Hi y'all!
Gardening in Virginia has been such a treat for Holly. She has done this month what most farmers in Maine wish they could do, plant in April. Because of a generous garden season, Holly planted peas on St. Patrick's Day along with other cold crops, and today planted tomatoes and peppers. For the first time she is experimenting with a longer growing tomato plant which should stagger her harvest. Though the garden is not as big as her New Jersey plantation, this one is close to the house and will be much easier to tend.
We also installed the boy's swingset - Roger insisted on purchasing new lag screws for safety reasons. Slowly our house is looking like a home. With more things for the kids to do around the house, we hope that sibling rivalry and bickering will reduce. (wishful thinking).
Alicia informed us this week that she had her baby - a little 7 pound, 3 ounce girl named Lorelai. Both mother and daughter survived the ordeal well.
Amy is now part of a national Migraine study to determine the effectiveness of a migraine relief medication that combines the use of iboprophen and imatrex. We'll let you know how she does in the process. Additionally, she is taking an online course through Liberty and plans to take two other courses in the summer months. Her goal is to have most of her core courses completed by the time she graduates from high school.
We enjoy the times we spend with Holly's parents. They live less than an hour away. We'll enjoy the closeness to the lake where we can both swim, fish and kayak. However there are some very nice boat launches right near us in Altavista.
Well, for those who long to plant their gardens but can't, take courage; spring is here and your turn will come. Until then, bloom where you're planted.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Happy Resurrection Day!
Happy Resurrecton Day! As I read the story of Christ's resurrection, I am continually encouraged by the words of Jesus to Thomas. "Because you have seen me, you have believed; Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." (John 20:29 NIV). Today is a good day to declare what Thomas said to Jesus, "My Lord and my God!" (v.28).
April is a month that holds many promises.
1. The promise of spring - For those who live in the North, spring will come, eventually. Winter cannot keep its grip forever. As I look out my living room window I see a large field of green grass. Yesterday I mowed our hilly lawn with our small push mower. Ahh, the smell of freshly cut grass and owww, the exercising of previously unused muscles! We have enjoyed the colorful flowering trees that break forth in bloom this time of year.
2. The joy of Easter traditions. - In this area, there are many Easter egg hunts. On Friday the boys participated in one such tradition for children and adults with intellectual and physical challenges. It is put on by the town of Altavista. Everyone was so kind and helpful. The boys had their pictures taken by the local paper and will be featured in Wednesdays edition. On Saturday the kids went to two other egg hunts, one at a Wesleyan Church and the other at an African American Baptist Church. Both were wonderful and diverse experiences.
3. The privilege of glorifying Christ - This past week we were interviewed by Channel 7 TV News (based in Roanoke). They have a Lynchburg branch. A young man came with his TV camera to get a story about our children's adoption and their medical needs. We purposed in our hearts to take this platform to lift up Christ. He receives all the glory for what He has done in our family. We made it very clear that God has orchestrated the adoption, raised the funds, provided the grants and has brought people into our family to assist with the children's needs. We mentioned the blessings of our church and those helping to raise funds for Steven's plastic surgery at Miller-Motte Technical College. The TV interview will be shown on Monday's 5:00 PM News. The newsman said they show their human interest stories at 5 and at the 6 PM news they show the violence and mayhem.
4. The opportunity for continuing education - This has been a month of interviewing by yours truly. I conducted a 12 hour field observation and interview experience at The Rivermont School, a day treatment facility for children with behavioral issues that are unable to cope in the public school systems. I have been conducting interviews with principals about the advantages of Year Round Schooling vs. traditional schooling. And I have been involved in an action research project that will compare the efficacy of Online education vs. traditional residential education. Yes, it has been a busy month! Amy too is now taking a college class online through Liberty and hopes to take several summer classes.
5. Teaching Sunday School - Yes, there has even been an opportunity to fill in for a teacher who has been away. Got to stay in the Word you know!
April is a month that holds many promises.
1. The promise of spring - For those who live in the North, spring will come, eventually. Winter cannot keep its grip forever. As I look out my living room window I see a large field of green grass. Yesterday I mowed our hilly lawn with our small push mower. Ahh, the smell of freshly cut grass and owww, the exercising of previously unused muscles! We have enjoyed the colorful flowering trees that break forth in bloom this time of year.
2. The joy of Easter traditions. - In this area, there are many Easter egg hunts. On Friday the boys participated in one such tradition for children and adults with intellectual and physical challenges. It is put on by the town of Altavista. Everyone was so kind and helpful. The boys had their pictures taken by the local paper and will be featured in Wednesdays edition. On Saturday the kids went to two other egg hunts, one at a Wesleyan Church and the other at an African American Baptist Church. Both were wonderful and diverse experiences.
3. The privilege of glorifying Christ - This past week we were interviewed by Channel 7 TV News (based in Roanoke). They have a Lynchburg branch. A young man came with his TV camera to get a story about our children's adoption and their medical needs. We purposed in our hearts to take this platform to lift up Christ. He receives all the glory for what He has done in our family. We made it very clear that God has orchestrated the adoption, raised the funds, provided the grants and has brought people into our family to assist with the children's needs. We mentioned the blessings of our church and those helping to raise funds for Steven's plastic surgery at Miller-Motte Technical College. The TV interview will be shown on Monday's 5:00 PM News. The newsman said they show their human interest stories at 5 and at the 6 PM news they show the violence and mayhem.
4. The opportunity for continuing education - This has been a month of interviewing by yours truly. I conducted a 12 hour field observation and interview experience at The Rivermont School, a day treatment facility for children with behavioral issues that are unable to cope in the public school systems. I have been conducting interviews with principals about the advantages of Year Round Schooling vs. traditional schooling. And I have been involved in an action research project that will compare the efficacy of Online education vs. traditional residential education. Yes, it has been a busy month! Amy too is now taking a college class online through Liberty and hopes to take several summer classes.
5. Teaching Sunday School - Yes, there has even been an opportunity to fill in for a teacher who has been away. Got to stay in the Word you know!
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