the mind...........

It's very interesting how the mind works. Thoughts come flying in and out all the time. It's not fun when the thoughts are not glorfying to the Lord but on the other hand when thoughts come that do point us to God well that's a good thing. This morning I had a nice thought. This oldie but goodie of a song just popped into my head while I was cleaning up the kithchen this morning.

As the deer pants for the water so my soul longs after you
You alone are my hearts desire and I long to worship you.

I want my hearts desire to be as this song states.

The eagles again........

I went to see the Eagles again a couple of weeks ago and that time I saw one. Wow! it was so cool to see he or she flying all around. Seeing the white head just really gave me a thrill I was squealing with excitement as I had my binoc's trained on it. So we went to visit mom today and then Diane, Mom and I went to see the Eagle again. This time we didn't see any. For those of you who want to know where the Eagles have there nest here's the directions. Go to Intercourse turn right on Hollander Rd. Follow Hollander all the way till you come to Peters Rd. Pull into Zeltenreich Church and face your car towards Peters Rd. and as you look across the field you will see the big nest and hopefully some Eagles. I here the best time to see the Eagles is either in the mornings or right before dusk. Let me know if anyone heads down there I'd like to here how it went.

Rico's progress.......

Rico is reading is at the 1st grade level. He is reading books at school from the "Reading Milestones" series. There are 10 books in the series and he is up to book 8. The story he is currently reading is called "Friends".
Rico is working on filling out simple job applications. He is also working on comprehending advertisements, utility bills, check writing and understanding local newspapers. His teachers work with Rico on explaining the listed things and he has to answer comprehension questions about them.
Rico has mastered printing his address. He is working on writing "friendly" notes. He will work next on writing the return address in the proper place on an envelope.
Rico needs to apply himself more at following directions. He has demonstrated he is able to do read directions but is not following through with this lately.
Rico is doing Saxon Math. He is able to count pennies up to 100 4/6 times accurately.
He is also counting by fives up to 30 and using nickels. This is hard for him to do.
He is learning to use the calculator. He is also working on filling out bank deposits, and withdrawal slips. Rico is learning how to use an analog clock and tell time.
Rico is taken out with his class and is learning how to navigate through people and places like the grocery store.
Rico goes out on job training weekly. I am told he works well and is diligent in his work.
Rico is continuing in learning how to use his Dynavox to speak for him. He navigates it well but must be reminded to use it in conversation. He can use his Dynavox for many things such as saying the Pledge of Allegiance. Rico needs to learn more about using his Dynavox to ask questions and share his feelings and tell about his life. We want Rico to learn how to initiate conversation using his Dynavox.
Rico is still learning how to button his pants, tie his shoes, zipper his jacket.
Concerning Rico's diagnosis of having Celiac Disease. He is adjusting very well to eating his gluten free foods. Pancakes for breakfast, lunch and dinner consist of either mac and cheese, spaghetti, rice, french fries, yogurt, applesauce. Snacks consist of Utz potato chips, pretzels and corn curls. He drinks milk, and o.j. and can have some soda I know that the brand Pepsi and Coke are gluten free so I'm sticking with those. I have a goal of trying to get Rico to eat meat. Since he is anemic it would be so good for him to get more protein in him.
I give Jesus all the glory for making the transition for Rico from gluten to non-gluten foods. It hasn't been that difficult and I thought that it would be. The hardest part is myself having to always make his food which isn't hard just takes more time.

a peek............

Okay well I thought I'd give you a little peek into my morning routine for a change. This morning I got up at 5:30 and got a shower. 6:00 went downstairs and started making breakfast. Pancakes for Rico and eggs for the girls. During the hour from 6-7 is probably the most trying time of my day. Sin is usually flying none stop through out the morning. Whether it's my girls not getting along or me being inpatient and angry that the girls aren't getting along, me trying to hurry up my one daughter who daily pushes the envelope on not getting ready on time. Me yelling for the girls to hurry up and get downstairs the bus is coming up the hill. It's very rarely that our mornings go well. God is definitely using that time to point out all my weaknesses and the areas we need to grow as a family. Honestly at times it can feel overwhelming and hopeless that we are ever going to grow in our patience and obedience. The very thing I'm asking my kids to grow in is exactly what I need to grow in. What a circle. Many times I take my eyes off of God and only think about everything I'm doing wrong instead of keeping my eyes on Jesus and all that he accomplished for me and the hope I have in Him for grace to change. So if you think of me during the hours between 6 & 7a.m. please throw up a prayer for me you can rest assured I most definitely am needing it.