AWANA Sparks - Sky Stormer Book 3 - Printable Verses - KJV

Three of our four children are in AWANA again this year.  In an effort to remain organized with who is memorizing which verses, I've begun compiling their verses by book section.

The son (almost-7-years-old) who is currently in Sky Stormer doesn't read very well yet but has a phenomenal memory.  I love hearing him recite God's Word from memory.  As parents, our prayer is that our children will hide God's Word in their hearts now, hold Him dear all their lives, and share Christ's love with others.

If you are using the KJV AWANA books, here are are the verses and references to activities for the Sky Stormer book.  Click Here to open printable document.

Book Review: The Blessing - by John Trent & Gary Smalley

The most recent book I have received from Booksneeze (Thomas Nelson) to review is "The Blessing" by John Trent and Gary Smalley.

To be honest, I'm hard-pressed to read psychology-related books.  I much prefer a good story; true-to-life or fiction.  However, this was a book that caught my eye. 

We all want the best for our children and having our children feel valued, loved, and respected is important to my husband and I.  In turn, we want them to value, love, and respect others (both now and as they grow up).  This book helped me relate more to how to best go about instilling this heart-knowledge in their young lives.  The investment we make in their lives today will be something they take with them forever in their relationships with others.

Trent and Smalley focus on five primary areas: meaningful appropriate touch, spoken words, attaching high value, visualizing a special future, and an active/genuine commitment.

I regularly hug our children at bedtime but purposing to hug them, touch their hand while speaking with them, and maintaining eye contact all throughout the day has made a difference in my life as well.  I never want to be too busy to hear them out.  I want them to have the blessing of their father and I on their lives so they will always carry that built-in love and acceptance no matter where they go or what they do.  I truly believe the impact our blessing has on their lives will be felt for generations to come. 

Great book that serves as both a guide for parents and anyone seeking to model what giving of self really means.

Galactocele -- The Continuing Saga

I appreciated reading any (albeit few) first-hand accounts when I was searching for information online regarding galactoceles.  So, while our almost-15-month-old is sleeping I'll get a few things typed up.

Part of the information below is in response to one reader's comment on the original "What is a galactocele?" post. I was given the option of having the entire milk duct removed but since I'm still nursing, the surgeon recommended waiting until I had weaned first. When I was told that, I was very torn. On one hand, how in the world would I quit breastfeeding, knowing that as I cut back on milk this huge lump in my breast would get larger and more painful? On the other hand, if I kept breastfeeding, how would I ever get rid of it?

For the record, this is my fourth child and the previous 3 were nursed 13 months, 23 months, and 27 months so I wasn't ready to stop nursing unless I really had to. The lack of information on this topic is very frustrating.

Earlier this year, I cried and had a lot of stress surrounding this mass so foreign to my body. It's still in my breast but it isn't something I worry about anymore.

Our son, now 15 months, is still nursing and I figure that in itself is likely keeping it more under control. I continue to take a Lecithin supplement (thought to decrease the stickiness of milk) and Boiron makes a homeopathic remedy called Phytolacca Decandra 30C (5 pellets per day).  I was taking a Biotin supplement as well but when I ran out I never did get around to purchasing more; no difference noted once I stopped.

For about 3+ months now I've been on a gluten-free diet which has become better to manage as I get used to it. Gluten acts in an inflammatory way in your body. I'm so used to watching what I eat as far as gluten goes that I'm apprehensive to add it back into my diet in case the galactocele gets larger again. I can say that I have not had the brief shooting pain in my breast that I had before eating gluten-free. Based on my experience, I can say without a shadow of a doubt that stress played (plays) a major role in galactoceles (as with many other breast cysts).

When I was looking for the elusive answers to my questions, I often felt sick and worried about what was going on that no one seemed to be able to help me with. Other times, I just prayed it would go away on its own. Since its still there, I can only assume God has other reasons for not removing it in MY timing.

About 2 months ago, it was still about the size of a golf ball but today it is slightly smaller than a ping-pong ball.  I really do feel that since I let go of the associated worry and accepted it as non-cancerous, that has played a big part in it staying on the small-side.  It was quite large and painful at the point when I had it drained (only to refill...augh!). I've read in a few places (and the surgeon my ob-gyn spoke with where we live also said) that surgery isn't always necessary. It is thought that most galactoceles will dissolve away and be reabsorbed into your body after you are done nursing. I'm not at that point yet so I'll have to wait to see how that plays out.

Most importantly, if you are dealing with a questionable breast lump, DON'T worry your self sick-er. My thoughts often centered around "what if it's cancer". Even if it had been, worrying only creates more stress in our lives and stress wreaks havoc on our immune and every other system. Simpler said than done sometimes but I know the stress I felt only made it worse.

These days, I feel for a palpable size once in awhile but not constantly. In fact, even sitting to write up this note had me palpating the galactocele for the first time in several weeks. I look at this as a time-thing. The only reason mine shrank quickly after refilling (post-aspiration) was because I became so dehydrated from the flu . That was the perfect (well, aside from endless bathroom visits) jumping point to getting it under more manageable control again. Not that anyone wants to catch the flu, but I was never so thankful for an illness!

Looking back, it took a couple months to get to the point where I could accept that it is slow-going but still heading in a positive direction.  Three months beyond that, I feel that I'm eating better, have less stress, and the galactocele that I still have is a non-priority in my thoughts.

Review: Max on Life - by Max Lucado

Max Lucado has always been a favourite author of mine.  Max on Life:  Answers and Insights to Your Most Important Questions is a collection of anecdotes taken from questions Mr. Lucado has received from people around the world.  He has compiled a wide range of topics into a single book; many day-to-day questions we often have, some more reflective of the purpose of life, and others stretching into the harder to answer ponderings of God-given minds.

Like all of Max’s books, this one makes you think and come to a greater understanding of human nature and God’s gift to each of us.  He writes in such a way that everyone alike would feel at home with him.  Max on Life is just that – Max (author, pastor, husband, father, son, friend) and his Biblical take on life.   I appreciate that, as an author, He comes from a pastoral role.  I imagine that Mr. Lucado talks in the same manner as he writes, making you feel like he could be visiting in your own living room.  

Max on Life is only different from most of his other books because he takes individuals’ pressing questions and gives us all the answers to their inquiries.

Therapy for the soul comes to mind when I think of Max Lucado and his books.

Review: The Final Summit - by Andy Andrews

Last year I read Andy Andrews' book The Heart Mender and couldn't put it down; it's one of those books that draws you in and keeps you there through the whole story. 

When Booksneeze sent me a copy of Mr. Andrews' recent book The Final Summit, I had high expectations.  While I can appreciate his style of writing, this was in a completely different category than the historical fiction/semi-true-story found in The Heart Mender.  If you like court room drama, you are sure to enjoy The Final Summit.

The Final Summit takes a gentleman named David Ponder into the spotlight amongst other significant historical figures.  They are given the task of answering the single question that has but one true answer to save humanity.  With only a limited number of guesses at the correct answer available, Andrews takes the reader through a thought-provoking process.  In the course of discussions between a mainly well-known cast of names, the reader is drawn into brief historical accounts that show how individual experiences are part of the whole solution.

Personally, I found the process a tad drawn out since the location of the entire book is within a single heavenly room resembling a lecture hall.  However, if the reader takes the potential solutions and ultimate answer to heart, imagine what could be done in this world!

I was unaware that this is a sequel to The Traveler's Gift, but don't believe I missed anything that would have affected how this book played out.  The Final Summit is a motivational book and judging by reviews of The Traveler's Gift, they are both in this same genre.  Years ago in college we were required to read one of  Zig Ziglar's motivational books; it nearly put me to sleep.  I would have much rather followed this story of David Ponder to glean similar knowledge.

Zoo Daze

Zoo Daze vs. Days for two reasons:

#1. Ahhh!  The Milwaukee Zoo is a beautifully put together zoo - many well-cared for animals, lots of trees, clean, and plenty of fun for the family.

#2. It was so hot the afternoons (high 90's) we spent there.  Haze...daze...same thing.   Fortunately, they had several indoor buildings and mist-sprayers scattered around the property so we could cool off! 

What is a Galactocele?

Five months ago, I discovered a breast lump but chalked it up to something that would go away as I continued to nurse our then 7-month-old.  A few weeks after first noticing it, my milk backed up to almost my armpit.  I did all the recommended blocked-milk-duct treatments -- nurse frequently, massage, warm showers, etc.  Three days later, things were back to normal...except that lump was still there.

Two months after noticing it, I made a doctor's appointment to have it looked at since it was noticeably bigger.  It wasn't particularly painful but by the time I saw the doctor, it was the size of a kiwi.  Having scoured the internet for information on what I was dealing with, I felt prepared to meet with the doctor.  I explained to her that because it would slowly change in size (sometimes a tad smaller and sometimes bigger) that I didn't feel I needed to have a mammogram.

As functional nursing breasts, mammograms often show skewed results.  I wanted an ultrasound but was told that as per "procedure", I *had* to have a mammogram first before I would be allowed to have an ultrasound.  I didn't take to that very well so went looking for another option.

In the meantime, I went to see a massage therapist who specializes in breast issues.  She showed me a few techniques that I had pretty much already been doing on my own.

Following the advice of www.kellymom.com regarding mastitis issues (even though I never had mastitis), I was taking Hepar Sulphur and Phytolacca which seemed to help for a time to make the lump softer and more palpable.

Then, I caught a bad cold and it seems that my breast caught the sniffles too.  That was the point where the lump ballooned and it was totally obvious from the outside that something the size of an apple was pushing against the back of my areola.  It was very painful at this point...a constant pain.

I went to see a new doctor, an ob-gyn, who agreed that an ultrasound would be the best option.  It was scheduled for a couple days later.

A galactocele is something I had considered from my reading online and the ob-gyn I went to see thought that was likely what it was although she was concerned that it felt harder than she thought it should.  On an ultrasound, a galactocele resembles breast cancer but due to my age, the fact I was nursing, that the lump had gotten large fast and would sometimes be smaller, the radiologist was confident that I had a galactocele.  Many women have breast cysts; some dangerous and others insignificant.  A galactocele is a breast cyst that is filled with (you guessed it) milk.

The radiologist and my ob-gyn said that this was the largest galactocele they have ever come across.  They are rare in general and usually only happen once a mother ends breastfeeding.  I was (and am) still breastfeeding.

At the ultrasound, I did agree to let the radiologist drain it even though I had read that they can refill.  Indeed, 2 hours later, it was completely full again (and painful).  At that point, I was ready to give up breastfeeding and just cry out of frustration.  In case you are wondering about the draining, the radiologist uses a small needle to freeze the area (in my case at the beginning and half way through) and then uses a larger needle to aspirate the liquid (milk) from the galactocele.  Since it had been accumulating for almost 5 months, it looked like sticky white glue.  Pure white though so no infection.

Fast forward 2 weeks after the aspiration... I had been working on reducing breastfeeding on the affected side but that was creating its own problems since milk would start backing up again.  Then... I caught a flu-bug.  Who would ever be thankful to be that sick?  I was!!  I noticed immediately that the galactocele was shrinking.  What else could it do when I couldn't drink and ended up losing 4lbs over the course of 12 hours in the bathroom.

I had been talking to our children about thanking God in every situation because He is always in control.  He was using my dehydration to get this galactocele back under control.  (And, unbelievably, no one else got sick!  I don't even know where I picked it up since it's usually one of the kids who brings home an illness).

Yes, it is still there, but it is now the size of a ping-pong ball and not painful.  Sometimes there will be a brief shot of pain but it's usually over as quickly as it started.  I'm continuing with the Phytolacca and Hepar Sulphur, and I'm working on going 100% gluten-free.  I stopped drinking coffee and caffeinated teas about 3 months ago.  I am continuing to take Sunflower Lecithin as it helps keep milk 'thinner'.  Stress is what I believe created the galactocele to begin with so continually giving my concerns over to the Lord before they become worries is what I work at daily.

I'm very thankful that this is a galactocele and not breast cancer.  There is apparently no correlation between the two.

As I'm still breastfeeding and still have the galactocele, I will update about anything significant that changes or anything new I learn that could help someone else out in a similar situation.  If you are reading this and have any questions due to your own circumstances or have experienced this in the past and have suggestions, I'd love to hear from you.

March 2015 Update - HERE

August 2011 Update - HERE

Planning for the 2011-2012 Homeschool Year

It's coming up on that time again to plan around used curriculum sales and free shipping specials. 

Homeschooling next year will consist of grades 4, 2, and Kindergarten.  There isn't much I plan to change but I love hearing about what other homeschooling families use for their studies.  That's what is both so great and challenging about choosing your own curriculum: there is so much to choose from!

We'll definately be buying from www.Abeka.com/homeschool (Language 2 & 4, Letters & Spelling 2, Cursive 2, Arithmetic 2 & 4, and possibly Spelling for each grade).  Last year, I made the mistake of ordering a couple weeks shy of a "free shipping" promotion they offer in the spring.  Since I wasn't aware of that annual sale, I'm waiting to receive an email informing me of the free shipping dates for this year.  It should be soon.

We already have a My Father's World set of books to take us on a historical and geographical journey around the world.  I was excited about beginning this series in Fall 2010 but packing a household with a wee baby and moving to a new place had me prioritizing what I could and had to do.  It's now February and we are basically unpacked.  The past 2 months have given me time to normalize myself/ourselves into a new routine.  The MFW books were unpacked and have pleaded with me to pull them off the shelves at least a few times a week.  I want to!  However, I think we'll stick with the first Story of the World book and CD for now.  It feels like we are still playing "catch up" for all the down time in the packing, moving, temporarily no home, and moving into a new home hours away.

Real Science 4 Kids is a curriculum we have been having hands-on fun with these past few months.  Our older two sons are always wanting to concoct some type of  "experiment" so this is right up their ally.  The only thing I would have changed in my approach to the first book (Pre-Level 1 Chemistry) we are almost done is that I should have gone through the "materials you need" list for the entire book and purchased them all at once.  Instead, I have purchased materials needed in groups of about 3 lessons and it's a nuisance to have to look for these items at the store every few shopping trips.

We absolutely love Apologia's science curriculum, especially since it reflects the truths of the Bible in the design of our created world.  I bought a few different books with their related journals through http://www.christianbook.com/ when they were on sale last year.  (*Sign up at Christianbook.com to be made aware of their various homeschool curriculum sales.)  So far, the only one we have used is Exploring Creation Through Astronomy; we all love/loved it!  I recommend purchasing the notebooking journals that are available separate from the textbooks as they contain additional ideas for hands-on projects.

Building Materials

 

Be it wooden blocks, Legos, Play-Doh, or snow; children love to explore, create, and build.  It's not obvious in the photo, but their underground tunnels travel most of the length of the snowbank.  Not to worry ~ Mommy made sure they added many large holes along the way.  They like all the emergency exits along the backside of their snow fort.

We've been told these snowfall amounts and big blizzards aren't normal for here (which would explain the under-abundance of snowplows).  Although quite a bit of snow has already melt/evaporated, the boys are by no means disappointed or disuaded.  This is the kind of snow that makes us feel "at home"!

When a Dream Isn't Just a Dream

What exactly is deja-vu and when is a dream not just a random picture show?

Sitting on the couch, visiting my parents, the phone was about to ring.  The children and adults were all exactly where they had been in that months' past (or was it only days?) dream.  That heart clenching feeling in my chest and a mouth void of moisture had me acting outwardly composed...but anxious about what was to come.  I knew it would be my mother-in-law on the phone and I knew she had bad news because that's how the dream went.  But it ended when I woke up.  I couldn't remember what the awful news had been.  In real life, it was just a regular phone call.  Life continued and whatever had turned bad in my dream never happened. 

Those not-so-nice moments catch me off guard and take awhile to try to forget.  No one else is bothered by it because they have no idea you knew it was about to happen... even if "it" doesn't end the way you dreamed it would.

That's not to say that all deja vu moments from dreams leave a bad taste.  Often times, you are just living every day life when you suddenly know what is going to happen next.  Sometimes it's fun to live in events you know will happen as they unfold.  Then, the moment passes and you are left trying to remember just how long ago it was that you *knew* this would occur. Interesting how our minds and subconscious work.

Last night I dreamed that someone close to us died in a boating accident.  It was so real and I woke up sick.  It's those dreams that can haunt you.  You know the person, the event, but not the time.  Not real though...just a dream.  But, when is a dream just a dream and when is it something your mind will pull up again in said moment of its occurance?  Is it a reflection of past or future events? 

My brother-in-law was killed in a car accident over 10 years ago.  Is this newest dream a memory put into a new situation with a different person?  So many questions with no real answers.  Tell you what though.. It sure puts a bee in your bonnet about the urgency to tell those you love about the salvation that only Jesus offers.

Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord."

Romans 10:9-10 "If you declare with your mouth 'Jesus is Lord' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.  For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved."

So, why dream dreams that come true... but not always all the way true?  Maybe it's a reflection of what could have happened if someone in the stream of living had made a different choice on any particular day.  How often are we in a hurry and red light after red light blocks our path to get somewhere we need to be by a set time?  Physical red lights or metaphorical red lights.  When that happens to me, I may feel a moment of frustration, but I always consider that God was either protecting us from something or moving us through to where we needed to be (for our benefit or that of someone else). 


God knows the plans He has for us.  We just need to KNOW that; reflect on it daily and give our dreams (plans) to Him so He can mold them into where He wants us to go ~ who He wants us to be.

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the thoughts I think towards you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope."