Being Healthy

Well, yesterday the Dr confirmed that I do have diabetes. My sugar levels are only slightly elevated right now, and we feel with a few lifestyle changes (not a big surprise) that I can get the numbers down and be able to stop taking the meds for it. I was a little disappointed at first, but I know there is no one to blame but myself. I praise the Lord we found out early enough that I can make the changes needed and hold off any worse prognosis. I get frustrated with myself that I have known this was a possibility and waited until now to get serious about doing anything about it. Weight loss and excercise are not only good for me, but the kind of lifestyle I want to model for the kids and hubby.

The smells of winter

I love the woodstove in the winter. The smell of woodsmoke and the crackling of the fire are hearwarming as well as room warming. The cool crisp air is free from the fouler smells of decaying fish we have earlier in the fall and I think I can almost smell the snow in the air. The mountains are half covered in snow now. It seems everyday that white line creeps further down the slopes. Even the lower elevations are white frosted now and I know soon it will reach sea level. The snow falls straight down and is heavy and wet. In the dead of winter it will last for a couple of weeks, but these first few flakes will be washed away with the rain. I love to watch it pile up on the porch railings to see how high it will get before it blows over or the kids (who are destined to knock it off) get to it. We put studded tires on the car this year. That is the first time we have ever done that. All those Michigan winters we lived through without studs...but, everyone here says its the safest way to drive the winter roads. We will have to change them out again in April, but I guess that will be a sure sign spring in on the way.

Homeschooling

This year to homeschool the youngest, we have chosen to use Switched On Schoolhouse. He seems to be enjoying it. As long as we get started right away in the morning, he works right along and gets his assignments done. If we delay getting started, I have to sit with him more and encourage him to complete all the assingments. I am amazed at how simple it is for the teacher. After spending years figuring out my own curriculum, I am now asking myself "Why didn't I do this sooner?" We are covering 5 subjects and still have time to add in extra things like typing practice and library reading. The subjects aren't covered as thoroughly as if I were doing a unit study on them, but thoroughly enough. Meanwhile, his typing has greatly improved and he is learning to take some of the responsibility for his own education.

www.aop.com

Civil Air Patrol

TJ has been in Anchorage for the weekend with Civil Air Patrol. I am very impressed with this program. They have covered all the expenses of this trip, air fare, hotel, and meals for four days. I had never heard of CAP before, but they are the auxiliary of the Air Force. If TJ choses to continue in the program, through his high school years, and then goes into the military (Air Force or Coast Guard) he will go in as an E3. A significant pay raise. Meanwhile, he has some excellent opportunities to learn some leadership skills and make friends. It seems to really fit with his personality.

Ladies Bible Study

Monday nights are Ladies Bible Study nights. We have just begun working through Becoming A Woman of Prayer by Cynthia Heald. I am excited to finally be leading a women's study again. The Lord is really leading into a season of intense prayer. He is laying the foundation now with good teaching in the bible study and on Sunday nights with the "When God's People Pray" series by Jim Cymbala. I look forward to what He has in store for us knowing that His plans are good.

Winter's coming

I can see the snow on the mountain tops. We are all fighting off colds. Sure signs that Old Man Winter is on his way. The temps are still reasonably normal during the day, but we have to get the wood burner going at night. The maple tree in our front yard is getting red. Last year, a man stopped in our driveway to ask what kind of tree it was. Most leaves just stay green and drop off here, so the red maple really jumps out at you. I miss the glorious colors of Michigan in the fall. The drive up to Traverse City is one of the most breathtaking sights I have ever seen.
I am amazed at the number of gulls I have seen lately. I must have missed this last year, because I am constantly amazed at how many there are. In the early morning, standing on my front porch I can here the cacophony of their calls down on the water. I wonder if they are getting ready to go south or just finding lots to nibble on down at the mudflats?