My Time Journal - Week 5

For Today, March 31, 2009...

Fresh baked bread

To join the fun, visit Peggy at The Simple Woman's Time Journal. God bless.

Bathroom Work Update

So, bathroom work has proceeded, just much slower than with the master bath. It's been my hubby and his brother helping, so I don't have as many pics as I did before. Still, there is some progress, so I thought I'd share.


Cement board has gone up in the tub area. This took a little longer only because my brother-in-law had other work to tend to. It wasn't difficult, just a bit time consuming because of the cuts.


Hubby started tiling today. I warned him when he started that he would close himself in. He couldn't finish the floor because he wouldn't have been able to get out of the bathroom without stepping on the tiles. Travertine tiles are natural stone, so they don't have the grooves on the bottom like porcelain and ceramic tiles have. They need at least 24 hours to dry completely before standing on them, or they shift. So tiling will (hopefully) continue tomorrow. Once the floors are done the walls in the tub area can start, though those will be quite interesting. A new experience, what fun! Stay tuned!

The Simple Woman's Daybook - March 30 Edition

For today, March 30, 2009

Outside my window...is a bright and sunshiny day, about 70 degrees. We got a little rain this weekend, and hopefully some more today.

I am thinking...about some high school friends I found on Facebook. I graduated from HS 28 years ago, but it seems like only yesterday when I find my dear friends.

I am thankful for...a good meeting I had with E's teachers this morning. He's doing much better, and is expected to pass to 4th grade. Praise the Lord!

From the learning rooms...we'll be working on plot development which is similar to main idea for reading comprehension.

From the kitchen...crock pot jambalaya with white rice.

I am wearing...a burgundy blouse, grey skirt and (now) house sandals. I was wearing my black pumps when I went to meet with the teachers, but took them off as soon as I got home. I always dress up when I go see my son's teachers. I believe he deserves to have a mommy that looks presentable.

I am creating...this week's menu. I'm a bit behind.

I am going...to get out of these nice clothes and into some shorts. Need to start cleaning up after hubby was working on the bathroom again yesterday.

I am reading...chapter 7 of Really Bad Girls of the Bible, and Matthew chapter 27. I've broken it down so I can really get into it.

I am hearing...my son getting up. He worked last night so he slept in.

I am hoping...my son continues to do well in school and his reading continues to improve.

Around the house...laundry, bathroom cleaning, and get rid of some dust. I've managed to keep everything as clean as possible despite the construction, but I need to go over the floors everyday.

One of my favorite things is...seeing old friends. Pastor Bill and his beautiful wife Rebecca were visiting from Connecticut yesterday, and it was great to see them and their 3 gorgeous daughters.

A few plans for the rest of the week: more construction work will be going on, though not as quickly as with the master bath. We're doing this one ourselves, so it's more about doing a little each day. Wednesday is April Fool's Day - don't get caught!

Here's a picture thought I'm sharing: I swiped this from Marybeth Whalen because it's so true:

To join in the fun, visit Peggy at the Simple Woman's Daybook. Have a blessed week.

Bathroom Work Continues...

...And the vanity is GONE!! I am so glad to see it leave, too. It was just plain ugly. I already know what I want for this space, and believe me it'll be a whole lot nicer looking than what was there before.

Thankfully the mirror is still intact. I'm hoping this mirror will survive the contruction just like the mirror in the master bath did. I don't want to go over-budget unnecessarily.

The toilet is gone too, as are all the floor tiles. Those were much harder to remove than the wall tiles. I kept a small area rug in the bathroom to cover up the broken tiles, and it kept them dry. Hubby wants to start tiling tomorrow. Unlike the master bath, he and my brother-in-law will be doing the work in this bathroom, since it's pretty small. That doesn't mean it's an easy task! There's plenty to do, but I'm sure they'll do a fine job. Keep watching!

The Ungrateful Dead

Three friends arrived at the Pearly Gates at the same time. As part of their orientation in heaven, Saint Peter asked what kind of remarks they would most like to hear from their family and friends at their funerals.

"I would like to hear them say that I was a great doctor and a good family man," said the first.

"I would like to hear that I was a wonderful husband and that during my career as a school teacher I made a difference in many lives," chimed in the second fellow.

"Those both sound terrific," replied the third, "but I'd like to hear them say, 'Look! He's moving!'"

Hey, everyone needs a good laugh now and then, right? ;-)

My Time Journal - March 24, 2009

For March 24, 2009...

Window Sill Orchid

To join in this meme, visit Peggy at the Simple Woman's Time Journal.

Let's Go Fly a Kite!

Sunday my son and I went to our local park (conveniently located across the street from our house) to fly his new kite. We had such a good time! What a great way to get fresh air and exercise while having fun.

I found this kite at Costco for $12.99. It's in the shape of a shark, with a wide wing span. It's 62" long, so it's bigger than my son. He named it Blue Jet, because it's blue and flies like a jet (very creative, don't you think?).

We'd been to the park the previous week and some kids were flying kites. One of the boys let my son try it and he was fascinated. All week long he kept begging me to "Please please Mommy buy me a kite, I want to go kite flying." I couldn't resist.

Sunday was very breezy, so getting Blue Jet off the ground was not a problem at all. We were thrilled to watch it take off.

Running with kite in hand is fun, and the physical activity is a plus.

The kite is nowhere near the pole. It just looks that way in the picture. At this point we weren't even flying it that high.

The skies were a bit overcast but we didn't get any rain. Blue Jet was able to fly high for a good 2 1/2 hours.

Of course, we weren't the only ones enjoying the perfect kite weather. It was so nice seeing parents out with their kids, spending family time together in a fun-filled activity that doesn't include video games or television sets. It's good old fashioned family fun. I hope more families will be encouraged to do the same. Kids will remember this more than the time spent with Super Mario, trust me.

The Simple Woman's Daybook - March 23, 2009

For Today, March 23, 2009...

Outside my window...it's cloudy and overcast. We got plenty of much needed rain this weekend and it looks like we'll get some more today. The grass is very happy.

I am thinking...about eating healthier. I know what I have to eat, but there's so much temptation out there!! Why is it the things that are bad for us taste so good?!? But I guess that's the situation with more than just food.

I am thankful for...Lily, who is the new children's ministry director at our church. She's so sweet and listens to everything we have to say while keeping everything under control. She made some changes that are working out real well. She's an asset to the ministry.

From the learning rooms...my daughter's English term paper is so good her professor asked if it could be used in an online course. That's my girl!

From the kitchen...white rice and ground beef. My young son's favorite.

I am wearing...a black t-shirt, jean capris and flip flops.

I am creating...hmm, not creating a whole lot this week. Got too much other stuff to get caught up on.

I am going...to Home Depot this afternoon. Need to buy supplies. Bathroom work should start this Thursday.

I am reading...2 Kings for morning devotions, and finished reading chapter 6 of Really Bad Girls of the Bible.

I am hearing...the hum of the computer. Everyone's gone to school or work so it's really quiet.

I am hoping...E feels better today. We went kite flying yesterday and it was really windy. Good for kites, bad for little boys. He was complaining of a sore throat this morning.

Around the house...I've got to get rid of a lot of dust! Breaking apart this bathroom makes a mess everywhere. It'll be like this for a couple more weeks at least, I think.

One of my favorite things...is barbequing. Only our grill isn't working. I hope we can get it fixed.

A few plans for the rest of the week: cleaning as the bathroom demo is finished and remodeling begins. The end result is great, but the dust, ugh. Friday is my son R's 22nd birthday. Where did the time go? In my eyes he's still my baby. Other than that, the normal routine.

Here's a picture thought I'm sharing...

Hubby working on the bathroom. Tiles are out, but plumbing proved to be more difficult. More demo and destruction to come - stay tuned!

To join in the fun, visit Peggy at the Simple Woman's Daybook. Have a blessed week.

Once Again He Comes Through

I've been unemployed for the past 7 months. If you've followed my blog you know I was laid off in August after 11 1/2 years working for a company that went bankrupt, then was sold to another company 4 hours away. God has been amazing time and time again, providing above and beyond anything we expected, certainly way more than we could ever deserve. I've posted about the many blessings He has bestowed upon my family, and this time is no exception.

I've been collecting unemployment for these last 6 months, which isn't a whole lot of money but it has been helpful. This month the pot went dry, and I'm still not working. I've applied to a few places, but the economy being so bad (and here in Florida it's really really bad) I've gotten no responses. This hasn't troubled me though. When I first realized my employment would be ending I cried out to the Lord because I hadn't been successful finding a job. He spoke two simple words to my heart: "Trust Me." So I have, and not once have we had to worry about money or bills. Now that my unemployment compensation was up, I wondered what my next step would be. I admit I started to worry, not panic or stress but mulling over in my head what my strategy should be. I'm such a fool. I began praying for guidance. Today as I listened to the radio on my way to grocery shop, I prayed and asked God to let me know what He wants me to do, whether it's go back to work, stay home for a while longer, or what. I laid this burden at His feet and left it there. I finished shopping, came home to put everything away, then noticed a letter from the unemployment bureau. I figured it was just a notice letting me know I had run out of UEC funds. Instead, it was a letter telling me my UEC has been extended for an addition 20 weeks. Is God not amazing?!?!?!? I started laughing, crying, and praising Him for His goodness, His faithfulness, His love and mercy. I called my hubby (who had already seen the notice but hadn't said anything to me) and he was almost speechless when I told him I'd been praying for this. I can't wait till tonight so I can share this with my women's small group and together we can praise God for all He's done and all He's doing and all that He's yet to do. Thank the Lord for his Grace!

Tim Hawkins in Chick-fil-A

If you're a Tim Hawkins fan, you have GOT to check out this video here. If you're not familiar with Tim Hawkins, you're in for a fun surprise. Tim is a Christian comedian who proves you can be funny without being vulgar, without using foul language in every sentence, without your whole comedy routine being based on sex, etc. I once showed a Tim Hawkins DVD to some kids from our youth group, and they were laughing till tears ran down their faces. I was glad because it's something the entire family can enjoy without Mom and Dad having to tell the kids, "You'll get it when you're older." Thanks Tim Hawkins, for making comedy fun again.

My Time Journal - March 17, 2009

South Florida Living

To start your own time journal, visit Peggy at The Simple Woman's Time Journal.

Here We Go Again!

The master bath is completed, so it's time to start renovating the 2nd bathroom. This one's in the hallway between the master bedroom & the kids' rooms. Here's the view before demolition began:

The tub area. The decorative tile in the center seems a different color, doesn't it? That's because water had already seeped through the grout and the wall behind it was wet. This tile was the first to come tumbling down.

The showerhead is fairly new. I got it at Costco probably about a year ago when it was on sale. It's the only really nice thing in the bathroom.

There was no medicine cabinet in this bathroom, so I bought this little number at Wal-mart for $25 when we first moved in. As you can see I got what I paid for. It's in the trash now; it was pretty beat up though it doesn't show the wear and tear so much in this picture.

Here's something I can't wait to replace - the vanity. It is so ugly!!! Boring, too. I plan to have something much lovelier in its place.

I got this flowery shower curtain at Target some years ago, and it's still in good condition, but I'm replacing it with a darker one that I also got at Target. They have such nice things, items that look very upscale but at a much more reasonable price.

This is the wall after my hubby and I got started. We're tearing this bathroom up ourselves, so as to save some money. I wanted to demo the master also, but hubby said it was more work than he had time to do. This bathroom is probably half the size of our master bath, so it's not so big a project.

Hubby had a little accident when tearing up this wall. There was a ceramic soap dish that broke in half when he first hit it. When he went to swing again, his hand hit the soap dish and he cut his finger pretty bad. I had to play nurse and bandage him up 3 times so the blood would stop. After that my older son and I insisted he give it a rest.

Most of this wall, which is the wall immediately opposite the door, I took apart. It wasn't hard at all; there was so much water damage the tiles came off with little effort.

Hubby was back on the job today, finishing up the tiles around the tub. I know, I know, he's got great legs. That's why I couldn't resist taking the picture!

Work continues tomorrow. We have to take out the floor tiles, and before we can do that the vanity has to be removed. I can't wait! I'll be tile shopping tomorrow also. I have a planned design in my head, so hopefully I can find the tiles to bring my design into fruition. Stay tuned!!

My Son's Favorite Joke

Q: What's the difference between chopped beef and pea soup?

Wait for it, wait for it...

A: Anyone can chop beef, but nobody can pea soup!

Get it? Aren't boys the funniest little things?

The Simple Woman's Daybook - March 16, 2009

For Today, March 16, 2009...

Outside my window...the sun is shining, the temps are in the 70's and there's a nice Florida breeze. That should be changing, however. Hopefully we'll have some rain this week. It's been a very dry winter.

I am thinking...about the long conversation I had with my sister yesterday. An hour and a half on the phone! There was plenty to talk about and think about.

I am thankful...for the week I had with my daughter at home. We had fun doing stuff together. Now she's back at school, but she'll be home again in May. Can't wait!

From the learning rooms...I'm planning on homeschooling E during the summer again. I'm looking for workbooks and computer curriculums. I bought one book at Costco, and saw a curriculum with 4 subjects for only $54.99. I want to look into it before I buy, though. After all, we get what we pay for, and I don't want to cheat my son by getting something that isn't going to help him.

From the kitchen...ham steaks, pea soup, white rice, and salad. Yummy!

I am wearing...a pea green t-shirt (because I'm making pea soup), khaki capri's and brown sandals.

I am creating...a new bathroom. Well, fixing up the old one is more like it. And a new background for my blog. My sister didn't like the dark background with light lettering I had, and I got tired of the light background. Let's see if this one's more appealing.

I am going...to start tearing out tiles in a little while. Gotta get a few other things taken care of first.

I am reading...finished 1 Kings this morning, finishing up Matthew this week, and Really Bad Girls of the Bible for our weekly study.

I am hearing...nothing other than the computer. I love quiet mornings.

I am hoping...we can finish the bathroom under budget. Don't want to spend more than we have to.

Around the house...I need to get a few things done before I can proceed with more tile removal in the bathroom. It's going to be a mess, so I'll feel better if the rest of the house isn't.

One of my favorite things...is a good book on a rainy day. Especially if there's thunder. That's so cozy.

A few plans for the rest of the week: bathroom demo will probably take up most of my time. I'll have to run to Home Depot for a few supplies. Other than that, the usual busyness.

Here's a picture thought I'm sharing: actually, I'll have alot of pictures this week, as the bathroom demolition and reconstruction take shape. Stay tuned!

To join in the fun, visit Peggy at the Simple Woman's Daybook. Have a blessed week.

How much longer, Jon & Kate?

I don't watch a whole lot of TV. Not because there aren't any televisions in the house; in my opinion we have about 4 too many, but hubby thinks each room should have a television. I just feel there isn't anything worth watching on TV. Programming has become either excessively violent, has WAY too much foul language, even on regular channels, and the sexual innuendos, not to mention the outright sex, is something I don't care to watch, much less subject my kids to. So most of the time the TV stays off other than for cartoons. That is, until Monday and Tuesday nights. Tuesday nights I love because I get to watch the Duggars, a Christian family who isn't afraid to let the world see how a godly family lives, and isn't ashamed of their relationship with God. Mondays of course is Jon and Kate Plus 8, another program that I can sit and watch with my family because it's just good, wholesome family values. Even though they can argue at times, Jon and Kate aren't much different than most couples, and it's nice to see that they make the effort to resolve their differences and work together for their family. The children are adorable, too. It's been enjoyable to watch this family's antics each week.

Which is why I've become concerned with the show lately. Ever since they moved into the new house, I began to sense something different about them. Usually they'd both converse, giving opinions, going back and forth, laughing or arguing. Yet after the move I noticed Jon has become very quiet. He barely says two words during the whole show. As for Kate, she seemed irritable for the first two episodes of the move, which I chalked up to exhaustion. I remember moving with 3 children, one just 4 months old, and I told my husband I wouldn't move again unless I could leave all our stuff behind and buy everything new. Packing and unpacking was a nightmare. I can only imagine what it must have been like to pack and unpack for a family of 10. I'd be grouchy too! But now that I've seen a few more episodes, I get the distinct feeling that Kate is over it. She seems tired of doing the show, tired of having the cameras follow her around, tired of sitting on the couch explaining everything she, her husband and her children do on a day to day basis. She isn't the type of person who can hide her true feelings, and her body language says it all. I'm beginning to wonder if the show will go on much longer.

I can't say that I blame them. They started doing this show, as Kate explained, so that curious people could see what life was like with two 6 year olds and six 2 year olds. It was intended to be sort of educational, so that we could see inside their window, so to speak, at how a family of this size manages each day. It also helped them document the growth of their children which they just didn't have time to do. I'm sure they never expected the show to take off like it has, nor for their popularity to become like that of celebrities. They seem to be like any other large family, except that 6 of their children are the same age. It must be difficult, not to mention a bit unnerving, to try and take your children on an outing to the grocery store and get recognized at every turn. They no longer have privacy because they're spotted anywhere they go, and people seem to think that once a family is on TV, they have some sort of obligation to stop and speak to every stranger that approaches them. I don't know about most people, but this would freak me out.

What really upset me was this weekend when I was at the checkout line at Wal-mart. There was the family, a picture of all of them, on the front page of a tabloid magazine, stating that Jon is moving out and they're talking divorce. Now, put yourself in their place. How can they go shopping with their children? What if one of the older girls, who already can read, sees a headline like that? Talk about traumatizing! Having to explain to your children why this magazine is saying terrible things about Mommy and Daddy. You can pretty much bet this isn't what they signed up for. Sadly, tabloid lies are what our culture feeds on, and so long as Jon and Kate are in the spotlight, this will continue.

So, how much longer, Jon and Kate? If I'm reading them correctly, I wouldn't be surprised if this were their last season. I'll miss them when the show is over. It'll be one less good program on TV.

My Time Journal - March 10, 2009

My Favorite Appliances

To start your own time journal, visit Peggy at The Simple Woman's Time Journal.

The Simple Woman's Daybook - March 9, 2009

For Today, March 9, 2009

Outside my window...I think the spring is officially here. The sun is shining bright, there's a cool breeze every morning as temps are in the upper 60's and reach the lower 80's by midday. Unfortunately we haven't received any desperately needed rain in a month. While I like the fact that the humidity is low, the grass and trees aren't as pleased.

I am thinking...about the study of Athaliah in Really Bad Girls of the Bible. Boy, was she BAD!! Yet when I look at myself I realize there are some not so nice things about me, too. :-( Hopefully this study will help me look at the things I don't like about myself and motivate me to do something about it.

I am thankful...that my family is all under one roof this week. My daughter is home for spring break, and I love when we're all together at home.

From the learning rooms...FCAT's start tomorrow and last 3 days. E has been doing lots of practice exercises. I know this is stressing him out, and he even asked last night that we pray for him to do well on his exams. Please pray for him also.

From the kitchen...easy chicken & stuffing in the crock pot. One of my daughter's requests.

I am wearing...a university t-shirt, brown & white shorts & flip flops.

I am creating...plans for the next bathroom remodel. We start tearing down next week.

I am going...to spend as much quality time with my little girl as I can while she's home this week.

I am reading...1 Kings for morning devotions, still on Matthew for S.O.A.P. devos, and I just finished studying chapter 4 of Really Bad Girls of the Bible. Moving on to chapter 5.

I am hearing...the click-click of the keyboard. Nothing else.

I am hoping...my son does well on his FCAT exams and doesn't feel overwhelmed. I want him to know we love him no matter what score he gets.

Around the house...there's plenty of laundry to do. I vegged a bit too much this weekend, and now I need to get moving.

One of my favorite things...is wearing skirts. I didn't used to like them as much, but I wear them quite a bit now. They make me feel pretty and feminine.

A few plans for the rest of the week: My daughter and I will go shopping later this week. She's playing with the youth group band this Wednesday as E goes to Awana and I go to bible study. Friday is small groups, Saturday is Bible Quiz for E, Sunday is my niece's 14th birthday (where has the time gone?!?). All in all a busy but productive and enjoyable week.

Here's a picture thought I'm sharing :

That's my little girl. Isn't she stunning?

To join in the fun, visit Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook. God bless you and have a great week.

Moving up the Technological Ladder

So, after much persuasion, persistance, and outright begging from my children, I finally succumbed and got DSL. I didn't see the point in going from dial-up to fast speed internet. Hey, we didn't even have PC's when I was a kid, and we survived! I know it's faster, but it's also more expensive, and we're trying to keep expenses down. But as E spends more time on school related activities over the internet it became clear we needed something faster. E is on Ticket to Read through school, a computer program that helps him with reading comprehension. The problem was that it was taking about half an hour just to have the page load up. My oldest son came to my rescue, though. He's been wanting DSL because he has a laptop and with a wireless router he can be anywhere in the house downloading music or old TV shows like Twilight Zone. He agreed to pay for half the internet bill so that we wouldn't have to increase our budget. It's a winning situation for both of us, so I went for it. Now I'm zipping through the pages, afraid of getting too used to it! Once again, God is blessing us with more than we could afford, definitely with more than we deserve. Praise be to the One who loved us even while we were still sinners!

How to Know if Your Kids Miss You

As I've mentioned on this blog before, my daughter is now a freshman in a university that is a 4 hour drive away. Saying goodbye to my little girl was one of the hardest thing I've ever had to do. Yes, I know, we raise them to leave us and become independent adults. This knowledge doesn't make it any easier, though. I've wondered at times if she misses Mom as much as Mom misses her, especially when she's talking excitedly about her classes, teachers, new friends, and activities. God has given me a couple of little hints that say yes, she does miss Mom and home.

1 - My daughter was never really concerned about neatness. As long as everything was in a place that she could easily find it, that was enough for her. Fixing her bed seemed superfluous; wasn't she going to have to unfix it again that night? Whenever I told her she needed to clean up her room she'd give me The Look, then put it off as much as possible, after mentioning several times that I'm just too OCD about cleaning. Imagine my joy when my daughter texted her frustration about her roommates who keep their rooms a mess and obviously are used to their moms doing everything for them because they don't do anything for themselves. She was just disgusted at their messiness and immaturity. I was thrilled that my daughter finally GETS IT!!! She misses her nice, clean house. Yay!

2 - I got a call today from my little girl. She's coming home Saturday and will be here for a week for spring break. Her call was to ask that, while she's home, will I make her favorite foods? She doesn't get to eat these at college. Meatloaf patties with mashed potatoes and baked chicken & stuffing in the crockpot top the list. The idea of fried chicken and ribs was also very appealing. Mind you, my daughter rarely asked for any particular meal to be prepared. If I cooked something she liked she ate it. If it was something she didn't care for, she made herself some Tyson chicken nuggets. To actually request multiple dishes means only one thing: she misses my home cooking!!

I can't wait till my baby is home and we're a complete family of five under one roof again. It's only a week, but it'll be fun. And I'll make sure my daughter enjoys it so much, she'll miss it all the more when she leaves!

The Simple Woman's Time Journal

March 3, 2009:

Family Fun Time

To join this fun new meme, see Peggy at the Simple Woman's Time Journal.

100th Post and Other Happenings

I cannot believe this is my 100th post! Who would have thought I had so much to say? Of course there are those that think I have too much to say. Oh well. I guess I just deflated my own bubble.

So I went yesterday to meet with the SST (Student Support Team). The team consists of my son's language arts teacher, the school psychologist, the school administrator, social worker, and reading leader. I met with the social worker first, who asked a bazillion questions about my son, his home life, family life, any behavioral issues, etc. It was a very thorough interview. He asked about my pregnancy, how much my son weighed at birth, was he full term, were there any problems during pregnancy or childbirth. He asked about our home life: do both biological parents live with the child? Are there any siblings? Does he get along with his siblings? Does he get along with other children? Does he have friends outside of school? What after school activities is he involved in? How often and what methods of discipline are used? They even asked if there had been any traumatic experience that may have disturbed him, such as a death in the family. The only thing I could think of that has affected him was his sister going away to college, since he has mentioned that he misses her, but she speaks to him regularly on the phone and has come back to visit a few times, so I don't believe that this is the cause of his reading problem. Basically, they looked for any reason outside of a learning disability to explain why my son is reading at a 2nd grade level when he's half way through the 3rd grade.

What I came to appreciate during the interview is, what a great kid I have! My son is a sweet, loving child. He gets along with everyone, and makes friends easily. He and his siblings get along splendidly. Praise God, all my kids get along so well. I shudder when I hear about brothers and sisters who fight all the time; I never had that issue with any of my children. Discipline? I rarely have to discipline him, and a simple "Are you going to obey Mommy?" is enough motivation when he strays, which isn't often. Best of all, my son loves the Lord. He gave his life to Jesus when he was just 5 years old, and talks to other kids in school about Christ. Not because I tell him to, mind you, but because he wants to. I'm so blessed to have this little angel, and that's why I'm so determined to help him get the help he needs.

Because of the way the system works, the first thing that has to be done is an evaluation. E is being tested today, to see where his reading & writing levels are (fluency, comprehension, vocabulary). Once that is established, there are some activities his teacher will be giving him to help strengthen him in the areas where he's weak. He will also have activities to do at home for practice. After 6 weeks, he'll be tested again to see if there's any improvement. If there is, then we know to continue with the activities he's been working on so he can continue to improve. If no improvement is shown, then they have to acknowledge that there is a bigger problem and we get referred from there. I left with a great peace, because I could tell the school psychologist was listening to my concerns and agreed there needed to be evaluations done. The social worker also appeared to agree that there are no outside influences that have caused E to "suddenly" start doing poorly in reading. This has been going on from the beginning, especially since first grade. I'm especially grateful to God that the school is moving forward with the evaluation. We're prayerfully waiting on the Lord for these next 6 weeks as He does a work in E and guides us in the direction we're to go.

The Simple Woman's Daybook - March 2, 2009

For Today, March 1, 2009

Outside my window...we're feeling the effects of the storm that's hitting the Northeast. Not to the same intensity, of course. It was 50 degrees this morning, very very windy, and won't get past 67 degrees today. Low 40's tomorrow morning.

I am thinking...about this week and all that needs to get done.

I am thankful...for the work God does in my life. Sometimes I'm just speechless that He would care about a sinner like me.

From the learning rooms...I hope to get a schedule going for E's testing for dyslexia. In the meantime we have to prepare for FCAT's next week. He has to take them, and if he fails he will have to repeat the 3rd grade. It's that important.

From the kitchen...we're having ground beef today. I haven't prepared the weekly menu yet. It's been really busy, but I'll work on it today.

I am wearing...my housedress. I'm going to shower and get dressed shortly. Long pants, blouse and sweater are necessary for today's cold front.

I am creating...the budget and plan for bathroom #2 remodel. It should start in a couple of weeks, God willing.

I am going...to meet with my son's teachers, the school's child psychologist, and the administrator at 10:30 this morning. Praying for the Holy Spirit to give me the right words to speak.

I am reading...2 Samuel for morning devotions, Matthew for S.O.A.P. devotions (I don't like to rush through those), and Really Bad Girls of the Bible for small groups. What a great book! I recommend it highly.

I am hearing...the hum of the computer, and my son moving around in bed. The computer is in the boys' room.

I am hoping...the teachers will hear me out and not try to insist my son doesn't need testing. I've had enough of that for the past year and it hasn't been beneficial.

Around the house...there's plenty of stuff to do but I need to focus on the priority which is the meeting in school.

One of my favorite things...is Italian food. Boy do I love pasta!

A few plans for the rest of the week: We'll see what comes up after today's meeting. There's Awana on Wednesday, small groups on Friday, and my daughter comes home for spring break on Saturday. That's something I'm really looking forward to.

Here's a prayer request I'm sharing: Please pray that the administration at my son's school will push for testing ASAP. The results from his testing will determine our next steps to help my son with his learning plan.

To join in the fun, visit Peggy at the Simple Woman's Daybook. God bless and have a fantastic week.