Gracie Update

Thank you to those who prayed for Gracie. She had her GI test yesterday in Burlington. Preliminarily, everything "looks normal for her". The doctor said the reason for the slow emptying of her stomach is probably because she has more "loops" than a normal person does. Of course, this is part of her abnormal anatomy and the corrections the surgeries have made. Did y'all see the catholic vote video? If you haven't, watch it-trust me, it IS good. It really puts things into perspective. http://www.catholicvote.com/
I woke up this morning and Abbs walked out of the home office. I was like what are you doing home. First, I thought she must have a migraine, but she didn't look ill. Come to find out, Scout had gotten out and she had to corral him and ended up being too late. That darned electric fence! Well, thankfully, he didn't make it far. We were surprised he even initiated a bust on his own (we separated them and put dixie in a stall in another area and they've been whinnying for each other frantically ever since-sounds like the movie Spirit around here-lol). But, anyway, an extra blessing today, Abbey is home with me and the littles. This makes me happy!
This is kinda funny. Here's the deal, we rarely ever have anything new. You know how it is, trying to make your way on a little. Buying used and keeping for decades. Well, we don't watch a lot of tv, but we do watch movies and the news. Our tv was just about gone! All the connections were worn out and if you wanted to watch a movie you had to literally jiggle the av plug to get the picture and fiddle incessantly with converter to get any sound. It was so frustrating. I have been begging Chris to get a new tv. So, our church gave us a modest monetary gift for Pastor appreciation last week. With that, we bought a tv. It is so great-I love it! It is a rather small one compared to what other people have but I am just enthralled with how thin it is. It is light as a feather and hardly takes up any room. I am now just laughing at our computer which is like a mile deep-it just goes on and on. We really need a new computer but that will probably not be happening any time soon. We try to do everything on this old job. Chris's sermons and studies, the kids schoolwork, research and essays, my computer work. We are doing good if it doesn't shut down on us while we are using it. It has a mind of it's own-lol. But, it is amazing what is out there. Technology is truely amAZing-to me!
Hey, another thought. Adam and Jesse were in class the other day when their teacher mentioned a 'yield sign'. So, my question to you is..."What color is a yield sign? Don't look it up, just answer what you think/know/believe. I'll give you the story next time!
~Lindy

Teaching Reading, Lisping Lips and Almighty God

Do y'all like teaching reading? It is not my favorite thing to do, truth be told, but, it is so rewarding when they 'get it' and start kinda rollin' on their own, with guidance. This is Liberty's year to learn to read. With the others I started at 5 but with her (kinda by default cuz i had so many to teach) I waited until she was 6. I am here to say that, in her case, I am thrilled. Once she crossed the 'phonics threshold' it has been so much easier. I love it- She talks with a little lisp (she would say 'lithp' lol) and she's reading along with her little sweet voice. I have used Rod and Staff to teach all my children to read and I am so happy to say that, so far, each of my children's first officially 'read' word was 'God'. After that first word, within a few days they are reading the story of creation. For the sixth time I am hearing these same words coming out of one of my children's mouths. "God" "God made light." "God made the light." "He made the sky." You know, I have thought about what is the most important thing to begin to teach a new Christian and it seems to me that the most important thing you could give them would be a high view of God. The same is true, in my opinion, about my children. If I can give them anything, I want to give them a high view of God. A humble place from which they can learn all the other truths that surround Him and His plan. "Our God is in heaven, He does as He pleases." As Pastor Chris Agee has said many times "If you didn't exist, what does it mean?" (in response to the thinking about God's truths "what does this mean to you?"). May my kids never presume to 'shake a fist at God'. May they always bow a humble head and raise an expectant face...

Liberty Ann

~Blessings,
Lindy

Well, we're halfway through this week and only one 'crisis' this week yet...lol. On Monday, I received a call from the 'dog control' lady in our town (we are quite familiar with each other as we have an interesting neighbor next door, who loves to call anybody who might be able to fine, reprimand, or change something at our house. We have had the state trooper up here many times, the code inspector and the dog control lady several times-always with the same result...the lady must be crazy). Anyway, back to the point, this time the call had nothing to do with our neighbor. The first question I heard on the other end was "Do you have horses?" You can imagine the groan that began to emerge from deep within-because there is only ONE reason why a horseowner gets asked that question on that manner....Soooo, I say yes and she sets about to describe our horses and tell me where they are (I didn't know they were out because I can't see them up on the hill behind our house-we are in the process of figuring out how to get a round pen up-Abbey needs it for training and we need it and a barn for the horses to be closer and within sight of the house and out of the weather this winter.). So, the horses had been picked up by a fellow horse owner after having spent the night in Gunnisons Apple Orchard feasting on MacIntosh's. Come to find out, this is the second time this lady has been there for us in a crisis time. A couple of years ago I had a small wreck (not my fault, except for maybe a tiny) and it was close to her house and she came out to help. Anyway, so she has horses and is a farrier. She gave up her day of appts. to trailer and corral our horses because at that time noone knew who's they were. So, the dog control lady calls us on a last ditch attempt to find out who owns the horses (she saw our horse trailer at the house as she was going to Ticonderoga). I called Chris, not very happy, because I hate the solar powered electric fence he is convinced works but so far has not been effective at keeping them in. Dixie has, walked it down, and jumped it and most recently ran right through it and busted it down! Anyway, a new plan is in order (it's too bad plans cost money which it means it probably won't come to fruition!). Anyway, I suggested to him (haha) to be home by a certain time when the lady was gonna bring them over. He took off the last period, checked the kids out and they came on home. Abbey and I took off to her house and she followed us home. I guess it turned out kinda good because we got to get to know Heather and her friend Ada (both very talented horse people). We hope to learn some stuff from them. Heather and her horse were 7th in the world for reigning last year! Very impressive! I was very impressed with the way she trailered Scout. Dixie goes on easily but Scout kinda has refused to go on without a fight. He tried to fight her but she was too experienced for him-it only took her 5 minutes to get him on and he just walked on himself, didn't have to be forced on. So this was another good thing that came out of it, we found out Scout will go on without having to be picked up and thrown on! I tried to pay her but she wouldn't take anything. I felt soooo bad that she had given up appts. to care for our horses. Anyway, maybe we can do a favor for her sometime. I don't know if I told you that Abbey works at McDonalds. Well, the whole time we were with the Heather and Ada, they didn't recognize that they had ever seen Abbey before. But, Abbey had to work the day we were with them so while they were here, Abbey came out in her uniform and visor with her hair pulled back and they both lit up and said "OOOOOh now I know who you are!!!" We were, like hahahahaha! They commented on how sweet Abbey was at work and how they weren't used to being told "Thank you, come again!" (which is soooo true-come north and take note at how different the people in fast food and other businesses treat you). Anyway, as always Abbey is precious in everything, even working at McDonalds! Most of y'alls children are younger than mine but I hope your teenagers are as sweet and loving and non-rebellious as ours are. The teen years are different and everyone has to make some adjustments but they don't have to turn out like all the people say when they tell you: "You just wait til they are teenagers..." like they are gonna turn into monsters that you can't control. As with so many things, a good relationship with open communication where a child or teen KNOWS they are loved goes a long way at preventing the common things others seem to go through. I'm not bragging, I'm blessed! But, my teenagers love me so much I can't keep them off me (which I don't want to anyway). They love to hug me, sit on my lap, go places with me, talk to me, spend time with me and they don't talk back to me or scream at me! Thank you Lord for blessing me with my children!

Dixie-the escape instigator...

Scout eating sweet feed out of my hand and licking every speck he can!

Mama and Abbey

So, I had a yard sale on Saturday that has stretched into today and beyond. I'm gonna just keep it going till I get rid of most of the stuff or it starts to rain, whichever comes first...lol. It is really nice to get rid of "stuff". I have found that one of my main titles has become the "stuff manager". And....we have too much "stuff"! So, I'm getting rid of it. I'm giving a bunch of stuff away-people love the free pile! We have 2 out buildings (besides the shop) that used to be efficiency apartments. We call them 'green' and 'brown'. Since we've been here, they have not so efficiently housed out junk. But, I am proud to say that we have cleaned 'green' out! You can walk in there, and actually SEE the Christmas decorations, which will be easy to get to this year. All of our golf clubs are neatly placed and easily accessible. (Chris has always played golf, but maybe you didn't know I had taken it up and I love it-the kids have also started. Of course, we have a good teacher, but everybody has that beautiful Agee swing-it comes harder for me cuz it's not from my side of the family). Anyway, so 'green' is cleaned out-yayyyy!

You know, I've always been a homecookin' kinda girl. I've carried on my Granny's (she's with the Lord, now) famous buttermilk biscuits, and have even begun perfecting her yummy tomato gravy. I've always made my mashed potatoes from real potatoes-a lot of work! With a yummy result. But lately, I've discovered something that has turned my world upside down! Instant mashed potatoes!!!!!! So, if you have never considered this lowly product, I'm gonna give you a tip that may change your mind. Here's my disclaimer-of course, anything made from scratch is a healthier alternative. That said, many of you reading this blog have big familes or busy schedules so there's a place in your life for something quick and easy. So, here's my recipe. I've gotten so good (I know you are impressed) at this I don't measure so just adjust as you need. Walmart brand instant potatoes are the kind I usually buy. I also buy the Walmart chicken broth. So, for 'instance' open 2 cans of chicken broth (obviously the small cans-like 16 oz. or something) and put in a boiler. Add 2-4 tbsp of butter, and however much milk you want-probably about 2-3 cups. Bring to a boil. Make sure it doesn't boil over because you WILL have a mess. Just as it comes to a boil, turn off the heat and take it off the eye. Then add enough flakes to make it the consistency that you prefer. It is easy to add too many and make them too sticky, so watch out, they come out fast. Stir as you add and you can kinda see how they are thickening. Some of this, maybe, most of this, is elementary to you, but just in case you are like me and had never made them until this year, I give detail. I would not add salt as the chicken broth makes it salty enough. Here's how I enjoy mine after they are made. Maybe I'm a little weird, but even the presentation makes them better. I eat mine off of a luncheon sized plate. Add a spoonful of sour cream and some pepper if you like it, and eat with a fork! So yummy!!!! A very good Mommy snack to savor and enjoy during a stolen, quiet moment! Comment and tell me your instant mashed potato stories.

So, yesterday, Abbey wanted to go across the road to the railroad tracks and take pictures. We had so much fun. A huge freight came right after we got down there, so we had to duck into the woods while it roared by. Here are a few pics from our photo session.

It is so nice to have a daughter who is also my best friend. We laugh so hard when we're together. We understand each other and know what each other is thinking before we even say it. I am so blessed to have her as a daughter and a friend. ILY Abbey~

Oh, a few nights ago, I had to rescue a friend of Abbey's from haircolor emergency. Abbey wanted her's highlighted so I did that, too. They both turned out good. I have been wanting to highlight Sam's hair, I just knew it would look great, so I pulled his through the cap and it looks so good. Adam and Jesse wanted their's done, too, so I gave them highlights, too. Guys are so whiny when they get their hair pulled through the cap! haha-ILY boys!

Well, have a great day. I gotta run go, homeschool, clean, and run my yardsale!

xxxooo

Lindy

Hello Peoples!!! I hope you are having a great day! Before I go on with this post, I just want to deal with one issue. In my last post, I dabbled in a little political talk, which I will probably do again. It appears that at least one person may have been offended by it. So, let me clear up for all you Christian Democrats. In no way was I implying that you could not be a Christian and a Democrat at the same time. Nor, was it my intention (nor, in fact, did I) judge anyone's heart. My observations are just that, my observations, and, held by others, also, I might add. I believe everyone is accountable to God for their actions, not to me. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, including me, I hope. No hard feelings!

Okay, that said!

So today, Gracie stayed home from school today because she was supposed to have an appt. with her pediatrician. she's been having some tummy pain. I think it may be scar tissue from her stomach surgeries. For those of you who are just starting to keep up with our family, our 4th child, Gracie, has some severe congenital anomalies of the heart and abdomen. She has what is called Heterotaxy syndrome with asplenia. She has had malrotation of the bowel with 2 obstructions over the years which brought her close to death at least once. She has had 3 heart surgeries (2 of them open heart) and 2 stomach surgeries. She has anaphylaxis to dairy and almost died from that at 9 months (she was resuscitated). As I said she is asplenic, so she takes antibitotics everyday for that. She is a single ventricle and has pulmonary stenosis and a double SVC. She is a completed Fontan now. Last year she became very ill and was septic, again, she almost died and ended up in Boston. God is sooooo gracious and saw her through this trial safely. She has recently been diagnosed with Klippel Fiel Syndrome for which she is supposed to have an increased risk for paralysis and even death. Now, her neurosurgeon has limited the activities that she can participate in, understandably. So, that was the crash course on Gracie, back to her tummy. So, she's been having pain, which I think may be scar tissue and she was supposed to go to the dr. today (so I kept her home) but he didn't come in to the office today. Just a side note, if you see Gracie (and for those of you that know her) you would never guess she has all these issues. She's very tenacious, bright, hardworking and has a smile that will win you over with one glance!


and here she is.....Gracie Lane!!!!!

So, you could keep her in your prayers, please. Samuel Isaac was supposed to go to the doc today for a follow-up for his beestings, but obviously, he won't go either. So, I'll move on with the rest of the day's plan. I'm having a yard-sale, so I'm gonna go set up for that!
Love you All!
Lindy

Thinking today....can you believe we are less than 30 days out from the 2008 presidential election. I really hope the liberal media and polls are wrong when they say Obama is ahead. I was shocked to find out that 2 older ladies at our church are Obama supporters. One said she is supporting Obama because McCain said the war would go on for 100 years. I don't know what he meant but I don't think it was literally that. I'll have to research that. The scary thing is that in order for a Christian to support Obama, you have to ignore his ties to William Ayers and his close association with the shady activity of Acorn...and his position on abortion. Well, people, I hope everyone is vigilant in these unstable days. Please vote!!!! Don't console yourself with the notion that one vote isn't going to make a difference. Everyone only has one vote-and they do count!


Well, I know I have a lot of SAHM's who read my blog so, I want to speak to you today. Today you will do hundreds of seemingly meaningless things-some that you have already done hundreds of times. You have your own way of folding underwear (in fact, if you're like me, it's different for each person, ie. very small underwear are stacked neatly, not even folded...lol). It gets tiresome and old, I know, and some days you wonder what it's all for. Some of you have college degrees and that nagging voice keeps rearing it's head "you could be doing something more....". I think this way, too. But, truth is, there is nothing more important that you could ever undertake to do than to raise children in the fear and admonition of the Lord. I know that you already know this, but...humor me. It's good to be reminded and maybe I'm reminding myself. Let's face it, after you've researched the hard issues (ie. immunizations, schooling, etc.) and taken your stand, then it's mainly (hopefully, although some of us have had more challenging situations) daily maintenance and a lot of mundane work. But, believe me, life does change. Once your oldest gets into the teen years, the face of your family will begin to change. Enjoy these easy years while they are are still small and their issues are small. These are some good times...


ILY


Lindy


ps-Here's a cleaning tip. During a busy week, when you can't keep up with all the housework, if you can't do anything else, keep up the 2 things that pile up-laundry and dishes. It takes the same amount of time to vacuum whether you wait 5 days are whether you do it everyday. On the other hand, if you let the laundry pile up, you will be covered up in it and it will take way more time, same with dishes! Happy Housecleaning!

Speaking of teens.....here is my sweet 16, Abbey!

I love this child soooo much-she is beautiful inside and out!

Ok, so another week begins at the Agee household! This weekend was a blast. Friday night Chris went to a bible study at one of our elder's houses. On Saturday morning, the 'Ladies of Grace' met with the men's Saturday morning bible study crew. The men fixed US breakfast then we had some teaching from Pastor Chris. The ladies discussed the various ministries they are developing and heading up. It is neat to see this. 4 ministries have come out of Ladies if Grace in just 2 months of existence. The Bread Basket, ran by Miss Kitty (a ministry to help first our church members, then others, with food in times of need). Sheltering Arms, ran by Miss Dawn (a ministry to the folks at Lord Howe (a senior housing community where she lives-she has a monthly birthday party and celebration for everyone in the community whose b'day falls in that month). Helping Hands, ran by Miss Laura (this is a ministry which provides meals to church members in times of sickness or other crisis) and the newest ministry Community Care for Christ, ran by Linda D ( a ministry that will give away hats, coats, gloves and mittens to the community for free, starting this month because it has gotten cold already). So, this is very encouraging to see the ladies stepping out and serving.








Saturday afternoon was the first annual wood chopping contest and archery shoot at out house. It was very well attended by Vermonters and New Yorkers. We grilled hot dogs and had a ton of snacks.

This was the teen division! They all gave it their best and did a great job!! Justin Genova won!

Above is the junior division which consisted of Samuel Isaac and Jarod Pike. Sam won the fastest split and Jarod won the least # of hits! Great job boys!!!



This is our curly-headed monster, Judah! He had a ball watching all the splitting and can't wait until he can swing the maul! He's a rascal!



Well, it was a fun day! Thanks everyone who helped make it a special day for all the kids and adults! We capped the weekend off with church, of course. Chris continued his series on America with an exhortation to the people to send the light-put God's Word out there and be salt and light in this decaying society. As we all know, it is never a waste of time to preach and teach the Word. It always has some effect for we know it never goes forth and returns void! What a great comfort and an encouragement to invest in something that is guaranteed to have results (which we will leave to God, Himself, of course)! Well, I hope everyone has a great week. Miss you all and may God Bless all you sweet friends and family!
Lindy