Listening skills ...

Latest edition of Creed's artwork doubling as Christmas wrapping paper.

Learning middle and last name. I asked Creed if he knew he had three names. He looked at me questioningly. I understand why we have a first name and a last name, but not the middle. You rarely ever hear anyone's middle name, unless their famous or in trouble! Sarah Michelle Gellar, Sarah Jessica Parker. Some others are known by only their first names like Mama, Daddy . . . Madonna, Oprah or the ultimate … Jesus. When anyone speaks any of those names their known without question. Some people are known by their last name, Hitler, Obama. 

Here's some interesting facts. Do you know who Margaret Mary Emily Anne Hyra is? Here's a hint. She's played opposite of some pretty famous actors in well-known films. Still don't know? Meg Ryan. How about Caryn Johnson? Her stage name was concocted from her ability to fart a lot. Not enough big a hint? Whoopi Goldberg. Here's an obvious name change. Albert Brooks aka Albert Einstein. OK One more - just for fun. Edda Kathleen van Heemstra Hepburn-Ruston. That tongue-twister is Audrey Hepburn. 

From the mid-1600s middle names weren't common. It wasn't until well after the American Revolution. Only three of the first 17 presidents of the United States carried middle names. By 1900 nearly every child born had a middle name. With increased population density and the size of extended families the possibility of multiple persons carry the same first and last names became common as well as problematic. So began the custom. Nowadays we're not only known by our name but we've also been enlisted a number. So if perchance we've got a duplicate or a multitude of duplicates, our social security number distinguishes us from the others.

Jonah and the Whale, illustrated pages from "My First Bible Stories," by Katherine Sully.

Weather or not you've got a middle name makes no difference in your individuality. You are unique and created specifically by the Creator, not just another number. Let's look at another interesting fact about name changes. It isn't a new trend. This started long ago in the biblical era, but it wasn't for vanity purposes. Name changes had a meaning. Name changes by God also meant life changes. Abram (meaning high father) was changed to Abraham (father of many nations). Jesus changed Simon's (meaning God has heard) to Peter (meaning rock). OK here's the coolest fact: Revelation 2:17 says if you are in Christ, he's given you a new name, too, written on a white stone. Very exciting news. 

 

Noah's Ark, illustrated pages from, "My First Bible Stories," by Katherine  Sully.

Conversation from the Itty Bitty Household:

Daddy: "Creed what happened?"

Creed: "I'm in time out. The beeper go off. I get down."

Daddy: "What did you do?"

Creed: "The kitty cat. I pull her tail."

Daddy: "Why did you pull her tail?"

Creed: silent

Daddy: "Do you not know why you pulled her tail?"

Creed: "Look. I got a lizard. Do you love me daddy?"

Daddy: "Yes, I love you. Why do you need to be nice to the kitty?"

Creed: "Look. I've got a thorn see?"

Daddy: "What are you going to do if you hurt your kitty? You'll feel bad?"

Creed: "Yea."

Mama: "We don't hurt her because we love her. What if I pulled your tail?"

Creed: "I don't have a tail!" 

(we all laugh)

Mama: "OK. What if I pulled your toe?"

Creed: "I don't like it."

Daddy: "What's your middle name?"

Creed: "Nokie."

Daddy: What's your name?"

Creed: "Creed."

Daddy: "Creed what? . . . Alexander?"

Creed: "Look. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten toes. Now let me count your fingers. (counts them) Let me count your knee, one two.

Children's bible by Katherine Sully.

We're obviously working on our listening skills. We started the morning watching Veggie Tales Larry Learns to Listen, followed by both Your Baby Can Read DVDs. Before nap time we worked on our Apple Tree Book and were done for the day. I find that not much happens after nap time, right now anyway. We spend more time together as a family then. Usually Creed gets up with the rooster and we're up and running for the day until we hit the snooze button during nap time. 

Page four, Apple Tree Book.

I wanted to share a toddler friendly, very detailed children's bible "My First Bible Stories," by Katherine Sully. Six stories come to life and both Creed and I are captivated by the beautiful illustrations. Usually a lot of the story is left out in baby and toddler bibles. The attention to detail is incredible. Definitely worth the read. 

Resource links: http://voices.yahoo.com/why-did-god-change-names-some-people-the-6906376.html; 

http://askville.amazon.com/middle-names/AnswerViewer.do?requestId=7545792; http://thoughtcatalog.com/2013/55-celebrities-whose-real-names-will-surprise-you/

 

"Hurry Mama, before the Lion gets out!"

Night before last the Draconid meteor shower was scheduled to sweep across the United States just after sunset. The name comes from the way the meteors appear to emanate from the northern constellation Draco the Dragon, which sits just above the Little Dipper in the night sky. We waited until 8:30 p.m. and saw nothing and went out again at 9 p.m., Creed poised steady on Daddy's shoulders peering at the night sky. We watched eagerly looking for signs of something spectacular. Creed and Daddy saw a shooting star at the same time and Creed said, "Look, a shooting star!" That was the one and only one seen. We started singing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, when Creed burst into the ABC song. He's never sang independently before and it was a joy to hear. We clapped in enthusiasm after the sporadic performance.

Bon Appetit, Tiger
Meatball perfection

Shape recognition
using color of the week

Yesterday Creed was ready to get to work first thing in the morning. We started off with shape recognition, using the color of the week, green, building a docile turtle, adding grass to practice our scissor skills. Again, practicing our scissor skills we created a vibrant tiger, in conjunction with Creation Day 6, animals. He decided the tiger looked hungry and added meatballs to the picture. The curriculum introduces animals for three weeks including zoo animals, farm animals and pets. Then comes creation of man. We had fun banter creating the zoo full of animals. Creed, telling me where the fences must go so the animals wouldn't get out. "Hurry, Mama, before the lion gets out," he would say! We played a game with color and shape recognition flipping through Disney's Mickey the Mouse learning cards and moved onto the Usborne Sticker Book, learning numbers. Next we spelled out the words on the Your Baby Can Read Flashcards. I wasn't sure how he would do with the ABC Dot-to-Dot, but it turned out well. Before I knew it, we had blown through 75% of this weeks curriculum. He didn't want to stop so I just rolled with it. Taking a break for lunch we watched, "Your Baby Can Read" and "Goodnight Gorilla" on DVD. After nap time we headed to a nearby park looking for our shape of the week, square, and color of the week, green. We found many squares on walkway into the park. I forgot how much fun it is to climb the rope netting. I followed Creed across some balance circles that had rope going through the middle and was really impressed. I was struggling to stay on it myself. So much fun! We tried Jason's Deli for the first time and all of us enjoyed it. Great food and great price. Being gluten and lactose intolerant, I was able to eat there with no problems. It's a relief to find eateries where I can go so there's some normalcy.

Usborne Sticker Book fun

Creation Day 6, Animals

Today we both attended the BSF International church classes. Next week the preschool classes will be worshipping with the adults and I can't wait to see how Creed does! Afterwards we met Daddy at the waters edge on the lake, so we could feed the ducks. It was a beautiful day and we enjoyed a nice lunch on the pier. The change in the air delightful! We're certainly enjoying fall so far.

Because He said so ... that's why!

Yesterday I was thinking about the verses, Matthew 6:33, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you," and Luke 11:9, "Ask and it shall be given to you, seek and you shall find, knock and the door will be opened unto you." When I thought on these, I heard God ask me, "Are you really seeking me?" I heard him say, "You were seeking a husband. You were seeking a child." This really struck a nerve because I was seeking those. I was all in and my heart was after them both. I don't remember the last time I was seeking God with the same earnest. I'm on a road to absolute trust. He's rebuilding the foundation. Father knows what's in my heart. I've been keeping my husband and child in my heart instead of laying them at the foot of the cross, trusting Jesus. "Why would I take the child away that I gave you?" he asked, "Why would I take the husband I placed in your life? Trust in me … completely." I have no idea why trusting God completely meant (to me) him taking "my most prized possessions," away from me. They are not my possessions. They are both sons of God. (Luke 12:34 "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." - deeply convicted). I was missing the order, His order.

This past Sunday, our pastor mentioned people who stand on the edge of the road holding a sign that says, "Will work for food." I have great compassion for the least of these. I couldn't stop picturing Jesus standing there holding that very . . . same . . . sign. How would I react then? The truth says some have entertained angels unaware. (Hebrews 13:2) I speculate a lot of people have been set before my eyes as a test, yet an opportunity to show God's love. 

My mind wanders in and out of service. My "design" is restless for a reason. Eternity has been set in my heart (Ecclesiastes 3:11). I thought about how alone I've felt in the lobby of our church. Instead of feeling lost and out of place, I've decided to start moving through that feeling instead of focusing on it. I will start seeking a face that looks as lost as I feel and "find" them. I wanted to smoke this morning and God pointed me to my promise. "Every time your tempted," he said, "remember your promise as a sacrifice to me." Creed had a lot of tummy issues when he was born. He was almost always spitting up simultaneously through his mouth and nose gasping for air. I was worried constantly. I prayed to God promising I would never take another drink or smoke another cigarette if he would save my son. There were times when he couldn't breathe at all … truly the most terrifying moment I've ever had. I'd like to say I've forgotten that promise now and again, but that would be inaccurate. I've blatantly disregarded it at times. Those words can never be unspoken. I not only remember, but it's what keeps me at the foot of the cross from time to time. He is my strength and gives me grace to move through many situations unscathed! I remember how I felt after I would smoke. The enemy would get me to do it and then berate me for giving in every time. I literally felt it physically. I craved it. I was addicted. I loved it and hated it at the same time and now walk in freedom. 

This morning I was pondering on my first portion. Was I giving God my first portion? Was I giving God my first portion of the day … my first portion of income? Or was I giving him the leftovers, if there was any left over at the end of the day. By giving God my first portion of today, I was able to hide verses in my heart. I had the grace to speak in a soft tone and did not overreact. For a little over a week I've put into motion, the Duggars' tradition of reading Proverbs everyday according to the day of the month. Today's portion stayed with me. Proverbs 7: 2-3 " … Guard my words as your most precious possession. Write them down, and also keep them deep within your heart." It's pretty cool that there are 31, one for each day of the month!

It was three weeks ago I started the Bible Study Fellowship. I finished reading over the notes for this weeks lesson and love that I still find it interesting instead of mundane. I love that God promised to put His spirit within those who believe Him. He gave me a new heart and a new spirit. With His spirit in me, he moves me to follow his decrees and be careful to keep his laws. His spirit enables us to repent and gives us the desire to obey Him. I want to obey Him. With his truth I'm gaining knowledge little by little.

Trust . . . and Obey.

Because He said so … that's why!

I'm looking forward to this week's Day 6 Creation. (God makes the animals) There's some pretty fun days ahead! Finally a new color, green. Our book of the week is, "Goodnight Gorilla," by Peggy Rathmann. We're lucky enough to have it in book and DVD form. We really enjoy watching books come to life on screen. Scholastic has a large assortment available and one can usually rent them from your local library. 

  

Romans 8:28

Illness couldn't have struck at a better time for homeschool since last week was merely review of the prior three weeks. We did some art projects but mostly piled up on the rocker or couch watching Tom and Jerry while eating popsicles. Creed still has a cough now and then, but no longer sounds like a baby seal, which makes mama's heart super happy.

colors of the week, red and blue

fine motor skill practice

This morning we started exercising Creed's fine motor skills, cutting paper into pieces for our rainbow art project, that also doubles as using this week's colors blue and red. He opted for red mostly, which he identifies as his favorite color. While three and four-year-olds have the skills needed to snip and cut, scissor skills aren't fully developed until around age six. Tearing paper improves the ability to use both hands in a coordinated manner, also part of our curriculum this week. Using a hole punch on index cards with a handheld puncher strengthens hand muscles and improves bilateral skills. We will be practicing this using a star puncher to make our stars for Day 4 Creation, catch-up, from last week.

Day 5 Creation Project
Fish of the Sea/Birds of the Air

"Let the waters be filled with living creatures, and let birds fly through the skies." So God made creatures of every kind that live in the sea and every winged bird that soars above. And God saw that it was good and He blessed them. And so ended the fifth day of God's marvelous creation. Again, using our fine motor skills, Creed practiced stamping the sea creatures onto Day 5 Creation Project. We also added some birds. He got a little over zealous and decided to stamp his hands onto the paper taped to the coffee table, but this was more than acceptable as it's all part of our "strewing experiment" (from The Artful Parent book by Jean Van'T Hul) but more commonly known as, this year's Christmas paper. Presents will be wrapped with custom created works of art as the year goes by. 

Easy Change Artwork Frame
holds up to 50 pieces of art

Since we're started homeschool we're collecting various works of art every single week. Now the question is, "What do we do with them?" I can't possibly throw them away. At the end of the year I'll collect them all together and store them as, "Creed's Art Work, Age 3." However, until then, I've found a pretty clever way of displaying them using Easy Change Artwork Frames from ABC Distributing. They're available in 8.5x11 and 9x12. What makes these unique is the storage space inside the frame. After it's been displayed and the next work of art is ready to go in, simply slide it into the pocket, along with the rest of the beauties! The compartment holds up to 50 more pictures. The frame is made of wood and one of the most common sense features is it's not glass, it's plexiglass. So much more safer if it fell, in case inquiring toddlers find their way to the frame. The door is also held snug by a magnet. Both are under $10. I haven't found any cheaper than this. Find them here: http://www.abcdistributing.com/For-the-Home/Decorative-Accents/Wall%2BArt/Easy-Change-Artwork-Frames/prod121045.jmp?navAction=jump&fm=search.

Five Little Speckled Frogs googly eyes placement

Our book of the week is "Five Little Speckled Frogs," illustrated by Nikki Smith. After printing the frogs we cut them out on construction paper and Creed glued goggly eyes on them. Next we pasted them on felt. Creed has a very small felt board, along with the one I made on the wall, that we can use interacting with the story during story time. Fun, fun!

This week has already been trying. Last week was a struggle. I know that we are going to thrown curve ball after curve ball during our life as a family and that must mean we're doing something right. I know we're on the right path spiritually and our faith has been tested in so many ways recently. Having faith, after all, I think, is choosing to believe no mater what. Believing anyway. Doing anyway. Living anyway. "Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" Matthew 6:26. I have prayed for several days, standing on Romans 8:28, "in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." I also believe that there is a "season for everything, and a time for every purpose under heaven," Ecclesiastes 3:1. How exciting is not knowing what's going to happen? It's also terribly terrifying at times, but wouldn't it spoil the surprise of God's goodness of what's yet to come?!   

"A Love That Multiples"

This week I finished, "A Love That Multiplies, by Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar. I found a bounty of priceless information, especially about homeschool. I looked at their resource list in the back and went online to http://store.iblp.org/categories/CH/ to order the character cards, character booklets on obedience and truthfulness (I picked what I thought we needed right now), as well as, seven basic needs of a husband booklet, from The Institute in Basic Life Principles online store. It was all surprisingly affordable. The first reason they decided to homeschool was to fulfill the teaching of Deuteronomy 6:5-7, "teaching your children to love God with all of their heart, soul and might, talking with them with they sit in the house, walk by the way, lie down and rise up."

The book was a great inspiration to me, not just for homeschool, but for my marriage, furthermore raising our child and possibly children to come. As a stay-at-home-mother I deeply related to the poem, "Continue On," by Roy Lessin, that Michelle lists as encouragement to other women. The excerpt most touching was, "… she heard the still, small voice of her Heavenly Father speak to her heart: You are a wife and mother because this is what I have called you to be. Much of what you do is hidden from the public eye, but I notice. Most of what you give is done without remuneration. But I am your reward. Your husband cannot be the man I have called him to be without your support. Your influence on him is greater than you think and more powerful than you will ever know. I bless him through your service and honor him through your love. Your children are precious to me. Even more precious than they are to you. I have entrusted them to your care to raise for Me. What you invest in them is an offering to Me. …" How profound, "Your husband cannot be the man I called him to be without your support." Well, when you put it that way . . . 

Little Baby Seal

Little baby seal - This morning began with a cough that developed into something different than I'd ever heard before. Creed's temperature was under control. When he yelped off and on through his nap, I consulted with another mama warrior, and decided to take him to see the doctor … again. I was really hoping to see another doctor because the same look I got yesterday, would not suffice today. I was not leaving without answers. We were able to get right in surprisingly, using the walk-in clinic for patients after 5 p.m. I took the iPad, a book and a highlighter for drawing on the paper they put down on the examining table. Creed was easily entertained and enjoyed coloring the crinkly paper. There was a selection of books, some were coming apart, in the examining room and I wondered if they would accept donations for replacements. I'm sure we would have plenty to donate and this would help keep the littles entertained while waiting for the doctor. Its no fun waiting in the lobby and then waiting in the back for another half hour. A different male doctor came in with a welcoming smile … huge sigh of relief. Creed once again, quit coughing while we were in the doctor's office, but had a low-grade temperature. I explained how I was there yesterday and he seemed fine in the office and as soon as we got in the vehicle, his symptoms returned. He listened intently and asked Creed questions. He said everything looked fine, but that they would do a swab of his throat to be sure. When the nurse came into do the swab … my baby seal returned. The doctor stuck his head in and said, "I heard that. Croup." The swab came back clear and prednisone was prescribed to help my itty bitty get over this sickness much sooner. "Can you tell me what croup is," I asked? "I sure can," he said, smiling. He came back with a couple of sheets of paper describing the illness and I was happy to have such a compassionate doctor.

What is croup anyway? Croup is a viral infection of the vocal cords, voice box (larynx), and windpipe (trachea). Symptoms include a tight, low-pitched "barking" cough, which in our case sounds like a little baby seal and a hoarse voice, check. Another symptom and tell-tale sign is a harsh, raspy, vibrating sound when your child breathes in, what I heard last night unfortunately. This is called stridor and usually present only with crying or coughing, but again I heard this while rocking him, with no crying or coughing. As the disease becomes worse, stridor also occurs when your child is sleeping or relaxed. Talk about scary. With severe croup, breathing may be difficult. Croup is usually part of a cold. Swelling of the vocal cords cause the hoarseness and stridor is caused by the opening between the vocal cords becoming more narrow. Croup usually lasts for five to six days and generally gets worse at night. During this time, it can change from mild to severe and back many times and is worst in children under three. The doctor explained that cold air sometimes relieves the stridor, which is why Creed seemed perfectly healthy at first look. :-) The viruses that cause croup are quite contagious until the fever is gone or at least during the first three days of illness. The information notes that since the spread of this infection can't be prevented, your child can return to school or child care once he feels better. That's completely absurd. This is how Creed got the illness to begin with, however when I am armed with knowledge, I definitely feel better about the situation and know that from time to time we will get sick and there's no preventing this, even with vitamins and probiotics! I sent the church director a message and told her which service Creed attended on Sunday. Children also will exhibit no symptoms, other than an elevated fever, when in cold air, so it's easy to see how it spreads. OH, how I wish I could prevent it and at the same time, know it strengthens his immune system each time he gets over another itty bitty hump. Visit http://medical.gerber.com/clinicaltopics/articles.aspx?articleId=909DDD16-34AD-44C1-B663-656C6AE32E5C&sec=articles&topicId=28bf6385-728a-4a60-b67c-f69baed67add, for some pretty insightful information on your child's immune system.

Vicks StarryNight Cool Moisture Humi

Armed with our new diagnosis we headed to a nearby department store for some popsicles and a humidifier. We were in luck! Vicks makes a StarryNight Cool Moisture Humidifier that's so cool! The humidifier produces cool, invisible moisture, while transforming the room into a starry night sky. There are several colors that gradually rotate and it's a beautiful display to watch. There's two speeds, one specifically for night that's really quiet, but both Creed and I sleep with a fan to have noise, so this white noise was readily welcomed. The run time is up to 24 hours, so it will work through the night and be of use, that is, until Creed finds his way to my room around 5:30 a.m. 

No homeschool until this nasty bug high-tails it outta here!

No homeschool today

Creed woke up at 5:30 a.m. with a 102 temperature. I gave him some Advil and a couple hours later some cold medicine that also had Tylenol in it. Within a few hours there was no fever, but he started having a cough. His appetite was healthy, but I could tell something wasn't right. As the day progressed we took a trip to the pediatrician, and as I predicted no symptoms were noticed while we were there. His pediatrician said, "He's completely healthy," smiling at me. I was not surprised when the moment we were heading home, he started coughing and in a couple of hours his temperature spiked to 102.3. Normally Creed seems to have the energy of two toddlers, but today he only wanted to be held and his little body felt so feverish. I wondered a while back if I would ever be able to hold him like I used to when he was a baby. There were days when I accomplished nothing but holding my baby, but I loved those days as well. I counted my blessings that today was one of those days when I was able to hold my son for the most part of the day. I called the pediatricians office, which relayed information from the doctor to alternate Advil and Tylenol and if it continues bring him in tomorrow.

Needless to say we did not have homeschool today. We were actually planning to meet some other homeschool families at the local Children's Museum, but there was no way I was going to be the mama that brought her sick child spreading germs to every other little within breathing distance. 

Creed and I have been thinking about getting another kitty for a few days now. Buddy the cat "ran away," as Creed puts it, but I have a feeling the coyotes had a little to do with his disappearance. Today we found a beautiful tabby and Creed named her Nokie (No-Key). I've never heard of that name before and kept repeating to see if I was getting it right,it only to have him correct me. He cracks me up. Nokie lifted his spirits before bedtime. I know I'll probably sneak in there around midnight to check his temperature. I remember thinking when I was pregnant with Creed, "If he were only out, I'd stop worrying about him getting here!" I laugh about that now. When he arrived the real worrying began and has never stopped. Does it ever stop? I doubt this. 

Kiwi Crate - We did do a little painting today. We subscribe to this service, which you can pause or stop at any time (ours is currently paused) called Kiwi Crate. It's a "crate" (green box) that comes once a month, containing kids crafts, including materials needed and activities for children designed to encourage children's healthy development and learning. Projects can include creating, developed to spark creativity and imagination through art, music, dance or imaginative play; discovering, developed to include investigation and learning about science, nature and mathematics; moving, developed to involve big or little motions; exploring, developed to appreciate the world around them. Kids learn about cultures, community and diversity; communicating, identifies projects that are focused on literary skills like following directions for a project or reading traffic signs; caring, which focus on interacting with others, like playing a game, learning to take turns and asking for help; and moving, which also develops those fine motor skills like twisting a cap or picking up pebbles. You can try it once or sign up for a monthly subscription. There are a couple of options, but we settled on $19.95 a month, although when we started we were able to get it for $10, using a promo code. All projects are developed in line with their principles to INSPIRE creativity, promote self-expression and celebrate the process of making; CREATE projects and select materials that are developmentally appropriate and span multiple developmental areas; ENGAGE and offer a really fun way for kids - and their grownup assistants - to spend time; CURATE inspiration and quality raw materials for kids, who bring them to life; and DELIVER everything you need so it's easy and convenient to embrace the creative process. The crates are designed for children 3-7 years of age, but I've found that a lot of the projects we've received in the past two boxes are a little advanced for Creed, who turned three in May, so that's why we've paused our subscription. I adore these boxes and the materials that come with them are worth more than $20, when buying them "a la carte" at a craft or hobby store. The quality of the materials is also off the charts! Click on over to http://www.kiwicrate.com to check it out for yourself. Want to try one for 10% off? They've introduced their latest limited edition crate, "Night Bright Halloween." Use the promo code: halloween5, while supplies last at kiwi crate.com/halloween. Use the promo code: BOO, with new subscriptions for tomorrow only to receive 25% off the first month.

Beginning Kiwi Crate Project

Progress

Attention to detail. Love how thorough Creed is.

Itty Bitty Curveball

The second doctor I saw this week couldn't conceal his worry when he examined my abdomen, which has a large mass that keeps increasing in size. He said he suspected it was a tumor and scheduled a CT Scan. Forty Five minutes before the scan I drank a Berry Smoothie Readi-CAT 2, a barium sulfate suspension. Due to its high molecular density, its opaque to x-rays and therefore, acts as a positive contrast agent for radiographic studies. My only worry at this point was does this contain dairy or gluten. It was a milky substance that wasn't altogether bad, however I found out that the milky color occurred because of the barium sulfate and there was no gluten, so at least this substance wouldn't make me sick later and that was comforting. Next I waited … for a while, but this gave me a chance to work on my Bible study that had gone by the wayside since I had heard this disturbing news.

Progress!

Next up … me. I followed the nurse to a room that contained another massive machine. As the technician inserted an IV, she asked me to place my hands over my head as my body slid into the doughnut-shaped machine. X-rays went through my body with each rotation of the scanner, providing pictures of the abdomen. An automated voice prompted me when to hold my breath and breathe sliding me in and out of the machine. As I laid there I tried to be brave as she put the dye into my IV and  informed me I would feel a warm sensation all over my body and have a faint warm metallic taste in the back of my mouth. It happened immediately. I felt like I was lit up on the inside and that startled me. I asked her to hold my hand and she did, but said she had to step out to complete the test. I'm glad that the feeling didn't last long and was relieved when it passed. Another 30 seconds and it was complete. I wondered what would come of it and tried not to think of it at all. I was going to trust God no matter the outcome.

Creed's first A!

Tracing mechanics of the alphabet

The phrase from the Nick Jr. program, Peter Rabbit, "Rabbits are brave! Rabbits are brave! Rabbits are brave!," by Peter Rabbit's loyal companion, Benjamin Bunny, kept cycling through my mind when I called the doctor's office the next day for the results. It is in fact,  not a tumor, but a residual pocket of accumulated fluid from the last corrective surgery in April of this year. Surgery scheduled for early October. How bizarre is that? What a relief! It's one thing saying you trust God, but quite another when you must walk it out. Can you trust and still be scared sometimes? Do you ever wonder if God allows us to fall apart so HE can pick up the pieces. Are some circumstances permitted to build our faith? What I have come to understand is, He is my fairy tale. He is my happy ending. I will trust in him. I will not be moved. I will not be shaken. Those words from "We Won't Be Shaken," by the group Building 429, have become my theme for living.

Learning curves

Earning "points"

This morning was so rewarding as I attentively observed Creed tracing the mechanics of the alphabet. I said, "Yay! You did it!" And he jumped up and down in response hooting to my enthusiasm. I decided to try another tactic since I knew he knew how to do it, but just didn't want to do it - a reward system. The little rolls of sweet tarts provide a lot of motivation! He eagerly pointed out the alphabet and numbers. We're still working on the letter U and get hung up on the phonics saying an "ahhh," instead of "uhhhh." I was over the moon happy.  I just finished "The Duggars: 20 and Counting," by Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar, and Michelle explains how she gives candy to the children that memorize the Bible verses. There is a substantial amount of resources provided in the back of the book. I keep thinking if she can do it with 19, now, I can surely do it! Her tips and tricks are definitely appreciated. 

Creed and I played with a sensory game, digging out the alphabet among white and black beans and grain, but he was more concerned with separating the white beans into a can, which he called his magic beans. After this he asked to work on his Apple Tree Book. He put three apples on the tree (every week we add another apple) and decided to draw some caterpillars. He had fun learning on abcmouse.com, while I prepared lunch.

Separating the "magic" beans

One line that really stood out from "The Duggars: 20 and Counting," was: when you want to yell, whisper. I've been practicing correction with a soft voice. I find that raising my voice isn't effective anyway. After all, Proverbs 15:1, a soft voice turns away anger is really true. I've noticed some difference within myself, as well as my child. Our house has always been a quiet peaceful place, unless Creed is running from one end of the hall to the other bumping his cars around or friends are visiting. 

Their parenting philosophy, adapted from another family's guidelines to fit their own family goals, includes established boundaries along with emotional and behavioral goals they set for their children, as well as themselves. I admire this list!

Duggar Parenting Philosophy:

1. Always use soft words, even when you don't feel well
2. Always display kind actions, even when you've been mistreated
3. Show joyful attitudes, even when no one is looking
4. Have sincere motives, with no thought of self gain
5. Think pure thoughts
6. Always give a good report of others. Never tale-bear, unless physical harm will come to someone. Matthew 18
7. Never raise a hand to hit
8. Never raise a foot to kick
9. Never raise an object to throw
10. Never raise a voice to yell
11. Never raise an eye to scowl
12. Use one toy/activity at a time
13. Never let the sun go down on your wrath
14. Amendment, J.O.Y.: Put Jesus FIrst, Others Second, Yourself Last and Make Serving Family a Priority.