Be Very Careful....

of the traditions you unknowingly begin. Write one sappy birthday blog and you'd best settle in for months of sappiness. ::snort:: Seriously, I didn't plan to write public tributes for each person - but I'm glad it's a new tradition. I have stacks of journals here - one for each family member - and I'm supposed to be filling them. It's weighed on me each year that they weren't filling up....and so maybe it's the accountability of this that is helping me DO IT - so there you have it. Embrace your inner sap. ::snort:: Yes, we are gearing up for a birthday tomorrow.

Dad Earl update - Be sure to check the text box at the top of the blog for updates...but this is what I know as of now. Mike reached CA this afternoon. He called to say that Dad Earl is out of the hospital. Mike and I've not been able to talk beyond that. I know they are arranging home health care of some sort.

In other news, Jared and I have been in the midst of making tough (for us) decisions. I think we've come through the process. I'll write more one of these days.

Zander learned a lesson today.....and it deserves its own blog... but I may forget by morning if I don't write it now. The bottom line: "Mom, I'm glad that God is like you with a magic eraser for my messes." That'll preach.

My little camera isn't working. The Nikon needed charging...it's taken all day so I figure I've done something wrong. No photos today...but given the day Zander had he's happy to have no photos. ::snort::

I'm flat out exhausted and going to bed.

Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

Ahoy, Matey

Zander was a captive native who was made a slave....


...to this viking princess, Stacia.


This pirate attempted to steal the Viking princess. She was saved by the loyal bondslave.

There you have it. Homeschooling: all the threads of life being seamlessly woven into play. ::snort::

Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

I Promise I'll See You Again....

Mike flew out yesterday. Stacia is a bit confused about how long he will be gone, and where he is going....she blessed him with her standard goodbye...."I promise I'll see you again. I love you." She asked me if he would be gone like Bre and Krista? No, honey, just a short bit this time.

Mike landed in Eugene at 2 a.m. our time. I've not heard more, but will update when I do.

Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

$3,000 of Groceries

Have you ever wondered what $3,000 of groceries would look like?

It's hard to really get perspective...I took all but the first seat out of our 15 pass van....

Just in case a new blog reader would think I spend $3K a month on groceries...no, they are not all ours. We coordinate a United Natural Foods co-op. LOL

Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

Frigthening! Aren't they?

Enjoying Nolan and Zander's birthday present...laser tag guns. We are dreaming of a big field at night...but evidently the house will do just fine.

OK - I know. I get it. This is teaching our children to play with guns.....but what can I say? They enjoy playing laser tag and this is far cheaper than going to the "place".

Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

Winners - Claim your prize

Finally, some book winners. Thanks for your patience. You have one week from today to email me with contact info. Either email me at our family email or at dschoosingjoy@gmail.com , rather than the old yahoo one. I actually CHECK this one because it pops up right by my google reader. I had to go with the "one week" thing because books were backing up. Any books that have been unclaimed within a week will be re listed. With the exception of the singles book, Arielle picked numbers and then I went to see who had won.

Here you go:

*When God Writes Your Love Story* - I said I would give any singles who entered priority, then parents of singles....we had two singles enter. This is a no brainer! I'll send a copy of this book to BreAnne (my babe) and Ruth Russell. Bre and Ruth, email me your mailing addresses and I'll have these shipped from Amazon.

*I Do Again* - This one goes to Hope of Reflections of Hope

*The Love As A Way of Life Devotional* - Darci - dkoski@roadrunner.com

*For Couples Only* - Jodi at Snapped!

*Intimate Issues* - Because of a very generous publisher and a postal glitch, I have several copies to give away of this title. These copies go to Connie (from Kelly's giveaway), Bobbie Jo from Just Me Bobbie Jo , Kris from Just as I Am, Yvonne from Grateful for Grace, and Holly from Household Six . This one made me chuckle. I think Arielle was tired of "choosing numbers" and so went 3, 4, 5, or whatever....but then I realized all but Yvonne are military spouses....PWOC sisters...yep...doing my part to stir things up in the military. ::snort::

Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

Get a Cow!

Today was our weekly milk run. I bought 4 gal from United. Some members of my family are resistant to organic milk. ::snort::

We picked up 12 gal at Sams - a few gallons less than usual as Mike is gone.

Cashier - Big smile. "You must have a daycare."

Me - "No, I have a family."

Cashier - "Get a cow!"

We laughed hard.

Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.