| Page 133

Vacation Journal: Part Two

Valerie Basham

August 14, 2008

On Friday, July 25, Melanie and I took the older kids to the SciWorks Museum in Winston-Salem. Terry stayed at Melanie’s house with Laci.Walter slept that day because he is on third shift at the plant he works at. Originally, Leslie was supposed to stay home too, but she asked so sweetly about going that I said she could go too. Melanie bought us lunch at McDonald’s and brought it over to the museum so we could eat in the cafeteria at SciWorks. McDonald’s put our food in the world’s largest McDonald’s bag! I should’ve taken a picture! You wouldn’t believe it! Others in the cafeteria were staring at our huge McDonald’s bag. I kid you not. While I was eating, I sat and looked at that bag and got so tickled I could barely eat. But only for a minute or two. I don’t let much stand in the way of me and a cheeseburger, even an enormous McDonald’s bag.
The kids had a great time. FINALLY, here are some photos! :]

I just love these pictures! My three little astronauts!

Leslie enjoyed the golf. She and Stephen and Mitchell also loved the play room. They had a toy cash register and small groceries. They played there a long time.

Don’t let it eat you!

Whew. I’m glad I have a strong nephew and daughter! That was close!

Here we are in the planetarium waiting on the show, which was so interesting, by the way. The man let everyone hold a meteorite.

One thing Lauren couldn’t wait to do at Aunt Melanie’s was ride the boy’s go-cart. She had so much fun…and so did a few other people! :]

“Can I please have a turn, Dad?”

“Thanks!”

Even Terry got a turn on the go-cart. No, I didn’t give it a whirl. Though I seriously considered it.

Well, I better get started on the day. Thanks for stopping by…there’s more to come!

Our Vacation Journal: Part One

Valerie Basham

2 comments

August 12, 2008

Day One July 21: Destination: Knoxville, Tennessee. We cheered when we crossed into Tennessee.We arrived in Knoxville at 8:00 PM, and were exhausted. We had planned to stop on the east side of Knoxville to put us a little closer when we left town. But we couldn’t go on.We stopped on the edge of the west side. We were hungry and so tired of sitting. We had driven about ten hours that day. We ate at Shoney’s where the server shared some interesting information with us, that caused us to rejoice. She said that a storm had just blown through earlier (we had missed all of that, praise the Lord) and that a huge power line had fallen down on the East side of Knoxville on I-40 stopping the traffic. We thanked the Lord that He had led us off of the Interstate when he did. We missed the rain, and the traffic jam.
Day Two July 22: Destination: Winston-Salem, NC. We head out for the remaining four hour journey at 9:00. The day held a lot of twists and turns as we passed through the edge of the Smokey Mountains, which were gorgeous. We got way too close to some eighteen wheelers, but the Lord kept us safe. Our kids loved the two tunnels we passed through. We finally cheer as we cross into North Carolina! Melanie, Andy [Griffith], here I come! We got to Melanie’s house around 2:00 that afternoon. Her house is so beautiful! I can’t believe it, but I didn’t take any pictures that first day, or the second. I guess we were focused on getting there, and then resting.
Day Three July 23: Terry was scheduled to preach for our friend, Pastor Ben Graham. Terry and I have known him most of our lives. His Dad, Ken Graham, has been my home pastor for over 20 years. We drove two hours to York, SC with Leslie and Laci. Lauren and Mitchell went to church with Melanie and her boys at Gospel Light. My kids were eager to attend Master Clubs, even if it was only for one time. They had a blast! We enjoyed seeing Ben’s family. His wife, Candace is very sweet and his boys are adorable. They were kind enough to show us around the property – which is very impressive – and to go out to eat with us. We had a great time laughing and talking over old times. We later went to their home and visited until…uhhum…1:00AM. I told you, they are very nice people! Once again, my camera is MIA. Camera? Yoohoo! Where are you??
Day Four July 24: Travel back to Winston-Salem from York, SC. Then, we played kickball with the kids, ate and sat on Melanie’s wonderful screened in porch and relaxed. As I sat there, I felt like I was on an episode of The Andy Griffith Show. Have I told you how I love that show? NO?? Well, let me tell you, I do!
More to come later…and I promise, I do have some pictures! I have to stay in order though! ;]

We Survived the First Day

Valerie Basham

1 comment

August 12, 2008

Man…am I tired. We had a very good, but very exhausting first day. Terry felt ill this morning. We thought he was getting the flu. After I forced him (okay, I exaggerate slightly) to take some ibuprofen, he did feel better. I’d like to publicly thank the Lord that he does not, I repeat, does not have the flu!!
We got started at about 8:30 and worked until 10:30, when we took a short break. We then continued on until 11:30. We had everything done by lunch except for Lauren’s history. I was pleased but tired. And did I mention I was thirsty? Tired and so thirsty. Anyway, after lunch we finished up history, then I did laundry. I made a grocery list and went shopping. I went to a new store and got sooo much food for so little money. If you don’t have an Aldi – which is the all time best money saving store – then I hope you have a Super One Foods. Great tasting generics, great savings and great specials. The only draw back is bagging your own groceries. At Aldi, you can take your cart over to a counter and bag at your leisure. At Super One, you’re right there by the cashier and bagging with other customers breathing down your neck. It was a little uncomfortable. After loading them in the van, unloading them and putting them all away, it was time to cook! yay. Did that lack enthusiasm? Good, it was supposed to. I don’t LOVE cooking, but I can tolerate cooking. But it’s really hard when you’re mentally tired and physically exhausted. I made oven fried pork chops. Even my kids liked them! I also made a fruit salad for dessert, and they liked it too!
While at Super One I stocked up on frozen bone-in chicken breasts which I got for $.77 a pound. I bought four packages. I got the pork chops on sale for $1.17 a pound. I was one happy tired shopper.
Oh, and another blessing to share, and then I promise to put an amen to it all! Maybe. :] A very generous, sweet, wonderful man in our church bought us a freezer!!! I am now able to take full advantage of those wonderful specials at Super One. Thank you, Bro. Bobby! And, I’m really sorry for bursting in on your Sunday School class last week. :]
After all that food, it was time to clean up, bathe kids, mop the floor, and you get the idea. Work. And now, my fine and wonderful cyber friends, now that I’ve bored you out of your skull, I will retire for some much needed rest.
I’m sure you will sleep better now too. Now that I’ve already put you to sleep.
I bid you adieu as my Dad used to do in his oh-so-poetic manner.
“Goodnight, sleep tight, and don’t let the bed bugs bite.”

PS The time stamp on this post is wrong….it’s really 9:55 PM. Just wanted to clarify lest you think I’m some freak who goes to bed while it’s still daylight. (Oh, you already think I’m a freak? Well, at least you know that I don’t go to bed while it’s still daylight. That part we’re clear on!) :]

School Starts Tomorrow!!

Valerie Basham

3 comments

August 11, 2008

Saturday afternoon Lauren and I made our way over to Texarkana to get her some dress shoes and…to look at an educational supply store. I know. I’m weird. But I have told you that before, so please, no criticism. Thank you.
Anyway, we got some pencils for rewards for good handwriting. You know, the glittery kind. I got some cut outs for decorations on my “Star Students” board. I’m so imaginative! I got some star cut outs for that! Creative, huh? I was looking for window clings, I just LOVE window clings, but they didn’t have any. I also bought a Webster dictionary for the intermediate grades. It’s not huge, it’s hard back, and it stays open while you’re working. Oh, and it was under $20, so I bought it. I’ve been looking for a good, but not great, dictionary for some time. They were either enourmous and cost $50, or they were tiny and paperback. This one fit perfectly in the “happy medium” category.
On the way home, we were talking about our new school year. One change we’ve made – that I haven’t told too many people about – is that we are not doing the DVDs for Lauren this year! I’m going to teach fourth grade myself!!!! I hope we can manage it! As I see the year ahead of me, I’m a little nervous about it that’s for sure! There are so many things I will need to balance. But that’s another subject! As we talked about the year, we decided we should make up a motto for each of our subjects to sort of “inspire” us as the year went by. This is what we came up with. We wanted them to all rhyme. I thought they were cute. I hope you like them.
Here are the ones Lauren thought of:
Reading: “Read for Speed!”
Arithmetic: “Don’t pay the bills, just do the drills”
Spelling” “Spelling is propelling”
Science: (We have two for science that are about specific areas of study for this year.) #1 “I love bugs, and they don’t do drugs.” (What a relief! I’d hate for my daughter to spend time with dope head bugs!) #2 “Outer space is the perfect place.”
Here are the ones I thought of that Lauren liked:
History: “We travel back through the ages in our History pages.”
Language: “We’re striving to pass our Language class.”

We are really excited about school. For second and third grades Lauren got to sort of experience what attending regular classes was like by doing the DVD school. This year, we are looking forward to moving more quickly, because we won’t have to wait on 24 other kids to finish.
I am going into this school year on my knees! I need God’s help to get it all done, and to be the right example for my children- even during those tense moments that will most assuredly come. If I had to sum up our reason for homeschooling in one sentence, it would be the following: We homeschool so that our children will grow to love the Lord. That is truly the desire of our hearts. You can accomplish this regardless of what method of schooling you use. We choose this one for our family, but we realize it isn’t what’s best for every family. I hope I never come across as “down on” other educational methods. I love them all because I’ve been exposed to them all. I know the pros and cons of public school – my Mother worked there, and sometimes if felt like we all worked there! I know the benefits and draw backs to Christian school, I did that until 10th grade. I know the pluses and minuses of homeschooling. I was homeschooled from grades 10-12, and I’ve homeschooled my children for five years. As parents, we make the difference regardless of what method of schooling we choose. We are our children’s main teacher.
Whatever method of schooling you choose, whether public, private, or homeschool, I hope and pray you have a wonderful year of seeing your children love the Lord, and love learning, more than ever before!

Happy Birthday, Stephen!

Valerie Basham

1 comment

August 9, 2008

I want to wish my nephew, Stephen Pledger, a happy 5th birthday today! We just got to visit him and his family in North Carolina for our vacation. I can’t believe you’re really FIVE!!! Here are some recent photos of the birthday boy, and a few friends.

Stephen and Leslie having fun. Look at Stephen’s sweet smile! Oooo, and notice Leslie’s black feet…she’s fitting in here in Arkansas just fine! She never wears shoes! I guess North Carolinians are similar because no one said anything. Or maybe they were just silently appalled. :]
Here’s Andrew, Laci and Stephen. Stephen sure did love Laci! He loved playing with her and kissing her!

On Saturday, July 26th, he broke his leg while jumping on the trampoline. :[ He has to wear the cast above for another week, and then a smaller cast for three more weeks after that.

Stephen, I hope you have a wonderful birthday! I hope that cast isn’t bothering you too much!

We love you and miss you!!!

Mitchell Is Six

Valerie Basham

2 comments

August 8, 2008

Today is Mitchell’s birthday! I can’t believe how quickly the time goes by. I know it’s zipping along, but it still surprises me for some reason! I see my children every day, so the changes are gradual. As I look at the photos of days gone by, I can see how much they have changed!

Here’s a look back at Mitch:

In Texas, age three. I see architecture in his future! See how that tower leans, but doesn’t fall? Don’t you think that’s talent? No? Oh. Must be the Mom in me! :]

Weeks after moving into our home in Burnet, he’s already looking like a Texan, and working hard!

My Hero!

Here’s his second birthday. He has a deep cut on his head, and we don’t know how he did it. He had to wear steri-strips for a while.

Age two, in Lawrence, Kansas…and in the dryer!

Here’s my big guy at our house in Topeka at 18 mos. Okay. I may start tearing up now. See his new stick? We try to give our kids the lastest and newest items to play with. We go all out.
“No, that’s a little too much water for me.” Mitchell at the beach in Florida, April 2004.
Here’s Mitch at age three again. He made himself a nice new bed! I told you that we go all out in our family! I guess now you believe me!

Here’s Mitch on Pilot Mountain in North Carolina two weeks ago.

Here’s Mitch at the pump at Helen Keller’s home in Tuscumbia, Alabama two weeks ago. I’ll be posting more about our trip later. I just wanted to share this photo. He sure does look six, doesn’t he? Why do kids hafta grow up, anyway? *sigh*

Mitchell is full of energy and such a joy to be around. This morning I asked him if he felt ready for first grade. He said “Oh Mother, do we start first grade tomorrow?” I hope he is just as eager when we do begin!

He got saved on May 25th. I had the privilege of leading him to Jesus. I am praying that he truly understood…he’s got a very active mind, and I wonder if his concentration was with me while I was talking to him. If not, I pray God keeps his heart tender till the time is right.

I must share one more story and I promise I’ll stop! Maybe. :]

Mitchell turned two shortly after my Dad went to Heaven. One day not long after his birthday, I sat on my bed crying uncontrollably over the loss of my Dad. It would sweep over me at all different times. Terry worked long, hard hours. I was lonely and distraught. I turned to the Lord many times and could only cry – no words would come – but the Lord knew. Mitchell came to me that day and saw me crying. He couldn’t talk much then, but he did something I’ll never forget. He went over to where Terry kept his handkerchiefs and opened the drawer. He pulled out a white handkerchief and handed it to me. I didn’t know he even knew where we kept the handkerchiefs. The Lord used my little Mitchell to comfort me. Mitchell has kept that tender heart. He cries so easily, and he loves so strongly. He is very observant, and very friendly!

I thank the Lord for my only boy, Mitchell Lee Basham. I pray that He will grow up to be and do just what the Lord wants.

Happy Birthday, Mitch! We love you!

Why I Homeschool

Valerie Basham

3 comments

August 7, 2008

I know, I know. I have a thousand photos to upload and lots to post about our trip, but I can’t rid myself of the desire to begin homeschooling! I love it…most of the time! I do have days when I’d rather eat raw meat than homeschool. Okay, that’s stretching it a bit, but you know what I mean. Most days, I look forward to seeing what they will be learning and what I’ll be learning! :] So, in that “back to school” spirit, I thought I share why I homeschool.
1. I homeschool because my husband said I could. (I love that man.) We wanted our children to be in a school where the Bible was the core of the curriculum, but a Christian school can do that very well. I asked my husband if we could homeschool, because I really, really wanted to, and he said “yes”!
2. I homeschool because I love being around my children doing something constructive. I don’t love to be around them when none of us have anything to do, like when we were trapped in a van for 12 hours for two days in a row. Yep, that was our trip home. Or when we all need a nap. Yes, I said “we”. I do, however, like it when we are all working on something: art, reading, writing, ‘rithmatic. You get the idea.
3. I homeschool because it’s cheaper than Christian school, and I really love their teacher. (BIG SMILE!) Oh, that’s me! :]
4. I homeschool because we can be flexible. We can start, pause or quit altogether, if necessary, without any one’s permission. I am very disciplined about school, but it’s nice to know that if we all get the stomach flu, we can take a break and then resume when everyone is well again. No make up work! We can attend preacher’s meetings or visit family or whatever. I can take spring break in March or May! It’s up to me, er, I mean us! ;]
5. I homeschool because it isn’t the books that influence my children as much as it is the people. (Okay, Terry said that. I confess. I stole his line. But it’s so true!)My Mom was a public school teacher/principal my entire life. She was a good influence on her kids, in fact, they all adore her to this very day! But, not all public school teachers are thus. This is mostly a concern during those exciting junior high-teen years. Teachers can have a great impact for good, or bad. I want it to be for good. So, I chose me. Not that I’m always good, but I try to be…never mind. You know what I mean, don’t you?
6. I homeschool because I love to teach, and no Christian school in their right mind would ever hire me. Just kidding. I mean, I do love to teach, and there may be a school of twelve somewhere who would hire me, but I’m not even sure of that. After all, I hold no teaching degree- although I did help my Mom study for her Principal’s certification. Hmmm. That might count for something. What do you think, Mom? Mom? Are you there? Oh, no she isn’t. She’s in Florida. I’ll have to ask her about that later. But you get the point. By homeschooling, I get to teach!!! It’s great. In my next life, I’m going to go to UCA (my parents went there!)and then teach, just like my Mom!
7. By homeschooling I don’t have to get my kids off to school. We eat breakfast, have devotions, get dressed and then I say “You guys go the school room.”
8. Lastly, I love to homeschool because I seriously cannot bear the thought of my kids going an entire day without my knowing what they’re doing, learning, saying, and thinking. I may be a little obsessive…okay I’m a lot obsessive. I know they will have to leave someday, and it will be sooner than I realize. And don’t worry, I’ll let them go! But until then, I want to be around them. I really love my kids.

So what’s your story?
Do you homeschool? If so, why? Were you ever homeschooled? Whatever your thoughts, I’d love to hear them!

Home Sweet Home- and a little help please

Valerie Basham

4 comments

August 4, 2008

Hello everyone! We are finally home from our wonderful two week vacation to see my sister and family in North Carolina. I got to meet some sweet friends of my sister’s, Angie and Wendy. I got to go to Mt. Airy, North Carolina – Andy Griffith’s hometown. We got to see some friends of ours, Ben and Candace Graham in South Carolina. We also stopped by to visit some friends, the Collins family, in Knoxville, Tennessee. They gave us a tour of the church and college as Bro. Collins is on the faculty of Crown College. We first met them in Kansas. They are such sweet people. We also got to attend some of the Sword of the Lord conference, and wow, that was amazing. The preaching was so strong and convicting. Bro. Bobby Roberson is such a humble man, and Clarence Sexton is eloquent and very kind as well. But I better stop myself, or I’ll give away the details of future posts!
We spent hours visiting with my sister and brother-in-law, who so graciously allowed us to stay with them – making the entire visit possible. It was all so wonderful. I hope to be posting photos and more details soon.
In the meantime, I need some help. Can you all email or comment here and tell me what your favorite online recipe sources are? Or, hey, you could just send me your favorite easy recipes! Oh, and I need recipes that are quick fixin’ and good. No problem, right? :] Well, if you have any favorites, pleeeeeease let me know. I need a change. An easy change. Also, Wendy, where did you get the five ingredient recipe book that you gave Melanie? It looked great!
Thanks for your help everyone! I’m off to buy groceries. No wonder food is on my mind!

Till next time~

Valerie

I Miss You, Dad

Valerie Basham

4 comments

July 29, 2008

Four years ago today, my Dad and “partner”, Ron Courtney, went home to be with the Lord. I remember thinking after his death that the purpose for which he had lived his life was now a reality. It was no longer something he lived for, but something he had lived for. I remember seeing his Bible and glasses just where he left them. He would no longer need those items, for now he was with the Author and his vision is perfect. His walking shoes were in their place beside my Mom’s. He was now walking with the Savior, he would no longer need to walk for exercise. His health is now perfect. His workbench – complete with hammer, screwdrivers, sundry items and, I kid you not, a gillion nails and screws was silent.

I sat down and cried at his workbench that first day home. I cried because of all the time he’d spent there making (or repairing) things for me, such as my bike. I cried because I missed seeing him there, glasses sliding down his sweaty face, and an expression of one who was deep in thought as he fiddled with something that needed fixing. He was such a hard worker.

My Dad was so tender hearted, so kind and generous. He hated being alone. And at his workbench that day, I hated being alone. While sitting there, I wished I could thank him once more for fixing “Lightning”, my bike. I wished I could thank him for his love and most of all, the example of what I should look for in a husband. Terry is so much like him. I often think of Dad when I see him fathering our girls. I have had, and still have, some great men in my life.
But Dad came first. And I will always miss him, but, praise the Lord, because of Calvary, we can be together again someday.

Thank you Dad. A million times over, thank you. I wish I had been a better daughter to you and Mom, but as long as I’m living I will do my best to rise to your level of Christianity. I will try to make up for all the wrong I did as a youngster. I will strive to serve instead of be served, to give instead of take, to love whether I’m loved in return or not. I know that if I can be like you, I’ll be like Jesus. I saw His reflection in your lives every day I awoke in the Courtney home.
I miss you, and I love you.
Thank you so much for loving me, just the way I was.

Happy Birthday, Amanda!

Valerie Basham

no comments

July 28, 2008

I just wanted to wish my very good friend, Amanda Tyler, a wonderful birthday today! She has been an encouragement to me ever since we met in 1993. She has always been someone to listen to my heartaches and disappointments. She has sent me a card or given me a call just when I needed it. She is now a missionary to Brazil and inspires me with her sweet spirit and hard work as she and her hubby and three boys travel from sea to shining sea on deputation. She never complains or gripes about the struggles that surely must await her every time she hits the road. She never whines. She is only happy, kind and loving. She’s another one of my friends who only encourages me to go forward in my Christian life. She has a “never give up” attitude even when she’s tired, worn out, or lonely. When I feel that way, I only need to give her a ring and before I know it, I’m smiling – or laughing – and ready to go on for a little while longer.

Thank you, Amanda, for being my friend. Thank you for encouraging me by your life to go forward for the Lord. I look forward to seeing you face to face again in a few days (can’t get over that I’m gonna see you twice in eight months!! Yes!! Can’t wait!!).

Have a wonderful day, and a happy 29th year!

Love,
Valerie