I just want to give a quick update on Miss Alli. :) Tomorrow will be 8 months since we got "the call".... and Wednesday will be 8 months since we have been together! Wow! Time flies... :)
Both Mike and I have been in awe for over 2 weeks about how Miss Alli is doing. She is doing AWESOME!
We have achieved a new high. :)
We have gone through a MAJOR holiday time, and she didn't even react at all. She looked forward to how we celebrated it, and enjoyed the entire week, and embraced her family. :)
What an awesome thing to be able to say!
This little girl has accomplished so many new high water marks. :)
I am so proud of her.
Tonight, we were ready to watch the Martin Luther movie and Alli has kitchen duty.
I was helping her, and she said, "It's ok mom. I've got it!
And then I said, "You know what? I think you should go and enjoy the movie. I'd like to finish up for you!"
There was a big hug and she let me love on her, by finishing up.
WOW.... We are so blessed. :)
A Thought

Prayer Quote
“I pray because I can't help myself. I pray because I'm helpless. I pray because the need flows out of me all the time- waking and sleeping. It doesn't change God- it changes me.”
― C. S. Lewis
― C. S. Lewis

Monday, October 31, 2011
The Magic of Phonics
Alli could barely read when she came home to us 8 months ago. She guessed everything, and I have no idea how she was able to do any kind of schooling.
I started her on her phonics book in August. It took her a while to master the long vowel and short vowel sounds. She has since mastered them and is learning the blends, including what the sound is for oo, oa, ee, ea, etc. She has been doing really well.
I was taking a video and daddy interrupted without knowing, which I think broke her concentration a little bit, but she held it together and did really well.
It is harder than it looks to quickly go through words that change from long to short, short to long and mix things up. Her reading in regular books has REALLY improved by doing these exercises over and over.
This book is a reprint of Noah Webster's Handbook for Learning. She really likes it too, and that helps. :)
I started her on her phonics book in August. It took her a while to master the long vowel and short vowel sounds. She has since mastered them and is learning the blends, including what the sound is for oo, oa, ee, ea, etc. She has been doing really well.
I was taking a video and daddy interrupted without knowing, which I think broke her concentration a little bit, but she held it together and did really well.
It is harder than it looks to quickly go through words that change from long to short, short to long and mix things up. Her reading in regular books has REALLY improved by doing these exercises over and over.
This book is a reprint of Noah Webster's Handbook for Learning. She really likes it too, and that helps. :)
A VERY Descriptive Song
It is like the theme song for the hurting child. I never saw the song that way..... but wow. How powerful!
This song perfectly describes the hurting child. The child labeled RAD.
Thank you JJ for sharing this with me. :)
Happy Reformation Day!
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Friday, October 28, 2011
It's Ya-Ya Time! :)
Christopher was sick, so Em's brought Ilse and Joey over so she could take Chris to the Dr. I am getting some serious Ya-Ya time in. :)
Small Miracles
I woke up to the sounds and events of the morning routine, and praised the Lord for each and every step he has guided us through in our lives.
Our morning starts with:
Sarah grinding coffee and getting it ready for the family.
Alli coming onto our bed to pray with us and snuggle for a few minutes.
Sarah coming in to say good morning and give us each a kiss and then waiting for us
to say the word "Yes".... the question is unspoken. (May I use the computer)
Alli then gets up and daddy gets ready for work.
I go in and put my hand on Anna's shoulder and whisper "Good morning sweetie. I love you."
I kiss Erika on the forehead and whisper I love you's.
Then, I go in and start breakfast. Today we had sausage and eggs.
Erika comes out of the room and daddy tightens her legs. That is a routine that is etched in stone. LOL She gets lingering hugs from both of us and I finish cooking our meal.
Everybody chatters away, laughs and finishes their short stint on the computer.
The chickens are let out, laundry is sorted, the trash is taken out, everybody gets dressed and
daddy walks out the door. We all sit down for a small devotion... and that is how each day starts.
This was typical for each day all these years, minus one person. Miss Alli.
And then, nearly 8 months ago, Alli came home. Our morning routine changed drastically.
Alli did not come in for snuggles. She did not pray. She did not want to eat, and she did not want to join in on the morning routine. There was a lot of accusation and yelling from one hurt little girl. She changed our routine for a while. :) We had to bend and break out of our own mold, so that she could find the door to enter in.
It was sort of like bringing a new baby into the house. You have to get used to the new routine or no routine for a while. It isn't always pleasant.
In fact, there were days of exhaustion and later than normal bedtimes. Sarah sometimes would sleep in late and Mike and I would grind our coffee as quietly as we could so nobody would wake up... just so we could have a moment before the day began.
Alli was really trying, but didn't have the life tools to know what to do. We knew she was trying. We could see it on her face. I am so glad for Mike's insights into her. We slowly guided her into a new routine over the months and things improved one day at a time. 3 steps forward, 2 steps back. 3 steps forward, 2 steps back.... and then 10 steps forward. 7 steps back. :) You get the picture. :)
There were trust issues, OF COURSE THERE WERE! She had no reason to trust us. She needed to see us in action. She also
Mike and I have prayed a lot of extra during this transition time. We prayed for the girls who were missing their routine and for Miss Alli, who didn't know what she was missing.
I remember telling her... "You are no longer a visitor! You are a part of us! You are a Minich!"
And then slowly.... she started to turn a corner. We could see it... I don't know if she could or not.
She was like a person afraid of the water. She would dip her toe in and stand on the side, satisfied with the idea of the water, satisfied with the wet toe, but too afraid to jump in and immerse herself. We knew, if she would just enter in, she would love it. But much of the time she would shrink back in doubt and fear.
But there is something different going on now. It has been moving in this direction all along. It is just easier to see now.
Instead of hours to work through something, it takes minutes. Instead of us seeking her out, she seeks us out. Instead of us initiating prayer time, she does. Her joy is joyful, without holding back. Her play is fun, without nervously controlling.
Her meal times are pleasant, without demand and her bedtimes are peaceful without harsh words.
Her relationships are strengthening and I even heard her talk about "when I'm older, I'm going to..." and "Next year, we can...." Those words are words of joy to me. She isn't thinking she will be somewhere else anymore. She knows she is home. Our home. HER HOME!
We have seen her transfom and in the process, we have been transformed too. Each of us, in a new way, has reached out harder and deeper and we have each grown in our relationships.
The Lord knew that we needed some transformation too... so he put us all together. :)
This morning.... when I heard the coffee grinder go off.... and I heard the patter of feet coming down the hall to wake us, and I heard the I love you's and we were all up and in our own little family routine once again... just as before... except with Miss Alli fully engaged, happy and entering in...... I praised the Lord a little extra. :)
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Daddy and Sarah
All dressed up to go out for a special time. :) She was so excited. Can't wait to hear where they went when they get back. He suggested Home Depot. You should have seen her face! LOL
Silly Daddy. :)
I think she had a great time! :)
They went to our little down town area and had fish, went to Sarah's favorite store ShoeMaker and Hardt, and then got a popsicle. :) I love it that Mike takes the girls out periodically. They cherish the time, and memories are being built that will last a lifetime. :)
Silly Daddy. :)
I think she had a great time! :)
They went to our little down town area and had fish, went to Sarah's favorite store ShoeMaker and Hardt, and then got a popsicle. :) I love it that Mike takes the girls out periodically. They cherish the time, and memories are being built that will last a lifetime. :)
A Picture for Alli
I have written a few times about Alli's trouble distinguishing "Roman Numerals" and "Ramen Noodles".
One of our readers very sweetly sent this picture our way. :) Alli thought it was REALLY funny. :)
Thank you Claire. :)
One of our readers very sweetly sent this picture our way. :) Alli thought it was REALLY funny. :)
Thank you Claire. :)
Alli's Math Funnies
Alli is so funny. She has confused "Roman Numerals" with "Ramen Noodles" several times.... But today, her lesson was, Write numerals for these words.
One and two thirds....
She said, "Mama, I have no idea how to write a roman numeral for 2/3! LOL
"Did it say write Roman Numerals? Or did it say write "Numerals"?
"Numerals".
She was very relieved! LOL
One and two thirds....
She said, "Mama, I have no idea how to write a roman numeral for 2/3! LOL
"Did it say write Roman Numerals? Or did it say write "Numerals"?
"Numerals".
She was very relieved! LOL
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Visiting Cows
The property behind us, used to be part of this property, but the owner sold it separately. :( So, we have cow visitors now and then. Somebody leases it for pasture land. :)
Today, we had two visitors. They have been known to stroll on through, but we put a chain fence up to keep them out. I'm not sure if this guy is going to honor that chain fence! :)
Alli was feeding him a pear. They love to eat the pears off of the tree. :)
Today, we had two visitors. They have been known to stroll on through, but we put a chain fence up to keep them out. I'm not sure if this guy is going to honor that chain fence! :)
Alli was feeding him a pear. They love to eat the pears off of the tree. :)
History Diorama
I posted earlier about Erika doing the background for the diorama. They all finished today! I think they did a pretty good job. :)
History
The girls are working hard on the diorama. Erika is in charge of the back ground.
Next will be the little house, wagon, and other fun things. :)
Next will be the little house, wagon, and other fun things. :)
The Difference of TRUE FARM FRESH
I never knew there was a difference in eggs or how they tasted until we started raising chickens in 1998.
But just to show a real difference. Here is a picture of a store bought ORGANIC FREE RANGE egg, vs. Our homegrown, ORGANIC FREE RANGE egg. Guess which one is ours!
If you guessed the one on the right, you are correct. Maybe we just have more bugs and worms to choose from ??
But just to show a real difference. Here is a picture of a store bought ORGANIC FREE RANGE egg, vs. Our homegrown, ORGANIC FREE RANGE egg. Guess which one is ours!
The Thrill of a Big Sister
Alli is a little sister. She loves being the littlest. I have been enjoyed watching each of the girls take their roles in the family. Anna, has especially enjoyed giving her little sister attention lately. Today, she thrilled her by giving her a cut out in her bologna. :) And then, she spent time with her playing old fashioned days again. :)
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Look What Happens When You Study HIstory!
They got into the trunk of costumes and pretended to be colonial girls! Scrub bucket and all! YEA!
Even the baby doll is dressed up.
We should study colonial times more often! :)
Even the baby doll is dressed up.
We should study colonial times more often! :)
Labels:
Alli,
Anna,
Erika,
family life,
Home Education,
Sarah
Baby Chick Sounds and The Kitty
Apparently the new chick is an issue for Mr. Kitty. :) He has been STARING in that cage all day long and purring. NO! She is NOT your lunch!
Em's and the babies
Monday, October 24, 2011
A Visit at the Hospital
I wrote about Catherine and her girls here. Today, was Francesca's surgery. It was a big one. So the girls and I , and our friend's daughter Marion packed up and went to sit with Catherine while Francesca has surgery. I remember when Tim had surgery. I sat alone for 9 plus hours during the surgery. I hate to think of somebody sitting alone. :(
THIS TIME..... I remembered the camera. :)
Anna and her friend Marion studied fossils.
Sarah and Alli had fun on the paint spots.
Erika enjoyed crocheting.
They all wound up resting on this couch.
And this is Catherine and me, resting on a giant caterpillar.
I really enjoyed meeting Catherine and talking about her wonderful family. :) Pray for Francesca as she will be in ICU for now, and for Victoria's surgery tomorrow.
THIS TIME..... I remembered the camera. :)
Anna and her friend Marion studied fossils.
Sarah and Alli had fun on the paint spots.
Erika enjoyed crocheting.
They all wound up resting on this couch.
And this is Catherine and me, resting on a giant caterpillar.
I really enjoyed meeting Catherine and talking about her wonderful family. :) Pray for Francesca as she will be in ICU for now, and for Victoria's surgery tomorrow.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
More Pictures of the New Baby Chick
We moved her to the dog kennel to protect the baby from falling out of the nest. Little chicks can get into all sorts of trouble! LOL
It is hard to believe a little chick fan fit into an egg like that.
Here she is resting on mama.
The cat is VERY amused! LOL The chicken growls at him everytime she sees him. :)
NEW LIFE!
Well, one little Chick has arrived. We were walking out to go to church, and I checked to see.... and there she was! :) 3 to go!
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Saturday Fun
The girls decided to play soccer after their chores today. Having 4 girls makes for teams!
and .... WATCH Miss Erika kick that ball! Not bad for a double amputee with arthrogryposis! :)
and .... WATCH Miss Erika kick that ball! Not bad for a double amputee with arthrogryposis! :)
Labels:
Alli,
amputee,
Anna,
Arthrogryposis,
Erika,
family life,
Sarah
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