Public Service Announcement

I had a bunch of errands to run yesterday, one of which was to pick up a thermometer for Boo's science experiment this week. So I decided to do my own little experiment, because it was HOT yesterday. 

This first picture is when I got the thermometer out to the car. I wanted to make sure I could take a picture of the red fluid, and I wanted a picture before the thermometer got too hot. 

This second picture was after I left the thermometer on the seat and went inside for about 15-20 minutes. 

You can tell it was really getting warm. The other thing to note is that I had the windows down about 4-6 inches. 

This next picture is from when I went into the grocery store for about 45 minutes. I left the thermometer in the window. 

So here's the PSA. Do not leave your child in a vehicle. It gets hot. Do whatever it takes to keep your children safe. 

And if you see a child in a car alone, call 911 and report it immediately. 

Off my soapbox now. 

Hugs,

Melinda

Ford Driving Skills

Today, Boo and I got to participate in the Ford Driving Skills for Life program. It's for newly licensed (or permit) drivers, and it teaches them some different skills for when they are driving.

One thing they emphasize is the dangers of distracted driving. They have the kids get behind the wheel and then try to send a text message. Here is Boo's text:   Hi i'm busy driving. Let of stop before i fail

Here's mine:  Y turn. This I isn't easy don't do it. P

They also got to try the "drunk" goggles, and they got to try to drive with them. Boo assures me that if that's what it's like, she will never get drunk.

The ever so fashionable goggles. 

Trying to kick the cone. 

They also got to do hazard avoidance, and pulling out of a skid. Its hard to make yourself spin out of control if you are used to being so careful. 

We had a good time, and I think she learned a lot. Now to get in the 40 hours of driving practice! 

Hugs,

Melinda

FMF: Change

It's been awhile since I've participated in Five Minute Friday.  It's moved from Lisa Jo's website to Kate's.  The rules are still the same, though.  Write for 5 minutes, no editing allowed.  Link up with your post, and visit the person ahead of you to encourage them in their writing.  (And if you're really nice, two or three people.)  Today's word is Change. 

GO:

Change.  Life is about to change again.  My daddy is so very sick, and I'm scared of the change that looms before us.

Although, in one respect, it will be okay.  A caterpillar has to change before it becomes a butterfly and flies away.  But a seed has to die before it can grow.  I remember reading that in the Bible before my momma passed away.  It brought me so much joy to know that her earthly "kernel" was going to go away, and that it would be replaced with such beauty as she has ever known.  (I Corinthians 15:35-49)

I guess I can be brave then.  My daddy's body is going through the same type of change.  His "kernel" is fading, has been fading for a long time now.  It's been such a blessing to have him as long as we have.  Most transplants don't make it to the 10 year mark, and he's lasted to 14.  It's been amazing.

And I've grown up and changed in that time.  Matured, as they might say.  I'm less selfish, less sure of myself, and yet more confident in God.  I believe that when we die, we will be changed in the twinkling of an eye.  (Is that in the Bible too?  I can't remember.)

So, maybe change isn't something to be scared of, but rather something that will bring glory to God.

STOP.

Hugs,
Melinda

Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. I Corinthians 15:51-52 

The Library

We went to the library yesterday. We love it. It has always been one of the best "field trips." When we first started homeschooling, our library had a group called "Discovery Club," that met twice a month. It was for homeschoolers. There was a whole range of topics, from Native Americans to manners.

Then a whole bunch of things happened, and now the "Homeschoolers at the Library" meets once a month. 

But that's not the reason for this post. We went to the library yesterday and ran into our favorite librarian, Ms. Jean. She has been there from the start of our homeschool journey, and along the way, she has become a friend. I hope everyone has a favorite librarian. 

Hugs,

Melinda

P.S. Our library system actually just won a national award. It's pretty awesome.  Also, I'm sorry for the blurry picture. 

Realizations

I came to some realizations tonight while I was walking. I walk the 1+ mile loop while Boo is at cross country practice. I realized some things about myself that I am sharing here. (Brave, I know.)

1) I am overweight because I like to eat food. Especially junk food. 

2) I am out of shape. Thank you, shin splints!

3) I miss running! Weird, right? But I do. 

4) I am about ready to do whatever it takes to start running again. I felt healthier when I was running. I want to get back into it. 

So that's what I realized on my walk. Now to figure out what to do about it. 

Hugs,

Melinda. 

Life

We have had a lot of life happen this summer. There are days I wonder if it will ever stop. And then I remember "nope." I'm in this life for the long haul.

The summer started with Boo going to camp for the first time in several years. We were both a little nervous considering how the last camp had gone. But I shouldn't have worried. She did fabulous. 

Then Boo and Little Bit went with Nonnie on a whirlwind trip through Louisiana and Texas, while I went to summer camp to take pictures. (I had a blast, by the way.) 

I was apart from my girls for 3 weeks, and I missed them. 

The other part of life is my dad. His health is getting worse. There's no easy way to say it. Diabetes is awful. But I haven't been able to go see him since May. 

We went to Potosi, Missouri to meet with a dog trainer who has helped us with our dogs. We were being too easy on them. We rearranged the living room so their kennels are side by side. 

We had VBS, and for the first time, I was a teacher. Well, co-teacher with my friend Peggy Rush. It was so much fun. I can't wait to do it again. I think 5th and 6th grade might be a good age for me. 

I was supposed to go see my dad right after VBS. But Little Bit, Boo, and I all got sick with a summer cold. I didn't feel right taking that to my dad. So I called and said we needed to wait one week before coming. 

In that week, the dryer stopped heating, the plumbing started backing up, the lawn mower didn't want to work, Boo got sting by a yellow jacket (nasty creatures), I got a collection notice from an office that has sent me exactly 2 bills, a parking ticket, and oh yeah. The roof started leaking. It's evident because of the sagging paint in the girls' room. 

We've had a lot of life. But that's okay. Because through it all, I know that my husband loves me, my children love me, and most importantly, God loves me. 

And I love Him. What else could I do?

Hugs,

Melinda

PS. I would add pictures, but I am now too tired.  I'll try to be more consistent on posting.  With pictures.  Goodnight.

My poor little neglected blog.

It's been so long! I promise I'll be back soon. Like tonight. Well later tonight.