Shhhh!! and YEAHHHHHHHH!!!

It's softly raining this morning, peaceful and quiet.  Lexi's long awaited class trip to Camp Classen got started this morning.  Her dad went as a class sponsor.   Outdoor school for 3 days, 2 nights, 60-5th graders, 20+ adults. 
Nicholas and I will hang out at home.  We will probably get take-out and eat in the living room, put our feet on the furniture and turn the music real loud.  No telling what will happen when the serious members of the household are camped out in the wilderness!
I had planned to plant flowers today.  Maybe not.   I need to dig into Language Arts and History curriculum for the upcoming year.  Several moms are discussing forming a co-op and using the same materials.  We'll need a plan, but it's formulating nicely.  The conference is Friday and Saturday, so I want to have some definite choices to investigate then.  

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BUSINESS NEWS - May 1 we are at another pinnacle point in building our home business.  We will be launching a newly anchored team and have an incredibly busy month planned.   I'm excited to be part of this.  

Need a personal or business website?  Order EZNet-Tools  ($15 a month!) from YouKnow3 and as a Special BONUS for the first THREE NEW ACCOUNTS, I'm offering to customize your site for FREE!!!  (a $299 value)   We'll use your photos & text, links and ideas, specially designed graphics - all to get your presence on the web set up!   Contact me for further information.  

Lexi's Art

This week Lynn Melton, a Resident Artist for Oklahoma Arts Council, visited Lexi's school and taught the kids using various mediums.  This picture is one Lexi did using pastels.  

Be The One

Lead Out Loud

Karate Kid

Last September, we challenged Nicholas to pick a sport or participation activity.  Other than skateboarding, he hasn't exhibited interest in anything physical.  I preferred him finding a team sport, but he nixed all suggestions.  After sign-ups had come and gone, he was still in limbo when we enrolled him in Denny Holzbauer's ABKA karate class  at church.   He went unwillingly until February, when he transitioned from the foundational white belt to YELLOW BELT.  
He now scoots the livingroom furniture around for a "dojo" to practice his "kata".  His first tournament was Saturday and he was scored on his form and then sparred with an opponent.   This was held in Tulsa, so picture taking was left up to Dad and his cell phone, but my son is now the motivated owner of this beautiful trophy.  Each block of wood is painted a belt color - and he's exciting about soon promoting to ORANGE.  

Simply Sunday

In this world, there is accountability for our actions.  God not only knows our behavior, but has inspired us with dreams and desires.   The world knows our deeds, He knows our heart.  Turning these internal longings from intentions to truth is the spiritual journey God has planned for us.   His encouragement is evident as nature responds with sparkley sunshine and beautiful blossoms - a new day, a new season.  Who can remain in winter with such obvious motivation?  He has laid the way for us to move forward.

"These things I plan for your life won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, wait patiently, for it will surely take place."

Habakkuk 2:3

Achooo & Ouch

Today I am whining.
I'm allergic to grass.   I live on a golf course, which has little paved walkways, but it is mostly grass.  I live in Oklahoma, which is mostly air, and it's mostly grass too.   The air is never still in my state, in fact, if you've never visited here you might think we have tornadoes as a daily occurrence.   Alas,  it is just blowing dirt and grass.   I've lived here most of my life, it is always windy.  It's also useless to spend a lot of time fixing your hairdo.   Crazy hair is the style here.  
Grass makes me sneeze, my eyes itch and water and occasionally I'll break out in hives.  There is no hiding from grass.  You wear it or you ingest it.   I take allergy meds - but their best use is to sleep through the symptoms.  I'd need to wake up in October.  So, I suffer...and whine.My second whine is the annual "First Day of Flip Flop Wearing".  It was yesterday for me and I even wore my old, "comfy" ones.   Didn't matter, they still rubbed my tender toes the wrong way.   I got some satisfaction from telling Lexi and friends "My thong rubbed a blister".   Those girls are horrified so easily.   

Recess Over

Next week is our local homeschool convention.  I'm researching some options this week so I visually check it out at the vendor's booth.  Some things look really great on-line and in theory, but I get a better feel when I actually hold it in my hands.  I lean to a Charlotte Mason "style" and like an organized, but flexible schedule.   Now that I've decided both kids will be home next year, my plans will need to be altered a little.  I prefer to consolidate their studies as much as possible because they are only a grade apart, but they are very different learners.
My son is avoiding disappointment, hoping his 4th quarter rally will raise his grades enough to meet our non-negotiable requirement.   I recognize it isn't mathematically possible, but I've told him he's entirely capable of improving his grades if he makes the effort.   We're using the remaining school year to help him learn more independant study habits and feel the direct effect of personal accountability.
The middle school he attends offers internet based "Parent Connect".  I was excited when presented with this - a tool to help me monitor his assignments and be proactive overseeing his homework.   It wasn't long until I realized it's a sporadically updated, after-the-fact grade report. That's been disappointing.   Have you ever tried to investigate a 12 year old boy's missing study guide from 2 weeks ago?  Don't bother.  The answer is "I thought I did it".  He'll even be fairly, mostly positively sure he might have turned it in.   Bottom line, it's too late.   
I cannot lay all the blame on the school and teachers - he's almost a teenager and very capable of applying himself.  It is a fact that as a homeschool mom, I closely controlled his school work.  I realize now how little he learned about his individual responsibility in being organized, utilizing his study time (appropriately), and how his choices would directly affect his results.  Because we "learn for the sake of learning", I haven't put much emphasis on grading.  This was a disservice to his success in a school enviromnent.   In the upcoming year, there will be more of a balance in the kids decision making opportunities and applied logical consequence at our home school.  Natural consequence has been a hard lesson.
So back to curriculum review.  I still LOVE WinterPromise.  Considering Classical Conversations for Lexi and SOS for Nicholas.  We will continue: Math U See, Apologia Science, TellMeMore Spanish, and Spelling Power.   That leaves the history/social studies/geography core and Language Arts for me to figure out.

Wilbur the Watchdog

Wilbur - oh, were he a people.  What would people think?  Named after a p.i.g., he's been the momma to a baby kitty, has been seen wearing hairbows and his snoring and flatulence, well....  Did you know pugs have no "full" button on their appetite?  He will eat and eat until, well....  We don't know, he eats yogurt, carrots, bananas, popcorn, crayons, well....

As self-designated protector of our home, Wilbur visually patrols our yard from his look-out post, atop the table in our front window.  His bark is certainly worse than his bite, although he's done this little bark sound, maybe twice.  He does have a frightful snort, but he would be best friends with any intruder.   See him?  I was trying to hide behind the tree so you could see his really mean prison-guard-kind-of look.  

I think he may have spotted a cat burglar.  He's the Gladys Kravatz meets Barney Fife of our neighborhood.  

Here's "the look".  This is his patented undercover ploy to distract his prey - we're going to teach this at the K-9 attack dog incognito training class.   Check out the tongue and "pounce" position.   Totally disarming technique that provokes a smile from all doorbell ringers.

Free Money

Now if that's not an oxymoron!  As you know, I'm frugal.   Regardless of financial circumstance, I think it's important for everyone to keep more of their hard-earned dollars.   I want to share a little secret with you that is just a teensy part of our family's FHTM business.  It's called the "Rewards Mall".   
You can earn points for virtually everything you purchase.
You can shop online, print gift cards and certificates and earn Rewards Points.   Do you shop at Wal-Mart, Target, buy groceries, gas, Starbucks, shop in the mall or home improvement stores....get the picture?  There are over 750 merchants!   Shifting your habits just a little to plan in advance, you'll be building a nice little nest egg of points.    In order to bank your points, you will need to register.
Shhh....secret info....some of the sites even have discounted promotions!  Like eating out.   We recently ordered 4 cards for various expenses - and received a FREE $25 restaurant gift card.   Some are instant savings up to 60% off!   
Shhhh, even more...you can print grocery coupons!
Shhhh, one more thing....today I ordered office supplies,  I  used an online coupon code for ADDITIONAL savings.  If you CVS or Wal-Greens shop - here's one MORE way to earn on your purchases.
Rewards Points?  You can use your points to shop at any of the participating merchants.  I am accruing mine as a "Christmas Fund".    From my grocery budget alone, I'll have $192 in yearly points.  
Here's the best part - it's all FREE to you!    I hope you'll check it out.

Click on my link:  Kim's FORTUNE Webstore  - the Rewards Mall link is right in the center of the product line up.    I'd love to hear your savings stories.

Struggle

I am struggling with an issue in my spiritual life that is making me weary.  It's funny that THIS POST was written almost 2 years ago.  I've come full circle!
For a little background- I'm a 3rd generation "Methodist" (remember I hate being pigeonholed by labels).  A couple of years ago we witnessed an event that caused us to back away from that association.   We floated along after moving to Illinois and found non-denominational Lifepoint Church.   There may have been rules, but they did not distract from the goals of "Love God, Love People".  They became our church family on April 23, 2007.  Were we members?  I don't know!!  We belonged.  As I looked through my journals, I noted some shared blog posts, Make A Joyful Noise. and My 3 Truths.   Bob wants to change the world - and mine was most definitely changed.  I love these guys!
Seeking a new church in Oklahoma, we visited several.  I knew it was going to be hard to match what we had just experienced, but I was open to what God had in store for us.   I know He has a specific purpose for me, for my family.  We have faithfully attended a local church and have made some wonderful friends.  We tithe, participate in activities, attend Sunday school, and volunteer for numerous projects.   Because we have not formally joined the church, we've recently been excluded from leading but encouraged to continue helping.   
On one hand, I can understand this.  On the other, that's not really motivating.  We had not been approached about joining - it was mentioned in passing because I wasn't eligible to volunteer for a particular church project.   This caused me to inquire and I found some of the governing principles the church adheres to are not something I can agree to.  So, here we are.
Please pray for us.  We're in the midst of God's plan and I'm not sure we are aware of how it began or where it will end.   I do know our family will make a difference in some capacity to tell His story and continue to "Love God, Love People", Oklahoma style!

Alright!

Now here's the way to start your day off right. Connie Talbot sings 

"Three Little Birds"

Week End!

4 days of testing at Lexi's school.  Interesting and eye opening.  Followed by drama of eleven year old "girlfriends".    Stressful week made worse by me - and my decision that I would be fine without a balanced hormone level.   Tuesday I had my iron and thyroid levels tested, usually the source of declining energy.  Wednesday I found I remain stable.  That should be SUPER DUPER news, but why am I so tired and antsy?  All signs point to estrogen deficiency.  Back on the patch I went.  It's been almost 24 hours and I already feel the fog has lifted.

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Today - Keith and I are attending a Fortune Regional Manager training class.  I'm a firm believer in being a student of my industry.   As a trainer/coach, I am a sponge for information to help my team grow and build.   Because I have no work conflicts, I'm flexible in coordinating with my business partners schedules for training and support.  Keith has a more-than-full-time job, but because this is our family business he joins me whenever possible.    Our diverse skills are a nice compliment to each other.  That's the nice way of saying how opposite we are in so many ways and without the other there would be gaping holes!  LOL   Together?  We're  a formidable team!

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45 days until the end of public school.  Lexi and I are already researching curriculum.   I haven't told Nicholas yet because his attitude will be deflated, but he will not be returning to school next year.  He's all about the social scene - but learning...ehh, not so much.   I'm struggling with the best way to communicate this - he will not be surprised, as he's known from the beginning what the expectations are.    I truly want his education to be self-motivated and as fun as possible - so my mission is to make that happen.   He's an incredibly smart kid - talented in art and music, loves skateboarding and ABKA Karate sparring - he's curious and a good communicator.   It is my challenge to provide him the environment to learn and develop the skills for what God has planned for him.  Suggestions???
"Hangin' with buds, gettin' by" - isn't it.   We are thankful to God for the opportunity to have these choices - and for His guidance  as we continue to make important decisions.   

Goal Setting

 “Set the kind of goals that will make something of you to achieve it.” - Jim Rohn

I sometimes struggle separating my goals from my dreams.  It takes the thoughtful process of hope, in addition to mapping a plan to bring the two together.  Sometimes they are at opposite ends of the spectrum and what I need to do NOW is a long way from where I want to be.  Hope and dreams are just illusions if you don't take action.
Being a take-charge kinda girl, I'm unwilling to just float down the lazy river.  I've lived a "dream come true" kind of life - but far from a fairy tale.  My prayers are most definitely answered but seldom in the way I specified in my instructions to God.  Hindsight is such a blessing - and it's usually pretty visible how our choices have landed us right where we are.
When income and this economy became an issue for our family, I immediately felt guilty.  Did I want too much?  Was I expecting God's favor?   As we've taken charge of changing our circumstance, I've recognized that the elimination of debt is not greed.   Debt makes us a slave to those we owe.  Of course, but isn't that the way to achieve the "American Dream"??  How off-course we have become from the ways of our grandparents.  I remember my grandmother saving up money, or using lay-away, to pay for her shoes.  I can't imagine my grandad carrying a credit card, much less using it to eat at place he could not afford.
I've been reluctant to mix business with personal, and if you've read my blog you know I've posted and later deleted.  What I've come to realize is this journey isn't about where we're going financially - it is a part of us. Building my ever-growing business team is a community of relationship that changes everything.  My routine, my motivation, my attitude - me.    The "perks" of my job include helping people I care about become successful, learning about this industry and how to build better relationships, the vital importance of making choices and our own journey to become debt free.  One of the most impactful experiences I've had is seeing the change in behaviors when focus shifts from being broke or just surviving - to having enough. Enough to reach outward.  Enough money - and enough time.  Isn't that what God wants for us all?  He doesn't intend for us to be helpless victims - but to use our blessings for good.  
So, you'll see an intermix of things that are going on in my life.  My blog isn't about money or work, but because my passion has shifted, what I do is a part of what I am becoming.  Hopefully I can communicate this blessing in the humble and thankful way it is transpiring in my life.  

Multiple Choices

"Not everything that counts can be counted and not everything that can be counted counts." Albert Einstein

I am spending the mornings this week volunteering at Lexi's school.  It's the time of year the Core Curriculum Tests (CRT) and there are a lot of rules and procedures that must be followed to ensure the integrity of the scores.  

While I am not a proponent of this type of testing, much less the focus on "teaching to the test", I want Lexi to experience this type evaluation environment to prepare her for college admission requirements.  Her scores will also serve a purpose in planning our next year's course of study.

Spring Monday!

I love Mondays!   I devote my mornings to following up business matters from the previous week and weekend.   As a perpetual planner, I maintain a checklist of  things "to-do".  Nothing makes me happier than crossing OFF that list.   Because I'm a creature of comfort, I prefer to do all the fun things first and avoid the rest.  As a professional business woman, I've learned to make those "uggh" chores my first priority.   That way, my day just gets better!
If you get an early Monday call from me, don't despair!  I intersperse my dread list with little rewards.  Often,  that little friend connection boosts my day, whether for business or just fun.  Or in my business, BOTH.
An update on my work - it's all I had hoped, and more.   We needed to change our financial situation - and did.   Building this community, sharing with old AND new friends, seeing change happen right before our eyes, is a bonus I could not have envisioned.   
I wish I could say it is "easy".  I've been incredibly disappointed in those close to me who slam the door shut - without having a clue what this business is about.   Our team and this company is built on integrity and solid business principles by action-oriented, goal-motivated people.    One goal is to raise the awareness of our company, its vision and our standards in the network marketing industry.    I have yet to twist anyone's arm to get them into my business - but I could wring someone's neck for their confidence in knowing what they do not know, or relying on an internet search for their validation.   Google "Jesus Christ" - that should give you an insight to base your conclusions on.   Random search - vs- credible real life experience.  That feeling of disregard is the hard part, but just a little speed bump on the journey.
The rest - is simply one blessing after the next.  
Finally - Go Navy Seals!  Great Job!

Kali Suprise

Kali just had her 8th birthday - and she had plans for a more grown up bedroom.  This bedding look from PBTeen was on her wish list.  

As an economical solution and to surprise Kali, her mom found coordinating fabric that we put together to come up with this:

Coupled with her silk zebra sheets, she's got a pretty cool room that is her own "style".  When she came home from her spring break, her whole room had been redone.  Can you tell she was surprised?

This is how she had left it the weekend before:

Harvest

The story is told of two boys who were walking through a field and found some corn seeds scattered across the ground. They each took one of the seeds home and planted it.

When the first boy didn't see a tiny sprout after the second day, he dug up the seed to see if it had sprouted. Each day he dug up the seed and replanted it, but the corn would not grow. The seed had germinated; yet the boy had not allowed it to maintain contact with the soil, take root, and obtain nutrients. So, it died.

The second boy planted his seed and left it alone. He imagined a tall stalk of corn where he had planted the seed. He waited patiently as rains came and sunshine bathed the ground with warmth. In ten days, a small sprout had broken through the ground, its curled leaves reaching toward the sky.

Achieving any desire, whether large or small, begins with a seed sown in the mind. That seed is the vision of its fulfillment. It also requires the commitment to allow the vision to grow--the faith in God to do His part through storm, rain, and sunshine.

Commitment in daily life allows life's storms to strengthen resolve. Resolve allows us to nurture a new dream, improve an existing dream, or even begin over if necessary. Faith allows acceptance of any circumstance as God's blessing for ultimate growth.

A seed sown must be nourished with faith and belief. When you hold a picture of the final creation in your mind, you hold and maintain faith. You honor God's desire to create something wonderful, and you honor His choice of your hands to help do the job.

How often do we plant the seed of a beautiful dream in the fertile soil of our minds, and then dig it up? What could you achieve if you allowed your seed to grow, continuing to focus your spiritual eyes on the harvest?

If it were not possible for you to achieve a dream, God would not have placed it in your heart and mind. Sow your seed, allow it to grow, and see an abundant harvest.

© Copyright 2005 by Steve Brunkhorst

Holos

"The whole is more than the sum of its parts" ~ Aristotle
How would our world exist if that "whole" could be all wrapped up with a neat, tidy label?   God did that for us, making us human beings.  After that point, we are unique ~ one of a kind.  I resist tagging myself with affiliations, because I am not all or nothing.   I may rally for a cause, but disagree with a piece of the big picture.  I refuse to march in lockstep just because I fall into a certain category.  Bottom line, I think for myself and whether I "fit in" with the rules and ideals society may idolize - is simply not important to me.
I have beliefs based on experience, opinion and faith.  Does that make me right and you wrong?  No.  It means we are different.   Thank God.
I love Eleanor Roosevelt.  I could discount what she says because she was a Democrat, she married her cousin, she opposed Equal Rights...we're very different.  Yet, she speaks to me with her integrity, her crusade for human rights and her beautiful way with words.  

Remember always that you not only have the right to be an individual, you have an obligation to be one. 
Eleanor Roosevelt  

SonRise

This morning, we worshiped while dawn peeked through the clouds.  Through rain, we saw light.  A special morning to celebrate the magnitude of serving a savior who LIVES.  The sacrifice by our Father, his Son, Jesus Christ, who paid the price for our sins.  I am humbled, thankful, joyful and blessed.  His spirit lives in me.  Praise God.

Grandma's Hands

A friend sent this to me in e-mail and I wanted to save  - and share it.  As I grow older, I've glimpsed my grandmother's hands in my own.  May your own memories be as precious as those I love to remember.

Grandma, some ninety plus years, at feebly on the patio bench. She didn't move, just sat with her head down staring at her hands.

When I sat down beside her she didn't acknowledge my presence and the longer I sat I wondered if she was OK

Finally, not really wanting to disturb her but wanting to check on her at the same time, I asked her if she was OK. She raised her head and looked at me and smiled. 'Yes, I'm fine, thank you for asking,' she said in a clear voice strong.

'I didn't mean to disturb you, grandma, but you were just sitting here staring at your hands and I wanted to make sure you were OK,' I explained to her.

'Have you ever looked at your hands,' she asked... 'I mean really looked at your hands?'

I slowly opened my hands and stared down at them. I turned them over, palms up and then palms down. No, I guess I had never really looked at my hands as I tried to figure out the point she was making.

Grandma smiled and related this story:

'Stop and think for a moment about the hands you have, how they have served you well throughout your years. These hands, though wrinkled shriveled and weak have been the tools I have used all my life to reach out and grab and embrace life.

'They braced and caught my fall when as a toddler I crashed upon the floor.

They put food in my mouth and clothes on my back. As a child, my mother taught me to fold them in prayer. They tied my shoes and pulled on my boots. They held my husband and wiped my tears when he went off to war.

'They have been dirty, scraped and raw , swollen and bent. They were uneasy and clumsy when I tried to hold my newborn son. Decorated with my wedding band they showed the world that I was married and loved someone special.

They wrote my letters to him and trembled and shook when I buried my parents and spouse.

'They have held my children and grandchildren, consoled neighbors, and shook in fists of anger when I didn't understand.

They have covered my face, combed my hair, and washed and cleansed the rest of my body. They have been sticky and wet, bent and broken, dried and raw. And to this day when not much of anything else of me works real well these hands hold me up, lay me down, and again continue to fold in prayer.

'These hands are the mark of where I've been and the ruggedness of life.

But more importantly it will be these hands that God will reach out and take when he leads me home. And with my hands He will lift me to His side and there I will use these hands to touch the face of Christ.'

I will never look at my hands the same again. But I remember God reached out and took my grandma's hands and led her home.

When my hands are hurt or sore or when I stroke the face of my children and husband I think of grandma. I know she has been stroked and caressed and held by the hands of God.

I, too, want to touch the face of God and feel His hands upon my face.

Cat Fight

Remember little Sophie - precious cuddly little furball?

Sophie went missing a few months ago.  I noted her initial "recapture" HERE.  She purred and seemed happy to see us.  Since that time, her purring is an insistant moan to go OUT.  She is still heavy as a cow and very moody - everyone is convinced she's pregnant, but still no babies.  

Last night Sophie darted out the front door. Keith, Lexi and I played hide-and-seek through the neighbor's flowerbeds and bushes for over an hour. One time I caught her, she hissed, clawed and I had to let go or DIE. I continued to stalk her while Keith went home for the kitty crate. Motion lights and holly bushes are not my friend. I expected the police to wrestle us to the ground at any minute. People in their undies should definitely close their mini-blinds all the way at night. You never know....

When finally we cornered her on someone's porch, she was NOT going in the crate. We like the story of Keith defending our honor fighting this HUGE ferocious black panther. It sounds better than trying to push the butt of a 30 pound, very pregnant and indignant, black feline into a zipper cat carrier. In his defense, Sophie has sharp claws and teeth and her time in the wild has taught her self-defense. Sophie had a chunk of Keith's palm as an appetizer.

After we wrestled her bulky, wriggling body bag home, I rewarded her with a delicious soft salmon dinner and apologized for her loss of dignity. And threatened to keep her in the mastiff crate if she even looks toward that door again. She's not at all apologetic.

Embrace Grace

Ever appearing in my life is the word Grace.  I've blogged it HERE  and love it's my granddaughters name, Kelsey Grace.  I even edged it into my fan girl fun with singer grAce Young.  I participated in Hank's Facebook discussion about grace just a week ago.  Yesterday I heard somewhere in my background noise,  "if you have to choose between justice or grace - choose grace".  

The timing is not mine - I can think of a thousand reasons this weekend conflicts with my plans.  His timing speaks so loudly to me, that in the early morning hours, with some of my favorite girlfriends, I will be leaving family, business, and cell phone for two days to attend:
I'm pumped for what's next!