Sarah's Heart's Home

Just a Phase.... right?

2012-02-02T20:01:00.003-05:00

Where are the answers? The solutions?

In January, I like to start out the New Year by making goals and aspirations for the new year. And this year was no exception. I compiled all my lists of dreams for the year with high hopes that they would come to fruition. And yet, so much is still the same. Nope. I haven't exercised every other night all week. I haven't done much with the guitar yet (though I am beginning to), the laundry beast still threatens to overwhelm me, and the kitchen is an on-going nightmare of dishes. So much of what I've written as a goal is an on-going issue. (take character training for example. It's a day to day thing, it's not just a month long issue! We're talking life-long training here!) And the clutter bug, well, I've gotten rid of some more stuff. It's not like we have a ton of junk or anything, and I really try to monitor stuff so it doesn't accumulate and overwhelm us. But still, it always seems like we could have less and like it would be better. But what do I get rid of? That's the question.

So there's lots of goals. And then I get to the end of the day and fall into my bed, oh so tired and I feel like I've failed again at making any headway!

I want some things to change.

But I'm realizing that some things just aren't going to change a whole awful lot until my children get a bit older.

See, Hannah is such a big helper around the house these days. If she was my only child? We'd be getting a lot done! haha! But very thankfully, she's been joined by a brother and a sister, so we've added a bit of chaos to the day and, when mama goes to do something.... typically all three children are vying for my attention and getting into everything all at once. Like tonight, I wanted to move our VHS collection out of the living room and into a cabinet in my bedroom, because I don't like the kids always getting into the VHS and DVD's and spreading them all around the living room. In a flash I had three children surrounding me. One throwing the good's out at me, the other sitting in the basket that i was planning on putting the stuff in, and the other crawling into the cupboard that I'm trying to reach into! Talk about a good laugh! Yeah.... not a whole lot of extra's getting done these days.

I guess it's just a phase..... right?

Time to enjoy the ride and catch a breath when possible. ;)

Tree Climbers

2012-02-02T19:35:00.004-05:00

Today was the perfect day for tree climbing and puddle splashing. My little folks did some of both. Well, mainly it was Rebecca splashing in the puddles and Hannah and Nathan climbing the trees.... *smile* The sky was Oh, So blue.
And the temps were in the low 60's. I can take that on a February 2nd. Oh yes I can! :)

Nathan was full of funny faces and expressions and was loving every minute of being up in a tree. We had to try out as many trees as we could in the yard. Haha!

As he's been outside more lately, some of his pent up winter energy is being expended and he is being a bit calmer once he's indoors. Hurray for that!

And here's my little Sunshine of a sweetie. Such a special girl. Love you, Hannah Rose! :)

We do get SOME Snow! :)

2012-01-25T21:10:00.003-05:00

And lest you think we get no snow here in Tennessee, here I am to prove you wrong. Though i can't even recall when this snow fall was.... I DO know that it was sometime this month! :)

Just a small skiff. Just enough to look pretty.
And just enough to make SOMEBODY verrrry happy. :)

He was so excited he could barely even eat his breakfast before he donned his hat and coat and boots and took his tractor to play in the snow.

(meanwhile, Hannah stood by the door crying because she just couldn't possibly be brave enough to play on the back porch without mom out there by her side.... poor thing.)

But later in the day we all went out and Rebecca absolutely loved it. She is so unaffected by the cold. She just had a blast out there!

She climbed in the sled to be dutifully pulled around in the sled. ;)

And Hannah carefully guided her all around. She's such a good big sister. takes such wonderful care of Rebecca and is a regular little mommy. (which isn't alllllways taken quite so graciously. :))

The snow lasted a day or so and that's about it. But we enjoyed it while we could. (that's meaning about 15-20 minutes out in it and then rushing back inside where the kid's all deamed hot chocolate completely necissary. lol!)

Car Times

2012-01-25T21:04:00.002-05:00

I don't know about you, but car travel makes me tired. Just thinking of trying to keep the kids all happy and taken care of while they are contained to a car seat for any larger length of time is enough to make me say- "hmm... think I'll just stay home today!" lol!

Things get a little crazy. "Mommy! Are we almost there?" Mommy, I got to go potty!" Mommy! I'm hungry. NO! I don't want crackers! I want REAL food! (what's real food? lol)"Mommy! He's hitting me with a blanket!" Waaaaaahhhhh! (hm, guess she wants a bottle? no. oh? A toy? guess not that either. What DOES she want anyway?) oh yes... we're real life around here. But we'd also love some solutions! What ideas do you have that makes car travel easier on mom? (you know, so she can actually sit in the front seat next to dad instead of diving all over the car for this thing or that thing. haha!) So when all else fails.... make faces! And have mom take pictures of it. ;) Here Hannah is attempting a "real scary look." ;) very cute.
I think Nathan might be doing the same. lol

And Rebecca? Why fake it. Let it out! Waaaaaahhhhh!!!!

A Very Mild Tennessee Winter

2012-01-25T20:42:00.004-05:00

On Sunday we took a drive up to the Mountains. Going first to the Aquarium (and I did NOT tote my camera around in there while also lugging around the baby, so sorry, no pics. ;) But I DID take it out when we got to the top of the Ski Resort mtn and had fun views AND some snow. You Northerners are Sooooo gonna laugh. I did too. But, hey, it's been a mild winter so far and the snow's a little scant. ;) (even the fake stuff. lol!) Check out the view of the day. That's why they call them the Smoky Mountains.... :)
The ski slope. Loved watching the amateurs trying to figure out the whole skiing thing. Not that I've been skiing a day in my life myself, (other than cross country) but still, it was so entertaining!

As you can see, Nathan thought so too. And he thought the snow was perfectly amaaaazing.

What the kids reeeeeaaally wanted to do was to ride the chair lift. I don't blame them! Looked like fun!

And Nathan was pretty much drooling over the tubing tracks. He wanted to go soooo super bad. We told him soon. When we don't have baby with us. ;) He was a good sport and settled for later.

Honestly, the tubing looked like a blast, but so did this indoor ice skating arena. It was huge! and the ice was soooo smooth. I just wanted to try it out again. It's been probably 20 years since I've been on ice. Well. Almost. Maybe only 18. Yikes. I'm feeling old! lol!
Anyway, it was fun to catch a glimse of winter and people doing wintery things, and perhaps we'll join them sometime. ;)

2 Beautiful Days

2012-01-25T20:07:00.005-05:00

We've seen lots of rain here this winter so far. Lots of it. The creeks and ponds are swollen and the yards were too.... But finally....the sun broke lose....and WOW.
We've been enjoying the beauty of the moss and our rushing creek

We've been noticing the swelling leaf buds on the Bradford Pear trees, and that beautiful sky blue backdrop.

The Kid's have been climbing on hand stacked wood in the side yard

Riding bikes through mud puddles and through the grass

And, well, Just enjoying the SUN!
And seriously? What's not to love about 60* in January anyways? :)

Time

2012-01-11T20:26:00.002-05:00

Time.... it escapes me. Or maybe it's just the lack of free time that escapes me. We all have 24 hours in a day. Or so I've been told. *chuckle*

So What Have I been doing with all my time anyways?

Playing race cars with my two oldest? :)Or maybe making faces with my boy?
Honestly... I certainly hope I wasn't scowling like my baby girl!

(She mustn't have liked the blackberries smeared all over her face. Least wise, that's what I'm guessing!)

So really. What have I been doing? Well, alot.

Showering. Making breakfast. Making lunch (hello lunch boxes and sandwiches-are they making my lunch time easier? or are they making my morning harder? not quite sure on this aspect yet! will write more as I figure that one out. haha!) clean up, dishes, laundry, school time, lunch time, naptime for baby, try to keep kids occupied whilst being quiet so baby can sleep, go outside if weather cooperates, story time or watch a movie, supper making (aka stress point #2 of the day), mike comes home, eat supper, bathtime, jammies, stories, (wait! i need a drink! calls a little voice) lights out for little ones....mom breathes sigh of relief and collapses on the bed.

LOL! yeah... pretty crazy, right?

I've actually been having a really good week so far. It's been highly busy and hard sometimes to keep the motivation going and the yawns at bay, but overall it's been good.

Today I went to the church and worked on setting up a new program for the Kindergarten children's classroom. We are doing Africa! So excited about the whole thing. Been planning and strategizing new schemes for making things interesting and fun for the kids yet easy enough to actually keep up with for us teachers! Big thanks to our wonderful pastor's wife and another beautiful family who came and helped out today and made alot of "Africa" possible! It was so exciting to see the whole theme pull together! You have thoughts and ideas, but somehow it all seems a bit impossible to pull together. But when it does.... wow. It's so great! and exciting!

I've gotten some much needed deeper cleaning done this week as well. Like shower's and shower doors cleaned (tried out dawn dish soap and vinegar in a spray bottle for my glass shower doors and WOW. amazing.) laundry all caught up and put away, floors mopped, cabinet doors wiped down, microwave cleaned, dresser drawers re arranged and made manageable, and more. There's always more to do, but somehow, it's been a good week. A good week for school work with Hannah. I have a new program by Christian Light Education that I am doing with her called Learning to Read. Loving it so far! Will write more on that later.

But for now, this post has gotten WAaaaaaay too long and I'm going to sign off for now before it's much too late and I'm far too tired to get up in the morning.

Goodnight all. :)

New Years Resolutions

2012-01-09T20:28:00.002-05:00

Every year, right around January 1st, I sit down and I write a list of the goals that I have for the upcoming year. This year was no exception. Just, I didn't get it all up and posted on the 1st like I usually do. ;) Life, ya know?

So here's a summary. This year, Mike and I sat down as a couple and decided on some goals and aspirations for the new year. (goals and aspirations.... that's what we decided to call them.) All these things may not be accomplished. In fact, they very well may not be. But we are aspiring towards them and would like to make them a reality in this new year.

We not only wrote down our goals and aspirations, but we also wrote down ways to attain them. We are trying! It can be so hard to find the needed motivation at 8:00 at night when we are bone weary from long days worth of work. So as time goes on I am sure we will tweak our thoughts and strategies and find something that works out for us.

- In shape bodies. how to accomplish this? 3x a wk. M,W,F. work out. Alternate DVD and treadmill.

-Learn to play guitar. 2x a wk. T, TH. with a DVD.

-Spend more consistent time in God's Word. 6:30-7:00 a.m. daily. (this is a hard struggle, folks. mainly because it's hard to get consistent sleep with little ones. I know that's an excuse-maybe. But on the other hand, when you are losing so much sleep, your body weakens and so does your temperament. So, i have to make sure I get sleep somehow. But spending time with God is also important. Still working on how to balance this out!

-Work on Character Training in the Children. Character building stories, keepers of the faith character studies,

-More Quality time as a couple. (always a work in progress. spending time together)

These were things to do as a couple/family. Then we had some separate goals.

Mike's included things such as a good orderly Dog facility, a new male breeding dog (Pet. :) hehe)

More landscaping around our place. Planting more fruit trees. A well maintained garden.

Mine included such things as developing a housecleaning schedule (that works!) and a good workable laundry schedule (i think the big clue in this is including the kiddo's in the process!) Develop a smoother morning routine (KEY-get up before kid's!!!) And pretty much completely phase out of dairy usage. (which is vital since all our kid's are allergic to it anyways)

And a goal for my oldest daughter is for me to begin teaching her to play the piano and to set up a 1/2 hr. daily practise time.

I also want to teach my children more singing and scripture memory. We developed a plan that is working for us. Every morning at the breakfast table we read our daily devotional, and do a weekly memory verse. Plus we sing a song or two!

I love the clean slate that a new year brings my way. It feels clean, fresh and new and it's a happy time of the year for me. :)

Looking forward to seeing some of these goals and aspirations become a reality in this new year!

Quiet Moments

2012-01-05T20:12:00.004-05:00

When I found this darling little tea set while Christmas shopping for my family, I knew in my heart that it was the perfect gift for Hannah. It just sort of has an essence about it.... Quiet Moments....it seems to whisper.
And that's just what it has been. Complete with "Sugar Cookie" tea by Celestial Seasonings....
Warmth on a cold winter's night.
Delicacy to a budding young lady.
Beauty in a chaotic world.
Simplistic joy.
Calm.

And so she pours her tea for anyone who will join her. And we sit around the table in the soft candles glow and we enjoy a calm and quiet moment. A rarity to be sure. :)

Christmas Pajamas.

2012-01-05T20:01:00.002-05:00

I know everyone is far past Christmas and their thoughts have all turned toward New Year's resolutions and making them happen in 2012. But here I am, still haven't posted a thing about our Christmas. Or anything else for that matter. Life has been busy. Filled with living I guess.

But I really want to show you my creations! I wasn't sure if I would really be able to get these sewed in time or not, but I did and I love the finished products! Aren't they super adorable?! Hannah's has raspberries all over it. They look so lucious you could eat them right off the pants. Nathan's are colorful and exciting. And Rebecca's are a repurposed baby receiving blanket! I hadn't gotten any thrilling new fabrics lately, but I didn't want her to be left out, so I came up with this solution and it worked perfectly.
Twas the night before Christmas and Hannah, Nathan and Becca were all dressed in their jammies, hoping that Mommy and Daddy would visit during the night with packages filled with surprises. ;)

Trying to get a picture of all three in their jammies! Impossible? Nearly! I wanted them all standing in a cute, sweet, neat little row in front of the tree. Much too Idealic for this trio I suppose. Notice, Nathan is guarding the doorway. No escaping babies! We have a picture to take!

Too funny. So many memories being made. The time flies by much to quickly. But, I daresay these little Christmas pajamas will still be in working order by time next Christmas rolls around. :)

Ornaments for Christmas

2011-12-12T19:52:00.003-05:00

Making Cinnamon Ornaments with the kids. (1 1/2 c. applesauce 1 1/2 c. cinnamon, 1/8 c. elmers glue) They sure enjoy mixing and rolling and cutting out the shapes. Laying them all carefully on the greased cookie sheet. :)
Orange slices ready to dry

Cinnamon ornaments all baked and ready to hang on the tree

Apple slices part way through drying. I think next time I would probably just go ahead and dry them in the food dehydrator instead of in the oven.

These are a few things that helped keep us busy today. :)

What's keeping you all busy and occupied in your homes?

The Christmas Singing by Cindy Woodsmall - Book Trailer

2011-12-09T17:06:00.000-05:00

This would be a wonderful book to share with a book lover for Christmas! AND if you order before December 20, 2011 you can also get 30% off AND free shipping (on this or any other book at multnomah publishing.)
Go to www.waterbrookmultnomah.com and enter Christmas11 in the promo code at checkout.

Christmas Crafting

2011-12-08T19:53:00.004-05:00

Christmas crafting can be fun. But when you add friends into the mix it really turns into a wonderful time.

Today we had our friends over and had a blast making Christmas crafts. See one of the boy's Christmas tree's? cute!
Snowmen! I even made one. ;) We did it out of half Elmer's glue and haly shaving cream. Mix it together and the puffiness dries! So fun!

More Christmas trees. My kid's creations.

We also made some thumbprint reindeer.... guess I failed to get a picture of those.

We had delicious English muffin mini pizza's. I had lots of toppings to choose from and the kid's got to top their own pizza's and then we baked them up and had those for lunch. Yummers!

Christmas tree brownies that we DIDN'T eat. But aren't they cute?!

Hannah's pom pom reindeer. Cute as can be, right? :)

Have you all done any fun crafting this season?

Christmas Tree Lighting

2011-12-07T20:15:00.002-05:00

Well I'm working on different settings and lighting with my camera.... Here's the latest shot and I kind of like how homey and warm this photo looks. I'd just sort of like to curl up with a hot cup of tea and my hubby and relax for a while. (with the fire crackling in the wood stove too of course. ;0)

Little Bits of Christmas

2011-12-06T19:55:00.002-05:00

It's looking so homey and Christmas-y around here! little bits of snowman, peeping out of a "snowy" bed and a string of red beads
our Christmas tree this year. I simply must read about how to take better pictures of a Christmas tree so as how to capture the lights better.

And a lovely Pinterest idea.... Epsom Salts in bottom of Mason jars, red candle tea lights, set on a plate along with little bits of evergreen goodness. :)
Have you done any fun decorating in your home this season?

Christmas Jammies

2011-12-06T19:38:00.003-05:00

I want to start a new tradition of making jammie pants for my kids each year around Christmas time. These are Nathan's new pants! Haven't gotten to making Hannah's yet, or even gotten fabric for Rebecca. But it's a start. And I'm NOT going to beat myself up over it if I don't do everything I'd LIKE to do. ;) So here are Nathan's. I got this fabric a good year ago down in Florida at a great fabric shop down there called "Alma Sue's" right in Amish town... Yep. Florida actually has Amish. *smile*
I really like how they turned out!

And I love the cute little back pocket's.....

Can't wait to see them on my little man!

Benji Boy

2011-12-06T19:30:00.003-05:00

Quite honestly I couldn't be sadder.

My Benji boy passed away yesterday.

He was only 6 months old. He had such a love for life.

A real way of working his way right into my heart.

I miss him so much.

He was so lovable. He would climb into your lap as far as he could go and just snuggle in for some love.

He was so good with the children and they loved him too.

We had good walks together in the field and I really was looking forward to him growing old with our children.

He got sick so suddenly it seemed, and then he was gone.

You are missed Benji.

You are missed.
Unfortunately, tears won't bring you back.....

I have some great pictures of him walking in the field with the kids on my phone, but I have no idea how to get them OFF of my phone...

Little Miss Static

2011-12-06T19:23:00.003-05:00

Rebecca has discovered she loves this little car. And Hannah loves to push her around in it. Rebecca giggles and squeals and grins and just has the best of times. But what I love the most is her hair! Look at that static! And how the sun is shining through! It is just SO funny!
So so fun.

Cookie Party

2011-12-06T19:10:00.003-05:00

I love this time of year!

Today we went over to my friend Ashney's house and decorated cookies! The kids really enjoyed it and I loved socializing with a couple friends in the process. *wink* Pretty pretty! The cookie dough in and of itself was a healthy recipe. Whole wheat flour, coconut oil, honey.... yeah. very good. til we added the sprinkles. ;)
Intently decorating their cookies.

The little cookie makers and the big cookie makers. haha.

Little Missy in her Amish country bonnet. :)

A few of the cookies got a heavy dousing of sprinkles. I think Nate felt the more the better. Yeah, he's pretty much on a sugar high right now. Put him to bed at 6:30 tonight. Guess maybe he'll sleep it off. ;)

We enjoyed a delicious cup of Celestial Seasoning's tea before we left for home and definitely think this should become a yearly tradition. And I MUST get the recipe for the cookies! How did I leave without it??

Laundry Blessings

2011-12-02T20:22:00.003-05:00

Up to my eyeballs in dirty laundry. The mounds of it never seem to end.

Where do all these clothes come from, anyways??

I sort through the clothes, putting the jeans in a pile, and the whites in a pile, the colors in between...
I sigh just a bit. SO much work! SO many clothes!

I load the washer full, and there doesn't seem to be a dent in the pile of soiled clothes.

And yet, there's a blessing to be had here. Clothes. All these dirty ones mean that my family has clothing to wear. Work clothes. Play clothes. church clothes. Winter clothes. Summer clothes. We have clothes to wear!

Another blessing to be had- I have PEOPLE in my family to wear these clothes! Imagine how lonely we would be if we didn't have all those clothes to wash simply because we didn't have the people in our lives to wear them?

And so, I wash clothes. Thanking God for the people in my life and the clothes they have to wear.

Sure, the process is overwhelming at times, but my burden becomes lighter as I count my blessings and remember the good things.

Week's End

2011-12-02T20:01:00.003-05:00

They bounced through the field, my two eldest children, running through grasses, chasing their puppy with glee. It was such a happy carefree moment in time. The baby was taking her afternoon nap, my arms were free, my heart was happy. Life just felt so good. I thought to myself "wow. This is such a happy life." We returned from our walk, grabbed a well worn quilt and flopped out onto the back porch to bask in the sunshine. Plates of corn chips with salsa and hummus to satisfy the kid's hunger, storybooks and christmas music.

Fast forward several hours. Baby is now awake, kid's are clamoring for attention-apparently their love cups are already emptied? Mike is nearly home, I'm trying desperately to get supper on the table, but it's just not happening. I'm feeling tired and worn from the day. All I can think of is bedtime and tucking my dear ones into their respective beds for the nights and collapsing into my own.

It's amazing how easily our happy carefree thoughts are transformed into ones of weariness and overwhelming-ness.

This is when grace takes over. It's grace at these times that help us to make it through to the end of the day. It's grace that pulls our weary thoughts together and helps us remember once more that good in our day. It's grace that covers our tension filled voice when we hear those little voices vying for our attention once more. It's grace that soothes our tangled nerves.

Tonight as I remember all of the good that was in today, I'll also remember to give thanks for God's grace that has helped me to make it through. And tomorrow? We'll do it all again.

Venting

2011-11-22T14:14:00.003-05:00

I think I need to vent. I haven't hardly had a chance to blog at all these days. All I seem to do is referee children all day long every day. I'm so out of my mind worn out on it today. I'm all touched out. I'm on noise overload. I need some respect from my children. I feel too tired to fight. I just want to throw my hands up in the air and scream. why is it that everything is difficult? Why don't kid's just listen and readily obey? Parenting books seem to mock me and I honestly don't know what technique to use on my son. He's one tough cookie. One book says spank. One book says don't. One book says to bribe with promises of rewards and another one says toughen up that voice. (lol) I'm being extreme, I know.... just feeling exasperated right now.
Teething babies. Tired babies. Tired and irratible and disobedient 3 yr. old, clingy and somewhat annoying 5 yr. old. And then you read something that says just hug your child and they'll obey you in an instant. lol! (exagerating again...)
And I thought I wanted 6 kids. HA! I can't even handle 3 right now!
And honestly, how much can you declutter a house and yet still have what you need? And what DO you really need. And can you ever declutter enough so as to not have a mess everywhere you turn? I get all caught up and have my home nice and neat and i turn around and it's a disaster all over again. It's honestly tiring!
Oh dear. I don't know. I'd better go get my baby. She's awake and waiting. And I think my 3 yr. old escaped from his bed, and my 5 yr. old is climbing all over me.
Happy day to y'all.

Book Review: Wings of a Dream

2011-11-15T19:59:00.003-05:00

Wings of a Dream, by Anne Mateer was a good read. Simply written, with a story line that was fairly easy to guess, but yet still left room for the mind to wonder.

Rebekah is a young girl who's life has been fairly predetermined by her overbearing mother. Wanting a way out of the only life she has ever known, she falls for the first guy with the promise of adventure at his finger tips. But then.... life happens. Her aunt is seriously ill and Rebekah is the only one that can attend to her. However, since where she is headed is closer to her one true love and since she is still after adventure, she is excited to leave her own little secluded nest called home and venture out on her own into the big wide world.

However, life isn't always as we expect it to be. And oftentimes, through some of the biggest challenges in life, we find our true selves.

Rebekah is faced with 4 little children who desperately need her. They have been bereaved of their mother, their father is in the war, and the auntie they loved has just been buried as well.

Will Rebekah be able to move past her preconceived ideas of life and the adventure she feels should be there and recognize her calling before it is too late? Will she be too stubborn to see what is right in front of her?

Read "Wings of a Dream" to find out!

Thank you Bethany House Publishing for this free review!

Hannah's 5th Birthday

2011-11-14T21:08:00.004-05:00

Last week was a very full week. We started it off with something very special.... Hannah's 5th birthday. It's hard to believe that I have a 5 year old now! She is such a sweetheart and a real treasure. :) Mike and I got her some wooden sliceable fruit,veggies and bread made by Melissa & Doug, a Bible and a Bible case (all from Amazon.com) She said that her favorite gift was her Bible. And since her birthday she has wanted to read it often. So very very precious.

She really wanted friends over for her birthday this year and what a blessing that we had some to invite! All in all there were 8 littles running around outside and they all had so much fun together.
It's so much fun to see this playset put to good use! The kids had a wonderful time playing on it and the weather cooperated and we were blessed with a beautiful day as well.

The birthday girl!

Hannah's friend, Amarys swinging happily. Somehow, she is not in the group photo I took. I'm not sure how that happened, but I wanted to make sure she was included so she get's her very own special picture. :)

Here's the happy group, minus Amarys, who is pictured above. :)

Haystacks for lunch. Yum yum! The kids ate on the back porch on the little kid sized picnic tables that Mike made this spring!

Cupcakes!! eager eyes are watching!

yummy! Some little gal likes cupcakes and frosting. ;)

Two friends played a special birthday song for Hannah :)

Hannah and Nathan watched very attentively as they played. They thought that was so neat!

We really had such a wonderful time together and even got to take a walk with the last family to leave. We felt so blessed to have friends to share Hannah's special day with.

Happy 5th birthday my girl. :)

Delicious Vegan Cupcakes

2011-11-14T21:02:00.002-05:00

Hannah's birthday was November 7. Last Monday. The week before or maybe even two weeks before, she and I scoured the internet, searching for a delicious cake or cupcake recipe for her birthday treat. Here is what we found: Click on picture to go to the recipe link. You will not be dissapointed. A vegan cupcake that is light, fluffy, not too sweet and so amazingly good.
Mike decorated them with the icing that is mentioned in the recipe. Didn't he do a nice job? :)Easy to make and as good as can be.
Perfect for any 5 year old's birthday! :)

Tonight....

2011-11-10T19:34:00.003-05:00

*Tonight I am bone weary. Wondering how on earth I'll ever make it through another day of child raising. (or is it babysitting? because it sure feels like a never ending babysitting job sometimes! although I know that a lot more is at stake because, yeah... it's really NOT babysitting. It's my own children.) I can't seem to get much done in a day because I am constantly watching and trying to keep everyone out of trouble!
*Tonight I am seeing a whole lot a ton of merit in batch cooking for a month and putting dinners in the freezer. Shucks, breakfast and lunch too for that matter! I used to think that was sort of a silly idea for "other people" because I like to cook fresh and exciting and new every evening. But now? Well, reality is setting in folks. I totally lack inspiration and completely lack time and ability without a child hanging on my leg or some other unseen problems from small fry arising all over the house.
*Tonight my eyes are burning, the top of my foot is throbbing where it was stomped on, my knee is hurting where I was jammed with a rake, and my shoulder hurts where I bumped it into the freezer as I stood up from getting something out of the fridge. And my arm and back are aching from toting around a 20 pound baby.
*Tonight I am really tired of water messes allllll over the house. Nathan seems to have a water fetish and likes to pour it all over the place. And play in it. It has been smeared all over the kitchen chairs, the toilet seats, kitchen floors, living room carpet puddles, coffee table lakes, you name it. He likes to pour it from one container to the next, and some of his containers don't hold water... mmmhmmm. He's something else.
*Tonight I need some major inspiration to get out of bed tomorrow morning and muddle my way through another day. Of course, that's not much of an option. I have to get out of bed whether I want to or not!
*Tonight I just want to do better tomorrow. I want to be a great mom. I want my kids to respect me and honor my words. Tonight I want to hold on to Jesus even more so that I can put on His attittude and His character.
Tonight? I need some sleep! Goodnight all! :)

Rebecca:14 Months

2011-11-08T08:00:00.000-05:00

This sweet little munchkin is now 14 months!

She now has 5 teeth. :)

She jibbers and jabbers about all sorts of things in baby-ese.

She tries to run... and ends up on her face. And then jumps up with a grin on her face. :)

She's a happy little gal. But she's most certainly a mama's girl. That is, until daddy comes home. Then she's the most excited little girl on the planet. She gets sooo excited! :)

Hiding God's Word in Our Hearts

2011-11-06T19:48:00.003-05:00

It is so important to memorize Scripture. Especially while you are young. Recently, I was gifted with these wonderful little memory scripture books for young children. The thought behind them is that if you daily repeat a scripture verse to a baby/toddler that by the time they are speaking sentences, they will already be able to say these Bible verses because they have been written on their hearts at such a tender age. I have started doing this as often as I can. I say "often"because I'd love to do it every day, but it's hard to always be consistent. I am trying though! Rebecca has started to already recognize the verse when I say it to her! I also have been going over a verse with Hannah and Nathan. Now mom's, I just want to encourage you here. I felt like that verse was going in one ear and out the other. I didn't feel like they were paying much attention, and they were verrrry absent mindedly repeating the verse after me. I felt frusterated. Like I was trying hard and they just weren't cooperating. Until two mornings later, Hannah comes up to me and starts saying TWO verses absolutely perfectly. Both her verse, and the verse that I had been saying to Rebecca. So take heart! Our children are listening. And when we least expect it, they will speak these verses. *smile.* So press on! Take that time to speak the scripture to your children. We need God's word in our hearts and minds daily. And I am totally speaking to myself here. I want to do better in this area. I want to immerse my life and my children's in the Word. Do I always do what I would like? Absolutely not. But it's a goal to aim for. *smile*

Hannah's 1st Haircut

2011-11-04T08:05:00.000-04:00

Such beautiful long hair. Beautiful curls and waves. I dreaded this day and yet it needed to happen. It was getting to be almost impossible to get through the tangles and I felt so bad for the tears!
Hannah begged and begged and so the day came. We went down the road to the beauty salon.... And Hannah was so serious. And so happy. :)

And I stood by, taking pictures.

Ah yes. A pretty girl indeed. And the hair is still long. Just MUCH more manageable.
I'm happy. Hannah's happy. Win win. :)

Sweater Dress for Rebecca

2011-11-04T08:00:00.000-04:00

I found an adorable tutorial on how to make a sweater dress out of an old sweater. I had an old sweater that I had put away for some project that I was sure would come my way and this was the perfect project!
Here's the finished project on the little Princess! :)
I love repurposing!!

Leaf Jumping

2011-11-03T08:00:00.000-04:00

Hahaha! I fooled ya! You thought I wasn't going to post any more fall leaf pictures any more, didn't you? Well, I couldn't help myself.... :) Sorry. Look at that sweet heart of a face! :) SO precious!!
Raking the leaves....

Benji and Nathan. Dog/Kid pile!

Serene beauty

Simple beauty

.....and there may be a few more fall pictures later on.... you just never can tell. ;)

Tis the month of Thankfuls

2011-11-02T21:11:00.005-04:00

"Tis the Season to be Thankful...."

Here are a few things I am thankful for the past few days: majorly weeded and cleaned out back flower garden. Big job here! can't you just see a hottub out here?? ahhh yess...
Delicious vegan mashed tatoes, cornflake nut roast and gravy-every man, woman and child could enjoy. yay!

trimmed bangs on my little sweetie-now she can see! :)

Flowers that Nathan picked and arranged ALL by himself. I was outside and he called me in to show me his masterpieces. He had found the vases and everything! So pretty!

Hannah offering her big sister help. :)

Muffin in hand. Big grin on face. That's my boy!

Adorable puffy white hoods and sweet eyes peeping out. :)

Delicious peanut butter banana oatmeal muffins. (check out my pinterest link!)
These are a few of my favorite things so far this month! What are yours? :)

More Fall Goodness

2011-11-02T08:00:00.000-04:00

Ok, Ok, I know. I've got to stop posting all these wonderful fall pictures! I promise, I will. ;) But only because fall color is pretty well over! :) Week before last we were up in the mountains capturing the color and these are a few of the pictures I got along the way. Rushing mountain stream.
Bubbling over the rocks, drifting along....

Tall mountain peaks, bursting with color.

Colors change, the higher you get.

Me and my munchkins having a picnic in the woods. Rebecca has recently figured out how to roll her tongue. Quite humorous, really.

The kid's even got to see snow! They were pretty tickled.

Mountain line after mountain line all bedecked with color.
"For the beauty of the earth

For the glory of the skies"

The Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze

2011-11-01T08:00:00.000-04:00

As usual, we took a trip to the pumpkin patch this fall, and as usual, I took way too many pictures. And as usual, I am going to share a bunch with you all. :) Aren't you happy?! On the hay ride out to the pumpkin patch. (nathan is sporting his butterfly bandage... leftovers from a nice slice he took to his head the week before. you know, rough housing around and then crashed into the corner of the wall? Not fun. at all. poor guy.)
The happy kids and their daddy. :)

Rebecca, surveying the field. She wasn't too impressed.

Hannah is pretty happy with her find.

Nathan liked them all. :)

Toting her catch to the car. *smile*

Here's Rebecca's more mangeable find. ;)

Purusing the corn maze. Evidentally some wild one's crashed through the maze the night before and really kind of messed it all up. Discount for us, but not too fun of a maze!

Fun in the straw

The hampster wheel. I even tried it! Haha!

The "corn box" (you know, kind of like a sand box? :))

The kid's had fun playing with the loaders and buckets in the corn.
We had a fun time and next year we will try out a new pumpkin patch. We've been to this one three years in a row now and while it is good, we are ready for a little switch-a-roo. :)

Crispy Fried Tofu

2011-10-31T20:23:00.002-04:00

Click on the picture to be taken to a most delicious recipe!! Pictured is my recreation of said recipe. And was it ever wonderful. We dipped it in mustard. (pictured) My kid's asked for seconds. Hannah asked for thirds. Yes. We liked indeedy. :)

The Last of Fall's Color

2011-10-31T20:11:00.003-04:00

Fall is drawing to a close my friends....

*sigh*

We've been waking up to crispy cold morning frostiness. Here's a view from our front door the other morning. The misty fog rising from the neighbor's pond, frost on roof tops and covering the ground. My kid's were in awe.... "MOM! It SNOWED last night!!!" ;) If only, right? hehe But just LOOK at this color! And contrast of blue sky! SO SO beautiful.
These trees are all in our front yard and they are all a different shade of color. Oh so gorgeous.

Every year I look forward to their color. This year was no exception.

Takes my breath away. Makes me SMILE. This year, I wasn't sure if they would be all that colorful. Seemed they might just turn brown and fall off. And then? One morning, I woke up and BOOM. They were colorful. And beautiful.

I love God's artwork in the fall time.

And I love my little punkin' head's too. ;)

Organize It: Kitchen pt.1

2011-10-25T20:27:00.006-04:00

I've been working on organizing my kitchen lately. Bit by slow bit. Here are a few glimpses of organization. :) Here's a drawer with some examples of how I use cheap little baskets to organize. I cleaned out this drawer quite a bit.
I completely revamped this drawer and ended up putting ziplocks into it instead of the whatnot that was there before.

Got rid of a bunch of old plastic kids cups, and put a small basket in here for odds and ends.

This here is a before shot of my knife drawer. Quite a mess!

Here's after. scissors in one. Knives and peeler in another.

Here's my pans and stuff in this cabinet and I wanted it to have a transformation....Here's the change!! :) YAY! I got this inexpensive rubbermaid rack at Walmart and love it!

Why am I showing you my trashcan? ONE reason and one reason only. A rubber mat on the floor was all it took to make this cabinet ooooh sooo much better. The floor of it was awful after years of having a trash can in it!

So there's part one! Moving on to the spice cupboard, pantry, recipes etc! :)

Organize It: Laundry Space

2011-10-24T20:46:00.004-04:00

My laundry area is behind closet folding doors in the kitchen. Not my ideal place for a loud washer and dryer, but this is where it is, nonetheless. So here are a few ideas of ways that I have organized my little laundry space. Above my washer and dryer is a shelf and on it I have cleaning supplies and laundry soap, etc... to organize it I have small boxes that canned goods (or ramen noodle) come in. In this particular box I have my window washer, pledge, lysol, mopping solution and an all purpose cleaner. Another box holds carpet cleaner and a large refill bottle of spray and wash, etc... Just keeps it much neater than if it were all just put on the shelf.
Here's the big picture. Vinegar (love using it in my dishwasher, really helps it clean better.) Borax, Charlies laundry soap *love*, boxes of cleaning supplies, swiffer supplies-of which I like, but not for my large tile floor surface. I just recently switched back to a regular mop. I hang my bag of clothespins from a nail, as well as all grilling supplies.

Bottle of spray and wash hanging from another nail, and the dustpan hanging from another.
I also keep a small trashcan sitting on top of the dryer so I can put dryer lint into it.
This is how my laundry area is arranged. Not perfect, but not bad either! :)

Organize It:Bathroom

2011-10-23T21:09:00.004-04:00

I want to get organized again. I love to be organized. Lately, it hasn't been so much. Coupled between keeping up with three small children and just trying to keep up with the basics of the home, the organizing has fallen to the wayside. However, I am on the comeback! And I am off to a good start.

I decided to start with the bathrooms. A nice small room, easy to manage, right? :)

I took a few pictures to show you the finished product. On my bathroom vanity I have a basket that I keep my towels in, all rolled up.

In one drawer, I organized Hannah's hair things in a small container, and put small bobby pins into a baby food jar.
Another container holds the kid's toothbrushes and toothpaste.

Underneat the sink I have a handled rubbermaid container with my cleaning supplies in it. I also keep a roll of paper towels for cleaning right in my bathroom so all the supplies are right there.

Another rubbermaid keeps extra toilet paper.

Next I will show my laundry area as well as my kitchen! :) Stay tuned!

Im Gonna Miss This: Messy Faces

2011-10-23T21:00:00.002-04:00

Smiling, goofy little face. Full of spaghetti. One of her biggest favorites.

A Few Recipes to Share

2011-10-19T21:07:00.002-04:00

Since you all have asked, and since several of these recipes are definitely worth a share, here they are! :)

BBQ Lentils (this recipe IMO was so-so, I added and revamped it a bit and made it a bit tastier.)
5 c. water ( I added water at the end, so it ended up being more like 7 c.)
1/2 t. salt ( i added a bit more, esp. after i added more water.)
1 bay leaf
1 1/2 c. lentils
1/8 t. garlic salt
1/2 c. brown rice
1 c. chopped onion
4 grated carrots
1/4 t. thyme
1/4 c. honey (didnt have any, used brown sugar)
1 T. molasses
1/2 t. ginger
1/8 t. cloves
1/4 c. apple cider vinegar
Simmer 1st 6 ingred. for 25 minutes (at least!!) then add onions and carrots. Simmer a while longer then add the last ingred. Simmer til well cooked. I also added in a "splash" of BBQ sauce to give it a little extra "zing" at the end.

Quick "beef" and Noodles (loved!)
1 bag Veggie Burger Crumbles
1/2 c. chopped onion
8 oz. egg noodles
4 c. tomato juice
1 c. water
1/2 c. sour cream (actually didn't use this and loved the recipe, though i am sure it is amazing with it!)
1 t. salt
1/8 t. pepper (opt)

in a kettle, brown "beef" and onion. Add the rest of the ingredients except for the sour cream and cover. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until the noodles are tender. Add sour cream and stir to combine. Like I said, I didn't use the sour cream and we all devoured this tasty and easy dish! :)

Pumpkin Pie White Hot Chocolate
3 c. Milk of your choice. I used soymilk, i also like using Almond milk for it
1 c. canned pumpkin puree
1/2 t. cinnamon
1/4 t. ginger
1/8 t. cloves
1/8 t. nutmeg
1 t. vanilla
4 oz. roughly chopped white chocolate
Basically, you heat all the ingredients except for the chocolate til they are nice and hot and then add the chocolate and slowly stir it into the hot pumpkiny milk until it melts into it. serve in a mug with a dollop of whipped cream and cinnamon sprinkled on top. :)

There... I think those are the ones that have been recently requested! I want to get my "Pinterest" follow button up on my blog soon and that should help you all because I have been finding some pretty neat things to try on there!

An Excursion into Fall

2011-10-16T20:45:00.004-04:00

The day was absolutely splendid. Sunshine. Bright blue sky. Delightful temperatures. Perfect day. Way too pretty to spend inside doing housework. Which is what I would have done had we stayed home! Instead, we went into the mountains and enjoyed a wonderful day together. Just take a look at some of these beautiful memories we collected today. :) There are more. Lots more. I think I took somewhere around 250 pictures today.... Haha! Just enjoy these for now. Sunlight sparkling through the maples-soooo pretty
Rusts and golds

A rhododendron blossom. Yes in october!

The sweetest little face. This little girl can really walk!

And then she got tired.... but it was after quite a while! I was really amazed.

Red on blue

Mountain views

Red berries

Inside the Nature building they were having a flower show and had clippings of flowers like these. how pretty!

Holding daddy's hand, but perusing the area with her eyes, she's scouting out where she should pull to next. ;)

And we're back to the beautiful maple trees.... :)

Like I said, I have so many pictures of today, will have to post a few more later.... Because, I just realized that I put on pictures of Rebecca, but none of Hannah or Nathan!! Will do more later, but hope you enjoyed a taste of the beauty of fall. Until next time, wishing you all a happy fall as well. :)

Woodland Beauty

2011-10-15T14:27:00.007-04:00

A couple of weeks ago our church and several others in our area had a yearly campmeeting of sorts. Every year, the churches in the area gather together up at this beautiful camp in the mountains for a weekend of fellowship. It turned out to be a very chilly day! We just went up for Sabbath and brrr it was cold! After a very enjoyable Sabbath School and church service we had a picnic lunch. Mike made us a large thermos filled with hot potato soup and then he made us some sandwiches to go along with it. So tasty! Here are my two girls, all bundled up trying to keep warm. :)
And here's my little man all bundled up in a blanket.

After our picnic and an afternoon "singspiration" time, we took a walk in the woods. it was just so pretty! I enjoyed seeing all the details of the mosses and lichens.

We found a balancing beam and they all had fun trying to walk across it.

Such pretty mushrooms.

I think this is a Sassafrass sapling.

Little tiny puffball 'shrooms

Rocks in the creek

We had such an enjoyable time in God's nature and enjoying the beauty around us and the sounds of birds in the air. The kids found some great acorns as well. We as a family really enjoy seeing the beauty of God in the world around us.

It's Ok to Share

2011-10-14T19:44:00.003-04:00

In lieu of the fact that tomorrow is miscarriage awareness day, and my dear "sister" Heather from Golden Reflections is also sharing her story, I thought I would also offer both my support to her, as well as to the countless others out there and share my story with you. I was laying on the couch one evening watching a real gripper of a movie when I felt some strange cramps in my stomach. At first I thought nothing of them, after all, the movie was one that your stomach just sort of knotted up in suspense with. I can’t even remember the movie’s title. Strange, But I do know that as the evening progressed, the cramps became more noticeable and I began to fear. You see, I had recently discovered that I was pregnant with our second child. Since our first was not even a year old yet, I was pretty shocked and didn’t quite know what to make of it. I was scared, and yet after the shock wore off I embraced the whole idea and began to get excited about the new life growing inside of me.
However, on this particular night in July, I knew that something was not right. All night long I cramped and spotted and had that sickening feeling of dread. By morning, the pain was so intense that I honestly felt like I was in labor. I tried sitting in the bathtub to ease the pain, but it didn’t help much. I was doubled over from the pain. I cried. I remember Mike trying to comfort me, but honestly, nothing could at this point. I was losing my baby and there was nothing I could do about it. I was only 6 or 7 weeks pregnant and yet it was all so real, almost as if I had been expecting this baby forever.
Midday, the pain began to subside and I almost thought to hope that perhaps everything was fine after all. But it was not to be. Around 2:00, I passed a tiny little sack that held whatever contents there were of my baby. And my life will never be the same.
I have lost something very real. A baby. Oh, many will argue and say things like, “oh, you weren’t too far along” and “there was probably something wrong with it and that’s why your body rid itself of it.” Or, “God knows best.” But to be truthful, those comments stung. They really did. I know that people really don’t know what to say unless they have been there themselves, and that’s what I would tell myself. But the comments still hurt. The crazy thing is that we hadn’t told anyone that I was pregnant. So therefore, anyone we told that we had had a miscarriage to was completely shocked by the news. Probably partly why they didn’t know how to respond! But this brings me to an important point. After I felt a bit more at ease to share about my miscarriage, I began to hear countless stories of women who had gone through the same thing. No, not all in the same way, but they had miscarried just the same. There are a whole lot of women out there who have gone through this kind of pain and yet have never shared it with anyone, almost as if it is something to be ashamed of or to hide. But it’s not. It’s a real grief.
Shortly after this time, my husband and I both knew that we wanted another baby. We saw that children were a big gift from God, not to be taken lightly. A healthy pregnancy is truly a blessing. A few months later, we were blessed with another pregnancy and this one continued full term (and then some) and we were abundantly blessed with a little boy. But was he our second child, or our third? *smile* Outwardly, he’s our second, but I suppose in our hearts, he is our third, because someday, in the earth made new, I plan on raising that little baby who never had a chance to live. I will raise that child in a beautiful place called Heaven, a perfect place with no sin or sorrow. And no more miscarried pregnancies.
I just want to encourage you ladies, to share with each other. There is strength in community, and a miscarriage isn’t something that has to be hidden away and quieted. It’s a real thing and there’s real emotion. Dare to share.

Gone Missing: Quiet

2011-10-07T13:25:00.002-04:00

I don't know where it went, this quiet. It somehow slipped between my fingers and just out of reach. So close, and yet so far gone.

Every day for the past 5 years like clock work. 2 o'clock rolled around and suddenly like magic everything went.... quiet.

But 2 o'clock is gone. Somehow it went off the clock, I don't know. But it's gone just the same.

And now that's there's no 2 o'clock, there doesn't seem to be any quiet either.

I try to cope. I rearranged the baby's nap time. Because, you see, her like clock work quiet at 10 o'clock each morning is missing as well. And now, it's a 12 or 1 o'clock nap time for her that lasts for hours. So I take the children outdoors into the falltime sunshine to let them play and run their energy out. I sit in the sun and read or watch, or sometimes chat with friends on the phone and somehow, it all becomes a bit quieter.

But what will happen when the fall beauty passes us by and it's winter's snowy grip that holds us and it's too chilly and blustery to venture outside. What then?

All things are figured out in time.

(and then they change again... *sigh*)

I give the children moments to pause. Whether it's on a blanket on the floor, or sitting on a bed with some quiet time toys. I set timers (that they reset) all in the hopes that they will sit quietly for a little while and rest. And give me rest. And give themselves rest. But so often I hear so many "mommy's" in a space of such a little while that quiet time seems very much un-quiet and I figure it's all just a silly game. So I stop playing it. And we once more make our way outdoors.

And once the baby awakens, the three ring circus begins again and it's all crazy.

So, I savor every quiet moment that comes my way. Whether it's for 10 or 15 minutes or a half of an hour. At least it's mostly quiet. *smile*

Family Evening Bonfire

2011-10-04T14:46:00.004-04:00

Sunday evening, the air just seemed to speak "campfire" and so we listened. I whipped up some up these pumpkin muffins. very easy. just a can of pumpkin and a yellow cake mix. That's it. They are very mild in taste and yummy too.
Some black bean nachos. No, those are not chocolate chips on top! haha!!
Some warm potato soup
And a delicious fall time hot drink

The roaring fire. Oh so warm.

Rebecca, nibbling on her apple.

Hannah, a girl after my own heart. warm drink, curled up in front of the fire. :)

I love his expression. I think he just snitched another muffin... lol

hmm.... digging into the nachos for a few afterthought tasty bites
What are you doing with your family to bring about fun memories? Children love moments to remember and lots of love. :)

Monday Menu Planning

2011-10-03T06:00:00.000-04:00

I am so enjoying the tastes and aroma's of fall time y'all!

Tonight my family and I had a fun campfire time and I made some delicious White Chocolate Pumpkin Spice Latte's with whipped cream on top. Yummmm in cup! I got the idea off of Pinterest! Gotta luv Pinterest and all the great idea's on there! I also made some pumpkin muffins. SO easy to make-also from Pinterest. ;) (and we had nachos and potato soup as well-just so you don't think all we had was sweets! haha!)

Up this week for meal ideas:

Breakfasts:

Green Smoothies

Pumpkin Spice Waffles

Pumpkin Muffins

Country Style Breakfast (eggs, biscuits, vegetarian sausage)

Lunches:

Sandwiches (tofu olive walnut)

Soup (leftover potato)

Crockpot Spaghetti

Vegetable Plate

Salad and Beans (haystacks?)

Suppers:

Burrito Bake

Veggies and Noodles Thai Style

Vegetarian Meatball Subs

Vegetarian Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes and Carrots

Soup(not sure what kind yet!) and Bread

Baking:

BREAD-imperative THIS week!!!

Fudgy Chocolate Cookies

Baked Pumpkin Donut Holes

Apple Pie??? Or Apple Crisp??

Apple Art Day

2011-10-02T20:49:00.003-04:00

Since it's fall time and apples are the thing going right now, I thought it would be fun to do an apple theme for art day this past Friday. Finger painting red apples on the tree

Meanwhile, Rebecca empties the trash can for me....

A seasonal tree. Flowers, leaves, apples and barren with snow

Apples, cut and paste. :)

There's some good resources on DLTK-kids.com for printables. We also did an apple coloring page.

Making Applesauce

2011-10-02T20:28:00.004-04:00

I had a helper last week when I made applesauce and did some apple drying. My little man helped! He was such a good helper too. Here he is peeling and coring apples for the dehydrator. He did a good job and wanted to keep going, but my dehydrator filled up quickly! Apples, waiting to be turned into sauce. Yummmm

In the midst of sauce making. Laundry in the background. Was washing laundry and doing applesauce on the same day. Crazy, right?

Bowl full of sauce to ladle into waiting jars.

End product. Yes! Every jar sealed.

Mike was sure surprised when he came home from work! :)

Friday's Inspirations (links to love)

2011-09-30T15:04:00.004-04:00

I don't know about you, but I often struggle with being happy all the time. Yeah, I have good days and bad days (or weeks), but is happiness something that just happens to come my way? Or is it a choice? Laura wrote a wonderful article that really spoke to my heart today. Go read it here

And while we're on the topic of happiness, why not smile while we're going about all of our daily chores in the home? Blessed Homemaking has a great article on that topic. Read it here

And honestly, do I really LIKE my children? Sure, I love them. But do I really like them? *SMILE*. Amy writes a wonderful message here.

Of course, perhaps you just need a really good Pumpkin Bread recipe to add some joy to your weekend. Click Here for a recipe that will make your mouth water. It is SO good!

Or some Pumpkin Pie dip for those yummy fresh orchard apples? :)

Ok, so now that you've read all those great links, get off the computer and go play with your children. You know you like them. ;) Smile. And go make some of that pumpkin bread and pumpkin pie dip to feast on, and really, just get happy! :)
Have a great weekend, y'all!

Kodak Apple Moments

2011-09-25T19:35:00.005-04:00

Such a beautiful Day. The perfect day to go Apple-ing. :) Aren't they pretty, hanging from the trees?
We got a fivesome picture! :) Little Rebecca is now walking!

Love my little gal. Such a ball of energy she is. Lots of "gumption."

Two sweetie pies in the apple tree :)

Yummelicious. Ohhh see that tiny hand peeking into the picture? Hehe

There she is. That little apple snitcher. :)

Sorry, peeps. I can't resist. She's just too cute. Love her little smiles. Her bright eyes.

Me and my littlest one. She's wanting to make the great escape. Go exploring...

Me and my busy three.
Now I've got my work cut out for me. Lots of apples to put up. I got Fuji, Rome, Grimes Golden and Winesap. Planning on apple juice, apple sauce and apple butter and maybe we'll dry a few as well. Now tell me, how am I supposed to do all of that when I can barely keep up with what I'm trying to do now? Don't know. But I do know it will get done. Somehow. And the end product will be worth it. Oh, so worth it. :)

I'd still like to go to an Orchard and actually get to pick some apples though!

Mercy Come Morning- a Review

2011-09-23T14:42:00.002-04:00

In "Mercy Come Morning," Lisa Tawn Bergren seeks to unravel the tale of a mother and daughter, living in two separate worlds. Separated in part by Alzheimers. At first I didn't know if I would really get into the story of this book or if it would speak to my heart or wrap me into its soul. I thought perhaps it would be "just" a story. Nothing personal. But as the story unfolded, I began to see how the lessons that Krista Muella is learning and the thoughts and feelings she is experiencing, I, too have felt to some degree or another. As Krista looks back on her and her mother's life together she doesn't see much happiness in the past. All she feels like is that she's tried hard to please, it was never good enough, and perhaps it was all for nothing. But as she digs deeper and purposes to recall only the good, many memories resurface that have long been forgotten. Happy moments filled with laughter. Warm fuzzy feelings that she had not thought about in so long that they had nearly ceased to exist in her memory. I personally learned that it helps our outlook on life today and on our past tremendously when we can choose to focus on the good and the positive of its happenings.
Seasoned throughout the book are the welcoming aroma's of freshly made tortillas, homemade nachos fresh from the oven, soups and warm and inviting sauna's and hot tubs. It all felt so real I had to go make some nachos and homemade tortillas to enjoy! And that hot tub sure sounded nice.
Overall, if you are someone who struggles with thinking positively about the past, or you have a loved one suffering with Alzheimers you would benefit from the reading of this book.
Thanks to Multnomah Publishing for allowing me to do this free review!

Keep Them Busy!

2011-09-20T06:00:00.001-04:00

I had always heard the saying that "Idle hands are the devil's workshop" and I definitely believe it to be true. Nothin' like little children with nothing constructive to do to find it within themselves to conjur up all sorts of mischief if left to themselves.

That is why I decided I needed to get on the ball with things and be more involved in helping them to stay busy.

I had done a pretty good job of this really for quite a while, but then I had baby number 3. And with her, came many adjustments and a lot less time and mental energy. But kids keep going and they need to have a structured day. Else mama is even more tired at day's end from picking up the things that the kid's got into while unsupervised and settling down quarrels from yet more unsupervision.

With a little time, thought and effort it's not as hard as you might think to come up with some simple ideas to keep those little hands and minds in your home occupied as well.

Here are some ideas:

-dish tub filled part way with water (placed on a large beach towel on the kitchen floor) give the kids measuring cups, funnels, etc to play with in the water.

-Rice box (same concept as above only with rice) can add matchbox cars to the scenario for road making fun.

-Gooey Slime. Easy to make. Just uses Borax and Elmer's glue. The kids have lots of fun with it and it's clean.

-Ring around the pumpkin. It's falltime, right? Got a pumpkin around the house? The kids can toss canning jar lids and try to get them around the stem of the pumpkin!

-Make pictures with nature items. Like flower petals and leaves.

-Make granola-it's easy. Just have the dry ingredients out for the kids to measure in and have the wet ingredients all ready to pour. Do it in a large bowl and give the kids some spoons to stir!

-Make playdough. Easy to make. Fun to play with. Offer lots of cookie cutters, rolling pins, even small icecream scoops. Equals lots of fun.

-Make or buy bubbles and go outside to blow them.

-Offer scissors, paste, construction paper and old magazines and the kiddies can practise their skills.

-Small board puzzles are fun

-Stringing beads on pipe cleaners or thick embroidery floss

-Coloring pages (DLTK-KIDS.com) offers a lot of printables for just about any occasion

-Easy crafts. I suggest even buying an art pack from Abeka book or Rod and Staff. Fun activities, not much if any prep involved and pretty cost effective. There's typically enough in a pack for one a week.

-Grow animal sponges in the sink. They are fun to watch grow from a capsule into an animal and are very cheap at the dollar store.

-Flashlights in a dark closet. ooooooh. Fun. Could tell stories.

-Easy science experiments. There are inexpensive all supplies included children science packs on Amazon.com

-Popcicle stick art/crafts.

-Parents.com, familyfun.com are good resource websites as well as this article at Large Families on Purpose-LOTS of good ideas. Also, Laura at www.Housewifeintown.com just posted an article on a very similar topic and she has some great ideas as well for a house filled with boys! *smile* (how is it that we both ended up with posts on the same topic so close together? ha! great minds think alike!)

-Sewing Alphabet letters or animal cardboard shapes

-Beanbag toss

-and? you name it! The sky is the limit. Use your creativity, but keep those kids busy!!

I hope these ideas help get you started on your way to helping your kids stay constructively busy. It's not an easy task. However, I am finding that it is well worth the effort. I am happier. My husband is happier and my children are happier. :)

Menu Plan Monday

2011-09-19T07:21:00.002-04:00

Monday:
L-Sandwiches
S-Fajitas

Tuesday:
L-Leftovers
S-Polenta with Shrooms, Spinach and onions

Wednesday:
L-Chips and dip, veggies and finger sandwiches
S-Wheels up Pasta Salad (with apples, cukes, raisins, etc) From Parents mag.

Thursday:
L-Burritos
S-Vegetarian meatloaf, mashed potatoes and carrots

Friday:
L-Pasta and veggies
S- Harvest Soup (apples, butternut squash) From Parents mag.

To Make:
Muffins
Granola
Bread (include cinnamon-raisin bread)

Linked to: (www.keeperofthehome.org)

Glimpses of Autumn in the Home

2011-09-16T13:44:00.003-04:00

It is no secret that Autumn is my favorite season of the year. I love the colors. I love the scents. I love the change in weather. Crisper days, brighter skies.... I love decorating my home for the season. Here are a few pictures of some things I have put together around my home. I still want to make a fun pumpkin/gourd display on my piano, but here is what I have for now. Yummy smelling Apple Cider candle. Have had for some time. Love to bring it out in the Fall.
Full shot. On my kitchen counter. Ceramic pumpkin, rooster, candle....

On my kitchen table. Mulled cider mini candles, sunflower salt shakers, Jesus Calling Devotional (we read it every morning at breakfast.) And then a large vase filled half way with chestnuts from our tree, and then another small vase with a large pumpkin spice candle inside.

I got the idea for the candle vase with nuts inside off of Pinterest. (gotta luv pinterest for some inspiration, right? :))
Just a few glimpses around my home.... reminding me of Autumn love. :)

Rebecca's 1st Birthday

2011-09-15T14:41:00.005-04:00

Look Who turned ONE last Thursday!

I honestly can't believe it's been a year since this sweet baby entered our lives. I feel so blessed to have her in our home. Hannah gifted her little sister with a baby doll that she especially picked out at the thrift store for her baby sister. She came home and we washed it's outfit and washed the doll all up and Hannah wrapped it all by herself and hid it in anticipation for the big day. :) I thought it was so sweet. Nathan also got something for his sister- something that you can walk behind and push along. I wasn't able to get a picture of it yet.
We had a delicious supper. Pita Pockets with homemade hummus, and fillings- cherry tomatoes, olives, cilantro and cucumber. Also had celery and carrots sticks and cucumber a variety of fresh fruit and little sourdough spinach-artichoke appetizers.

There's the big bowl of delicious Hummus... yummmm

Happy Birthday Rebecca! :)

Now for some dessert! Homemade Vegan Rasberry Cheesecake. So delicious. And Strawberry Ricedream Icecream. :) Rebecca really like that.

One year old.

Digging in to her yummy cheesecake and icecream

oooooh yummy!

Socks! And a few new outfits.

Shoes for trying out some new steps! :) She's starting to walk! She'll take up to 4 steps in a row now without going down. Way to go baby! (she also likes to give daddy kisses. ;)
She also got a fun horsey that she can ride on or push around and she absolutely loves is! And a fun little kitty that actually runs around the room. So far though the older bro. and sis are the ones having the most fun chasing it though. Haha!

It was a fun time and like I said, we just feel so blessed to have this little morsel of love in our lives.

That Little Girl

2011-09-14T07:03:00.005-04:00

Yeah, this little girl.....She turned ONE last week. On the 8th. And today we are finally getting to have her party.

Pictures of the party to come. But for now, enjoy all the fun pictures of the things she has been getting into (ahem: helping with) lately. :)
Climbing into the under the oven drawer down in Florida.... Pulling out the pans.

Unloading the dishwasher. Doesn't matter if it's clean or dirty. It get's unloaded. And she always hears the door open. I don't know how. But she does. She's graduated to the top shelf, notice. ;)

Ziplocks anyone? Yeah, that's her second favorite place in the kitchen. She pulls out the box and pulls them alllllll out and then tries to crawl over them.

She pulls clothes out of the dryer for me. Again. Wet or dry, doesn't matter. They still come out. :)
Yes, That Little Girl is full of life. And honestly? We wouldn't have it any other way.... :) We're gonna miss all of this.

Birthday pics and milestones coming soon!

My Girls Share a Room

2011-09-14T06:00:00.001-04:00

Isn't it pretty?! On Sunday morning I mentioned it to Mike that maybe we ought to just move Rebecca on in to Hannah's room, rather than keep putting it off. Next thing I knew, he was in Hannah's room, scooting her bed over, moving everything around, wheeling cribs in, ect. I thought it was so cute. He was really anxious to get our room back I guess! :) We scooted Hannah's bed over, making room for Rebecca's crib to butt up against the closet doors, then hung a quilt from the ceiling to divide the two beds. Moved the armoir down closer to the door and put the changing table/chest of drawers next to it.
Moved Hannah's dollhouse to the playroom and Nathan's work bench to his room. Moved the keyboard into my room. Put the rocking chair in the corner.

And Voila! With a few changes, a bit of re-arranging, we have a brand new bedroom. Looks so cozy and comfy. Rebecca has had no trouble adjusting. Has slept quite well in there really. (Though last night she gave us a bit of grief, being up for two hours in the middle of the night. However, she has done that before when the moon was at it's fullest so I highly doubt it had anything to do with her new surroundings.)

So, now my girls share a room. Hannah likes it she says (with a smile) So sweet. It's something I would have always loved to have had. It's kind of neat to see it being fulfilled in your daughters. Now Nathan looks longingly at the shared bedroom and laments that he needs a brother to share a room with.... aww... poor buddy.... =/

Homeschool's Trucking Right Along

2011-09-13T20:01:00.003-04:00

Homeschool is going so well for us! We started on our second/third week of it on Monday. I say second/third because we did it casually one week of that time while in Florida, the other two weeks have gone as planned.

(Here Hannah works on Math)

( She's on Number's 7 and 8 and learning how to write them out.)

Learning outside is lots of fun and I find that she concentrates very well and actually seems to do better. Her thought process seems to be clearer.
Hannah is doing amazingly well at Phonics. Far better than I would have thought possible already. We've worked on letter recognition for the past year now and it's all finally clicked in her mind. Now she's working on sounds and she's got most of them down as well. Now it's just formulating them all together in her mind, realizing how they work together to make words. She's becoming more interested in reading and knowing how it all works. It's pretty neat to see her mind working.
Each week day we have one "extra" subject and then Math, Phonics and Bible.
Monday: Health Habits and Manners
Tuesday: Science
Wednesday: Social Studies/History
Thursday: Home Ec (cooking, etc)
Friday: Art and Music Appreciation

For instance, today in Science we were studying the 5 senses. We've been working on them for the past 2 weeks now. We've finally come to the conclusion of them and as a review today we went over the 5 senses and Hannah picked 5 things that she likes best about each category. For example: She likes to SEE: Rainbows, apples, pumpkins, etc.... HEAR: Nice music, raindrops, trees crashing, etc... SMELL: Fresh air, candles, fresh mowed grass etc.... TASTE: watermelon, macaroni, potatoes, TOUCH: fuzzy puppies, chickens, prickly grass
I love how she came up with these all on her own! She was so creative!
After the initial pre-starting jitters, we've really come into a nice, smooth and easy routine that works.
Happy School Days!

Menu Plan Monday

2011-09-12T09:52:00.002-04:00

Monday:
L-Macaroni, peas
S-Haystacks

Tuesday:
L-Leftovers
S-Rice and Curry

Wednesday:
L-Hummus and Chips, Smoothies
S-Celebrate Rebecca's birthday (which was last week!!) Vegan Cheesecake

Thursday:
L-Beans (of some sort... not sure yet)
S-Potpie

Friday:
L-Pasta, Salad
S- Butternut Squash Soup

To make: Cheese crackers and....?? So many things I'd LIKE to make, we'll see what happens. :)

Puffy Clouds/Blue Sky

2011-09-09T06:00:00.000-04:00

Helpers

2011-09-08T06:00:00.001-04:00

I have helpers.

Nathan likes to help feed Rebecca... Hannah likes to mop floors in her underwear.

Easy Delicious Lunch

2011-09-07T21:02:00.002-04:00

Oh this lunch was so yummy! Small pitas...
Hummus....

Freshly chopped cilantro, cherry tomatoes and olives...

=entire bliss. Hannah ate 5 of them. I think that speaks volumes.

YUM.

Frog Farm

2011-09-07T20:55:00.002-04:00

With all the rain that Florida has been having of late, there is a regular frog-apocolypse. I mean, really. We've come out several mornings now to see the driveway just hopping with little frogs. They're everywhere!

So I decided it was time to show the kids how to make a "frog farm." Aka: a home for a few frogs. So, we collected grasses and leaves, made a water pool, etc... Then the kids got to work catching frogs. They sure had fun doing that. Nathan caught probably a good dozen or so. Then I asked, what are these frogs going to eat?
So we looked it up. Learned all about frogs and what they eat. Mainly small ants, knats, fruit flies, mosquitoes, bigger ones eat flies, etc... The kids thought that was pretty neat. But when I asked if they wanted to catch those things for them to eat, they were pretty reluctant. So, after watching them a while, by the end of the day we let them go to their freedom. ;) However, it was all a great lesson for them and now they know about frogs.

Children's Science Museum

2011-09-07T20:43:00.005-04:00

Last week we got to visit the children's Science Museum here in Florida. We really had a fun time! Here are a few snapshots from the day. Mike and Hannah check out Electricity.
Hannah checks out gears and magnetics

Poor ole cow... swinging on it's head, son? tch tch....

Checking out all the gears of the hand generator.

The hurricane tower got up to 80 mph winds! The kids were really "blown away!"

Enjoying the "breeze."

Like I said, we really had a great time and it was so educational! Love this type of schoolin'. :)

Life Certainly IS a Journey

2011-09-06T16:05:00.004-04:00

God has been teaching me a lot lately. To get to where He wants me to be may not always be a frilly journey. It's a road coated with tears and sweat and prayer. But so long as we cling to Jesus through the stormy times, we will make it through with clearer and brighter vision.

I've been pondering this post for several days now. In one sense feeling like I have absolutely nothing to share on my little space of the world wide web, and in another sense, knowing that there are others out there going through similar journeys and perhaps they can be encouraged. And then, how much does one really share with the world? What should be left as merely personal? I've decided to share. Because life IS a journey and we're on this road together.

So what have I been learning lately? Here are some thoughts, all very randomly written so please bear with me.

1. I have been learning that (and I DO say learning, not learned) it's ok to speak my mind, to have an opinion and to mean what I say. Doing so carefully, and being in tune to the Spirit, I can do so tactfully and lovingly. It's good to have an opinion, even if it differs from those around me.

2. It's good and even important to stand firm in the things that I believe in. By doing so, those around me will see that I am serious and not blown around in the wind so to speak. I aim to be firm in principle and to ideal.

3. I can respectfully say "no."

4. Marriage is a very sacred covenant and it takes much prayer (and grace) to succeed with joy.

5. Realizing that I am a very selfish person in need of God's abundant grace helps me to look past the faults in those close to me and become better equipped to share my love with them despite how I may be feeling, rather treating them as I would LIKE to be treated.

6. Life is not always a bed of roses, and it doesn't always go according to plan. How I decide within myself (with God's help) is going to determine how I make it through those thorny times.

7. God has given me a serious task to do, raising 3 Godly, obedient children for Him. Am I going to let Him down? Or am I going to go forth with God's help and train my children up for Him? It's a big task and it's not for the faint of heart.

8. By standing firm, I not only gain respect from my children, but I also gain it for myself.

9. A woman should be the queen of her household, but that title at times has to be worked for.

10. Finally, looking back on the verse I chose for this year's aim: "Let us not be weary in well-doing, for in due season we shall reap if we faint not."

So there you have it. 10 points that have really struck home to me lately. They say life is a journey and sometimes you have to travel to find yourself. Of course, wherever you go, there you are.... And sometimes it's not always the best version of yourself that you find. For me, that has been partially the case. It's been a journey, but I'm learning some important lessons along the way.

Book Review: Out of Control

2011-09-05T20:32:00.004-04:00

The latest book I have read to review is printed by Bethany House Publishers. It is called Out of Control. Part one of the Kincaid Brides series. Written by Mary Connealy.

Julia Gilliland and Rafe Kincaid have always been used to being in charge. But when her rope leading out of the dangerous cavern that she has been exploring alone mysteriously dissappears, she is left very much Out of Control.

How will she get out? And once she does, will her life ever be the same again?

Rafe has had bad connections with that cavern and vows never to go near it again. But if he does, will he discover something or someone that has long been lost?

And what of that dissappearing rope? Is there someone in that cave? Or TWO someone's? Will they ever be caught? There are surprises abounding in this tangled tale.

Once the strings have been unraveled, will love be strong? Or will it merely be convenience.... Will they be forced to sever ties that are deep seeded?

All this and more in "Out of Control."

It's a book that you just can't put down. It's pages wrap you up and hold you til the story is told.

Thank you Bethany House Publishers for allowing me to do this free review!

Remember The Love

2011-08-31T16:55:00.002-04:00

Show you love your children today by giving them some love and hugs. :)

Clarity

2011-08-29T14:25:00.004-04:00

So much clarity has come to me. I can see clearly the path defined. My kids were meant to be kids. Jumping in the puddles. Riding bikes through the rain.
Smiles of joy on their faces as mama runs with them.

Getting soaked and wet, but having oh so much fun.

I relooked at and re-prayed over the plan I had for homeschool this year and I really do like it. The reading program I think will wait until later, but the rest we will keep. It's doable, and it's workable. And I feel at peace with it.

I took some time, looked over the books some more, saw how many chapters in each and I am thrilled because it really only requires reading a chapter a week. That means I can do Health and Manners one day, Science another day, History/Social Studies on the following day, and Art the day after that. One "extra subject" a day with Math concepts and early Reading concepts (mainly easy workbooks on both reading and math) on each of those four days, as well as Bible learning. We'll do this program 4 days a week, Monday-Thursday, leaving Friday for Sabbath preparation.

The books I have chosen for our "extra subjects" I won't be doing any tests with or anything like that for now, just reading, discussing and asking questions regarding. Simple and do-able.

Praise God for prayer, praying friends, LOTS of "B" vitamins, rest, and freedom from the pain that I've had in my mouth for so long. (due to wisdom tooth surgery and a terrible infection before that.)
~God will make a way~

He know's our heart's desires and He longs to bring clarity to our hearts and minds.

Some Answers

2011-08-26T14:39:00.002-04:00

You all, I got some wonderful answers and advice to yesterdays musings on homeschooling versus Christian school, doing it all, etc etc... Lots on Facebook and some on here as well. I thought I'd share the advice that I recieved in hopes that you might be blessed as well. I hope these unnamed (except for good ole mom *wink*) folks don't mind my sharing their excellent tips and advice! :)
My Mother says:
let them run free as lambs and stay away from book work til around age 7. This takes a lot of stress out of homeschooling. As a child wants to learn, teach that particular thing. The mind is not ready for any type of formal schooling until around 7. When you try to do things ahead of time, it only frustrates you and them. Keep the pressure off of yourself until it is time. If you feel pressure to "perform" the kids will also. I think that this advice was given as the first 7 years are the formative years of character building, and where the focus should be. Then when you have their hearts, you can teach them easier and they will be more moldable. They dont need to know so much at such a young age. The more you can hold off teaching them to read, you can read to them the books you want them to learn from before they decide what they want to read, which could be everything and anything they get their hands on, including tabloids in the stores. You are doing a way better job than you think you are, Sarah. They will grow up, they will get the wiggles out, Find time for yourself as often as needed. You are teaching every waking hour they are up. More is taught by watching you do things than you ever imagine. God is a constant strength, the devil a formidable foe. Don't feel "guilty" or "not good enough" That is a trap of emotions that the devil is obviously riddling you with at the moment. He knows our weaknesses and will pester us over them. You will come out on top and know in your heart what the right thing is to do.We all as parents need to feel "empowered" and have wisdom every single step of the way. It is even character building for us. Sending a child off to school does not take away the difficulties. It may even add to it. The way it appears, you are a big inspiration here on line and on your blog! Believe it! , I would most certainly do it all over again! Was it easy? No! Rewarding in the end? Yes, did I have doubts along the way? yeah, But, I see in the end, I have a daughter that is a wonderful wife, mother, Godly woman, strong in her church, influential for Christ and is raising and desiring children to be the same! I don't know if I would change anything for that! These things do not come about by accident! - thanks mom. ;)

SC says:
. At this age, there are things to explore--grass, bugs, birds, etc. Their pretend play is learning, but too much structure "to learn" only creates tension and pressure for Mom and the kids. Let them play freely outside as much as possible Mrs. White says "free as lambs" until 8-10 years old. Talk to "J" about what happens when kids are started with "book" learning too early. Their eyes, and little brains are not developed enough and it generally manifests itself in other behavioral problems. Books are great--spend time reading to them--Bible stories--the reading and just having the quiet time with Mom is the best learning experiences that can be provided at this age. Then let them play. I know I am on my soapbox--I can't help it--I had to learn some of these things the hard way. Formal homeschooling really should not be started before age 7-8--I firmly believe in homeschooling. Mother's should be the childs teacher whenever at all possible. It will not be frustrating when the child is ready. It will be a very rewarding experience for both Mom and child at the right time. Too many "activities" cause pressure/tension and manifest itself in irritability and behavior issues. Follow a regular schedule when it comes to sleeping, eating, worship times and consistent discipline ( a few rules consistently enforced) and then let them be "free" to explore and play with Mom always close by to answer questions and be a support and your kids will be the smartest and most well-behaved kids around. And Mom will be less stressed and happier as well. In addition, bathing your kids in prayer, which I know you already do, will send you the help and strength when you need it most. Sorry, Sarah, to be so long winded. I think you do a marvelous job with your kids, they are well behaved and very sweet. It is a challenge and you really have your hands full right now. But make sure that you take time for yourself. Set aside a specific time--however long you can manage--and let the kids know that this is Mommy time--and they are not to interrupt. I know this is easier said than done, but they will soon catch on and respect your alone time.

SG says:
I feel exactly the way you do about all the reasons to keep my 4 and 3 yr. old home. I am very passionate about keeping them home away from influences I can't control. Our social life has seriously taken a hit as we've become more picky about playmates as our children get older.
However.
There have been days that I would like to call up our little Adventist school and enroll my 4 yr. old just so I can have some time and some peace of mind. And to be very honest, I am quite certain that if I had 3 (like yourself) I would very seriously consider some part time pre-K because, let's just be honest, I ain't supermom! If you do decide to do some part time, do NOT, I repeat, do NOT allow yourself to feel like a failure. You are the furthest thing from a failure and you will not become a less godly mom if you provide your child with some outside educational opportunities. As mothers of the faith, we are protective, we are simple, we are deeply devoted to raising our children for heaven - but we are not above admitting when the time has come for a little help.
I think if you allow your precious Hannah to be exposed to another teacher, who loves Jesus and has been professionally trained to teach children her age, I think that is a choice you can be proud of. You can not do it all. It's okay to to admit when reinforcements are needed.
Also, if you see things that you do not like - i.e. the negative influences of other children, you can always bring her back home, quick as can be. It's not a forever decision, putting her in part time pre-k. It's just a chance for mama to get some balance and for Hannah to learn some different (good) things.
You don't lose if you enroll her in school. You don't win if you do. I'm just saying - if you feel like you need to, want to, might go a little crazy if you don't, then you should consider it. And you are not less of an awesome mother than you already are!
Fast and pray. The Lord will give you peace when you decide yes or no. He will give you strength for your days. He will give you wisdom. He will tell you what is very best for Hannah and your family. He is faithful

LK says:
Sometimes one is better, sometimes the other is better. I have been feeling the same way -- just SO uncertain about whether I can really DO this!! So much planning and nervous about implementing. There's just something different about "teacher" vs "mom". But we'll do what's best at the time. God will help us make the right choices and help everything work out for good.

One gal, RR suggests I just need an energy boost! (maybe some added sleep? a high dose of Vit B? :) I couldn't agree with you more, Rose! Especially after these past 2 weeks! Anyone would feel a bit tuckered out!

So as you can see, lots of great advice and principles here to ponder! I hope you were blessed by reading and that we as mothers striving for our children's salvation will prayerfully ponder the pathways of our children and ask Jesus for the best path to follow. Blessings!

Perhaps it's just....

2011-08-25T19:13:00.002-04:00

....that I am tired from all the latest happenings. Still trying to recover from surgery and all it took to get down here and get settled in here. In partial pain still from surgery. (and worn out from constant pain for the past 8 days) Out of my league in a different state away from my familiar routine were I felt so confident in beginning school with my children this year. Perhaps that is what the trouble is. Hmm... Yes. I am beginning to think so..... Still interested in hearing the pros and cons to sending your child to private Christian Kindergarten, versus homeschool though! :) And yes, I do think there are some social aspects to consider. And yeah... there's always lots to do. ;)

Sometimes I Just don't Know

2011-08-25T15:15:00.003-04:00

Sometimes I just don't know.... sometimes I think that PreK/Kindergarten would be an excellent decision for us. School a couple days a week. Actually learning from someone other than myself, mingling with other people-interacting. I love the concept of homeschool, but sometimes I wonder if I am really up to it. Can I really do it? I have the ideas, but it's hard to implement them. I know, I know, we haven't even started school yet this year, but we are close-and it looks daunting in some ways! I have a kid extremely eager to learn and I wonder if I can do the teaching that I ought to be doing?(amidst two other demanding little ones plus housework!) Am I really creative enough?
And then I think. Man. If I don't homeschool I will be considered a complete failure. After all- I was homeschooled and it's the right thing to do, right? But wow, I don't want to do it out of guilt!
On the flip side, I like my children home with me. I like flexibility. I like being able to impress upon my children's mind's what I'd like to have there (does that sound controlling? no. Just being real- who wants worldy trash infiltrated into our kid's mind's when it could be of Jesus and His ways?) And, what kid's will they really be around in that sort of a situation? Whiners and temper tantrumers, disobeyers? Good kids? sick kids? Responsible kids? I just don't know! Probably some of all. And we're not talking a public system here. If I ever sent my children somewhere it would be to a Christian school setting.
So let's hear it! What do you have to say? What's BEST in your minds? For some of you more experienced in years, what would you do if you had to do it over again? Is there one right way in your minds? What are pros and cons for those of you who experienced both sides of the coin?
NOT looking for bashing here, just your thoughts. Plain and simple. There's no right or wrong answer in my mind. Just wanting to hear from you. :) Let the conversations begin.

Where do I Start?!

2011-08-25T14:53:00.003-04:00

I'm not even sure where to start. So much water has passed under the bridge since I last recorded a real honest to goodness blog of life on here.

One week we went to the zoo with the kid's cousin who was up visiting from Florida, I had a friend from church over and we made bread together, shared lunch and a walk, and on Friday we went to Splash Country (a fun water park) with Hannah and Nathan and their cousin and one of their uncles.

The next week (which was last week) was pretty full with a Dentist consultation (in preparation for wisdom teeth surgery), cleaning the house in preparation for the impending trip to Florida to sell puppies, Thursday was my surgery, Friday was spent recovering and trying to get packed and ready for Sabbath, church on Sabbath and Sunday was a very very full day of packing and cleaning the house, loading the truck and preparing to leave the next morning. We got it all done and on Monday morning we headed out bright and early on our 13 hr. trip to Florida with puppies in tow. We made it. Praise God.

Tuesday was spent unloading, unpacking, deep cleaning a house that has been shut up since early Spring (think lots of must and mold, smelly carpet, SO glad for my air purifier and carpet cleaning sprinkles, etc!!!), a trip to the grocery store to fill the fridge and pantry, washing puppies, mowing grass, pressure washing the moldy house (outside), spraying wasp nests, etc! We sort of just fell into bed that night and hoped everyone around us would sleep too. We are all staying in one room and let me tell you, bedtime is very interesting.

Naptime is even more interesting.

Rebecca has had a rough time adjusting to napping in a new place and seemed quite scared for the first couple days being alone in her crib.

Wednesday was spent a bit more calmly as we were all pretty worn out and today (Thursday) we spent part of the morning going to Goodwill and finding some bikes for the kids to keep occupied with. They are extremely bored-we didn't bring any bikes or toys of any kind really down with us this time and so they are getting rather hyper-coupled with a new environment, schedule out of wack and getting into the juice bottle a few too many times!!! PLUS it is so steamin' hot down here that it's hard to just get outside and RUN off that excess energy! I thought Tennessee was hot!

Today makes a week so far that I have had no solid food to eat. I am ready to eat again. This makes two weeks in a four week period that I haven't had much to speak of in the way of food. (because of my aching mouth.) I have been enjoying making the family good meals down here, but alas, I can't eat along with them! I just drink my little smoothie or eat a bowl of pureed soup. Oh well... All in time, right?

SO! I need to tell you all about that surgery a week ago. YIKES. perhaps it should be a whole other post? Naw, guess I'll consolidate. ;) I wasn't allowed food or water past midnight on Wednesday. Went in on Thursday morning, they took me right back and gave me laughing gas, inserted an IV (one poke-why can't it be that easy when I go into labor at the hospital?!) Hooked me up to valium and whatever else to put me to sleep, and started talking to me about how old my kids were. It began taking me a bit longer to figure out the answers to the questions they were asking and before I knew it I was coming out of anesthesia and it was all over and the first thing I said was "oh! that didn't take too long!" (I guess it didn't, really. only about 30 minutes or so.) But it honestly felt like I hadn't even gone out. Course looking back I see that I did, but it was really pretty funny. LOL! Got my pain meds and antibiotic prescriptions filled, came home and had a smoothie and laid down and promptly fell asleep. And for the next 3 days I could just fall asleep at the drop of a hat. Felt pain and swelling and used my ice packs with great frequency. The meds made me incredibly drowsy and "out of myself." So on Sunday I figured if I was ever to get things packed I wouldn't take them, so I sufficed with Motrin and it has worked just fine with none of those oh so drowsy side effects. Things are getting better, one side of my mouth still hurts and is a bit puffy, but I no longer look like a chipmunk! And I THINK I will be able to eat again- someday..... If I talk too much my jaw starts to really ache and hurt....

So. There you have it. Two weeks in a nutshell. HA! Did you make it?

I'm Here!

2011-08-24T07:02:00.001-04:00

Hi guys! I haven't forgotten about you all in bloggerville. It's just that I've been very time consumed. I have some things to write about and will be doing that soon, just give me a moment to catch my breath! :) See you all soon!

Arising Before The Sun?

2011-08-19T06:00:00.001-04:00

I remember as a young child waking at 5:30 or 6:00 a.m. and climbing from my bed to read my Bible or some other inspirational book for my morning devotional time. I remember how good I felt about this. As I got a bit older, I had a harder time getting up that early and would then resort to squeezing it in before it was time for breakfast. Now that I have children... Well, on most days, lets just say that I haven't been getting up before the sun on most days! It's not that I don't have a want to. I do. I want to have that quiet, peaceful time to spend in God's Word. But I also need my sleep! Often times the children are up at the crack of dawn themselves and there's no way I could get up before they do. Other times, I am just so sleepy and content to lay in my bed that I can't seem to coax myself from my covers! And I further reason with myself that even if I did get up and out of my nice warm bed, all too soon I would hear the patter of little feet and then that quiet moment would be over anyways. So, why get up? Oh boy. Perhaps I have landed on the real problem right here. Lack of self discipline to MAKE myself get up. There's always "self" at the crux of the problem, isn't there?
At any rate, this IS an area that I DO want to work on! Having a baby share my bedroom hasn't made this feat an easy one this past year. But I'm expecting changes! (such as baby moving out of my room?? ever try to have an alarm clock go off in the morning with a sleeping baby in the room? Yeah, big part of my problem!)
September 15th starts the Fall session of Good Morning Girls and we're going to be studying verse by verse through the book of 1John. I'd really love to start off that session by turning over a fresh leaf of getting up early once again. (6:00 can't really be THAT early, can it?) Does anybody want to join my little Bible study group? AND does anybody want to join me in creating a new habit of getting up early? OR want to be my accountability?! Hahaha!

So tell me: Are you a morning person? If so, when do you usually get up? If NOT, have you overcome this trait? If so, how? :)

More Thoughts on Discipline

2011-08-18T06:00:00.001-04:00

There's more than one way to discipline. So if one way is not working, try another til you get the desired results! (namely, OBEDIENCE!)

One way that is working well for us these days is a simple "time-out."

As soon as there is an offense, I take them aside, admonishing their behavior and head them to their room where they can "think and pray" about what they did.

When I return (usually about three-five minutes later) I talk to them about their misconduct. We discuss why it was wrong. Exactly what it was that was wrong about what they did. How they can do better next time. What Jesus has to say about their wrong-doing. And finally, we say a prayer of repentance and ask for forgiveness. After which we go to the person whom we have wronged and we ask their forgiveness as well.

If, when I go into the offender's room after that little 3-5 minute span and I find them unrepentant, then they take a couple more minutes alone and I come to them again.

If there has been a mess made, then they have to come and help clean it up after their time out.

This simple method has really helped to make strides with my son. He is more repentant of what he has done. He asks for forgiveness much more readily. And by talking it through with him, he is processessing what he has done wrong.

This way works MUCH better than a spank to the britches any day for him. And I feel better about it too. I feel more loving and more in tune with his feelings and thoughts and why he's done what he's done.

A book I recommend on some different and creative ideas for discipline is called "Creative Correction" by Lisa Whelchel. Really loved her thoughts and ideas! All shared in a fun, but no nonsense way.

As we ask the Lord to lead and guide us, He will show us the path's He wishes us to take.

No More Noise, Please!

2011-08-17T06:00:00.004-04:00

I gave myself permission to remove all noise making toys from the toy box.

Radical? Perhaps. Necessary for my sanity? INDEED!

Do you know how much confusion those noisy toys cause?! I'm sure most of you do! They create unnecessary chaos added to chaos. Which in turn? Creates more chaos. Haha!

My nerves were becoming shot from constant noise.

You know the situation. The child likes the noise that a certain toy makes, so they push the button that makes that noise, over and over and over again. Until you feel like you are going to either pull your hair out or scream!

Somehow we think that these toys are ok and that we are obligated to keep them around. The grandma or the aunt gave them to the child. The child likes the toy. Whatever will the child do without this toy? It would be terrible to eliminate it from the toy selection!

But do you know what I found out?

Your child won't even miss it!

My kids don't even know they are missing from their toy stash!

I found out some other things as well.

My children are more creative without the noise making toys. They make their own noises instead. They are playing creatively and using their imagination more!

My children are consistently calmer without the noisy toys. Of course they are kids, they make noise themselves! But their systems are less hyped without the extra added noise.

Most noise makers are nonsense anyways. Many of them are just silly little ditties filling your child's head with nonsense, when instead, they could be filling themselves up with wholesome stuff instead! Without a noisy toy to contend with, a parent could turn on a Bible story tape and the child could actually hear that instead. Or how about Scripture music? Fill your child's mind up with the good rather than the neutral or the negative nonsense.

Now all this being said, there are those things few and far between that can actually be educational or have purpose. Such as some little childrens learning computers, to help the child learn certain reading or math skills and such. But even these should be kept for specific times throughout the day, otherwise, they will fill your home with noise as well if not used properly!

Choose your children's toys wisely and don't feel bad if you need to remove some from your children's stash. Most of them, if you don't make a big deal out of it, they will never miss.

~Whatsoever things are lovely, think on these things. Phil. 4:8~

It's Not Forever

2011-08-17T06:00:00.001-04:00

As many of you know, I like things fairly neat and tidy. And I like things to be orderly and clean.

As many of you also know, it's hard to have all these things when you have small children!

List's and cleaning schedules all look terrific and tidy kept on paper. But how are they looking in real life? Early this Spring, I shared with you all my cleaning schedule and how it looked on paper. I had certain days to do certain chores so that by the end of the week, it was all accomplished. It looked pretty good if I do say so myself! And for a time it really worked well. But then, enter in a crawling baby getting into everything, summertime outdoor adventures and kids who are playing more on their own these days (but also creating terrific messes in the process) and cleaning lists become less and less of a reality in every day life. For now. For the here and now I am happy if the toys are picked up, beds are made, the dishes done and the laundry washed! (and of course meals on the table are a must as well. ;) )

For now, my floors are not spotless.

For now, my bathrooms are not always spic and span.

For now, cupboards aren't always kept in perfect order.

For now, bed sheets don't get washed every week.

For now my windows bear smudge marks.

For now my house is not in perfect order.

But. It's Not Forever.

It's but for a little while.

In time, as my children grow and mature, I can hand my son the mop and have him clean the tile. I can give my oldest daughter the vacuum and she can vacuum the carpets. I will be able to give my littlest one a dusting cloth to clean the furniture. Meanwhile, I will be able to tackle the windows and clean out the cupboards. We will be able to work together to scrub down those dirty bathrooms. All in time. In the blink of an eye, we'll be there.

Even a year can bring alot of changes.

It's not forever.

Definitely an important thing to remember.

Meet Benji

2011-08-16T15:43:00.015-04:00

A few weeks ago, our big boy golden, Cowboy, suddenly died. Could have been from the excessive heat. Could have been an aneurysm. At any rate, he was fine in the afternoon, and gone in the evening. So we are really don't know what happened. But we were all pretty sad. It was getting time to change our our male dog, just due to the fact that he was getting to be a bit unpredictable as he aged, and with small children, you just don't want to take any risks. However, we were not expecting something like THIS to happen to him! The children helped Mike to dig his grave with the backhoe and really experienced first handedly the seriousness of death. For a while, the processed it over and over in their minds, talking it out with me. Such a sad thing to happen!

So, since our male dog had died, we knew we were going to have to replace him. So we began casually looking. Yesterday, Mike went and got this adorable puppy whom the kid's fell in love with. They named him Benji. Nathan wants to hold him ALL the time. They are having such fun bonding with him!
(and hosing him down. If you notice, he's a bit wet in the pictures!) Look at that cute puppy face! :)

We are looking forward to training him well and hopefully be able to have him as a good pet for the children too. They sure love him now! Benji likes to chase the kid's around and they in turn think it's just an absolute blast!

Embracing Motherhood

2011-08-16T06:00:00.002-04:00

Let's face it, motherhood is a full time job, around the clock care. There are not many breaks scheduled in between either!

But we've wanted to be mother's since before we can remember. It's built into many of us, this innate desire to love and to nurture. Yet now, here we are, three noisy little children (in my case) surrounding us and we wonder how we got here and what on earth to do with them all! How to cope? How to manage? How to survive? How to THRIVE?!

I'm learning to embrace it all. ;)

I'm coming to realize that this is just the way it is right now.

Children are children.

They are noisy. They are full of mischief. They are full of life. They aren't perfect.

I'm not sure exactly how this reality suddenly sank in. But it did. Perhaps it just comes over time...

I am more accepting of the fact that my baby (or my 3 yr. old for that matter!) is probably not going to sit on my lap (or sleep) perfectly quiet for me for the entire duration of a church service. There's bound to be some noise, there's bound to be some squirms. It's ok to take them out. It's ok if they make (some) quiet noises in church. It's ok if we have to leave before the service is over. I am coming to realize that we all have our limitations and we all have our expectations as well. As parents, we cannot expect our children to exceed their limitations. Yes, we always aim for their best, but if a child is tired or hungry or not feeling well you can't plan for perfect behavior. I am learning not to feel bad or like a failure when these situation arrive. We simply remove ourselves. In the end, we all are happier and less stressed.

I am seeing that there are many teachable moments throughout the day in which to instill good morals and values into our children.

I am learning to nip bad behavior in the bud and to react the first time rather than after the offense has been repeated three times and now I am worked up (as well as the child! not a good combo) This way, I am still calm and I can remove the child from the situation alot more quietly.

It's all a learning process, this thing called motherhood. The children and I, we're learning together. We're both not perfect, but we're works in progress. I am taking the time to get to know them for who they are and realizing their individual strengths and weaknesses. They are all so precious.

I am realizing more than ever that this early childhood time is extrememly fleeting. Before I know it, babyhood, toddlerhood and early childhood will be gone forever. Never to be reclaimed. This mission of motherhood is one to be treasured, not endured!

I'm praying daily for peace and contentment and I've come to "grips" with motherhood. I'm loving it more every day. I'm embracing it. Yes, there are those moments when I long to "get away" or for there to be blissful quiet, but for the moment, I am here and I am striving to embrace every moment.

Is Your Marriage Fireproof?

2011-08-15T14:13:00.005-04:00

Lately, I have been thinking alot on the the topic of marriage and its sacredness.

How can I, how can you fireproof it and make it strong to last for a lifetime? What are certain steps one must take to guard against the crumbling of something sacred and a union meant to last a lifetime?

Late last week I was devastated to find out that someone that I held in high esteem as a man with much zeal for his family and especially his marriage, confessed to having an affair. Honestly, I was crushed. Especially since this person travelled worldwide preaching messages on how to foolproof your marriage! It really let me see that the Devil doesn't care who he gets to fall, just so long as they do. It really let me see that NO one is safe from temptation or free from the possibility of falling into sin. Although I feel very sad about this situation, I also do forgive him in my heart, for I know that "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God." Though this man may not have the same message as before, God can use this situation and turn it into something good. By becoming broken, this individual will have a stronger message than ever, only with a different tune-If he fully rely's on God for the healing of his life and that of his wife's.

So all this being said, wow. What are some ways that I can fireproof my marriage? What can I do to have a strong relationship with the man that I love?

1. Guard my mind/thoughts from evil. So much of what happens in our lives is premeditated. If I am harboring thoughts about another man in my heart, eventually something is going to happen. The best thing to do if any of these thoughts enter our minds is to nip them in the bud and pray to Jesus to remove these thoughts immediately.

2. Guard our eyes. This really goes hand in hand with guarding our thoughts. For what we see, enters our minds and becomes food for thought. God made us all individuals. Not all of us are going to look like some movie star out there! But if we have fallen in love with our spouse, we know their heart and if their hearts are pure and loving and their character is strong, these are the things that we should be dwelling on more fully than just their outward appearance. (not to say that we don't want to look nice for our spouses!) But if we see someone half naked, turn away! Don't dwell on them and their bodies!

3. Focus on the positive. Strive to only think good thoughts towards and about your spouse. Don't dwell on their negatives. We ALL have negative factors! Focus on the good! Remember only the good. Write down the things you love about them. Share with others the things you love about them!

4. Be close. Be intimate. Hold hands. Give hugs. Give kisses. Show each other that you love one another.

5. Talk. Commune with each other. Discuss everything together. Become one.

6. Pray pray pray and pray some more. The devil is out to destroy families and he wants to break your marriage apart into crumbles. He doesn't want you to be happy with the person you married. he wants you to think there is someone out there who is better suited for you. he wants to make you think that you made a mistake. But you PRAY that devil away. Marriage is for keeps.

7. Genuinely care about your spouse. Offer your assistance. Show that you care about them and their day and their troubles. Be there for them.

There is so much more I am sure that I could mention, but there are the things that I have thought of right now. It's just such a burden on my heart right now. If you are struggling in your marriage right now, take it immediately to the foot of the cross and beg for Jesus' help. He's there and He is the best help you could ever ask for.

Also, as I was contemplating writing this post, I read an excellent post on this same topic! It's found over at The Modest Mom Blog and I know you will be as blessed as I was to read it. It covers some of the same things that I mentioned, but she does such a beautiful job in writing it.

God bless us all as we strive to live for Him!

Rebecca:11 months

2011-08-08T20:51:00.003-04:00

She's happy. She's sweet. She's a real JOY. She's right in the middle of everything. She doesn't mind getting dirty.
She's still loving to climb. And slide. And swing.

She's still quite an eater and loves trying new things-very cautiously. :)

She has two teeth and I think another is on it's way, just not sure where yet!

She is standing without support, but not walking without help quite yet. Soon!

She loves trees and is always pointing at them saying- "dat" She also likes to point at lights and say "dat." She says Mama and Dada. Hi and Bye. "Duh" for done. "Mmmmm" for yummy and more. "more dat" when she wants more. And probably a few things I am not thinking of at the moment. Moving right along! I can't believe that next month she'll be ONE!!

What's to Eat This Week

2011-08-08T15:46:00.002-04:00

Breakfasts:
Cold Cereal
Smoothies and Oatmeal Raisin Apple Muffins
Baked Oatmeal
Biscuits and Gravy
Pancakes and Blueberries
Cold Cereal

Lunches:
Veggie Wraps
Picnic, take along food
Mac n cheese, Broccoli
Garden Veggie Sandwiches
Butternut Squash Curry with Rice

Suppers:
Enchilada Soup
Chicken Salad Sandwiches
Spaghetti Bake
Mashed Tatos, okra, greenbeans and carrots
Savory Sweet Potato Soup

Also need to make Egg rolls this week! :)
Happy eats!

A Day in the Mountains

2011-08-08T15:05:00.008-04:00

A day of peaceful tranquility in the mountains is just what we needed. The children enjoyed hiking up the trail through the woods
The beautiful mountain flowers along the trail

Hollow trees to inspect. :)

We even got to see a baby bear along the path! Just around the bend was Mama. But we decided not to risk it with three little bear baits in tow. ;)

Yummy, daddy-packed picnics to eat

And Rebecca just wanted to get down and crawl around and try things out.

My three little ones peaking out the old schoolhouse window

Why hello! :)

Rebecca liked the cold water and wanted to crawl out right into it as far as she could. We had to keep a pretty tight grip on her. ;)

Hannah loved the cold water as well!

The kids enjoyed crawling around on the river bed like little crawdads. :)

Such a fun filled day out in nature! I'm so glad we were able to go! :)

Obedience

2011-08-05T14:55:00.002-04:00

Obedience means so much. It's makes a world of difference in a family. Obedience is key to having a peaceful home.

Unfortunately, obedience must be trained into our children (and into us for that matter!). It doesn't just come naturally. And in some of us, it comes harder than in others. Such is the case with my ever lovin' boy. He's a real case at times. But he has to be worked with, for he is only growing bigger and these negative character traits are becoming more ingrained by the day. Not to say that he can't also be the sweetest, most loving, adorable little boy on the face of the earth, but when he doesn't want to be those things.... well. It's not cute. He's a very stubborn character. And I'd love for that stubbornness to be shaped into a good trait, rather than a bad one.

We are always working on this subject of Obedience, but lately, more than ever, I have been seeing how MUCH I am needing to work on it with my Nathan. It takes serious consistency. A never giving in (stubbornness??) on my part to always see through what I've asked of him.

Just this morning I asked Nathan and Hannah to pick up their blocks. Hannah quickly complied, while Nathan thought of every excuse in the book as to why he couldn't pick up blocks. After Hannah had filled the large bucket filled with blocks I asked her to stop and told her that Nathan could pick up the rest since he hadn't been of help. Well of course he didn't want to. I decided to put him in the corner and told him if he didn't want to pick up blocks, he could stand facing the wall for a couple of minutes instead. After those 2 minutes, I asked if he was ready to pick up blocks. He was not. So, I turned his nose back to the corner once more for another minute and then asked him again. No. He was not ready. He was tired. (mmhmm. right.) After a bit he decided he was going to pick up blocks. But I must say he started out verrrrry slowly, and you could tell his heart was not in the right place. So I prayed and then told Nathan that he really needed to work quickly and see how fast he could get the blocks put away. No go. I took him back to the corner, because, I said, "it doesn't look like you are really ready to pick up your blocks." After one more minute in the corner, he decided he could pick his blocks up quickly. And he did. I never did see a boy move so efficiently! All those complaints of being tired. Or hungry. Or having a hurt leg. Or anything else he could think of were gone. I offered him a nap afterwards, but he declined with a smirk saying he wasn't really tired. Yeah. Thought so. ;)

So there was one battle that we won together and I am thankful. He has a really hard time helping out his sister with their daily little chores together and he needs to help. The work is simple, it's just a matter of whether he wants to cooperate or not.

His second battle of the day was mealtime. Folks, I have been struggling with this fellow on the subject of meals for a long time. Lately all he seems to think he needs and wants is milk. So he'll lug the jug out of the fridge at any ole time and fill himself a glass of milk and slurp it down. Trouble is, then he's not hungry when it's actually time to eat! Well today I made a delicious stiryfry and some seasoned bulgar wheat for lunch. Very tasty and very nutritious. Which is what I like to serve my family. (nutritious) I put a small portion on the children's plates. Hannah snarfed hers down, loving every bite. Nathan took a look and then decided he needed a toy at the table. Upon arriving back at the table, I took the toy away and told him it was time to eat, he could play with said toy after his meal. So he sat there, refusing to eat and then got down and scampered away to return with another toy. I took that one too and told him he had to eat his yummy meal. He didn't like it too well. I had him open his mouth and he took a bite. And then another and another and with persistence, he ate nearly everything on his plate. All those vegetables (except for the carrots-for some reason!), and all that nutrition, he ate it. And he enjoyed it. And he was filled with nourishment. And it was another battle won.

I can see how much happier our home will be once we are having more consistent victories! Especially once they are first time victories!

Please pray that I will have courage and stamina to keep pressing through these struggles so that we can come out on the other side happier and peaceful. :)

Bible School and What's to Come!

2011-08-04T16:09:00.005-04:00

This week, we have been busy doing Rod and Staff's/Christian Liberty's Bible School (the Kindergarten II). We are loving it! Such wholesome and easy crafting activities, a pointed Bible story that reiterates it's point over and over again so that the kids really know what the story is all about by the time we are done, and easy to follow lesson plans for the teacher. (aka,mom)

We start at 10:00am, just after I lay the baby down for her morning nap. And we commense to learning for the next hour to hour and a half. The children love the structured learning time and it gives me the assurance that we are doing something profitable with our morning hours!

I expect that we will be doing this book for the rest of the month of August, after which we will be starting our homeschool 2011-2012 school year. Most likely on September 5th will be our first day of school. I worked today on a simple fall schedule that will include time for schooling and will be sharing that with you all soon. I am also working on some simple chore ideas for the children to do during our morning hour of clean-up, and probably some new meal plans as well. All soon to come!

Treasure the Moments

2011-08-04T15:14:00.005-04:00

Yeah. There's always so much to do. It's hard to fit it all in! It's up to you though, to make life fun!
Create those funny and goofy moments to remember!
Enjoy each other-you never know when a life may be cut short.
Who wants to live with regrets?
I want to know that I treasured the moments
And that all around me feel loved.

Blueberries Taste Yummy

2011-08-04T14:53:00.002-04:00

Tuesday morning found us in the Blueberry patchIt was a pretty morning. The birds were singing, and the sun was smiling.
My little man showed me his finds

While my main man filled his bucket. :)

My little lady was a serious picker too...for a while. ;)

Did you really pick all of those berries, Hannah? "No, these are Nana's" ;)

Nathan!! Get out of Mama's berries!!

We picked 3 gallons in 2 hrs. Which wasn't a ton, since the berries were a lot smaller and fewer this year than last. But it's something and we're glad for the fresh yummy berries that are now in the deep freeze. :) Besides, such a nice outting with my mom, Mike's younger cousin, and some friends as well! And pictures? Well, you all know I like them! :)

Have any of you picked Blueberries this summer?

Lots of Water, Lots of Heat

2011-07-29T14:35:00.005-04:00

Gotta luv water play when the weather is continuously blisteringly hot! My three little munchkins enjoying the pool!
climbing up for another slide down to the water below. :)

tiny toes-the cutest! :)

Look at dat little belly! And that smile! Rebecca is really learned to love the water this summer!

Splash pad fun with friends!

Running and splashing and enjoying the cool water

Rebecca made me laugh. She was crawling everywhere. She would crawl right into the pouring down water and sit there gasping as all the water ran over her face. Way too funny. I "rescued" her over and over again. She just loved the water so much!

Enjoy these doggy days folks! Fall is just around the corner.... (mmmm did someone say apple pie, cinnamon spice and colored leaves? ;))

Bet You Can't Guess!

2011-07-27T13:56:00.003-04:00

Blessing's Through Trials

2011-07-22T15:54:00.002-04:00

This week has definitely been a tough one for me. Due to a severe infection in my bottom wisdom tooth I have basically been unable to eat and chew anything for the entire week. I have been in excruciating pain. Last night was the first night I was able to sleep all the way through for this whole week. As soon as this infection clears up somewhat I will be getting both bottom wisdom teeth extracted. And then I will endure another round of pain, but at least it will be the end of it all!

At any rate, I started out this week thinking and praying, "c'mon God! Heal my pain! Make it all better! Why don't you heal people when they ask for healing?" So many different circumstances were going through my head of people that God had chosen not to heal. And yet He is a God of love and mercy. I just wasn't really seeing at. Kind of wondering why He couldn't heal the simplest thing such as a tooth infection.

And then I went through the phase of "I can't handle all of this! I can't deal with all of this pain, all of these sleepless nights, no food! PLUS taking care of three kids all day!"

I really began pondering the whole situation, trying to come to peace with it. And then I realized something very clearly. Jesus never promises to take away all of our earthly afflictions. But He does promise to go with us through those hard times. He promises to give us strength to endure and grant us peace amidst storm.

As I began to realize this, my prayers began to change. "Lord, give me strength to get through this day. Please be with me through this pain and give me peace. Help me to endure."

And do you know what? He has. No, it hasn't been easy. Not whatsoever. But I have been gaining insight through it all. And as my husband mentioned-this pain is going to be nothing compared with the things we will have to endure in the end of times. If I can't handle a "little" tooth infection pain without murmuring and complaining, whatever will I do then?! Talk about a kick in the rear! :)

So, yeah... lots of learning. Many areas to grow in and right about now? I could eat a horse! (well....not really. Hahah!)

Water-sliding Fun

2011-07-20T21:36:00.002-04:00

Who doesn't like water on a hot day?

These little rascals had their share of fun times going up the ladder and down the slide, WOOSH into the water. SPLASH!
Wheeee!

Ahhhh.....

Yay for cool water on hot summer days!

The Get up and Go

2011-07-18T13:50:00.002-04:00

I'm struggling at having the get up and go lately. I want to purge the house a bit more. I want to stay on top of the dishes. I want to feel energy and the excitement that a new morning (should) brings.

I'm in a bit of a slump and I'm hoping that perhaps just writing this out will give me the motivation to sort through my living room while my kids nap. It's not like it's all that bad. I guess just the clutter of couch cushions and scattered toys is doing a number on me. haha! And there's another reason for my slackness-

I tell ya, my bottom wisdom tooth is positively killing me. I can hardly eat, can hardly sleep, can hardly concentrate. I'm about to go crazy with it. Therefore I am having it YANKED out on Wednesday. I don't know what to think. I'm scared.to.death. It's only going to be local anesthesia and that's good and bad all at the same time! At the same time, I'm in so much pain now, it can't really get that much worse, can it? And, yeah... I've had three epidurals, right in the height of labor and I made it. Right? So.... I can do this! Yes I can! Ohhhhh boy....Pray for me! :/

So anyways, I think I am going to pick up a few more toys and then maybe I can nap a little.

Hoping y'all are having a good Monday!

What to do on HOT days

2011-07-15T14:16:00.007-04:00

Mix up a batch of colorful fingerpaint And head outside! Preferably with the children in their swimsuits so as to be able to wash them off easier should the painting get messy.
Give the kids some plain white paper, some popcycle sticks and let them use their creativity to make a pretty picture!
Sucking on frozen mango is always a great thing to do when it's hot. At least Rebecca sure thinks so!
Walking barefoot through the grass is this Mama's favorite summer trend. :)

And of course taking pictures.... definitely a good thing to do. If only I had Laura's talent!(and her camera!)

Admire pretty pictures done by creative little artists!

And definitely cool off in the sprinklers!

Icecream bars are a must. ;)

What are some of your favorite summer pass-times?

I'm Dreaming

2011-07-14T14:17:00.002-04:00

I'm dreaming of somewhere cool. Somewhere with water

Maybe a Mountain River, rushing over rocks?

Or a peaceful country lake? Floating on a raft, boating or canoeing?

Shucks, even this great beach in Florida looks good right about now!

I'm cookin'! And I'd like some relief! Some water to float in and a little adventurous rendevous away from the house.

Are you with me? ;)

It Starts With Me

2011-07-13T20:31:00.002-04:00

The atmosphere of the home may be cloudy or it may be sunny. Whichever way it ends up is largely up to the Mother.

If my attitude is dark and stormy. If I am easily agitated and irritable. If I am tired and just "want out," if I am stressed... it all shows up in the faces of my little ones. Now don't get me wrong, we all have those days when our attitudes are less than ideal, but shouldn't that be a very abnormal day, rather than the norm? We want our homes and our children to be full of sunshine and happiness! Yes, some of their attitudes are of their own choosing, but it is most of the time quite hard to remain irritable when all around is happiness, isn't it so?

My thoughts have been shifting more towards positive happiness and sunshine in my home. I want it to be happy and lighthearted. I want there to be obedience, love and respect for all. I want home to be a pleasant place to be.

And so, I have been working. Alot. And much of it has to do with me. If I get frusterated and dispair, the whole day can go "down the tubes." In a flash.

I have been concentrating on characters. We all want characters ready and fit for Heaven, yes? And we all know we have lots to do in this area, right? I know I do. My attitude at times positively stinks! And yet, I expect my children to exemplify happiness and obedience-even when I am in a bad mood? Or complaining outwardly about something?

Every morning whilst I am showering I beg for mercy and I plead for strength. Because I know that it is Him alone Who can supply me with endurance to make it through the day. And there are times when I have to go into the (bathroom) and reunite myself with The Strength and The Power to make it through the next moment and to pray for patience and determination to see a situation through to the end. And there are times when I fail and the outcome is far from ideal. And I feel sad about those times. Because it is those situations when I needed Him the most, and yet I didn't ask. Therefore, I did not recieve.

After connecting myself to Jesus first thing, after a hurried breakfast time (and I am still working on how to streamline this time more smoothly. It is such a harried and tense time of the day for me. Trying to get everyone breakfasts, shower myself, get Mike off to work, empty dishwasher, cleaning up kitchen etc...) Around 10:00 after I put the baby down for her morning nap, I gather the children and we have Bible time. We read a devotional, we sing, we pray. We gather strength and happiness for our day. And then we fill out sticker charts for the morning's chores, for the night before, and character achievement charts-lots of positive reinforcements. It makes the kid's happy. It makes them feel good. I am filling them up with the good rather than the negative. I think this has been a big key element lately to have some good attitudes and a willingness to do what is right-they are well rewarded with big thank-you's, hugs and stickers. It makes them more apt to do what is right rather than what is wrong. Afterwards, we head outside for some morning play time to get the energy out.

Another thing I have been diligently working on is having a good midmorning snack for them. Something that is full of nutrition. This morning we made a big veggie tray and dip together and that's what they had. And then we have story time and read together. It's a bonding time they love.

The moments get harried again close to afternoon naptime and I find myself hanging on by a bare thread, just trying to hold on until I get them all bedded down and I can finally sigh a big sigh and catch my breath for a moment! If I can make it to here, I know I am in a good place! Haha! Because, after naptimes-if they all go well- soon after they wake up, Mike will be home and that always is a welcome relief! :)

I just want to end this by saying, mom's don't give up. I know we get discouraged at times. It's rough going. It's probably the toughest job there is. I know it's 24/7, 365 days a year care and stress, but I also know that we have an Agent by our side and He is ever ready and willing to help us at ALL times. We just have to remember that. When we're having that really rough day let's get back on track. Sing some songs, read some encouraging Bible passages. Say a prayer in the bathroom, talk to a friend(start with Jesus and then maybe a close friend?)! But get back with Jesus ASAP! He's the Way, the Truth and the Light. And He wants the very best for our homes.

My Littlest Helper

2011-07-13T14:55:00.002-04:00

Little ones love to help. And this littlest one is no exception! :) Don't you just love how she totters precariously on the edge? Yeah. Me too. Scary.
This little girlie loves to climb. Even dishwashers....
Looking forward to seeing the ways in which she will help in our home as she grows older.

The Plan-Homeschool 2011/2012

2011-07-11T15:54:00.002-04:00

We have a plan! I have been working on compiling a 2011-2012 school year plan for our homeschool and I have succeeded! I am really excited to share with you what we are planning on doing this upcoming year.

Since Hannah will be 5 and Nathan is 3, we will be compiling some grade levels together to make it understandable for both age levels. Some things, such as Art, I will be doing on both levels.

Bible: Arthur Maxwell's The Bible Story, Keepers of the Faith Character Studies

English/Phonics: 100 Lessons to Read, Bob Books, ABC flashcards, Leapfrog

Health: Rod and Staff grade 2 health- simple stories illustrating good points on manners, etc

History: Rod and Staff Geography grade 2, History Stories on famous people, etc

Science: Simple science experiments (found a great website), 1st grade Abeka Science, will be reading the Homestead series and other story formatted books learning about different animals and habitats, also learning about weather.

Math: Workbooks, Abacus, learning to tell time with a clock,

Art: Abeka K3 and K4 art packs

I am really excited to begin our new school year. We'll probably start either the end of August or September 1st. Now I need to finagle our schedule so as to fit a time slot in for this great learning time!

For the rest of the summer I plan on doing Rod and Staff's Vacation Bible School program with Hannah for her age level of Kindergarten. I want to take some special time to spend with her.

We'll also do some art projects-maybe paint another canvas?? :)

Mainly we are working on character training this summer.... and of course all the time. ;)

What are your school plans for the upcoming year if you are homeschool? Would love to hear!

She's 2 months from 1

2011-07-08T14:43:00.003-04:00

I can't believe how time has passed so quickly. I know I say this every month as I chronicle the first year of life of my little Rebecca Joy. But it's true. She's almost one year old. She's full of surprises. Full of life. She's hilarious.
She's happy. She loves the outdoors, but has a hard time with the heat and get's heat rash at times.

She likes to eat-especially if it's soft and small and she can smoosh it between her gums. Otherwise, she likes big harder objects that she can naw on. She has a tooth! And another one just about in! :)

She waves and claps and says "Bah" (you know, a real Southern "bye"? ;)) or "Hah" (southern twang for "Hi")

She says mama and dada and get's VERY excited when Mike comes home from work.

She's a climber and climbs whatever she can (or can't) reasonably climb.

She makes funny faces-one is where she acts surprised and makes her eyes real big and wide and opens her mouth up into an oval and then she gasps. Soooo funny.

She likes to grab the microphone and "sing" at the top of her lungs.

She's my happy girl. I am so glad she's a part of our family.

A Day to Chill

2011-07-07T15:35:00.003-04:00

Today we're relaxing. We're taking it easy. We are regrouping. It's been sooo super hot here. And humid on top of it all. Since yesterday was so busy and productive, today is being relaxed and relatively unproductive. I had nothing on my to-do list today. Other than "feed kids, do dishes, take naps and play." And that's what we've done! We played in the water! Even Rebecca is learning to enjoy it! We played on the swings! We read stories outside on the front porch and ate cucumbers with Ranch for our midmorning snack. (well the kids did that. I didn't. lol) We ate lunch inside (how's Great Northern beans, corn and carrots with a whole wheat bun sound?) And now we are resting for that afternoon siesta. Hannah is chattering to herself in her room, Nathan is sleeping and so is Rebecca...

We're just chilling. And it feels good.