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Striving to learn and live God's purposes,

A while ago, must be almost a year now, I did a book review on a book called, Planet of the Dogs by Robert McCarty. I really enjoyed the book. Now he has mentioned me on his blog. Go take a look; it's quite a ways down the Christmas post where he talks about homeschoolers enjoying the books.


Striving to learn and live God's purposes,

Today is the 9th anniversary of the day of my wedding. I have been so blessed in these last years to have such a mate.

Nine years ago today I married this man. I am still married to him and I still love him. God has given us 7 beautiful children - 5 here, one He took back to heaven and one being knit together.

The last nine years have been full years. I pray for many many full years ahead; I pray for years filled more with joy than with sorrow. I pray that we continue to make each other better people - as stone sharpens stone. I pray that we continue to be the best of friends.

I pray that we raise our children in the Lord. I pray to be the help meet he needs me to be. I pray that although I fail, he will love me still! I pray that I will continue to love him too, despite or in spite of his faults.

Til Death Do Us Part!

I love you, Babe!

Striving to learn and live God's purposes,

Well, I'm here to update on my Fall Into Reading Progress.

1. Making Brothers and Sisters Best Friends
2. The Daughter-in-Law Rules
3. Every Thought Captive
4. Fallout
5. The Scorpions Strike
6. The Magician's Book
7. Fascinating Womanhood - a pdf book
   
8. A Promise to Believe In
9. The Shack
10. Beautiful Mess
11. Sand Sharks
12. The Captain's Wife
13. The Blessing
14. Families of the Bible

Well, 5 of fourteen done! oh my. Three started. I'm reading a number of other books right now that are not on my list. I have Finding Purpose Beyond Our Pain and New Day New You. And I have a bunch more waiting! I am loving all the reading I am doing. The Shack is on for January as part of a book club.

A lot of these books are listed on my Good Reads shelves (look in the sidebars).

Striving to learn and live God's purposes,

Ephesians 5:15-17 (NIV)

¹⁵Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, ¹⁶making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. ¹⁷Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.

Striving to learn and live God's purposes,

Week Three of December is a good time to volunteer with local organizations and charities. Volunteering / giving back is a great way to bless others and in so doing you will also feel blessed. I am very pleased to see this included in Regina Leeds book! We were richly blessed by our community and our church this Christmas season. Next year our church is in charge of organizing the Christmas Baskets given to families in need in the community. We will be volunteering with our church members next year. This year we went through our cupboards and put things we were never going to use in the food bank box at the local grocery store.

Week Four is the big celebration! And dealing with the "aftermath". Regina Leeds reminds us to take care of ourselves so that we don't end up in bed with a cold or flu. The week after Christmas is a great time to start thinking about the New Year as well.

Do you have resolutions? Will this be the year you stick to them? Or do you simply want to strive to do better this coming year than you did in the last? That's one of my goals. A couple of friends of mine are going to be joining me in FlyLady's Babysteps. We've already started by trying to get our sinks shiny each night before we go to bed. I've had some success.

Thank you so very much, Regina, for a wonderfully put together book. I am amazed with myself, that I stuck to this the whole year through. I started a little late (in February, I believe) but since then I think I only missed a month! For me, that's an accomplishment in itself. Now, is my house perfect? Far from it! Is it better than it was in February 2009? You bet! I still have a long way to go, but I'm well on my way! And with a new baby coming, I have even more incentive to get my family and me organized and in a routine.


Striving to learn and live God's purposes,

Just in case you are interested, here's the link to our Christmas letter.

Harris Annual

Striving to learn and live God's purposes,

¹And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

²(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

³And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

⁴And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

⁵To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

⁶And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

⁷And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

⁸And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

⁹And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

¹⁰And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

¹¹For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

¹²And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

¹³And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

¹⁴Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

¹⁵And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

¹⁶And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

¹⁷And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

¹⁸And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

¹⁹But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

²⁰And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. (Luke 2:1-20, King James Version)



Striving to learn and live God's purposes,

My kitchen is in the basement and it's a dungeon. I hate hate hate being in there.

We live in an old old church. Built 1935. The basement and addition was added in 1950. I think. Anyway, it's your basic basic church kitchen. I have two large sinks, a gas stove, huge cupboards with sliding doors and some without doors at all. It's all mismatch throw together. Did I mention I hate being down there?

We live on the main floor - tv, school room, office and library, dining room (yes, my kitchen is in the basement and the dining room on the main floor). Oh and the fridge is on the main floor too! So I run lots of stairs!

The tough thing is that because the kids are mostly upstairs it's hard to make meals and do clean up! I have to make everyone come down with me or deal with mess and or discipline issues while I'm out of the room and on another level! IT IS SUCH A PAIN.

Well, today dh went down (and I went with him) to cook some eggs. He seriously couldn't find a clean spot on the counter to put down the carton of eggs and the sausage. There wasn't a clean pot and the stove is a mess. He lost it and so did I.

We are in such a transition (he was off work since mid-January and he got a new job). Transition is so hard for me to begin with. And he's going back to work - mostly nights. And I'm newly pregnant. So that's two big changes in the last two weeks. Needless to say, I haven't been keeping up with anything.

Well, he went out for a smoke to settle down and I got the bigger girls helping me. We had the kitchen in shape in less than 20 minutes. He came back in and offered me a drinkable yogurt.

He said, "if you work at keeping this kitchen clean, I'll work at getting the kitchen in upstairs. In fact, I'll go talk to Mo right now and see what we need to do to get it done." (Mo is a cabinet maker!!!)

It's a HUGE job. Right now it is full of dh's tools; it's his work room and our front entrance. The walls are insulation (not even plasticked over) and then the outside world! lol. There is no electrical, no plumbing, no gas lines. There is no drywall. There is some outdoor structure that has to be done. It is a HUGE and expensive project.

I know that those two things - huge and expensive - are two reasons it kept getting moved lower and lower on the list. I was looking at 5 -10 years before I had a real kitchen.

So, he's gone to speak with Mo. I have to keep up my end of the bargain. I have to keep that kitchen that I do have in decent shape. I think I can do it.

My plan is to in the evening, put one of the older girls on bath / baby duty and I'll get the kitchen clean. If they'd rather trade, I can do the baths and the baby care and they can do the kitchen, but my main goal is to have the kitchen in shape every evening.


Striving to learn and live God's purposes,

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This was quite a trip to do at full term. 157 KM or 97 M. It would have taken them about 5 days. Never even crossed my mind that it was more than just down the road. By car that wouldn't take us very long. However, by donkey and walking, well, I can say I wouldn't want to do it carrying a full term baby in my womb!

Striving to learn and live God's purposes,

I'm going to proceed to brag on my friend (and her DH). She will say, and I believe her to be correct, that it is God who allows her to do the things she does. I am so thankful that God gave her to me as my dear dear friend. (She's been gone today and I haven't talked to her; I'm going through withdrawals. lol!!!!!)

Some people (like me) are very willing to help their friends and neighbors, but they don't notice the things that need to be done. I can be very generous and very helpful, jumping in when things need to be done. However, I'm not incredibly observant. (Don't ask me to be a witness at an MVC; you would be chasing the wrong color vehicle.) Tammy-Lee isn't like me.

Tammy-Lee (and another friend) "knew" I was pregnant with this baby before I did. She had already started planning and thinking about where I would need help (having been my friend through the last pregnancy). As soon as I announced the blessing, she was on the phone to me asking specific questions about when depression sinks in, when I start to get very very tired, what she could do to keep schooling going for us, and if the kids would be staying with them again when "it's time!"

My dear friend thinks about others; the gifts she (and her DH) gives are not cheesy. They are well thought out and specific to the individual. She listens to what her friends say and watches what they do so that she gets a gift that she knows you will love. Remember my birthday? (Read about it here.) She got me exactly what I wanted!

She gets me organized. So many times my thoughts are muddled and I'll give her a call. When I'm done, we'll have made a decision and a plan of action. I go away feeling so much better than when I started the conversation.

My dh has been off work for almost a whole year. (He was removed from his job in January of 2009 and just now started working full time for a safety company.) I've been spoiled having him home all the time - to run errands, get groceries, mow the lawn, deal with the garden. He's even helped with dishes and laundry and bathing kids. Now, his new job is going to require him to be away a lot sometimes. I'm not sure I can handle it, but she is! And if things are feeling rough I just have to call and ask for help. (It's not just Tammy-Lee that's offered this help either; many from the church have offered to watch kids, grab groceries, etc.)

Tammy-Lee doesn't like my Christmas tree (it's too homemade and not hotel-like) and she doesn't like Survivor. But that's okay. She loves my kids even more than I think I know. I don't understand it, but I am sure okay with it. My kids do need others that love them almost (never quite) as much as I do. They need others to make them behave and remember their manners. My children need "aunts" and "uncles" who make them laugh and wear them out. My Wyatt needs a big boy "cousin" to run him around so he sleeps at night. lol.

I know that even though we haven't talked today that she'll wait until after Survivor is over to call. LOL. (Tammy-Lee, I'll probably watch it late tonight - after J goes to work. heehee)

I'm not the only one who is amazed at all that Tammy-Lee does and is. Others have said so as well. To us, this woman is amazing. To her, the things she does are just par for the course. Tammy-Lee is serving God with her skills, her talents, her gifts. All the time I see her trying to make her relationship with her God better and closer. Every day she is learning and growing.

Is this woman perfect? Do I have her on some sort of pedestal? I don't think so. I am just thankful for the "in real life" friend that God has given me. She's an answer to prayer, because I prayed for a real friend that lived close to me for a long time. She's enough older than me that she's "been there, done that" but not so old that she can't relate or remember.

One day I'll brag on her daughter - my primary babysitter.

Striving to learn and live God's purposes,

The decision has been made to print the three weeks of Tapestry of Grace. I will then work on planning those three weeks over six weeks. That will take us from the first week of January to mid-February. By that time, if J keeps working like he has been, we should be in a financial place to purchase the curriculum for the first year.

Building a Life will also be continued in January. The kids are looking forward to it, but there are too many things to be excited about in December to focus on sit-down school too much. So the rest of December will be a lot of planning and organizing for me. I love that part of my teaching job.

Kristyn is working on chapter 11 of 13 in ACSI Math 1. She is pushing hard to get the book done. Cora-Jean is just not there yet. She is working on it but doesn't have the same drive as Kristyn to get it finished by January. I may have to push her a little.

Letter of the Week has been asked for. If I don't have the pages printed, Marrissa is asking where they are. So, more planning to get at least one activity a day planned for M and W for the month of January. The thing with that is that Kristyn and Cora wanna do what Marrissa and Wyatt are. We'll have to work it all in together somehow.

I've also decided that we will start Tapestry of Grace as soon as we can and get into a regular routine with it. I want to have the routine of school carry us through when it gets tough at the end of the pregnancy and when the baby first comes.

Planning planning planning. I think I will have a separate calendar / planner for each child. I will write that child's assignments and plans in that book / folder / planner. I don't know how else to plan for them. How do you plan and organize your homeschooling students?

Striving to learn and live God's purposes,

I've got so many posts brewing right now. I have a love hate relationship with my "deep" posts. They take a lot to write. I've been told my readers like to read them. But they are hard. They require work. But they are good. They get my thoughts out; they teach me; they teach others.


Striving to learn and live God's purposes,

Striving to learn and live God's purposes,

Well, I really want to do Tapestry of Grace. I really want to go out and buy a copy right now. We really don't have the funds. And I don't have access to the second half of my funding until APRIL! And half of what's left is spoken for - for dance and choir; both girls want to be involved in both.

I should have enough to get it in the spring.

Until then, I only have the three week trial, which because I am a hands-on person, I want to print off so I can mark it and plan it and organize. I have yet to do that and so am feeling disconnected from the program. I don't like reading stuff like that on my computer. I want my hands on it. The ink it will take to print all those pages is going to be incredible! I think I'd better just wait and buy a copy.

So what to do? What to do? I have the books for the first three weeks in our home; we've been looking at and enjoying them. Learning from them and have a lot more to learn from them. Do I just keep on learning from these books and save the activities and other directions for when we actually get into the curriculum. That's what I'm leaning towards.

If that's the case, what will we do in the meantime?

Building a Life is going well. However, I've even put that on hold until after Christmas. We are doing lots of other things - baking, decorating, playing, visiting.

ACSI Math 1 is going very well. We are almost done! And ACSI Math 2 is waiting to be used!! The girls can't wait to be done with the first book and have been working hard to get their chapters done by the new year. We will be close.

These two - the math and the character study - will take us through to spring and beyond. I can add back in the spelling we cut and some of the copy work too. I have lots of resources and we won't stop learning by any means.

December has been so full of changes for us - a new job, a new baby, Christmas activities.

Oh, the other thing I've "picked up" again is The Letter Of The Week; mostly M and W have been doing the activities I've been printing off. The older girls enjoy the coloring pages as well so maybe I'll add some of that back in too! When I do the LOTW I pick a lot of books related to the animal, country or whatever that is chosen that relates to the specific letter. I have a couple sites that I print a few pages from; these pages have lots of new and valuable information that the children find exciting to know.

I am thinking that these things will get us through to spring when I can purchase Tapestry of Grace. Once it's purchased, we'll see if we'll start right away or wait for the cooler weather in the fall.

I dunno, about that though. With baby coming in August, I either need to have a great start on the new curriculum already or have planned well enough that it will run itself for the first little while as we settle into life with the new baby.

Have to think on all this some more. Suggestions and comments are welcome.


Striving to learn and live God's purposes,

December is a wonderful month in this house. We love Christmas and we don't get to stressed over things around her. That being said, this is still a busy month for us too.

The new habit for the month of December is to practice all the habits from the rest of the year. There is enough stuff going on that we don't need to add another item to our to do lists.

Week one in the book is all about the plan - budgeting, journalling, creating and maintaining a calendar, planning a party, sending out cards, making a gift list. Once we have all these things in place, the purchasing and executing are so much easier. I especially appreciated the directions and pointers for making a pretty and useful gift list.

Week two is getting the home ready (decorated) and getting items purchased. If we get this done in week two, we can better enjoy the rest of the season.


Striving to learn and live God's purposes,

PS. I received word that One Year To An Organized Financial Life is on its way to me, for my review!!! I can't wait!!!! Watch for posts each month on this new book by Regina Leeds.

There have been a number of verses running through my head today. I know not everyone is going to be happy about us expecting baby # 7. But we are happy!!! But here's what I've been thinking about.

God has a different plan for each family; not every family is going to have as many children as I have! I have no ambitions to be Michele Duggar. I couldn't handle a terminally ill child. I don't know that I could do multiples. However, I know I can do this.

Romans 12:15 says, "Rejoice with those who rejoice."

Psalm 127:3-5 says, "Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate."

Genesis 1:28 says, "And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it."

Striving to learn and live God's purposes,

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Striving to learn and live God's purposes,

Are you looking to get rid of some leftovers that didn't sell at your garage sale this year? Perhaps your looking to get rid of Annie's last year's clothing that she outgrew and has no one to pass them down to?

You can organize your own no money required swap.Whether this will be amongst friends or a community type thing, you decide.It can be big or small.

• make a list of friends you feel may be interested, if you feel it will be a small friends and family thing.
• find someone who has a garage or basement they can spare the space with for one afternoon or evening.
• make invites and mail out or e-vite- with date, time and place. Either it will be an all clothing swap or perhaps just housewares- or a bit of both- you decide.
• put out a few beverages or snacks....remember, we're trying to save money here so don't go putting on a smorg-hee hee
• let all attendees know that there is no limits to what they take- just that it needs to all go..
• donate leftovers either back to their owners, a charitable thrift store, or save for the next year's garage sale...
• and by all means, make it a family affair!

by Monique at Stretching the One Income Dollar

Monique is a fellow Canadian who has written a book called: Stretching the One Income Dollar. You can purchase this book on her website. Right now, Monique is selling ebook copies of her book for $5. Some of my favorite posts of hers include such topics as how photographers can make money, ING Direct, plastic bags, and making extra money.

Striving to learn and live God's purposes,

Monica and Dave went home. I'm okay with that.


Striving to learn and live God's purposes,

Why do women feel the need to have exclusive events - events, parties, get togethers just for women? Why can't we have the hubbies come too, make it a couples event? I get that we need each other as women, to chat and laugh and support. I think we tend to go over board with our get togethers. Opinions? Thoughts? Comments??

Striving to learn and live God's purposes,

I'm TOTALLY okay with that. Missed what you ask??? Survivor. :(

But

I had a such a good evening. We went Christmas shopping; J got a job; we went out for supper with friends; we picked up a pay cheque. WAIT A MINUTE! J got a job!!!! J got a job. WOW!

Okay, maybe I'm overreacting and I try to tell myself that I'm not excited but I AM! I AM EXCITED!

It's good job. Here's some of what I wrote to some of my facebook friends about it:

We were in Wal-Mart and he got a phone call. It's for a safety company. He gets to be a fire fighter in the oil field! He gets to sit in bunker gear all day every day. They work long days. The pay is double what we've been getting through benefits. It was crazy. They called him (and we just happened to be in town for supper with Seven and Tammy-Lee and doing Christmas shopping).

They've never met him, never seen him before. They hired him over the phone on the recommendation of another local fire fighter. Before we went to eat he went to get fitted for gear and fill in paperwork. So so exciting. I haven't seen him this happy in a long time.

We had to be up soooooo early!!!!!! I had to be up at 5:30 to get him out of here with lunch and coffee so he could be at work by 7. That's such a turn around for us. We're used to sleeping until 9 or later!

It's supposed to be long hours. They get paid a day rate. Kinda different. Oh and he won't always get to come home each night. Some of these "day raters" are 2 weeks in, 2 weeks out. Or 2 in / 1 out. Very very very different for us. We've never done that before; a requirement for a job was that he'd be home every night. So it will be a HUGE change for us.

Oh and we are assuming BENEFITS! (READ = NEW GLASSES, no more duct tape!!!!)

I'm so close to tears. I don't wanna get excited and have it fall through again, like the concrete and the law enforcement. But it seems like they are desperate for workers in this field. So hopefully it will last.

Anyway, we are praising God for this provision and His timing. It's always perfect, isn't it?


Striving to learn and live God's purposes,

I missed Survivor last week because I was speaking at our church/community ladies Christmas potluck and auction. (You can read what I said, here.) I had a great time and I'm so very glad I went. I guess I should blog about what I learned about my, my relationship with my dh and my family through that re-introduction to speaking and teaching. One day.

But I missed Survivor. So I went searching tonight to find who got voted off. And I could find exactly but I got this .jpg from Survivor Somoa Blog. Now I know who is left and I'm excited about who is left.

Of those left, I want Monica or Natalie to go next. After those two are gone (which I believe and hope they will be) I don't care who wins. At this point. That could change. Jaison has gone further than I ever thought he would; he was ready to give up a while ago, but he stuck it out. Russell deserves to win just on his playing of the game! That man is incredible. I hated him from the very first, but now I'm routing for him. Mick . . . I dunno. Dave is annoying. Shannon (Shambo) is hilarious. I can't believe she's made it this far! Go, Sham!!

Anyway, I'm pretty okay with those that are left (after Monica and Natalie) winning. I think I'll get to watch it this week. At least I hope I will. However the newest "mantra" around here is that "people are more important that TV and chores." So maybe we'll spend some time with friends instead.


Striving to learn and live God's purposes,

The author (Matt Toone) of Great Games is offering a contest. Up for grabs is 1 of 3 copies of the book. To enter you have to write a paragraph "about a time where you played games with your family or friends and it created a fun memory, strengthened relationships, or simply brought your family closer together."

Go here (at SSDR) to learn how to enter. Thanks for your support of the Divas and a really cool book! You can read my review of Great Games here.

Striving to learn and live God's purposes,

Striving to learn and live God's purposes,

Luke 2:15-20 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Mary was a ponderer. A student of people. She does not seem to be a reactor. She’s a thinker. (Luke 1:29, Luke 2:19, 51) From reading these verses, I take it that she thinks before she speaks. She often keeps her thoughts to herself, like they are treasures, meant just for her. She considers the situation at hand – from learning that she would be pregnant with God’s Son, to shepherds and wise men visiting her child, to her son being left behind at the Temple – and speaks and acts after pondering. She doesn’t just spout off and get in a huff. She takes in the facts, keeps her emotions under control and asks for clearer understanding when it’s needed. (Luke 1:34) I didn’t find in my searching that Mary was specifically in prayer in each situation, but this woman was obviously walking with her Lord (in more than one way, I guess), so I can imagine that part of her ponderings were prayerful meditations, seeking guidance and comfort throughout her life.

I think this is a great way to approach many situations in life. Take in the facts. Keep your emotions under control. Ask for more information if needed. For instance: I am a busy, homeschooling mom of five all 8 and under. My house is loud. I struggled to find a time when my house was quiet and when I wasn’t tired to sit and think about what I wanted to share with you today. I certainly considered taking the easy way out and finding a devotional online that I could use. No one would have been the wiser. Instead, I choose to not give in to my fear, my anxiety and my exhaustion. I got my emotions under control. Everyone went down for a nap, or out on errands. I put on some Christmas music, and got some in put from a friend about the direction I was taking. Not long into my sitting and thinking, I felt my stress level rising as my thoughts still were not coming together and the baby woke and the older kids were unsettling. I stopped, laid my head on my desk and asked for direction and instruction. No, the baby didn’t go back to sleep right away, but there was a peace that she was going to be okay until I finished up.

These three things – facts, emotions and information – are crucial in emergency situations as well. When Jason’s out at an accident or a fire, he can’t act on emotion; he needs to know the facts and gather information by paying attention to what’s happening around him and by asking for clarification from those in charge.

I understand that we are not all ponderers. We don’t all sit and think. We don’t all watch the people around us. God made us different to add spice and variety to His World, but I think that at times we could all benefit from thinking before we speak, pondering our situation before we act, getting our emotions controlled and the facts right. Take time to ponder, as Mary did, the situation you are in this Christmas season, be it seemingly good or seemingly bad. I bet that by thinking on and praying about it a little, you’ll feel a little more settled, a little more peace. I know I did.

Striving to learn and live God's purposes,

I had been doing really really well at staying away from the computer. However, the last few days I've been stuck to this chair. So I'm planning to stay away today.

I don't know if Amber is staying away too or not.

Striving to learn and live God's purposes,