Speaking from the Heart

I am thankful for my Mother and Stepdad.
Mom become a strong woman through many life struggles. Her dad died when she was a teenager. Being next to the oldest, she took it upon herself to take care of her Mother and nine brothers. Mom attended high school during the day, and worked as an assitance seamstress after school. Knowing that she didn't want to be a seamstress for the rest of her life, she enrolled in a business school after high school.

Following her secondary education, Mom married my biological father and started a family. Mom began to enjoy life again. However, this changed forty five days after the birth of my sister. My biological dad was shot by a Viet Cong.

With a business background and 13 mouths to feed, Mom went to work for the U.S. Army (MACV), where she met my stepdad. He fell in love with her instantly. After finishing his second tour in Germany, he returned to Vietnam and proposed to her. Unlike many mothers, who abandoned their children for a better life, Mom told stepdad about me and sister. When he met us, he fell in love with us instantly. He told Mom that there was no way that they were going to leave Vietnam without me and Sister. We left for America in 1971.

Stepdad went Home to be with the LORD in 2001. I am thankful for my Stepdad, because he had been the only dad I knew for 30 years. He provided me with food, clothes, and shelter. He worked hard so I could go to college. He walked me down the aisle on the day of my wedding. Finally, he loved me as if I was his biological child.



This is part 1 of 2 Thankful Thursday. Click here for part 2.

For more Wordless Wednesday, please click on the above clipart.

When Grandma purchased an antique dollhouse for dear grand-daughter, her requests were for my dear husband to add electricity and to do some minor repair; however, dear husband saw it differently. Realizing that it was going to take him just as long to renovate the dollhouse, he decided to salvage what was reusable, and built dear daughter this

Dear daughter loves the dollhouse. She displays it proudly at the end of her bed. As you can tell, it is the home of Polly Pocket. Just like the little red sweater, this sturdy dollhouse will have its own story as each generation plays with it.

I've been fussing at my children, because lately , I have to remind them to say,

Every Sunday and Wednesday, I would drop the kids in front of the church before parking the car. Unless I remind them, thank you goes unsaid.

Bothered by this ungratefulness, I tried to figure how I can encourage more verbal language of gratefulness. It dawned on me that the kids are not the only ones who are ungrateful. When was the last time I said

for loading/unloading the diswasher, folding the clothes, or cleaning the bathroom? Yes, an apple doesn't fall far from the tree. I must capture this moment to teach my children gratitude.

Bible Study: When Godly People do Ungodly Things by Beth Moore.

To Do List:

• Plan Communications for Christ Speech Class
• Kids' doctor appointments
• Skating with homeschool organization
• Exercise: Mom- walk a mile a day with Leslie Sansone (DVD). Kids- Homeschool Physical Education
• Do last load of laundry & clean house by Friday.*
• Prepare to teach dear son algebra 2, & dear daughter Pages in My Head Reading 5

Training them up: More praises and less insults towards one another. insults

• Monday- chicken & pinto beans
• Tuesday- Spaghetti pork chops
• Wednesday- Egg Noodle Lasagna
• Thursday- Slow cooked Mac~n~cheese, spinach, grilled chicken
• Friday- Salmon wrap
• Saturday & Sunday- left over *

* Except for dinner dishes, I seldom clean, cook or do laundry on weekends. It is my resting time.

For more Moday Meanderings & Menu Plan Monday, click on the cliparts.

When I began blogging, I documented family stories (childhood memories, my courtship with dear husband, my journey to America, my homeschooling journey, etc.) My main purpose was to leave a legacy for my children and future generations.

As I was about to run out of stories to write, I began searching for weekly assignments (Monday Meanderings,Tackle-it Tuesday, Wordless Wednesday, Thankful Thursday, and Friday Show and Tell). My main focus now is to utilize these assignments to minister to those who have walked or are walking on the same path as me. I am hoping that my stories will let them know that they are not alone. Jesus is extending his hand, waiting for them to ask Him in.

I am so glad that it's Friday. Although we didn't finish our weekly syllabus, we did mange to have language arts, spelling, math, and critical thinking.

Our week ended with a play , Teddy Roosevelt and the Treausre of Ursa Major . It was filled with history facts, as well as comical . This was a great audio history lesson.

Teddy Roosevelt ane the Treasure of Ursa Major shows what it was like for Kermit, Ethel, and Archie to live at at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

In summer of 1904, President Roosevelt wanted his three rambunctious children to be quiet and stay out of mischief, while he entertained the Russian ambassador. He gave young Ethel, Kermit, and Archie a copy of Treasure Island – and out fell a real-life treasure map. Following clue after clue, the threesome had to work as a team, solved the riddles, and faced their fears, as they learned White House history that leads them from the Red Room, to the President’s Office, to the Lincoln Bedroom, and other places in the White House.

This is one of the best plays my kids and I have seen in awhile. If this play comes to your hometown, I would encourage you to go see it.

For more Friday Show n tell, click on the above clipart

Thank you for joining in the reading of A Mother's Journey

Copyright 1997 by Linda Dillow

The children grew like sunflowers dancing along the hillside.
The days were long, but the air was thick.

A summer storm rolled across the heavens
Lightning flashed, hail pounded, and the
Children shook with cold and fear.

The path was steep and the children grew weary.
But the mother encircled them with warmth of her love.
"Walk on, dear ones," she said, "We will soon be there."

So the children climbed.

When they finally ascend the above the storm, they said,
"We could not have made it without you, Mother."

And she rejoiced. This is better than the joy of springtime, for

I have taught my children perserverance

And her Shepherd said,

You were faithful in the hard times.

Give Me your hopes,

give Me your dreams;

The journey is long

and not what it seems.

Affirm your children;

to be faithful to Me;

This is the Mother

I want you to be.

With one activity after another, our week has been chaotic. However, the kids have managed to keep up with their schoolwork. Therefore, we took the day off to have a little fun. We started our day at the mall, where my darling daughter spent her Christmas money on a bear and a couple of outfits at Build-A-Bear.

We went to our favorite Chinese Buffet before participating in a spelling bee. Because the kids wanted to eat out, and paying for 3 adults is not in my weekly budget, they paid for their meals. Wait a minute, we didn't skip school after all, we just had life-skills 101 and money managment.

My daughter came in fourth at the spelling bee. For the fifth time in a row, my son came in second. He was hoping that he would come in first place this year, since his rival has moved away.

For more Wordless Wednesday, please click on the above clipart.

Big business began as a small business

All over the country, homeschool families are gathering weekly to teach their children. Moms can't drop off their kids. They have to contribute. While one mom is taking care of the little ones, other moms might be teaching art, dance, math, history, etc.

When the kids returned to class last Tuesday, they were encouraged to come up with a business. Noah, son of a homeschool mom, was ahead of the game. Since homeschoolers meet on Wednesdays for physical education at a local park, he thought this would be a great place to open Snack Attack.

Praise the LORD, My dear son just completed Algebra I, his first high school credit. It seems like yesterday, when I taught him how to add. After taking off 2 weeks, we'll start Algebra 2. For the most part, he taught himself . I hate to say this, but a lot of times he was teaching me. It has been a great review for me. I even learned somethings that I didn't understand the first time around.

Bible Study: When Godly People do Ungodly Things by Beth Moore.

To Do List:

• Move 2007 documents (receipts, bills, medical records, etc) from current filing cabinet to an archived cabinet (I didn't get a chance to do it last week)
• Mail kids' first semester academic reports to their umbrella school
• Attend two schooltime performances: The Playmaker's Tour & Teddy Roosevelt and the Treasure of Ursa Major
• Take kids to participate in Homeschool Spelling Bee
• Homeschool small group birthday celebration
• Exercise: Mom- walk a mile a day with Leslie Sansone (DVD). Kids- Homeschool Physical Education

Training them up: It seems like lately my darlings have forgotten how to say "thank you".

More recipes from Taste of Home Slow Cooker Classics

• Monday- French Bread, Salad, Chili
• Tuesday- Beef ~n~ Beans
• Wednesday- Spaghetti (instead of ground beef, I use chicken breasts with spaghetti sauce covered with Mozarella cheese), salad
• Thursday- Slow-cooked coffee pot roast
• Friday- Beef Burgendy, Rice, salad

For more Moday Meanderings & Menu Plan Monday, click on the cliparts.

My sister gave me "A Mother's Journey", when I was into my fourth year of motherhood. I have reread the book many times through the years. Each time I read it, I could clearly see where I am in my journey and where I am heading. Please join me for the second week , as we continue our reading.

Copyright 1997 by Linda Dillow

It was spring, The trees burst with blossoms. Cheerful wildflowers covered the fields, and bubbbling brook echoed peals of laughter as it meandred through the meadow.

Like little lambs the children frolicked, following the mother through sweet-smelling clover along the path.

The days were good. The evenings peaceful.

The yong mother was happy as she played with her children. Together they made daisy chains form the gathered wildflowers, and bathed in clear streams.

The sun shone on their paths, and life was sweet. The young mother cried.
"Nothing will be be lovelier than this!

I have given my children joy !

And her Shepherd said,

You were faithful in the good times.

Give Me your hopes,

give Me your dreams;

The journey is long

and not what it seems.

Affirm your children;

to be faithful to Me;

This is the Mother

I want you to be.

For more Friday Show and Tell with Canada Girl, click on the clipart.

If tomorrow never comes, I want my friends to know what kind of impact they had in my life.

I met Heather, when our sons were in daycare. Heather's son, Austin looked to Mark as his big brother. When someone bothered Austin on the playground, Mark was there to protect him. At home, Austin constantly talked about Mark. Out of curiosity, Heather seeked me out and arranged for a playdate.

During our first visit, we talked about our children and husbands, and our faith. I told her that I had not been to church in 10 years. Heather didn't condemn me, nor invited me to church. Looking back, I believe she was praying for wisdom, as she smiled at me.

Heather and I tried to get together at least once a week. Our friendship blossomed. Heather finally got the courage to invite me to church. Not wanting to hurt her feelings, I said that I would try to go. However, I did not make it on that particular Sunday. When I saw her at school on Monday, I made a lame excuse of not being able to find my Bible. Heather didn't seem too upset. She just smiled and talked about her busy weekend. I knew I was at the top her prayer list. I finally made it to church. Initially, I was doing it for my son. Since he was attending a Christian school, I knew I had to start set good examples.

From the start, I was gravitated by Heather's inner peace, joy, and love for the LORD. I often sit from afar just to watch Heather to see if she is a true sister in Christ. I can say that she is. Even in her most dispair time.

Heather's father was hospitalized on the Christmas Eve of 2000. He went HOME three weeks later. Heather never got angry at GOD for taking her dad away too soon. She continues to have a strong relationship with our FATHER.

God had a purpose for Heather. She was the angel who returned me, the lost sheep, to the Shepherd. Unknowingly, she helped me to prepare for my dad's death three months later, spring 2001. Our dads died due to diabetes. By observing her grief and leaning on GOD , I also learned not to be angry at our Father, and I must lean on HIM for hope, peace, understanding, and faith.

For more Thankful Thursday, clip on the clipart.

It's Wordless Wednesday, hosted by Tiany. If you would like to participate or to visit other Wordless Wednesday Participants, please click on the above picture.

We've been in school for a week. Hopefully, this week will run smoother. It was hard to return to schooling, after a month off. For a review of my first week back to school, read Do we have to Start School Today?

This week. I hope to accomplish the following:

• Print pictures for yearbook and family
• Clean filing cabinet. Move 2007 documents (receipts, bills, medical records, etc) to another cabinet
• Get babyshower & birthday gifts

Bible Study: Try to do a lesson a day of When Godly People do Ungodly Things by Beth Moore

Exercise: walk a mile with Leslie Sansone DVD ( 3 times a week)

Training them up: A penny saved is a penny earned .

I have simplified my life by utilizing my slow cooker as often as possible. The main dishes in the following menu can be found in Taste of Home Slow Cooker Classics.

• Monday: Beef Burgendy, Rice, salad


• Tuesday: Golden Chicken & Noodles


• Wednesday: Chicken with stuffing


• Thursday: Herbed Chicken & Shrimp


• Friday: Beef in Mushroom Gravy, cheesy spinach, mashed potatoes, salad

Note:

• Click on Beef Burgendy and cheesy spinach for the recipes.
  
• For more Moday Meanderings & Menu Plan Monday, click on the Monday Meandering cliparts.

It's amazing how much our children are willing to sacrifice, if they are spending their money. My dear son is saving for a computer. He deposits everything (even a penny) he earns into his savings account. He wouldn't even let go of a dollar for a game of pool with his friends. He painfully walked away from the bookstore, so he wouldn't be tempted to purchase the latest Star Wars novel.

I am in awe with his self-control, discipline & patience. He is sacrificing his immediate wants inorder to obtain his long goals. As I watch him gathering around the pool table with his friends, I want to offer him a dollar for a little fun. However, I must not indulge him. I must

Train [him] in a way he should go, and when he is old, he will not turn away from it. Proverbs 22:6

There is no person deeply cherished or more greatly needed than a mother. Her influence is far-reaching and everlasting. For when a mother is faithful, her children experience joy. They learn perserverance. They become wise. Best of all, they find themselves heading down the paths in life that lead directly to God.

You, too, are a part of this pilgrimage. And you'll be filled with hope as you discover the rewarding life that awaits along the path of

Copyright 1997 by Linda Dillow

For the next several weeks, please join me in the reading of A Mother's Journal

The young mother grasped
the hands of her children and looked
at the path before her.

"Is the way long?" she asked.

And her Shepherd answered,
"Yes, and the way is hard,
and you will be old before you reach
the end of it.
But the end will be better than the beginning."

"What is required?" asked the mother.

and her Shepherd replied,

Faithfulness
Give Me your hopes,

give Me your dreams;

The journey is long

and not what it seems.

Affirm your children;

to be faithful to Me;

This is the Mother

I want you to be.

Click on Friday Show and Tell Clipart to visit Mary and other Bloggers.

P.S. Check out My Recipe Box Blog.

I apologized to the kids for my behavior. They said that I am always like that on the first week of school. I need to work on my behavior. If the role was reversed, I surely wouldn't want that behavior from my darlings.

Some of the moms I talked to felt the same way. They are just as stressed as I am about teaching their kids. They felt like they didn't get any rest at all during the holidays. Furthermore, January 2 was too early to return to school. I think I will take the first week of January off, and see if it makes a big difference.

It's Wordless Wednesday, hosted by Tiany. If you would like to participate or to visit other Wordless Wednesday Participants, please click on the above picture.

As our parents get older, my dear husband takes on the responsibilities of maintaining their homes. When we visit them, he uses his time wisely by fixing things around the house. Dear Husband spent a week replacing siding at Mom's last summer. This past Christmas, he replaced my in-law's bathroom light fixtures and a toilet. As you can see from the pictures, he had a little helper.

P.S. The Toilet is new.

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