What started out as an uneventful Sunday quickly turned exciting and frightening.
Saturday night, Trinity had gone to bed with some tummy issues that we were going to 'monitor' and see how she was doing come morning.
Doug headed to the airport at 4:45 am.
Upon waking, Trinity complained of a sore throat. Not all to surprising seeing as how many in the family have had colds and similar symptoms.
I made the decision to keep her home so as not to share our germs with other members of our church family.
Next was to figure out what to do about the remainder of kiddos and church. Bethany had stayed at her friend's house and needed a ride home after church, the kids wanted to go to the morning church services, so all of us staying home just wasn't an option.
The alternatives we did have: I could drive them to church and return home with Trinity, having Jacob drive them all home after..... Jacob could come out and pick the kids up and return with them after church..... or Elijah could even stay home and I go in with all the kids to church.
Decisions, decisions.
Jacob said he didn't mind driving out to get the kids; Trinity would prefer being home with me instead of just Elijah just in case her blood sugars went wonky; and admittedly, if I was staying home anyway, I didn't REALLY want to drive 60 miles to drop kiddos off.
So.... she and I decided to stay home.
As we waited for Jacob's arrival - with the kids heading to church sitting outside as he was to arrive any moment - there was a loud crash.
It startled both Trinity and I.
I assumed something had fallen.
Crashed to the floor would be a more accurate description.
It sounded like a large cabinet had toppled over or a closet shelving unit had caved in.
An explosion really.
I began walking through the house to determine WHAT had caused the loud boom we heard. (I'll admit, my first thought was the rabbit hutch had somehow crumpled or been tipped over.)
Still, I glanced in every room as I passed.
Kitchen.... looked fine.
Bathroom.... it looked fine too at first glance, but.... I smelled smoke immediately upon poking my head through the door. A slight glance around the door at the hot water heater closet and I saw a glimmer of flame.
It wasn't something collapsing or falling we heard, it was the fire igniting in the closet from the propane water heater.
YIKES!
I ran to get the fire extinguisher only to remember it had 'died' some time earlier and we had not yet replaced it. I then grabbed a pitcher and began filling it with water.
Once it was 1/4th full, I ran back and began dousing the flames with the liquid. Using the bathroom sink to refill the pitcher for subsequent splashes, I continued my quest to quench the flames and protect our little mountain abode.
I won't even pretend that I wasn't freaking out. I heard myself squeal when I realized the fire extinguisher was gone, "I don't know what to do." It was at that moment I knew I needed water and began scanning for ANYTHING to fill. Luckily the girls had left the pitcher on the counter after watering the rabbits and chickens in the morning.
Meanwhile, as I had yelled to all the kids that there was a fire, they began trying to figure out what to do as well.
Elijah, who knew I couldn't find the inside fire extinguisher, ran to the camper for the one there, but didn't recognize it b/c it's wasn't red.
He then told the girls to get the hose.
All this was going on while I was closed in the bathroom throwing a few buckets of water on the flames that were rippling across the closet floor and under the water heater.
As I heaved the last pitcher of water on the extinguished flames for good measure, I noted water flowing IN under the bathroom door. I had noticed water there earlier but thought it was just streaming back from my splashing the water into the closet to snuff out the blaze.
I tugged open the door only to have Elijah thrust a garden hose gushing with water into my face.
WHAT??
My brain spun a few minutes as I registered what this meant.
Yes, Selah had pulled the hose - turned ON - from the front sliding doors all through the house to the bathroom door before passing it off to Elijah. Filling the front school room, living room, dining room, and hall entrance to the bathroom with a lake of water.
Ha.
Apparently he told Selah to grab the hose. She complied and turned it on immediately then proceeded to drag it through the whole house to the bathroom where Elijah stood waiting to help me.
Now not only did I have fire damage and the water to clean up there, but also a 'flood' throughout the rest of the house.
Admittedly I might have scolded the children in the heat of the moment about bringing a hose full of running water THROUGH the house, but... I was a little freaked out from the explosion, the fire, the flood.
After all was said and done, I think I determined that a basket fell off a shelf that held a container of freeze wart remover. The container appeared to have exploded, igniting the fumes from the propane powered gas water heater. Resulting in the loud boom we heard and the fire that erupted.
I praised the kids for their smart thinking and fast action. If the fire had gotten any bigger that hose of running water would have been a HUGE help.
Many towels later and a garbage bag of singed items, the house is pretty much right as rain.
Just a couple char marks on the linoleum floor, several wet towels to wash, a bit of smoke smell in the aforementioned bathroom, and a bunch of items to put away once I have the hot water heater checked and some new storage options worked out.
I praise God for Trinity's tummy troubles and sore throat. For Jacob being willing to drive out to get the kids.
Without these logistics working out as they did, our home would have most likely continued to burn.
Without my presence when the fire erupted, the numerous flammable items in and around the bathroom would have also ignited, giving great fuel and acceleration to the fire as it grew unchecked.
The other terrifying option could have been Elijah and Trinity home alone when the fire began. Elijah is a very capable young man, but I'm not sure either kid would have thought to look for the source of the sound initially, allowing the fire to grow hotter/bigger with a ready supply of propane fueling it from the hot water heater.
Dealing with a fire was flustering for me - a full-grown adult with many years of life experience under my belt. I'm not sure what a 16 year old and an 11 year old would have done.
God protected our family and had the engineering of this day worked out.
I was home, sitting in the front room when normally we would have already been in the car and heading to town.
I heard the 'kaboom' that had me immediately searching out the source.
I was able to quickly smother the flames and protect our home and pets.
God is truly amazing how he orchestrated - will always orchestrate - the details in our lives we often take for granted.
Monday, August 28, 2017
Thursday, August 24, 2017
Who'da Thunk?
After mentioning on Facebook I had spent the day cleaning and organizing the rabbit hutch and cages, my cousin replied commenting she had just cleaned her hen house. She then remarked 'who'd thought we'd be doing this when we were in the Rockettes?" {The 'Rockettes' was a baton group we were both part of in our youth - me for most of my elementary, jr, and high school years - not THE ROCKETTES. but wouldn't THAT have been a cool story?}
Anyway, her comments made me think.
It is ironic the life we've chosen to live.
I think growing up my plan was to be a 'big city girl'. Wow -- couldn't be much further from that now if I tried.
I grew up in a fairly small town -- although now, it seems like quite the 'big city' compared to our current whereabouts. LOL!
It was a rather rural area for all intents and purposes. At least where I grew up.
We had a couple acres; dad always grew a garden in the back; had a burn pile; a ride on lawn mower; a pick up truck; mom had an outdoor laundry line; we often had dogs and or cats, not to mention the occasional bird, rabbit, or hamster; and I REALLY wanted a horse.
When you drove around our quaint little town, seeing acres of corn, gardens of various vegetation, as well as the scattering of grape vineyards, wasn't unheard of or unusual.
To my young eyes - we lived in no-man's land. The land of corn and small town living.
As I was growing up, much of the 'industry' in that area was changing and dying out leaving what looked - to my eyes - a shell of a town.
We didn't have any malls - only a couple small 'plazas' -- as they were known as back then; our restaurant options were limited to mostly 'mom and pop' type establishments (none of the big chains a bigger city boasts - outside of the fast food variety anyway); and entertainment was scarce - a movie theater, bowling, and a skating rink were the 'hangouts' in my day.
Or so my immature, young mind thought at the time.
I mean.... you did had to drive 45 minutes to an hour to get to a mall, after all.
It wasn't my dream. (Once I realized I'd never have that horse, at any rate.)
Once I hit the teen years, I THOUGHT I wanted to land in a big city -- at least a 'bigger city' than where I was from -- escape 'small town USA' at all costs.
I went off to college (to yet another small, rural town - ironically) and continued that mindset. I'd graduate and become a well known speech-language pathologist and live somewhere 'happenin'!
In actuality, I got married about the same time I graduated with my Master's Degree and started my first job in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Our first apartment was in a 'bigger' city, but not a BIG city by any stretch. Not compared to the likes of New York or Chicago anyhoo.
Cincinnati seemed so much more hip than my hometown, however, so suburbia felt like a step in the right direction to the 'big city feel' I had thought I desired.
It did have a plethora of restaurants (chains included); a myriad of malls all within a 15-20 minute drive; lots of entertainment venues.
Quite the change from where I lived as a child.
Eventually, with my new computer engineer hubby by my side, I assumed we'd make our way to a big city -- or at the very least, an area of Cincinnati known to be even more hip and trendy.
Time marched on.
We started our family.
I no longer dreamed of becoming some well known, hot shot speech pathologist -- instead -- I wanted to be a stay-at-home-mom.
So.... I did just that.
Then.... the big city idea began to fade.
A new dream began to take form.
I now wanted land.
Land and a space fit for kids to play.
A more small town feel to raise our precious bundles.
What irony. As a child I wanted out of small town life, then as I began to raise my own children that same 'feel' from which I wanted to escape had appeal - a draw.
It was years - many years - of living in suburbia before my heart really turned toward the 'ranch type' dream I eventually grabbed onto.
Don't get me wrong, suburban life had it's benefits and we greatly enjoyed our time there, but my heart was being pulled in a new direction.
A lot transpired that landed us in the mountains of Wyoming, living in a rather remote town on 3 acres of land.
By remote I mean the population boasts a whopping 270 people - and that, I believe, is stretching it.
Our current neck of the woods is significantly 'smaller' than the small town where I was raised. To get to a mall we have to travel close to 2 hours. Just to go to the grocery store is a 30-40 minute drive. We have a few restaurants in our town but all are independently owned. NO chains or franchises here. Heck, we don't even have a stop light in our truly quaint town and only a small 'general store' with 2 gas pumps in the whole place. There's no plazas, movie theater, or skating rink - unless you count a frozen lake or pond as an ice rink in the mountains. Instead of corn when you drive around, we see huge ranches of cattle and horses. It's not suburbia and definitely not a big city.
Small town living... our mountain home epitomizes that phrase.
Which is now appealing rather than appalling to me.
Once I had my space, my desire to have animals (beyond a dog and cat) began to take root.
Like..... farm animals.
How the tides had turned.
From the somewhat 'farm' girl who wanted to be a city slicker back to a true country gal.
Raising chickens for eggs; rabbits for meat; dogs just for fun and protection; a cat to keep mice out of the house; and a strong desire for dairy goats to have our own milk. (And yes, a horse - maybe even a cow and a pig - would still be nice.)
Boy howdy have things come full circle and then some.
Since I never got that horse as a child, I tried everything in my power to come across as a more sophisticated 'city kid' rather than 'as-close-to-a-farm-kid-you-could-get-without-the-farm, kid'.
Ironic, that now, as an adult - it's my dream to be a country farm chick. Raising various animals to live semi-self sustainably; mucking out chicken coops and rabbit hutches; processing said animals; being willing and prepared to milk goats; simply enjoying the mountains and space rather than itching from boredom from lack of 'entertainment'; dreading when we have to go to the 'big city' for any purpose what-so-ever.
My cousin hit the nail on the head.
Who'da thunk it when we were young that we'd be where we are right now?
Not me!
Yet, I'm thrilled my dreams took this turn.
I'm blessed by the fact I listened to God's tug on my heart over 4 years ago.
Allowing that country girl I fought to hide - that had been living dormant for so many years while I tried to be 'city savvy' in suburbia - to surface and thrive.
Anyway, her comments made me think.
It is ironic the life we've chosen to live.
I think growing up my plan was to be a 'big city girl'. Wow -- couldn't be much further from that now if I tried.
I grew up in a fairly small town -- although now, it seems like quite the 'big city' compared to our current whereabouts. LOL!
It was a rather rural area for all intents and purposes. At least where I grew up.
We had a couple acres; dad always grew a garden in the back; had a burn pile; a ride on lawn mower; a pick up truck; mom had an outdoor laundry line; we often had dogs and or cats, not to mention the occasional bird, rabbit, or hamster; and I REALLY wanted a horse.
When you drove around our quaint little town, seeing acres of corn, gardens of various vegetation, as well as the scattering of grape vineyards, wasn't unheard of or unusual.
To my young eyes - we lived in no-man's land. The land of corn and small town living.
As I was growing up, much of the 'industry' in that area was changing and dying out leaving what looked - to my eyes - a shell of a town.
We didn't have any malls - only a couple small 'plazas' -- as they were known as back then; our restaurant options were limited to mostly 'mom and pop' type establishments (none of the big chains a bigger city boasts - outside of the fast food variety anyway); and entertainment was scarce - a movie theater, bowling, and a skating rink were the 'hangouts' in my day.
Or so my immature, young mind thought at the time.
I mean.... you did had to drive 45 minutes to an hour to get to a mall, after all.
It wasn't my dream. (Once I realized I'd never have that horse, at any rate.)
Once I hit the teen years, I THOUGHT I wanted to land in a big city -- at least a 'bigger city' than where I was from -- escape 'small town USA' at all costs.
I went off to college (to yet another small, rural town - ironically) and continued that mindset. I'd graduate and become a well known speech-language pathologist and live somewhere 'happenin'!
In actuality, I got married about the same time I graduated with my Master's Degree and started my first job in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Our first apartment was in a 'bigger' city, but not a BIG city by any stretch. Not compared to the likes of New York or Chicago anyhoo.
Cincinnati seemed so much more hip than my hometown, however, so suburbia felt like a step in the right direction to the 'big city feel' I had thought I desired.
It did have a plethora of restaurants (chains included); a myriad of malls all within a 15-20 minute drive; lots of entertainment venues.
Quite the change from where I lived as a child.
Eventually, with my new computer engineer hubby by my side, I assumed we'd make our way to a big city -- or at the very least, an area of Cincinnati known to be even more hip and trendy.
Time marched on.
We started our family.
I no longer dreamed of becoming some well known, hot shot speech pathologist -- instead -- I wanted to be a stay-at-home-mom.
So.... I did just that.
Then.... the big city idea began to fade.
A new dream began to take form.
I now wanted land.
Land and a space fit for kids to play.
A more small town feel to raise our precious bundles.
What irony. As a child I wanted out of small town life, then as I began to raise my own children that same 'feel' from which I wanted to escape had appeal - a draw.
It was years - many years - of living in suburbia before my heart really turned toward the 'ranch type' dream I eventually grabbed onto.
Don't get me wrong, suburban life had it's benefits and we greatly enjoyed our time there, but my heart was being pulled in a new direction.
A lot transpired that landed us in the mountains of Wyoming, living in a rather remote town on 3 acres of land.
By remote I mean the population boasts a whopping 270 people - and that, I believe, is stretching it.
Our current neck of the woods is significantly 'smaller' than the small town where I was raised. To get to a mall we have to travel close to 2 hours. Just to go to the grocery store is a 30-40 minute drive. We have a few restaurants in our town but all are independently owned. NO chains or franchises here. Heck, we don't even have a stop light in our truly quaint town and only a small 'general store' with 2 gas pumps in the whole place. There's no plazas, movie theater, or skating rink - unless you count a frozen lake or pond as an ice rink in the mountains. Instead of corn when you drive around, we see huge ranches of cattle and horses. It's not suburbia and definitely not a big city.
Small town living... our mountain home epitomizes that phrase.
Which is now appealing rather than appalling to me.
Once I had my space, my desire to have animals (beyond a dog and cat) began to take root.
 |
| Our egg laying hens in their run. |
Like..... farm animals.
How the tides had turned.
From the somewhat 'farm' girl who wanted to be a city slicker back to a true country gal.
Raising chickens for eggs; rabbits for meat; dogs just for fun and protection; a cat to keep mice out of the house; and a strong desire for dairy goats to have our own milk. (And yes, a horse - maybe even a cow and a pig - would still be nice.)
Boy howdy have things come full circle and then some.
Since I never got that horse as a child, I tried everything in my power to come across as a more sophisticated 'city kid' rather than 'as-close-to-a-farm-kid-you-could-get-without-the-farm, kid'.
 |
| The younger chickens enjoying sprouted grains we grew mason jars as a 4H project. |
My cousin hit the nail on the head.
 |
| Just a couple baby bunnies from one of the litters our rabbits have had. |
Who'da thunk it when we were young that we'd be where we are right now?
Not me!
Yet, I'm thrilled my dreams took this turn.
I'm blessed by the fact I listened to God's tug on my heart over 4 years ago.
Allowing that country girl I fought to hide - that had been living dormant for so many years while I tried to be 'city savvy' in suburbia - to surface and thrive.
Friday, August 11, 2017
New Milestones
This year, as school is getting ready to start back up, I realize it's somewhat a year of monumental milestones for our family.
One thing about having children is all the cool turning points that go along with them.
This year it seems we have quite a few new ones.
Or at least, somewhat new to us and of course new to each kiddo.
Our oldest is starting his senior year of college - yep, that's definitely a first all around - and for the first time in his life has a 'girlfriend'. (Another completely novel first for us all!) A sweet young lady with which he has entered a 'courting/dating' relationship after having been friends close to 4 years.
Talk about milestones. That's two major ones to start us off. Wow!
He's also moving into an apartment rather than the dorms (yet another unique landmark for our brew) with a friend from college for his last 2 years. Yes, even though he's going into his senior year, due to his triple major he'll be around for that 'dreaded' 5th year to complete his degrees. (I'll admit, it's not so dreaded to me. It means I get to keep him a bit closer a bit longer. Those days are numbered and I know it. So.... I'll relish in that 5th year.)
The next 2 kids in line are entering their senior year of high school. How did THAT happen? It just doesn't seem possible that in about 12 more months both of them will be heading off to college.
WHAT?
Bethany is getting close to being ready to take her driving test to get her actual license. Not to mention she'll turn 18 this year. She's already planning some road trips with her friends from high school that are going to be at UW this coming year. Am I ready for that? A somewhat big first for this mama as Jacob never did that until he was out of the house and on his own, so to speak.
Then there's Elijah - he just turned 16 and may actually agree to get his temporary license. Yeah, the driving thing is a bit late on both, but.... it's how we roll. I'm ok all our kids have driven later -- it gives their brains more time to mature and hopefully prevents some silly adolescent risks.
He's been working this summer helping neighbors with construction, landscaping, electronics work - many new and first experiences.
Next up is Miss Trinity - she's entering 6th grade. That's quite a milestone. As I unpacked her schoolbooks for the year I was a bit taken aback as I pulled out her math 'Fundamentals of Algebra and Geometry'.
How can my sweet little girl - only 11 years old - be learning algebra and geometry? ARG!
One more reminder of just how fast the time is whisking away.
Not to mention she's entering that pre-pubescent phase and all the changes THAT brings about. I'm sure she'll love to know I shared that as she gets a little older. ;-)
Yes, my little girl is turning into a young woman right before my eyes.
Miss Charity is entering 5th grade and is so exited to be able to take part in the Iditarod program our virtual school offers for language arts. I remember last year how thrilled Trinity was to take part and now... Charity is following in her footsteps. Again- how can this be?
Both girls went to church camp for the first time this summer - as did I - THAT was really a first for our family. LOL!
Charity is maturing in her own rights and becoming quite the young lady. Her shyness - although still present - is often pushed back as she takes the lead to make new friends, take part in activities, or lead the way to help her little sister approach new experiences.
It just seems like yesterday she was starting kindergarten with that sweet little face and her infectious smile and giggle that knows no bounds.
Finally is the youngest, Miss Selah. She has already started her 3rd grade year as she finished off her 2nd grade curriculum early last spring. She is reading independently and working at her own pace with her school lessons now.
She's even beginning to write in cursive.
How and when did THAT happen?
She too has grown and changed so much. I still remember her as a little preschooler wanting to be like all the big kids and 'do school'.
My how the tables have turned. Even though she does well with school, now that she's in 3rd grade she realizes how much time it takes and how much it impedes play time and fun. Ha.
Welcome to the real world, sweetie.
Milestones abound.
I wouldn't change it for the world, but it does cause one to pause and reflect and remember times gone by.
So many changes.
So many firsts.
It's somewhat unreal to realize some of these firsts are the last of their kind.
As our summer ends, I'll try to revel in these upcoming firsts. Breath them in. Enjoy them. Lament them.
Milestones are yet more blessings in which to be thankful.
One thing about having children is all the cool turning points that go along with them.
This year it seems we have quite a few new ones.
Or at least, somewhat new to us and of course new to each kiddo.
 |
| Induction to Honor's Society at UW. |
Talk about milestones. That's two major ones to start us off. Wow!
He's also moving into an apartment rather than the dorms (yet another unique landmark for our brew) with a friend from college for his last 2 years. Yes, even though he's going into his senior year, due to his triple major he'll be around for that 'dreaded' 5th year to complete his degrees. (I'll admit, it's not so dreaded to me. It means I get to keep him a bit closer a bit longer. Those days are numbered and I know it. So.... I'll relish in that 5th year.)
The next 2 kids in line are entering their senior year of high school. How did THAT happen? It just doesn't seem possible that in about 12 more months both of them will be heading off to college.
WHAT?
 |
| Doing devotions at church camp. |
 |
| Decorating Christmas cookies. |
He's been working this summer helping neighbors with construction, landscaping, electronics work - many new and first experiences.
 |
| Playing in the mud pit at camp. |
Next up is Miss Trinity - she's entering 6th grade. That's quite a milestone. As I unpacked her schoolbooks for the year I was a bit taken aback as I pulled out her math 'Fundamentals of Algebra and Geometry'.
How can my sweet little girl - only 11 years old - be learning algebra and geometry? ARG!
One more reminder of just how fast the time is whisking away.
Not to mention she's entering that pre-pubescent phase and all the changes THAT brings about. I'm sure she'll love to know I shared that as she gets a little older. ;-)
Yes, my little girl is turning into a young woman right before my eyes.
 |
| Less muddy, but still having fun in the mud pit |
Miss Charity is entering 5th grade and is so exited to be able to take part in the Iditarod program our virtual school offers for language arts. I remember last year how thrilled Trinity was to take part and now... Charity is following in her footsteps. Again- how can this be?
Both girls went to church camp for the first time this summer - as did I - THAT was really a first for our family. LOL!
Charity is maturing in her own rights and becoming quite the young lady. Her shyness - although still present - is often pushed back as she takes the lead to make new friends, take part in activities, or lead the way to help her little sister approach new experiences.
It just seems like yesterday she was starting kindergarten with that sweet little face and her infectious smile and giggle that knows no bounds.
 |
| Drawing on a kids' menu while out to eat. |
She's even beginning to write in cursive.
How and when did THAT happen?
She too has grown and changed so much. I still remember her as a little preschooler wanting to be like all the big kids and 'do school'.
My how the tables have turned. Even though she does well with school, now that she's in 3rd grade she realizes how much time it takes and how much it impedes play time and fun. Ha.
Welcome to the real world, sweetie.
Milestones abound.
I wouldn't change it for the world, but it does cause one to pause and reflect and remember times gone by.
So many changes.
So many firsts.
It's somewhat unreal to realize some of these firsts are the last of their kind.
As our summer ends, I'll try to revel in these upcoming firsts. Breath them in. Enjoy them. Lament them.
 |
| Family vacation this summer at the Redwood Forest - Jacob generally no longer tags along due to other commitments... Realizing photos capturing 5 of our kiddos having fun on a summer vacation are coming to a close is another 'milestone'. I didn't really expect that when Jacob left for college -- I thought he'd still come home for summer break. Boy, was I wrong. So.... I'll take advantage of these opportunities as often as I can. |
Thursday, August 10, 2017
Darn Skunks
Each year it appears as though skunks like to move in under our porches, our house, our shed, even our backyard, and bunny hutch.
This year was no exception.
I believe the dogs had managed to avoid getting sprayed for the most part this year, but alas, that couldn't last.
This morning, snuggling in bed with little Miss Selah, talking about the eclipse we are planning to see on the 21st, we both noted the sudden onset of 'skunk smell'.
We knew skunks were around -- the smell was here when we arrived back from fair. Having Titus with us for the week at fair allowed them more freedom to explore the backyard and the trash bin of recycling we keep there.
So... I didn't think much of it. The skunk must have come in contact with another critter that spooked it enough to spray in it's defense.
A short time later, the bedroom door opened and Trinity stuck her head in announcing Titus had been sprayed in the face and was frothing at the mouth. In fact BOTH dogs had been sprayed. One in the face... the other in the tush.
They were quickly quarantined to the garage until baths could be given.
Poor dogs.
Titus chased the skunk, but never made contact. Apollos is too old to see or smell for the hunt anymore.
The crazy little skunk ran and found a hidey hole tucked up against the house beside the dog shelter. Right behind the propane lines so no chance of shooting him at that point in time.
I can't deny, he's pretty cute, but...... still.
Every time Elijah went near the shelter to try to put the trap down, the little black and white striped nuisance would stamp and stomp his little front feet, raising his back end up the wall of the house. I think he was too nervous to turn to spray or Elijah would have had a face full of bad.
Finally, the traps were set and we waited.
As expected, that little stinker (quite literally), did his own waiting and once we stopped watching he slipped off - avoiding the traps and disappearing to wherever he calls home at this current time.
The traps are set and we'll hope he goes for the peanut butter we put in them. He seems to like peanut butter and Nutella so hopefully he'll be hungry tonight and crawl right in to have a snack.
Then, sorry to say, his days are numbered.
Cute or not - skunks have no place in our mini-mountain-menagerie.
This year was no exception.
I believe the dogs had managed to avoid getting sprayed for the most part this year, but alas, that couldn't last.
This morning, snuggling in bed with little Miss Selah, talking about the eclipse we are planning to see on the 21st, we both noted the sudden onset of 'skunk smell'.
We knew skunks were around -- the smell was here when we arrived back from fair. Having Titus with us for the week at fair allowed them more freedom to explore the backyard and the trash bin of recycling we keep there.
So... I didn't think much of it. The skunk must have come in contact with another critter that spooked it enough to spray in it's defense.
A short time later, the bedroom door opened and Trinity stuck her head in announcing Titus had been sprayed in the face and was frothing at the mouth. In fact BOTH dogs had been sprayed. One in the face... the other in the tush.
They were quickly quarantined to the garage until baths could be given.
Poor dogs.
Titus chased the skunk, but never made contact. Apollos is too old to see or smell for the hunt anymore.
The crazy little skunk ran and found a hidey hole tucked up against the house beside the dog shelter. Right behind the propane lines so no chance of shooting him at that point in time.
I can't deny, he's pretty cute, but...... still.
Every time Elijah went near the shelter to try to put the trap down, the little black and white striped nuisance would stamp and stomp his little front feet, raising his back end up the wall of the house. I think he was too nervous to turn to spray or Elijah would have had a face full of bad.
Finally, the traps were set and we waited.
As expected, that little stinker (quite literally), did his own waiting and once we stopped watching he slipped off - avoiding the traps and disappearing to wherever he calls home at this current time.
The traps are set and we'll hope he goes for the peanut butter we put in them. He seems to like peanut butter and Nutella so hopefully he'll be hungry tonight and crawl right in to have a snack.
Then, sorry to say, his days are numbered.
Cute or not - skunks have no place in our mini-mountain-menagerie.
Wednesday, August 9, 2017
Diabetes -- Decisions and Consequences of
It's been almost 2 1/2 years since the girls were diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes.
Living and dealing with this chronic disease has become our new way of life. Our new way of thinking.
Not a day goes by - not even an hour most days - that we aren't thinking about T1D in one way or another.
Checking blood sugars; counting carbohydrates; calculating insulin ratios; monitoring continuous glucose meters throughout the day and night; changing pump sites; pokes to insert the CGM; making decisions on basal rates based on illness, exercise, and moods; all this and more, fills our days.
As parents of a child or in our case children with type 1 diabetes, it falls on our shoulders to make decisions.
Simple ones......
Not so simple ones.
As we make such decisions we're thinking about their blood sugars RIGHT NOW; what they'll be in a couple hours; how certain foods and activities may impact those blood sugars; what long term effects the blood glucose levels we are seeing will have on them.
It's a lot to deal with day in and day out.
Physically and emotionally.
One such decision is how to handle the desire for snacks and the pangs of hunger when blood sugars are already high.
My general rule has been.... if BG is high, limit carbs and focus on protein. Or... alternatively, give a correction, drink water, and wait a time before snacks are given.
It made sense to me.
Carbs raise blood sugar.... If blood sugars are already high, more carbs would be a bad thing. Right?
Just recently I caught little Miss Selah trying to 'sneak' a bit of frosting from a brownie cake I had made for our 4H meeting.
Not such a big deal. A normal behavior for a kid. What kid (or adult) doesn't like to 'nab a little frosting' as they walk by the cake plate? I know my older kids do it when cake is in the house. I myself will seize a bit of frosting or a crumb of cake as I pass the island where the cake is sitting.
In the average child it would be...... NO. BIGGIE!
However, for Selah or Trinity..... it could quickly become a VERY. BIG. DEAL!
If she eats -- especially straight sugar like that -- without taking insulin (particularly if her blood glucose levels are already elevated) it could become quite serious, quite fast.
What to do?
We don't limit carbs - even treats - for this very reason.
Yes, our girls with type 1 diabetes eat cake, ice cream, candy, even the occasional slushy -- just like every other kid. We just have to dose the appropriate amount of insulin -- which can be a lot -- and monitor their overall blood glucose levels after the fact. (Granted, this is not the 'norm' for their diet. As with all our children, we try to limit the treats to keep a healthy balance.)
We didn't want to get into a situation where the girls felt their disease was a punishment and hence push them toward 'sneaking' food to get that which they felt they were missing out.
Yet, here we are.
That simple decision I had made to limit carbs during snack time based on blood glucose levels was back firing.
It's made me revisit what our approach should be. It's also caused in depth discussions regarding the importance of ALWAYS dosing for ANY food. Conversations were had about how sometimes none of us are allowed to have the 'treats'; healthy food is always better. I also acknowledged how it's got to be difficult for an 8 yr old to see her 9 yr old sister partake in carb heavy foods while she's stuck having a slice of turkey or cheese. Such practices may also need to be altered - one way or the other. Maybe differently on different days. Some days everyone has carbs, other times everyone has protein.
I know she needs to realize this is her life. It may not be fair; it may be hard; yet... this is the lot she's been given.
However, I watched as she fought the tears that were threatening to well up in her eyes.
She just wants to be a kid.
She just wants to be able to eat a little frosting without all the fuss.
She just wants crackers instead of cheese or nuts.
I wish it were so. I wish I could take it all away.
So, as we round the corner of the third year living with type 1 diabetes - I'd like to write that it's gotten so much easier; we have our routines and life is 'normal', but.....
I........
CAN'T!
I don't think living with type 1 diabetes will ever truly be EASY.
..... or NORMAL for that matter. At least not in the sense of what most consider 'normal', what most live as 'normal'.
What's normal about having to poke your finger to check blood sugar levels before you even think of putting any morsel of food in your mouth?
What's easy about having to have a 2 inch needle injected into your body every three days to insert a new canula just so the life saving insulin can be administered EVERY time you eat? Or jabbing yourself with a syringe ANY time you choose to ingest a food that converts to glucose in the body. Plus the additional times if you misjudge how many carbs were in the last meal you ate and your blood sugar continues to rise despite the insulin you've taken to combat that scenario.
What's typical about being awakened in the middle of the night to drink a Capri Sun juice box because your blood sugar is plummeting and you're in danger of having a seizure due to too much insulin for whatever reason or your body reacting to said insulin more quickly or effectively that other times.
What's fair regarding having to think about whether or not a snack of crackers is ok or if it will spike your blood sugar too high so you should really opt for the less coveted piece of cheese, deli meat, or handful of nuts?
No, it's not any easier today than it was 2 1/2 years ago, but... it is less raw. It's not typical compared to what the average family goes through each day, but it is our new way of life. It's not something we would have chosen, yet it's not something we can ignore or neglect either.... hence,we do what needs to be done.
Day after day. Hour upon hour. Minute by minute.
Plus...... we know how strong our girls are and we know they WILL persevere; thrive; live full and active lives.
Even through the tears and unfairness of it all.
Living and dealing with this chronic disease has become our new way of life. Our new way of thinking.
Not a day goes by - not even an hour most days - that we aren't thinking about T1D in one way or another.
Checking blood sugars; counting carbohydrates; calculating insulin ratios; monitoring continuous glucose meters throughout the day and night; changing pump sites; pokes to insert the CGM; making decisions on basal rates based on illness, exercise, and moods; all this and more, fills our days.
As parents of a child or in our case children with type 1 diabetes, it falls on our shoulders to make decisions.
Simple ones......
Not so simple ones.
As we make such decisions we're thinking about their blood sugars RIGHT NOW; what they'll be in a couple hours; how certain foods and activities may impact those blood sugars; what long term effects the blood glucose levels we are seeing will have on them.
It's a lot to deal with day in and day out.
Physically and emotionally.
One such decision is how to handle the desire for snacks and the pangs of hunger when blood sugars are already high.
My general rule has been.... if BG is high, limit carbs and focus on protein. Or... alternatively, give a correction, drink water, and wait a time before snacks are given.
It made sense to me.
Carbs raise blood sugar.... If blood sugars are already high, more carbs would be a bad thing. Right?
Just recently I caught little Miss Selah trying to 'sneak' a bit of frosting from a brownie cake I had made for our 4H meeting.
 |
| Decorating cakes - knowing she can't just 'lick her fingers' as she goes along. |
Not such a big deal. A normal behavior for a kid. What kid (or adult) doesn't like to 'nab a little frosting' as they walk by the cake plate? I know my older kids do it when cake is in the house. I myself will seize a bit of frosting or a crumb of cake as I pass the island where the cake is sitting.
In the average child it would be...... NO. BIGGIE!
However, for Selah or Trinity..... it could quickly become a VERY. BIG. DEAL!
If she eats -- especially straight sugar like that -- without taking insulin (particularly if her blood glucose levels are already elevated) it could become quite serious, quite fast.
What to do?
We don't limit carbs - even treats - for this very reason.
 |
| Adding a border - drooling a bit over the frosting she can't just 'taste' as she goes. |
We didn't want to get into a situation where the girls felt their disease was a punishment and hence push them toward 'sneaking' food to get that which they felt they were missing out.
Yet, here we are.
That simple decision I had made to limit carbs during snack time based on blood glucose levels was back firing.
It's made me revisit what our approach should be. It's also caused in depth discussions regarding the importance of ALWAYS dosing for ANY food. Conversations were had about how sometimes none of us are allowed to have the 'treats'; healthy food is always better. I also acknowledged how it's got to be difficult for an 8 yr old to see her 9 yr old sister partake in carb heavy foods while she's stuck having a slice of turkey or cheese. Such practices may also need to be altered - one way or the other. Maybe differently on different days. Some days everyone has carbs, other times everyone has protein.
I know she needs to realize this is her life. It may not be fair; it may be hard; yet... this is the lot she's been given.
However, I watched as she fought the tears that were threatening to well up in her eyes.
She just wants to be a kid.
She just wants to be able to eat a little frosting without all the fuss.
She just wants crackers instead of cheese or nuts.
I wish it were so. I wish I could take it all away.
So, as we round the corner of the third year living with type 1 diabetes - I'd like to write that it's gotten so much easier; we have our routines and life is 'normal', but.....
I........
CAN'T!
I don't think living with type 1 diabetes will ever truly be EASY.
..... or NORMAL for that matter. At least not in the sense of what most consider 'normal', what most live as 'normal'.
What's normal about having to poke your finger to check blood sugar levels before you even think of putting any morsel of food in your mouth?
What's easy about having to have a 2 inch needle injected into your body every three days to insert a new canula just so the life saving insulin can be administered EVERY time you eat? Or jabbing yourself with a syringe ANY time you choose to ingest a food that converts to glucose in the body. Plus the additional times if you misjudge how many carbs were in the last meal you ate and your blood sugar continues to rise despite the insulin you've taken to combat that scenario.
What's typical about being awakened in the middle of the night to drink a Capri Sun juice box because your blood sugar is plummeting and you're in danger of having a seizure due to too much insulin for whatever reason or your body reacting to said insulin more quickly or effectively that other times.
What's fair regarding having to think about whether or not a snack of crackers is ok or if it will spike your blood sugar too high so you should really opt for the less coveted piece of cheese, deli meat, or handful of nuts?
No, it's not any easier today than it was 2 1/2 years ago, but... it is less raw. It's not typical compared to what the average family goes through each day, but it is our new way of life. It's not something we would have chosen, yet it's not something we can ignore or neglect either.... hence,we do what needs to be done.
Day after day. Hour upon hour. Minute by minute.
Plus...... we know how strong our girls are and we know they WILL persevere; thrive; live full and active lives.
 |
| Finished product from Showcase Showdown team cake decorating competition. |
Even through the tears and unfairness of it all.
Monday, August 7, 2017
Homeschooling via On-line charter School
Our journey with homeschooling has been an interesting one. In the VERY beginning I attempted to 'do my own thing' and quickly learned I'd burn out in days if I continued on THAT path. We quickly moved to a 'packaged' curriculum - Calvert - that we had heard good things about from acquaintances who'd used it and loved it.
So, our first year, after a mere couple weeks of trying to 'wing it' utilizing Five in a Row (which I think is fabulous if it fits your personality) we purchased the Calvert Curriculum for Jacob - our first born - and so began our homeschooling adventure.
Midway through the year, we learned of an on-line charter school that offered the Calvert Curriculum for FREE if you enrolled in their 'school'. I would still be the home 'teacher', but would receive our books and supplies free of charge - which was a blessing for a single income family - and have a support system to help guide us.
Plus -- accountability.
It wasn't a tough decision.
The next summer we enrolled. It was a smooth transition since we were already using their offered curriculum. All that changed was some interactions with their 'teachers', sending in some papers to be graded, and taking part in the public school standardized testing plus additional testing required throughout the year due to the fact it was a virtual school.
I discovered early on that my personality NEEDED accountability. It would be all too easy at times to just say, "eh, I don't feel like doing school today. I have this or that project I'd like to do; the toy room needs organized; the kitchen needs deep cleaned; we need groceries; it's a pretty day for the park; etc; etc; etc!" that would pull my attention away from the important task of actually teaching and completing schoolwork.
So.... the on-line charter school had appeal.
Granted, I get frustrated by the multitude of standardized testing we have to accomplish; the hoops we have to jump through; the busywork we have to complete sometimes; but.... overall.... it's been a great match for our family.
Our children have learned that school is school -- it has to be done. Granted, since they are at home we have more flexibility. We can work ahead to take a day off for a family field trip; for doctor's appointments. Or... we can catch up when we take an impromptu day off because it's just too nice out to stay cooped up inside; an emergency arises; sickness hits. All three of the older kids have been able to be volunteer librarians by doubling up on their assignments each day to get a 'mostly free day' off once a week. The kids can sleep in to some degree; we have a more laid back morning schedule for tending to our mini mountain menagerie. However, we can't just continually fall behind and work at a snails pace because we are on someone else's schedule. I honestly believe my children's education would have suffered if I lacked the accountability and time frames the virtual schools provided. Hence, their education benefited from the on-line charter schools.
To me, that's a good thing. No, a great thing.
I know me.
I have a tendency to get lazy. To not 'feel' like doing the teaching that homeschooling requires. To get distracted by projects and chores around the house. To get engulfed in a good book. To allow the kids to get so engulfed and rationalize that such reading 'counts' as their school for that day. :-)
I'm willing to admit my faults and acknowledge where I would have fallen short.
Since we are bound to the schools timing, I can't be so laid back. I can't allow myself to get quite so sidetracked.
Hence, we get stuff done.
Through the years we've discovered how all the kids learn. We've learned the aspects of the on-line schooling that work well for us and those that we can reassess to use a method that fits better for our family, yet still completing all the work required.
Another huge benefit I've found in using virtual schooling is the independence our children developed early on in their school years. Navigating the computer; keeping track of assignments; working at their own pace; not requiring me or another 'teacher' to hold their hand to accomplish the lessons and work necessary to succeed.
I'm thrilled we discovered on-line schooling those 15 or so years ago. It's been a blessing to our family.
All 6 of our children have gone through these programs. One is entering his senior year of college with honors. Two are entering their senior years of high school - again top of their class. Another is starting 6th grade - Jr high as it were; the fifth one is going into 5th grade and the baby is in her 3rd grade year.
We've changed which on-line school we've used over the years, but through it all we've continued to stick with virtual programs.
Many dislike them, but they work well for us.
It does take dedication on the families part; the parents; the children; the whole unit.
It does require being flexible when technology falters.
It does mean being confined to someone else's schedule and agenda to a large degree - but.... in all reality ANY schooling has an element of that. The only difference is to what degree and to whom.
It does demand following a set curriculum, but since we are home with our children we can add to that however we choose.
For us, it's been a win win scenario.
The kids get a solid curriculum that prepares them for college; I get to be with them, molding their character; they automatically receive an acknowledged transcript to aid them in college admission; I have accountability and support to keep us on the right track and give a boost in areas I'm not strong -- ie. math and some sciences. The children progress through all the major subjects - and then some - in a logical sequence that ensures they have no gaps in their education.
So, as we prepare for yet another year of homeschooling - or as some may say 'schooling at home' - I'm glad we have this virtual option to catapult us through our school years. Which are sadly coming to a close for a couple more kiddos.
So, our first year, after a mere couple weeks of trying to 'wing it' utilizing Five in a Row (which I think is fabulous if it fits your personality) we purchased the Calvert Curriculum for Jacob - our first born - and so began our homeschooling adventure.
Midway through the year, we learned of an on-line charter school that offered the Calvert Curriculum for FREE if you enrolled in their 'school'. I would still be the home 'teacher', but would receive our books and supplies free of charge - which was a blessing for a single income family - and have a support system to help guide us.
Plus -- accountability.
It wasn't a tough decision.
The next summer we enrolled. It was a smooth transition since we were already using their offered curriculum. All that changed was some interactions with their 'teachers', sending in some papers to be graded, and taking part in the public school standardized testing plus additional testing required throughout the year due to the fact it was a virtual school.
I discovered early on that my personality NEEDED accountability. It would be all too easy at times to just say, "eh, I don't feel like doing school today. I have this or that project I'd like to do; the toy room needs organized; the kitchen needs deep cleaned; we need groceries; it's a pretty day for the park; etc; etc; etc!" that would pull my attention away from the important task of actually teaching and completing schoolwork.
So.... the on-line charter school had appeal.
Granted, I get frustrated by the multitude of standardized testing we have to accomplish; the hoops we have to jump through; the busywork we have to complete sometimes; but.... overall.... it's been a great match for our family.
Our children have learned that school is school -- it has to be done. Granted, since they are at home we have more flexibility. We can work ahead to take a day off for a family field trip; for doctor's appointments. Or... we can catch up when we take an impromptu day off because it's just too nice out to stay cooped up inside; an emergency arises; sickness hits. All three of the older kids have been able to be volunteer librarians by doubling up on their assignments each day to get a 'mostly free day' off once a week. The kids can sleep in to some degree; we have a more laid back morning schedule for tending to our mini mountain menagerie. However, we can't just continually fall behind and work at a snails pace because we are on someone else's schedule. I honestly believe my children's education would have suffered if I lacked the accountability and time frames the virtual schools provided. Hence, their education benefited from the on-line charter schools.
To me, that's a good thing. No, a great thing.
I know me.
I have a tendency to get lazy. To not 'feel' like doing the teaching that homeschooling requires. To get distracted by projects and chores around the house. To get engulfed in a good book. To allow the kids to get so engulfed and rationalize that such reading 'counts' as their school for that day. :-)
I'm willing to admit my faults and acknowledge where I would have fallen short.
Since we are bound to the schools timing, I can't be so laid back. I can't allow myself to get quite so sidetracked.
Hence, we get stuff done.
Through the years we've discovered how all the kids learn. We've learned the aspects of the on-line schooling that work well for us and those that we can reassess to use a method that fits better for our family, yet still completing all the work required.
Another huge benefit I've found in using virtual schooling is the independence our children developed early on in their school years. Navigating the computer; keeping track of assignments; working at their own pace; not requiring me or another 'teacher' to hold their hand to accomplish the lessons and work necessary to succeed.
I'm thrilled we discovered on-line schooling those 15 or so years ago. It's been a blessing to our family.
All 6 of our children have gone through these programs. One is entering his senior year of college with honors. Two are entering their senior years of high school - again top of their class. Another is starting 6th grade - Jr high as it were; the fifth one is going into 5th grade and the baby is in her 3rd grade year.
We've changed which on-line school we've used over the years, but through it all we've continued to stick with virtual programs.
Many dislike them, but they work well for us.
It does take dedication on the families part; the parents; the children; the whole unit.
It does require being flexible when technology falters.
It does mean being confined to someone else's schedule and agenda to a large degree - but.... in all reality ANY schooling has an element of that. The only difference is to what degree and to whom.
It does demand following a set curriculum, but since we are home with our children we can add to that however we choose.
For us, it's been a win win scenario.
The kids get a solid curriculum that prepares them for college; I get to be with them, molding their character; they automatically receive an acknowledged transcript to aid them in college admission; I have accountability and support to keep us on the right track and give a boost in areas I'm not strong -- ie. math and some sciences. The children progress through all the major subjects - and then some - in a logical sequence that ensures they have no gaps in their education.
So, as we prepare for yet another year of homeschooling - or as some may say 'schooling at home' - I'm glad we have this virtual option to catapult us through our school years. Which are sadly coming to a close for a couple more kiddos.
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