Day 2 - Trevor's Review

 So far homeschooling has been really great. Mom has been a pretty cool teacher so far. I hope it'll stay like this as long as we are homeschooled.

Yesterday I was pretty nervous because I didn't know how things would go. I was glad that we only had one lesson yesterday because it made it easier to start homeschooling.

Today we had more lessons. I worked on English II, Geometry, Bible and Speech and Communications. I did pretty good on all of my lessons except Speech and Communications; it was kind of hard. Next week I will start Spanish, Biology and US History.

I'm really looking forward to Science and the experiments we'll do. I also am looking forward to the field trips we'll be able to take.

T.A.G

Adventures in Homeschooling...Day 1

School at Monarch Prep is officially in session and the first day was....well.....

We started off the day by reviewing the meaning of our school name and verse.

I let the kids come up with some rules...here are a few of my favorites

No wondering eyes

No drawing on yourself

If you have to pass gas, say excuse me

and my favorite.....

No being distracted by Rhylee's cheeks

(I totally understand why this one made the list)

We got off to a great start and my confidence was high.....that was short lived. I was so thankful for the encouraging messages and calls I received this morning from my mom and friends, they were much needed and appreciated.

Only one subject on the calendar for today: Bible. The story: Creation. Easy enough, right?

I printed off my material, had three concordances handy and two computers for the kids to follow along with the lesson online.

I soon realized that I only printed half the lesson, then the computers starting acting up and we were unable to use them to watch the videos, Rhylee was not cooperating and I could see the kids loosing focus and then began the spiral....grrrrrrr

But I was so prepared, I had my notes and papers all organized in a cute new folder that my in-laws bought. I had read the lesson and even had a fun activity planned in lieu of answering questions. I prayed that morning for patience with my new students and myself.

So what happened?

Life

Like everything else, the way I approached homeschooling was all wrong.

I put too much confidence in MY ability.

My focus was on how great a first day I could create.

On what a great teacher I was going to be.

See the pattern :/

We wrapped up the first day, I finished my chores and started dinner. Then Jarrod came home...poor Jarrod.

Cue the water works.

Is it normal to cry on your first day of school when you're the teacher?

I sure hope so.

After a wonderful foot massage and some encouraging words I looked back at the pictures I took today and ya know what....our day wasn't that bad.

The kids had two assignments today, write a short essay about their feelings about being homeschooled and come up with a creative way to teach someone about the story of Creation.

Trevor's Creation Storybook

Trevor's book was great...it walked you through each day adding to the picture until it was complete. He even made up a song to go with it!

Mackenzie's Creation Diorama

Kenzie went in a different direction and used her Littlest Petshop toys and of course her Lalaloopsy dolls. (Yes, that is God resting in the bed duck taped to the sky. Adam and Eve are duck taped in the bottom corner)


Rhylee trying to help out by feeding herself (:





4 weeks to 6 months

My Family

My plan was to blog at least every four months but as you can see, I'm a little behind...but with good reason, my new job keeps me super busy.

First, I feel like I owe all stay at home moms an apology. One of my concerns about staying home was that I was going to be bored...I'm sure all my SAHM friends are laughing very loudly right now.

Mackenzie, Trevor & Rhylee

These three monkeys keep me from getting bored (:

Shortly after my last post, Rhylee had a check up with the pediatrician. While we were there,  the doctor had me fill out a questionnaire about postnatal depression. I was not concerned about "passing" because I felt fine.

To my surprise, the doctor came in and was concerned about my answers.  He encouraged me to talk with my doctor about the results. I have to say I was little offended......ok so yes I was a little emotional and yes I had some anxiety but I did just have a baby and I was functioning on little to no sleep on most days.

After I finished "venting" to Jarrod, he gently and lovingly said "I agree with the doctor." Being the calm rational person I am I said ok honey....NOT!! I won't get into the details but thankfully I'm still married (:

So I scheduled an appointment and talked with my doctor and he suggested that it wouldn't hurt to take anti depressants. He said he wasn't too concerned but thought that the medication would help keep my emotions in check. What was wrong with me? Was I not trusting in God enough? I had a husband who was helping me above and beyond anything I could have asked for and amazing friends and family who were always around hanging out and helping. So why was I depressed?

After a lot of prayers and some encouraging truth from friends I began taking the medication and started feeling much better.

Rhylee 4 mos

I was thankful for the help because we had a rough time with Rhylee between 2 and 4 months. Looking back it doesn't seem so bad but while we were in the midst of it I thought we'd never make it. Rhylee would cry for hours on end...we'd do everything we could to try and help her but nothing worked. And sleep...forget about it!

Jarrod was a life saver during this time. I'm not sure how he did it but he managed to keep everything from spiraling out of control around here. He would work all day, sometimes leaving at 2 am and not getting home until 7 or 8 at night, and come home and take care of Rhylee so I could get some sleep. He would clean up, do laundry and keep the kids so I could get a break.

And here we are now, 6 months later and all those issues seem like a lifetime ago (: We've finally started getting back into our routine. Rhylee is doing great and has become such an easy baby, praise Jesus (:

While I'm watching Rhylee's little personality grow, I'm learning so much about Trevor and Mackenzie. I've always been involved but being home full time with them has allowed me to get to know so much more about them.

Next month they'll start school, and I'll be their teacher. I'm a little nervous, ok let me stop lying, I'm scared to death, but I'm so excited!

I'm glad that I'm taking on the challenge of homeschooling because Trevor will be 16 this week and although he is very smart, his autism has made it difficult for him to learn essential social and life skills that he desperately needs. Being home with him has given me so many opportunities to help him with that.

So here we go......off on a new adventure (:

4 weeks already?!

Where does the time go? I planned on blogging my first week home and as you can see, I'm a little late...welcome to life with an infant (:

Rhylee made her debut 3 weeks early and was delivered by csection on Wednesday January 4th. She was born at 8:10 in the morning, weighed 7lbs 10oz and was 19 1/2 inches long. 

Despite the fact that a csection was the last thing I wanted, my delivery went well. Jarrod was the only one allowed in the operating room but my friend Nicole (Cole), sister Melissa and my mom were all there with me before surgery. Nicole met us at the hospital bright and early, 5:30 am, which meant the world to me because mornings are not her favorite time of the day (; And it was comforting to have my sister, who played such a big part in my pregnancy, and my mom there with me.

When I arrived they prepped me for surgery, which turned out to be a little much for Jarrod to handle that early in the morning and on an empty stomach. The nurse had issues with my IV which made me bleed excessively. On top of dealing with me being upset by them poking me, the nurse asked for Jarrod's help while she tried to stop the bleeding. He did but then he quickly excused himself to get some air and food before he passed out. Of course me and Cole got a kick out of it and it provided us with lots of entertainment at his expense.

I was doing ok up until the point when the doctor walked in and said it was time to go. I asked the doctor for a minute to pray with everyone and when we were done we headed to the operating room. My mom was so cute, she walked with us to the doors and tried to persuade the doctor to let her in too. After he told her that he couldn't do that, she asked if someone could get her from the waiting room if Jarrod passed out. I love my mom.

I had to go in the operating room alone so they could get everything ready and give me my spinal. I had to keep speaking truth to myself to help fight the tears because I was afraid if I let one tear fall I wouldn't be able to stop. I kept thinking of RJ while I sat on that table and of all the times he had been poked and cut and how he kept a smile on his face in spite of all that.

I know my fear is not rational but it didn't come from nowhere. When I was 16 and pregnant with Trevor I had never been in the hospital. I labored with him for a day and half with no progress so they decided that a csection was necessary for his safety and mine. All I remember is being strapped to a bed and being in a cold room while they worked on me. No one said a word and when it was over I was sewn and stapled then put to sleep to recover in ICU. When I woke up the pain was so intense, I couldn't walk, cough or sneeze without wanting to die. I know lots of babies are born this way but when you're young it's something that sticks with you and it left me a little traumatized to say the least.

So while I sat on the table waiting for Rhylee to be delivered I tried to block my earlier experience out and focus on what was important, a healthy baby. Once I was prepped and ready they let Jarrod in which made me feel a little better. He sat down in the chair beside me and then they started. A different kind of fear took over then, the fear that Rhylee wouldn't be ok. We went into that room thinking that her lungs could possibly not be fully developed and that she could have downs.

After what felt like an eternity, I heard the doctor say she's breech, which was a surprise to everyone, but we've almost got her. I think Jarrod and I both were holding our breath. Then the doctor said she's here...we sat there waiting to hear her cry and after a few seconds she belted out and we both started crying. Jarrod had been so squeamish earlier but when he heard his little girl cry I think he forgot all about where we were and what they were doing and he got right up to see her. I kept asking what does she look like? Is she ok?

They wrapped her up and handed her to Jarrod and he came and sat down beside me. It's funny because at that moment it wasn't Rhylee that I couldn't stop staring at, it was Jarrod holding her. I don't know why but seeing him holding his little girl with his eyes full of tears was beyond amazing to me. I don't think I will ever love him more than I did at that moment.

So here we are.....four weeks later. I'm still adjusting to life with an infant. I'm finally realizing that sleep is more important than laundry or vacuuming. Motherhood is definitely different this time around because I'm in a different place than I was with Trevor and Mackenzie.

And I have been so blessed by so many friends and family willing to help with meals, housework, taking care of me and Rhylee or just hanging out. Jarrod has been amazing too!! I have to say I underestimated how involved he would be because of how much he works. I can't think of a time in our marriage where he has been more in tune to my emotions and needs than now. He knows when I need to go bed early and he'll pull night shift with our girl. And without fail, when the weekend comes he stays with Rhylee all night so I can get a full night of uninterrupted sleep which does wonders for my attitude (: He also encourages me to get out for a few hours with friends on the weekend. I've gained a new appreciation for him.

HaPpY oNe MoNtH rHyLeE!!

~HaPpY nEw YeAr~

Ever heard the saying, "Want to hear God laugh, tell Him your plans"? As I look back at 2011 this quote is ringing in my head.

2011 started off like any other year...I made a list of resolutions; put my family first, volunteer more, continue to pursue foster parenting, get healthy, blah blah blah.

The year started off good...I joined a gym, planned more family time and Jarrod and I signed up to begin foster parenting classes. After trying to conceive for 2 years we had resolved that biological children might not be in God's plan for us, and we were ok with that. Fostering is something that has always been on my heart and after a mission trip, Jarrod saw a need in fostering too. 

Early in the year I decided to pursue my dream of working in law enforcement. Sounds crazy to go from children's ministry to busting criminals but its always been something I've wanted to to do but because I was a single mom, it just didn't seem like the best career choice for me until I got married.

I had worked at In the Beginning for 11 years and was scared to tell my employer my plans of leaving the ministry but she couldn't have been more supportive. She encouraged me to follow my heart and so I did.  

Jarrod was hesitant about it but supported my decision so in March I began my application process with the city and sheriffs department. At the time both had a hiring freeze so on the suggestion of a friend who was in law enforcement I applied with the Department of Corrections. To my surprise things moved very quickly!! By mid April I had applied, tested and completed all of my background checks and was given a job offer at the Women's Correctional Facility in Raleigh.  

I put notice in at my job and began preparing myself for my new career....all the while I was unaware that God was preparing me for something else (o:

In mid May Jarrod and I discovered we were expecting! After trying for over 2 years you would think I would have been ecstatic but the truth was I was a little upset about the timing. I was finally following MY dreams and MY plan for my life, and a baby did not fit into that plan.

One of the first things Jarrod and I discussed was my new job with the prison. He is not the type of husband to put his foot down but there have been a few times in our marriage where he has been adamant about his decision and I know not to push the issue and me working in the prison while pregnant was something he wasn't going to budge on.

I was faced with the decision to stay at my job, which I knew wasn't God's will, or be a stay at home mom which wasn't mine.

I left my job at the beginning of June and spent the summer with Trevor and Mackenzie. I enjoyed the summer because I got to spend some quality time with my kids and I wasn't burdened by the responsibilities of working and caring for my family. Jarrod wanted me to home school that fall and although I tried to wrap my mind around that and prepare myself for it, I just couldn't. I didn't want to be home let alone be responsible for teaching my kids and trusting that I was going to be a patient and effective teacher for them.

Once the kids went back to school and I was left to face the reality that I was now a stay at home mom...I made things unpleasant quick. I was bitter and wanted recognition and validation that what I was doing was still important. Thank God for my husbands patience and love because those first couple of months were rough. Jarrod would compliment me on everything I was doing around the house and even though he worked all day he would come home willing to help in whatever way he could.

Looking back now I feel so dumb that I was so angry about staying home. We've had a few health scares with the baby, dealt with some financial hardships and had some good friends that thankfully weren't shy about speaking truth to me when I needed it most that really helped put things in perspective for me. Now I'm so thankful for everyday I get to be home. I actually find joy in serving my family and being here for them. Being home with them has made me realize how much I've missed.  What a difference a year makes in your priorities (:

So for 2012 I resolve to do one thing......go with the flow and follow God's plan for my life.

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Merry Christmas

MeRrY cHrIsTmAs EvErYoNe!!!

Jarrod, Dawn, Trevor, Mackenzie & Rhylee

So Very Blessed

It's hard to remember how blessed you are when things aren't going well. Like when money is low and bills are many or a relative is struggling with cancer.......and on and on. I try to remind myself during the difficult times that somebody, somewhere is dealing with far more than I am and regardless if I understand why........God is always fully in control and doesn't forget me.

But when the love and generosity of family, friends and strangers is flowing in abundance I am overwhelmed by God's provision and blessings in my life! I am amazed at how many care for this little girl and we haven't even seen her yet!!!!

When Jarrod and I made the decision for me to stay home while pregnant and after Rhylee is born instead of working at the prison, I was worried. I am a controller....the idea of cutting our income in half, while we're still paying off debt, and trusting that God would provide was unbelievably scary to me!! Jarrod on the other hand, with his usual calm nature, was like it'll all work out.

Jarrod was so right!!!! Month after month are bills have been paid and almost all of the expenses associated with having a baby have been taken care of for us!!!

My sister hosted a shower for me and when I got home and unpacked all the gifts, I cried. I was so overwhelmed at how many friends and family came to help and hang out and at God's provision for this little girl.

I am so thankful for every kind word, prayer, card, gift and well wishes that we have received!! May God continue to bless your lives like you have blessed ours!!!!