Some Random Thoughts

I just thought that I would share a few random thoughts this morning. I know I need to take some time and write some posts with a bit of “substance” but I need to compose my thoughts. It has really been a whirlwind of a month and even though I have the relief of having finally arrived at our destination there is still so much we need to accomplish.

There are several of us that are sick, myself included. We have some nasty colds. This has of couse been compounded by varying allergies, continual altitude and temperature changes. I am drinking alot of OJ and we are running out of allergy medicine.

Hubby is trying to get checked into the base and let all of the right people know that we are here but this may prove to be more difficult than it normally would be. We found out via a hotel clerk the other day that the wing commander was found dead of a gunshot wound, Sunday I believe. The memorial service we found out is today so the chaplains office is understandable otherwise occupied.

I am also needing to get in to the doctor since it has been 5 weeks or so since I have seen the OB. At least I have some baby movement so I am not too concerned but it is time to get in for a check-up.

We are enjoying the daylight, though very little sunshine. The children are having a harder time trying to convince themselves that going to bed is a good idea. I have no problem goinbg to bed at 10 or 11 with it being light out but the children still want to stay up. The one thing that the older children do not seem to understand is that the little ones get up with the sun which means I do too! I am sooo tired! Oh well, that comes with motherhood. I will just have to make a point of getting in a nap this afternoon. I do have a ton of laundry to do today though. Only half of our clothes are dirty but they are the ones for the cooler weather here in Alaska not the ones for hot San Antonio so I have to get the laundry running! There is a nice wooden park a block over from where we are staying so I am sure the children will enjoy playing over there often while I am working away on the laundry.

We still have to go house hunting and exploring the area. I MUST find that Costco in town! I know that I will have to start thinking about school again soon but I really cannot do much as most of our school supplies are packed in the crates which I will not have access to until we have a home. Please pray for us in finding the home that God has prepared for us and that we can get into it soon. Not only for the sake of being settled, getting out our school supplies and getting started on that but because we are praying for our dogs to be kennelled and that adds up quickly.

Well, it is after 9 am and I am not even showered or dressed so I had better get on the move! Thanks for reading my ramblings and I will get to work on some “meaningful” posts soon!!

Where We Are In Our Travels

Well, the ferry trip was wonderful! It took us through such beautiful places! I did get seasick and lost my lunch but only once and it was out in open water rather than the milder water. Our one child that with ADHD had a tense first day on the ferry too. I think she has some anxiety issues also. The first night was stressful for her and all three of her ticks were manifested again and in succession as well as a return of the bedwetting which of course brought many tears. After the first night though things were back to normal and she had a wonderful time.

We were able to see humpbacks, orcas, porpoises, and bald eagles. Our drive through Canada was fun also. We saw several bears, swans, and a fox. We are still looking for the moose but am sure they will be in view before long. The scenery is so beautiful! God is such an awesome creator!

Prices are very shocking though! I knew it was expensive but give me a break! $7 for a gallon of milk, $5 for a package of bologna, $6 a gallon on gasoline, and a 20 ounce diet dr. pepper cost my hubby $3 today!

Alaska is a bit cheaper than Canada was but it is still costly. I think hubby filled up for $4.80 a gallon tonight. Well, we are settling down and getting children ready for bed and should arrive in Anchorage tomorrow. So until I get another chance……..that is the update! Hopefully, photos will come soon!

Why we Homeschool

There are many different reasons people decide to homeschool their children. I would like to share with you today why our family homeschools. Being fully aware of our reasons propels us forward and it gives us purpose. Placing these reasons ever before us pushes us on toward our goal.

Deuteronomy 6:4-7 “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.

This encompasses every aspect of life, at all times and in all things. I do not believe this can be fully accomplished if the responsibility is abdicated to others and children are put under the authority of those who disagree with the biblical approach to every aspect of life or are obligated to teach using a secular curriculum with a humanistic and atheistic approach. There truly is no real neutrality. Here is a quote from a book I have read recently, it gives a good summary. This is enough to propel me to move forward and count the rewards when I am feeling overwhelmed. It is what God has called me to do as a Christian mother.

The biblical mind is not compartmentalized into two distinct areas of though: secular and sacred. All of life is under the authority of God’s revealed Word, and children were to be taught in terms of this comprehensive authority all the time.

from: Standing on the Promises by Doug Wilson

I acknowledge that all will not agree with my reasons for homeschooling. Many will have other reasons and some will just flat out disagree and that is ok. We have our reasons and they are grounded in the Word. These reasons as propel to continue on our homeschooling journey. When we have a frustrating day, they urge us forward and help to keep us focused.

Bring the Rain – Mercy Me

Boarding the Ferry

Well, today is the day that we board the ferry. We have to arrive 3 hours early for boarding. I will post more about our ferry trip once we get settled with a permanent computer. For now, I thought I would share about the ferry we are traveling on. This information is from the Alaska Marine Highway website. This is a photo of the actual vessel we are traveling on and details concerning the ship. It looks to be a fun and exciting three days! More Later……

The M/V Columbia is the largest vessel of the Marine Highway fleet. Launched by Lockheed Shipbuilding in Seattle in 1974, the Columbia is 418 feet long, with capacity for 499 passengers and 134 vehicles (20′ lengths). Its 103 total cabins include 44 four-berth units, and 56 two-berth units, 3 of which are wheelchair accessible. The Columbia boasts both a fine dining room and a cafeteria. The gift shop, cocktail lounge, solarium, and forward observation lounge round out the passenger amenities. Photo by Captain Jack Meyers

Moving Update

Here I sit in my hotel room wishing I was already asleep. I am finding that I am tiring easily. We spent almost two weeks in the Spokane area. Our older children were able to attend camp and we had a great time visiting family and a few friends. There were many more people we would have liked to see but there is only so much time. We did take the opportunity to do a few other things that we enjoy in the area.

We all finally feel as if we are moving. Before it just felt as if we were coming home from a year long vacation. Now that we are somewhere that we have not been before it is beginning to feel like we are on the move.

The children are beginning to show the strain of traveling for so long a period of time and are a little bit tired and cranky but I think that will settled down with the adventure ahead of us for the next week of travels.

Thank you those who are praying for us! I will check back in as time and access to the web allows. May God’s riches blessings be upon you all and may you be aware enough to recognize them!