Well, everyone in our house has recovered from last week's illness. And just in time too. We've been quite busy this week.
Tuesday we met with the bank to see about buying the house we are living in now. I've probably got you all confused now, right? Well, the reason we were going to fix the block house and move in there was that we didn't have the money to buy this place. With no income at the time, getting a loan was not going to happen. So, we had to make alternate plans. In the last month our situation has changed dramatically. Teagan was approved for his long-term disability and just yesterday was approved by Social Security! You read that right... no lawyers, no advocates, no appeals, he was approved just like that! Praise be to God!! Needless to say, all of that improves our overall outlook and changes plans. In addition, with Teagan quitting his job, we have gotten the disbursements from profit sharing and 401k. Then I did our taxes and our refund was more than double what I was expecting. Put it all together and we have more than 20% downpayment to buy this house! And our mortgage payment would be 2/3 of our current rent. I say all this not to brag, but to give glory to the LORD for it is only Him providing this for us. Only He could have worked out all these details to come together at the perfect time, just a month before our lease runs out.
Anyway, back to the bank. Our chances look pretty good. Our credit scores were better than expected, and the lady working with us was pretty confident that it could be worked out. We are about to start haggling with our landlords to bring the purchase price down. They said our rent would go to lower the purchase price, but 2 years later they stated the price as the same amount we started with. We didn't get it in writing (our mistake) but we are hoping to bring them down. All in writing of course. Learn from your mistakes!
Yesterday I had Jade's IEP meeting and 3-year review at school. It took 2 1/2 hours! But we got a lot accomplished. Her evaluation gave us an age equivalent in all different areas of development. She ranges everywhere from 1 yr 10 mo to 7 yr 7 mo! Average is around 2 1/2 - 3 years. Her strengths are in fine motor skills. No suprise there. If you've seen her drawings, they are amazing! Reading is a strength as well. Her sight word reading is in the K-1st grade range. But communication is still so hard for her. Anyway, she goes on to Kindergarten in the fall. She will be with her same age peers most of the day, and will have a full-time aide. All in all, the meeting went well. We really have a good team working with her at school. I am confident that they will do all they can to help her succeed.
Tomorrow Teagan & I leave for a weekend ALONE! It's been 6 years since we've gotten away. The kids are going to Noni's house, and all of us are super excited about it. Kordell packed last night. He's ready! LOL
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Germ Central
My house in now officially "Germ Central". Kordell came down with the stomach bug today. Teagan is still recovering. Jade & I are okay so far. I think this all started with Ruby. She has had diarrhea for about 5 days now. But she drinks a ton, so other than extra diaper changes and crabiness, she seems okay. I thought maybe she was cutting teeth or something.
I'm praying that I don't get sick. And I'm thankful that no one is throwing up. And I'm really really really praying that all of this will run it's course and be cleared up by next weekend because I want to get away with my husband!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The hotel is booked, and we have been waiting for this for a long time. So pray with me that we can still go!
I'm praying that I don't get sick. And I'm thankful that no one is throwing up. And I'm really really really praying that all of this will run it's course and be cleared up by next weekend because I want to get away with my husband!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The hotel is booked, and we have been waiting for this for a long time. So pray with me that we can still go!
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
HGTV in the ER
Whew, that's a lot of letters!
I spent the better part of today in the emergency room with Teagan. He got a stomach bug and got dehydrated, so we had to go get him some IV fluids. He's doing much better now.
I must say the ER rooms are much improved since our last visit. They have TV's in each room now! They pop out of the wall on these swivel arms. Teagan fell asleep for a couple hours, so I watched HGTV. I'm thinking of painting the kids rooms brown. I saw a brown bedroom that they did on one of those decorating shows, and it looked really nice! Plus, the black sharpie wouldn't be nearly so noticable on brown.....
Oh yeah, didn't I mention it? Jade redecorated 3 rooms of my house with black sharpie marker...again. But this time she did it with gusto and no amount of cleaning products is going to undo her masterpiece. I'm thinking some primer and new paint will do the trick...
Ugh. It's really been one of those weeks. Um, happy love day or something like that.
I spent the better part of today in the emergency room with Teagan. He got a stomach bug and got dehydrated, so we had to go get him some IV fluids. He's doing much better now.
I must say the ER rooms are much improved since our last visit. They have TV's in each room now! They pop out of the wall on these swivel arms. Teagan fell asleep for a couple hours, so I watched HGTV. I'm thinking of painting the kids rooms brown. I saw a brown bedroom that they did on one of those decorating shows, and it looked really nice! Plus, the black sharpie wouldn't be nearly so noticable on brown.....
Oh yeah, didn't I mention it? Jade redecorated 3 rooms of my house with black sharpie marker...again. But this time she did it with gusto and no amount of cleaning products is going to undo her masterpiece. I'm thinking some primer and new paint will do the trick...
Ugh. It's really been one of those weeks. Um, happy love day or something like that.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
PRAISE THE LORD!!!
We just found out that Teagan's long-term disability has been approved!!!! The check's in the mail!!!! Praise God!! His timing is perfect. We just used the last of our money to pay this month's bills. This takes so much pressure off!
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Wow!
All I can say is WOW WOW WOW!!
Okay, maybe that's not all. ;-)
We went to a new church today, and I was so impressed. It was a great experience! The people were friendly, the worship was wonderful, the message was good. But most importantly, the breath of God breathed in that church and in those people. It was alive.
We've been going to a dying church for a long time. It used to be alive and thriving, reaching out to others, taking care of its own, being the hands and feet of God in the community. But not anymore. The sad part, it doesn't even know it's dead. I didn't fully realize it until today. Wow, what a difference.
So, needless to say, we will be attending the new church again next week. They have 2 other families (3 children) in the church with autism, and they are happy to work with us regarding Jade. That was such a relief. The "Jade factor" was my biggest fear in finding a new church. But they are really interested in the spiritual health of the autistic child and the family as a whole. It sounds great. We're going to meet with the pastor and find out more, hopefully this week.
I was worried about the change, but I'm so glad we did it. I feel like God led us to this church in particular and I'm praying that we will fit there.
Okay, maybe that's not all. ;-)
We went to a new church today, and I was so impressed. It was a great experience! The people were friendly, the worship was wonderful, the message was good. But most importantly, the breath of God breathed in that church and in those people. It was alive.
We've been going to a dying church for a long time. It used to be alive and thriving, reaching out to others, taking care of its own, being the hands and feet of God in the community. But not anymore. The sad part, it doesn't even know it's dead. I didn't fully realize it until today. Wow, what a difference.
So, needless to say, we will be attending the new church again next week. They have 2 other families (3 children) in the church with autism, and they are happy to work with us regarding Jade. That was such a relief. The "Jade factor" was my biggest fear in finding a new church. But they are really interested in the spiritual health of the autistic child and the family as a whole. It sounds great. We're going to meet with the pastor and find out more, hopefully this week.
I was worried about the change, but I'm so glad we did it. I feel like God led us to this church in particular and I'm praying that we will fit there.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Exciting Morning!
Well, we've had quite the excitment here today! I woke up to Jade trying to leave the house (again). I thwarted her plan and all is well. So, I'm making breakfast, getting my coffee fix, and I look out the window. Suddenly this truck comes flying down the road, spins around, and crashes into the brushy area on the north side of my front yard!! It knocked a couple of smallish trees over, and was stopped by a bigger tree. It was a couple of teenagers, probably late for school. They managed to get themselves out, but not before I took a picture... 
Muhahaha! Poor teenagers. They need to slow down and try not to crash in people's lawns...
Teagan said I should call the sheriff just in case, but since no one was hurt they said I didn't need to report it. So that was my excitement today.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
The Deed is Done
Teagan officially quit his job yesterday. He is now unemployed. It was the logical next step. He hasn't worked in 7 1/2 months. He won't be going back anytime soon. It was becoming a case of "quit before you get fired". Yes, technically they aren't supposed to fire you for being unable to work due to a disability, but they do. They fired Will, and would have fired Don if he hadn't quit when he did. So Teagan decided to beat them to the punch. This won't affect his long-term disability claim. He's still entitled to that. We technically don't have health insurance now, but are in the process of getting Badger Care. The big benefit is that we will get his profit sharing later this spring and hopefully that will pay for our block house project.
Speaking of the block house... The lower level is empty!! Teagan & Will have been working on the upstairs. Unbelievable as it may be, the upstairs had even more junk than the downstairs, and bigger junk at that! There is a ton of old furniture up there. If the roof hadn't leaked for so many years, it would probably be worth quite a bit, but it's all water damaged and therefore, junk. Why oh why they put all the heavy furniture upstairs we will never know. With no stairs anymore it's a real bear getting it out of there. But they are working on it bit by bit.
Speaking of the block house... The lower level is empty!! Teagan & Will have been working on the upstairs. Unbelievable as it may be, the upstairs had even more junk than the downstairs, and bigger junk at that! There is a ton of old furniture up there. If the roof hadn't leaked for so many years, it would probably be worth quite a bit, but it's all water damaged and therefore, junk. Why oh why they put all the heavy furniture upstairs we will never know. With no stairs anymore it's a real bear getting it out of there. But they are working on it bit by bit.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
In Loving Memory
This post is in loving memory of my child who was born to heaven on December 28, 2006.
It seems the reality of my miscarriage has finally sunk in. At first I didn't really grasp what was happening. I mean, I knew, but it wasn't real. I thought I was doing okay with it. But this week it finally sunk in. I think that Grampa Wallace's funeral was what did it. There was a floral arrangement to symbolize his great-grandchildren who were awaiting him in heaven. Four perfect red roses. One for Shay, one for William, one for Adrian, and one for my baby.
My baby. My baby with no name. My baby that no one even knew about until it was gone. My baby that died only 16 days after being conceived.
Teagan said that God knew my baby's name. I prayed that the Lord might see fit to tell me what it was. That night at Grampa's visitation a family friend walked up to me. She said, "Did you have Sadie Rose picked for a name?" I was taken aback. This woman could not have known about my preganacy or miscarriage. Then she said, "I keep calling Ruby Sadie Rose for some reason. That's wierd." And she walked away. Then it hit me. God was giving me my baby's name.
Sadie Rose Anthony
Born to heaven on Decmber 28, 2 006
The next morning we went to the cemetary for Grampa's burial. He was buried next to the babies' graves. There was Shay's headstone, and William's and Adrian right between them. I didn't even know Adrian had a headstone. That was also a first trimester miscarriage, but they had a burial and a headstone. There was no Sadie Rose. There was no headstone, no memorial, no concrete place to mourn. My baby was flushed down the toilet. There was no recognition of her personhood. There was nothing but an empty womb.
As we leave the cemetary I say to Teagan, "I didn't know Adrian had a headstone." He says, do we need to buy one? No, I say, that wouldn't be right, since there was no burial place. Instead, he came up with the idea of a memorial garden. He will make an ebenezer. An ebenezer is a pile of stones to symbolize what God has done. The Israelites used them many times in the Old Testament. Teagan will make an ebenezer and we will put it in a garden of beautiful flowers outside of our new home. And there we will remember Sadie Rose.
It seems the reality of my miscarriage has finally sunk in. At first I didn't really grasp what was happening. I mean, I knew, but it wasn't real. I thought I was doing okay with it. But this week it finally sunk in. I think that Grampa Wallace's funeral was what did it. There was a floral arrangement to symbolize his great-grandchildren who were awaiting him in heaven. Four perfect red roses. One for Shay, one for William, one for Adrian, and one for my baby.
My baby. My baby with no name. My baby that no one even knew about until it was gone. My baby that died only 16 days after being conceived.
Teagan said that God knew my baby's name. I prayed that the Lord might see fit to tell me what it was. That night at Grampa's visitation a family friend walked up to me. She said, "Did you have Sadie Rose picked for a name?" I was taken aback. This woman could not have known about my preganacy or miscarriage. Then she said, "I keep calling Ruby Sadie Rose for some reason. That's wierd." And she walked away. Then it hit me. God was giving me my baby's name.
Sadie Rose Anthony
Born to heaven on Decmber 28, 2 006
The next morning we went to the cemetary for Grampa's burial. He was buried next to the babies' graves. There was Shay's headstone, and William's and Adrian right between them. I didn't even know Adrian had a headstone. That was also a first trimester miscarriage, but they had a burial and a headstone. There was no Sadie Rose. There was no headstone, no memorial, no concrete place to mourn. My baby was flushed down the toilet. There was no recognition of her personhood. There was nothing but an empty womb.
As we leave the cemetary I say to Teagan, "I didn't know Adrian had a headstone." He says, do we need to buy one? No, I say, that wouldn't be right, since there was no burial place. Instead, he came up with the idea of a memorial garden. He will make an ebenezer. An ebenezer is a pile of stones to symbolize what God has done. The Israelites used them many times in the Old Testament. Teagan will make an ebenezer and we will put it in a garden of beautiful flowers outside of our new home. And there we will remember Sadie Rose.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
On Modesty and Feminity...
Recently I have been pondering what it means to dress modestly and be feminine. I don't feel that I dress immodestly, but I certainly don't look overly feminine in my standard grubby blue jeans and t-shirt, and even less so in my pajamas (which I wear a little too often). The idea of wearing skirts & dresses instead has been popping up in my brain for awhile now, but I shove it back in the closet of things I don't want to think about. LOL
I've never actually talked to Teagan about it, because I figured it didn't matter to him what I wore. He's always said he loves me just the way I am and all that. Well, silly me, I asked him what he would like to see me wear. I was most suprised by his answer. Skirts and dresses would be nice, he says. Imagine my shock! Imagine my horror! My dislike of skirts is now an issue of submission and pleasing my husband.
Now you must understand, my hatred of feminine clothing is deep seated in my childhood. Being forced into itchy pleated wool skirts, and made to wear dresses for chapel throughout my school days. I raged against the machine whenever I could, looking as sloppy as possible while being within dress code. I rarely wear skirts as an adult because I feel self concious and after all, those things are evil and uncomfortable.
So I am faced with a dilemma. Wear the skirt and please my husband or shove it to the back of the closet and know I'm going against him. So I am wearing the skirt. I know he is pleased and that makes me happy. I picked a rotten time of year for this decision (I freezing!!) but a happy husband is good whatever the season.
The next time you see me, if I'm in a skirt, don't think I lost my marbles or am trying to be "holier than thou". Just know my reasoning and pretend I'm wearing jeans.
I've never actually talked to Teagan about it, because I figured it didn't matter to him what I wore. He's always said he loves me just the way I am and all that. Well, silly me, I asked him what he would like to see me wear. I was most suprised by his answer. Skirts and dresses would be nice, he says. Imagine my shock! Imagine my horror! My dislike of skirts is now an issue of submission and pleasing my husband.
Now you must understand, my hatred of feminine clothing is deep seated in my childhood. Being forced into itchy pleated wool skirts, and made to wear dresses for chapel throughout my school days. I raged against the machine whenever I could, looking as sloppy as possible while being within dress code. I rarely wear skirts as an adult because I feel self concious and after all, those things are evil and uncomfortable.
So I am faced with a dilemma. Wear the skirt and please my husband or shove it to the back of the closet and know I'm going against him. So I am wearing the skirt. I know he is pleased and that makes me happy. I picked a rotten time of year for this decision (I freezing!!) but a happy husband is good whatever the season.
The next time you see me, if I'm in a skirt, don't think I lost my marbles or am trying to be "holier than thou". Just know my reasoning and pretend I'm wearing jeans.
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Happy New Year!
Okay, so I'm a few days behind. but we've been busy and sick and trying to get back into routine around here.
We got to spend New Year's Eve up north at Crescent Lake Bible Camp with Dad, Karyl, and that side of my family. It was really fun! Teagan got sick on the way there and I got sick when we got home, but otherwise it was a fun time! I apologize to any family members who got sick from us. Sorry!! At least we had fun!
Jade went back to school yesterday and I think she's really liking being back in her routine. Kordell & Teagan went to Dad's this morning, so they're back to their routine too. I'm still trying to get my bearings after the holiday and everything. I'm working on a pair of Valentine longies for my hyena cart, and have some wool play food in the works as well. I really need to start a blog just for all my projects!
Editing to say... visit my project blog at www.divinely-appointed-yarn-thrower.blogspot.com !!! :-)
I hope you all have a great 2007! God Bless!
We got to spend New Year's Eve up north at Crescent Lake Bible Camp with Dad, Karyl, and that side of my family. It was really fun! Teagan got sick on the way there and I got sick when we got home, but otherwise it was a fun time! I apologize to any family members who got sick from us. Sorry!! At least we had fun!
Jade went back to school yesterday and I think she's really liking being back in her routine. Kordell & Teagan went to Dad's this morning, so they're back to their routine too. I'm still trying to get my bearings after the holiday and everything. I'm working on a pair of Valentine longies for my hyena cart, and have some wool play food in the works as well. I really need to start a blog just for all my projects!
Editing to say... visit my project blog at www.divinely-appointed-yarn-thrower.blogspot.com !!! :-)
I hope you all have a great 2007! God Bless!
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Can I just say that I love my Grandpa?! :-)
Grandpa Glass looked over our building on Thursday. He could see the potential there, and gave us alot of good ideas. He never once told us we were crazy.
Based on what he & Teagan discussed, we have decided on a 2 (or more) phase plan. Phase 1 will be removing the upper level of the building and putting 2 bedrooms and a bathroom in the existing structure. Phase 2 will be adding an addition the same size as the existing building to hold the kitchen and living /dining areas. After that, we may consider adding more space, but those first 2 Phases are the most vital.
We've been playing with floor plans and researching the price of rafters. Of course, all of this is dependent on God's provision. We won't be able to do any of it without HIM. Teagan got his last short term disability check almost 2 weeks ago. So, there's alot of room for God to work.
Grandpa Glass looked over our building on Thursday. He could see the potential there, and gave us alot of good ideas. He never once told us we were crazy.
Based on what he & Teagan discussed, we have decided on a 2 (or more) phase plan. Phase 1 will be removing the upper level of the building and putting 2 bedrooms and a bathroom in the existing structure. Phase 2 will be adding an addition the same size as the existing building to hold the kitchen and living /dining areas. After that, we may consider adding more space, but those first 2 Phases are the most vital.
We've been playing with floor plans and researching the price of rafters. Of course, all of this is dependent on God's provision. We won't be able to do any of it without HIM. Teagan got his last short term disability check almost 2 weeks ago. So, there's alot of room for God to work.
Thursday, December 07, 2006
We are still alive, really.
I know I've been neglecting my blog. I'm so sorry. ;-)
Our block house project got put on the back burner for gun hunting season, which is now (finally) coming to a close. Now we can shift the focus back to the project.
Things have been happening, especially in the last week. Teagan got the official blessing from Grannie to go ahead with the project. The building isn't on her land so legally her blessing wasn't necessary, but if she didn't approve she would make our lives miserable til the end of her days. So, getting her approval is a good thing.
Don & Tanna have to replace their septic system. The new drain field is going to go in front of Gran's trailer and toward the block house, so that whole area is getting cleared out! Praise!! AND... Don is going to have them plumb the septic over to the block house so we will be able to have a flushing toilet!! Praise!!!
My Grandpa Glass (and Grandma and Mom) are coming next week to visit and he is going to look at the building and give us his professional opinion. So that will be great! I'm anxious to see what he says.
All in all, things are moving in the right direction! Now we just have to pray for God's provision to make it happen. Teagan got his last short term disability check this week, so there's LOTS of room for God to work.
And, this just in... I have a picture of the freshly cleared front lawn at the block house that Teagan just sent from his phone! Doesn't it look great! :-D
Our block house project got put on the back burner for gun hunting season, which is now (finally) coming to a close. Now we can shift the focus back to the project.
Things have been happening, especially in the last week. Teagan got the official blessing from Grannie to go ahead with the project. The building isn't on her land so legally her blessing wasn't necessary, but if she didn't approve she would make our lives miserable til the end of her days. So, getting her approval is a good thing.
Don & Tanna have to replace their septic system. The new drain field is going to go in front of Gran's trailer and toward the block house, so that whole area is getting cleared out! Praise!! AND... Don is going to have them plumb the septic over to the block house so we will be able to have a flushing toilet!! Praise!!!
My Grandpa Glass (and Grandma and Mom) are coming next week to visit and he is going to look at the building and give us his professional opinion. So that will be great! I'm anxious to see what he says.
All in all, things are moving in the right direction! Now we just have to pray for God's provision to make it happen. Teagan got his last short term disability check this week, so there's LOTS of room for God to work.
And, this just in... I have a picture of the freshly cleared front lawn at the block house that Teagan just sent from his phone! Doesn't it look great! :-D
Monday, November 13, 2006
The Go Button
Well, last night we pushed the "go" button. We made the decision to move forward on the block house project, trusting in God to provide the resources. If it becomes VERY clear that we have chosen the wrong direction, then we will abandon ship, but no more wishy-washy on the fence stuff. We are going for it.
All of this comes after 3 days of silent contemplation. Thursday afternoon Teagan went upstairs in the block house to see what it looked like. He discovered why it has a steel roof. A tree had fallen on the shingled roof many years ago, putting a hole in the roof and cracking/breaking some of the beams. He also discovered more rotten wood than he had expected, probably a result of water damage from the fallen tree/hole in the roof. He came home with a new idea.
The new idea is to take off the upstairs and build an addition out the back. If we dig down and build with the slope we could have a bi-level home with a single pitch roof. It would be the same size, possibly a bit bigger, with no upstairs. The add-on would be a couple of steps lower than the original building. I'm not sure if that's what we are going to do or if we'll try to fix the problems upstairs.
Either idea comes down to one thing... money, money, money.
Why does it always have to be about money?????
Either option will cost some money to buy resources, even if all the labor is free. We're way past fixing up a building and living in a project. If we're reconstructing, that will require more resources and by default, more money. Yet, if it's the Lord's will for us, we know that He will provide the resources needed.
First step is cleaning all the junk out, no matter what direction we decide to go. So, once hunting season is over, Teagan will be working on that. In the meantime, I will be working on cleaning all the junk out here. We must declutter and trim down our possessions if we want to make this work. We don't need all this stuff. It's just cluttering up our lives and suffocating us. It won't be easy, but I think we'll be better off without it.
Yesterday in church, the sermon began with the story of Jesus and the rich young ruler. (Luke 18:18-23) The young man in the story had done it all "right" his entire life. He had followed the commandments and the law. But there was still something missing. He couldn't release his grasp on his worldly goods. He was RICH! He probably liked being that way. He was more comfortable than his neighbor and life was "easy". He didn't want to give it up, not even for Jesus!! As I listened, I wondered if I could give it up. Here I am, being called to give it up. To sacrifice the things of this world so that I can live a life more pleasing to God. Am I going to do it or am I going to go away from Jesus saddened at the thought of losing my "stuff" and my "comfort"??
How could I turn away from Jesus?
In my heart of hearts that's what this project is about. It's about letting go of the worldly things and looking to Jesus. It's about surrendering and letting God be the Provider and Sustainer. It's about stripping off the old (wo)man and being the person God created me to be.
All of this comes after 3 days of silent contemplation. Thursday afternoon Teagan went upstairs in the block house to see what it looked like. He discovered why it has a steel roof. A tree had fallen on the shingled roof many years ago, putting a hole in the roof and cracking/breaking some of the beams. He also discovered more rotten wood than he had expected, probably a result of water damage from the fallen tree/hole in the roof. He came home with a new idea.
The new idea is to take off the upstairs and build an addition out the back. If we dig down and build with the slope we could have a bi-level home with a single pitch roof. It would be the same size, possibly a bit bigger, with no upstairs. The add-on would be a couple of steps lower than the original building. I'm not sure if that's what we are going to do or if we'll try to fix the problems upstairs.
Either idea comes down to one thing... money, money, money.
Why does it always have to be about money?????
Either option will cost some money to buy resources, even if all the labor is free. We're way past fixing up a building and living in a project. If we're reconstructing, that will require more resources and by default, more money. Yet, if it's the Lord's will for us, we know that He will provide the resources needed.
First step is cleaning all the junk out, no matter what direction we decide to go. So, once hunting season is over, Teagan will be working on that. In the meantime, I will be working on cleaning all the junk out here. We must declutter and trim down our possessions if we want to make this work. We don't need all this stuff. It's just cluttering up our lives and suffocating us. It won't be easy, but I think we'll be better off without it.
Yesterday in church, the sermon began with the story of Jesus and the rich young ruler. (Luke 18:18-23) The young man in the story had done it all "right" his entire life. He had followed the commandments and the law. But there was still something missing. He couldn't release his grasp on his worldly goods. He was RICH! He probably liked being that way. He was more comfortable than his neighbor and life was "easy". He didn't want to give it up, not even for Jesus!! As I listened, I wondered if I could give it up. Here I am, being called to give it up. To sacrifice the things of this world so that I can live a life more pleasing to God. Am I going to do it or am I going to go away from Jesus saddened at the thought of losing my "stuff" and my "comfort"??
How could I turn away from Jesus?
In my heart of hearts that's what this project is about. It's about letting go of the worldly things and looking to Jesus. It's about surrendering and letting God be the Provider and Sustainer. It's about stripping off the old (wo)man and being the person God created me to be.
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Doable.
It's the word of the week! :-)
We have determined the block house project to be doable, if difficult. But what is that saying? Nothing worth doing is ever easy.
Teagan & I have reworked the floor plan a number of times and finally hit upon a solution that would include a bathroom without building an additon. And I think we figured out how to pipe water for sinks & a shower/tub. A flushing toilet is still not in the plan, but the biolet looks like a really good option. We are talking about a small addition on the front as an entryway for storing coats, boots, etc. That would be insulated and give a few more square feet. I think it would open up the kitchen and make it look a little bigger. And, the new floor plan also has space for a small sitting room/library, so I'm excited about that! I always wanted a library of my very own.
I was talking to my mom, and she reminded me of a great resource I had overlooked. My grandpa has been in construction most of his life and would probably be willing to help and give us advice. So, we'll be talking to him soon.
Teagan also finally talked to his dad about it, and they are on board with the idea. The biggest concern is legalities, building permits and the like. Otherwise, dad & mom think it is a good idea. At worst, they end up with a cleaned out building and at best they get a few more hands to help with keeping up the "ranch". So, it's a win/win situation.
We're still talking about the fence. I want to take it with us. Teagan thinks it would be wrong to take it out. I think we will need it. We could at least use the wood for something, even if we don't decide to put up a fence for Jade over there. That's over $2000 down the drain if we leave it here.
We have determined the block house project to be doable, if difficult. But what is that saying? Nothing worth doing is ever easy.
Teagan & I have reworked the floor plan a number of times and finally hit upon a solution that would include a bathroom without building an additon. And I think we figured out how to pipe water for sinks & a shower/tub. A flushing toilet is still not in the plan, but the biolet looks like a really good option. We are talking about a small addition on the front as an entryway for storing coats, boots, etc. That would be insulated and give a few more square feet. I think it would open up the kitchen and make it look a little bigger. And, the new floor plan also has space for a small sitting room/library, so I'm excited about that! I always wanted a library of my very own.
I was talking to my mom, and she reminded me of a great resource I had overlooked. My grandpa has been in construction most of his life and would probably be willing to help and give us advice. So, we'll be talking to him soon.
Teagan also finally talked to his dad about it, and they are on board with the idea. The biggest concern is legalities, building permits and the like. Otherwise, dad & mom think it is a good idea. At worst, they end up with a cleaned out building and at best they get a few more hands to help with keeping up the "ranch". So, it's a win/win situation.
We're still talking about the fence. I want to take it with us. Teagan thinks it would be wrong to take it out. I think we will need it. We could at least use the wood for something, even if we don't decide to put up a fence for Jade over there. That's over $2000 down the drain if we leave it here.
Sunday, November 05, 2006
671 Square Feet
That is the grand total of the block house, both levels. Teagan & I were out there today, looking things over and taking measurements. We also took some pictures. http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v496/jeepmama258/ Password is homestead. We could only get to the downstairs, as the stairs going to the upper level were outside and rotted away years ago. It's a mess but the structure itself is pretty solid. There are 2 rooms downstairs and one upstairs. There is electricity to the building...in fact there is a brand new electric box that Don & Tanna put in when they updated their system a couple of years ago. Plumbing is still an issue though.
The building is smaller than I originally thought. The footprint of the building is about 24' x 16', slightly less on the inside due to the brick walls. The larger of the downstairs rooms is 13'5" x 14'9". That would be the kitchen/dining/living room plus house the wood stove. And therein lies the other big problem. How to get all that in said space. That also doesn't account for a staircase and a bathroom.
We discussed adding a lean-to type addition on the west side where you could put a bathroom and maybe a pantry. The stairs would most likely go in the smaller downstairs room, "our bedroom" which greatly decreases our privacy. Not that there is much privacy to be had in 671 sq. ft.
We both decided we have to stop talking about it for the night. Teagan is sick, the kids are sick, and I'm recovering so all this deep thinking is frying what circuits we have left. There are so many things to think about. Debt is not an option, so it will be a matter of time, elbow grease, and God's provision of materials. We are still praying about this option and waiting to see where HE leads.
The building is smaller than I originally thought. The footprint of the building is about 24' x 16', slightly less on the inside due to the brick walls. The larger of the downstairs rooms is 13'5" x 14'9". That would be the kitchen/dining/living room plus house the wood stove. And therein lies the other big problem. How to get all that in said space. That also doesn't account for a staircase and a bathroom.
We discussed adding a lean-to type addition on the west side where you could put a bathroom and maybe a pantry. The stairs would most likely go in the smaller downstairs room, "our bedroom" which greatly decreases our privacy. Not that there is much privacy to be had in 671 sq. ft.
We both decided we have to stop talking about it for the night. Teagan is sick, the kids are sick, and I'm recovering so all this deep thinking is frying what circuits we have left. There are so many things to think about. Debt is not an option, so it will be a matter of time, elbow grease, and God's provision of materials. We are still praying about this option and waiting to see where HE leads.
Saturday, November 04, 2006
SHHH...be vewy, vewy quiet...
Okay, so I wasn't supposed to spill the beans on our grand plan just yet. Teagan came home from Dad's early today to rescue me in my time of illness and didn't get a chance to discuss the plan with Dad or Mom. OOPS! So, don't tell anyone okay? LOL
We talked about it more this afternoon, did some research, made lists, fleshed out ideas. Plumbing is the only really sticky part of the plan. Plumbing with no basement or crawlspace is a bit tricky. We found some toilet alternatives, like this one... http://www.biolet.com/html/products.html No plumbing required! But a bit pricey. But then what about a kitchen sink and a shower? So, we're still thinking on that.
Teagan does think that we'd be able to finish the upstairs at the same time as the downstairs, so that gives a little more breathing room. He really sees this as a viable option, and so do I. HUGE change, but doable. I think.
Okay, so I wasn't supposed to spill the beans on our grand plan just yet. Teagan came home from Dad's early today to rescue me in my time of illness and didn't get a chance to discuss the plan with Dad or Mom. OOPS! So, don't tell anyone okay? LOL
We talked about it more this afternoon, did some research, made lists, fleshed out ideas. Plumbing is the only really sticky part of the plan. Plumbing with no basement or crawlspace is a bit tricky. We found some toilet alternatives, like this one... http://www.biolet.com/html/products.html No plumbing required! But a bit pricey. But then what about a kitchen sink and a shower? So, we're still thinking on that.
Teagan does think that we'd be able to finish the upstairs at the same time as the downstairs, so that gives a little more breathing room. He really sees this as a viable option, and so do I. HUGE change, but doable. I think.
Not feeling so super this week... I've been sick since Sunday and now the kids are sick too. My head feels like it might explode. I am so far behind with the housework it's not even funny. I was finally getting into the swing of things getting a routine going and BAM too sick to do anything. :-( I try to do a little each day, but it's not enough to make a difference and I feel so discouraged! I have 4 custom longies to do also...one is done, 2 started. The poor cow longies have been patiently waiting for me to return to them.
On top of that, our landlord called yesterday and they decided to move to Arizona. Which means, if we can't buy the house by April, it's going up for sale and we have to move again. I guess we shouldn't have spent all that money on the fence. :-( The timing is horrible. We couldn't get a loan when Teagan was working, I don't think our chances are too good with him disabled and no income. I'm so sad. I really feel at home here.
We talked some last night about what to do. Teagan is not worried at all. I am. Suprise, suprise. We read an article that I stumbled across online about homesteading. http://www.mielkesfarm.net/ourhome.htm These people built their house themselves with recycled & donated materials and no debt on an income of $10K/year. Teagan finishes reading it and says, yeah that's a great idea. We should start doing that. The discussion evolved into possibly making the block house at Don & Tanna's habitable and living there. We're talking dirt (possibly cement) floor, wood stove, one maybe 2 rooms, no running water, all of us in 600 or less sq. ft. Eventually it could be plumbed, fixed up and the second floor finished, but the main point would be mostly free shelter and an opportunity to help mom & dad while saving to get back on our feet.
Last night it seemed like a great idea. This morning, it's still not a horrible idea, but the realities are seeming a bit tougher than the storybook picture that had formed in my head. Life like that would be a lot of HARD work. I would be hauling laundry, wood and water every day in addition to what I already do. We would have to pare down our possessions ALOT. Not that that is a bad thing, but I look around and go, could I live without that? If not, where would I put it? Like my craft things...I'm too crafty to not have any of them, plus they could be used to make clothing, blankets, sold for money etc. But where do you put 5-6 tubs full of fabric and 50+ skeins of yarn? I guess I'll have to be really crafty this winter! LOL
I long for a simpler life, but how simple can I get?
On top of that, our landlord called yesterday and they decided to move to Arizona. Which means, if we can't buy the house by April, it's going up for sale and we have to move again. I guess we shouldn't have spent all that money on the fence. :-( The timing is horrible. We couldn't get a loan when Teagan was working, I don't think our chances are too good with him disabled and no income. I'm so sad. I really feel at home here.
We talked some last night about what to do. Teagan is not worried at all. I am. Suprise, suprise. We read an article that I stumbled across online about homesteading. http://www.mielkesfarm.net/ourhome.htm These people built their house themselves with recycled & donated materials and no debt on an income of $10K/year. Teagan finishes reading it and says, yeah that's a great idea. We should start doing that. The discussion evolved into possibly making the block house at Don & Tanna's habitable and living there. We're talking dirt (possibly cement) floor, wood stove, one maybe 2 rooms, no running water, all of us in 600 or less sq. ft. Eventually it could be plumbed, fixed up and the second floor finished, but the main point would be mostly free shelter and an opportunity to help mom & dad while saving to get back on our feet.
Last night it seemed like a great idea. This morning, it's still not a horrible idea, but the realities are seeming a bit tougher than the storybook picture that had formed in my head. Life like that would be a lot of HARD work. I would be hauling laundry, wood and water every day in addition to what I already do. We would have to pare down our possessions ALOT. Not that that is a bad thing, but I look around and go, could I live without that? If not, where would I put it? Like my craft things...I'm too crafty to not have any of them, plus they could be used to make clothing, blankets, sold for money etc. But where do you put 5-6 tubs full of fabric and 50+ skeins of yarn? I guess I'll have to be really crafty this winter! LOL
I long for a simpler life, but how simple can I get?
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Monopoly... it's a game of strategy & luck which I usually will tell you that I hate playing. It goes on forever and no one ever really wins right? So my little brother was over and we decided to play. I didn't want to play. Monopoly is boring. Well it's boring unless you CRUSH YOUR OPPONENTS!!! Muhahaha!!! After a few hours I had thoroughly defeated my brother and my husband! My son was doing good too, but then he started putting money back in the bank for no good reason... He is only 7 and it was WAY past bedtime. So the moral of the story, crushing your adversaries is fun!
Friday, October 20, 2006
Here we are again... my dear husband is camping, laying in wait for the hordes of deer to stroll by in the morning and encounter his crossbow... and I have once again stayed up past my bedtime surfing the net and filling my head with all sorts of creative ideas (like I need more of them!) Right now I'm working on longies that look like a cow. Only a very insane person would volunteer to endeavor such a task for the sake of a complete stranger knowing full well that crocheters never recover their time when items are priced. On the up side, at least they are beginning to look cow like with almost one leg complete. MOO.
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