Claiming The Victories!

Since I've been struggling getting back on track with my eating, I started claiming the victories for each day again (you know, the ones I claimed when I first got started . . . . gotta get back to the basics.)  The same thing goes when one is struggling spiritually . . . get back to the basics.  Do what you did when you first gave your heart and soul to the Lord!  So for me, do what I did when I first started walking in obedience in regards to my eating!

Anyway, yesterday my husband made the kids their favorite, Chocolate Chip Cookies!  Can I say, "UGH!"  Just the smell of them baking gets my taste buds salivating! 

THEN . . . . TODAY!  My daughter (who happens to STILL be on crutches and is milking it for EVERYTHING it is worth! ha!) asks me to fix her a one of my favorite sandwiches . . . PB&J!   Thankfully, I caught myself before licking my fingers! Thank GOODNESS it wasn't my all time FAVORITE of Peanut Butter and Pickle!  I would have relapsed right then and there!

So . . . TODAY I am claiming victory over my daughter's Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich on Potato Bread and yesterday's Chocolate Chip Cookies!

YAY me and thankful for the One who gives me strength!

Continuing To Walk in Victory!

Stacey

Philippians 4:13, "I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me!"

Sponge Painting Fall Scene

At one point, I was going to use Florida Virtual for Christopher's homeschooling.  After having difficulties going through registration process, I decided against it.

For the last two weeks plus weeks we have been using a free online curriculum called, Head of the Class.  Christopher loves the computer interaction!  With his fine motor skills being poor, writing is a constant battle.  However, with this program, it gives a great balance.

In the program, not only is Reading, Writing, Math, Science, Geography, and Spelling a part of our weekly schedule, but so is Art and Music!

Through the school district, Christopher is also receiving speech three times weekly and he is attending PATS once weekly.

It has been a great experience thus far!

Today, we had an Art project.  Christopher loves to paint, draw, cut, etc and I am able to work on his (and Kaitlyn's) sensory issues without them knowing it; hence less of the fight!  Today's Art lesson was on sponge painting.  We waited until Kaitlyn got home so she could be included as she enjoys painting as well.

I cut up sponges in various shapes as we were instructed.  Using a sponge, use blue paint to cover the paper.  We used a canvas because we buy them when they are on sale super cheap!

They then chose the color green they wanted to make grass.  Instead of using a sweeping motion as with the blue paint, they were to blot the paint.

 Kaitlyn's looks yellow, but it's a pale green.

We then used brown paint and a long piece of sponge for them to make the tree trunk.  A long skinny sponge piece was used to make the branches.  I think it is amazing how two children can have two completely ideas on the same project.  I just love how God designs each of us uniquely!
 

We were then instructed to use fall colors to use a smaller sponge piece to make leaves.  We used a burnt red (I just love that color!), a mustard yellow and an orange shade.  After they dabbed a few places with assorted colors, we thought we'd try blending the colors some and it worked great!

 TADA!!!!! Kaitlyn's finished product! 

Kaitlyn placed leaves falling on the ground in her painting . . . .

 . . . . while Christopher wanted a lot of leaves as they were falling.

Notice the figure under the tree.  That's someone sitting reading a book under the tree!

He came up with that all by himself.

 For some reason Christopher didn't want to stand next to his sister for this picture, but I'll take what I can get when I can get it!

Once again, Mammow's table being used to make more memories!

I don't know about you ,but I am SO ready for some fall weather!  Their paintings got me ready to pull out the fall decor!  We have had record highs of 100 degrees here; yet after Tropical Storm Irene passed we reached a record low of 60 degrees!  Between earthquakes, hurricanes, and crazy weather, I find myself yearning more and more for the day that Jesus will make His return!  Be ready my friend, be ready!  Know that you know that you know!  If you want to know Jesus, please leave your name and email information and I will gladly share with you how!

Continuing to Walk in Victory,

Stacey

 

Christopher's First Day of PATS!

Christopher had a great first day at PATS!

 He's so excited!

 Daddy and Christopher :)

 Christopher and Mommy :)

 Do you see that they walk IDENTICAL!?!



Waiting patiently!

On his way . . . . 

If we had gotten there earlier I would have had his picture taken with his teacher, but will do that another day!

Children with Autism

As I was reading this article I saw so much of our home life; yet so different.  Even the similarity in my kids by physical appearance.  The questions/concerns she faces, we all face; but add a child that is "different" increases the cares and concerns. 

It is my hearts desire to educate individuals about autism.  It is not a discipline problem.  In fact, our new counselor has insisted we not spank Christopher, EVER!  This is completely opposite of how I was raised as a child and Biblical teachings; HOWEVER, with most children that have Autism/Asperger's/PDD, they also have sensory disorders.  Touching a child in a melt down only intensifies the situation.

Please take a few minutes to read a post about "The Death of a Dream, but a Life of So Much More!" post I came across by accident (Click the link below).  If we (I) ever get to a position where we are unwilling to learn or educate ourselves about the ones we are living with or the family members of those we love, then we are ignorant.

"God may I NEVER take for granted what you have given me.  When I become judgemental, remind me.  Teach me, grow me into Your image I pray.  May I love as you love and may I be a light and encouragement to other mom's (and dad's) that are struggling.   I love you, Jesus!  Thank you for seeing us through every step of the way.  You are my rock.  You are my shield.  You are my strength.  You are my ALL in ALL!  So be it!  Amen!"

The Death of a Dream, but a Life of So Much More!

Thanks for reading this post.  You be blessed today!

Continuing to Walk in Victory!

Stacey

Withdrawals

Well it has been three weeks today since my surgery. 

During these three weeks I have eaten and craved and given in to those cravings.  I have stayed tired and literally forced myself to get out of bed each day; doing only the bare minimum.  I am thankful for my husband.  I haven't had to do one load of laundry, prepare a single meal or wash a single dish since my surgery.  Even now he is folding laundry and piddling in the kitchen.

One thing I learned through The Most Excellent Way Ministry is when one relapses, getting clean that second or third or fourth time is harder than the first time. 

While I was fortunate to never have to deal with relapse with the drugs and alcohol, food has definitely taken its toll.

For days I have been trying to "get back on track" and for days I have failed.  I have had cravings I can't explain . . . Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream, Sweet Tea, Fried Chicken, Goldfish (I hate goldfish!),  chocolate cake, Popeye's Spicy Chicken . . . . need I go on?  It has been crazy. 

In my prayer journal, yesterday, I wrote, " . . . . . . Lord, Give me the desire and will power back; give me the desire to be well and healthy."

As if He was right there with me, He said, "Stacey, obedience is doing when you don't have the desire."

So today, even though my heart just isn't in it, I choose obedience.

My cravings are high and my head is killing me.  I am sure I am having withdrawals from sugar.

Thanks for all the prayers from surgery.  Been recuperating just fine. Stitches are out and I am not using the sling anymore.  Still having pain, but doc says it should go away in about three more weeks.

My husband and I have some tough choices to make regarding our home.  In my recent prayer journaling, I wrote:

". . . . . . Thank you for meeting the needs we have.  Continue to show yourself I pray.  Show us what to do with the house.  The worry is exhausting; not having a plan leaves a knot in my throat.  I don't want to NOT be proactive with a plan, but I don't want my planning to step in the way of your plan.  Does that even make sense, Lord?  I will do whatever it is you want, I just need to hear from you.  I love you; I trust you.  Amen.

This is the feather the Lord gave me, just yesterday while at the beach.  It came in a form I would have never even thought of.

Imagine the thousands of people that have walked the boardwalk in the last three days and the Lord brought this man there the exact time I was there to give me this :)  Pretty cool if you ask me.

Please do continue to pray for us.  The Lord has been faithful in providing, we just need clarity.

Continuing to Walk in Victory,

Stacey

Tropical Storm Lee

Took the kids out to the beach today to check out the waves from Tropical Storm Lee.

My camera lense kept getting dirty from all the sand and salt. . . . nonetheless, the waves were impressive!

Kayla couldn't walk down to the water, but she did get to talk on the phone with her sweetie while I took the kids to the water.

Hoping to get back to the beach Sunday as they are calling for 14' waves!

 Kayla braving the wind and trying to NOT fall . . . . again!  ;)

 Christopher is struggling to walk into the wind as is Kayla!

 Christopher!

 Christopher getting "cowectibles!"  (Seashells)

 Kaitlyn !

 Kayla!

 We ran into Angie!  "Don't take my picture!  I'm a mess!"

 Angie, "Here, take a picture of my wet shoe!"  LOL! 

 Wind surfer on the sound side!

We'll head back out tomorrow to see some of the 14' waves they are forecasting. 

Walking in Victory,

Stacey