it does not really fix anything. I know I need to give this emptiness to the Lord, but sometimes this fact escapes my brain.

Today I still feel in such a fog, but at least I am not as angry as I was yesterday. That was actually scary as I was ugly inside.

Thanks again for all your comments, emails, calls, thoughts, and prayers. I do feel the love so to speak.

-Becky

Eric the skater

Eric has been skate boarding since he was about 10 years old. He was pretty good at it as well.

Watch some of Eric's skate videos

How quickly the world changes

Last Sunday I was so excited as I drove myself to church. (First time driving in about 11 weeks.) I am still in a walking boot, but I had started physical therapy and my physical therapist said I could try and drive. After church I took my boys to a friend's to go swimming.

All the while I was calling my brother to see if he was with my other brother. It wasn't until about 4:00pm I realized they were not together. This did not sit well with me. I then began searching for my brother. I tried to make it fun, stopping for ice cream for the boys so they would not sense my apprehensions.

The sinking feeling I had inside was right on. Sunday night about 8:30pm Kevin discovered that Eric was gone. Kevin tried to get to me as quick as he could, but my cousin arrived at my home first. All of a sudden my house was a flurry of activity filled with cousins, friends, and my pastor. It didn't really make any sense.

It still does not make any sense. Here it is Sunday again. I don't really know what happened to the past week. I recall some sleeping, some tears, hugging about 200 people, some I had never met. Was it a dream that some family and friends loaded Eric into a hearse and someone drove him away? When are they bringing him back?

I feel like I am in the twilight zone. I feel sick and numb, yet so angry inside. I don't want to be around anyone, including my boys. All the joy I have ever known is gone.

I don't want to go outside and see the sun shining. I don't want to hear people chatter about this and that. I want to scream and make this nightmare all go away.

-Becky

Last Family Shot

My siblings and I with my mom Sept. 2008. We all threw her a 50th surprise birthday party. Eric (31) is to the far left. Samantha(19) is to the far right. My mom (50) is in the middle. My brother, Kevin (27) & I (28) are behind my mom.

Obituary

Eric
(Asbury Park Press)

ERIC
AGE: 32
Eric , age 32, went to be with the Lord Sunday. He was a Carpenter with the Carpenters Local Union 2250. He enjoyed using his skills to improve his own home. Born in Long Branch he was a lifelong resident of the shore area. He had many interests including surfing, and motorcycle riding. He loved adventure and daring challenges. Most of all he loved spending time with his friends. Skateboarding was a passion since Eric was 10 years old. Traveling was another passion venturing cross country many times.
Waiting for him in Heaven are his Brother Adam in 1987, his cousin Cristie in 2006 and his Maternal Grandfather Joseph. Eric will be missed by many. He is survived by His Girlfriend, Karrie; His Mother, Jeannette; His Brother, Kevin; His Sisters, Rebecca, and Samantha; two nephews, Jason and Joshua; 3 Step Fathers, Fred John, Garrett, and Scott; Maternal Grandmother, Jean; Many cousins, aunts, uncles, family and friends, and most importantly 2 Dogs, Lemmy and Bullet.

In Lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy may be directed to the Eric Memorial Fund Attention David Rey Surf Rider Foundation at P.O. Box 6010 San Clemente CA 92674 or at www.surfriderfoundation.org

Worse Day Ever

Sunday we discovered my older brother, Eric, had passed away. He was only 32 years old. My family is in complete agony. Please pray for us all, especially my mom.

Viewing is Thur 2-4 & 7-9.

Service is Fri. at 11:00am.

We all need prayer during the above times. Thanks!

-Becky

I am so sad

No one has yet to enter my contest. I am so sad. Please help me feel love by entering my contest below. It is free for you to do so. -Becky

Win a wallet!!!

open wallet with space for bills, checkbook, and cards, change part is on outside















I just got in the mail the coolest checkbook wallet. The best part is that it was made by a stay at home, Christian, homeschooling mommy. She makes wallets, cloth diapers, cloth mama pads, and burp clothes. I have personally seen a sample of all of these items and they are great. I use her mama pads and friends use her cloth diapers and burp clothes on their babies.

I decided that since I like her work so much and that I think she is super nice I am going to have my first ever contest.

To win a wallet from Primm n Proper Baby go to this site or this site and check out all Meaghan's products. Then leave me a comment on this post about your favorite product of hers or some product you might like to try and then if you have a blog post on it about my contest and a link to this post. If you do not have a blog email three friends a link to my blog post (this will be on the honor system.)

So to recap:
1) Go to this site or this site
2) look over it
3) go back to this post, leave a comment about something you think you'd like from Primm n Proper baby
4) post about my contest on your blog with a link to my blog or if you don't have a blog email three friends a link to my post

I will choose a winner when I have 25 comments or by July 10th whatever comes first!!!

-Becky

Life Lessons from Regina Brett age 90

Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio

"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written."

My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.

16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood.

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's,we'd grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

42. The best is yet to come.

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield.

45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."

My job

I work in an office 6-12 hours per week (one or two days.) I have been out of work 10 weeks as of tomorrow. I had told my boss before the surgery I would try to get back as soon as possible, perhaps even getting a ride to work before I was able to drive myself.

Today I called to let him know I was still unable to drive, and he told me if I can't come back by Fri. of next week, then he will have to hire someone else as my work is piling up. I understand he needs someone to do the Fri. work, but I had asked this other girl in my office to work Fri.'s while I was out. She said she could do every other. But apparently she has been using that time to catch up on her work, and my stuff is still not done.

I have one job that takes 2-3 hours a week, but apparently it has not been done in May or June at all, so it is 14-21 hours of work waiting for me. My boss needs it done because I input paid claims, so now he is unsure if we need to refile any claims that we have not been paid for. I asked my mom to take me to work the next two Fri.'s so I don't lose my job.

I guess it just got me a bit overwhelmed thinking of what I am going back to. Plus my ankle is not fully healed, so I am limited in what I can do. But my boss said I will only do phones and claims (that I can do sitting) for awhile.

For next two weeks I will be working Fri. 8:30am-3:30. In July and August I will be working Mon. 9:00-2:00 and Fri. 8:30-3:30. Except I am off the first week of August for our church Vacation Bible School.

My mom is going to watch the boys Fridays for me. I need to ask my friends to each take 1 of the 8 Mondays there are in the summer. I did this last year and it worked out ok.

I also will go back to work Sat. nights for July. My mom also watches the boys when I work Sat. nights as well.

I am so fortunate to have such a wonderful support group in my family (especially my mom), church family and friends.

-Becky

God meets my needs so much better than I ever could

I am really struggling with not buying anything. I have no more disposable money (not that I ever really did.) We don't really need anything, but still I go online and see things I "have" to get. Good thing for me I moved all my money out of any available accounts. I should have done this months ago, so I would not have spent about $2,000 not budgeted for since March (although I did buy the trampoline with that money and my boys love it.)

However I still have:
-all my bills are paid until end of June including July rent
-quick emergency fund (that I can get to that day)
-additional emergency fund of 6 months worth of income
-10% to put down on house I may be buying
-money for lawyer and costs associated with buying house (inspection, etc.)
-freedom account (to last 1 year) (actually I owe this account $400, so it is not fully funded.)

All of this is only possible because of God. He has blessed us so in the past few years. This reminds me instead of perusing the internet for stuff I should spend that time with the Lord!!! And to give thanks for all I already have, which is too much as is.

I see so many people struggling with paying the bills and I don't have that stress. I am in tears about how much this blesses my heart not to stress about money. And it also should give you hope. I am a single mom. I work 10-15 hours a week (when I am not on crutches) and still God has made a way for us. We have a home we love, a running car, plenty of food, so many things. But we also have time together. I get to spend many hours a day with my kids. I know sometimes I need a break from them, but still I greatly enjoy most of the time I get to be with them. We do go without some wants, but we have EVERYTHING we ever need, and so much more. We even usually take a trip or two each year (camping is a favorite.) I can not say it enough that God is amazing!!!

I do need to come up with:
$400 owe freedom account
money to buy a new pillow
$300 additional in homeschool stuff by Aug. (including co-op insurance and Home School Legal Defense dues, and a few more books.)

I should be able to use my Sat. job money for this stuff, once I actually go back to work.

What are your financial goals; or how has God blessed you financially lately?

-Becky

lazy day

It is a rainy sort of day. Jason and I are lazing around. He has already done all his schoolwork, except reading (he does this at bed.) I think we are going to do some chores and then maybe bake some corn muffins. yum!

-Becky

I so want this

Today's special value at QVC is this solar fountain that I love.
I don't need it so I am not buying it, but it is cool.

-Becky




p.s. also on my wish list:
new pillow-I want a memory foam one
Sonic Care toothbrush
hammock for yard that kids and I can lay on
solar power lights for backyard
sushi kit, so I can make my own sushi

I will save for this stuff and if I still want it when I have cash in hand then I will look for good deals

Physical Therapy

I started physical therapy Mon. I have it 3x's a week for 6 weeks. After that I should be able to walk without any cast or boot and DRIVE!!! Yipee!!

I am so happy my recovering is going well and I don't need crutches anymore! The walking boot is ugly but so much better than crutches!

-Becky

Sort of turned day around to a happy ending

Joshua happily dipping a huge strawberry in chocolate











Well, after my pity party (which I am still not 100% over) the boys and I watched a family movie together (Enchanted, it is really cute.) Then we went outside and tried to start a fire in our fire pit. After several unsuccessful attempts we decided to try out the chocolate kit I got at the garage sale yesterday for $3 (brand new in the box.) It is a mini crock pot with lots of extras (dipping sticks, candy molds, etc.) As it warmed up the boys jumped together without incident on the trampoline. Then we dipped some of the fruit my mom brought over in the chocolate. It was delicious (and dinner by the way-I made a dinner type lunch around 2:00, so we decided fruit with chocolate was a good dinner.) The kids were happy, I was happy (maybe a little chocolate would have helped at 10am-lol.) Now Josh is in the shower and Jason is reading. It will be an early night so we can all have a fresh start tomorrow.

I do feel better for real though. Thanks for sharing my sad sort of day.

-Becky

Free Fruit

My mom & Scott just dropped by to drop off some fruit. That was very nice of them and we love fruit, but I was not in any mood to be hospitable. Now that is the exact opposite of what I want my home to be. I want my home to be warm and inviting. I want people to feel welcome and peaceful here. Because it is a mess though I feel embarrassed to have people over. Also my mood was far from calm and peaceful. Also whenever my mom is over we each try to convince her of the other's wrongdoings. Weird, I know. It's like I need someone on my side or something. But so do my boys. AHHHHH!!!
I feel like I am going crazy. I am very emotional today. I still feel half asleep, plus my stomach hurts (which I think is from stress.)

Yes, once again I am a big baby. Sorry about all the whining.

-Becky

DNA for lying

My saga continues. I found a sugar daddy lollipop eaten (if was being saved for Jason, but not in am.) I asked boys who ate it. They both denied it. Well, I know I didn't eat it so one of them had to. I said then I am going to take the stick and wrapper and get some DNA testing done on it. They curiously asked what that was. I explained that by the saliva on the stick they could determine who had eaten it. I also told them it was very expensive and that I would have to sell the person who lied's DS lit or DSi. I said I was going to give them 60 seconds to tell me the truth. Well, Jason fessed up. He had eaten the lollipop. When I told him he was grounded, he said, "since when is lying something we get punished for?" Huh? Has he been living with me for 11 years? Have I really let lying slide? I have so much work to do with these two.
AHHHHHH!!!!!
-Becky

Different Tone

I try to be very upbeat and positive in this blog, however that is not always my reality. Today I am not upbeat and positive. Today I am a bit down. I have not been to a church service in weeks. I still can not drive and have serious cabin fever. I hate relying on people to take me everywhere (although I appreciate them all so much, I also feel like I am imposing on them.)

I am upset with my kids. They do not listen to me or respect me. I hate yelling, but feel like I do it all to often.

Last night after yard sale we went to our friends down the street (they picked us up.) The kids went swimming and played and we had dinner there. We always all have a good time together, yet the nights we do spend together tend to be late nights. As much fun as we have it is always really hard on my kids going to bed that night and then getting up next day.

Well, Jason's room is a mess. He had friends over the other day and it still is not clean. Their room is very small (7' x 11'), so they have to keep it clean. Right now you can not even walk in there as legos cover the floor.
So I told Jason last night today when he gets up today he is to take his medicine, eat breakfast, and start cleaning up legos.

Now, there is where my flaw comes in, I like to sleep in. No, I love it. In my world my day starts at 10am. Anything before that and I can not be responsible for my actions (really.) Anyway this morning I heard the boys up around 9:00am (I was still in bed.) They are 11 and 6 so they can get themselves breakfast and hang out a bit while I sleep in (I wish anyway.) Well, I called to Jason to come to my room. He did. I said, "you are supposed to be working on your room." He said, "It's already done." Ok, great. I rolled over and half slept/half lazed in bed another hour.

Then around 10:00am I got up, but only to discover not only was Jason's room exactly like it was before, the living room was also trashed with the juice boxes and chips they had had for breakfast (they know that they are allowed to eat cereal, fruit, or oatmeal only in the am.) Ok, I lose it, still not fully awake I start screaming and more. Jason jumps into his bed knowing full well I can't reach him even if the room was spotless. This makes my blood boil. I literally am in tears and hating being a mother.

Now, this is where I realize (for the 100th or so time) that I can not sleep in, my boys always do the wrong thing when I do so and obviously they have no respect for me and I have no control over them. But now I don't want to do the right thing. I don't want to calmly do anything. I just want to scream. I want to jump out the window, hobble away (as I can barely walk, let alone run on this walking boot) and NEVER come back.

This parenting thing is hard. It is never about me. I try to make it fun for my boys. I try to be there for them. I try to enforce consequences and positive reinforcement. But it seems that when all is said and done they need so much more parenting than I am capable of.

I love the idea of being home with my boys and homeschooling and doing projects and learning with and from them. I actually think raising kids is the most important job.

But I do not love the talking back and lying and disrespect. It makes me feel so out of control, I just can't take it.

Right now I blog as I fear any response I give my kids will not be a Godly way to handle conflict. I am empty. I have not gone to God to fill me in so long. I am further away in my walk with Him than I have ever been (since I came to know Him.) This is no one's fault but my own. God desires to spend time with me everyday. He waits on me, He wants to fill me, yet I let other things fill that time. I know the answers to help me: daily time with God, daily time in prayer, daily exercise (once I can resume doing so), and daily routine that includes going to bed by 11pm, and getting up at 7am. It seem so simple, and when I do these things my life runs so much smoother. Yet still it is my life struggle to do these things.
I am selfish, I am a sinner. I want it my way, even though my way leads to destruction. And the worse part is my kids are paying the consequences of my sin.

I just told Jason I will be in his room at 1:30pm. If anything is on the floor still I will take it away for good. I was calm in telling him so. He tried to argue that his bed and shelves and such are on his floor and he can't do anything about that. I did not respond, yet restated I will be in there at 1:30 to take any items still left on the floor, then I asked him to leave my room. On his way out he tried to argue that Josh is not doing anything. I have Josh sitting in my bed, unable to play or anything for fighting with his brother and eating junk this morning. I did not respond to Jason at all.

I am not sure if throwing toys away as a consequence is right, but it is better than yelling or worse saying a bad word (which I also have been known to do.)

Please, I need prayer. Lots of it. Pray I would stick to the routine He wants for my life of daily time with him and a daily sleep routine. Pray my heart will be cleansed of all my selfish thoughts and my tongue speak only in love, not in anger.
I am trying to memorize James 1:19 "That we would be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry." Pray that that would be in my heart and mind.

Thanks!

-Becky

Exciting

Yesterday it rained so the church yard sale was off, but it was on today. They boys and I went about 9:00am. I was the cashier. We had a lot of donations. We made over $1,000 for the church building fund. That is exciting.

We are trying to replace our existing education space (we currently use an old house and large shed for classrooms.) We want to knock those down and add an addition to our church that would be used for classrooms. It would be a nice addition as the old house and shed are moldy and not very functionable.

We have had many new families join our church over the past few years (we now have about 100 families.) It has been wonderful as I love my church and feel it is such a family. The Holy Spirit is clearly their as well. The first time I ever walked into that church 11 years ago I felt so at peace.

I love being apart of the body at my church. I love teaching and would be so excited to have a nicer and roomier educational wing. So I am glad I was able to help with the yard sale fundraiser today.

-Becky

our homeschool shelves

I am so proud of myself yet again. I was able to clear off and redo these two shelves over past two days. I got rid of what we did not need. I organized all the boys summer and fall lesson stuff. I evaluated what we need in terms of glue, scissors, note cards, etc (by the way we need almost nothing, so it will be hard for me not to buy new school supplies in summer, they are a weakness of mine.)

Homeschool shelf. Top shelf devotions and lesson plan binders. Second shelf all Josh's summer stuff and fall stuff. Third shelf each child has own box of supplies (pencils, crayons, scissors, etc.) Fourth shelf, extra pencils, rulers, etc. Also Josh's magic school bus book set (I just bought this.) Fifth shelf, each child has lap desk. This is in our entertainment center. It has a glass door that closes, so I am going to get frosted contact paper to cover so the books and supplies will be hidden away when door is shut.





Homeschool shelf. Jason's stuff is all in middle. My goal is to get something enclosed to replace this shelf as it looks cluttered in our living room, but for now it does the job.

Jason doing work yesterday

One of the reasons why I love homeschooling is how much time we can take and the flexibility we have. Yesterday Jason had to do a math test. He asked if he could make all the answers out of model magic. Why not. So he got math and fine motor done in one activity. How fun.
Jason doing his work
answer to math problem

Prayer request

Please pray as my church is planning a yard sale as a fundraiser for our new building project. The yard sale is scheduled for today and tomorrow, but as of today it is pouring, so the sale is cancelled. Pray that tomorrow the weather is clear and that the sale provides a much needed boost to our fundraising efforts.

Thanks! -Becky

My thrill of the day

I just took a load of clothes out of the washer, put them in a laundry basket, then walked outside on my deck and hung them on the clothesline.

Big whoop you may be saying. I did it without crutches. Yippee!!! I am starting to walk. Praise the LORD!!!

On a side note someone gave me 6 bottles of cheap laundry soap as they got a front loader and could no longer use it, well I tried it and my clothes were less clean then they are with my homemade laundry soap. I had to run another load to get them cleaner. That is not frugal or fun.

-Becky

Mother's Day

Mom & I (crutches are the latest accessory this season.)
My family

June 2009 Budget

Income:
Jason $386 ($96.50 weekly)
Joshua $170 ($85 bi-weekly)

Total $556

Expenses:
*Tithe $ 58
Offering $ 42 (Compassion Child $32-due 15th / F.O.F. $10-due 15th )
*Rent $paid
*Car insurance $ 80 (due 13th )
Gas for car $ 71
*Allowance $ 64
Electric bill $paid
Gas bill $paid
*Phone $paid
Non groceries $ 30 (contact stuff, misc.)
Freedom account $200
*HSLD $ 11 (due 11th)

Total $556

I paid rent and utilities with surgery money as I am still not working. I have some money left from surgery money to buy food this month.