Love

"If love is the soul of Christian existence, it must be at the heart of every other Christian virtue. Thus, for example, justice without love is legalism; faith without love is ideology; hope without love is self-centeredness; forgiveness without love is self-abasement; fortitude without love is recklessness; generosity without love is extravagance; care without love is mere duty; fidelity without love is servitude. Every virtue is an expression of love. No virtue is really a virtue unless it is permeated, or informed, by love." -- Fr. Richard P. McBrien

Merry Christmas!

A Blessing In Disguise

A few years ago, when hubby was unemployed we decided to give our children only one gift each for Christmas. At the time it almost broke my heart, but it turned out to be a great thing. I have seen my children focus on Christ more and more each Christmas. It is such a blessing. We also require that they get a thoughtful gift for each other so that they concentrate more on giving than receiving. It doesn't have to be store bought but it does have to be from the heart and done with consideration and thought. No last minute rushed gifts or dollar store junk. It has been so neat to see the kids really think about what their siblings would like to receive.

A friend of mine does her gift giving a little differently. She gets her daughter three gifts: one fun gift, one practical gift, and one spiritual gift. It is based off of the gifts given by the wise men. The frankincense was practical, myrrh was spiritual, and gold was fun :)

Have a blessed Christmas!

Little Man Bowling With Style

Learning Is Fun

It's official. We have gotten into a rut with homeschooling. Same thing everyday. I need a break. The kids need a break. But we can't really take a break from school altogether. So next week, we are having a "Learning is Fun" week. The kids will be reading, watching educational videos, doing computer games and mind games, and they will be writing a research report on any topic they wants. Ok, I know research reports aren't really "fun" but it is different from the normal routine, and to be honest I am not that strict with grading so there is no stress for perfection involved. My goal with this is to recapture the fun side of learning, rekindle the spark of curiosity and creativity. They can write the report on anything they want... well, almost anything. I had to place some limits just so they can broaden their horizons a little. Carmen can't write about animals (or ice cream) and Logan can't write about extreme sports. Let's just say I have read all I can stand on those topics. I am really looking forward to this week. I am praying for a good week that encourages joy in learning new things.

Fun at Chuck E Cheese

We went to Chuck E Cheese on Halloween. We don't like to celebrate Halloween for various reasons but was also don't want to sit at home, turn out the lights, and pretend we aren't home. We were practically the only people there with the exception of another homeschool family that we know. We had a blast.

25 Random Facts About Me

1. I really can’t stand the sound of a beach ball bouncing or being hit. Really…Can’t…Stand…It! We have rules against such things in my house.

2. I read the info/instruction booklets that come in the box of everything I buy. Did you know that you shouldn’t use your alarm clock in the shower?

3. I have trouble understanding symbolism.

4. I am extremely practical and cannot think of a single frivolous thing that I would like to buy.

5. Sometimes I am way too blunt, but I would rather speak plainly and honestly rather than beat around the bush.

6. I used to be a martial arts instructor.

7. I can tread water for hours. I can even tread without moving my arms and legs. But I have an extremely hard time getting to the bottom of the pool.

8. I like hip hop music.

9. I hate to cook but I love to make special dishes for groups of people.

10. I have never outgrown my schoolgirl love of horses, even though the only riding I get to do is the follow the leader type trail rides at tourist trap riding stables.

11. I don’t like concerts. I am just not that into music and it feels weird to sit there and watch someone sing.

12. I have a strange fear of slides and driving up and down steep hills. Slides stem back to my childhood and a crazy fast slide at Maderia park. We would fly off at the bottom and land on concrete. It was dangerous and scary but we did it anyway. Both hills and slides make me feel out of control like that slide used to.

13. I have never had more than three sips of alcohol in my entire life.

14. I love roller coasters, but it seems that I am getting too old to ride them. A bad back and bad neck don’t help any.

15. If I paint my toes any color other than pink or red, it annoys me if my shirt doesn’t match my toes.

16. I think it is neat to see a woman in a swimsuit that flatters them. Something that is rare to find.

17. My favorite flavor is orange. Orange popsicles, orange suckers, orange skittles, orange slush puppies….. I have no idea where to buy an orange slush puppy but if I ever find one, I will be their most loyal customer.

18. When entering college I did poorly on the English test and was supposed to take a remedial class, but ended up in a senior level Lit class instead. And somehow I passed, although I still have no idea what Dante’s Inferno was about.

19. I carry everything with my left arm. I am right handed but cannot carry anything with my right arm. Even if I am carrying two toddlers, I usually carry them both on my left side.

20. My dream job would be running a summer camp with my family.

21. My dream vacation would involve horses, mountains, and a good camera.

22. I am pretty adventurous for a safety freak.

23. I am extremely sensitive to smells. Extremely. My kids don’t stand a chance if they ever try to hide that they were drinking or smoking. But that won’t happen. They are smarter than that.

24. I don’t travel well. I don’t really like driving/riding in a car anywhere if I can help it. If I do, I just want to get from point A to point B as quickly and painlessly as possible. I don’t “enjoy the ride”.

25. I always wanted 6 children.

Really, God? Three of them?

Sometimes I wonder what in the world God was thinking when He decided to trust me with three children with an Autism Spectrum disorder. I mean, really? Me? I have no idea how to do this? I am so unsure about how to deal with their unique challenges. And I am completely clueless about how to deal with their behavioral challenges. This isn't just misbehavior. It is full fledged meltdowns and angry outbursts that can last hours, and nothing can stop them. As I type this, ds is screaming at the top of his lungs and slamming things around because he doesn't want to do his schoolwork. He is already grounded to his room for today and tomorrow because he didn't do his schoolwork earlier today (it is currently 7:30pm). I told him to do his school earlier but I was busy and couldn't stay on him about it, so he took advantage of my business and ended up playing most of the day. He is old enough to get his work done without me constantly reminding him, and he knew the consequences if he didn't get his work done. Yet he didn't do it. Therefore, I must follow through with the consequences.

I am struggling with the fine line between grace and accountability, not just with him but with all of three of my Aspies. I want them to be obedient and responsible. I also want them to know mercy and grace. So, how can I be a grace based parent but still hold them accountable. I guess the answer would be loving consequences. I am not sure he will agree that being grounded and swatted is loving but I am doing it because I love him. I wish I knew a better answer. Maybe by the time the littlest one is this age I will have the answers. Then again, maybe not. I just pray for wisdom and I pray that they will grow to be responsible adults who fear and trust the Lord.

It's Official

I am getting old. Menopause. I have been having hot flashes for a few years, along with some other symptoms of perimenopause but everyone kept telling me I was too young. However, my gyn recently ran some tests due to missed periods and pain in lower right side and she said that blood tests indicate I am in full menopause (although she said I am not actually considered menopausal until I have not had a period for 12 months). We still have no idea what is causing the pain in my side, but at least I now know that I have not been imagining these hot flashes. The average age of women to become menopausal is 51. I am only 40. I am officially old before my time.

Finally!

My husband got a new job! When he took the temporary job at Tire Discounters we knew it would only be temporary. But he stayed there for 7 months. In that time we kept sending out his resume and he missed several calls about interviews. By they time he got off of work and was able to call the position had been filled. The location he worked at was poorly run and the position itself was very low paying but he did learn some new skills and also made some new friends. His attitude wasn't always the best but he has grown through this job. Even though it was a lousy job we are thankful that he had the opportunity to work there. And we are extremely thankful that he now has this opportunity to move on and into his new career. Thank you Lord for your blessings.

My Crazy Family

On a Taco Bell run on Family Game night. I love my crazy and awesome family!

Mother's Day Poem

This is a wonderful poem that my husband wrote for me for Mother's Day. I am so blessed!


Jw Hortenberry

So many things you do, too many to list

Doctor, teacher, and maid; you get the gist

You’re up in the morning at the first sign of light.

You’re ready to give up your sleep for the night.

Twenty four seven your day has no end.

But for your children you’d do it again.

You are a mom it’s just what you do

For me I would be lost if it were not for you

As I watch our kids growing I see you in each of them.

I see you in him, her, him, him, and him.

I’m not sure you see it, I don’t mean to boast

It’s the way you love they mimic most.

You’re a wonderful mom absolutely the best

Our children will rise and call you blessed

I love you

Happy 14th Birthday Logan!

Happy 14th Birthday Logan!

I realized that I did this for everyone else last year but because of J's surgery the day before Logan's bday last year, his tribute got forgotten. Sorry, Logan. Happy Birthday!

Natural Egg Dyes

I ran across this article on natural egg dye. I remember my grandma dying eggs this way but have never really tried it. Here is the link and the article.... Hopefully we can try it this year.

http://chemistry.about.com/od/holidayhowtos/a/eastereggdyes.htm


It's fun and easy to use foods and flowers to make your own natural Easter egg dyes. The two main ways to use your own dyes are to add dyes to the eggs when boiling them or to dye the eggs after they have been hard-boiled. It's a lot faster to boil the dyes and eggs together, but you will use several pans if you want to make multiple colors. Dyeing the eggs after they have been cooked takes as many dishes and more time, but may be more practical (after all, most stoves only have four burners!).
Try both fresh and frozen produce. Canned produce will produce much paler colors. Boiling the colors with vinegar will result in deeper colors. Some materials need to be boiled to impart their color (name followed by 'boiled' in the table). Some of the fruits, vegetables, and spices can be used cold. To use a cold material, cover the boiled eggs with water, add dyeing materials, a teaspoon or less of vinegar, and let the eggs remain in the refrigerator until the desired color is achieved. In most cases, the longer you leave Easter eggs in the dye, the more deeply colored they will become.

Here is the preferred method for using natural dyes:


1.Place the eggs in a single layer in a pan. Add water until the eggs are covered.
2.Add approximately one teaspoon of vinegar.
3.Add the natural dye. Use more dye material for more eggs or for a more intense color.
4.Bring water to a boil.
5.Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
6.If you are pleased with the color, remove the eggs from the liquid.
7.If you want more intensely colored eggs, temporarily remove the eggs from the liquid. Strain the dye through a coffee filter (unless you want speckled eggs). Cover the eggs with the filtered dye and let them remain in the refrigerator overnight.
8.Naturally-colored eggs will not be glossy, but if you want a shiny appearance you can rub a bit of cooking oil onto the eggs once they are dry.
You can use fresh and frozen berries as 'paints', too. Simply crush the berries against dry boiled eggs. Try coloring on the eggs with crayons or wax pencils before boiling and dyeing them. Happy Easter!

Natural Easter Egg Dyes

Color Ingredients
Lavender -Small Quantity of Purple Grape Juice
-Violet Blossoms plus 2 tsp Lemon Juice
-Red Zinger Tea

Violet Blue-Violet Blossoms
-Small Quantity of Red Onions Skins (boiled)
-Hibiscus Tea
-Red Wine

Blue -Canned Blueberries
-Red Cabbage Leaves (boiled)
-Purple Grape Juice

Green -Spinach Leaves (boiled)
-Liquid Chlorophyll

Green/Yellow-Yellow Delicious Apple Peels (boiled)

Yellow -Orange or Lemon Peels (boiled)
-Carrot Tops (boiled)
-Celery Seed (boiled)
-Ground Cumin (boiled)
-Ground Turmeric (boiled)
-Chamomile Tea
-Green Tea

Golden Brown-Dill Seeds

Brown -Strong Coffee
-Instant Coffee
-Black Walnut Shells (boiled)
-Black Tea

Orange -Yellow Onion Skins (boiled)
-Cooked Carrots
-Chili Powder
-Paprika

Pink -Beets
-Cranberries or Juice
-Raspberries
-Red Grape Juice
-Juice from Pickled Beets

Red -Lots of Red Onions Skins (boiled)
-Canned Cherries with Juice
-Pomegranate Juice
-Raspberries

Update

Scans were normal except the doc said that it looked like something was pressing on my stomach. I went for a CT scan today to see what it is. Hopefully I get the results soon. Update: Biopsy and CT scan were normal. Praise God!

Thankful

You cannot be thankful while you are busy complaining. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 "Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus."

No Will Power

I have absolutely no will power, so I am asking for everyone to pray for some of God's power. Tomorrow, I am on a clear liquid diet. I have a test (EGD and colonoscopy) tuesday afternoon so I am not allowed to eat or drink anything other than clear liquids (juice, jello, popcicles, broth...) beginning at midnight tonight until tuesday evening. This is going to be really hard for me. I like to eat. I get sick if I don't eat. I have no will power to keep myself from eating whatever I crave. Lord, help me.

Lessons and Revelation

I am involved in a Beth Moore bible study about the book of Revelation. I just wanted to post some things I have learned so far. This will probably make no sense to anyone but me. God chose to reveal to John. John was in the spirit on the sabbath, praising God while isolated on an island. Alone. Even by himself, he made a choice to worship the Lord and keep the sabbath. We will never live in the spirit by accident. We must make the choice. The number seven means perfection or completion. Revelation 1:5b "All praises to Him who loves us." I love how beautifully simple this is. It is not the will of God for us to live under our problems. It is an opportunity to overcome. Icabod means no glory. Satan works in generalities. The Holy Spirit works in specifics. Forgiveness is not just letting go/sending forth into the great unknown. Rather it is sending it to the very hands of God so that he can deal with it. You cannot hang on to unforgiveness AND your first love. We will never shine brighter than we love. When we love God he fills us up and we will love even the unlovable. Self centeredness will never lead to fulfillment. We much be God centered. God will let us feel the loss of what we are missing. Revelation 5:4 "I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside."

Food Allergies

Declan has food allergies. I took him to the doc several weeks ago for a possible kidney infection. Urine tests and blood work showed no kidney infection but one of his white cell counts was elevated and it usually is associated with allergies. A few days later at his 3 year checkup, I mentioned a rash that he had on his arms, legs, and butt. He has had that rash for a year or two. I thought it was dry skin but NOTHING worked. Doc said the rash is often associated with food allergies so he ordered a blood test. I didn't really think it would show anything. But I got a voicemail last night that he is allergic to wheat, dairy, and egg whites. The dairy allergy is low. The other two are on the low end of moderate. But he wants me to eliminate all of those from his diet. As I was walking around the grocery store last night I realized how hard that would be. Especially since I am all about convenience foods for breakfast and lunch. Eating out is going to be next to impossible. And how are we going to be able to tell him no pizza or cheese. He LOVES those. I am really hoping that this is only temporary. Most kids outgrow these allergies. But this is going to be hard. I am wondering if I should ask for further testing. They only tested for a few common allergens. They didn't even test tree nuts and they didn't do a scratch test.

And now I am a nervous wreck about the other kids. Should I have them tested as well? What about myself? All of us have some symptom of food allergies. But they are also symptoms of so many other things as well. Gabe has rashes all the time. He has a history of anemia, headaches, and poor growth. And he has a mood disorder. Carmen also has a mood disorder, joint pain, asthma, high blood pressure, and headaches. I have eczema. Logan doesn't really have any of those but he does have strong food cravings for wheat and dairy (another sign of allergy) and we were told we should consider testing years ago.

It is not like me to fret like this. I am just so overwhelmed right now.

Thankful

Always be thankful. Afterall, you can't be thankful and unhappy at the same time. Today I am going to list just a few things that I am thankful for. I am thankful for my my family, for a Godly husband, for my job, for my home, for my health, for my church family, for good memories, for fun times, for the trials that have shaped me into who I am today, for opportunity, for quiet moments, for snuggles from my little man, and the ability to be a blessing to others.

The Ladies of the House

I love this photo of Carmen and I. She doesn't like it because I am hugging her. She is just not a hugger. She will look back and be thankful for this pic someday.

Boys

My handsome boys in their skinny jeans. Gosh, I am so blessed!

Sweet 16

For her 16th birthday party, Carmen wanted to do a service party. She wanted to serve God and others instead of just celebrate herself. She decided to do a blanket party through Circle of Hope International. This is the same organization that her and Logan will be going with to Malawi, Africa in 2012. Her and her friends got together and made 10 blankets that will be sent to orphans in Malawi. They made blankets, prayed over the blankets, then had some chips and pizza and watched a movie about Malawi and Circle of Hope called "East of Mvera". It was an awesome birthday party. She has always had such a generous heart. She is so beautiful inside and out. I am so proud of her.













For more info or to make a donation visit http://www.cohcommunity.org/
To support Carmen and Logan's mission trip write "Hortenberry 2012" on the memo line of the check.

Exercise

I don't like to exercise. I mean, I REALLY don't like to exercise. I have always said that I would rather be fat than exercise. So, why have I started working out everyday? I am not quite sure. But for some unknown reason I have dusted off my basic walking video for beginners and have been walking a mile in my own living room almost every day for two weeks. I have realized a few things about myself during this time of sweating and toning. First of all, I still really dislike exercise and I find it dreadfully boring. Secondly, I would not survive on The Biggest Loser Ranch for more than 10 minutes. And finally, I need to get off my tush and start moving more, because this easy 1 mile workout is KICKING MY BUTT! I am not hoping to loose a ton of weight with this workout. I am just hoping to be able to be more active without pain and exhaustion. (Of course it would be nice to loose a few inches off my waist and tone my rear end a little.)

I have many exercise videos collecting dust on the shelf. But I never use them. For one thing, I can't get through the entire workout on most of them. They are definitely meant for non beginners. And nothing makes me want to quit working out more than watching skinny, muscled ladies in skimpy, tight clothing bouncing around on tv. Not to mention the fact that I don't want my teenage son to see those tiny ladies wearing tinier outfits. So,I just ordered a new dvd that features women who actually look like they need to work out. I look forward to using it. Well, I can't really say that I look forward to it because I dislike exercise in general. But I look forward to feeling like I fit in while I work out.