Merry Christmas 2010!

The Grove Family, taken in 1960 :)

Merry Christmas 2010

My humans have so much stuff on their to-do list that they told me to write the letter this Christmas. They have no idea how hard it is to type without thumbs, but since they are in charge of the food and water around here I had no choice but to obey. What’s a dog gonna do?

First of all, my Master has been home much more this year since he started raising those things that swim around in the rectangular glass boxes. He pays a lot of attention to them, which kind of annoys me, but since I don’t have to share my doggie bed with them I don’t mind all that much.

The Master’s lady comes and goes; she is usually in quite a hurry it seems, especially when that black box beeps. She volunteers with the Hawley rescue squad. I heard her tell my fellow pack members that she only has a couple years left to go until she gets to be a nurse. She works some now with people who have special needs and she spends a lot of time with the Leader of my pack, teaching my fellow pack members stuff from these books and the computer. She pets me a lot and if I give her a high-five, she will give me a treat. In return I sit at her feet a lot and I am always faithful to bark when those annoying squirrels invade the yard. I know she really appreciates it when I do that because she’ll yell my name.

The oldest pack member, Alicia, is very busy with her last year of school. She’s following in her Mother’s paw prints and is studying to become an EMT. She went on her first ride-along last week with F-M ambulance and she was very excited when she came home. She still works at the grocery store and if I’m a good doggie she shares the stash of food she always keeps in her purse.

My boy Mitchell also works at the grocery store, and sometimes he gets to go on rides with the humans in uniform that work with my K-9 friend, Benny. He’s been on some exciting rides with both the police and sheriff departments. Someday Mitchell hopes to wear one of those uniforms. I just hope I will get to be his K-9 dog.

The middle pack member, Kaylee, still likes to write a lot in notebooks, watch Dora the Explorer, and play games on the Mama’s computer. She also sings and pretends she is a Disney Princess and she has imaginary friends. It doesn’t bother me – I’m used to the humans around here talking to themselves.

Jessica, pack member #4, has a lot of friends in the neighborhood and is always hosting tea parties. She’s becoming a terrific little babysitter and the neighborhood parents love her because she is great with small children. (Kinda like me!) She babysits at the local MOPS group with Alicia once a week, and she sometimes volunteers at Hawley Senior Living too. The Mama says that Jessica is her right-hand-man, and she would not know what to do without her help.

My youngest boy Justin sometimes annoys me but usually he shapes up when I growl at him. He’s gotten a lot taller this year and he follows my oldest boy around a lot. He is usually busy playing with legos, matchbox cars, playdough or making something out of the craft supplies the Mama always has to buy. Recently he used all her tinfoil to make different shaped animals and he even made the Mama a flower. It bugs her when he uses up all the tape, which is usually the same day that she buys it! Right now she can’t even finish wrapping all the Christmas presents!

Well, my humans and I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy 2011!

Love, Maggie

Isaiah 9:6 (King James Version)
6For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Frankie

I always get the blues around this time of year, and it wasn't until recently that I figured out why. Fall is my favorite time of year with the milder weather, fewer mosquitoes, turning leaves, comfort food, back-to-school, football and hoodies! So why did I end up, once again, feeling that familiar blue funk descend? Last year I decided instead of continuing to ignore this annual depression, I would embrace it - and try to figure it out.

Essentially what happens to me is I will frequently feel on the verge of tears at any given moment, and it usually happens when I am alone. I have freaked a few people out when I started crying while picking out cards at Walmart.

For those of you who are beginning to worry futher about my sanity as you read this post, please don't fret. I am not any more unstable than I was the last time you talked to me.

Well, it hit me again on Wednesday. I was at work, and was watching a show with my client that was a tear-jerker, and the tears began to flow. My client reached his hand over to me, and even their family dog came over and sat at my feet. I was crying about something random on tv and thought, "Here we go, again." I was rather annoyed at myself. Now I had even upset the dog!

Then I realized why the tears came so quickly. I miss my Frankie. My dearly beloved brother who died from pancreatic cancer - he was diagnosed with the devastating news ten years ago this week. The stress from that news sent me into early labor with our fourth baby (Jessica Evelyn) who was born two days after we got the diagnosis. In retrospect I realize God was sending our family new life during such a trying time of death and disease and pain. Wow, did we ever need that new little baby to pull us away from the difficulty of saying goodbye to Frankie and make us look to the future. The stress of it all even affected Jessica though - she screamed with colic from the day she was born until she was nine months old. But THAT is another post!

Frankie left us quickly, just five weeks after he received his diagnosis.

He was the middle child out of five siblings. The third born brother, then my sister and I came along. I think he was the family favorite. Everyone loved him - he was often called a big ol' teddy bear. His gruff, tough exterier revealed a heart of gold. I can't even tell you the good and sweet things he did for me and my family. I always knew I could call him if I needed anything. But THAT is another post too!

Sometimes I have questioned why God took him and not me, or one of my other siblings. He did not want to die. He fought it. Frankie was the "family bridge" for all of us. But then, after Mom died a couple of years later, something wonderful happened. The four of us that remained in our family (Dad died before Frankie) have begun to pull together in a really wonderful way. As we grow and mature and learn, we understand each other better, we accept each other more - we make a better effort to stay in contact and to get together on occasion. Sure, we still annoy each other, we don't always agree - but there is a love and a bond there. I know at any given time I can call either of my big brothers, or my MUCH older sister, and they will be there for me. That is a really good feeling.

The year before Frankie died he lived 15 minutes away from me. I saw him on at least a weekly basis, I would do his laundry for him and I cleaned his apartment. We talked on the phone almost every day. He would call me up and say, "Whatcha doin'?" and I would answer with whatever I was doing, then he would say, "Oh, okay."

And then he would hang up.

Poopface.

Back to School

We officially started school again yesterday. I just love that fresh, new feeling at the beginning of the school year. New crayons, pencils, notebooks, glue, pens, scissors, rulers, pens, erasers, backpacks - it's all such fun!

This will also be Peachie's Senior year.

She will be 18 the end of October, and after graduation she plans to attend Master's Baptist College in Fargo, and she is also hoping to train as an EMT and possibly later on as a Paramedic.

My babies are all growing up. Sometimes I am thrilled with anticipation for their futures, other times I am sad there are no little ones in our home any more.

Which brings me to my next topic - we are applying to be a foster family. So much needs to go into the application that it's going to take awhile, but we continue to hear that call of the need for families who are willing to take in children, and possibly even adopt them. It is my hope that we will get a toddler boy and an infant girl. Does this sound crazy? If so, then that just confirms what you have always suspected of us...

I would ask that you pray for us as we head in this direction, that God will lead us to a child or children who needs our family.

Well, now...

Hello kids. It's a fine Saturday and my blog has been terribly neglected these last several months. Sorry 'bout that. I've been wanting to write on one particular subject - so here I am!

We've been attending graduations - and it's been fun. One niece and one nephew have graduated, and so have a few homeschooling friends. It's a pleasure to see the hopes and dreams in the eyes of a graduate.

But that is not the topic I have been wanting to write about. Actually my topic is regarding homeschooling. Just when I thought I'd "heard it all" in regards to the misconceptions surrounding homeschooling, I had someone throw me a curve ball the other day. I'm still chuckling - here's what happened:

I was talking to an older woman in our community, and well, she's kind of a "busy-body". She was interrogating, I mean, questioning me about homeschooling, and then she asked, "Is it true that homeschoolers get $7,000 per year, per child?"

Is your mouth gaping open like mine was?

Then I started to laugh. I laughed and laughed. I said, "I've never heard that one before! If that were true, EVERYONE would be homeschooling!" And she went on to say she didn't think it was true and how she didn't think our family would "do" that and how she'd just heard that from someone else and told them it probably wasn't true...

Anyway, I went on to explain that the public schools get anywhere from $7,000 to $14,000 per child that lives in their district (whether or not they are homeschooled) - which is one of the reasons we have a census - and another reason we are required to report that we are homeschooling. It's simply a funding issue. This is one of the issues surrounding school choice vouchers as well. As far as I know, there is not a single state that would allow homeschoolers to pocket that money.

Chuckle.

Over the years we've answered a lot of questions about homeschooling, and I certainly don't mind. I was very curious about homeschooling myself at one time. I'd never heard that particular misconception before though, and it surprised me that anyone would think that was a possibility. Usually people ask questions about socialization, testing, special needs, our daily schedule, curriculum - stuff like that.

So, for those of you who have questions about homeschooling (if anyone is still checking this blog) ask away! I might not know the answer, but I can find it out! I'm curious what other questions might be lingering in people's minds - and now that I know I have not "heard it all" in our 12 years of homeschooling so far, I'd like to know if there is anything else I haven't been asked.

Changes

It's been so long since I blogged - last September - that I almost forgot my login information! I actually did write a blog in December but never published it. It was our Christmas letter, so I might have to go and finish that one of these days! By the way, I didn't send out a single Christmas card this year. We never did get a family picture taken either - so if you are wondering if I skipped you this year, it wasn't just you! It was everyone!

There have been a lot of changes 'round these parts, so I thought I would update you on the happenin's here at the Almosta Ranch. First of all, we are all well, there's been a lot of snow and frigid temperatures, but we are doing our best to stay warm and keep a path shovelled. The kids and I have been busy with lots of schoolwork. I started online LPN classes earlier this month and so far things are going great. I'm taking 11 credits through the college (Northland Tech out of East Grand Forks) and I'll also be "testing out" for 3 additional credits in order to get my CNA certification. One thing I noticed that has been a big plus, is the more that I study, the more diligent the kids are in their own studies. There's been lotsa book-crackin' these last few weeks!

One other big change is my job situation. I decided to jump in full-time with school, so I gave notice at my job and my last day was on Monday. Right around the time I gave my notice, I saw a job advertised through CCRI and the hours were much more school-and-family-friendly, so I decided to apply. After an interview (I hate interviews - wow those are stressful! I could write another whole post on THAT) I was offered a position working with two clients with special needs in the Hawley area. My hours will be from 6 to 8 am Monday through Friday, and a few hours each Tuesday and Thursday afternoon - a total of 15 to 20 hours a week. This should work well with my school schedule, and Kyle and the kid's schedules as well. The best part - no weekends!!

I also started one other little hobby/job (jobby?). I inquired recently at Tony's Super Valu (where Things 1&2 both work) if they needed a cake decorator. I've dabbled a bit in cake decorating and I've always wanted to learn more. Tony told me if I wanted the job, it was mine, and he'd get me a professional class through Super Valu. So, I jumped in and started decorating and I've made three cakes so far. I'm looking forward to the class and learning more techniques as I can only do the basics right now. I can't wait to learn how to work with fondant! It's fun and relaxing to me and I enjoy the creative outlet. If any of you need a cake, you know who to call!!

So, there's a run-down on what's been happening with us lately. I'll try to keep my blog updated a little better in 2010!

All's Noisy on the Eastern Front

I don't know where that blog title came from - it just popped into my head and so I decided to start writing and see where this post takes me. Hang on, it could be a wild ride! I've had a major lack of sleep due to needing to fill in on the night shift last night at work. I didn't get too tired during the night in spite of my inability to sleep much yesterday evening before work. But as soon as I got home, woah, did it ever hit me!! I couldn't keep my eyes open with toothpicks. So I had a couple hour's rest and I'm winding down this evening, trying to stay awake until I can get to bed early tonight. I'll be hitting the hay about the same time the sun goes down, methinks. *Disclaimer - I am not responsible for any grammar or spelling errors contained in this post. This is a Public Service Announcement. *

It's been a beautiful week here on the Almosta Ranch - the weather has been so nice I've been having the kids do a lot outside. They worked hard to get the garage all cleaned up before cold weather hits and they've also done some yard work with Kyle. I've been hanging laundry on the line and I'm happy to say we are all caught up right now - a major feat without a dryer. Ours decided to start on fire a couple months ago so it's been a challenge at times to keep everything clean and dry on the rainy and humid days. We're hoping to get a used one soon.

School work has been going well in spite of me needing to pick up some extra shifts at work due to some employees quitting and new ones being hired on. A couple of employees left for work or school and it was a bit sad to see them move on. I'm excited that I finished my Home Health Aide training and I'm now working in that capacity, with a little housekeeping on the side. It's very hard but rewarding work - and very challenging. I love working with the residents on this level and they are all becoming very dear to me. The kids have been enjoying volunteering their time and getting to know the residents better as well. They have a Wii so sometimes the kids will bowl or box with the residents, which they all really get a kick out of. And I must say that there is nothing quite as funny as the humor of a wise Senior Citizen. I crack up on a daily basis from their sayings and jokes. What a wonderful group of people I get to work with!

I'm also excited to report that I'm getting my application done to start online LPN classes in the spring. I'm hoping Peachie can take some of the classes with me through the Post-Secondary Education Option - and the college credit will be free for her. She can be my study partner in crime. My hope and dream is to someday work in OB - I'd love to help deliver babies and work with the newborns and new mamas. I don't suppose they'll let me bring the babies home though, bummer! New mamas are a bit possessive that way!

I hope this post finds you enjoying lovely fall weather, lovely autumn colors, yummy produce, and a good September all around. We've got lotsa tomatoes but probably not enough for salsa - plus we couldn't leave the onions alone this past month and have used most of them up. Were they ever tasty! Green onion reminds me of my Daddy - he'd make a snack of them, fresh out of the garden.

Hayfeverly yours ~ Beth~ (Tis' the season, to be sneezin'!)

Hello, Potato!

There's a gentleman at the Senior Living facility where I work who will often approach another gentleman who lives there, and he greets him by saying, "Hello, Potato!". The first time I heard him say this, it was in an unfriendly tone, and the gentleman he was greeting was rather puzzled and could not quite understand what he was saying. I've heard him say, "Hello Potato" in many different tones, but the other day, he said it in a friendly manner. I can't yet figure out if he is just using a nickname, if he does not like the other gentleman, or if it simply a type of banter he uses. Either way it makes me smile a bit and I find both the men to be very endearing.

Speaking of endearing, I'm loving the residents that I am working with. As I get to know them better, I find my heart melting more and more. The elderly have such a unique quality about them - some are child-like, some are forgetful, some are typically happy, and some tend to be unhappy and even crabby. But they all have a wisdom and insight I am hoping to learn from. I love to ask them questions about almost any topic. And I find that they are eager to share about their lives and experiences. One gentleman said to me, "I have enjoyed visiting with you and your children. It's so nice to have someone to...you know, to....well, just to listen." Indeed.

I have also observed something very interesting. There are a handful of residents who are often in a less than happy mood. A couple of them can be intimidating to me. But I have found that even those with the sourest dispositions melt like butter when my children are around. It's as though someone flips a switch inside them when they see my kids - and their smiles come out and their tender sides emerge - and for awhile they forget they are growing older and that sometimes life is hard and bleak. So I have been bringing the kids as often as I can and I'm hoping and praying that somehow we can make a difference in the lives of these very dear people.

There is one lady who Peewee has taken a particular interest in. For some reason, she reminds us all of my own dear Mother, and I think that is why he is drawn to her. She started an impromptu card game with him the other day, and before we left, she had all the kids playing with her and showing them the game. I hated to leave, they were all having so much fun. The next day, when I was in her room, she was just waking up and was in obvious pain in her joints and muscles. I said, "My children sure enjoyed playing cards with you yesterday." She immediately cheered up and said, "Oh I almost forgot about that! Thank you for reminding me, and for bringing your kids in to see us. That was fun!" And for a moment, she seemed to forget her pain. I got a little choked up as I finished up in her room. She reminds me so much of Mom.

So my job is going very well, and it is helping to fill a void that I have had ever since my parents died - not only in my life, but in the lives of my kids. They have missed my parents very much, and they miss Kyle's parents too, who we don't get to see as often as we would like.

So, goodbye, Potato. I hope you have a good weekend. :)