Happy 2015 and update

#1 · January 2, 2015, 5:53 am

Quote from Forum Archives on January 2, 2015, 5:53 am
Posted by: ashevillenc <ashevillenc@...>

Bonnie it is so good to hear from you and I'm glad your getting some priorities in order.  I feel this will give you some peace of mine.

Lisa -  I can't even imagine an empty nest!  I would feel so vulnerable?  😁.  It's good to hear you are feeling better.  The hospice is such a great idea.  I interned with them and it is such a great organization.  They need all sorts of help constantly!?

WE are signing a lease today on another rental since we have had no luck finding land.  I know this is the Lords doing even though I don't like it.  But as I have grown in age and maybe a pinch of wisdom I know for a fact His way is always the best way.  So I will be still untils He calls.  Not stagnant so as to collect bacteria but still like gently flowing waters..... always moving in the direction our maker has designed them to.  Being a strong willed woman this is a challenge but I can --no, HE can conquer this.  I made homemade Hoppin John. For New Years dinner.
I would still like to lose another 30 or so pounds.  I lost 100 lbs. last year and feel much better.  It has Unfortunately has not helped my back or my knee that has never recovered from surgery.  We are going to try to all get bikes as this is some thing I maybe able to do as far as exercise goes.
I am loathing another move but have decided to be content as my attitude influences not only my children's feelings of security but also takes a load of my husbands lot.   He is working hard and it has been difficult especially not being able to afford health care since Obama care came in.  Now we are deep into medical bills and the girls need some dental work ( I'm sure most of you remember wee Willow's poor teeth.  But she has front ones now and looks so cute!!).
We are working on a Cd to raise money for Piper' ear surgery.  I hesitate to promote it as such as she is shy and self conscious about her ear.  She has told me she wants the implant and a prosthetic ear so this is one of my biggest goals this year.  I feel I should talk with her and ask how she feels about us promoting it as such.  I don't ever want to embarrass her in any way.  She has become my heart child.  This little sad one who suffered so for years.  What do you ladies feel about this?  I can sell without the promotion but I can get a larger surge of sales if I promote it for why we are doing it. I'd love to hear your opinions on this especially those with special needs children.   Sage has grown into such a vuluptuous young woman that I have trouble clothing her.  She is very large up top and it is hard to find clothes since she is not large every where else and also short.  It funny that I can wear most of her clothes so we laugh at trying on each other's.  Of course she is still smaller.  She is 13 now but in 9th grade college prep with AP classes.  We are using SCAIHS as we did with the boys so their transcripts and diploma are official and professional.    Weeeeelow is still a little pixie of a girl but so lovely and confident as well as still saucy and fun. I am truly blessed!

Since the death of my brother in Sept.  My mother has had a heart catherization (spelling?)   And another foot surgery which has been quite painful and will take a year to heal at which point she will need yet another surgery on her other foot.  They are 80 now and I see a decline regularly in them.  My fathers hands shake so bad my mother has to hold heis hand to sign anything.  I am so blessed to have parents that have been married over 60 yrs. and take such loving care of each other.  I adore them and am trying to get down there more often to keep an eye on them.  I just don't think they will last long if one goes to be with the Lord first.  Sigh.  Jack is living with them as he has moved back to Charleston to work on his Masters......and also to help keep an eye on the, for me. He is so much happier since leaving Mrytle Beach.
I got to see David and his girl friend Sam ( Samantha). We truly enjoyed her and have so much in common.  She is very smart and talented.  She was drawing for Willow who was enthralled watching every move she made with the pencil. If you don't remember Willow is my Art child constantly drawing or creating something.....and I do mean constantly.
Well, enough for now I am long winded this morning!

Please keep us in yours prayers whe you think on it.  We have a lot of trials going on and it has been quite the struggle physically and emotionally on me.  I must stay close In Him always......constantly.

Well, I'm off to pack some more!  Be Blessed and Happy New Year in our gracious loving Fathers name!
Patricia

Date: Fri, 2 Jan 2015 01:04:28 -0500
From: savedsoulseternity@gmail.com
To: homesteadheaven@welovegod.org
Subject: Re: [HomeSteadHeaven] Happy 2015

Thanks Lisa

On Jan 1, 2015 4:53 PM, "Lisa M" <bossypantsblueeyes@gmail.com> wrote:

You will turn 71 the day my brother turns 49 :) Praying for wisdom and God's clear direction for you Bonnie! Big hugs! Lisa NM

On Thu, Jan 1, 2015 at 12:36 PM, Bonita Nickerson <savedsoulseternity@gmail.com> wrote:

Just did some evaluating in my life also Lisa. Your mom and I are the same age now until may and then I turn 71. I hav been going over things I need to make a priority in my life this year. Make a will, what to do with my properties. Been praying a lot about that. Wishing you and yours a happy new year. Your friend Bonnie from Maine

On Jan 1, 2015 12:37 PM, "Lisa M" <bossypantsblueeyes@gmail.com> wrote:

Happy New Year everyone!

I don't know where December went, but it flew by fast for me!

At 4:30 this morning, dh and I delivered our four teens to their youth group. The group is traveling to Murietta, California today for a retreat at the Calvary Chapel campus. They will be home the evening of January 5, so dh and I will have an empty nest until then. Dh isn't on call today or this weekend, but because of ice storms and low temps the last few days, he is gone helping with an outage.

In December, I spent about two weeks sick with what I believe was a combination viral/bacterial infection. Others in my family were sick as well...some for just a couple of days, others for longer. Finally, we all are healthy again, praise God! Now that my energy has mostly returned, I have spent the last several days straightening messy drawers and cabinets and dejunking more things we don't need. I have ziploc bags of kids' markers, dry erase markers, colored pencils, pens, etc. that will be going to Goodwill along with stencils, miscellaneous kitchen utensils, books, VHS movies, jewelry, etc. Yesterday, my youngest son brought me a stack of clothes that don't fit or that he doesn't want. We'll have three garbage bags of clothes to donate to our textile recycling project where we're trying to gather another 20,000 pounds of clothes to earn a rebate for Feed My Starving Children.

On December 20, my second daughter and fourth child, Ashlyn, turned 18! Four adult children seems to have happened overnight :) Three weeks from today, Jacob turns 16. He has his permit now and is accumulating hours of driving time toward the 50 hours required for a provisional license. Around November, our youngest son Caleb will enroll in Driver's Ed...the last of our children to get licensed to drive.

Dh has healed from his surgeries but still has some numbness and tenderness in his right arm. He's fully returned to his lineman's duties and has been busy around here as well. While the kids are gone to California, he and I will be tiling the floor in our master bathroom and working to organize our shop if our temps get warm enough. The last few days, we've been experiencing single digit temps with below zero windchill temps. We received about six inches of snow Christmas night, and it has not all melted. This week's storms have left everything....fences, trees, etc.,....coated with ice. Our electricity was out yesterday for about four hours and our water has been frozen more than once. If the electricity stays offs, the heater in our pump house can't run so our lines and/or pressure tank end up freezing. We are more than thankful for our woodstove especially when the electricity is out!

Ahead for us in the coming months is an increase in homeschooling for Jacob and Caleb so they can graduate as soon as they are ready. The girls will continue working at the shop and working several weekly babysitting jobs. Our TerraCycle project is changing and may even be coming to an end. I am pondering and praying about what the Lord has for me besides homeschooling the boys. An occupational therapist I know has suggested I visit a nearby home health/hospice company to see if I can provide organizing and dejunking help to their patients. Starting in February, I will be visiting my cousin periodically to help her finish getting clutter out of her house. I don't think we have many areas left, but there are a few including a storage shed, a garage, a large hall closet crammed full, and two bathrooms.

My mom turned 70 this past Saturday. She is in Colorado at my brother's until Sunday. She is doing well and has gone on a few dates with a widower in her town. He lives on a ranch so they know many of the same people and have quite a bit in common. She's not sure if she wants anything beyond a friendship, so is going slowly. March will mark the five year anniversary of my step-dad's death, and she has adapted to living alone. Having her cousin's widow living in her park is working out well as they do lots of fun things together. Thankfully, my mom's health is great right now.

This Saturday, I will turn 50! I have been feeling somewhat restless the last few weeks....frustrated sometimes too. I'm trying to figure out the root of these feelings as well as how the Lord is leading. I know it's normal to re-evaluate one's life and the direction one is heading especially around birthdays or in mid-life. I think I'm anxious to make some changes and get moving towards something, not just wallowing and stagnating :) I still think we need to be preparing to sell our house, so that's one area where I can devote some energy. I will probably continue to do volunteer work but haven't ruled out seeking a part-time job. Since I don't really want to be controlled by an employer's schedule, I will likely expand my organizing business so I can decide when and where I work :)

I would love to read updates from all of you! God bless you in 2015!

Lisa NM

On Thu, Jan 1, 2015 at 3:42 AM, muddybootacres@windstream.net <muddybootacres@windstream.net> wrote:

Wishing all you and your families well in the coming weeks. How is
everyone? Heather

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Posted by: ashevillenc <ashevillenc@...>

Bonnie it is so good to hear from you and I'm glad your getting some priorities in order. I feel this will give you some peace of mine.

Lisa - I can't even imagine an empty nest! I would feel so vulnerable? 😁. It's good to hear you are feeling better. The hospice is such a great idea. I interned with them and it is such a great organization. They need all sorts of help constantly!?

WE are signing a lease today on another rental since we have had no luck finding land.  I know this is the Lords doing even though I don't like it.  But as I have grown in age and maybe a pinch of wisdom I know for a fact His way is always the best way.  So I will be still untils He calls.  Not stagnant so as to collect bacteria but still like gently flowing waters..... always moving in the direction our maker has designed them to.  Being a strong willed woman this is a challenge but I can --no, HE can conquer this.  I made homemade Hoppin John. For New Years dinner.
I would still like to lose another 30 or so pounds.  I lost 100 lbs. last year and feel much better.  It has Unfortunately has not helped my back or my knee that has never recovered from surgery.  We are going to try to all get bikes as this is some thing I maybe able to do as far as exercise goes.
I am loathing another move but have decided to be content as my attitude influences not only my children's feelings of security but also takes a load of my husbands lot.   He is working hard and it has been difficult especially not being able to afford health care since Obama care came in.  Now we are deep into medical bills and the girls need some dental work ( I'm sure most of you remember wee Willow's poor teeth.  But she has front ones now and looks so cute!!).
We are working on a Cd to raise money for Piper' ear surgery.  I hesitate to promote it as such as she is shy and self conscious about her ear.  She has told me she wants the implant and a prosthetic ear so this is one of my biggest goals this year.  I feel I should talk with her and ask how she feels about us promoting it as such.  I don't ever want to embarrass her in any way.  She has become my heart child.  This little sad one who suffered so for years.  What do you ladies feel about this?  I can sell without the promotion but I can get a larger surge of sales if I promote it for why we are doing it. I'd love to hear your opinions on this especially those with special needs children.   Sage has grown into such a vuluptuous young woman that I have trouble clothing her.  She is very large up top and it is hard to find clothes since she is not large every where else and also short.  It funny that I can wear most of her clothes so we laugh at trying on each other's.  Of course she is still smaller.  She is 13 now but in 9th grade college prep with AP classes.  We are using SCAIHS as we did with the boys so their transcripts and diploma are official and professional.    Weeeeelow is still a little pixie of a girl but so lovely and confident as well as still saucy and fun. I am truly blessed!

Since the death of my brother in Sept. My mother has had a heart catherization (spelling?) And another foot surgery which has been quite painful and will take a year to heal at which point she will need yet another surgery on her other foot. They are 80 now and I see a decline regularly in them. My fathers hands shake so bad my mother has to hold heis hand to sign anything. I am so blessed to have parents that have been married over 60 yrs. and take such loving care of each other. I adore them and am trying to get down there more often to keep an eye on them. I just don't think they will last long if one goes to be with the Lord first. Sigh. Jack is living with them as he has moved back to Charleston to work on his Masters......and also to help keep an eye on the, for me. He is so much happier since leaving Mrytle Beach.
I got to see David and his girl friend Sam ( Samantha). We truly enjoyed her and have so much in common. She is very smart and talented. She was drawing for Willow who was enthralled watching every move she made with the pencil. If you don't remember Willow is my Art child constantly drawing or creating something.....and I do mean constantly.
Well, enough for now I am long winded this morning!

Please keep us in yours prayers whe you think on it. We have a lot of trials going on and it has been quite the struggle physically and emotionally on me. I must stay close In Him always......constantly.

Well, I'm off to pack some more! Be Blessed and Happy New Year in our gracious loving Fathers name!
Patricia

Date: Fri, 2 Jan 2015 01:04:28 -0500
From: savedsoulseternity@gmail.com
To: homesteadheaven@welovegod.org
Subject: Re: [HomeSteadHeaven] Happy 2015

Thanks Lisa

On Jan 1, 2015 4:53 PM, "Lisa M" <bossypantsblueeyes@gmail.com> wrote:

You will turn 71 the day my brother turns 49 :) Praying for wisdom and God's clear direction for you Bonnie! Big hugs! Lisa NM

On Thu, Jan 1, 2015 at 12:36 PM, Bonita Nickerson <savedsoulseternity@gmail.com> wrote:

Just did some evaluating in my life also Lisa. Your mom and I are the same age now until may and then I turn 71. I hav been going over things I need to make a priority in my life this year. Make a will, what to do with my properties. Been praying a lot about that. Wishing you and yours a happy new year. Your friend Bonnie from Maine

On Jan 1, 2015 12:37 PM, "Lisa M" <bossypantsblueeyes@gmail.com> wrote:

Happy New Year everyone!

I don't know where December went, but it flew by fast for me!

At 4:30 this morning, dh and I delivered our four teens to their youth group. The group is traveling to Murietta, California today for a retreat at the Calvary Chapel campus. They will be home the evening of January 5, so dh and I will have an empty nest until then. Dh isn't on call today or this weekend, but because of ice storms and low temps the last few days, he is gone helping with an outage.

In December, I spent about two weeks sick with what I believe was a combination viral/bacterial infection. Others in my family were sick as well...some for just a couple of days, others for longer. Finally, we all are healthy again, praise God! Now that my energy has mostly returned, I have spent the last several days straightening messy drawers and cabinets and dejunking more things we don't need. I have ziploc bags of kids' markers, dry erase markers, colored pencils, pens, etc. that will be going to Goodwill along with stencils, miscellaneous kitchen utensils, books, VHS movies, jewelry, etc. Yesterday, my youngest son brought me a stack of clothes that don't fit or that he doesn't want. We'll have three garbage bags of clothes to donate to our textile recycling project where we're trying to gather another 20,000 pounds of clothes to earn a rebate for Feed My Starving Children.

On December 20, my second daughter and fourth child, Ashlyn, turned 18! Four adult children seems to have happened overnight :) Three weeks from today, Jacob turns 16. He has his permit now and is accumulating hours of driving time toward the 50 hours required for a provisional license. Around November, our youngest son Caleb will enroll in Driver's Ed...the last of our children to get licensed to drive.

Dh has healed from his surgeries but still has some numbness and tenderness in his right arm. He's fully returned to his lineman's duties and has been busy around here as well. While the kids are gone to California, he and I will be tiling the floor in our master bathroom and working to organize our shop if our temps get warm enough. The last few days, we've been experiencing single digit temps with below zero windchill temps. We received about six inches of snow Christmas night, and it has not all melted. This week's storms have left everything....fences, trees, etc.,....coated with ice. Our electricity was out yesterday for about four hours and our water has been frozen more than once. If the electricity stays offs, the heater in our pump house can't run so our lines and/or pressure tank end up freezing. We are more than thankful for our woodstove especially when the electricity is out!

Ahead for us in the coming months is an increase in homeschooling for Jacob and Caleb so they can graduate as soon as they are ready. The girls will continue working at the shop and working several weekly babysitting jobs. Our TerraCycle project is changing and may even be coming to an end. I am pondering and praying about what the Lord has for me besides homeschooling the boys. An occupational therapist I know has suggested I visit a nearby home health/hospice company to see if I can provide organizing and dejunking help to their patients. Starting in February, I will be visiting my cousin periodically to help her finish getting clutter out of her house. I don't think we have many areas left, but there are a few including a storage shed, a garage, a large hall closet crammed full, and two bathrooms.

My mom turned 70 this past Saturday. She is in Colorado at my brother's until Sunday. She is doing well and has gone on a few dates with a widower in her town. He lives on a ranch so they know many of the same people and have quite a bit in common. She's not sure if she wants anything beyond a friendship, so is going slowly. March will mark the five year anniversary of my step-dad's death, and she has adapted to living alone. Having her cousin's widow living in her park is working out well as they do lots of fun things together. Thankfully, my mom's health is great right now.

This Saturday, I will turn 50! I have been feeling somewhat restless the last few weeks....frustrated sometimes too. I'm trying to figure out the root of these feelings as well as how the Lord is leading. I know it's normal to re-evaluate one's life and the direction one is heading especially around birthdays or in mid-life. I think I'm anxious to make some changes and get moving towards something, not just wallowing and stagnating :) I still think we need to be preparing to sell our house, so that's one area where I can devote some energy. I will probably continue to do volunteer work but haven't ruled out seeking a part-time job. Since I don't really want to be controlled by an employer's schedule, I will likely expand my organizing business so I can decide when and where I work :)

I would love to read updates from all of you! God bless you in 2015!

Lisa NM

On Thu, Jan 1, 2015 at 3:42 AM, muddybootacres@windstream.net <muddybootacres@windstream.net> wrote:

Wishing all you and your families well in the coming weeks. How is
everyone? Heather

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