It’s In the Valleys I Grow
by Jane J. Eggleston
Sometimes life seems hard to bear,
Full of sorrow, trouble and woe.
It’s then I have to remember
That it’s in the valleys I grow.
If I always stayed on the mountain top
And never experienced some pain
I would never appreciate God’s love
And I would be living in vain.
I have so much to learn
And my growth is very slow.
Sometimes I need the mountain tops,
But it’s in the valleys that I grow.
I do not always understand
Why things happen as they do
But, I am very sure of one thing,
My Lord will see me through.
He’s never failed me yet
Since His grace I’ve come to know,
And I can face life’s problems
For it’s in the valleys I grow.
My little valleys are nothing
When I picture Christ on the cross
He went through the valley of death
His victory was Satan’s loss.
Forgive me, Lord, for complaining
When I’m feeling so very low.
Just give me a gentle reminder
That it’s in the valleys I grow.
Continue to strengthen me, Lord
And use my life each day
To share your love with others
And help them find their way.
Thank you for the valleys, Lord
For this one thing I know
The mountain tops are glorious
But it’s in the valleys I grow.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
points
-I'm going to start a small petting zoo/farm for families with special needs children and I'm going to call it "Chasing Ducks" (i have a post in mind for this that i will share my thoughts on later)
-I love it when all the boys flock to the shop to help their daddy with special projects
-We are still homeschooling BUT we are doing some "schooling" in the traditional sense with Joshua going to a christian preschool 3 times a week for 45 min a time so that he can be with peers and understand how to play with kids his age (they are 4 years old and he's 5 going on 6 but it works well). Daniel will be working with a speech and occupational therapist 3 times a week also... we are hoping that we can build him up to an hour at a time, so 3 hours a week. We are hoping that he will eventually tolerate me not having to be there for the whole time for him to feel comfortable. I'm fine with going at his pace, I'm just not looking forward to the driving... but I know that this could possibly be a great thing for him. Time will tell how this all works out.
-Matt is thinking the he wants a Llama as a pack animal instead of a goat because llamas can carry more weight. I don't mind either way as long as i get my baby cow in the spring time! :)
-Speaking of my husband, HE IS AMAZING and i am so thankful for him and his love and devotion to our family.
-We were hiking a couple of weeks ago and ran into a boy scout troop. One of the boys came up to us and was talking to us about our goat. Later on Matt commented on how he bet that boy was home schooled because he just came right up and was talkative and had a bible in his hands. He said it like it was a negative thing. Can you tell Matt was public schooled? So i commented on how i thought it was nice that the kid actually talked to people, had manners and didn't sit on his phone texting and ignoring life around him like the vast majority or teens and preteens. I have lots of work to do with Mat to show him that home schooled kids are cool and much more fun to be around! :)
- I'm excited for all of my friends who had babies, having babies, and trying to have babies! Fun and exciting times ahead! :)
-And that's it for now! More on my farm ideas later!
BLESSINGS!
-I love it when all the boys flock to the shop to help their daddy with special projects
-We are still homeschooling BUT we are doing some "schooling" in the traditional sense with Joshua going to a christian preschool 3 times a week for 45 min a time so that he can be with peers and understand how to play with kids his age (they are 4 years old and he's 5 going on 6 but it works well). Daniel will be working with a speech and occupational therapist 3 times a week also... we are hoping that we can build him up to an hour at a time, so 3 hours a week. We are hoping that he will eventually tolerate me not having to be there for the whole time for him to feel comfortable. I'm fine with going at his pace, I'm just not looking forward to the driving... but I know that this could possibly be a great thing for him. Time will tell how this all works out.
-Matt is thinking the he wants a Llama as a pack animal instead of a goat because llamas can carry more weight. I don't mind either way as long as i get my baby cow in the spring time! :)
-Speaking of my husband, HE IS AMAZING and i am so thankful for him and his love and devotion to our family.
-We were hiking a couple of weeks ago and ran into a boy scout troop. One of the boys came up to us and was talking to us about our goat. Later on Matt commented on how he bet that boy was home schooled because he just came right up and was talkative and had a bible in his hands. He said it like it was a negative thing. Can you tell Matt was public schooled? So i commented on how i thought it was nice that the kid actually talked to people, had manners and didn't sit on his phone texting and ignoring life around him like the vast majority or teens and preteens. I have lots of work to do with Mat to show him that home schooled kids are cool and much more fun to be around! :)
- I'm excited for all of my friends who had babies, having babies, and trying to have babies! Fun and exciting times ahead! :)
-And that's it for now! More on my farm ideas later!
BLESSINGS!
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Different, not less
I recently rented and watched the movie "Temple Grandin". It was inspiring, moving and really hit my heart. The whole time i was watching it I thought of my Daniel. The movie is about a woman and part of her journey with autism. I HIGHLY recommend this movie if you would like a look into the world of Autism.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
4 years
Daniel,
4 years ago you where born. 4 years ago my heart grew even larger to love you. 4 years ago i never knew how much closer you would bring me to Jesus.
Though you are 4 years old, you still haven't called me Mom or told me that you love me. But I can feel it in your gentle warm embraces, and see it in your sweet smiles. You, my son, are my little blessing that constantly brings me joy and allows me to be a better person. My life has been enriched by yours and I pray that through the years you will continue to not only be a blessing to your family around you, but to everyone you meet. May your life always make an imprint of Jesus on others. I LOVE YOU! HAPPY BIRTHDAY DANIEL!
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Learning to let go
special needs or special educational needs
— pl n
a. the educational requirements of pupils or students suffering from any of a wide range of physical disabilities, medical conditions, intellectual difficulties, or emotional problems, including deafness, blindness, dyslexia, learning difficulties, and behavioural problems
It seems like i have to rehash this issue over and over often, but each time I'm learning to let go sooner. Letting go of taking my children's behavior personally.. letting go of trying to make them "normal", letting go of how other view me, letting go of how others view my children, letting go of fear for the future. It's SO easy to look at someone else situation and have an easy answer for how things can be better for them, but in my own life i often feel overwhelmed and burnt out. There is always something that needs to be done. On top of the normal everyday life of family, we have the extras to worry about. I think the past 3 years have been so overwhelming for us, we just shut down a bit and kept to ourselves because there was so much that we just had to process and learn about raising children who have extra needs. I feel like we are finally coming out of that cloud of confusion, the sun is burning off the clouds and we can feel more hope shining though. The big part of the journey has just been learning to let go of what the world thinks, cling to Jesus, and to learn about our children and let them be themselves. That is so much easier said then done! But in all seriousness, God has given us (and especially me) so much grace and He has really opened up my eyes to His never ending, never tiring, never impatient love for me. And the ONLY way that I can be anything good for my boys is to lean on His strength. I don't know how people can raise special needs children (or any children for that matter) without Jesus! Whew... let me tell you! I know that I'm human and I will more than likely struggle with these feelings on and off though the years, BUT I know that there will ALWAYS be a God who will be willing and ready to mend my poor, tired, and wounded soul back to a spirit of joy and hope once again.
— pl n
a. the educational requirements of pupils or students suffering from any of a wide range of physical disabilities, medical conditions, intellectual difficulties, or emotional problems, including deafness, blindness, dyslexia, learning difficulties, and behavioural problems
It seems like i have to rehash this issue over and over often, but each time I'm learning to let go sooner. Letting go of taking my children's behavior personally.. letting go of trying to make them "normal", letting go of how other view me, letting go of how others view my children, letting go of fear for the future. It's SO easy to look at someone else situation and have an easy answer for how things can be better for them, but in my own life i often feel overwhelmed and burnt out. There is always something that needs to be done. On top of the normal everyday life of family, we have the extras to worry about. I think the past 3 years have been so overwhelming for us, we just shut down a bit and kept to ourselves because there was so much that we just had to process and learn about raising children who have extra needs. I feel like we are finally coming out of that cloud of confusion, the sun is burning off the clouds and we can feel more hope shining though. The big part of the journey has just been learning to let go of what the world thinks, cling to Jesus, and to learn about our children and let them be themselves. That is so much easier said then done! But in all seriousness, God has given us (and especially me) so much grace and He has really opened up my eyes to His never ending, never tiring, never impatient love for me. And the ONLY way that I can be anything good for my boys is to lean on His strength. I don't know how people can raise special needs children (or any children for that matter) without Jesus! Whew... let me tell you! I know that I'm human and I will more than likely struggle with these feelings on and off though the years, BUT I know that there will ALWAYS be a God who will be willing and ready to mend my poor, tired, and wounded soul back to a spirit of joy and hope once again.
Crockpot Play Dough
With the "school year" rolling around again I thought i would post my favorite recipe for homemade play dough! In our house, as you may know, we do things the gluten free way, but this recipe can be used with just plain ol' all purpose flour!
So here you are...
CROCK POT GLUTEN FREE PLAY DOUGH
-2 Cups g/f flour (I've used may different types and they all turn out the same, if you are not gluten free you can use plain all purpose flour)
-1 Cup corn starch
-1 Cup salt
-1/4 cup cream of tarter
-2 Cups hot water
-2 teaspoons cooking oil (not a typo! that's all the oil you need)
-food coloring
-Plug in your crock pot and turn to low to warm up slowly.
-Dump in your dry ingredients; stirring evenly to distribute.
Add the water and oil. Add in food coloring to the color you desire (the kids enjoy doing this part and making different colors). Close the lid and switch the heat to high.
Set a timer and check your play dough every 30 min, stirring well each time. My crock pot is newer so the play dough only cooks for me usually 30 minutes to an hour, but for some it can take up to 2 hours. It will be hot when it's done... once it's cooled down WALLA... homemade crock pot play dough... super easy and so much fun! Oh and GLUTEN FREE :)
If the dough is a bit sticky.. knead in some cornstarch and you'll be good to go!
I had a series of pictures to put up, but the computer isn't letting me uplaod them, so you'll just have to trust me, that this works :)
So here you are...
CROCK POT GLUTEN FREE PLAY DOUGH
-2 Cups g/f flour (I've used may different types and they all turn out the same, if you are not gluten free you can use plain all purpose flour)
-1 Cup corn starch
-1 Cup salt
-1/4 cup cream of tarter
-2 Cups hot water
-2 teaspoons cooking oil (not a typo! that's all the oil you need)
-food coloring
-Plug in your crock pot and turn to low to warm up slowly.
-Dump in your dry ingredients; stirring evenly to distribute.
Add the water and oil. Add in food coloring to the color you desire (the kids enjoy doing this part and making different colors). Close the lid and switch the heat to high.
Set a timer and check your play dough every 30 min, stirring well each time. My crock pot is newer so the play dough only cooks for me usually 30 minutes to an hour, but for some it can take up to 2 hours. It will be hot when it's done... once it's cooled down WALLA... homemade crock pot play dough... super easy and so much fun! Oh and GLUTEN FREE :)
If the dough is a bit sticky.. knead in some cornstarch and you'll be good to go!
I had a series of pictures to put up, but the computer isn't letting me uplaod them, so you'll just have to trust me, that this works :)
Monday, September 6, 2010
Why Organic?
I have two containers of half and half in my fridge. One is organic, the other is not. One would think that half and half is just that.. half cream, half milk... but i was shocked when i read the labels for both.
Here you are...
Organic Half and Half : Organic cream, organic grade A milk
okay so that sounds right... let's read the "regular" stuff
Half and Half: Homogenized nonfat milk, milk, corn syrup solids, artificial color, sugar, dipotassium phosphate, sodium citrate, mono and diglycerides, carrageean, natural and artificial flavors, vitamin a palmates
SERIOUSLY.. i am NOT making this up. Does half and half really need corn syrup solids, artificial color, sugar, dipotassium phosphate, sodium citrate, mono and diglycerides, carrageean, natural and artificial flavors ?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!
What are we putting into our bodies??? WHY are they putting these things into a product that should be so simple?
Do i even need to say more on why we eat organic? If you don't... please think about it and what you may be putting into your body and how it is effecting your health. Yes i realize that eating organic is very spending, but if shopped smartly, it can be done and you can look at is as preventative medicine.
I'm not going to elaborate anymore.. i think the ingredients should speak for themselves!
p.s. my husband says that i am such a hippie, but when our kids are 50 and running marathons and in better shape then the 20 year olds he'll thank me :) I wouldn't have it any other way!
Here you are...
Organic Half and Half : Organic cream, organic grade A milk
okay so that sounds right... let's read the "regular" stuff
Half and Half: Homogenized nonfat milk, milk, corn syrup solids, artificial color, sugar, dipotassium phosphate, sodium citrate, mono and diglycerides, carrageean, natural and artificial flavors, vitamin a palmates
SERIOUSLY.. i am NOT making this up. Does half and half really need corn syrup solids, artificial color, sugar, dipotassium phosphate, sodium citrate, mono and diglycerides, carrageean, natural and artificial flavors ?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!
What are we putting into our bodies??? WHY are they putting these things into a product that should be so simple?
Do i even need to say more on why we eat organic? If you don't... please think about it and what you may be putting into your body and how it is effecting your health. Yes i realize that eating organic is very spending, but if shopped smartly, it can be done and you can look at is as preventative medicine.
I'm not going to elaborate anymore.. i think the ingredients should speak for themselves!
p.s. my husband says that i am such a hippie, but when our kids are 50 and running marathons and in better shape then the 20 year olds he'll thank me :) I wouldn't have it any other way!
Friday, September 3, 2010
Yet another song...
my favorite song to listen to with the boys right now...
The Gorilla Song by Raffi
One, two,
A one two kazoo
If I were a gorilla,
la la la la la
I'd eat me a banana.
na na na na na
I'd live in a treehouse
And swing on a vine,
But one thing is sure:
I would love ya,
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah,
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
And if I were a tuba,
ba ba ba ba ba
All I'd do is oompah.
pah pah pah pah pah
I would take a big breath,
And I would march in a band,
But one thing is sure:
I would love ya,
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah,
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
'Cause it don't matter to me-
Whatever you happen to be;
An eagle,
An onion,
A pig or a grape,
As long as you're you,
I will love ya.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah,
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
And if I were a space ship,
ip ip ip ip ip
I would take a long trip.
rip rip rip rip rip
I would circle the planets
And head for the stars,
And then I'd come home,
'Cause I love ya.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah,
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
And if I were a daisy,
sy sy sy sy sy
Would you still be my baby?
by by by by by
I would pull all my petals out,
One at a time,
And always come up with
I love ya
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah,
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
'Cause it don't matter to me-
Whatever you happen to be;
A beagle,
A grunion,
A fig or an ape,
As long as you're you,
I'll still love ya.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah,
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
Ba-bum-bump.
The Gorilla Song by Raffi
One, two,
A one two kazoo
If I were a gorilla,
la la la la la
I'd eat me a banana.
na na na na na
I'd live in a treehouse
And swing on a vine,
But one thing is sure:
I would love ya,
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah,
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
And if I were a tuba,
ba ba ba ba ba
All I'd do is oompah.
pah pah pah pah pah
I would take a big breath,
And I would march in a band,
But one thing is sure:
I would love ya,
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah,
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
'Cause it don't matter to me-
Whatever you happen to be;
An eagle,
An onion,
A pig or a grape,
As long as you're you,
I will love ya.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah,
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
And if I were a space ship,
ip ip ip ip ip
I would take a long trip.
rip rip rip rip rip
I would circle the planets
And head for the stars,
And then I'd come home,
'Cause I love ya.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah,
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
And if I were a daisy,
sy sy sy sy sy
Would you still be my baby?
by by by by by
I would pull all my petals out,
One at a time,
And always come up with
I love ya
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah,
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
'Cause it don't matter to me-
Whatever you happen to be;
A beagle,
A grunion,
A fig or an ape,
As long as you're you,
I'll still love ya.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah,
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
Ba-bum-bump.
Homemade
I like homemade things. So i thought i would share my latest homemade creations :)
Chewy Granola Bars
4 1/2 cups rolled oats
1 Cup flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla
2/3 cup butter softened (i used a cup butter to help the oats stick together better)
1/2 cup honey (i used agave nectar)
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
added options:
Raisins
mini chocolate chips
peanut butter
Anything that you think would taste yummy in a granola bar!
Press down firmly into 9x13 greased pan cook at 325 for 18-22 min. After 10 min. of cooking press down firmly again and finish cooking. Cool for 10 min. cut into bars let cool completely in pan before removing
Homemade freezer applesauce
Apples peeled and chopped in chunks
Add 1/3 cup water cover and cook on medium low heat for 15 minutes. Blend in a blender. Pour in a clean jar, leaving an inch headroom. Let cool completely before storing in the freezer. When ready to eat let thaw in fridge.
You can add different fruit to the applesauce, like pears.. or add some cinnamon.
YUMMY applesauce and sugar free!
Chewy Granola Bars
4 1/2 cups rolled oats
1 Cup flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla
2/3 cup butter softened (i used a cup butter to help the oats stick together better)
1/2 cup honey (i used agave nectar)
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
added options:
Raisins
mini chocolate chips
peanut butter
Anything that you think would taste yummy in a granola bar!
Press down firmly into 9x13 greased pan cook at 325 for 18-22 min. After 10 min. of cooking press down firmly again and finish cooking. Cool for 10 min. cut into bars let cool completely in pan before removing
Homemade freezer applesauce
Apples peeled and chopped in chunks
Add 1/3 cup water cover and cook on medium low heat for 15 minutes. Blend in a blender. Pour in a clean jar, leaving an inch headroom. Let cool completely before storing in the freezer. When ready to eat let thaw in fridge.
You can add different fruit to the applesauce, like pears.. or add some cinnamon.
YUMMY applesauce and sugar free!
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Einstien and other ramblings about schooling
Did you know that Einstein didn't speak until he was older (supposedly around the age of 7) and even then he didn't speak clearly until the age of 9?
When i think about Daniel and how he is going to be 4 years old in a mer 23 days, i think about Einstein. Daniel is SUCH a smart little boy and understands so much, yet he cannot communicate verbally. He makes lots of noises, but nothing that sounds recognizable. I can see it in his eyes how much he knows and understands. He points to things that he is curious about and things that he wants. He takes things apart and puts things together very well. He is a perfectionist. He likes things certain ways and he doesn't like his hands to be dirty. He likes helping me clean up and put things away. He stares up at the clouds and points to them as they float by. I can tell he wants to know what they are and why they are floating. When we read books he points out things he knows and he's very curious about things he doesn't know. He will point at an object repetitively to make us say it over and over... like he is storing the word for a later purpose.
In our current culture we are trying to teach a 2 year old how to read and sticking them in preschools so that they can get a jump start on education. I really like this article that was written by a homeschooling mother of 5. I must admit that I've been caught up in the current system of thinking.. My oldest son is 5 and he can't tell the difference between a E and an F".. i HAVE to work harder with him. Or so and so's kid is 2 years younger and they can already count to 50 and Joshua can only count to 20. That is such a dangerous path to go down, comparing your child and not letting your child be a child at all.
Also, What happened to developing character? Is our culture so caught up in being educated that we've overlooked teaching our children to be honorable men and woman who stand up for what is right and true. I know I'm going on a bit of a rabbit trail here, but I would much rather have my sons be able to show compassion and mercy and stand up for injustice rather then be men full of knowledge, but no wisdom or character at all. Oy! So back to Daniel. I know God has HUGE plans for my little boy. I know that one day my little boy is going to burst forth in speech, proclaiming praises to his Lord. Since Daniel was a toddler many have called him a worshiper,running around with his hands up in the air. :) When i was pregnant with him I had many prophetic dreams of times to come and I really feel God has put a special blessing on Him. I just need to cling to the promises of the Lord and love my little boy FULLY where he is at, speaking or not. A lot of days are hard, but i know that the biggest testimonies are usually those that have gone through hard trials. SO i just pray that God gets us through these harder times and helps us raise our little boys with integrity and grace so that they can grow up and be even greater then what we even imagined, not in the ways of academics, but in the ways of the Lord.
When i think about Daniel and how he is going to be 4 years old in a mer 23 days, i think about Einstein. Daniel is SUCH a smart little boy and understands so much, yet he cannot communicate verbally. He makes lots of noises, but nothing that sounds recognizable. I can see it in his eyes how much he knows and understands. He points to things that he is curious about and things that he wants. He takes things apart and puts things together very well. He is a perfectionist. He likes things certain ways and he doesn't like his hands to be dirty. He likes helping me clean up and put things away. He stares up at the clouds and points to them as they float by. I can tell he wants to know what they are and why they are floating. When we read books he points out things he knows and he's very curious about things he doesn't know. He will point at an object repetitively to make us say it over and over... like he is storing the word for a later purpose.
In our current culture we are trying to teach a 2 year old how to read and sticking them in preschools so that they can get a jump start on education. I really like this article that was written by a homeschooling mother of 5. I must admit that I've been caught up in the current system of thinking.. My oldest son is 5 and he can't tell the difference between a E and an F".. i HAVE to work harder with him. Or so and so's kid is 2 years younger and they can already count to 50 and Joshua can only count to 20. That is such a dangerous path to go down, comparing your child and not letting your child be a child at all.
Also, What happened to developing character? Is our culture so caught up in being educated that we've overlooked teaching our children to be honorable men and woman who stand up for what is right and true. I know I'm going on a bit of a rabbit trail here, but I would much rather have my sons be able to show compassion and mercy and stand up for injustice rather then be men full of knowledge, but no wisdom or character at all. Oy! So back to Daniel. I know God has HUGE plans for my little boy. I know that one day my little boy is going to burst forth in speech, proclaiming praises to his Lord. Since Daniel was a toddler many have called him a worshiper,running around with his hands up in the air. :) When i was pregnant with him I had many prophetic dreams of times to come and I really feel God has put a special blessing on Him. I just need to cling to the promises of the Lord and love my little boy FULLY where he is at, speaking or not. A lot of days are hard, but i know that the biggest testimonies are usually those that have gone through hard trials. SO i just pray that God gets us through these harder times and helps us raise our little boys with integrity and grace so that they can grow up and be even greater then what we even imagined, not in the ways of academics, but in the ways of the Lord.
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