Computer Upgrade!

 

See that little box?  Do you know what is in there?  A NEW COMPUTER!!!!!! (Yes it deserves six exclamation points cause that's how awesome it is!) My brother and sister totally rock!  Like totally bless my socks off, can't believe they did this, your generosity is inspiring, made me cry gift!  Total blessing people!  Just because they can, and they care, and they thought of our family.  

Ya...so...our last computer (as in the computer we used last week) was from the year 2006.  I bet you all can guess how fast and impressive it was!  My bro heard me mention we needed to buy a new computer before the fall and no sooner had I finished my sentence than he said to me, "Let Katie and I bless you guys with a new computer."  How cool is that!  Bam!  My need was met like that...and I don't think you can really classify a computer as a need (just a want).  So an amazing blessing!

And I am just going to brag on my bro for a minute here because he totally could of just bought us a standard PC, and I would have been over the moon happy, remember the good ole 2006 model?  But he didn't just buy a standard computer.  He bought us the computer he would like to have for himself.  It is absolutely beautiful and amazing and it makes me want to do the happy dance every time I see it.  It is an all- in- one computer but it is all wireless and it is TOUCH SCREEN!  I know I said it before but AMAZING!!! Gone are the days of the big tower...this one is all built in to the back of the screen.  Totally loving it!  Thank you David for your generous heart and kindness.  Thank you Katie too!



Once A Month Shopping

Last month I decided to tackle "Once a month grocery shopping".  After spending a month researching blogs, books and articles, I wanted to try and see what it would be like to shop for the entire month in one day.

I focused on my three main stores I shop at: Costco, Win-Co and Safeway.  I also bought fruit from a farm stand to make strawberry jam.  The first thing I did was plan a menu for the month.  I planned each dinner for the month of June (main dish and sides).  I then came up with a list of snack food, breakfasts, lunches and school lunch items.  I made a detailed list for each store and then off I went. At the end of the three stores, I spent 573.00 dollars.  I saved all my lists and reciepts in a notebook so I can reference for future months.  I also wanted to track how quickly we use specific items like dishwasher tabs, cleaning wipes, fruit snacks etc.

This is what my kitchen looked like when I came home.  Crazy to put all that away.  But nice to have it all and to have a plan.  

One of the things I tried was buying a large package of hamburger; dividing and cooking it to freeze for later meals.  This has been genius for me and allowed me a lot of freedom in meal preparation at night. I browned all the hamburger meat I would need for the month and then divided it up into freezer bags and labeled them.

The next day I went and prepared 4 pans of enchiladas that we would be eating throughout the month. Two pans were chicken enchiladas and two pans were beef enchiladas.  I covered with foil when finished and out to the garage freezer they went.  When ready to make dinner, I pulled it out of the freezer and popped them into a 350 degree oven for 60 minutes.  I also cooked and froze two large lasagnas too.

Chicken enchiladas.

Beef enchiladas.

I also had fun this past month making strawberry jam!  

I processed two flats of strawberries and came out with a lot of jam.  It's one of Mark's favorites!!

I have to say we stuck with the menu about 80%.  There is always things that come up and you just role with it.  I think the most difficult part of the whole once a month shopping was coming up with the money to shop all in one day, especially when you get paid twice a month.  I think for our family looking to find a balance in twice a month shopping will be more beneficial for planning.  I am very glad that I tried this and feel that it was a success.  I am always looking for ways to save money and this was a strategy that proved successful!

 

Our Chicken Adventure

The weekend before Easter the Dahl Family became 'backyard' farmers.  It was purely coincidence that we got baby chicks right in time for Easter, but it was really fun to have them for the holiday! Mark and I have been planning for chickens for at least a year (reading books, asking questions, planning a coop).  

We ended up with 6 baby chicks.  Some will lay brown eggs and others will lay the blue/green eggs.  I am pretty certain that one of the chickens is a rooster.  One of the Jersey Giants is a lot larger, has a really big comb and now is developing these beautiful tail feathers.  We can't keep a rooster in the city so once we hear the 'cock-a-doodle-doo' he will have to find a new home.  My heart is really sad about losing one and I am hoping to find him a home where he can live and not a home that will make him a meal.

Mark designed and built our movable coop.  He had a good friend of ours come and help as well.  I am really impressed with the design, although both of us wish that he had built it a bit taller as we have each hit our heads pretty hard.

Bella picked out the paint color and we each had a turn painting and helping build the coop.

I am proud that we raised them as babies.  They lived in the shed for many months growing and changing.  They've all been held and will eat out of my hands.

This was the day we "officially" moved them from the shed to the coop.  We still had their light on a timer outside for night time for another month.

As you can see our kids really love the chickens.  They have been a big part of raising the chickens too. We don't have any eggs yet (too soon still) but I look forward to the day that the kids can see and enjoy what we were working towards.  It is rewarding.  None of our chickens have names.  We opted not too but I do find myself very attached the chickens.  I love it that at a certain time of night they all head up their ramp to roost and they all come down early in the morning.  For the most part their care is very easy and maintenance pretty low.  The enjoy eating the grass (we move their coop each week), vegetables and they really love watermelon rinds.  This has been a fun adventure.  Can't wait to get those eggs!

Tattle Telling and Tics

I am listening to my children argue with each other in the living room. Words spoken under muffled breath, "does he always have to be so bossy?" "Yes, he does…" I say in my head. In another room, forts are being built with soft baby blankets that just a few years earlier held tenderly my little one who now speaks to me with sass. Snow cones devoured, late night swims in the evening heat, hikes around lakes and playing at the park. It is safe to say that summer is in full swing.


 To the outsider it might look like a perfect life glancing in, but summer and changes is not without challenges. After several months of Luke being tic free, he has developed yet another new tic. Thankfully he has never had several tics going on at the same time. It's always just been one. But one is enough. Some tics don't bother me, but this new one…oh man…is testing my patience. We've gone through eye blinking, shirt chewing, nose sniffing, nail biting, throat clearing and now teeth chomping. The sound of his upper teeth connecting with his lower ones is a test to my coping skills. I know from my research you can't tell them to "knock it off" it only makes them feel more compelled to tic. They can't control it, so you can't force them to control it. Eventually in time it will fade out and away. 

Truth…I am struggling feeling that somehow I brought this new tic on…that it is my fault. There isn't an exact science to what causes tics but a change in schedule, stress, routine change can all cause tics. I easily take it upon myself that this new tic is my fault because we have a much more relaxed schedule in the summer vs the school routine. I am having the kids read daily and do a math worksheet as not to fall behind in skills, but there is a lot of unstructured time.

Then yesterday Mark was notified that his position as a BNSF Railroad Mentor was being cut due to "need for manpower on the ground." Too much work….too few workers. They are so short staffed that they have called all the employees doing extra assignments back to the yard/road (I know…I know…railroad lingo). We have 48 hours to make a decision to where he works again. Yard switcher or Road Switcher. Each with pros and cons. Each with benefits and negatives. Even though the "higher ups" only say this is temporary, Mark really values his work as a mentor/leader. I could see a bit of disappointment when this news was announced. I am believing that this will be only temporary and he will mentor once again soon.

I look at our summer so far with all its ups and downs and isn't it true of life? Life with ups and downs…mountains and valleys. Not one without the other. Nothing ever stays the same…the perfect world doesn't exist. There was however; one perfect man that made a way for each one of us to have a relationship with HIM. He lived a sinless life for my sinful one. He was unselfish to cover my selfish ways. He suffered so I wouldn't have to. He is real, and holy and the giver of peace and patience and kindness and goodness. The maker of joy and love. He is faithful. Even though right now things may feel confused and weird and different…I am thankful HE is constant, ever faithful and good.

 
During this crazy time, I can choose to be full or worry or to be thankful for this wonderful exciting life. I am thankful…for my children, my husband, our home, cars and health insurance. Thankful for my new air conditioner that is cooling the house so beautifully. For BBQ's and sunshine. For a four year that has the most contagious laugh. For the art work my nine year old creates, and love of an 11 year old boy that melts my entire being. For a husband that loves me fiercely, protects me and considers me his partner and friend. Thankful for so many things! Especially for forgiveness from HIM, and also from others. For second chances, and re-commitments. For the beauty of a fresh start. For jobs and provision both old and new. For private school for my children, and a job that meets my needs. I am especially thankful for friends. My heart is full of thanksgiving.

Happy To Be Home "School's Out"

 Last Friday, the kiddos and I bid farewell to a school year.  

 Last parties were attended...

 Final programs were performed...

 One last field trip was taken....

 A moment to gather and say goodbye...

As I sit here tonight, I continue to process and reflect on this last nine months.  What a whirlwind it has been.  Many lessons were learned not by just student, but teacher also.  It was a very difficult school year for me.  In my six years of teaching, this was the most challenging class I have ever had. The challenges at work were met with challenges at home trying to balance mom and teacher.  I am afraid I did not do a very good job at balancing it all.   I am proud that I survived the school year, but I happy to reclaim my full time role as "mom" again.  Many projects were left on the back burner this school year, and I am excited to reclaim them and move forward.  I can feel change in the air...changing from school schedule to summer....my heart is so happy at home.  It really is the most wonderful place!

Why I Broke Up With Luke's IEP

It's not a secret.  Most everyone knows that I am trained and experienced Special Education Teacher. I have specialized mainly in special education preschool.  I have written over 100 IEP's and conducted just about as many meetings.  It has prepared me for advocating for my own children's needs. Luke has been on an IEP, or Individualized Education Program, since he was three years old.  He has an IEP because of his vast medical needs and learning struggles.  It is a plan set in place to help support him in the classroom.  Truth is if Grace attended public school she would have an IEP too for her needs.

This past week, I ended his IEP and my relationship with Evergreen School District.  I revoked his services and severed the connection.  Truth be told...his IEP plan really did NOTHING for him.  It was 15 pages of paper that did the bare minimum to help him. He attended a social group for 30 minutes a week, and had small group support for math and writing in the classroom.  He also had special accommodations for testing situations (mainly the state MSP testing).

The beginning of February Luke moved schools.  He began attending Camas Christian Academy. Honestly, I was scared of making this transition for him in the middle of the school year, but things hadn't been going very well in public school.  Over the last 5 years at our neighborhood public school, I have developed quite a reputation.  When one threatens a lawsuit you don't become a favorite parent. Multiple requests to help out and volunteer in Luke's classroom were met by STRONG opposition to me coming into his classroom, issues with his special education teacher, and one very horrible bus incident and Mark and I felt it was time.  Recently Luke confided in me that his previous teacher would yell repeatedly at the class and he told me that he felt she did not like him.  

The plan was to move him to CCA and also access his IEP services from the public school.  It was nearly six weeks before the school district responded to my requests for continued IEP services. During those six weeks, Mark and I watched as Luke found his way in a small mixed level classroom. 17 students, 2 teachers and differentiated instruction (meaning students are grouped and instructed at their academic level).  All of Luke's needs that were addressed on the IEP were being met in his classroom on a daily basis without and IEP.  He was in a small group for math, homework is adjusted based on his needs, accommodations are made to meet his medical needs.  We couldn't be happier! Ultimately, we decided that we didn't want to disrupt his school day by shuttling him back and forth between schools and having him miss instruction and class time.  And I am RELIEVED we will not have to live through the MSP MELTDOWN this year!!!

Since switching schools, I have been able to visit Luke each day in the classroom checking on his work and progress, communicate each day with his teachers, attend a class party and a field trip.  He has been to the symphony, a farm and has gone bowling.

I used to make myself sick debating the public school, private school, homeschool debate.  I have come to the conclusion that there is no PERFECT answer.  They all have there pro's an con's.  What works for one child will work differently for another.  Instead of trying to find the perfect school situation, I am finding the school that best supports each of my children.

When I called Evergreen School District to let them know of our decision to end his IEP, the staff said they were thrilled that Luke was doing so well in his new school and they were proud of the progress that he had made.  However, it was completely different story when I got the paper work in the mail to make it official.  The forms are written in such a way that makes you as a parent feel like you are hurting your child.  It states: The purpose of of this written notice is to inform you that, while the district believes that your child continues to be in need of services, the district will stop providing special education services to your child, based on your written revocation of consent.  It furthers says: The team continues to recommend the special education services, but the parent requested a revocation of consent in writing.  The parent is choosing for Luke to attend private school without accessing any special education services for her child.  Isn't that nice!  Even now it makes me feel like a monster.  Luke's IEP has been nothing but a battle...even an emotional battle in revocation.  I have fought for him, for justice and finally for release.  It is time to let go.  Time for my buddy to spread his own wings without strings attached.  I know he is going to fly.

Welcome Back

It has been well over a month since the last time anything was written on this blog.  It hasn't been for a lack of events, celebrations or struggles, but merely a lack of time.  March was a CRAZY month full of three birthdays for my kids, plus other birthday parties, a school auction, report card writing, the conclusion of our remodel (another post to share), a new pet, some respite foster care and the beginnings of spring break.

My babies are all officially a year older.  11, 9 and 4 and I find myself marveling at how quickly time passes by.

We celebrated all three birthdays together at Big Al's Bowling Alley.  I must say I enjoyed how easy the party was, attention to detail and service.  And the BIG plus was that I did not have to clean before or after!

I have been really happy these past couple months.  I have found joy in the small things (sunshine on my face, the smell of freshly cut grass (SPRING), my job, my husband, good friends).  

I have even been challenged to "let go" of some things...some things that needed to drift off for awhile...perhaps returning at a different time.  I sometimes feel scared to let things go.  I worry if I have made the right choice, and often second guess myself.  However, this time I have found a new freedom in not feeling overwhelmed and stressed.  It has opened some more time to enjoy the things right before me (my children).

During the last month, Grace has started piano lessons and enjoys singing and music, and Luke is gearing up for his third season of Columbia River Miracle League baseball.  If you ever want to see a game...it is amazing...I dare you to come and NOT cry...please contact me and I can give you the baseball schedule.  You can read about MY first experience with Miracle League here....Luke's Baseball

Bella is doing well.  She is the "number 4" now.  If you spend time with her she will probably ask you, "what's your number?" Meaning "how old are you?"  Our family has been mostly healthy since Christmas.  Bella still struggles with a croupy cough every once in awhile but I have found that doterra's oil blend called "Breathe" really helps calm her cough and airway.  I also run an ultra sonic humidifier in her room each night.  She is the owner of the "frog" shown below.

There is really so much more to say and I have started some work on some more posts.  But I am here...really I am...life is good...life is full. I am blessed!

Time is Life

All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.~ J.R.R. Tolkien

I look around the kitchen table tonight.  Three kids chatting and arguing and discussing silly things while slurping noodles and chicken.  My almost 11 year old boy, becoming more of man with each passing tick of the clock.  My almost 9 year old daughter, surrounded by her latest drawings and paintings, awakening hidden talent and gifts.  My almost 4 year old, full of life, conversation and personality.  I want to freeze time.  Stop the rotation of this planet, slow it down for awhile.  How is it that my son is almost 11, my girl almost 9, and the baby almost 4?  When did it happen?  I am blinking and time is ticking away...

I recently read a life changing book called One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp.  So much of the book spoke to me. To the deep me...my spirit.  She writes, "They say time is money, but that's not true.  Time is life.  And if I want the fullest life, I need to find fullest time.  I wipe a water spot off the tap; there is a reflection of me.  Oh, yes, I know you, the busyness of your life leaving little room for the source of your life.  I'm the face grieving.  God gives us time.  And who has time for God?"  The words hit me smack in the face.  I am the guilty one.  Guilty of wasting time, wishing away time, hurrying time up...getting to the next thing, the next milestone, next appointment, next therapy, next house, next car, next vacation, next weekend.  Guilty of trying to cram too many activities in our limited time, pushing harder, always racing from one things to the next.  Hurry up, faster, quicker only to realize my goal for efficiency was really throwing time away.

Psalms 39:6 says, "We are merely moving shadows, and all our busy rushing ends in nothing."  The alarm rings and the race begins.  Hurry, hurry, hurry, rush, rush, rush.  Many mornings spent in frustration and tears because of time.  Thoughts about is this right?  How can I slow things down? Am I spending my time the way I am supposed to?  I struggle with time.  We face each other and awkwardly dance.  Time slips away and is ever present.  You can't buy more, stop it, slow it down.  It is not a respecter of persons. And so the question remains...what am I doing with the limited time I have? Life is but a mist.  Am I living in the moment?  Am I savoring each experience?  Time will continue to march on...me unable to stop it.

I am watching my almost four year old sleep next to me on my bed in the family room.  Yes, my bed is in the family room.  About a month ago our furnace went out.  It is located in our attic.  It leaked water.  A lot of water.  My master bedroom and bathroom are out of commission until the repairs have been completed.  Meanwhile...I am sleeping in the family room (not so soundly).  I look upon my sleeping beauty and wonder when did her little legs get so long?  Her hair grow out?  When did she lose the baby fat in her cheeks?  Tears fall.  When will be the last time I hold her?  Carry her to her bedroom?  How long till she doesn't need me to buckle her in her car seat, hold her hand to cross the street or want to ride in her stroller anymore?  Time...tomorrow another day older than before.  

I think about the things that are important to me.  My husband, my kids, my family.  I wonder everyday am I doing a good job?  Am I training my kids up the way I desire?  I fail.  I fail daily.  I yell, I overreact, I hurt, I struggle.  Each day I get up and face the day...most days I get up and feel my heart beating out of my chest.  Sometimes the day seems like a mountain, unable to climb from where I sit.  I worry and stress.  I hold myself to an impossible standard.  

I long for enough time to accomplish the purpose God has set out for me.  To be thankful for each moment, to be thankful for each day...to be thankful for all the time that has been given.