Random thoughts from a busy mom

Did you think you scared me off with the spelling and grammar talk and nine "stop talking" votes!? {I'm sure all nine of you were joking... because really... why would you be here if you didn't want to 'hear' me talk} :)

Ha! Hardly... the real reason I've been missing is not as exciting!

We've been busy... I bet you've never heard that before. Especially not from a mother of 6 young children! {grin}

Speaking of voting... Thanks so much for voting in the poll! I love knowing why you are here and what you want to hear about! I aim to please so look out for lots of fun topics and posts!

I did have a chance to read {not reply} through all of your homeschool comments. You guys ROCK! Really! Thank you so much for all the great information, encouraging words and thought provoking questions. I have so much to respond to and share my thoughts on... coming soon... tomorrow perhaps?!

Paul competed in his first Auto Cross race last weekend. It had been a long time in the works and we were all so thrilled that he was able to finally get out there and have some fun. My husband, who has dreamed of racing since he was a little boy. Spending many years racing dirt bikes, working on cars, learning about all aspects of racing and dreaming of the day he would finally get out there to implement what he had been learning for so long, was finally out on the track. It was awesome! I am so happy for him and thrilled that it went so well. I think we'll be heading out to the track this upcoming weekend as well.

We spent Sunday afternoon sitting in papa's comfy chairs... here and here. We also enjoyed delicious strawberry cake and watching the boys scooter around the neighborhood. This is also the day that I discovered that we lost one of the girls new butter yellow shoes. And that we likely left it at the race track the day before. After much frustration and way too much emotion over a silly little shoe... the missing butter yellow shoe was found. I'm guessing a little boy {Ozzie} ran off with it {he loves shoes} and left it in the front room. I'm just glad it's found... and a little embarrassed that I was so emotional about a missing shoe! {grin}

Yesterday we went to the Zoo -- all eight of us -- without my camera. We had a blast! It was a beautiful day and everyone thoroughly enjoyed our adventure... including the girls! Vance was actually on a field trip, so we kept Grayson home from school so we could all go and enjoy the day together. Both of the boys are writing a report on Gorillas.... Vance for school... Grayson for himself. They are both taking after their nana with their love for primates and animals in general. They are already planning our next trip to the zoo!

For those who emailed, twittered and comment about the swine flu webinar that I attended. I tweeted about it... click HERE to go back and read if you'd like. Don't give into the fear -- it's mostly media hype. {grin}

Speaking of twitter -- I tweeted last night about Grayson falling from a rope swing that broke and landing in an empty glass fish tank, in our neighbors yard. His trusty black leather belt and of course God, saved him. A large chunk of glass pierced his belt... I don't even want to think about the what ifs. He's a little cut up and obviously sore but he's okay! His kidneys & spine are untouched and he escaped without any stitches. Praise God! Oh and a few of you asked... I was standing right there when it happened... holding Eliza. God is the ultimate protector!

Remember the MeeUp giveaway?! Guess what!? They're giving away another one! Go check it out and enter to win!

Paul is going to the dentist today... he had his wisdom tooth removed a while ago and it had been impacting his molar. Well, now his molar is causing problems too. Poor guy!

Wondering why he's home?! Yeah... well, that full time job that I talked about, a little while back, fell through. It was apparently not where God wanted him. And we're okay with that. He worked there from December through the end of April. And we are thankful for that time. God ALWAYS provides! We are wondering if we are supposed to be here or somewhere else. So much unknown, so much to think about, pray about, and make decisions about.

Well I can't end on that downer note! How about a little letter we received in the mail recently! As a 2nd grader Grayson was tested this year for cognitive abilities, math and reading. He was so far above in math and cognitive abilities that he has been flagged by the state as "superior" and "gifted". It's in his file... not just his school file... but his official, lifetime file. Makes you wonder what's in my file? {grin} Oh and yes he gets his brains from his father... nothing from me... I'm just his young, dumb, and uneducated mama. Sigh -- yeah right!

I'm off to get a glass of water and sit and read with my mending son.

And wow... this was long. Guess I had a lot of random thoughts going around in my head! Kudos {so glad I know how to spell that now} to all of you who made it to the end! {grin}

oh and yes there may be grammar and spelling errors... but I do not have the time to go back and read just to be perfect. I have far more important things to spend my time on!

47 comments:

  1. Amen to the very last line! I agree you have your hands full but you always have it together!

    Praying for Grayson and that your husband will find a job soon!

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  2. You are so funny! I love how you add those bits of humor in there for those of us who read your comments! Glad your back, and Praise the Lord Grayson is OK!!!

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  3. I'm sorry to hear your husband's job fell through. It's so tough right now and I pray that God blesses you with something even better.

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  4. I hope for a speedy recovery for Grayson and that your husband finds a work soon. Great things rambling in your head. Thanks for checking in with us. I am sure there are misspelling in this also!!

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  5. Look out!! Brittany is bringing out some sassiness today. ;o)
    I don't always agree with you but I do agree that swine flu was WAY over hyped and is already proving to be so in the media as well.
    Sorry about the Dad's job, I'm praying he is able to find one that he will enjoy quickly. It is certainly tough these days, my husband is looking too.
    Praise the Lord that Grayson is ok, I may need to invest in a trusty leather belt for my little guy.

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  6. You used the wrong form of "there" in the last paragraph of your post. You shoud not of used "their," rather, "there."

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  7. Hi. I love your blog. I'm very impressed that Grayon chose to do a report on gorillas just for himself. It's wonderful when children pursue learning for themselves. I'm so glad he wasn't badly hurt.

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  8. My husband is a drag racer! I tease him that it was his truck that won me, I would never ever dare to admit it's true though ;) I love packing up for the day and spending it at the track cheering for him, and uncles and cousins! Such a great time together!

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  9. Brittany,
    So glad to see you back. I've been looking for pictures of those sweet baby girls. I'm so glad that Grayson was saved from what could have been a horrible accident and I pray that your husband is able to find his "place" soon. By the way, I wanted to say that I thought some of the anonymous commenters on your post about homeschooling were ridiculously rude...unfortunately, I'm sure, you've grown accustomed to that though. You and your husband have to do what you feel is right for your family. Although I am a public school teacher (taking time off to be "mom") and I support public schools, I am also aware that not all schools are created equal and regardless of the quality of teachers at a school, it may not be the best place for a quality education. Teachers can only do so much with what they are given (resource wise of course). I do hope though that since Grayson has been labeled as gifted, you are able to find the right kinds of resources to keep him challenged and learning at his pace. I'm sure with all of the helpful comments you received that you should be able to find the right curriculum to fit your needs.
    Best of luck to you!

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  10. Glad Grayson is doing okay. Amen to the rest.

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  11. To the "Anonymous" commenter above,

    You posted this...

    You used the wrong form of "there" in the last paragraph of your post. You shoud not of used "their," rather, "there."

    ...If you plan on correcting someone else's grammar then you should think about your grammar and spelling first. It might make you sound more credible. You spelled "should" incorrectly and instead of saying "You shoud not of used...", it should have been "You should not have used...".

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  12. You are funny! I am glad you don't let those anon writers get to you! It definitely shows some strength!
    I agree with you on the swine flu...i facebooked the same thing and of course, people didn't like that! Whatever!

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  13. why would you point out such a trivial error? I am sure it was merely a typo. Not an uneducated error.

    What a fun post to read! You sure do keep busy!

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  14. So glad Grayson's ok! How scary that must've been.

    About the their/there thing...wasn't that an intentional joke??? :-P

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  15. Um, no ... the their/there was NOT an intentional joke on her part. She really has very poor grammar. That's not a slam, it's just the truth.

    So very glad, Brittany, that you have more "important" things on which to spend your time. If you have so much to do now, don't you think adding hs'ing to the pot would be a bit much? I think that's why so many people have suggested that you take a second look at your strengths when considering hs'ing. You have many ... they just don't seem to be in education.

    fondly,

    Brit

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  16. Hi! I love reading your blog! Ignore the horrible comments people leave you. These people truly are jealous of you. If they weren't, they would leave you alone. I think you're awesome and have a beautiful family. It's obvious you do a great job with your children. Again, ignore these jealous people who are looking for any flaw they can point out! (Hugs)

    Sharon :)

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  17. Wow! You have a lot going on. Of course. What mamma of a large family doesn't, right?
    Thank God Grayson is okay and didn't hurt his kidneys or his fabulous brain! :) What a smart little guy!
    Hope all is well. I'll pray for the job situation.

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  18. Really anonymous? Get a hobbie that doesn't include being unnecessarily rude to people. You made your point the first time, you voiced your opinion, (go you!), now move on.

    Just because someone attends a school for however many years to become a "real teacher" doesn't mean he or she will no longer make errors.

    Just this week my professor, who has a doctorate, travels around the world doing speeches, and who teaches at a very good school, taught us something that was incorrect! We had to explain the correct answer to her.

    People aren't perfect.
    Get over it.
    Go bother someone else.

    -Rose

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  19. I am appalled by the "anonymous" comments that are left on your Blog. The ones relating to homeschooling were mean and nasty, not least because anyone with half a brain would know that when one embarks upon homeschooling he/she is going to equip her/himself with books and other material that will actually "teach" her as well. Things like THEIR/THERE, it's its etc are not the stuff of brain science and should NOT be what precludes someone from teaching (home or school). If only all that our children were lacking nowadays was knowledge of grammar. There are so many more important things that need to be taught and in my opinion, reading your blog for a few months now, your grammar is fine and you're more than able to homeschool. It's like someone who did French at school and spoke it really well, starting to teach it to someone after 10 years. yes, they will struggle but you know what? teaching it will also get them to re-learn it and bring it all back etc etc

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  20. Love your update! Your family is beautiful and so fun!!!

    Heidi

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  21. How ironic that I misused a word in that paragraph. I am well aware of the difference between there, their and they're... however when I have 2 babies on my lap and other children who need me I don't really care if I make a few mistakes on my own personal blog.

    I just sat down to work on girly pictures for those who were waiting for their fix. {grin}

    -Britt

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  22. Wow!! I have never seen such replies and am bewildered as to why one would even bother to read your blog or any others if they are that offended by spelling and grammar mistakes.

    I had written a lengthy comment about homeschooling to you the other day, but it failed to post. I am a homeschool mom of 7 who has been teaching her children at home for the past 20 years. As my youngest child is just 7 months old, I have a long way to go. While I do have a master's degree in education, I feel it is much more necessary to have a calling from the Lord to homeschool your children. It is definitely a tremendous job, but it is the toughest job you will ever love. I can say that even as I am going through a period of burn out---and I think I am entitled to a short period of burn out after 20 years. Just need a little time to read some encouraging books, hear some great speakers and spend time rejuvenating in God's Word to get back on track.

    My husband (well, our whole family) is involved in a brand-spanking new ministry for homeschool families. The Homeschool Channel will be starting up this September. Right now we are in the middle of setting up a website with some homeschool moms and dads blogging. This may be a great resource for you and Paul to check out. The website is thehomeschoolchannel.tv.

    Blessings to you and your family as you set out on a grand adventure. You never know where the Lord is leading!!

    Anita @ http://busyhandsbusyminds.blogspot.com

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  23. Wow!! I have never seen such replies and am bewildered as to why one would even bother to read your blog or any others if they are that offended by spelling and grammar mistakes.

    I had written a lengthy comment about homeschooling to you the other day, but it failed to post. I am a homeschool mom of 7 who has been teaching her children at home for the past 20 years. As my youngest child is just 7 months old, I have a long way to go. While I do have a master's degree in education, I feel it is much more necessary to have a calling from the Lord to homeschool your children. It is definitely a tremendous job, but it is the toughest job you will ever love. I can say that even as I am going through a period of burn out---and I think I am entitled to a short period of burn out after 20 years. Just need a little time to read some encouraging books, hear some great speakers and spend time rejuvenating in God's Word to get back on track.

    My husband (well, our whole family) is involved in a brand-spanking new ministry for homeschool families. The Homeschool Channel will be starting up this September. Right now we are in the middle of setting up a website with some homeschool moms and dads blogging. This may be a great resource for you and Paul to check out. The website is thehomeschoolchannel.tv.

    Blessings to you and your family as you set out on a grand adventure. You never know where the Lord is leading!!

    Anita @ http://busyhandsbusyminds.blogspot.com

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  24. So VERY glad Grayson is okay and that the shoe was found! : )

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  25. Are you kidding me? People really have nothing better to do than to edit your blogging? I'm amazed. Keep bring those pics on of those beautiful girls!

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  26. oh my. to be honest i didn't catch the error. and i hope those anon people never come to MY blog. i never capitalize and rarely use commas. and heck i barely make different paragraphs. WHO CARES!?! seriously. crazy. i just don't understand.

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  27. Some people just anger me...some annoy, but those who attach need to look in the mirror themselves. You rock my world each and every day and your family is just too precious! YAY for Grayson's accomplishments!
    ~Elyse~

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  28. Wow...you must be beaming with pride about Grayson! That is SO fantastic! I've never met Grayson...weird, huh?! I've met all your other kids, just not him. He's probably WAYYYY smarter than me. :)

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  29. Dear Following Him,

    Please do not attach me and I will not attach you.

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  30. So glad that Grayson is okay!!!!!!!!

    I always kick myself when we get somewhere and I find out that I forgot my camera :) oh and glad you found that shoe. I should probably be ashamed but I think I'd have reacted the same way!

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  31. okay, seriously...this anonymous commenter who is correcting your use of "their"...who has time to read other people's blogs in search of grammatical errors?!?! you will be an amazing home school mama, no doubt!

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  32. You have been busy! I'm glad Grayson is ok. How scary!

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  33. The spelling and grammar comment was actually posed very politely, the poster who made that comment was pointing out that she had noticed mistakes and that is something Britany might want to consider if she is teaching. There's really no need to get all bent out of shape about it, I think you are all overreacting. Go back and read the post again. It wasn't rude at all.

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  34. I understand getting upset about something being lost. I had a meltdown over tweezers that i found after anyway. I was embarrassed. Only my kids saw but still. Glad Grayson was ok. And I am sure the right job is waiting for your husband. God bless

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  35. Love the Blog and wow on Grayson being gifted.
    As a mother of a gifted child myself I urge you to send him to a proper school and not teach him yourself - he will need so much more than you can give him, I mean it in the nicest possible way.

    Bev

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  36. It depends on what the public schools offer for gifted children whether they will have more to offer or not. All public schools are not going to be the best choice. However, in OH once your child has been identified as gifted even if you are home schooling you can still get them into a gifted program at the school. When our daughter was i.d. as gifted they gave me a bunch of info. on the 'rights' of gifted children. I'm sure it's not the same everywhere, but still it's worth looking into.

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  37. First time commenting, I have been following your blog for a few weeks now. You are truly amazing! And also inspiring! I believe you will be a wonderful teacher to your kiddos!

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  38. You know what? Do not let those who think you should not homeschool make you change your mind. We ALL know that when we blog, we do NOT always proof read and even when we do, we miss something. That is part of being human.

    Another thing. When I started homeschooling my children, my English was not as good as it is now. I have learned so much both from them and from homeschooling. Granted, English is a second/third language for us but still. Even in French, which IS our mother toungue (never sure how to spell that word), I have learned more. You do not suddently know it all because you have children (or you go to school). You grow up and you learn along the way. Even when you are 20-30 or even 70 years ago.

    Julie

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  39. Love your blog! Pay no attention to those who post to hurt your feelings. I'm using a friend's computer and this is what she has taped to the bottom of the monitor: "People are unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered. Love them anyway. If you do good, people may accuse you of selfish motives. Do good anyway. If you are successful, you may win false friends and true enemies. Succeed anyway. The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway. Honesty and transparency make you vulnerable. Be honest and transparent anyway. What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight. Build anyway. People who really want help attack you if you help them. Help them anyway. Give the world the best you have and you may get hurt. Give the world your best anyway." :)

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  40. Glad to hear your son is okay! I wish your husband the best with his job search!

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  41. Wow - that "Anon" is a real loser! Please go away on behalf of all of us - you surely have more "important" things to do? Brit - delete her if possible! So annoying!

    LOVE the pic of daddy and girls and mommy and girl!! They are the best!

    Hugs!

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  42. You know what...I just realized that I said "attach" and not ATTACK! Seriously...if you anon people do not leave a name or website to contact with, then you have another thing coming. Everyone, anon or not, makes mistakes and I guess that was mine for the day. I agree with Brittany...I have more important things to focus on! Seriously people!
    ~Elyse~

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  43. This is a precious and beautiful blog! I found you through Elyse @ Following Him. I'm so glad!

    Blessings,
    Nicole

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  44. Amen sister! You will always have better things to do that correct spelling errors. And if not, you're in trouble!! :)

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  45. Seriously. I love reading you blog. Someday, I'll have twins. It may just have to be my premie dolls again, but I will. And they'll be girls so I can dress them as cute as yours! In the meantime, I'll tend to my littles here at home and keep reading your blog while everyone is asleep!

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  46. happy mothers day love michelle @ circle of life hope it is a special day!

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  47. Great news about Grayson! Even more of a reason to homeschool him. :-)

    April C.

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Thank you for blessing me with your words!

Brittany