Getting it all Done!

I've been pondering a question I hear often, "How do you do it all"?

For years my standard comeback to that question has been, "I don't do it all!" And that is a true statement. God has clearly taught me to carefully select those things to which I will commit. It must fit in with my mission statement (see profile), it must not take away from my prime ministry and responsibility at home, and Mike needs to support whatever it is that I'm doing......so I don't do it all. I don't do daytime Bible studies, I haven't spoken at a retreat in 3 years, I don't do homeschool co-ops, I do very few big field trips, we don't do a lot of sports......

However, increasingly I'm being given a list of what I do accomplish after giving my standard, "I don't do it all" answer......so apparently I do get quite a bit done...how?

Years ago Mike shared an illustration with me from a class he was taking. It came from the 7 habits man - is that Steven Covey? Take a cup.....fill it with water, pebbles, and big rocks...it will overlow .....take the same cup, same water and such....put the big rocks in FIRST, then the small pebbles, and then the water....it FITS.

I've learned to prayerfully define my BIG rocks....and to put them in the cup (my life) FIRST....then the little rocks and water fit in around the Big Rocks....though some of those little rocks do seem to try to grow into middle sized and big rocks if you don't keep track of them. ::snort::

I've shared my homeschool advice "do first things first"....so true in all of life. Those big rocks, first things.....must come first.....for me those are Bible study, Workout, School, Meals, Chapel things.....and then the little things fit....the problem comes when I try to make all the rocks Big Rocks...or when I fill up the a.m. with computer time, reading, phone conversations, etc and forget to put the Big Rocks in first. If I only remember to put the Big Rocks in first, on days when NOTHING else gets done...the BIG ROCKS, the FIRST THINGS are done! I can relax and try again tomorrow.

Seriously - blogging our daily life is nearing Big Rock proportion as it's a way to continue the relationships that are so important to us, our family and far off friends....but its still sort of a little/middle rock. The memes, book reviews, profound thoughts on gyms are little rocks....and this whole thing may make no sense when I read it without a migraine! ::snort::

Give it a try - keeping the illustration in mind has helped ME. And of course ANY THING I get done well is only by the GRACE OF GOD....who EQUIPS and ENABLES us to do what He CALLS us to do!

"Do Your Research"

Mike has trained us all well. We have heard the above phrase often. When any of us need to make a decision, want to buy something new, whatever...we know....before we'll get much committment from Mike in the way of an opinion we must "do our research".

I've not been happy with a few things about the base gym. I got over the intimidation factor. I mean so THEY are young and buff...I used to be....and if I let THEM intimidate me I'll never get off the couch. ::snort:: I have been happy to see that I CAN be committed enough to MAKE a work out happen at a gym....it seemed impossible in Jan. Mike has been incredibly supportive - almost a slave driver really - it seems that he really wants me to grow old with him. LOL

The things I did NOT like at the base gym are:
1. I cannot go EARLY in the a.m. because it is FULL at that time with all the active duty members and you can't find a machine or weights to use.

2. It's a 25 min drive - so takes 50 min out of my day each day just to drive to the gym and then at least 60 mins of cardio - two hours 5 - 6 days a week - time that has to come after 8:30 - prime schooling time.

3. It is costing us lots of gas $ as gas has risen $1 since I began tracking it.....

I did my research. I got passes from all the local gyms and tried them all (except Gold's and the YMCA). I know which ones I like to work out in and why. I've tried their machines. I've talked with their directors. I've made a chart. I know many of you laughed about my Cholesterol meds chart when I needed to have some peace with that decision...but for me THIS is part of doing my research, of making a decision. It really doesn't take much time and things clear up when they are listed out. Just in case you can't believe this entry - click HERE to see my chart. ::Snort:: Keep in mind - this is using MY distance, MY gas mileage, My military discount prices et al. No, this did NOT take me a lot of time. I'm a master chart maker/list composer. LOL

It will SAVE us money for me not to use the free gym and use the one close to us. This will reduce our gas budget significantly and increase the misc a tad...but not really as the gas $ was sucking the misc category anyway. ::snort:: We will be able to get a family membership which will have the added beneift of an indoor pool for all....and a basketball court to teach the littles some basics. The Y would be the same thing and the membership would be $10 cheaper I think....but it's on the other side of town - it would cost the same for gas as I currently pay to go to the base.

And....so....I did the research, showed Mike the chart when I dropped off Jared, and tomorrow I'll go sign us up for a family membership to Community. I would have done it tonight...but I want to get a wheat sock , drink a quart of water, and rest my head.

THURSDAY -

I woke up with a nagging headache instead of a raging migraine. This is good...

I tried out another gym today - Community. Guess what? The littles drama teacher works there! She is FRIENDLY.....which I wasn't impressed with the staff here earlier in my adventure. Angela answered my questions AND quoted me a better deal. I've decided that's a long enough story to be it's own post. LOL

I attended the monthly Parish Advisory Committee meeting today. My head began to throb during the meeting......lots of transition at the chapel just now. Chaplains deploying, moving, new ones coming in, services changing times, combining.....no wonder I've not seen Mike at all lately. ::snort::

I ran the boys to HoF. Roy and Pattie (y?) came by to pick up canoes for the weekend. I picked up boys, ran up to meet Mike, dropped Jared at Civil Air Patrol, came home and found out Jamin was being called in to work AFTER ALL.....Mike won't be home for a couple more hours.....
I'm home alone with a oh 7 or 8 migraine and don't want to take the big drugs when there are no big kids home. They make me loopy - but I'm starting to enjoy being loopy. ::snort::

Just say no to drugs - blog instead.....

Jared got his first rejection letter from an online magazine today...bummer! BUT I'm proud of him for trying and *I* like his story. (photos taken FIRST thing in the a.m.)

Jamin found out that one of his stories was a winner in a contest...but I can't remember at this point which one....I'll ask him tomorrow.....

Then he found out that another story was rejected by the same online editor that rejected Jared. I think the man has something against homeschooled youth with German last names. ::snort::

Josiah got his English paper back yesterday. The prof is known for being tough - but he has enjoyed her class. Writing is not his strong point....but he's enjoyed the challenge. She said that two students made A's on their papers. Josiah made an A on his paper on FDR. This dead week - which I suspect is good because he has had to pick up shifts from several others this week at work. Next week is finals and he is DONE with his freshman year of college.....

I took advantage of Hands and Hearts Subscriber Sale and ordered my history kits for next year at 15% off. A local friend ordered the Early American kit too, so we were able to get free shipping.

GRANNIE JAN POST! ::snort::

Here you go, Mom and anyone else who likes photos.

No title needed

NO, no, no!!!! This is not mine. We saw this when walking one night. I'd be very worried if *I* were the parents at this house.....but it gave me a fun "flat stanley" idea if I should ever need a creative way to make announcements in the future.

Oh YES - Zander and Stacia had hours of fun painting little animals that Grannie Jan sent them.

I'd say the costume is a bit big....

I do NOT remember going to the park...evidently sometime after lunch with John and Nadine and before Improv (if the order of photos are an indication) I DID go to the park...

And so did Jamin and Jared. ::snort::

IMPROV - I can't show a photo of Nolan as each one of him is with children whose parent's have not given permission for blog photos....

Deja - my camera was dark but I have lots of photos to send your way. Here's Emma.....

And out of all the Ellie photos I love this one best.

Here's Arielle (L) with Eric (Deja's son) OK - Doug's son too. ::snort::


Mike taught at RE about the sheep knowing the Shepherd's voice...even Stacia participated.

Stacia likes the contemporary service....

REALLY likes it - Zander is overloaded with sensory input. Praying about this.

Forgot I did THIS too....Jamin bought his OWN laptop and such. We always give them that for graduation but we'll all be happier if Jamin has his own laptop to write on. Yay - Chick Fil A!. LOL

My friend Deja.....keeping all on track at Mom's Night Out....while I harass her....OK having pity on Deja and not posting this photo. ::snort::

Other photos from farewells, parks, plays, tea will have to wait as I don't have permission to post those images. Chicken photos next..... actually I think more rest for migraine. LOL

Let Me Explain "Updating the Blog"

SHEW - I haven't updated since last Tuesday - that's 8 days. Wow. OK - some of you will think, "she's blogged since then", but let me explain. My blog is relational. It was birthed by a NEED for our older children to be involved in the day to day life of our family. Grandparents enjoyed it too. THEN we realized that friends, who had shared past assignments with us ,enjoyed keeping up with us through the blog. Finally, SHS members began to read...then I haven't a clue where it's gone since then....but at the heart of "Choosing Joy" is relationships, and keeping those relationships current and vibrant. The WFMW, book reviews, Meme et al are fun things that those afflicted with blog addiction enjoy ....but THOSE are not REALLY "updating this blog". My family and real life friends, many of who are not homeschoolers, pretty much skip those posts. They want the nitty gritty LIFE (and they don't care if my writing is grammatically correct or my spelling is accurate). Unfortunately, life got BUSY and I've sent in a few posts that I had written and dated to send...but I've not "updated".

For those who could care less about things such as "our life" and visit here for homeschool reviews, book reviews, memes or such - you will want to skip THIS ONE. ::snort::

What have we done the past 8 days????? I wouldn't remember except I found my camera and uploaded the photos which hadn't been loaded since 20 Apr. ::snort::

Tuesday - I left you there....I'd come home and had a new direction for Bible Study

Wednesday - I got my hair cut and such. I was LATE; I dislike being late. I was late because I got on the loop and headed for base - in the opposite direction. I explained to Heather that I've been driving to the base gym daily and went on auto pilot. Heather, bless her heart, told me about Community Gym where she works out. I THOUGHT these gyms were for PATIENTS of our local hospitals. I stopped there on the way home and toured their gym. THEN I saw Shannon across the street. Hmmm....I went and toured there. These are gyms that are less than 2 miles from my home - 3 minutes. They both cost $40. They both have the machines I like and classes. Shannon is a women's only club...and so there are no men grunting and straining in the weights room......just KLOVE....which I enjoy. Neither gym is as nice as the base but they are close and $40 a month certainly saves time and gas money (remember I've been averaging $120 - 160 for GAS to drive to the base gym). Deja or Heather (not the hairdresser but another Heather) suggested that I ask for free passes. What a GREAT idea. Shannon gave me 5 days. Community gave me 1. I've done Curves and Butterfly. I have one more workout left at Shannon and 1 at Community and then I will talk it all over with Mike. BUT what a great idea to get a couple of weeks of free gym time and really try out the equiptment and atmosphere.

Thursday - was the typical day with HoF, Civil Air Patrol, and a few other things. Jared passed a couple of tests for Tech Sgt. though he's not pinned on Staff. I haven't a clue. LOL Thursday is also the night that John and Nadine S, Mike's endorsers got to town. A chaplain's endorser is the liason between the chaplaincy and civilian denominations. He/She is the one that guarantees the Air Force that this chaplain is a representative of their denomination. If an endorser decides to pull an endorsement a chaplain will be OUT within 2 weeks. Our endorsers are huge encouragers and we look forward to their visits.

Friday - Mike took John to base to meet with the Wing Chaplain and such. Nadine came and helped me with produce co-op. We went out to lunch together. We went to watch Arielle and Nolan at the final preformance of their improv class. John, Nadine, Mike and I went out to dinner.

Saturday - I had 4 things to be at. I couldn't do it all. I decided to go to the homeschool book fair - and got the Apologia book I've been meaning to order all year, a few books on our TOG list for next year and some fun things. I then came home and cleaned house and cooked dinner. A funny thing happened - and it IS funny. I thought I was having John and Nadine for dinner. The hour came and went. I called Mike he said he'd be home in 15 min. I asked if John and Nadine were with him......::snort:: he'd forgotten to invite them. ::snort:: I DID have a clean house and a yummy special dinner for my family - why don't I do THAT more often just for them?????

Sunday - RE (religious ed) at 0900. Traditional Service at 1100. Mike had a funeral that he needed to attend at 1400. F Jim helped him out with the service he was scheduled to be in. John and Nadine came by to visit. The children LOVED having them here. Mike came home and we all went to the 1800 service. Mike will conducting this service for the next 4 months as their chaplain deployed. 3 - 5 folks were saved - how fun. We all came back here and visited with John and Nadine for several hours. They finally had to tell us goodbye as they left early Monday a.m. OH - our new chaplains arrived at 2230. We met them at the gate so that Mike could sponsor them on to base (he is brand new military) and show them the TLF. What FUN to see their little one, Emily, and to visit a bit with Tammy. We look forward to getting to know them. They will be moving here the end of June. They've decided to have a house built here.

Monday - Speech, school, gym, baking quiches, Mom's Night Out tea - all very fun. I did get a migraine from the candles and will need to be more alert to this.

Tuesday - Gym, picked up my chicken.... Farewell for a Chaplain family moving to CO. Yes, I still hate goodbyes. Working on details for United co-op. MIGRAINE. Study for Bible Study. Bible Study. Both my girls call and I realize I've not been emailing or blogging for a week.

Wednesday - Cancelled field trip and guests for dinner so I could sleep off the migraine. This is hard to do with lots of little ones in the home and the dreaded "to do" list staring at me.

Other Misc things.....completed an overiview on the book of Judges and wrote a lesson for next week for the ladies. I will need to do that one more week. That takes time but is FUN. I am so very blessed that Arielle has been reading aloud assignments to Nolan so though I'm busy and not feeling good - couch school goes on. This sort of week would NOT have phased me 8 years ago - I think....well....I need more vitamins. ::snort::

I'll send another post with photos soon - family. They are uploading.

BOOK WINNERS

As I try to rest and kick this silly migraine......I keep thinking of things that I need to do....like send out May's price list to the United Co-op, send out a link to May's order form, check on produce co-op for the week, and YIKES - I never did pick winners for last week's giveaway.....or if I did, I didn't post them and don't remember who we picked.

Nolan picked winners. Each of these ladies will receive a copy of "A Mending at the Edge", by Jane Kirkpatrick.

Our international winner was the only one who entered and will soon be coming statesdide....Jamie....Vcitywife......and our stateside winner is Lymeade Lady.

Congrats ladies.....back to resting.

Hands and Hearts Sale!

I've written before here and here and here about the living history kits that Jeff and Kate Estes sell. (Click the picture of their son Noah in the side bar for prayer updates).

I won't go on and on again - other than to say that these living history kits have made hands on projects MUCH more doable in our home. If you use Tapestry of Grace, (BTW if you decide to order from TOG - click the link in my sidebar first and I'll get some change LOL) you WILL have instructions and books to show you how to do many projects. I simply find that I actually DO THEM if I have all the supplies on hand. I add Jeff and Kate's kits to whatever we are studying. I no longer feel guilty about this as one of my mottos is "resource your weakness". Yes, I know that that isn't the EXACT motto that my friend Lee made famous, she says "Invest in your Weakness"...but that's MY air force version before I heard Lee say it. ::snort::

Resource Your Weakness - this is profound. Instead of getting more and more Lit (which I love), I've begun to spend my dollars for hands on and Math tools (last year a totally new program for all) because those are MY weak areas. I need easy materials or hands on won't happen. When life gets busy, I skip hands on projects (or math). My young ones still love hands on projects (not math so much)....and I need to work with Zander's wiggles.

BOTTOM LINE - Hands and Hearts is having a subscriber only sale. These kits are 15% off if you order before 5 May. AND you get a free toob with your order of each kit. I'm quite sure the toobs aren't strictly needed - but I planned to order the history kits next year anyway. ::snort:: There are several other products "Marmees Kitchen Primer", "folder books" for 15% off.

I cannot give you the link to this sale...but if you go here and subscribe to The Handprints and Heartbeats newsletter, you will be sent the subscriber only sale too....and if you plan to order these for next year - 15% off is a nice perk. I plan to order all the kits that will go along with "Middle Ages", "Reformation", "Colonial America" and "Revolutions".

OK I know this isn't a real update...but I'm working on it.....I must SLEEP today to kick a 2 day long migraine and I'll update as I have time. This does have lots of links - that earns me some points - right? ::snort::