I got an unusual phone call last week. It was my dad asking me if I thought we'd like to have his wedding here at our house. WOW!! Were my kids excited!! It was super sweet of them to include us and made the kids feel so special. (Thank you Dad.)
For the past week we've been in wedding planning mode. Everyone had their own special job and practiced all week.
#1 made the cake...and it's so pretty too!
#2 played the wedding march on the keyboard...special thanks to our great piano teacher.
#3 is best man
#4 made the flowers ...special thanks to my good friend who helped her.
She is also maid of honor.
#5 is ring bearer.
Honey is photographer.
I am the coordinator.
My dad and stepmom-to-be, along with her mom (Gram) got here last night. We've been running errands today and getting manicures and such. I've enjoyed spending time with them today.
Gram is sweet and noticed that #6 did not have a special job. She named him co-ring bearer and bought him a pillow too.
The ceremony is at 7pm...just 2 short hours away. We will then have Nana and Gram officially added to the family. WELCOME!!!
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Sunday, August 06, 2006
Have you ever had a day like this...
Sick kids
Sick Momma too
Husband out-of-town
Kids that wake up too early
Kids that won't nap
Toddlers that whine
Crying babies
Too much TV
Kids that pick the spinach off their pizza
Sharp words
Unthankfulness
Laziness
Having to go to Walmart on Sunday afternoon
Child at WM with me has to go to the bathroom
It's not been a good day. I wanted to complain and feel sorry for myself to someone so I called up a friend. What a friend she is!! Did she let me complain or feel sorry for myself? NO! She is one of the few people that I know that can speak the truth in love, turn me around, and point me the right way. I am so thankful for her! She gently reminded me of the good in a way in which I did not feel condemned. I felt slightly reprimanded and so much better when we hung up. God is good.
After the call, I put on my MP3 player and got busy in the kitchen. I don't know what all is on it b/c it is new and Honey loaded it up for me. It's a surprise everytime I turn it on. A worshipful song by Mercy Me helped me along in my work and continued to guide my mind to what is good. The work went fast.
When I finished, I noticed an unusual quiet. The babies were all finally asleep and there was no crying!! Oh Thank YOU Lord!! So I sat down with my Bible and you know what I opened it up to?
"...for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground." Ps 143:12
Sick kids
Sick Momma too
Husband out-of-town
Kids that wake up too early
Kids that won't nap
Toddlers that whine
Crying babies
Too much TV
Kids that pick the spinach off their pizza
Sharp words
Unthankfulness
Laziness
Having to go to Walmart on Sunday afternoon
Child at WM with me has to go to the bathroom
It's not been a good day. I wanted to complain and feel sorry for myself to someone so I called up a friend. What a friend she is!! Did she let me complain or feel sorry for myself? NO! She is one of the few people that I know that can speak the truth in love, turn me around, and point me the right way. I am so thankful for her! She gently reminded me of the good in a way in which I did not feel condemned. I felt slightly reprimanded and so much better when we hung up. God is good.
After the call, I put on my MP3 player and got busy in the kitchen. I don't know what all is on it b/c it is new and Honey loaded it up for me. It's a surprise everytime I turn it on. A worshipful song by Mercy Me helped me along in my work and continued to guide my mind to what is good. The work went fast.
When I finished, I noticed an unusual quiet. The babies were all finally asleep and there was no crying!! Oh Thank YOU Lord!! So I sat down with my Bible and you know what I opened it up to?
"...for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground." Ps 143:12
Thursday, August 03, 2006
G and G
This is one my favorite family stories....
Many years ago when I only had four kids and they were all little, we went to Pizza Hut to eat lunch. We don't eat out much so it was quite a treat for my little ones. They were really enjoying it and behaving wonderfully.
I struck up a conversation with a married couple across the way. Their pastor was a mutual acquaintance and we had a nice time visiting. During the visit, an elderly gentleman was leaving. On his way out, he came over and gave me a $10 bill. He said that he enjoyed watching my children, they had blessed him that day, and he wanted to buy our lunch!! I can't tell you how surprised I was...flabbergasted is more like it! He was a total stranger! I just kept telling him "thank you" over and over.
In the course of time, the nice couple whom I visited with also left. When it was our turn to leave, I took the $10 up to the counter to pay. To my total surprise that couple had already paid for our lunch!! I didn't know them, couldn't thank them, and was left at the counter with my mouth wide open and the $10 still in my hand. Wow.......I remember feeling shaky as I loaded the kids up in the van and tried to explain to them what had happened. 2 total strangers had paid for our lunch on the same day!
Like I said, my kids were little and so they do not remember much of that day. I will never forget it. I took that $10, framed it, and it is hanging in my boys' room. It is to remind them of the story I now tell them.
Months later we met again. This time it was at their church at a Valentine's banquet and we were paired up at the same table. Finally I had the opportunity to thank them (and learned their names). I'm not sure if they'd be comfortable with me sharing their names so I'll call them G and G. As it turned out, our family started attending their church so we saw much of each other.
We all go to different churches now and hadn't seen each other in a couple of years. Recently Honey and I went to the hospital to visit a sick friend and ....there were G and G! How absolutely thrilled I was to see them again!! Unfortunately, we met again at our friend's funeral.
Today I got a letter from G and G. Inside was a sweet note and a book of stamps to finance the next month's issue of our family newsletter. Again, a total surprise. The generosity of these friends bless me so much. Thank you again G and G. I love you!!
Lord, please help me to bless someone like G and G have blessed me.
Many years ago when I only had four kids and they were all little, we went to Pizza Hut to eat lunch. We don't eat out much so it was quite a treat for my little ones. They were really enjoying it and behaving wonderfully.
I struck up a conversation with a married couple across the way. Their pastor was a mutual acquaintance and we had a nice time visiting. During the visit, an elderly gentleman was leaving. On his way out, he came over and gave me a $10 bill. He said that he enjoyed watching my children, they had blessed him that day, and he wanted to buy our lunch!! I can't tell you how surprised I was...flabbergasted is more like it! He was a total stranger! I just kept telling him "thank you" over and over.
In the course of time, the nice couple whom I visited with also left. When it was our turn to leave, I took the $10 up to the counter to pay. To my total surprise that couple had already paid for our lunch!! I didn't know them, couldn't thank them, and was left at the counter with my mouth wide open and the $10 still in my hand. Wow.......I remember feeling shaky as I loaded the kids up in the van and tried to explain to them what had happened. 2 total strangers had paid for our lunch on the same day!
Like I said, my kids were little and so they do not remember much of that day. I will never forget it. I took that $10, framed it, and it is hanging in my boys' room. It is to remind them of the story I now tell them.
Months later we met again. This time it was at their church at a Valentine's banquet and we were paired up at the same table. Finally I had the opportunity to thank them (and learned their names). I'm not sure if they'd be comfortable with me sharing their names so I'll call them G and G. As it turned out, our family started attending their church so we saw much of each other.
We all go to different churches now and hadn't seen each other in a couple of years. Recently Honey and I went to the hospital to visit a sick friend and ....there were G and G! How absolutely thrilled I was to see them again!! Unfortunately, we met again at our friend's funeral.
Today I got a letter from G and G. Inside was a sweet note and a book of stamps to finance the next month's issue of our family newsletter. Again, a total surprise. The generosity of these friends bless me so much. Thank you again G and G. I love you!!
Lord, please help me to bless someone like G and G have blessed me.
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
My Poor Baby
My sweet baby girl is sick. There is some croupy cough bug going through all of us but she has it the worst. Last night she felt awful. She has fever, won't nurse, can't sleep, and coughs like a seal. We were up and down all night. I thought of taking her to the Dr. today but Honey said we should give it a little longer. He was right I think b/c she seems to be feeling better today. At least she is sleeping better and will eat a little. The fever is down too. When she is awake she needs me to hold her and NOT put her down! Her little eyes are so droopy and she looks just pitiful. She's not fussy as long as I'm holding her but she wants nothing to do with brothers in her face!
Now my 2 and 3 yr olds are coming down with it too but I think they'll be able to handle it better. Lots of naps, lots of juice, and maybe a Buzz Lightyear movie and they'll be back to themselves in no time.
#5 is bummed b/c we can't go to story time. He's been counting down the "sleeps" until Thursday. Poor guy.
Please pray for my little ones to get better quickly and for us to get to sleep tonight.
Now my 2 and 3 yr olds are coming down with it too but I think they'll be able to handle it better. Lots of naps, lots of juice, and maybe a Buzz Lightyear movie and they'll be back to themselves in no time.
#5 is bummed b/c we can't go to story time. He's been counting down the "sleeps" until Thursday. Poor guy.
Please pray for my little ones to get better quickly and for us to get to sleep tonight.
Monday, July 31, 2006
July pics
See some fun photos of the boys plus a few of Honey with Baby Girl. My favorite is #72, Honey really caught his personality and beautiful eyes! They start here..
http://thetaggs.smugmug.com/gallery/1691726/5/84969838
http://thetaggs.smugmug.com/gallery/1691726/5/84969838
Sunday, July 30, 2006
Following Wherever
We sang the song in church today "Wherever He Leads I'll Go". A friend told me one time that a Christian stops telling lies and starts singing them. I sang that song today and I don't want it to be a lie.
I am at a place in my life right now that I'm having to decide if I'll really follow on some things. Honey says that he doesn't think the issue is whether or not I'll follow, but whether or not I'll do it kicking and screaming. Does he know me or what?!
I woke up from a nap today praying that the Lord would enable me to sing those words truthfully and without kicking and screaming. I want to "follow my Christ who loves me so", remembering, knowing, and trusting that wherever/whatever it is is not a place that was chosen out of the spur of the moment, is not a decision that was made out of emotion or impulse, but was carefully planned out for me by my infallible God "who loves me so". What is more is that He is the one who leads me and does not just send me. He will be there first.
Lord, help me follow wholeheartedly. Amen.
I am at a place in my life right now that I'm having to decide if I'll really follow on some things. Honey says that he doesn't think the issue is whether or not I'll follow, but whether or not I'll do it kicking and screaming. Does he know me or what?!
I woke up from a nap today praying that the Lord would enable me to sing those words truthfully and without kicking and screaming. I want to "follow my Christ who loves me so", remembering, knowing, and trusting that wherever/whatever it is is not a place that was chosen out of the spur of the moment, is not a decision that was made out of emotion or impulse, but was carefully planned out for me by my infallible God "who loves me so". What is more is that He is the one who leads me and does not just send me. He will be there first.
Lord, help me follow wholeheartedly. Amen.
Friday, July 28, 2006
Thursday, July 27, 2006
COW
If you have more than one child, COW is a fun idea. It was an idea from a friend of mine and has worked wonderfully for our 8 kids.
It stands for Child Of the Week. COW gets whatever special privileges are available at the time. At our house COW gets the last cookie, gets to pick which video to watch, goes to the store with Dad when he's only going to take one person, picks kids' dinner on date night, etc. It has eliminated those little bitty things that kids are prone to fight over. The other kids think it's fair b/c they know that their turn to be COW is coming up.
The requirements for becoming COW include being completely potty trained, being able to get in and out of the car seat by yourself, and being able to do a household chore. We now have 6 in the COW rotation.
It's also fun to spoil COW when I go to the store by buying them a little something or letting them pick a box of cereal. I also use that week to pray specifically for that child.
Being COW is more important to the little boys b/c they are the ones who think juice tastes better in a red cup. COW gets the red cup!
It stands for Child Of the Week. COW gets whatever special privileges are available at the time. At our house COW gets the last cookie, gets to pick which video to watch, goes to the store with Dad when he's only going to take one person, picks kids' dinner on date night, etc. It has eliminated those little bitty things that kids are prone to fight over. The other kids think it's fair b/c they know that their turn to be COW is coming up.
The requirements for becoming COW include being completely potty trained, being able to get in and out of the car seat by yourself, and being able to do a household chore. We now have 6 in the COW rotation.
It's also fun to spoil COW when I go to the store by buying them a little something or letting them pick a box of cereal. I also use that week to pray specifically for that child.
Being COW is more important to the little boys b/c they are the ones who think juice tastes better in a red cup. COW gets the red cup!
Our New Fall Schedule
With fall around the corner it is time for me to work on our new schedule. I like this job and I've been thinking over it and making notes for a couple of weeks. It's fun to look back over old schedules that I've done and to see how our family has changed. Every time I do a schedule there are new things to add as our needs are constantly changing.
Here are some of the changes I have in mind for this year:
The biggest one will be to teach all of my big kids to cook more things. I have 2 big kids plus a little boy scheduled every week as kitchen cleaners. With my new schedule, those kids will help me to cook everything for that week. One will be "jr chef", the other will be assigned to clean up duty as we make the mess. The little boy will be my floater to do whatever he can. My goal is to be able to move them away from clean up duty and have 2 jr chefs. I will be the one cleaning up the cooking mess while I oversee their cooking with little boy helping me. Of course, they will still have kitchen clean up chores for the week.
~New jurisdictions...
#2 will water the outside plants with #6 helping her. She will also be in charge of keeping the upstairs paper box neat.
#3 will be in charge of cleaning out the car once a week.
#4 will be in charge of emptying the shredder every week without leaving any little papers behind. She will also straighten the towel cabinets once a week.
#5 will be in charge of the downstairs "art center" as he is the one to always mess it up! He will also have the new duty of making drinks at dinner time.
My changes include:
~Reading our tea book before bed on nights when everyone is home.
~Making a kitchen clean up list for the little boys with big letters.
~Scheduled school time for #5 and #6. I have scheduled 30 minutes for this and will have #1 walk the babies around the block during that time. I think she is big enough for that now.
Here's my kitchen list for the little boys: (they are 3 1/2 and 5)
Pick up refrigerator letters.
Clear table.
Wipe table.
Wipe chairs.
Put leftovers in containers. (I will have an older sibling choose the right size and let little boy do the transfer)
Empty dishwasher.
Sweep.
I think that's about it. Not a lot of new changes right now. As Baby Girl grows from 3 naps to 2, I will have to make a couple of new changes to accommodate her.
I have a fun and busy day today. It's story time at the library. The boys LOVE it. I take #4 along to help. I'm going to lunch with a friend and shopping after that for Honey's b-day meals. That should be quick. #3 wants to have a soccer buddy over before school starts so I will see if I can make that happen for him. I also plan to send a letter to my grandmother. I don't talk to her often on the phone and I miss her.
Here is the current verse I'm working on. It's from the parable of the 4 soils in Luke 8.
"Their hearts are noble and good. They hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop."
I've changed it into a prayer for my kids
Lord, please make their hearts noble and good. May they hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop. Amen.
Have a blessed day!
Here are some of the changes I have in mind for this year:
The biggest one will be to teach all of my big kids to cook more things. I have 2 big kids plus a little boy scheduled every week as kitchen cleaners. With my new schedule, those kids will help me to cook everything for that week. One will be "jr chef", the other will be assigned to clean up duty as we make the mess. The little boy will be my floater to do whatever he can. My goal is to be able to move them away from clean up duty and have 2 jr chefs. I will be the one cleaning up the cooking mess while I oversee their cooking with little boy helping me. Of course, they will still have kitchen clean up chores for the week.
~New jurisdictions...
#2 will water the outside plants with #6 helping her. She will also be in charge of keeping the upstairs paper box neat.
#3 will be in charge of cleaning out the car once a week.
#4 will be in charge of emptying the shredder every week without leaving any little papers behind. She will also straighten the towel cabinets once a week.
#5 will be in charge of the downstairs "art center" as he is the one to always mess it up! He will also have the new duty of making drinks at dinner time.
My changes include:
~Reading our tea book before bed on nights when everyone is home.
~Making a kitchen clean up list for the little boys with big letters.
~Scheduled school time for #5 and #6. I have scheduled 30 minutes for this and will have #1 walk the babies around the block during that time. I think she is big enough for that now.
Here's my kitchen list for the little boys: (they are 3 1/2 and 5)
Pick up refrigerator letters.
Clear table.
Wipe table.
Wipe chairs.
Put leftovers in containers. (I will have an older sibling choose the right size and let little boy do the transfer)
Empty dishwasher.
Sweep.
I think that's about it. Not a lot of new changes right now. As Baby Girl grows from 3 naps to 2, I will have to make a couple of new changes to accommodate her.
I have a fun and busy day today. It's story time at the library. The boys LOVE it. I take #4 along to help. I'm going to lunch with a friend and shopping after that for Honey's b-day meals. That should be quick. #3 wants to have a soccer buddy over before school starts so I will see if I can make that happen for him. I also plan to send a letter to my grandmother. I don't talk to her often on the phone and I miss her.
Here is the current verse I'm working on. It's from the parable of the 4 soils in Luke 8.
"Their hearts are noble and good. They hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop."
I've changed it into a prayer for my kids
Lord, please make their hearts noble and good. May they hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop. Amen.
Have a blessed day!
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
#2 wanted to go with me to take #3 to speed training camp yesterday. She's never been and wanted to see what it was all about. It is a big deal to make the front line. That means that out of 100+ boys you are one of the 12 fastest. It is #3's goal to make the front line every day. When the coach blew the whistle and the boys were off, my daughter was yelling and cheering for him like he was in a championship game. When he rounded the bend close to us, she starts coaching him "Faster! Goooo!!" He made the front line, her arms went straight up in the air, she jumped and screamed a "woo-hoo, way to go!!" He had is own special cheerleader.
Unfortunately things went south for her after that. There was a 6yr old little boy there that wanted to throw the football with the highschoolers. His momma said "no". He tried to play with my 5yo but he was bossy and my son didn't want to play with him much. Next he moved on to #2. He asked her to throw the ball with him. She sweetly agreed and threw the ball. He missed and caught it right in the face!
His face was not hurt but his pride certainly was! He was so mad. She tried to apologize and talk to him, but he just kept calling her "mean". He carried on and on and my daughter felt so bad. He sat by his mom and shot hateful looks her way while muttering how mean she was. When he tired of that, he got up and started thumping her on the head! She asked him to stop but he paid no attention. Finally his mom stepped in and told my daughter that he was only flirting with her. That didn't help. He sat back down and resumed his sulky name-calling. His mom paid no attention as she was too engaged in a conversation about yard sales.
Later in the day I could tell that my daughter was still not over it. Her countenance was downcast. I talked to her and she confessed that it was still bothering her. To tell you the truth, I was irritated about it too but in a different way. I was bothered by the talky momma who didn't pay attention to her charge and wondered if I have ever been guilty of the same thing.
Pastor Dale's message Sunday was about forgiveness and not letting bitterness take root. It was a good message. God knew that we would need that this week and reminded me of it while I was talking to #2. We had a good conversation about that and it was sweet to hear her pray for him over tea time. God's Word is so timely!
Today she laughed about it but didn't want to go back to Fasdogs. I don't blame her!
Unfortunately things went south for her after that. There was a 6yr old little boy there that wanted to throw the football with the highschoolers. His momma said "no". He tried to play with my 5yo but he was bossy and my son didn't want to play with him much. Next he moved on to #2. He asked her to throw the ball with him. She sweetly agreed and threw the ball. He missed and caught it right in the face!
His face was not hurt but his pride certainly was! He was so mad. She tried to apologize and talk to him, but he just kept calling her "mean". He carried on and on and my daughter felt so bad. He sat by his mom and shot hateful looks her way while muttering how mean she was. When he tired of that, he got up and started thumping her on the head! She asked him to stop but he paid no attention. Finally his mom stepped in and told my daughter that he was only flirting with her. That didn't help. He sat back down and resumed his sulky name-calling. His mom paid no attention as she was too engaged in a conversation about yard sales.
Later in the day I could tell that my daughter was still not over it. Her countenance was downcast. I talked to her and she confessed that it was still bothering her. To tell you the truth, I was irritated about it too but in a different way. I was bothered by the talky momma who didn't pay attention to her charge and wondered if I have ever been guilty of the same thing.
Pastor Dale's message Sunday was about forgiveness and not letting bitterness take root. It was a good message. God knew that we would need that this week and reminded me of it while I was talking to #2. We had a good conversation about that and it was sweet to hear her pray for him over tea time. God's Word is so timely!
Today she laughed about it but didn't want to go back to Fasdogs. I don't blame her!
Friday, July 21, 2006
New School Supplies
I love the school supply sales this time of year. For years I would just pick out a bunch of stuff and bring it home to surprise everyone. They liked that but one year I happened to have everyone with me when I was shopping. That was the first time they had ever chosen their own stuff. I was almost embarrassed by their enthusiasm at the store! I had no idea that a $.89 folder could be so exciting.
Since then I've always let everyone pick their own stuff. I take them one at a time and let them get whatever they want. I just finished up today with CT. This year that even included a couple of new lunch boxes. They are anxious to try them out at Honey's office next week.
I made school boxes for the little boys with new crayons, scissors, pencils, etc. It'll make them feel like big boys when they sit down for school time. It's so fun to spoil them this way!
Since then I've always let everyone pick their own stuff. I take them one at a time and let them get whatever they want. I just finished up today with CT. This year that even included a couple of new lunch boxes. They are anxious to try them out at Honey's office next week.
I made school boxes for the little boys with new crayons, scissors, pencils, etc. It'll make them feel like big boys when they sit down for school time. It's so fun to spoil them this way!
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Bad Bumble Bee
While I am at work life continues in my household. Sometimes I take it for granted and assume that all stands still while I am away and when I get home it will continue where I left it. I often get stories from my wife throughout the day of interesting things that remind me that life goes on at my house...even though I'm not there. (Imagine that!) Anyway, I thought I'd share this with the world.
The wife calls me on my cell phone and tells me #7, while in the garage with his brothers, broke out into a screaming fit. She thought since all 3 of the little boys were out there someone must have taken something that someone else had wanted. As the interrogation began the facts became evident. Apparently, #7 was stung by a wasp about 3 times. #7 stated "A bad bumble bee bite me". He pointed to a spot on his shirt and on his hand. Suddenly, the screaming fit made sense. I felt bad for him...My wife has to tend to things at the house, the phone call is over.
When I get home from #3's soccer practice, I change my clothes and go check on him. I ask him how he was doing and if he was ok. He said yes and I guess that somewhere throughout the day he learned it was a wasp because he said the "wass" bit him. I ask, "Where did the wasp sting you"...He answers very directly..."In the garage"... lol....
The wife calls me on my cell phone and tells me #7, while in the garage with his brothers, broke out into a screaming fit. She thought since all 3 of the little boys were out there someone must have taken something that someone else had wanted. As the interrogation began the facts became evident. Apparently, #7 was stung by a wasp about 3 times. #7 stated "A bad bumble bee bite me". He pointed to a spot on his shirt and on his hand. Suddenly, the screaming fit made sense. I felt bad for him...My wife has to tend to things at the house, the phone call is over.
When I get home from #3's soccer practice, I change my clothes and go check on him. I ask him how he was doing and if he was ok. He said yes and I guess that somewhere throughout the day he learned it was a wasp because he said the "wass" bit him. I ask, "Where did the wasp sting you"...He answers very directly..."In the garage"... lol....
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Tomato Staking Children
Tomato staking is a new term I learned this year in training children. The jist of it in a nutshell is keeping the child with you all throughout the day in order to be always available to train them up instead of leaving them to themselves to play. Much like a tomato is tied to a stake in order to grow up straight and not sprawl out all over the place with fruit rotting on the ground.
I am used to having the 3 little boys with me all day but my older kids are at a point to be trusted pretty well. At least I thought so. My sweet 8 yo daughter is having trouble staying on task, remembering a directive, and working diligently. I decided to "stake" her for these next 3 days.
She was so disappointed with this decision. She considers that a baby thing and thinks that she is too old for it. I explained that age is not as important as maturity and she needed some time to mature. She still isn't crazy about it but I think as the days go on she'll realize it's not so bad.
She will get to work with me in the kitchen more, go more places, and generally just be by my side. For her that will mean more talk time. Boy, does she love to talk!! If I have her go off to do an errand apart from me, she will have to report back as soon as she is done and I will check it. Her chores will take a little longer this way but I think she'll find herself in less trouble.
For the most part, it will be harder for me than her. It requires great discipline for me to stick with it and lots of patience...especially when my ears are tired!! I lack both of those. Isn't it funny how much training our children actually trains us? So after this week, I told her we'd talk about it again and I'd evaluate how she's done and consider unstaking her. I have a feeling she'll do well as she is easy to correct and very teachable. I hope I will say the same about my patience!!
I am used to having the 3 little boys with me all day but my older kids are at a point to be trusted pretty well. At least I thought so. My sweet 8 yo daughter is having trouble staying on task, remembering a directive, and working diligently. I decided to "stake" her for these next 3 days.
She was so disappointed with this decision. She considers that a baby thing and thinks that she is too old for it. I explained that age is not as important as maturity and she needed some time to mature. She still isn't crazy about it but I think as the days go on she'll realize it's not so bad.
She will get to work with me in the kitchen more, go more places, and generally just be by my side. For her that will mean more talk time. Boy, does she love to talk!! If I have her go off to do an errand apart from me, she will have to report back as soon as she is done and I will check it. Her chores will take a little longer this way but I think she'll find herself in less trouble.
For the most part, it will be harder for me than her. It requires great discipline for me to stick with it and lots of patience...especially when my ears are tired!! I lack both of those. Isn't it funny how much training our children actually trains us? So after this week, I told her we'd talk about it again and I'd evaluate how she's done and consider unstaking her. I have a feeling she'll do well as she is easy to correct and very teachable. I hope I will say the same about my patience!!
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
I did it!
I tried grilling again...with SUCCESS!! My friend gave me a great tip. Turn the grill OFF after you put in your food. I made nachos and put them on a cookie sheet. When the grill was nice and hot, I put the cookie sheet on the grill, shut the lid, and turned it off. In a few minutes they were melty and toasty.
When I was preparing these in the kitchen, my son had just come home from speed training camp. He is always famished after that and was drooling over these nachos. They did look good. When he found out I was planning on grilling them, he started begging...I mean really begging me not to try it with these! Such little faith. Actually I was worried too b/c we both knew that there wasn't much else to have for lunch. It's time to go shopping.
When I was preparing these in the kitchen, my son had just come home from speed training camp. He is always famished after that and was drooling over these nachos. They did look good. When he found out I was planning on grilling them, he started begging...I mean really begging me not to try it with these! Such little faith. Actually I was worried too b/c we both knew that there wasn't much else to have for lunch. It's time to go shopping.
Saturday, July 15, 2006
I'm On Vacation (Sort of)
Soccer Star is playing in Dallas this weekend. Honey took #1 and so graciously took little boys #'s 5&6. That means I only have 4 kids this weekend...daughters that are 12, 8, and 7 mos and Baby Boy who is 2. It is like a mini vacation. Here are some things we've done.....
The girls love having time to themselves. They've painted the desk in their room, played action figures, read aloud a new garage sale book to each other, and swam until dark.
The babies have been low-key. I've read lots of books to Baby Boy, stacked dominoes with him, worked on his sign language, sang songs, and watched Buzz Lightyear. He even took a nap today. I may regret that later!
We went to LB's soccer game (they lost) and got drinks at Sonic. We popped popcorn since #1 is gone. She can't have it with her braces so that means no one else can have it either. Boy, did the girls like that! I got cheese crackers for Baby Boy as a fun surprise since he can't have popcorn.
The house was already clean from Friday so there hasn't been much to do. I only had to make 1/2 of the bed since Honey was gone. We've done no cooking except that I made LB some ramen noodles as a surprise--her favorite. I also did a scrapbook page in Baby Girl's book. I took a nap, organized books in my school room, and posted books to sell. I updated my budget and worked on my blog. I took LB to pick out her new school supplies and buy snacks for her soccer team.
I plan to stay up late tonight, make myself some juice, get bread started in the bread machine for tomorrow, and watch Star Trek or my favorite cooking show (30 Minute Meals) that I taped while we had the satellite. It's been a good day.
Honey called to say that #3 won all three games today!! He goes to the championship tomorrow! Yippee!! I'm so happy for him. The Dallas teams are good and very competitive. It was a good win. Everyone was having fun, the boys were being good, and he was going outside to play soccer with the little ones. He didn't mention it, but I bet his mom is cooking steaks tonight too!
When we were making plans for the weekend I REALLY wanted to go to TX too. I like to be with my in-laws. All week I was hoping that it would work out so that I could. However, there wasn't room for all of us to stay there w/o getting a hotel room since his sister's family is there too. Now I'm so glad I stayed. Although I would've loved to have watched CT, the heat would've been hard on the babies. #1 taped it for me and CT will enjoy showing it to me at home.
It's been a good vacation.
The girls love having time to themselves. They've painted the desk in their room, played action figures, read aloud a new garage sale book to each other, and swam until dark.
The babies have been low-key. I've read lots of books to Baby Boy, stacked dominoes with him, worked on his sign language, sang songs, and watched Buzz Lightyear. He even took a nap today. I may regret that later!
We went to LB's soccer game (they lost) and got drinks at Sonic. We popped popcorn since #1 is gone. She can't have it with her braces so that means no one else can have it either. Boy, did the girls like that! I got cheese crackers for Baby Boy as a fun surprise since he can't have popcorn.
The house was already clean from Friday so there hasn't been much to do. I only had to make 1/2 of the bed since Honey was gone. We've done no cooking except that I made LB some ramen noodles as a surprise--her favorite. I also did a scrapbook page in Baby Girl's book. I took a nap, organized books in my school room, and posted books to sell. I updated my budget and worked on my blog. I took LB to pick out her new school supplies and buy snacks for her soccer team.
I plan to stay up late tonight, make myself some juice, get bread started in the bread machine for tomorrow, and watch Star Trek or my favorite cooking show (30 Minute Meals) that I taped while we had the satellite. It's been a good day.
Honey called to say that #3 won all three games today!! He goes to the championship tomorrow! Yippee!! I'm so happy for him. The Dallas teams are good and very competitive. It was a good win. Everyone was having fun, the boys were being good, and he was going outside to play soccer with the little ones. He didn't mention it, but I bet his mom is cooking steaks tonight too!
When we were making plans for the weekend I REALLY wanted to go to TX too. I like to be with my in-laws. All week I was hoping that it would work out so that I could. However, there wasn't room for all of us to stay there w/o getting a hotel room since his sister's family is there too. Now I'm so glad I stayed. Although I would've loved to have watched CT, the heat would've been hard on the babies. #1 taped it for me and CT will enjoy showing it to me at home.
It's been a good vacation.
Friday, July 14, 2006
Summer Grilling
In an attempt to save $$ on my electric bill I decided to learn to grill. I've always considered it man's work and so it fell under Honey's jurisdiction. I didn't even know how to light it. I asked him to show me how it worked.
The first thing I grilled was portabella mushrooms. They turned out ok but overcooked. Next I tried frozen pizzas. You were right, Mom, that wasn't a good idea! The bottoms were black, the top undercooked. Next, were burgers. I had to call them "blackened burgers". After that I was about to give up but gave it one more shot. I tried the mushrooms again. This time I realized that "high" is not the only setting. That helped.
I decided I do not like grilling. It's scary to push that button to light it. I imagine a big flame shooting up even though it hasn't happened yet. It's hot outside and opening that hot lid to feel that hot air on my face is no good. Then there's the going in and out of the house to keep checking on it. How is that saving electricity when I'm air-conditioning the whole backyard? Did I mention the night when I had to go back out at 10:30 in my pj's b/c I remembered that I forgot to turn the gas off?
I was right the first time...grilling is man's work!
The first thing I grilled was portabella mushrooms. They turned out ok but overcooked. Next I tried frozen pizzas. You were right, Mom, that wasn't a good idea! The bottoms were black, the top undercooked. Next, were burgers. I had to call them "blackened burgers". After that I was about to give up but gave it one more shot. I tried the mushrooms again. This time I realized that "high" is not the only setting. That helped.
I decided I do not like grilling. It's scary to push that button to light it. I imagine a big flame shooting up even though it hasn't happened yet. It's hot outside and opening that hot lid to feel that hot air on my face is no good. Then there's the going in and out of the house to keep checking on it. How is that saving electricity when I'm air-conditioning the whole backyard? Did I mention the night when I had to go back out at 10:30 in my pj's b/c I remembered that I forgot to turn the gas off?
I was right the first time...grilling is man's work!
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
A Messy Night
Baby girl is quick with her hands these days. During dinner, I'm holding her in one arm, my plate in the other and sitting down at the table. I wasn't even all the way in my chair when she reached out, and knocked my plate to the floor! Messy food all over my favorite pants. A huge mess all over the floor.
We're having a wonderful storm after dinner. One of those with big thunder, lightening, and huge sheets of rain falling from the sky. While cleaning up the dinner mess, a couple of excited kids rush into the kitchen to tell me we have a leak in the parlor ceiling. That's bad news. They are grabbing towels and pots and running out. I was thinking "I just shampooed that carpet last night!!"
I start to mop the floor when Honey runs into the kitchen with a serious tone of voice telling me I left the grill open and it needs to be shut! Oh no. You wouldn't believe how the rain is coming down. Sweet LB offered to do it for me but I just couldn't let her. I run out there and slam the lid shut all the while thinking how very "un-husbandly" it was for him to ask me to do that. I grab the doorknob and .....it's LOCKED!! Honey is standing behind the glass grinning ear-to-ear with little kids around him laughing hysterically!! Oh yeah, real funny.
He tells me later that the rain won't hurt the grill and it didn't matter at all that the lid was open. Well, I won't fall for that one again!!
We're having a wonderful storm after dinner. One of those with big thunder, lightening, and huge sheets of rain falling from the sky. While cleaning up the dinner mess, a couple of excited kids rush into the kitchen to tell me we have a leak in the parlor ceiling. That's bad news. They are grabbing towels and pots and running out. I was thinking "I just shampooed that carpet last night!!"
I start to mop the floor when Honey runs into the kitchen with a serious tone of voice telling me I left the grill open and it needs to be shut! Oh no. You wouldn't believe how the rain is coming down. Sweet LB offered to do it for me but I just couldn't let her. I run out there and slam the lid shut all the while thinking how very "un-husbandly" it was for him to ask me to do that. I grab the doorknob and .....it's LOCKED!! Honey is standing behind the glass grinning ear-to-ear with little kids around him laughing hysterically!! Oh yeah, real funny.
He tells me later that the rain won't hurt the grill and it didn't matter at all that the lid was open. Well, I won't fall for that one again!!
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Little Shadows
It is my week to carpool for speed training camp. I dropped off #3 and his friend at the door and parked. It takes awhile to unload my little 2 and 3 yos out of the car and make our way to the building. As we were walking I said, "Hey boys! Look at our shadows!" For the rest of the walk 3 yo sang a shadow song that he made up off the top of his head with his little brother trying to copy. I just watched our shadows and listened to their voices.
It was so cute. My shadow is balancing 2 lawn chairs, my planner, and holding 2yo's hand. Little 2yo's shadow is a 1/2 step behind. He can not hold my hand back b/c both hands are full of matchbox cars so I am actually holding his wrist. His thin little legs are walking and trying to keep up while his mind and mouth are trying to copy his big brother. My big 3yo's shadow is a couple of steps behind being the big boy carrying his own lawn chair and making up his own silly song.
It put a smile on my face as I thought about what our shadows might look like next year. Mine might not change much...then again maybe it will. But my little boys' shadows will be bigger and different. They will sing a different song (with words that I will probably understand) and both will be able to carry their own chairs. Life changes so quickly.
Lord, please enable me to enjoy every single day with these little guys as though it were my last!
It was so cute. My shadow is balancing 2 lawn chairs, my planner, and holding 2yo's hand. Little 2yo's shadow is a 1/2 step behind. He can not hold my hand back b/c both hands are full of matchbox cars so I am actually holding his wrist. His thin little legs are walking and trying to keep up while his mind and mouth are trying to copy his big brother. My big 3yo's shadow is a couple of steps behind being the big boy carrying his own lawn chair and making up his own silly song.
It put a smile on my face as I thought about what our shadows might look like next year. Mine might not change much...then again maybe it will. But my little boys' shadows will be bigger and different. They will sing a different song (with words that I will probably understand) and both will be able to carry their own chairs. Life changes so quickly.
Lord, please enable me to enjoy every single day with these little guys as though it were my last!
Monday, July 10, 2006
Slow and Steady
When my oldest daughter was 2 and still an only child I went to my first homeschool meeting. I really thought she was the most beautiful and the smartest kid to ever breathe. Everyday I was amazed at how fast she could learn something. I just knew homeschooling was the thing! I did not want her held back in a classroom situation with other kids that were not as bright. Eagerly I went to my first "mom's meeting". It was not at all what I expected.
In this room were lots of veteran homeschoolers with children much older than mine. They were sharing stories and laughing over "failures". They were not at all stressed that their 5 year old could not read or that their 3 year old could not write his name. I could not believe these ladies were so casual over something so serious. The lady next to me was wearing awful perfume and I was pregnant with daughter #2. I knew this was not the group for me and I couldn't wait to get out of there!
I am at such a different place now. I have the unique advantage of being finished with preschoolers..... and getting to start again. What a blessing! I do so enjoy the preschool/kindergarten stage. This time I am enjoying it so much more b/c I've learned a few things from the first time around.
When my older kids were little I was so stressed out over potty training, shoe tying, reading, oh just everything! I felt like such a failure if they didn't get it right away. I can't even count the number of times I brought a child to tears over learning what I wanted them to know RIGHT NOW!! My poor children. I'm so glad they are resilient and forgiving.
Then life changed. I had 3 little boys in a row all 18 mos apart! They are all so different with different gifts and talents. I have learned that it's ok if my 5 year old doesn't tie his shoe yet or read. The joy is in teaching him!! And watching him learn! It's much more fun to watch them teach themselves and discover and learn new things all on their own. Did you read Honey's blog about them riding their bikes? #6 potty trained all by himself. #5 just learned to swim. They both learned to swing themselves very early. The success is all the sweeter b/c it is theirs and not mine. I am so much more laid back and I enjoy them ever so much.
I am NOT advocating the unschooling approach!! I am very much a believer in structured school time. I'm just saying that I think all the things I worried about (and worried my kids about) when my first set were little they probably would've learned just as well if I had backed off and given them time to grow. So I wonder what I would think now if I sat in on that same homeschool meeting today? It would probably be ME laughing over the fact that my 3 year doesn't write his name!! It's too bad I could not learn from their wisdom then. I'm glad I have another chance and this time I plan to pay attention when I have the opportunity to listen to those who have already traveled this road. As the saying goes...Live and learn.
In this room were lots of veteran homeschoolers with children much older than mine. They were sharing stories and laughing over "failures". They were not at all stressed that their 5 year old could not read or that their 3 year old could not write his name. I could not believe these ladies were so casual over something so serious. The lady next to me was wearing awful perfume and I was pregnant with daughter #2. I knew this was not the group for me and I couldn't wait to get out of there!
I am at such a different place now. I have the unique advantage of being finished with preschoolers..... and getting to start again. What a blessing! I do so enjoy the preschool/kindergarten stage. This time I am enjoying it so much more b/c I've learned a few things from the first time around.
When my older kids were little I was so stressed out over potty training, shoe tying, reading, oh just everything! I felt like such a failure if they didn't get it right away. I can't even count the number of times I brought a child to tears over learning what I wanted them to know RIGHT NOW!! My poor children. I'm so glad they are resilient and forgiving.
Then life changed. I had 3 little boys in a row all 18 mos apart! They are all so different with different gifts and talents. I have learned that it's ok if my 5 year old doesn't tie his shoe yet or read. The joy is in teaching him!! And watching him learn! It's much more fun to watch them teach themselves and discover and learn new things all on their own. Did you read Honey's blog about them riding their bikes? #6 potty trained all by himself. #5 just learned to swim. They both learned to swing themselves very early. The success is all the sweeter b/c it is theirs and not mine. I am so much more laid back and I enjoy them ever so much.
I am NOT advocating the unschooling approach!! I am very much a believer in structured school time. I'm just saying that I think all the things I worried about (and worried my kids about) when my first set were little they probably would've learned just as well if I had backed off and given them time to grow. So I wonder what I would think now if I sat in on that same homeschool meeting today? It would probably be ME laughing over the fact that my 3 year doesn't write his name!! It's too bad I could not learn from their wisdom then. I'm glad I have another chance and this time I plan to pay attention when I have the opportunity to listen to those who have already traveled this road. As the saying goes...Live and learn.
Thursday, July 06, 2006
I'm 4125!
http://thetaggs.smugmug.com/gallery/1638875/1/80007231
I just turned 37. At our house that is 4125. Did you see the picture? My girls made me decorated brownies. Whenever we have a birthday it seems we never have the right number candles and I never remember to buy new ones. We like the candles that are the big numbers. That has made a funny little tradition. Now when we have a birthday cake we have to add, subtract, multiply, or divide whatever numbers we have to make the right age. This year I am 41 25 . Last year my cake had 3 single candles each representing 10 plus the numbers 51. So last year I was 351. Isn't that fun?!
I just turned 37. At our house that is 4125. Did you see the picture? My girls made me decorated brownies. Whenever we have a birthday it seems we never have the right number candles and I never remember to buy new ones. We like the candles that are the big numbers. That has made a funny little tradition. Now when we have a birthday cake we have to add, subtract, multiply, or divide whatever numbers we have to make the right age. This year I am 41 25 . Last year my cake had 3 single candles each representing 10 plus the numbers 51. So last year I was 351. Isn't that fun?!
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Baking Bread and Raising Kids
Here is a funny thought I had this week. I'm not sure how to write it without rambling though, sorry! Here goes...
The other night I made 2 loaves of bread in the bread machine, put them both in the loaf pans, covered them with a towel, and put them in the refrigerator to rise overnight. Because of space, one had to go in the garage refrigerator the other in the house. In the morning I pulled them out to bake them. The one that had been rising in the house was beautiful with a full round top but the one from the garage had fallen and was lumpy. I have no idea why. I thought there must be a lesson in this somewhere and asked the Lord where to put it.
Later in the morning I overheard a conversation that #1 and #3 were having in the kitchen. They were talking about a friend of ours.....we'll call him Frank for privacy reasons. It went something like this:
"Frank is really a good boy with a soft heart but he just has a bad family situation. I bet if he were in different circumstances, with better opportunities, he'd do really well. "
I thought about how that related to my bread. If the lumpy loaf had been in the house, would it have done well? I don't know. If you take a sweet-hearted kid and place him in a destructive family with harsh influences will it harden him? If you take a boy that is easily angered, and place him in a loving family full of encouragement will it soften him?
Well I think the answer would be "yes" in both cases. Here's another thought: I've been baking bread for a few years now and sometimes, for no reason that I know, the bread does not turn out right even though I use the exact same recipe, same oven, same cooking time, same everything. I wonder if that is like having a family of 3 children where 2 of them grow up to be responsible adults who love the Lord and the other one is the "black sheep".
I know there is no sure formula in raising kids except to seek the Lord. Maybe I should say the same thing about my bread.
The other night I made 2 loaves of bread in the bread machine, put them both in the loaf pans, covered them with a towel, and put them in the refrigerator to rise overnight. Because of space, one had to go in the garage refrigerator the other in the house. In the morning I pulled them out to bake them. The one that had been rising in the house was beautiful with a full round top but the one from the garage had fallen and was lumpy. I have no idea why. I thought there must be a lesson in this somewhere and asked the Lord where to put it.
Later in the morning I overheard a conversation that #1 and #3 were having in the kitchen. They were talking about a friend of ours.....we'll call him Frank for privacy reasons. It went something like this:
"Frank is really a good boy with a soft heart but he just has a bad family situation. I bet if he were in different circumstances, with better opportunities, he'd do really well. "
I thought about how that related to my bread. If the lumpy loaf had been in the house, would it have done well? I don't know. If you take a sweet-hearted kid and place him in a destructive family with harsh influences will it harden him? If you take a boy that is easily angered, and place him in a loving family full of encouragement will it soften him?
Well I think the answer would be "yes" in both cases. Here's another thought: I've been baking bread for a few years now and sometimes, for no reason that I know, the bread does not turn out right even though I use the exact same recipe, same oven, same cooking time, same everything. I wonder if that is like having a family of 3 children where 2 of them grow up to be responsible adults who love the Lord and the other one is the "black sheep".
I know there is no sure formula in raising kids except to seek the Lord. Maybe I should say the same thing about my bread.
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
A Good Girl Book
Tomorrow, Lord willing, I will read a new book aloud to my girls. We call it "girl time" in the afternoon. I read aloud and they work on a stitching project and listen. We just finished a book on hospitality that wasn't very good. This new one, however, is great. I know b/c I've read it a lot. I bought it many years ago and I have pulled it out several times over the years whenever I want something girly to read. After the hospitality book flop, I figured this would fit the bill. It is called The Gentle Ways Of The Beautiful Woman by Anne Ortlund. It is really one of those treasury type books that's actually 3 books in one. All 3 are great. Tomorrow I am going to start with the first one called Disciplines of the Beautiful Woman.
Every time I pull this book out it speaks to me in a different way. I guess b/c every time I am at a different place in my life. I started reading the introduction tonight and found something that I hadn't noticed before. At least it wasn't underlined and marked all over anyway. Mrs. Ortlund is writing this book in the hospital following a major surgery. She quotes Romans 12:1 that says "I present my body as a living sacrifice.". She says that it is ridiculous to give God your heart, allegiance, or whatever, and not your body. She felt perfectly at peace to allow the Lord to do with her whatever He wished.
That stopped me in my tracks. You see, my baby is now 7 months old. This is about the time when people start asking me if I'm pregnant yet. I don't care for that question. I don't want to be pregnant even though I want a baby. I don't like what it does to my body. And right now I'm enjoying every minute of NOT having a pregnant body. I don't want to take away this joy by wondering "what if" and worrying about tomorrow.
Mrs. Ortlund gave her body to God and considered it a living sacrifice "holy and pleasing to God". Big sigh.....I want that to be ME!! I want to be at perfect peace b/c my mind is fixed on the Lord and I trust Him. I do not want this internal struggle battling to keep what is not even mine. I appreciated this word tonight so much.
So tomorrow I look forward to reading this to my girls and sharing my thoughts. I know this book will not be a flop like the last one. I hope that even in their youth they can glean something wonderful. My bookmark for this book is so pretty. My oldest daughter made it for me when she was about 8. It has pressed flowers on the front, a pink ribbon on the top, and on the back she wrote "God is Love...To Mommy From (her name). It's sweet.
Every time I pull this book out it speaks to me in a different way. I guess b/c every time I am at a different place in my life. I started reading the introduction tonight and found something that I hadn't noticed before. At least it wasn't underlined and marked all over anyway. Mrs. Ortlund is writing this book in the hospital following a major surgery. She quotes Romans 12:1 that says "I present my body as a living sacrifice.". She says that it is ridiculous to give God your heart, allegiance, or whatever, and not your body. She felt perfectly at peace to allow the Lord to do with her whatever He wished.
That stopped me in my tracks. You see, my baby is now 7 months old. This is about the time when people start asking me if I'm pregnant yet. I don't care for that question. I don't want to be pregnant even though I want a baby. I don't like what it does to my body. And right now I'm enjoying every minute of NOT having a pregnant body. I don't want to take away this joy by wondering "what if" and worrying about tomorrow.
Mrs. Ortlund gave her body to God and considered it a living sacrifice "holy and pleasing to God". Big sigh.....I want that to be ME!! I want to be at perfect peace b/c my mind is fixed on the Lord and I trust Him. I do not want this internal struggle battling to keep what is not even mine. I appreciated this word tonight so much.
So tomorrow I look forward to reading this to my girls and sharing my thoughts. I know this book will not be a flop like the last one. I hope that even in their youth they can glean something wonderful. My bookmark for this book is so pretty. My oldest daughter made it for me when she was about 8. It has pressed flowers on the front, a pink ribbon on the top, and on the back she wrote "God is Love...To Mommy From (her name). It's sweet.
Monday, July 03, 2006
A Little Bit Of Sweetness
It's nothing huge but it made me smile...
It's been a good day. After dinner Honey was wrestling with the little boys. #3, the one I wrote about yesterday came to get his 5yo brother to help with the kitchen work. I don't think Honey heard him b/c he was attacking Baby Boy. Unaware, he then turned to grab 5yo as he was following #3. #3 pounced on Dad to rescue 5yo then whispered in his ear "That's ok, I'll do it. You can keep wrestling with Dad." He is such a sweet boy. I am so happy that he has a sweet heart toward them. They look to him as their example and he is proving to be a good one.
This is a big victory. 12 yo daughter is getting contacts! I'm so excited for her b/c I remember how glad I was to finally get them. She doesn't actually get them until Wed. If you've ever had contacts you remember how hard it is at first. The eye doctor said she could practice with mine so we started tonight. She got them in AND out in less than 30 minutes!! This is weird...left handed! She's right handed so I don't know why she did it that way. Oh well, it worked and that's all that matters. We were both thrilled. Actually I should say we were all *three* happy b/c #3 was sitting right beside me cheering her on.
It's been a good day. After dinner Honey was wrestling with the little boys. #3, the one I wrote about yesterday came to get his 5yo brother to help with the kitchen work. I don't think Honey heard him b/c he was attacking Baby Boy. Unaware, he then turned to grab 5yo as he was following #3. #3 pounced on Dad to rescue 5yo then whispered in his ear "That's ok, I'll do it. You can keep wrestling with Dad." He is such a sweet boy. I am so happy that he has a sweet heart toward them. They look to him as their example and he is proving to be a good one.
This is a big victory. 12 yo daughter is getting contacts! I'm so excited for her b/c I remember how glad I was to finally get them. She doesn't actually get them until Wed. If you've ever had contacts you remember how hard it is at first. The eye doctor said she could practice with mine so we started tonight. She got them in AND out in less than 30 minutes!! This is weird...left handed! She's right handed so I don't know why she did it that way. Oh well, it worked and that's all that matters. We were both thrilled. Actually I should say we were all *three* happy b/c #3 was sitting right beside me cheering her on.
A Heavenly Marriage
My Bible reading was so insightful this morning. I was reading in Mark chapter 3. Verses 24-27 says:
" If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. And if Satan opposes himself and is divided, he cannot stand; his end has come. In fact, no one can enter a strong man's house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man. Then he can rob his house. "
As I have mentioned before, I am going through the book Created To Be His Helpmeet with a couple of my friends. As I was reading though this I thought of how this relates to our marriages. In a heavenly marriage there can be no divisions. We must stand as ONE. Wives cannot allow satan to tie us up and rob our houses of the peace, joy, contentment, and harmony that God would have for us.
James 4:1-2 says :
"What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, b/c you do not ask God. "
Isn't that so true? I know I certainly enjoy getting my own way!! When I don't it is easy for my selfish desires to manifest themselves in some sort of discord. This causes a division in my heart whether or not I even speak it out loud. Further down in verses 7-11 God gives us His gracious answer:
"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, your double-minded. Grieve, mourn, and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. "
When we submit ourselves to God, He says the devil will flee! He will have no power to divide or steal. We will be too strong in the Lord for him to tie us up and carry off our possessions of joy, love, peace, and contentment.
It just makes the whole day good to get some special word from the Lord. And it's barely 7 :00! I am blessed already.
" If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. And if Satan opposes himself and is divided, he cannot stand; his end has come. In fact, no one can enter a strong man's house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man. Then he can rob his house. "
As I have mentioned before, I am going through the book Created To Be His Helpmeet with a couple of my friends. As I was reading though this I thought of how this relates to our marriages. In a heavenly marriage there can be no divisions. We must stand as ONE. Wives cannot allow satan to tie us up and rob our houses of the peace, joy, contentment, and harmony that God would have for us.
James 4:1-2 says :
"What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, b/c you do not ask God. "
Isn't that so true? I know I certainly enjoy getting my own way!! When I don't it is easy for my selfish desires to manifest themselves in some sort of discord. This causes a division in my heart whether or not I even speak it out loud. Further down in verses 7-11 God gives us His gracious answer:
"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, your double-minded. Grieve, mourn, and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. "
When we submit ourselves to God, He says the devil will flee! He will have no power to divide or steal. We will be too strong in the Lord for him to tie us up and carry off our possessions of joy, love, peace, and contentment.
It just makes the whole day good to get some special word from the Lord. And it's barely 7 :00! I am blessed already.
Friday, June 30, 2006
His good summer
I was thinking today about our oldest son and thought what a fun summer he is having. Actually we are all having a fun summer but he was the one I was thinking about in particular.
#1 son (#3 in birth order) is doing a speed training camp for 5 weeks that he LOVES. He had to take an athletic physical. He does not love that part of it. He has 20/20 vision, is 70% in height and 40% in weight. Lean and tall. Healthy in every way. Thank you Lord!!
Our nephew spent a week with us and it was especially fun for #3. We've also had a lot of recent company from the G'mas. Everyone loves that.
He's had great fun with the pool and even enjoys cleaning it.
Summer 3v3 soccer is his all-time favorite. He is on a formidable team and travels many weekends with his dad and a sibling or two.
His coach hooked us up with a temporary satellite so he can watch the World Cup. He also brought him back a World Cup t-shirt from Germany. It's his favorite.
He was the first one to discover Baby Girl's new tooth. I'm so glad he has a baby sister to love on. He was too little to remember LB when she was born but has always loved our friends' baby girls. He finished his work early today and watched her while I finished mine. Later he commented on what a good day he had with her. She's crazy about him too.
He and his big sister have many jobs feeding pets and watering plants for out-of-town neighbors.
I know all little boys are in love with their Momma but I do so enjoy his sweetness. The other day I was standing in the family room and the fan was on. He said "Momma you look so pretty when the fan blows your hair like that." Aaawwwww..........isn't he a love?
#1 son (#3 in birth order) is doing a speed training camp for 5 weeks that he LOVES. He had to take an athletic physical. He does not love that part of it. He has 20/20 vision, is 70% in height and 40% in weight. Lean and tall. Healthy in every way. Thank you Lord!!
Our nephew spent a week with us and it was especially fun for #3. We've also had a lot of recent company from the G'mas. Everyone loves that.
He's had great fun with the pool and even enjoys cleaning it.
Summer 3v3 soccer is his all-time favorite. He is on a formidable team and travels many weekends with his dad and a sibling or two.
His coach hooked us up with a temporary satellite so he can watch the World Cup. He also brought him back a World Cup t-shirt from Germany. It's his favorite.
He was the first one to discover Baby Girl's new tooth. I'm so glad he has a baby sister to love on. He was too little to remember LB when she was born but has always loved our friends' baby girls. He finished his work early today and watched her while I finished mine. Later he commented on what a good day he had with her. She's crazy about him too.
He and his big sister have many jobs feeding pets and watering plants for out-of-town neighbors.
I know all little boys are in love with their Momma but I do so enjoy his sweetness. The other day I was standing in the family room and the fan was on. He said "Momma you look so pretty when the fan blows your hair like that." Aaawwwww..........isn't he a love?
Thursday, June 29, 2006
In My Kitchen Today
I made up a new recipe. It is an adaptation of an old favorite plus a twist of Frugal Gourmet. I called it Tuna Sauce. Here it is..
2 cans of tuna
1 can of artichokes, drained and chopped
1/4 C. diced onion
1 cup of corn
1 Cup of mayo
1 Cup of sour cream
1 1/2 C. Parmesan cheese
Mix all together and bake at 350 until the top is a little toasty and it is heated through.
I served this with garlic bread and sliced boiled eggs. We also had broccoli and roasted potatoes and apples with cranberry dip.
Since I was using the oven I wanted to bake as many things at the same time as possible. I had some ripe bananas and made a banana cake for breakfast tomorrow. It was hard not to break into it tonight!!
Tomorrow's menu looks like this...
Breakfast: banana cake
Lunch: vegetable soup -- I know, I know it's summer. But soup goes a long way and feeds lots of little mouths. I'll also get some bread started in the bread machine to bake along with the pizzas and tea snack.
Tea: zucchini bread
Dinner: Pizzas...one cheese, one veggie
2 cans of tuna
1 can of artichokes, drained and chopped
1/4 C. diced onion
1 cup of corn
1 Cup of mayo
1 Cup of sour cream
1 1/2 C. Parmesan cheese
Mix all together and bake at 350 until the top is a little toasty and it is heated through.
I served this with garlic bread and sliced boiled eggs. We also had broccoli and roasted potatoes and apples with cranberry dip.
Since I was using the oven I wanted to bake as many things at the same time as possible. I had some ripe bananas and made a banana cake for breakfast tomorrow. It was hard not to break into it tonight!!
Tomorrow's menu looks like this...
Breakfast: banana cake
Lunch: vegetable soup -- I know, I know it's summer. But soup goes a long way and feeds lots of little mouths. I'll also get some bread started in the bread machine to bake along with the pizzas and tea snack.
Tea: zucchini bread
Dinner: Pizzas...one cheese, one veggie
Budget Idea
This year Honey has trusted me to do our budget. I've really had fun with it. I enjoy the challenge of finding places to save money.
I was having a hard time staying within my grocery budget. I usually shop at Walmart and Sams and buy everything else I need there besides groceries. I decided that that was where my trouble lied. I intended to separate the receipt when I got home and put the "others" in the appropriate category but sometimes I forgot. My new idea was to put all my food money on a shopping card.
My food budget is $800 a month for food, cleaners, diapers, and paper products. I put all of that except $50 on a Walmart/Sams card. This month's budget is going great! When I went shopping this week and bought food plus other things like storage containers I paid for all the food first with my shopping card then paid for the others separately. I think it's going to work!
I was having a hard time staying within my grocery budget. I usually shop at Walmart and Sams and buy everything else I need there besides groceries. I decided that that was where my trouble lied. I intended to separate the receipt when I got home and put the "others" in the appropriate category but sometimes I forgot. My new idea was to put all my food money on a shopping card.
My food budget is $800 a month for food, cleaners, diapers, and paper products. I put all of that except $50 on a Walmart/Sams card. This month's budget is going great! When I went shopping this week and bought food plus other things like storage containers I paid for all the food first with my shopping card then paid for the others separately. I think it's going to work!
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Different Dinners
My cooking had gotten into a rut. I was making the same ol' things over and over again. Also, I noticed that my kids were getting a little picky and starting to turn their noses up at things. I needed something new.
While I was at story time at the library, we went upstairs and found 2 cookbooks. One is a vegetarian cookbook for good side dishes, the other is by the Frugal gourmet. I've enjoyed pouring through both of them looking for new ideas.
Tonight we're having grilled portobello burgers. Basically it's just a portobello mushroom grilled and eaten on a bun like a burger. It also has a special mayonnaise. I tried this a long time ago but it didn't turn out right. After reading this recipe, I think I know where I messed up and I'm hoping tonight's dinner will turn out better. We're also having twice baked potatoes (with potatoes out of PawPaw's garden) and salad. Sound yummy? I hope so, I'll let ya know!
While I was at story time at the library, we went upstairs and found 2 cookbooks. One is a vegetarian cookbook for good side dishes, the other is by the Frugal gourmet. I've enjoyed pouring through both of them looking for new ideas.
Tonight we're having grilled portobello burgers. Basically it's just a portobello mushroom grilled and eaten on a bun like a burger. It also has a special mayonnaise. I tried this a long time ago but it didn't turn out right. After reading this recipe, I think I know where I messed up and I'm hoping tonight's dinner will turn out better. We're also having twice baked potatoes (with potatoes out of PawPaw's garden) and salad. Sound yummy? I hope so, I'll let ya know!
We got a pool!
G'pa and Nana and G'ma and PawPaw got the kids a pool for a summer present. It's one of those 16x4' pools from Sams. What fun it is!!
Of course the big kids are having a blast playing sharks and minnows and diving for the dime and swimming all over the place. The little boys, on the other hand...need LOTS of supervision. #5 can doggie paddle with his face under but screams a fit if water goes up his nose, #6 is scared to death and holds on to you like a big crab, #7 would rather just take the swim suit off and go swing. Baby girl hasn't gone it yet. I can't get her floatie blown up without the pump. That'll be dad's job tonight.
I guess my big goal of the summer now is to teach my little guys to swim. That'll be fun!
Thank you G'pa & Nana and G'ma & PawPaw!!
Of course the big kids are having a blast playing sharks and minnows and diving for the dime and swimming all over the place. The little boys, on the other hand...need LOTS of supervision. #5 can doggie paddle with his face under but screams a fit if water goes up his nose, #6 is scared to death and holds on to you like a big crab, #7 would rather just take the swim suit off and go swing. Baby girl hasn't gone it yet. I can't get her floatie blown up without the pump. That'll be dad's job tonight.
I guess my big goal of the summer now is to teach my little guys to swim. That'll be fun!
Thank you G'pa & Nana and G'ma & PawPaw!!
Saturday, June 24, 2006
Our beautiful one
Last night was LB's dance recital. Oh, how beautiful she was!! We had her hair in rollers all day and it was so bouncy and pretty. Her HUGE smile was gorgeous!! It was so fun watching her dance. She was perfect. Her solo was beautiful. I loved seeing her sing the song as she danced. You could tell that she really enjoyed it and was not just going through the motions of the steps. Did I mention that she was BEAUTIFUL??!! Maybe I did. I'm not just saying that because I'm her mom. If you don't believe me, ask her dad! Well, I don't know how to post pictures here but I'll ask Honey to do it tomorrow so check back to see our beautiful one.
Thank you Lord for LB's dance lessons and her perfectly beautiful recital last night. You've made such a pretty girl in her!
**She begins to show up in photos starting here:**
http://thetaggs.smugmug.com/gallery/1594718/10
Here's a favorite...
http://thetaggs.smugmug.com/gallery/1594718/18/77377293
Monday, June 19, 2006
a bad weekend
Have you ever had one of those weekends that was so bad you were actually glad it was Monday? Well, I'm glad it's Monday. Weekends like this make me think of the verse in Ecc that says "The end of a matter is better than its beginning." Thankfully we don't get many of these weekends so I can look forward to the next.
Honey and I had a big disagreement...ok it was a fight. It was all his fault. Well, maybe a little bit was mine but it was mostly his. ;-) We've been married almost 18 years and I'm still trying to figure him out. Most of the time I understand him pretty well and when I don't, it throws me for a loop and messes up my whole day.
I love the book Created To Be His Helpmeet by Debi Pearl. I have read this book backwards and forwards and find it so helpful everytime I open it. I am going through it again with 2 friends of mine once a week. So anytime I have a new "learning opportunity" in my relationship with Honey I ask myself "What would Debi say?".
After asking myself this question all weekend I've come to the conclusion that she would say it wasn't all his fault afterall. It never really is, is it? I have a tendency to be quite selfish and ignore Jesus' words of "deny yourself". That is a hard one for me because my self is very strong. If I had, the weekend would've been much better.
Thankfully the weekend ended well. We had a pretty good day yesterday and I had a lot of fun playing tennis with him in the street. We had our usual date night last night and it was fun as usual. Dinner, movie, snow cones, a little bit of shopping, and a lot of talking and laughing. I wish I could rewind the whole thing and do it again. I can think of plenty of things now that would've made the weekend better and blessed Honey instead of being a thorn in his side. Why couldn't I think of them Saturday? Oh well, hindsight is 20/20. I will write this off as another learning opportunity. If I were never challenged, I wouldn't grow. I hope I'll do better next time and try to make Debi proud.
Looking forward to next weekend......
Honey and I had a big disagreement...ok it was a fight. It was all his fault. Well, maybe a little bit was mine but it was mostly his. ;-) We've been married almost 18 years and I'm still trying to figure him out. Most of the time I understand him pretty well and when I don't, it throws me for a loop and messes up my whole day.
I love the book Created To Be His Helpmeet by Debi Pearl. I have read this book backwards and forwards and find it so helpful everytime I open it. I am going through it again with 2 friends of mine once a week. So anytime I have a new "learning opportunity" in my relationship with Honey I ask myself "What would Debi say?".
After asking myself this question all weekend I've come to the conclusion that she would say it wasn't all his fault afterall. It never really is, is it? I have a tendency to be quite selfish and ignore Jesus' words of "deny yourself". That is a hard one for me because my self is very strong. If I had, the weekend would've been much better.
Thankfully the weekend ended well. We had a pretty good day yesterday and I had a lot of fun playing tennis with him in the street. We had our usual date night last night and it was fun as usual. Dinner, movie, snow cones, a little bit of shopping, and a lot of talking and laughing. I wish I could rewind the whole thing and do it again. I can think of plenty of things now that would've made the weekend better and blessed Honey instead of being a thorn in his side. Why couldn't I think of them Saturday? Oh well, hindsight is 20/20. I will write this off as another learning opportunity. If I were never challenged, I wouldn't grow. I hope I'll do better next time and try to make Debi proud.
Looking forward to next weekend......
Thursday, June 15, 2006
#6 too
#5 turned 5 recently...however, and to those that don't know, he's got a little brother that's also his best friend. #6 is a three year old that doesn't really understand the difference in ages, what his limitations are, or why he can't do things his slightly older brother (#5) can. There are many things that #6 is not allowed to do because he doesn't understand responsibility or we (the parents) don't believe he is mentally mature enough. However, if #5 physically does something that #6 can't... the parents are a little more lenient (with a watchful eye).
For example, earlier this year #5 learned to swing all by himself. Within a week, #6 learned to swing all by himself. #5 can unbuckle his carseat (at the appropriate time) all by himself (a condition of being COW). #6 worked and worked until he could do the same. Well, recently I posted the success that #5 had deciding to ride a 2 wheeler. As expected, #6 would want to do the same....here are the results:
Our happy and victorious 3 year old conquering the 2 wheeled bicycle!!
He starts himself and while not quite as daring as his slightly older brother, has become very steady.
I really look forward to the years ahead with these 2 boys. I am very proud of them both!
Cleaning Tools
I'm generally not a fan of disposable type cleaning products but I love the new quick cleaning tools available now. They have been invaluable in training my little kids to work happily and cooperate. I like for them to be included in the Friday housecleaning day.
Swiffer has those dusters on the plastic hand-held wand that even my 2yo can use. The Swiffer Carpet Flick is not such a good cleaner but my little guys think they are vacuuming. It has a see-through top and they like to see how much dirt they've collected. It's light-weight and they can maneuver it easily. I like the Clorox Quick Mop best b/c I can refill the bottle with my own cleaner. Again, it's easy for my vertically challenged helpers and it actually does a pretty good job for the in-between cleanings.
I know I sound like a commercial but if you have little helpers at home, I think the cost for the disposable products are a good investment in teaching little ones to have a good work ethic.
Swiffer has those dusters on the plastic hand-held wand that even my 2yo can use. The Swiffer Carpet Flick is not such a good cleaner but my little guys think they are vacuuming. It has a see-through top and they like to see how much dirt they've collected. It's light-weight and they can maneuver it easily. I like the Clorox Quick Mop best b/c I can refill the bottle with my own cleaner. Again, it's easy for my vertically challenged helpers and it actually does a pretty good job for the in-between cleanings.
I know I sound like a commercial but if you have little helpers at home, I think the cost for the disposable products are a good investment in teaching little ones to have a good work ethic.
Sunday, June 11, 2006
We Can't Afford It
My neighbor just called and gave me 5 sacks of girls' clothes! LB and I just went through them and they are wonderful. Most of them are from Children's Place and Gap and other places that I can't afford. What a great provision from the Lord! MG will be able to wear them for the next couple of years b/c they are sizes 24 mos -4T.
I hardly ever have to buy clothes for my kids b/c it seems that even before I need them, someone offers their hand-me-downs. I think I probably spend less for my 8 kids than most people spend for 2.
When people hear that we have 8, I get the same questions over and over again. One of the most asked is "how can you afford it?"
One day I was standing in line at Sams. I noticed in the line beside me a guy with a flat bed cart piled high with foods that was obviously for his vending machine business. I looked at my own and it was just as full! Out of nowhere, panic seized my heart. Thoughts went through my head like:
"This is how much we need just for 2 weeks!"
"This is just food--there isn't even any 'extra' here."
"What if Honey lost his job, how would we buy all this food?...food for my KIDS?"
Just as quickly, I felt the Lord speaking to my heart saying:
"This all comes from My hand, not Honey's."
"I am the One who takes care of you."
I left Sams so thankful. My shopping trips have never been the same. No longer do I dread the grocery store. Now I am glad I GET to go.
So my answer to the "How can you afford it?" is... "I can't, but God can!" Whether it is food for my pantry or clothes for my kids, the Lord has been more than generous.
I hardly ever have to buy clothes for my kids b/c it seems that even before I need them, someone offers their hand-me-downs. I think I probably spend less for my 8 kids than most people spend for 2.
When people hear that we have 8, I get the same questions over and over again. One of the most asked is "how can you afford it?"
One day I was standing in line at Sams. I noticed in the line beside me a guy with a flat bed cart piled high with foods that was obviously for his vending machine business. I looked at my own and it was just as full! Out of nowhere, panic seized my heart. Thoughts went through my head like:
"This is how much we need just for 2 weeks!"
"This is just food--there isn't even any 'extra' here."
"What if Honey lost his job, how would we buy all this food?...food for my KIDS?"
Just as quickly, I felt the Lord speaking to my heart saying:
"This all comes from My hand, not Honey's."
"I am the One who takes care of you."
I left Sams so thankful. My shopping trips have never been the same. No longer do I dread the grocery store. Now I am glad I GET to go.
So my answer to the "How can you afford it?" is... "I can't, but God can!" Whether it is food for my pantry or clothes for my kids, the Lord has been more than generous.
Saturday, June 10, 2006
The garage door works!
It has been several weeks now since the garage door opener broke. Although it was an inconvenience, it wasn't too bad b/c I have a strong son to open and close it for me. Then the spring broke. There was NO opening or closing after that. We even had to bring the trash cans through the house on trash day. eeewwwww....
No more!! The guys came and fixed it this week. We even have a nifty key pad on the outside of the door so we can even open it without getting into the car. Isn't that neat?
It was funny how we took the garage door opener for granted. Just push a button and, like magic, it opened or closed with the greatest of ease. Once it broke, I looked at my neighbor's garage doors opening and even thought it was fancy!! Isn't that funny?
Well what I once considered necessary, I now am very thankful for. I feel rich with a "magic" garage door opener.
No more!! The guys came and fixed it this week. We even have a nifty key pad on the outside of the door so we can even open it without getting into the car. Isn't that neat?
It was funny how we took the garage door opener for granted. Just push a button and, like magic, it opened or closed with the greatest of ease. Once it broke, I looked at my neighbor's garage doors opening and even thought it was fancy!! Isn't that funny?
Well what I once considered necessary, I now am very thankful for. I feel rich with a "magic" garage door opener.
My mom makes the BEST potato salad. It is one of those foods that doesn't have an exact recipe, you just have to know how to make it. She makes it GREAT! It's one of my favorite foods and whenever I visit her house she usually makes it for me. I eat it for every meal until I leave.
I like to make it too but it doesn't taste the same. Mom uses the right ingredients, I use whatever I happen to have. No wonder it's not the same! The funny thing is that most people don't really like it. I guess it's an acquired taste, or a quirky family taste bud because my kids love it too.
I made extra mashed potatoes today for lunch and chopped up all the rest of the stuff to go into my potato salad tomorrow. Guess what? There aren't enough leftover potatoes even though I made extra. Too bad!!
Mom, are you still coming next week? If so, would you pleeeaase bring me some potato salad? Make a lot so my kids don't eat it all!!
I like to make it too but it doesn't taste the same. Mom uses the right ingredients, I use whatever I happen to have. No wonder it's not the same! The funny thing is that most people don't really like it. I guess it's an acquired taste, or a quirky family taste bud because my kids love it too.
I made extra mashed potatoes today for lunch and chopped up all the rest of the stuff to go into my potato salad tomorrow. Guess what? There aren't enough leftover potatoes even though I made extra. Too bad!!
Mom, are you still coming next week? If so, would you pleeeaase bring me some potato salad? Make a lot so my kids don't eat it all!!
Friday, June 09, 2006
Summer School Program
Have you ever read Dale Carnegie's book How To Win Friends And Influence People? I read it years ago and I am re-reading it again. It's a great book to help you with husbands and children. ;-)
Since my nephew has been visiting it has made my kids wise to the summer vacation idea. We've always schooled through the summer with no problems. Now there is a spirit of discontentment. I'm sure I sound like a tyrant, but I just hate the idea of wasting 3 whole months just playing and being lazy.
In his book he talks about getting people to do what you want them to do without them knowing it. I decided to do a summer school incentive program.
I put a dollar amount on every item of school work or every book read. By the end of June, we would add up everyone's earnings and I would put them into individual envelopes to be used for Christmas money. (They always love buying Christmas presents) I gave them the option to participate or not. They jumped all over this idea! Even Nephew!
I think they will even do more school work than if I had assigned a regular day. There is no discontentment and they are using their time well. I'm SO excited....although I may be broke by the end of June!
If you haven't read this book, grab a copy. It's a great read!
Since my nephew has been visiting it has made my kids wise to the summer vacation idea. We've always schooled through the summer with no problems. Now there is a spirit of discontentment. I'm sure I sound like a tyrant, but I just hate the idea of wasting 3 whole months just playing and being lazy.
In his book he talks about getting people to do what you want them to do without them knowing it. I decided to do a summer school incentive program.
I put a dollar amount on every item of school work or every book read. By the end of June, we would add up everyone's earnings and I would put them into individual envelopes to be used for Christmas money. (They always love buying Christmas presents) I gave them the option to participate or not. They jumped all over this idea! Even Nephew!
I think they will even do more school work than if I had assigned a regular day. There is no discontentment and they are using their time well. I'm SO excited....although I may be broke by the end of June!
If you haven't read this book, grab a copy. It's a great read!
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
Colossians 2:8
We had a family meeting last night to re-visit the dog food thing. I think it went well. We can laugh about it now. This morning in my quiet time I was reviewing my new verse and realized how perfectly it fit.
"See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. " Col 2:8
Isn't that perfect!? I had that verse before the dog food incident. God knew.
I haven't introduced this one to the kids yet so this morning I will. I'm glad to have an example to tie it to! That verse is a perfect warning against peer pressure. I plan to explain to them that peer pressure never ends. It does not seem to be exclusive to children or teens even though that is how we usually think of it. I, like them, have to be careful of being led astray in actions or thoughts.
It also brings to mind what my pastor says about some people "catching" their world view. It is those who watch way too much news, listen to the folks at work, the nay sayers, etc. and just adopt their ideas without checking them out for themselves or measuring them against God's Word. I don't want to be like that and I especially don't want my children to be like that.
How can we guard against it? The verse right above that one says
"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness."
Isn't that wonderful? I can't wait to show this to my kids this morning!
"See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. " Col 2:8
Isn't that perfect!? I had that verse before the dog food incident. God knew.
I haven't introduced this one to the kids yet so this morning I will. I'm glad to have an example to tie it to! That verse is a perfect warning against peer pressure. I plan to explain to them that peer pressure never ends. It does not seem to be exclusive to children or teens even though that is how we usually think of it. I, like them, have to be careful of being led astray in actions or thoughts.
It also brings to mind what my pastor says about some people "catching" their world view. It is those who watch way too much news, listen to the folks at work, the nay sayers, etc. and just adopt their ideas without checking them out for themselves or measuring them against God's Word. I don't want to be like that and I especially don't want my children to be like that.
How can we guard against it? The verse right above that one says
"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness."
Isn't that wonderful? I can't wait to show this to my kids this morning!
Monday, June 05, 2006
Followers or Leaders?
Like all parents, we strive to make our children leaders instead of followers. We had a good life lesson yesterday.
LMT(12) and CT(10) are taking care of neighbor's dogs while they are out-of-town. We have a 9yo nephew visiting. Yesterday LMT and CT took him with them to do dog duty. They came home laughing hysterically. When I asked what was so funny, I was surprised at the answer. They were eating dog food.
Dog food! I remember that CT had this problem when he was a nine month old but I thought he had grown out of it. I was especially surprised that my 12 yo daughter ate it. I can see where a 9 or 10yo boy would think that eating dog food was funny.....but my daughter!??!
So I started asking questions. I know my kids well enough to know that they wouldn't have thought of doing that on their own. It was nephew's idea and they followed. When I questioned nephew, he said his brother had done it before and he didn't die. By this time Honey was in on the conversation and posed the question "If nephew licked the dog's bottom would you do it too?" It was starting to sink in. We told them it was not about eating the dog food, it was about following the foolishness of others.
I hope they got it. You never really know until next time. The thought occurred to me..."What if they were in public school? or Sunday School? Would they be the followers or leaders?" I think I would've said leaders before yesterday. Now I will say that I just don't know. Being a mom sure keeps me humble!!
Honey confessed to me in bed last night that he once ate a milkbone. I guess it runs in the family.
LMT(12) and CT(10) are taking care of neighbor's dogs while they are out-of-town. We have a 9yo nephew visiting. Yesterday LMT and CT took him with them to do dog duty. They came home laughing hysterically. When I asked what was so funny, I was surprised at the answer. They were eating dog food.
Dog food! I remember that CT had this problem when he was a nine month old but I thought he had grown out of it. I was especially surprised that my 12 yo daughter ate it. I can see where a 9 or 10yo boy would think that eating dog food was funny.....but my daughter!??!
So I started asking questions. I know my kids well enough to know that they wouldn't have thought of doing that on their own. It was nephew's idea and they followed. When I questioned nephew, he said his brother had done it before and he didn't die. By this time Honey was in on the conversation and posed the question "If nephew licked the dog's bottom would you do it too?" It was starting to sink in. We told them it was not about eating the dog food, it was about following the foolishness of others.
I hope they got it. You never really know until next time. The thought occurred to me..."What if they were in public school? or Sunday School? Would they be the followers or leaders?" I think I would've said leaders before yesterday. Now I will say that I just don't know. Being a mom sure keeps me humble!!
Honey confessed to me in bed last night that he once ate a milkbone. I guess it runs in the family.
Sunday, June 04, 2006
Our House
I know, I know, I already typed the praises of our backyard. But today as it is a beautiful day and I have 4 little kids to play I am thankful for it all over again. Actually I am so thankful for my whole house. I just love it! There is hardly anything that I don't like about it.
Since it is such a perfect day, we will spend the whole of it outside. Since I have little boys, they don't even need to go in to the bathroom! .......Was that too much information?
I will serve us lunch outside, and of course LOTS of popsicles! Yesterday I made banana ones with over-ripe bananas. I can't wait until they try them. We will not even need to come in until Honey (he said I can't use first names anymore) and everyone else comes home.
Here's a little about my house....
When we first bought it I thought the outside was so ugly. Well, I still do. But it's mine and that endears it to me more than any beautiful fancy new house ever could. Plus it's very unique and easy to describe when giving someone directions. That's good.
My bedroom is upstairs away from everyone else's. It's a nice quiet place for me when I have too many little boys underfoot or too many hard math problems to figure out. That's a perfect set up for an only child with 8 kids!
Speaking of being an only child....I don't like to share! I have my very own closet that I don't have to share with anyone. Oh, I do love that! It's the perfect size too. Not too big so that I put lots of junk in it, but plenty big enough for what I have....and then some.
I have 2 separate living rooms, upstairs and down. I can have a quiet visit with a friend upstairs while my little ones are downstairs. There are even lots of pocket doors to close to keep out noise. That's also great when Honey lets me sleep in sometimes.
Well I could go on and on but I'm needed outside. Let me just say that I LOVE my house and I'm so thankful for it. If I designed it myself it could not meet my needs and desires more than this one that God is providing now. That thought really excites me when I think of my home in heaven. How much more perfect will it be? I can not even imagine.
Since it is such a perfect day, we will spend the whole of it outside. Since I have little boys, they don't even need to go in to the bathroom! .......Was that too much information?
I will serve us lunch outside, and of course LOTS of popsicles! Yesterday I made banana ones with over-ripe bananas. I can't wait until they try them. We will not even need to come in until Honey (he said I can't use first names anymore) and everyone else comes home.
Here's a little about my house....
When we first bought it I thought the outside was so ugly. Well, I still do. But it's mine and that endears it to me more than any beautiful fancy new house ever could. Plus it's very unique and easy to describe when giving someone directions. That's good.
My bedroom is upstairs away from everyone else's. It's a nice quiet place for me when I have too many little boys underfoot or too many hard math problems to figure out. That's a perfect set up for an only child with 8 kids!
Speaking of being an only child....I don't like to share! I have my very own closet that I don't have to share with anyone. Oh, I do love that! It's the perfect size too. Not too big so that I put lots of junk in it, but plenty big enough for what I have....and then some.
I have 2 separate living rooms, upstairs and down. I can have a quiet visit with a friend upstairs while my little ones are downstairs. There are even lots of pocket doors to close to keep out noise. That's also great when Honey lets me sleep in sometimes.
Well I could go on and on but I'm needed outside. Let me just say that I LOVE my house and I'm so thankful for it. If I designed it myself it could not meet my needs and desires more than this one that God is providing now. That thought really excites me when I think of my home in heaven. How much more perfect will it be? I can not even imagine.
Thank you GOD, and thank you Honey for being such a sweet provider and giving me these extras that I don't really need. I love you.
Saturday, June 03, 2006
LB's Day
This weekend will be one with my bigger girls out-of-town. That means LB is the oldest for 2 whole days! She had the choice of going out-of-town too, but she loves this responsibility that she doesn't get very often. She loves being my "go to girl".
LB is a tremendous help! Not only did she help me with little boys, poopy diapers, and dirty dishes but she even stayed up and helped me do some extra cleaning to prepare for a get-together Monday. My day would've been much harder without her.
I'm glad that she approaches work with a cheerful, helpful attitude. If she can hang on to that it will serve her well her whole life.
I love you LB, you're a good girl!!
LB is a tremendous help! Not only did she help me with little boys, poopy diapers, and dirty dishes but she even stayed up and helped me do some extra cleaning to prepare for a get-together Monday. My day would've been much harder without her.
I'm glad that she approaches work with a cheerful, helpful attitude. If she can hang on to that it will serve her well her whole life.
I love you LB, you're a good girl!!
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
The Morning Meeting
"And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ--to the glory and praise of God." Philippians 1:9-11
This is the verse we're memorizing right now...as well as the current prayer I am praying consistantly. Wouldn't it be wonderful to always be able to discern what is best and be pure and blameless?! I find that whatever verse I have to memorize, the Lord will show me countless ways in which it can be used and so many different situations to pray it.
This is a big part of our homeschool. Every morning after breakfast we move to the parlor (my fancy name for the living room) and I dictate the verse we are memorizing for the kids to write. God's word is so good for all things. I use this for spelling, grammer, vocabulary, penmanship, and great conversation starters. Writing the verse everyday really helps us to memorize it.
This kids bring me their paper when they are finished and I check and correct it. While we talk about the verse, they correct their spelling by writing the misspelled words 5 times. We discuss whatever phrases or words that are unclear like "depth of insight". I am always surprised at what I take for granted that the kids know that they really don't. It's a learning opportunity for all of us.
As we get further along in our grammer studies we will use the verse to pick out prepositional phases, direct objects, and the like.
I will usually give them a chance to repeat however much of it they have memorized. It's really fun to hear a little boy repeat some of it just when I think they never pay attention!
I like to keep the same verse until everyone can spell all the words without mistakes. It gives us plenty of time to memorize it and look for ways to apply it to everday life. This time in the day is what we call "the morning meeting" and I think my kids would say it's their favorite part of the school day. We also read the Proverb of the day, or whatever else I might want to read. I tell them what we're having for dinner, and anything different or unusual on the schedule. I also give them any list of extra jobs they need to do. It's a nice way to start the day!
This is the verse we're memorizing right now...as well as the current prayer I am praying consistantly. Wouldn't it be wonderful to always be able to discern what is best and be pure and blameless?! I find that whatever verse I have to memorize, the Lord will show me countless ways in which it can be used and so many different situations to pray it.
This is a big part of our homeschool. Every morning after breakfast we move to the parlor (my fancy name for the living room) and I dictate the verse we are memorizing for the kids to write. God's word is so good for all things. I use this for spelling, grammer, vocabulary, penmanship, and great conversation starters. Writing the verse everyday really helps us to memorize it.
This kids bring me their paper when they are finished and I check and correct it. While we talk about the verse, they correct their spelling by writing the misspelled words 5 times. We discuss whatever phrases or words that are unclear like "depth of insight". I am always surprised at what I take for granted that the kids know that they really don't. It's a learning opportunity for all of us.
As we get further along in our grammer studies we will use the verse to pick out prepositional phases, direct objects, and the like.
I will usually give them a chance to repeat however much of it they have memorized. It's really fun to hear a little boy repeat some of it just when I think they never pay attention!
I like to keep the same verse until everyone can spell all the words without mistakes. It gives us plenty of time to memorize it and look for ways to apply it to everday life. This time in the day is what we call "the morning meeting" and I think my kids would say it's their favorite part of the school day. We also read the Proverb of the day, or whatever else I might want to read. I tell them what we're having for dinner, and anything different or unusual on the schedule. I also give them any list of extra jobs they need to do. It's a nice way to start the day!
Monday, May 29, 2006
Vacation
Mike is on vacation this week! I'm so glad. We really don't have anything special planned but the week is filling up fast with little things. The top thing on his list is to work on the broken garage door. I don't think it'll be an easy task. We've wanted to replace that door since we moved in almost 5 years ago, now with it broken we have the perfect opportunity.
I'm really looking forward to this week with him home. I have my own list of things to do too. Isn't it always nice to get those nagging things out of the way?
Meaggy and I went thrift store shopping Saturday. We had so much fun! We came home with a huge sack of clothes for only$23! We got something for almost everybody. Next we went to a consignment store where she got 2 shirts for $6. On the way home we hit a g-sale and got just a couple of things. Maegan bought 10 men's ties for her friend who is collecting them to sew onto a skirt. It was a good day full of bargains.
Have a great week,
Love,
Sandy
I'm really looking forward to this week with him home. I have my own list of things to do too. Isn't it always nice to get those nagging things out of the way?
Meaggy and I went thrift store shopping Saturday. We had so much fun! We came home with a huge sack of clothes for only$23! We got something for almost everybody. Next we went to a consignment store where she got 2 shirts for $6. On the way home we hit a g-sale and got just a couple of things. Maegan bought 10 men's ties for her friend who is collecting them to sew onto a skirt. It was a good day full of bargains.
Have a great week,
Love,
Sandy
Saturday, May 27, 2006
Saturday morning photos
I have added to our May photos....the latest stuff starts here:
http://thetaggs.smugmug.com/gallery/1419938/22/71837974
http://thetaggs.smugmug.com/gallery/1419938/22/71837974
Monday, May 22, 2006
This weekend
This was such a fun weekend. CT's soccer team went to Conway for the President's Cup. Mike's mom came and stayed with the kids (thank you, thank you, thank you!) and we only took CT and Mal. I'll try to summarize without bragging too much......
It started out a little rough b/c Mike had to work late. We had a 3 hour drive and didn't leave until after 9pm. We were pretty tired that night and had to be on the field at 8:15 the next morning. Our hotel room was 30 minutes away so it was an early morning.
The first game we tied. That was a disappointment but better than a loss. They played again in the afternoon and WON!! We made it to the semifinals on Sunday and then lost. Too bad. Even though we lost our team played great and Christian was especially fun to watch. My favorite play was in the last game when he got this big break away, faked out several players, took it up the field, and got off a shot. His foot work is so impressive. Can you tell I'm a proud Momma?
It was disappointing to lose on Sunday but nice to get home to see everyone else. We had a nice afternoon at home spending time with G'ma. What a great weekend.
It started out a little rough b/c Mike had to work late. We had a 3 hour drive and didn't leave until after 9pm. We were pretty tired that night and had to be on the field at 8:15 the next morning. Our hotel room was 30 minutes away so it was an early morning.
The first game we tied. That was a disappointment but better than a loss. They played again in the afternoon and WON!! We made it to the semifinals on Sunday and then lost. Too bad. Even though we lost our team played great and Christian was especially fun to watch. My favorite play was in the last game when he got this big break away, faked out several players, took it up the field, and got off a shot. His foot work is so impressive. Can you tell I'm a proud Momma?
It was disappointing to lose on Sunday but nice to get home to see everyone else. We had a nice afternoon at home spending time with G'ma. What a great weekend.
Monday, May 15, 2006
#5 is 2 wheelin!
View more pictures of this event and other stuff here: http://thetaggs.smugmug.com/gallery/1419938/3
While I (dad) was cutting down limbs in the infamous "backyard", #5 decided that he wanted to take off his training wheels. I told him that I was kind of busy and that if he could get them off that I would help him out a little. I don't quite know how he got them off...but he did. :-) He did fairly well in the back yard and was able to pedal for short distances. Seeming happy with his accomplishment, he moved on to something else. As I finished up trimming in the backyard we migrated toward the front. #5's eyes lit up again and asked if he could take his bike and try it on the street. I agreed and here are the results from his attempts.
As the day went on, he became more daring and ventured to the neighbors driveway. It's a fairly steep driveway that propels him at quite a good clip into the street and down the hill. Fun! Well, since this is a relatively new skill he's acquired let's just say his speed to turn ratio is a bit out of specification. These next few photos will show his progress in this adventure.
as you can see....a definite miscalculation.
Here's his next attempt (got to give him credit for not giving up!!)
He made it a little further. But still the same result...whack! Right into the van. If you know #5 then you know he is very intelligent and it doesn't take him long to figure out a problem. So, he looks at me and says, "Dad, we need to move the van."
lol...
While I (dad) was cutting down limbs in the infamous "backyard", #5 decided that he wanted to take off his training wheels. I told him that I was kind of busy and that if he could get them off that I would help him out a little. I don't quite know how he got them off...but he did. :-) He did fairly well in the back yard and was able to pedal for short distances. Seeming happy with his accomplishment, he moved on to something else. As I finished up trimming in the backyard we migrated toward the front. #5's eyes lit up again and asked if he could take his bike and try it on the street. I agreed and here are the results from his attempts.
As the day went on, he became more daring and ventured to the neighbors driveway. It's a fairly steep driveway that propels him at quite a good clip into the street and down the hill. Fun! Well, since this is a relatively new skill he's acquired let's just say his speed to turn ratio is a bit out of specification. These next few photos will show his progress in this adventure.
as you can see....a definite miscalculation.
Here's his next attempt (got to give him credit for not giving up!!)
He made it a little further. But still the same result...whack! Right into the van. If you know #5 then you know he is very intelligent and it doesn't take him long to figure out a problem. So, he looks at me and says, "Dad, we need to move the van."
lol...
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Our backyard
When we bought this house the only thing I noticed about the backyard was that it was flat (easy to mow) and big enough for kids. Little did I know all the fun it would be.
We have one big shade tree in the middle of the yard. The kids named it Greenland. The little boys try to swing really high and touch their toes to the branches. They can't reach it just yet.
The gate is named The Black Gate of Mordor. Ever see Lord of the Rings?
We have a big overgrown tree/bush in the back corner. The kids named it George Bush and claim that it's the best thing about the whole yard. I have to admit it is a great place to play. You can duck and walk under it and you are totally surrounded by the leaves and branches. It's sort of like a hide out. The branches are low enough yet strong enough to climb into. Underneath there is dirt to dig and roots that make a little stream when it rains or when you pour water into it.
Now there is a robin's nest in George Bush. It's just low enough that you can barely see two baby birds in there when you stand on your tippy toes. The funny part is that whenever the little boys go over there to play the mamma bird swoops them! They run out laughing and squealing. She has taken over George Bush!
See more photos (Mallory included) on the May photo site....
http://thetaggs.smugmug.com/gallery/1419938
We have one big shade tree in the middle of the yard. The kids named it Greenland. The little boys try to swing really high and touch their toes to the branches. They can't reach it just yet.
The gate is named The Black Gate of Mordor. Ever see Lord of the Rings?
We have a big overgrown tree/bush in the back corner. The kids named it George Bush and claim that it's the best thing about the whole yard. I have to admit it is a great place to play. You can duck and walk under it and you are totally surrounded by the leaves and branches. It's sort of like a hide out. The branches are low enough yet strong enough to climb into. Underneath there is dirt to dig and roots that make a little stream when it rains or when you pour water into it.
Now there is a robin's nest in George Bush. It's just low enough that you can barely see two baby birds in there when you stand on your tippy toes. The funny part is that whenever the little boys go over there to play the mamma bird swoops them! They run out laughing and squealing. She has taken over George Bush!
See more photos (Mallory included) on the May photo site....
http://thetaggs.smugmug.com/gallery/1419938
Saturday, May 06, 2006
Victory!!
Anger is something that I've been praying about for our family this year. God says that anger doesn't bring about a righteous life. I want that righteous life that God desires and I want to be able to control my emotions.
I am usually not the kind of person to be loud and yell. Usually I will give a longer-than-necessary speech (complete with "the tone") or roll my eyes. I also do not call it "anger" in most cases, but frustration. I have learned that frustration is just a prettier word for the same thing and I should just call it what it is. In any case, it's a bad example to my kids. My heart's desire is to be able correct them in love, without a hint of pride or an I-told-you-so, and to remember that repetition is the mother of learning.
Today I was put to the test. Without mentioning names, a child of mine had a great idea that did not turn out so well. It also had the potential of making a lot of unnecessary work. Thankfully the unnecessary work did not materialize. I was mad and wondered how this child could have overlooked such an obvious (to me) outcome. It was a situation where the child knew the wrong but my pride wanted to "let 'em have it" anyway. I prayed and the Lord gave me restraint with my words. I wanted more. I wanted my voice to not even betray my emotion..... so I was quiet and just kept praying!
When I did speak, it sounded sweet! I can't tell you what a victory this is. My child's heart was right, the action just didn't turn out right. If I had spoken in anger I think it would've done much to discourage, not much to help. I really want to judge the hearts of my children more than the blundered actions. I praise the Lord for this victory!! I am going to start praying now for the next test!
I am usually not the kind of person to be loud and yell. Usually I will give a longer-than-necessary speech (complete with "the tone") or roll my eyes. I also do not call it "anger" in most cases, but frustration. I have learned that frustration is just a prettier word for the same thing and I should just call it what it is. In any case, it's a bad example to my kids. My heart's desire is to be able correct them in love, without a hint of pride or an I-told-you-so, and to remember that repetition is the mother of learning.
Today I was put to the test. Without mentioning names, a child of mine had a great idea that did not turn out so well. It also had the potential of making a lot of unnecessary work. Thankfully the unnecessary work did not materialize. I was mad and wondered how this child could have overlooked such an obvious (to me) outcome. It was a situation where the child knew the wrong but my pride wanted to "let 'em have it" anyway. I prayed and the Lord gave me restraint with my words. I wanted more. I wanted my voice to not even betray my emotion..... so I was quiet and just kept praying!
When I did speak, it sounded sweet! I can't tell you what a victory this is. My child's heart was right, the action just didn't turn out right. If I had spoken in anger I think it would've done much to discourage, not much to help. I really want to judge the hearts of my children more than the blundered actions. I praise the Lord for this victory!! I am going to start praying now for the next test!
Maegan's Good Day
I have to brag on Maegan today. It's been a good day for her.
We started off the day with a cold and rainy soccer game for Joshua. No matter how miserable the weather conditions they never complain. Everyone was just happy to be there for Joshua and cheer him on. They are good examples to me.
After the game, Maegan bought everyone hot chocolate and popcorn at the concession stand. She remembered to bring her money to do this. It was sweet.
I had her make bread today and she did it start-to-finish with no help from me! That was a first. She also managed to get 6 loaves out of the recipe where I usually only get five.
Because of Maegan, I could go to Christian's games later in the afternoon and we didn't have to get little ones out in the windy cold. While we were gone and the little guys were napping, she and her sisters made up a dance. A good use of time I think.
I had dinner in the crockpot to have ready after the games. The games went long and I called home to have them start dinner without us. When we got here everyone was eating nicely at the table. It was nice and peaceful when we joined them.
It is a blessing to have such a sweet daughter. Thank you Maegan, you're a good girl!! I love you.
We started off the day with a cold and rainy soccer game for Joshua. No matter how miserable the weather conditions they never complain. Everyone was just happy to be there for Joshua and cheer him on. They are good examples to me.
After the game, Maegan bought everyone hot chocolate and popcorn at the concession stand. She remembered to bring her money to do this. It was sweet.
I had her make bread today and she did it start-to-finish with no help from me! That was a first. She also managed to get 6 loaves out of the recipe where I usually only get five.
Because of Maegan, I could go to Christian's games later in the afternoon and we didn't have to get little ones out in the windy cold. While we were gone and the little guys were napping, she and her sisters made up a dance. A good use of time I think.
I had dinner in the crockpot to have ready after the games. The games went long and I called home to have them start dinner without us. When we got here everyone was eating nicely at the table. It was nice and peaceful when we joined them.
It is a blessing to have such a sweet daughter. Thank you Maegan, you're a good girl!! I love you.
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
See our May photos!
Here are some photos we have posted for May of the kiddos. We will use this same location for all our updates during this month...so, check back often!
http://thetaggs.smugmug.com/gallery/1419938
Here are April's:
http://thetaggs.smugmug.com/gallery/1386280
http://thetaggs.smugmug.com/gallery/1419938
Here are April's:
http://thetaggs.smugmug.com/gallery/1386280
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