Saturday, August 29, 2015
Of Vacations Lost
We had scheduled to go camping this week. In fact, we packed, drove, and found a beautiful campsite. The kids were having a great time.
Most of the kids.
Joshua (4) complained of a toothache. I gave him some Tylonol and that seemed to take the edge off, but it didn't take it away. By the evening it was obvious he was hurting worse. There was no way I could take care of him or do anything more for him there in the campground.
Our choice was to spend the night holding him while he cried or pack up and go home.
Of course, we went home.
(I've always wondered how fast we could pack it all up if we had to. Seems it takes us about half an hour to get three tents worth of campsite ready to go).
At home I was able to put Bugs Bunny on which distracted him enough to calm his pain. Did you know studies have shown that watching TV produces endorphins equivalent to those you get when eating candy or a big steak? Laughter also will produce pain-killing endorphins. So that Waskely Wabbit is the ideal choice for a small child in pain. That plus the Tylonol and he did ok.
Thursday, instead of swimming in a mountain lake, I took him to a dentist. This was a new one quite a distance from our home, but I couldn't find one closer that I liked, AND who took our insurance, AND who could get him in immediately.
I must say, I really like these people. They were very patient with him, talked TO him, and treated him with cheerfulness and respect. And they didn't diss me or act like they thought I was a bad mom. Even when he threw up all over their floor :-P
(Best I can tell, he had car sickness because he was fine within an hour of getting home.)
So now we are scheduled to see a more specific dentist who will take care of Josh's problem, though he has complained of very little pain since and is acting perfectly normal.
Oh, and this dentist said, "No one believes me but study after study has shown that the most effective pain treatment is to alternate Tylenol with Ibuprofen." Thought you all would like to know.
Most of the kids.
Joshua (4) complained of a toothache. I gave him some Tylonol and that seemed to take the edge off, but it didn't take it away. By the evening it was obvious he was hurting worse. There was no way I could take care of him or do anything more for him there in the campground.
Our choice was to spend the night holding him while he cried or pack up and go home.
Of course, we went home.
(I've always wondered how fast we could pack it all up if we had to. Seems it takes us about half an hour to get three tents worth of campsite ready to go).
At home I was able to put Bugs Bunny on which distracted him enough to calm his pain. Did you know studies have shown that watching TV produces endorphins equivalent to those you get when eating candy or a big steak? Laughter also will produce pain-killing endorphins. So that Waskely Wabbit is the ideal choice for a small child in pain. That plus the Tylonol and he did ok.
Thursday, instead of swimming in a mountain lake, I took him to a dentist. This was a new one quite a distance from our home, but I couldn't find one closer that I liked, AND who took our insurance, AND who could get him in immediately.
I must say, I really like these people. They were very patient with him, talked TO him, and treated him with cheerfulness and respect. And they didn't diss me or act like they thought I was a bad mom. Even when he threw up all over their floor :-P
(Best I can tell, he had car sickness because he was fine within an hour of getting home.)
So now we are scheduled to see a more specific dentist who will take care of Josh's problem, though he has complained of very little pain since and is acting perfectly normal.
Oh, and this dentist said, "No one believes me but study after study has shown that the most effective pain treatment is to alternate Tylenol with Ibuprofen." Thought you all would like to know.
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
Screwtape's take on current events... | BaylyBlog
Screwtape's take on current events... | BaylyBlog
Screwtape is CS Lewis' senior devil who writes letters of advise and explanation to a subordinate devil, Wormwood. When Screwtape references "our lord," by the way, he is referring to Satan, not God.
Screwtape is CS Lewis' senior devil who writes letters of advise and explanation to a subordinate devil, Wormwood. When Screwtape references "our lord," by the way, he is referring to Satan, not God.
Monday, August 24, 2015
Newest from Tracy Enterprises
(warning: blatant commercial:-)
I have dealt with CafePress for years, starting when our church wanted matching t-shirts for an event. CP turned out to be too much for the volume we needed (and we're a bit of a poor church anyway), but I created a number of products with the church's symbol (which I drew by the way) on them.
I have played around at CP with some of my book covers over the years, too.
Sometimes I really think I'm a bit stupid, though. It honestly never occured to me to set up a CP store selling my own art work for the sake of just my own art work.
Can we all say "Duhhh."
I intend to add other Ponies from my head (those that have been galloping around in there since I was little, with the occasional appearance on school work, letters, doodles, etc) over the next few months, as time allows me to put them on paper (uhh, again). Might add some of my paintings, too.
And Hubby's photos.
And sons' cartoons.
And my oldest daughter's stick figures (you have never seen such expressive stick figures!)
(Hmmm. More things to waste my time on instead of what I should be doing. Sigh. Oh Well.)
I have dealt with CafePress for years, starting when our church wanted matching t-shirts for an event. CP turned out to be too much for the volume we needed (and we're a bit of a poor church anyway), but I created a number of products with the church's symbol (which I drew by the way) on them.
I have played around at CP with some of my book covers over the years, too.
Sometimes I really think I'm a bit stupid, though. It honestly never occured to me to set up a CP store selling my own art work for the sake of just my own art work.
Can we all say "Duhhh."
So announcing the Grand Opening of Tracy Enterprise's new venture:
The Dream Pony Line!
 |
| Fantum the Dream Pony |
I intend to add other Ponies from my head (those that have been galloping around in there since I was little, with the occasional appearance on school work, letters, doodles, etc) over the next few months, as time allows me to put them on paper (uhh, again). Might add some of my paintings, too.
And Hubby's photos.
And sons' cartoons.
And my oldest daughter's stick figures (you have never seen such expressive stick figures!)
(Hmmm. More things to waste my time on instead of what I should be doing. Sigh. Oh Well.)
Saturday, August 22, 2015
The Child and the Lady
(Written by my 17yo 2 weeks before my mom's death)
The Child
and the Lady
By
Jonathan Tracy
The child and the lady sat at the
table. The little boy, barely six, was absolutely refusing to sit still. The
paper and pencils lay before him, seemingly forgotten (Although the lady saw
right through this supposed loss of memory) while he twisted and turned in his
seat.
He pointed at toys and furniture,
asking every question that came to mind.
She calmly smiled and answered every inquiry, while gently
guiding him back to the picture in process. By the end of there session, the
child was in tears and the Lady was reconsidering his future as a world famous
artist. Minutes later, he had forgotten her ultimate sin of making him draw and
was joyously running circles outside, while she proudly hung his picture of a
green cow on her fridge for the world to see.
The boy and the lady sat at the
piano. His head was in his hands and her hands were on his back. The ten year
old had tried, really he had. But he was convinced she was asking the
impossible. It just didn't make sense to him. “It's alright” she said soothingly
“You'll get it”. He took a deep sigh, dried his eyes, and stared with fierce
determination at the evil piece of sheet music.
The Lady guided his hands to the keys and slowly talked him
all the way through. And he did it! The everlasting wisdom of the Lady had
brought him victory over that which would bore him! He happily hugged her and
gave her a kiss on the check before running outside to boost to his brother.
She decided she would tell him later he had played the wrong song.
The young man sat at his desk.
Like so many times before, he was finding it nearly impossible to make any
headway. His mind was determined to go elsewhere, to once more ride the waves
of fancy to the far off shores of his imagination. But art required
concentration and he was determined to get it right this time. He had all the
drawing prowess of a blind donkey and his music was a soothing as a herd of
water buffaloes. But there are more than two kinds of art, and he enjoyed this.
Those lessons, from so long ago, had helped him. Taught him. Shaped him. Now,
with steady mind and graceful hand, he picked up his pen and set it to writing,
letting his mind and heart paint HIS picture. Write HIS music. When he was
finished, he turned the page and carefully poured out his heart in as beautiful
way he knew how:
To
Grandmother.
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
How An Infertile Couple Experiences The Planned Parenthood Videos
How An Infertile Couple Experiences The Planned Parenthood Videos
Before Roe V Wade the waiting list to adopt a child was 2 years.
Now it is 7 years, and the requirements to get on the list in the first place are far tougher to meet.
I have known several of these barren families myself :-( Seen my Uncle cry because there were no children for him and my aunt to raise. Seen the heart break in my brother and his wife's eyes when they realized I was pregnant again.... and they weren't.
EVERY child is a wanted child. Someone right now is crying because their empty arms are hurting so bad for that very baby whose liver is being sold to the highest bidder.
Before Roe V Wade the waiting list to adopt a child was 2 years.
Now it is 7 years, and the requirements to get on the list in the first place are far tougher to meet.
I have known several of these barren families myself :-( Seen my Uncle cry because there were no children for him and my aunt to raise. Seen the heart break in my brother and his wife's eyes when they realized I was pregnant again.... and they weren't.
EVERY child is a wanted child. Someone right now is crying because their empty arms are hurting so bad for that very baby whose liver is being sold to the highest bidder.
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
Monday, August 17, 2015
Download Windows 10 they said.
Can't be worse than 8 they said.
Wanna bet?
Actually, I understand what is happening to my computer is a known bug and they are working on it. Should be in an update soon to fix it.
Meanwhile, my computer is wiggy which makes it difficult at best to be on here, so my house is cleaner :-D
Seriously, I like Windows 10 when it quits restarting for no apparent reason. We have our start button back:-) And there are some features I can't wait to play with.
Meanwhile, on to writing thank you notes. And teaching driving. And fixing dinner:-
Can't be worse than 8 they said.
Wanna bet?
Actually, I understand what is happening to my computer is a known bug and they are working on it. Should be in an update soon to fix it.
Meanwhile, my computer is wiggy which makes it difficult at best to be on here, so my house is cleaner :-D
Seriously, I like Windows 10 when it quits restarting for no apparent reason. We have our start button back:-) And there are some features I can't wait to play with.
Meanwhile, on to writing thank you notes. And teaching driving. And fixing dinner:-
Friday, August 14, 2015
Please pray for us today.
The Adrenalin of the last couple of months is
wearing off.
We are figuring out all the technical stuff (where did mom store those important papers, how do I teach music now that she can't, and for my dad, how do I cook dinner and run the dryer).
Now the truth that this is permanent is sinking in.
Dad was having a hard time yesterday. I saw him crying when things got quiet.
Joshua, my three year old, asked if Grandma was still in the hospital. That was a hard one to deal with.
I dreamed Mom came home and I was so surprised and pleased with how healthy and strong she looked.
Some days are very hard and we need God to carry us (reference the poem "footprints"). Please remember us in your prayers.
We are figuring out all the technical stuff (where did mom store those important papers, how do I teach music now that she can't, and for my dad, how do I cook dinner and run the dryer).
Now the truth that this is permanent is sinking in.
Dad was having a hard time yesterday. I saw him crying when things got quiet.
Joshua, my three year old, asked if Grandma was still in the hospital. That was a hard one to deal with.
I dreamed Mom came home and I was so surprised and pleased with how healthy and strong she looked.
Some days are very hard and we need God to carry us (reference the poem "footprints"). Please remember us in your prayers.
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
Tuesday, August 11, 2015
Are You a Weekend Minimalist?
Are You a Weekend Minimalist?
I needed this today.
It's been a busy weekend and with paying the church bills (Mom always took HOURS. I hope with my putting as much as possible on the computer I can cut it down to just a couple), and changing school around (it will be better once we are done (and I'll be posting on it soon) but the transition is time consuming.) I just haven't had time to work on simplifying or a bunch of other things I need/want to do (answer comments on here, practice my piano, make high protein snack bars, etc.)
Right now I am focusing on just surviving, but I hope to get back to the simplifying soon.
I needed this today.
It's been a busy weekend and with paying the church bills (Mom always took HOURS. I hope with my putting as much as possible on the computer I can cut it down to just a couple), and changing school around (it will be better once we are done (and I'll be posting on it soon) but the transition is time consuming.) I just haven't had time to work on simplifying or a bunch of other things I need/want to do (answer comments on here, practice my piano, make high protein snack bars, etc.)
Right now I am focusing on just surviving, but I hope to get back to the simplifying soon.
To Shave or Not to Shave, That is the Question
For a couple of years, I have gotten
our razors and shaving cream for free around here with coupons. Well,
actually, Walmart has been paying us to take them home. Every once in a
while they run a "roll back" at the same time the manufacture run's a
coupon. The razors I have been "buying" go down to $2.96, while the
coupon is for $3, so Walmart gives us the difference. The shaving cream
is rolled back to $.98 while its coupon is for $1. But I think that has
changed now.
We have recently given a try to the Shave Club. My nephew and hubby both complain about very sensitive skin, and with the inherited acne, my sons don't exactly enjoy shaving either.
My nephew gave a try to The Shave Club's products and loved them. I had been reading about them for a while and with Daniel;s comments, I decided to give it a try. When I showed it to Hubby, he said the guys at work had been raving about them, too.
Well, it's been a month now and the results are in. Hubby says they are good razors that don't irritate his skin. Now, he has a full beard so he won't be using the four blades they send every month. Just what he needs to keep his neck clean.(and, honestly, I really like beards. I think they look very manly).
My oldest son also has a beard, but he keeps his more trimmed than his dad's. He likes these, too.
My second son grinned and said "No thanks." He rather likes the wild and wooly look. Hasn't had a hair cut in a year or so (almost long enough for a ponytail!) and prefers his beard totally untrimmed (except for the one little curl that sticks straight up:-D). So this month I will be ordering new blades for Hubby and Jim (my oldest son.) I think, since I will have an extra blade, I will give it a try myself:-)
My third son just turned 16 and isn't yet to the point of needing to decide one way or another.
If you order through this link, I get $5 off my next order, which helps.
Try it. It's not much money (less, in fact than most men spend per month at the brick and mortar stores. My bill this month for 1 handle and 4 blades will be about $13.00. Our norm will be less than $10 for the best quality blade they offer.), and you are worth it:-)
http://shaved.by/cEUKk
We have recently given a try to the Shave Club. My nephew and hubby both complain about very sensitive skin, and with the inherited acne, my sons don't exactly enjoy shaving either.
My nephew gave a try to The Shave Club's products and loved them. I had been reading about them for a while and with Daniel;s comments, I decided to give it a try. When I showed it to Hubby, he said the guys at work had been raving about them, too.
Well, it's been a month now and the results are in. Hubby says they are good razors that don't irritate his skin. Now, he has a full beard so he won't be using the four blades they send every month. Just what he needs to keep his neck clean.(and, honestly, I really like beards. I think they look very manly).
My oldest son also has a beard, but he keeps his more trimmed than his dad's. He likes these, too.
My second son grinned and said "No thanks." He rather likes the wild and wooly look. Hasn't had a hair cut in a year or so (almost long enough for a ponytail!) and prefers his beard totally untrimmed (except for the one little curl that sticks straight up:-D). So this month I will be ordering new blades for Hubby and Jim (my oldest son.) I think, since I will have an extra blade, I will give it a try myself:-)
My third son just turned 16 and isn't yet to the point of needing to decide one way or another.
If you order through this link, I get $5 off my next order, which helps.
Try it. It's not much money (less, in fact than most men spend per month at the brick and mortar stores. My bill this month for 1 handle and 4 blades will be about $13.00. Our norm will be less than $10 for the best quality blade they offer.), and you are worth it:-)
http://shaved.by/cEUKk
Tuesday, August 04, 2015
Easy Peasy All-in-One Homeschool – A complete, free online Christian homeschool for your family and mine
Easy Peasy All-in-One Homeschool – A complete, free online Christian homeschool for your family and mine
Pre school through 12th, all free. All you need is a computer with internet (and it works on at least some tablets), a printer with ink, and the normal pencils, crayons, etc.
"Classical" or "simi-classical" type homeschooling for those who know and care what that means :-) 4-year Bible, history, science rotation.
Pre school through 12th, all free. All you need is a computer with internet (and it works on at least some tablets), a printer with ink, and the normal pencils, crayons, etc.
"Classical" or "simi-classical" type homeschooling for those who know and care what that means :-) 4-year Bible, history, science rotation.
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