Yum!!!

I have been making menus and really planning our meals.  No eating out.  Everything from scratch.  Since we are trying to eat healthier and no HFCS, we can really only trust what I have been cooking.  Here is a yummy pizza.

Seth is the kitchen helper this week.  Something we started this year.  Seth or Garrett take turns being the kitchen helper.  That means help mom in the kitchen prepare breakfast, lunch or supper.  Seth loves it.  Garrett just does it. 

I made the pizza crust from scratch and pizza sauce from scratch.  It is delicious.

Finished product - It is yummy and very filling since it is whole wheat crust.

By the way, Seth was eating this pizza until our new anti-fungal diet.  Off limits.  This meal was a week or so ago but just now posting.

We eat snack every afternoon at 3:00.  I have planned out what they eat so they are making healthy choices.  Seth is eating a fruit kabob.  Who knew that eating fruit on a stick would be so fun.  They will sit and eat fruit for 30 minutes because they have a stick. 

 New rule at our house:  everyone eats the same thing, not fixing 4 different meals (Jeff and me, Seth's, Garrett's and Ella's) like it or not this is what you get.  Everyone has been a very good sport.  We like some things better than others but we are doing it.  Now of course, Seth is on his own plan.  It has made life harder due to making everything from scratch.  I live in the kitchen making and washing dishes.  But easier because everyone is eating good food.  I even can make bigger potions and freeze them. 

We have truly stepped out of our box.  We like junk and snacks. 

SPEAK!!!!

Garrett has been at a Forensic Camp for 3 days.  Speech and Debate.  Sounds no fun to me and not to Garrett either.

This is one of those things where your mom and dad said you had to do it.  No choices.  He was at camp from 9:00 to 6:00 everyday.  He moaned and groaned the entire week leading up to the camp.  After the first day, he was okay with it.  The last day they had to dress in shirt, tie, nice pants and shoes for the entire day. So again, all I heard Friday night was "MOM" do I have too?  It was also all day Saturday.  This didn't thrill him either.

The camp was a blast.  Parents had to be there as well so we could learn how to help the students once we do this in co-op.  Our plan is to form a team from our co-op to go and compete.  So we as moms and dads had to learn along with them so we know what to do to help prepare speeches and debates. 

He learned so much. 

When I signed him up, the lady kept saying be prepared what you are doing.  You are teaching your child to argue!!  Okay, I was ready for that.  Garrett does that anyway.  No really!  Get ready she said.  So here is our funny

Garrett comes home from camp.  He is exhausted.  He wants to play video games which are in Seth's room.  Garrett tries but Seth is saying no (not so nicely).  Garrett comes quickly to our room.  "Seth want let me play games - he pauses and stand straight and tall, puts his hands together and says - I believe I should be able to play video games because . . . he starte into his 3 points"  Jeff and I about lose it.  I did sign him up to learn how to argue. 

Garrett learned affirmative and negative.  He learned how to build a case and defend your case.  He had just finished 3 debate rounds before he came home.  So he really had to mentally of what he had learned and been doing all day for three days.    We about lost it. 

This is Garrett sitting down listening to his parner present his case.

This is what Garrett was working on - Big words - Big concepts - Big responsibility

He did great.

Just so you know,  the two young people who headed up the camp just finished a short film that they are trying to get released.  It is fantastic and amazing.  God can really work.  Young people can really accomplish great things.  The boy is 21 years old and the girl is 23 years old.  I am amazed with their maturity at such a young age.  They showed this movie at camp. 

Jericho Trailer

This is only the Trailer so not the whole thing.

Jessica (the girl that made the movie) shared that is took 40,000 still pictures to make the entire movie.  She said a good day, a day, was getting 10 minutes of film. 

The camp also showed this movie.  Garrett loved it.  Ha!  Who would have thought.

Twelve Angry Men

I want my child to be able to carry on a conversation with adults, look people in the eye, be very confident in what he speaks, and be able to share the gospel with others.  I hope this camp was just the beginning of those things. 

And the craziness of Seth continues . . .

This is what my cabinet looks like now.  The medicines for Seth.  We had a 6 month allergy Dr. appointment on Wednesday.  We came home with this.

4 medicines

breathing treatments morning and night

3 to 4 clorax baths by the time we come back Friday

Poor child.  I just hate to give him medicine but now 8 1/2 tsp of medicine morning and night.  Ahhhh!  My mommy gut is dying.  It is the hardest thing for me to do.  I know this is helping him but I also know that medicine is not good for your system.

Along with medicine, we are trying no HFCS, no corn products, (no) well reduced sugar, and I just added an anti-fungal diet(Phase One from Know the Cause website).  There are not many foods left to eat that meet these qualifications.  I have asked him to do this for 1 week until we go to the doctor for re-allergy test on Friday.  He is really in detox.  His body coming off of sugar is horrible.  He has no energy.  He is taking about 3 naps a day and lays around.  Thank the Lord he is homeschooled.

Small recap, had impetigo the first of August - on antibiotic

impetigo back again on the 14th - on antibiotic and a steroid and lotion

alleregy recheck on the 25th - dr was in shock - his body still was getting rid of the impetigo spots, breathing was wheezy, he had a rash from waist to face with a reaction to something

Now we go back to the doctor on the 3rd of Sept for alleregy retest - yes all the pricks in your back( we see a new doctor)

We have got to get to the bottom of this - he is miserable - we have been doing this since Kindergarten.  We have tried many avenues.  Seth is in the 5% that is alleregic to his alleregy shots.  His body can't handle shots.  What to do?  As a mom, I am not really happy about any of it.

Yesterday, we went and bought groceries.  Seth has his own shelf in the pantry. 

ps.  because he is on a steriod (high dose) he is starving - he can only eat certain foods - going to get pretty boring eating the same foods but we can do this

This mom is praying for healing of her child's body, strength to help him eat the right foods, strength to endure the moaning and groaning he gives me, encouragement to know that I am not alone, and a positive attitude

Thanks for being a good sport Seth.

 

Rockin' To Go Fish

This is the funniest thing. 

This is what happens to 4 year olds when they have big brother. 

Rock On!

5K and Fun Run

We had a great time today as a family.  We all went to the HGBC 5K and Fun Run.  The boys did the fun run

HA!  They were funny.  4 laps around the track.  Both boys finished.

Jeff and I getting ready.  He is such a great sport to do 5K even though he ran 6.2 miles last Sunday while he is beginning his training for the Half-Marothon again in Oct.

I am huffing and puffing and he is thinking this is a walk in the park.

I ran with my friend Marsha.  This was her first 5K.  We have talked about doing a 5K since February.  Nothing like waiting til August to get one done.

After the race.  Marsha did great pushing me to run and run and run.  We ran a trail run which was muddy, nasty, and hard

Our family after the race.  Can you believe my son is only 11.  It was a nice morning.

Don't worry - Marsha and I didn't leave Jeff out.  He ran with a high school friend - "Howie" while Jenn and Beckett did the Fun Run.

We had a great time. 

What is next?  Another 5K.  I still want to run the whole thing.  I beat my time today.  31:40.  First time 37:40.  Getting there.  Getting closer.  Getting stronger.

No Fun

Poor Seth ! He seems to catch all the weird things at our house. He seems to think everything happens to him. This time I may have to agree with him. IMPETIGO! This is our second bout with it but this time is really bad. Every place he had eczema, he now has blisters.

This is what he has been up to since Monday. 

When we put creme on the spots, which pretty well covers his entire body, he lays like this to let the creme dry.

His arm and elbow

His leg

The other leg

His feet, ankle, forearm, back, two on his face

He would not be happy if he knew I posted this - but we take the good with the bad at our house.  This is part of the memories that I want to remember.  One day when we are all cleared up with no allergies to battle, I want to remember this time that we have gone through. 

We have washed and washed, cleaned and cleaned, rubbed medicine, took medicine (3 teaspoons morning and night for 7 days) and pretty much locked him in his room.  He has even eaten every meal in there.  Can't afford for anyone else to get this infection. 

We have even tried some home remedies - olive oil, apple cider vinegar bath soaking for 30 minutes, eating lots of fruit, wearing long sleeves and pants, wearing nothing but short so they can air out

He has been a great sport

Thanks meme for the treat to cheer him up, he was very excited.

We made it 48 hrs.  Doctor says he is no longer contagious but still need to get the blisters to dry up and go away.

By the way,  hockey sign ups tonight.  Time to play hockey - the boys are super excited and ready to get on the ice.  They truly have a passion for the game.  So I guess we will be saying

LET'S GO CHECKERS!!

 for the next 6 months

Time to find all the winter coats even if it is 99 degress outside.

Gotta love hockey

Something New

We have discovered in the heat and humitity that Garrett has curly hair.  Well not curly, curly but seems to have natural curl that has begun to show itself like never before in his life.  He has begun some of the big changes that come with being a "tween". 

So I look at this head and think "What is that?"  We have talks very often about combing your hair.  I have even tried going through the steps of wet, add gel, dry, comb, add more stuff.  Useless at this point.  So the Natural curly that my mom has may have made its way to the next generation.  Garrett

Today was haircut day.  We kindly demanded that he get the stuff cut.  Really Cut

The new haircut.  Jeff got a haircut today as well so I thought it was fitting to take their picture together.  Everyone calls Garrett Little Jeff. 

So what do you think?

Garrett is NOT liking it by the way.  He is not happy but chose to honor his parents and do what we suggested since his hair has gone curly. 

(He may not need a haircut for 6 months or so he says to grow it back out)

I have added some pictures of what Garrett comes up with in his room.  Yesterday he had a friend over and this is what happened upstairs.  Nerf Wars.  AHHHHHH!!!!

Each man has his own barriers to hide behind

Garrett with his protective gear. 

This mess drives me crazy but I let him keep the mess all day.  One hour before the friend was suppose to go home, the mission began.

CLEANUP!!  He even had to find all the bullets and balls from the knee hockey tournament that went on.

I would love for him to be outside but my goodness, you can only stay outside so long before passing out from heat stroke (ha).  So inside he comes.  I have to remind myself too that

 he is not in front of the TV,

he is using his imagination,

he is playing. 

That's what kids are suppose to do.

So something new - a new haircut and mom has to deal with a MESS for a short time as this.  He will one day be big.  I will be asking for messes then.  I Love You Garrett. 

ps  Pray for Seth - he is battling some skin issues and allergies are not helping.  Very miserable and so are his parents that are trying to help and make him better.

Another 5k coming quickly

I will be running/walking another 5k next weekend. Can I beat my first time. The boys are joining us for the 1 mile Fun Run. Training hard this week and next.

Also. Check out Kenny Chesney's new single. The Boys of Fall video. I love football. Friday nights bring back great memories. New download on the iPod. I know I can't wait for cooler weather.

Waiting

Just ordered the new Go Fish Guys CD

I had a tugging in my heart for my kids to learn the "Old Hymns".  This happen back in the summer when I was going to revamp our mornings.  I thought we could sing a phrase of a song, pray together, and read scripture together.  The only fear, I don't sound too good when I sing.  When looking at the Go Fish guys website right before the concert, I found this CD coming out the first of August.

Here is the song list

1- Kickin' It Old School

2- Sweet Song Of Salvation / I Love To Tell The Story

3- I'm A Soldier In The Army Of The Lord

4- This Is My Father's World

5- Blessed Assurance

6- Before The Throne Of God Above

7- I'll Fly Away

8- Shelter In A Time Of Storm

9- Solid Rock (featuring Denver and the Mile High Orchestra)

10- Old Rugged Cross
 
Get ready everyone -- we are ready to jam.  Can't wait to hear these old hymns sung by the rockin' Go Fish Guys. 

Shepherd's Hope Christian Academy School Year 2010-2011

Summer is over at the Weddine House.  School started for us this week.  August 9th was the day.  I have really tried to evaluate what I family still continues to need in order to Honor God at our house, what the boys need academically, and what we need for our house to function and everyone be apart of the load. 
Our Schedule (well for most of us anyway)
6:20  Amy Wake up
6:30 - 7:00 My run
7:00 - the kids up
7:00 - 8:00  Individual devotions (Garrett is working with dad right now for some guidance)
                   Breakfast (I have been cooking every breakfast this week - everyone eats the same thing - like 
                                     it so not -it is healthy
                   Responsibilities (these are chores basically - we were saving chores to the end of the day and
                                      realizing they weren't getting done)
                   Make bed/change clothes/Brush teeth
                   Family Devotion and Prayer (this is Walk thru the Bible that we are doing with Co-op)
                   School Sheet (this is the time to head to the school room and work)

We are off to a "Slow Start" as I heard someone call it.  We are getting in the groove.  Schedule, new textbooks, folder and notebooks to use, when do I need mom and when can I work alone and doing our best. 

Garrett - 6th Grade

Total Language Plus - Witch of Blackbird Pond

Singapore Math 6

A & P for Science

Critical Thinking

American History (Sonlight)

Worldview (Who Am I?)

Seth - 3rd Grade

Sonlight 3

Wordly Wise

Singapore 3

Critical Thinking

A & P Science

American History (Beautiful Feet)

Worldview (Who Am I?)

Ella 4 year old PreK

Abeka 4PreK

Sight Words

Writing letters

Writing Numbers

Beginning reading

Writing Weddine

Painting

Playdough

Stamping

Playing

(She had on a dress up clothes as she painted)

We are so excited about tackling this challenge but also priviledged to homeschool our kids.  We are ready for 180 days of fun, learning, struggles, frustration, new, worry, and just family.

12:00  Lunch

1:00 - 4:30  Play

4:30 - 5:30  tidy house to get ready for Daddy to come home

6:00 - 7:00  Supper

7:00 - 9:00  Family time/showers/clean up toys

9:00  Family Prayer/Hugs/Kisses/Goodnight

Things we are working on:

Eating healthy

Mom making healthy foods

A kitchen helper each week

A budget to live by

running a 5K

running a half-marathon (Jeff)

Everyone's responsibility

Keeping a clean kitchen (well sink and floor)

Having better attitudes

honoring God in our actions

building each other up not tearing each other down

deeper walk with God

more hugs and hugs and hugs

SMILE

Happy 4th Birthday Ella

What can I say but WOW!

This child is such a wonderful addition to our family.  I believe that God sends children to their parents but I don't think I truly believed that until Ella came along.  Now I know what that means.  We are soo blessed to have her in our life.  A girl  - I still say that over and over - God sent me a girl.  As we remember you birthday we remember going to the hospital in a whirl wind and the night you were born.

You are such an amazing little person.  I just laugh at you most of the time.  I have truly loved being at home with you since you were born.  You are the reason that I am a stay at home mom.  You have given me a new spirit of home.  A joy to be home.  I get to see everything that you do.  I have been such a joy each day.

You bring a new perspective to this family.  You have such an amazing spirit about you.  You love your brothers and your family.  You love to swim.  You are very picky about shoes and how clothes feel.  You took ballet this year.  You were in your first recital.

You love to read.  You love to learn.  You enjoy cutting and gluing.  You are a leader but a follower.  You have such a giving spirit.  You make an effort to love on your grandpas.  You enjoy friends.  You are an incredible prayer.  You know a lot about God and the Bible.

You are still shy.  Don't like to have your picures made.  You love to snuggle.  You love have mom with you.  Such a sweet spirit. 

Happy 4th Birthday Little Princess. 

Can't wait to see what the future holds for you

You are such a blessing to your mom, dad, Garrett and Seth

We love you dearly.

Setting a goal

At the beginning of this year, I set a goal of a 5K.  I did it on July 31st.  It was from the Appalachian Alumni Association.  I was sooooooo nervous.

Before the race.  I was really trying to be brave but everyone around me was very intimidating.  I am so glad I had Jeff with me.  He reassured me that I would be fine.  I had such confidence in him to get me through this 3.1 miles.  The night before I drove the car in the neighborhood and realized that I was no where near training for 3.1 miles.  I had taken 1 1/2 months off - I ran Monday, Wednesday and Friday the week before the race.

As we were lining up for the horn to blow, I thought I was going to throw up or pass out.  Nervous.  I haven't put myself out there to be nervous in a long time.  (kinda something God was telling me - I do this to my kids all the time -now why can't I do this more often - pulling them out of their comfort zone or challenging them to read more, memorize more, get up in front of a crowd, sing, recite, etc) 

The race started and everyone took off running except Jeff and I.  Well it felt that way.  I always walk first to warm up.

I did it.  I was so much fun to run with Jeff and do something together.  He made the time pass by quickly.  He encouraged me along the way.  He spoke to every policeman that we passed blocking traffic for us.  He went at my pace - walk or run.  He crossed the finish line one step ahead of me.  Ahhhhh!!!!

  He was my inspiration to do this

After the race - time 37.48

Jeff 119 out of 168

Amy 120 out of 168

Jeff would have finished much faster but he stayed with me

Now looking to do a second one Aug. 21st and beat my time. 

Let's see - a new passion - eating healthy and exercise

Showing my children life lessons

I love you Jeff

Thanks for staying right with me

Garrett and Camp

We picked up Garrett from camp on Friday, July 30th.  He was all smiles and all talk.  He couldn't stop with all the stories of fun, activities, games, roommates, friends and food.

This was his first overnight, all week away from his parents camp

We had Savana for the day since her grandmother had surgery and her mom was helping to take care of her in the hospital

After eating lunch, this is what happened to Garrett

Staying up late and getting up early and busy days

A boy needs his rest.

centrikid camp

Facebook post of camp and pictures of the week

New Talent

Seth saw this Toy Story fabric in Wal-Mart .  He was ready to buy it and sew something.  Well, I turned that project over to my aunt Peggy.  So she made a date.

Seth didn't know you had to start with a pattern and cut the material into pieces to sew together.

Where's Seth

Can you tell he is amazed and wonders where to start

Pinning and cutting out

Sewing - He was amazed

Pants he sewed - I loaded this from Peggy's camera and now it is on my computer this way and doesn't want to rotate - just lean sideways to view

A travel pillow case for Ella

A body pillow cover as well

He loved his day with Peggy - So proud

He loves to sew