It's over!

I know how David felt when he prayed for the Lord to destroy his enemies. I lay in bed last night praying for the Lord to kill this mouse...and his family!

Last night was pizza night. I went in to start the dough in the bread machine when the king of the kitchen runs out to greet me. Well, no pizza for us.

When I couldn't wait any longer I sent in an older child to flush the rat out but of course he only likes to visit with me and would not show his face. Not knowing where he was certainly made dinner prep go quick! I made some quick tomato soup and salad.

Honey came home and he and my oldest 3 headed to Tulsa for the weekend. I was dreading my men being gone and not available to deal with this MOUSE. They sweetly loaded another trap for me before they left.

So as I lay in bed last night I heard a beautiful sound. SNAP!! Oh yeah, God is good! I run downstairs to get my 9yo daughter and 5yo son. They are eager to see. Hum...now what to do with it? I thought of waiting until the morning to get my neighbor to come and get it but my daughter volunteered. Can you imagine that? She didn't want to touch it with her hands though. Good girl. It took about 30 minutes but with a dust pan, fly swatter, an old shoe, and her little brother cheering her on she finally got it to the garage trash. Then she did what any smart woman would do...she threw everything away. Dust pan, fly swatter, mouse trap all in the trash. We decided not to throw away the shoe b/c it was Honey's. If it were mine, it would be in the bottom of the can too.

We had cinnamon rolls this morning to celebrate. It's good to be the queen of the kitchen again.

The Hunt Continues

I'm feeding the baby last night when the stupid MOUSE runs right under her highchair! Inches from my feet! Aren't mice supposed to be afraid of people? The kitchen was full of people with the light on and everything! Well, apparently that spot wasn't all that he thought it would be b/c seconds later this guy zips past me again (even closer to my feet!) running the opposite direction! What is wrong with this thing?

I decided that Baby was full and we left the kitchen immediately. My men were not home but my girls looked for him with no luck. As soon as the guys came back they set out more mouse traps. I'm running low.

The morning came...no mouse. I guess he doesn't like cheese. The next try is peanut butter. My son found another trap in the garage that was still set from about a year ago. It had a piece of cookie on it. I guess it's true that store bought cookies have an indefinite shelf life. This morning the trap was still set....minus the cookie. Hum....it was one of those fancy $6 kind that enable you to dump a dead mouse without touching it. Good idea but there's NO dead mouse, only a free lunch! I'm going to go buy more of the 50 cent old fashioned, old faithful wood and metal kind. I envision setting a whole bunch of them all over the kitchen floor only leaving a narrow path to the frige.

He's back.

The mouse was in the kitchen again last night. He ran right in front of my son's feet! Obviously he's not a very smart mouse. #3 runs downstairs to get his dad. Honey and 2 oldest sons grab the bb gun and that light thing that straps on your head and head to kitchen to hunt. Honey took a shot but missed. They were up there a long time and I could hear them moving things around. No luck. They found a spot where he might be getting in and blocked that off. They set more traps in hopes of getting him in the night. Still no mouse. Apparently he's smarter than I thought.

I am reading Reflections of the Gospels by Vance Havner. Good book. Last week when I was reading it was talking about how Christians make themselves unattractive to the unbelieving world. He listed a few examples. One of the ways is by making our services so dreary and lifeless that there is no joy in them at all. When I read those words "dreary and lifeless" I thought of my own Bible time with the kids. It has gotten to the point where I just read and they just listen. Not a lot of pizzazz there. There aren't even many questions anymore.

I wanted that to change. I prayed to the Lord to give me something new....a new book, a new idea, a new spark, something. I looked through sales books but nothing really caught my eye.

We went to a garage sale this weekend. I found some clothes for Baby Girl and #3 got a Christmas present for his sister. I noticed on the side a box of books. They were a set of 12 hardback Bible story books that were brand new and unopened. They weren't necessarily childrens' books though, it looked as though they would appeal to any age. The price on the box was $50. That was way more than I could spend. Plus, I wanted to look at them but didn't want to ask to open the unopened books. The guy came over and told me a little about them and said that he would take $25 without my even asking! Even though it was a good deal, it was still money I didn't have.

#2 and I ran an errand later in the day and she wanted to stop by the g-sale too. I took her by there and those books were still there. The guy came up to me and said I could have them for 50 cents a piece! I couldn't pass up a deal like that! I was so excited as we carried them home.

They are far more than I expected. Once I opened them I saw that they are perfectly age appropriate for all my older kids. They have beautiful pictures scattered throughout and it even came with a 4 year reading plan. It includes a lot of Bible history as well as missionaries. KJV Scripture is throughout every chapter.

We started the first one this morning and my kids asked me to read more. There's the spark I was hoping for! Thank you Lord for providing just the right thing!!

More rain! I love it! We are one small step closer to finding the leak. We cleaned out the computer area cabinets and could hear the rain coming down the wall. That means it is NOT coming from below. That's good. Now the problem is finding where it's coming in from above. At least one thing is eliminated and Honey is trying a new idea with this rain. He found a suspicious spot and has covered it with a big tarp. I just stuck my head in the cabinet and I don't hear water but it hasn't rained very long or very much yet...we'll see. If this is it, it will be an easy fix. That is what I'm praying for.

My mom and g'mother are visiting. You should see my g'mother. She looks incredible! At 76 she has no gray hair and does not color it. She's full of energy and lots of fun. She doesn't complain about being old or about aches and pains, but has a huge smile and laughs a lot. She is not afraid to be silly. Honey wants to take a bunch of pictures of her before she leaves. I hope I'm like that at 76.

Speaking of pictures...Honey is off the rest of the week! He's taking yearbook pics today and will be home tomorrow editing them. There's only about 110 kids so it won't take him too long. We're thankful for this business. The WASA pics are almost done! He also has one senior picture shoot coming up and I think 2 family portrait shoots too. We're trying to decide what to wear for our own family Christmas picture. He just got a new stand for the yearbook shoot and was so excited. I like watching him when he gets something new. He's just like a little kid. He must have been a lot of fun at Christmas when he was a little boy.

The clothes exchange is almost done. I prayed about this asking the Lord to give me a clear mind to know what to keep and what not. This was the easiest so far. All the big kids were not only able to exchange their own clothes but do the big cleaning as well! All I did was to look over and point out some finishing touches. All these years of them helping me has paid off. They know the system and just took off. They helped me a bunch with the little boys' clothes. It looks like everyone has plenty of clothes for the winter w/o having to buy very much. Only Baby Girl has immediate needs, but her clothes are still cheap and easy to find at the resale shops.

One more thing. I'm going to pass along my tip for potty training. With 7 kids potty trained so far, you would think we would have this one down...NOPE! We've tried it all from infant potty training (yep, I tried that one) to letting them do it themselves. Because they are all different, no one thing worked with every one of them. Now when #3 was little he would NOT use the potty. No about of bribing, praising, threatening, or coercion would work. Nothing. In desperation I gave it over to the Lord and gave up on my own. I decided that if we went from diapers to Depends, then so be it, but I was done. I only prayed. This was not easy for me b/c he followed 2 sisters that were very easy to potty train and this left me wondering where I was failing and what else was in store when raising little boys. In no time he was potty trained w/o me doing another thing! Last week I found myself once again up against a resistant potty trainer. I was getting frustrated with him and remembered #3. I let it go and prayed. He's hardly had a accident since. He even asked to go at the soccer fields this week.

When people find out I have 9 kids they say things like, "You must be so patient/organized/etc. I want to laugh out loud!! That is so far from the truth. The truth is that what the Lord calls you to do, He enables you to do. His strength is made perfect in my weakness and He never leaves me to do anything alone....even potty training little boys.

Today

It's that time again and today it was so cold that I decided I couldn't put it off any longer. It's time for the fall clothes exchange. Every year it's different. Last season I knocked it out in a record-breaking 3 days. I don't think that'll ever happen again...certainly not this season!

Right now this is such an overwhelming task to me that I'm taking small bites out of it. Very small...I cleaned out one drawer. Oh well, it's a start I guess. Oh wait, I also gave the girls a job in their room. During the clothes exchange, I also deep clean and clear out junk in each of their rooms. The girls' room is always the worst. Why is that? Aren't girls supposed to be neater than boys? Maybe it's b/c I'm in the boys' room with them so much and can keep a tighter handle on it. I don't know. My initial game plan was to do the worst first and tackle that room. I chickened out. Plan B is to give them a specific job a piece everyday until I am brave enough to start overseeing it. I didn't get much done and I didn't even get anything out of the attic.
Maybe I'll do more tomorrow.

I had my 2nd appt with Dr. Bell today. All is good and my blood work is done until the glucose test months from now. Yippee! I've decided that his scale is not as friendly as the one I have at home.

sharing the wealth

We have a new 4yo in our house. #6 just turned 4 this week and is so proud of it. We had a lot of fun with him on his b-day. It just doesn't take much to thrill him and he was thankful for every little thing. He made his cake with #2 and decorated it himself. I'll have to ask Honey to post some pictures later.

Our neighbor across the street gave him a card with $5 in it. My little boys are fascinated with money. I told him we should put it in his bank but he asked if he could hold it in his pocket "to save it" for awhile. I agreed, planning to get it from him later and let him put it in his jar himself. Later he runs upstairs with a huge smile on his face and his big brother (5yo) following right behind. "Look! I shared my money!" he says. They both stand in front of me each holding HALF of the $5 bill that they had cut with sissors to share. So sweet....

The life of a 2yo

Awww, my energy streak didn't last. Today I am overwhelmed thinking of what all I need to do in the next couple of weeks. I am praying for clarity of vision, motivation, and energy!

It's chilly and we're still wearing shorts. The winter clothes are in the attic calling my name. I have a feeling this will bring a new challenge for 2 yo. Wearing shoes other than his spiderman sandals bring him lots of grief. Today I put tennis shoes on him. He hates the shoe strings. They are never the right length. They are too tight or too loose. Too long (not a bit of them can touch the ground) or too short and they don't make a big enough loop. Hum....I wonder what kind of sorrow jeans and long sleeves will bring him?

I think it must be hard to be a 2 yo. Nothing is ever right for you. You aren't big enough to do lots of fun stuff that everyone else can do. You still have to take a nap. You have to learn to use the potty. You still can't play with marbles or eat chips. Shoe strings are awful. Nothing but the spiderman cup will suffice. You're big enough to talk but not mature enough to discern when you should be quiet. You must speak your mind on every issue and are obedient to every bad idea that comes into your head! All this adds up to a LOT of trouble!!

The good part is that you're still little enough to be carried up and down the stairs if someone is willing and to sit on Momma's lap when she reads a story. Life is good as long as there are popsicles in the house and the spiderman cup is clean.

Today

#3 played the Ozark Classic in Fayetteville today. They left early this morning and got back this afternoon. His team won one and lost one and plays again tomorrow. So today I stayed home with the 4 little ones and LB to help. She likes being the big girl of the house. I've had a lot more energy today than I have had in a long time and was able to get some things done. Thank you Lord!

We started the morning by baking bread which was done around 10am for a snack. I am frustrated with this new organic grain. Seems like the non organic makes better bread. Even after adding extra gluten, it's not what it should've been. Even so, it's the first time I've done the big bread baking in weeks and even with ugly bread I'm glad it's done. I got chicken in the crockpot for dinner later. Since my 3 biggest kids were gone, that left a lot of chores for us to do. We all worked together when Baby went down for a nap and knocked them out. We got a ton of laundry done today. I still need to vacuum my room.

After Baby woke up we went to the circle park to play for about an hour. It's so close to home and we're usually the only ones there. We came home, put Baby down for another nap, and the 4 other kids headed outside with sandwiches. What a beautiful day!

The painter came today. I was surprised b/c I didn't think he worked on the weekends. We talked about the color again. He painted another section for me to see. I just don't know. This is a hard choice but he's being patient with me. I have to have it nailed down soon. I'm not good at this.

We got another order of WASA pics in so I got them sorted and sacked and ready to deliver this week. That's my favorite job of the business. I did a few more chores around the house, some more laundry, and tried to take a nap. Nothing doing....2yo kept having screaming fits outside and needed some attention. Oh well.

When Honey came home he crashed on the bed and took a nap. He hardly ever takes naps. It was funny though b/c I don't think he even took his shoes off. He lay on the bed and was out in about 2 seconds.

After dinner, he took the big kids b-day shopping for #6's b-day on Monday and to buy his b-day meal supplies.
Here are his meals...

breakfast: donuts and deviled eggs
lunch: mac and cheese
dinner: pizza, carrot cake, and ice cream. (Sounds like 4yo foods, huh?)

After they left, I read to the little boys and worked on their sign language.
Now I've gotten the 4 little ones to bed, sort of. 2yo takes a little more time than others but we're almost there. I'm waiting for the shoppers to return and show me the goods. The good news is that I don't think we have any picture work tonight b/c I got it done today. That means Honey and I can watch a movie and drink hot chocolate or something.

This day was so good. I think I got more done today that I have in weeks. That feels good. It's funny how I take my energy levels for granted until I have none. The only thing I wanted to do but didn't was to do manicures with LB. She's COW and likes to do that. Maybe tomorrow....

Revival Part 1

We've had revival at church this week with Bro Bill Stafford. It was fantastic! He is 73 years old and is so obviously in love with Jesus. He was very insightful and had a thankfulness to the Lord that was contagious. It was a joy to sit under his teaching this week. We took all the kids and they looked forward to going every night. I'm glad they got to hear him too. I am planning on getting a tape from the church so that I can watch it at home. I had to miss a little bit and want to catch up. Last night was the last night. I did NOT want to miss any of it, but we knew that Baby probably would not last. She sang with all her heart with the choir but when it was time to be quiet, she wanted to preach too. I had to take her out. The great thing is that I took her to the hall where the tv is and (this is a miracle!) no one was talking in the hall! There were 2 other people sitting in chairs watching and NO noise! So I did get to still watch it.

I want to post over the next few days some of the great message he preached. Here are my favorite highlights for now...

Your sin will not get send you to Hell, not coming to the cross will.

He spoke out against those pastors who preach the unoffending message so as not to make anyone feel bad but the fact is....we ARE offenders!!

He had a bold way of speaking the truth straight up....no feel good stuff.

He invited everyone to come up front, or step out into the aisle, or knell in the pew to come to Jesus or to pray for revival.

It was just what I needed at just the right time. God is timely and I'm thankful for this week.

Love is....

I can't sleep at night. I usually wake up around 2am and am awake for a couple of hours. I do hope this passes soon. I lay there thinking, thinking, thinking. That doesn't help. I try to stop thinking and concentrate on my breathing, or listen for the clock to chime, hoping I won't hear it again. Usually, I fall back to thinking and that keeps me awake. Here is what I've thought about tonight...

What is love? We have the 1Cor 13 example. But I am talking about how those things are played out in every day life. First I started eliminating a few things...

1. The business aspect of love. Example: when you have a baby you are immediately thrown into a business type of relationship w/o even realizing it. Family business. Now there are schedules to coordinate...feeding schedules, church, work, so forth. I know that you can have this type of relationship without kids, but it's just what came to mind first. Washing clothes, making dinner, running errands....those things fall under family business and do not count.

2. The decision type of love. Jesus tell us that we have to love our enemies. That has to be a decision. Not meaning to oversimplify that command, but that's not what I'm talking about either. My neighbor and his wife do not get along. They have been married 50 years. He told me once about how they considered breaking up, but it wasn't right. He speaks out all the time about divorce and how people do not understand the importance of decision...how that decision affects others even more than you.

3. Physical attraction. It's not love and since God says "beauty is fleeting", it will all pass away.

4. The concern over well-being love. This love does not want you to be run over by a car or break your leg when you fall in a ditch. Since I have this love even for my dog, I don't think it counts either...at least not for this musing.

These things are important (except #3) but I'm talking about the real love that is not the basic "Love your neighbor" love that those things fall into. So strip these away and what is left? Here's what I came up with.

1. If you love someone, you will be there for them if they need you or want you whether it is convenient for you or not.

2. You pray for them, a lot.

3. This one is hard to put into words. Honey has taught me this by example and I'm trying to figure it out. It goes something like this...when you know that you have great influence over someone else, you are careful what you put into them. There are times when I know exactly how he is feeling but I notice that he's careful about what he says as so not to influence me to a destructive way of thinking too. Especially if it is a family issue. I have a tendency to vent everything and tell him what I think on every point. I've noticed that he is more careful. He says that I'm not allowed to practice this type of love with him, though and that I have to tell him everything! I think that's funny. (A little double standard?) But it makes sense. If you are carrying around baggage, it's easier to dump it on someone else. You feel lighter, but they are weighted down. Jesus says that we are to carry each other's burdens so this one is hard for me to figure out how it fits in. Balance and discretion I suppose? I'm rambling...

4. You can tell them what others will not. "The wounds of a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses."

5. Ok, this one is a little silly, but here goes....you know how to make their favorite sandwich! Well, it doesn't have to be a sandwich exactly, but you know those special things that they like (and you do them!). Usually they are very small and don't even cost much if you buy it at the store. But the neighbor doesn't know them and that is the kind of set-apart love that I'm thinking over tonight.

Official Announcement

We're having another baby! Yep, Baby #9 will be here in April, Lord willing. We're 12 weeks along and I'm finally starting to feel better. I still can't take my vitamins yet, even at night, but I'm hoping that'll change soon too.

I ran into a lady at Sams today and struck up a fun conversation. She had this tiny 5 week old baby boy. My babies are not tiny anymore by the time they are 5 weeks old but this one had had the stomach virus and was still only 8 pounds. Anyway, she said she found a great help, not a cure, but a help for morning sickness. She kept peanut butter by the bed and ate a heaping tablespoon of it before she got up. She said it stabilized her sugars and actually worked. I don't need to do that now, but I will try it next time. If anyone reading this tries it, comment me and let me know if it worked. I've actually been sicker in the evenings so I don't even know if that would apply to me.

Most of us are hoping for a girl so Baby Girl will have a playmate. CT wants a boy b/c he wants an official sized family soccer team. We're thinking of the names Lindsey or Elijah.

I've gained 2 pounds so far and can not wear my favorite pants. I guess I'll have to find a new favorite.

I have a new doctor. This was really stepping out for me b/c I've been with the same one for so long and he has delivered most of my babies. It was time for a change though and I really like my new one. Since I'm so old (37) he actually does fewer tests instead of more! What a refreshing change.

Since I hate being pregnant, I've found ways to pamper myself only when I'm pregnant. That gives me things to look forward to. This is what I've come up with so far....
Buying whatever juice I want in the grocery store, even if it's not 100% juice. I love Welch's Passion Fruit. Juice is our (after the kids go to bed) snack.

Real popsicles...not juice ones. I like Blue Bell Bullets. I wish they would sell only green ones.

Sonic ice.

Herbal tea baths. My sweet friend made this for me after Baby Girl was born and , oh it was so nice. I'm going to ask her for the recipe and keep it made up in the refrigerator.

Before Baby Girl was born I bought 2 new books at the Christian book store and saved them to read in the hospital. I didn't even take them out of the sack. It was fun to finally get to break them out. I'll do that again.

That's it, but I'm trying to think of more. Any ideas?

YIKES!

I'm wearing a t-shirt and jeans and sitting on the floor. All of sudden I feel something crawling up my back! I smacked the back of my shirt and could tell immediately that there was a big bug there. It felt like the size of a quarter! Here's the best part...when I hit it, it went down the back of my pants! You know that little gap in the back of your jeans when sit on the floor and lean forward? Just the right size for a bug to fall into!

I start doing the crazy dance trying to take my pants off. I'm jumping up and down and brushing off everything making double sure he's not on me but I don't see anything on the floor or in my pants either. I turn my pants upside down and shake them out and a big camel cricket jumps out at me!! AAEEOOOOWWW!

Do you know what those are? I had never seen one until we moved to AR. They are crickets that have long legs like a spider and can jump in every direction. They actually jump AT you to attack when you're trying to kill them! They are quite scary and can make you look like a fool with a fly swatter.

This is funny. I took the little boys to the grocery store today. They were a little more rowdy than I would've liked. As we're standing in line, I had to say things like...

"Don't touch that."
"Stop licking your brother."
"Stand right here and don't move."
"no!"

The lady behind me thought we were a great show. She told me that she once had little boys but now they are grown. She said she always looked forward to 8:00. I told her that I did too! Then she said..."But I think I'd put them to bed at 7:00!" LOL!

Homeschooling

Homeschooling is hard.

I am teaching the little boys to read. My 3yo is catching on very quickly. My 5yo is doing well but it is not as easy for him. Since we are reading from the same book, I teach them together. Today I almost made 5yo cry. It is nothing new for one of my children to cry about school, but for him to cry really struck a soft spot in my heart.

When I saw 3yo doing so well and surpassing him, it made me want to push 5yo a little harder. He didn't actually cry, but his eyes turned blue underneath like they do when he is about to cry. I felt so bad. I can't do that. The beauty of homeschooling is allowing them to learn at their own pace. That can be hard.

From now on, I will teach them separately. I think that'll help. Sometimes I wish I could just be their mom and not their teacher. I would just play with them, and love them, cook them yummy foods, correct them when needed, and read to them. But I definately don't want to be separated from them all day every day. Then there wouldn't be time for all that anyway.

Honey got the WASA business and the first day to shoot team pictures was today. We got everything ready last night and loaded into the car. We made plans with the kids and were all ready at 6:30 am. As we were getting into the car....BOOM! Thunder, lightning, huge storm! Well, there went that. Now we must use the make-up day that we scheduled....the Saturday that we were hoping to go away somewhere together. Rats. #5's game was cancelled as well as every other game scheduled for today. I guess the good news is that CT's game was already rescheduled to tomorrow b/c of the Hog game so his soccer game wasn't cancelled. He plays in Sugar Creek tomorrow.

It rained tons. Our downstairs started leaking...again. We've battled this leak for about a year now. We've had 5 diffent guys come out to look at it and no one knows what it is. It seemed to stop for awhile, we thought. But now it seems that it was probably leaking in a place we didn't notice. So the carpet was wet and Honey pulled out a drawer under the computer area. Water was standing underneath there! There doesn't seem to be water coming from above as the walls are not wet nor show any water damage. So we've already had a plumber, 2 contractors, 2 irrigation guys, and the builder of the house come look at it. No one has any idea at all...except that they are all in agreement that it is not coming from above. Now it will be a foundation man. I hope to get to the bottom of this mystery, but I'm afraid of what it will cost and the work it will mean.

Aunt Bea

Have you ever envied someone else's life? In my eyes, Aunt Bea has the perfect life. I noticed it last night while watching Andy Griffith.

She sends Opie off to school with no second thoughts. It's a good place and Ms. Crump is a good attentive teacher. There is no worry about bad influences and besides, Opie is always a good boy.

She has the rest of the day to do neat things like cook whatever yummy dinner she wants for her family without having to think about how long it will take. She has plenty of time to bake cookies and pecan pies for Opie when he gets home from school. She looks great in an apron.

There is no one in her house all day. She can make it noisy or quiet, whichever she prefers at whatever given moment. She can clean and organize her house the way she likes it and no one will move anything. That means it is ALWAYS clean!! Her Blue Willow china are her everyday dishes.

Because she has so much time, she can go to lunch with Claira whenever she likes and it is very simple. She can walk to the market when she is out of sugar for her pie. There is a friend to greet and visit with at every corner.

This has become my favorite show. I love Aunt Bea. My life is as different from hers as any life could be. And though I would not change that, it is nice to daydream........

A New Noise In the House

This has been a big year for 3yo. He is definately the over-achiever of the bunch. He has learned to swing himself, ride a 2-wheeler, swim underwater, read a little, and now he has learned something new. He can whistle!

A couple of nights ago at the dinner table, Honey was trying to show the little boys how to do it. They couldn't, so instead of whistling they would make a high-pitched noise with their mouths that sort of sounded like it. They tried to fool the dog, but Joey didn't buy it.

Tonight, out of the blue, #6 started whistling! His big brother thought he was blowing a whistle and asked to do it too! What a surprise! I had him stand up in front of everyone to show off his new skill. His sisters were impressed. So was I.

Yesterday, I had quite a run-in with my 3yo son. #6 is a tough fellow.

He decided that he was NOT going to make his bed. #2 is his buddy and is in charge of over-seeing his chores. I heard him arguing with her and then throwing a fit in his room. I go in and find out that it is over making his bed. I went in, spanked him, and told him to make his bed. Thinking we were done, I left the room. I was wrong!

About 5 minutes later he was throwing another loud fit. This time I went in and gave him a big speech about obeying his sister and obeying Momma. I spanked him again.

5 more minutes passed. I walked in to check his progress and found him complaining that it was too hard and he couldn't do it. Speech #2 was about being a sluggard vs. being a diligent man. I spanked him again. He assured me that he was the diligent man and was going to make his bed. I relieved my daughter and told her that I would take over the rest of his chore time.

5 more minutes passed. He's crying loudly in his room, bed still not made. I spank him again. Speech #3 was about being a good steward and taking care of everything God has given us. I was running out of ideas. I wanted to tell him that if he was unwilling to take care of his bed then he would lose his bed and have to sleep on the floor. I decided that that wouldn't work though b/c my kids love to sleep on the floor, in the closet, under the coffee table....anywhere that is not their bed. Soooo after considering a minute, I decided that he would lose his special blankey and pillows and would only be left with the big blanket on his bed. He didn't like that idea.

5 more minutes passed and I check his progress. Still a messy bed! Now I was really stumped. I thought the blankey/pillow idea would have changed his mind. I guess he didn't believe me. I spanked him again and told him to take all his pillows and his blankey to the couch. That did it! Praise the Lord! I had run out of speeches. My little son hugged me, and said he was "so sorry" and MADE HIS BED!!! Oh thank you Lord!

He had to take a nap without his blankey and pillows. At the dinner table he was telling Honey about it. When Honey asked him why he lost them he said "I was fighting wif Mommy." He had to go to bed last night with only the big blanket. Although he was sad, he handled it well. I was sad for him too.

If you've never had a fight with a 3yo, I would advise against it. They are formidable opponents!!

Our Garage Sale

Honey had to go into work at 6am Saturday. On his way to the car he noticed that our next door neighbors were having a big garage sale and were already set up. He ran back into the house and rallied everyone out of bed to get busy and put our junk out too.

Now even though I decided against the g-sale (I hadn't told Honey that yet), it now sounded like a pretty good idea since the neighbors already put out signs and the ad in the paper. At this point, our stuff wasn't even tagged. The girls came upstairs wondering how in the world this was going to happen. We got busy fast. We didn't have tables, so we started carting out the coffee tables, piano bench, ironing board, etc to use for tables. It worked.

It turned out to be a fun time. My kids had a great time at the neighbor's sale looking through all their junk. CT bought me a pretty glass bell for $1 as a surprise plus a cute frame for Baby's picture. MTT bought herself 3 new shirts. Even today they were still telling me of all the neat things she had that I hadn't noticed. Other people's stuff is always more exciting than your own.

We put it up about 12:30 with a grand total of $70. It's not much, but considering all we had was junk, I guess it's ok. The kids even made a $1 tip carrying stuff to someone's car. They were glad to add it to the pile and to know that their dollar was the one to take us over the edge to the $70.
Later that day, my son said "That was just about the funnest thing I've ever done!"

Well on my way to the tub, I stopped by the pantry to try to get some inspiration for tomorrow's breakfast. All of a sudden a mouse!!! ran out at me!!! I was stuck. My laundry room is in the back of my kitchen. In order to leave I have to go through the kitchen where the mouse ran. See my dilemma? If I go in the kitchen where the mouse is he could run out at me again. Oh, this is no good. I thought of going through the garage to the front door but the front door was locked. My son is at soccer practice. If he were home, I would make him "guard the way" for me in case he ran out. I stood there for a minute but decided that if I don't leave soon the mouse might come out anyway thinking the coast was clear. At least now he may be scared too and is hiding. I mustered up my courage and ran at top speed out of the kitchen! I called my girls into the laundry room to take every box of crackers, oats, beans, etc to the freezer....(they aren't afraid of mice and thought it was funny).

Honey, I want a cat!

I'm tired, I don't feel good, and I have a messy house that I just can't stay on top of. I know this is just a season but it sure seems long sometimes.

Joey (and Willow) got out again but my neighbor brought him home before we knew he was gone. This time the kids left the gate open that Honey closed. The gate situation is weird, we'll have to talk about that with the kids. I'm glad for good neighbors.

I was going to have a garage sale this weekend but I thought better of it. How can I have a garage sale when I can't even stay on top of the regular stuff? Tomorrow I will take it all to Thrift Town and be glad to be done with it.

I forgot to remind my child with cereal duty to make cereal. We're out. We don't have many eggs, and I just can't think of what to have for breakfast tomorrow.

I need to go soak in the tub and think these things over......

Lost and Found

We are still dog-sitting Willow. The kids went out to play in the backyard and discovered that the gate was open and the dogs were gone! Now Joey is such a good boy that he will stay in the yard even with the gate open. Willow is an explorer and saw her chance. Joey followed.

The big kids rode their bikes around the block looking for him. A friend of ours stopped by and he looked too. No Joey. I got in the car and drove all around but still no Joey. I started praying for him. He is not street smart and he is such a handsome guy than anyone would want him as their own.

I called the Humane Society and after describing them in detail she said I just needed to come in and look. This was a big disappointment. I don't exactly live close to the HS and I had a soccer game to be at in less than an hour. I called Honey from the car. He was at the soccer fields taking pictures of other teams. He offered to come home but there was really no point. There was nothing else to do. I was so frustrated driving to the HS. I was mad at Willow for leaving, mad at Joey for following, and mad at the HS lady for not being more helpful.

When I arrived at the Humane Society I walked through the whole kennel of sad looking dogs and adorable puppies. There were 11 other dogs that I wanted to bring home, but no Joey. At this I was just ready to cry. I think the lady could tell b/c she was being extra nice to me calling me "hon" and all. She gave me lost reports to fill out. I left them with her and headed to the game.

After the game, and dinner out of the way, Honey took the little boys to drive around and search some more. The girls and I prayed for them to bring Joe home. In a few minutes the phone rang. It was the HS lady saying an officer just brought in both dogs! YIPPEE!! She said that they were closed but that they would wait for us in the back. If we came right away they would waive all fees.

Joey was so tired when he got home. He crashed in the laundry room and didn't move. He wouldn't even raise his head when we talked to him. He finally got up at 2:30 this morning to go outside. Poor guy. This morning he is back to his same old self and was wrestling with 2yo in the family room. It's nice to have him back!

Hum, I don't know what is wrong with this thing but I can't seem to do colors anymore. Honey, can you fix it for me? Black is boring.

I LOVE this weather. It is so perfect! It sure makes soccer games easier. This is my favorite time of the year. Fall is actually my favorite, but I like the cool time before the fall b/c I like the feeling of knowing that fall is coming and will be here for awhile. Once Halloween passes, it seems like it all goes so fast and then it's winter. Why doesn't summer go by that fast?

Vacation is good. I think I could live on vacation. Honey is gone to story time with everyone except #3. Baby is taking a nap. #3 jumped on this chance to be home alone with me and is setting up a big game. I think we're playing Money Matters. It's sort of like Monopoly. He's a big game player and I'm just about the only one who likes board games besides him. That's our special thing to do together. Even when he was little he was hard to beat. He's a lot more competitive than I am. Now it's nearly impossible to win a game against him!

Honey is on vacation ALL week! It is so good. We aren't going anywhere but plan to do lots of stuff here at home. Tomorrow he is planning on taking everyone to see CARS. The little boys have never been to the theatre before so they will love it. It is also #5's first soccer practice of the season. He's so excited and has been counting down the sleeps until Tuesday.

#1 wants him to take her driving.
The boys want to go fishing but the trolling motor is broken so that might not happen.
If it warms up everyone will go swimming. They love it when Dad swims.
We may set up a photo shoot with some new stuff we got.
There is a field trip to the radio station that we plan to go to.
Honey may take the boys to story time and take pictures.
My big girls and I will go to the big consignment sale.

This weekend is the big Dawg Daze tournament here in town. That is always fun! Honey will stay for most of the day taking pictures (and hoping to sell some).

I think it'll be a fun week.

Christmas Lists

The kids and I sat down together the other day and made Christmas lists. My 3yo's list is so cute. Here it is...

candy
chocolate cake
action figures

He's so easy to please!

The interesting one is my 10yo son's list. There are things that are mature in nature, as well as things that reflect the fact that he's still a little boy.
On the top of the list is a Bowflex (!) and most of the list is made up of soccer or training equipment. There are also cute things like a spy night scope and a distress signal....what in the world is THAT!

My oldest daughter has very mature things on her list like a cd player with headphones and flair jeans.

#2 is very practical. She wants white shirts and socks!

#4 wants dance lessons and a new lamp for her headboard.

I've never kept Christmas lists before but I think I will save them from now on. It is such a cute reflection of who they are right now. When my 3yo is 10 he can laugh that he used to want candy, chocolate cake, and action figures.

My Quiet Time Today

Isn't it funny how when God is dealing with you on some particular issue, everywhere you turn it seems it has something to do with *that*? I have trouble with unforgiveness. I can hold a grudge for a long time. I can build a wall very quickly to shut out someone for as long as I wish. I also have the terrible tendency to re-wind what was said over and over in my head to remind myself of why I am mad and thus, justify my unforgiveness. Ugly, I know.

I have been going through that this week. And since I do not have to deal with this person much, there has been no hurry to change anything. However, and this is a big one, it has occupied much of my thoughts. I wake up in the night thinking about it. I think about it whenever there is a quiet moment during the day. I hasn't made for a good week.

I was actually crying over it the other day in the bathtub as I was thinking how displeasing my attitude must be to God. How could I be so unforgiving when I have been forgiven so much?
I am reading Disciplines of the Beautiful Woman by Anne Ortlund. As I was reading in the bathtub, I came across this sentence.." (we are) slogging over miles of life, one step at a time, one decision at a time in choosing our course, suffering anything, and arriving gloriously at our destination." Well I'm certainly not going to arrive gloriously anywhere with all this extra baggage!

To be honest, I did pray about it but my heart wasn't in it. Since I don't see this person much it is easier to think I'll just get over it. I think I'd rather walk away from a mess than clean it up.

I have started working though My Utmost For His Highest again. Today his verse was in John 15. I started reading that chapter and this verse shot out at me. "If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever your wish, and it will be given you." John 15:7 That verse has always been a little confusing to me. Whatever I wish? Hum.... Well, I wish to be free from this bondage of unforgiveness! I don't want to wake up in the middle of the night and think about it anymore. I want to be gracious when I think of this person. I want to be done with this whole thing!!

It would seem that this should be easy. Just "get over it", right? And I thought of how I am supposed to "cover an offense with love when wronged or hurt". That's it! Perhaps my problem is not so much unforgiveness as a lack of love. That seems to be the root of so much. I read on....
vs. 17 "This is my command: Love each other. " He also says that He loved me before I ever even thought of loving Him. I do not have to wait for someone else, it can start with me! It is not conditional based on what someone else does. I can just love them anyway!

Ok, elementary I know, but it was a big revelation to me this morning and I feel a great weight lifted. There's more...vs. 8" This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." The thought that God would give *me* something that would be to the Father's glory is a precious thought. So, back to verse 7, I would say that love and forgiveness are what I ask for. The weight lifted when I realized that I don't have to get over it by myself, but that I can ask God to give me these things and it would be for the Father's glory.

Thank you Lord for this word this morning!

I took the little boys to the health food store yesterday. I like going in there. It has such an old-fashioned general store sort of atmosphere. My little boys like it too and were following behind me in a single-file row like little ducklings. I was enjoying looking at all the stuff I'd never heard of when I glanced back at the boys. My 2yo is carrying a big bag of organic oreos. Does he have good taste or what? A son after my own heart! He looks at me very seriously and says "I got this one," as though I had been looking for them all along. He was so cute that I had to buy them. I won't tell you what I paid for them, it was crazy. I don't think I can afford to take him again, his cuteness is too expensive!

Numba ates first "bites"

Well Numba 8 took her first "steps" away from the mommy milk factory recently. She took to it like she had been studying us for 8 months!

See her in her cuteness here: http://thetaggs.smugmug.com/gallery/1739446/2/90464924

The weather is so beautiful today. We've had lots of rain and now a cooler afternoon. August is so hot, dry and long. It's nice to have a reprieve.

It was perfect for #3's soccer game tonight. I think Baby was actually a bit chilly! We lost the game, but had lots of fun watching.

This afternoon we packed up the lunch boxes and headed to Honey's office to have lunch with him. I packed him leftover pizza but when he saw #1's egg sandwich, he talked her into trading. She is the expert egg sandwich maker. Honey offered her his leftover pizza and a dollar for trade. She took it and even threw in a peach slice too.

Baby starts fussing in her stroller so he picks her up to hold her while he eats. I think he had taken about 2 bites of the sandwich before she grabbed it and threw it to the floor! He was quite disappointed with that!! We all thought it was pretty funny. I gave him my pb&j but it just wasn't the same. I think he lamented over that sandwich all afternoon!

Here is a funny story that happened this weekend. It is one of those "you had to be there" stories but I'll try to tell it anyway.

My mom and grandmother came this weekend to visit and we went to Walmart yesterday. When we were walking out, I stepped on a gigantic wad of gum. It was HUGE! It must have been 5 or 6 pieces! I don't even know how anyone could've gotten it into their mouth. My shoe was so stuck that I almost stepped right out of it and it took an effort to lift the next step. As I was making my way to the car, I was dragging this thick line of gum though the parking lot. The more I tried to scrape it off, it worse it got. It was oozing up the side of my shoe and I was wearing flip flops!! It was a huge mess.

At this point I'm thinking I need a new pair of shoes. I mean I am at Walmart, right? My grandmother said it was ok and she would clean it off for me at the car. She was giggling the whole way. I don't really think my mom knew exactly what was going on b/c she was pushing the cart ahead of us with the kids. Sure enough when we got to the car I took my shoe off, my g'mother found some kleenex in the car, and started the gross job of cleaning my shoe. Is that LOVE or what?! I would never do that. In the meantime, Mom is having to unload the cart by herself and deal with the kids.

Grandmother actually did a very good job. I wouldn't have thought it could be done. Once in the car, my g'mother found a travel pack of baby wipes for her hands. She needed it. She gave me two and told me to use them on my shoe. No way!! Of course I didn't say that out loud but I guess she could tell by the look on my face that it wasn't going to happen. She took my shoe and finished it up with the wipes. Is she great or what?

Now Mom and the kids are asking what is going on and as we're trying to tell it, my grandmother and I are laughing so hard that we could barely speak. I hadn't laughed that hard in a long time. It really was SOOO funny....but I guess you had to be there.

My mother-in-law brought my girls a big bag of nail polish. There must be about 45 bottles in all. LB is my personal pedicurist and was getting everything out. She dumped out the bag and we looked through colors. It didn't take long for the boys to jump into the action.

Lots of bright colors, lots of clinking glass bottles, lots of fun. Let me just say that it is a bad idea to let little boys play with bottles of nail polish. They leave that one out of the parenting books. I know it should be common sense, but there is no sense common to all men and they were so cute playing with them. The next thing we knew there is a broken bottle and RED polish spilled on the carpet!! YIKES!! OH, I was soooo glad that Honey was home and I was not the only one in charge when that one happened! Of course it had to be the red one.

When something like that happens, I tend to despair and give up with thoughts like....Oh well, I wanted hardwood floors in here anyway. Everyone else jumped into action. The girls grabbed paper towels to blot out the mess. Honey looked up the problem on the internet. He read that full-strength Simple Green works on nail polish. I don't think they meant red though.

We tried it. We also tried some really good laundry stain stuff I was borrowing from my neighbor. Finally we broke out the shampooer and shampooed the whole room. I'm surprised we got out as much as we did. At least it doesn't look any worse than any of the other stains on the carpet.

Moral of this story? Nail polish is for girls!!

This weekend

Honey and #3 are in Edmond this weekend. They just left this morning and are riding with another dad and son to save gas. This might be a long weekend w/o them b/c if we win, the latest game doesn't start until 6pm tomorrow night. Then there is the 3 hour drive back! This is what we call the "combo" team. It is made up of u11 and u12 boys. It is #3's favorite team (he's on 4) b/c they get to play more competitively. Hope they win!

Anyway, we're looking forward to a good weekend too. Since Honey will be gone tomorrow night and that is our usual date night, we went out last night instead. We ended up buying a new tv stand at Sams. Today I'm going to bring the big box in the house and let the boys decorate it with markers and play in it all weekend. It's huge.

#1 is having some friends over for lunch and a movie. She's really looking forward to that.

#4 has an indoor soccer game and the little ones and I will go to that. Indoor soccer is nice in the summer! I'm a wimp in the heat.

In the kitchen I'm making bread, playdoh, and burgers. I might also come up with some lunch box snacks. We're having lunch at Honey's office 2x next week.

The girls and I are going to take apart the whole computer area so it will be easier for Honey and I to rearrange next week. This will be a surprise for him. Dad brought the kids one of his old computers and we need to make a space for it.

The girls and I are going to start working on tagging our sale items for the consignment sale. They like doing this.

I think that's about it. Hopefully I can squeeze in some scrapbooking sometime too!
Have a great weekend.

I wanted to post here a big CONGRATULATIONS to my friends that are pregnant. Babies are a sweet blessing from the Lord. Whenever I hear that one of my friends is expecting, it makes my day. It does not matter if it is the 1st or the 7th. Every single one is special and different with a different calling from God.

I do feel for some of my friends who have many children b/c some people are just mean. It is hard to share good news b/c of the way it will be received. Of course, everyone is just thrilled when baby is here and is beautiful and cute. But when Momma is expecting it is a different story for some reason. It is as though the baby isn't as special until he is born. And of course, they must endure the wise cracks. Unfortunately we become the butt of many jokes in the church as well as out. For some reason people do not feel the same way when you announce the first one as they do when you announce the 10th. It is very discouraging and makes me sad. It reflects a world that does not care about the things of God and rejects the true meaning and value of motherhood.

Another thing that concerns me are moms who feel guilty over being afraid of becoming pregnant. Forgive me for being so blunt. It is not the fear that is a concern but the guilt over the fear when the pregnancy happens. Guilt is a bad thing. It is a tool of satan's to discourage us and make us feel unworthy.

I have come to realize that there is NO reason for feeling guilty if you do not experience that giddy excitement when the stick turns pink. Those who haven't had many babies will not know what I mean. The tears that sometimes follow are usually associated with the fear of what is to come, not with the baby. And those who make our calling harder by not receiving the news with joy make the thought of doing it again almost unbearable...if only for a little while.

Let me offer this....
I do not think that Mary, the mother of our Lord Jesus, was "excited" to find out that she was pregnant. While she certainly experienced something so marvelous that we will never understand, imagine her thoughts when the angel left and she had some time to settle down.
Imagine her thoughts when she knew she had to tell her family and her sweet Joseph! Imagine the fear!! How would they ever believe her? Even though she was carrying the Lord(!), I doubt that she was thrilled about what was before her. I wonder if she felt guilty later for those thoughts? Perhaps I am being presumptuous, but I feel a sort of kinship with her when I think that she, too, may have felt the way that I do. Also that not everything the Lord asks us to do for him, will be received with joy from the world, but rather with raised eyebrows and ungodly judgment. Mary had to stand alone..... and her answer? "I am the Lord's handmaiden, may it be to me as you have said." Oh Lord, may we all be able to say that in truth!!

Thinking on that helps me with the guilt over the fear that I sometimes feel. Knowing that it is not from the Lord helps me to put it in the right place. Knowing that every precious gift is from the hand of God helps me to face what is to come b/c I am doing the work that he has given me. It is an honor to be called!!

All that to say that no, I don't have this "down" and I struggle with this fear everyday. But this rambling is for myself as well as my friends and I want to encourage you that the Lord's mercies are new everyday for us. Most of us will not be called to a foreign mission field but are called to a mission field right in our own homes. To take on a task that too many women scoff at as being unimportant, is a divine calling. There will be a day when we will have the honor of answering to the Lord for what we have done with what he has given us. I think that thought helps with the fear of man that some of us experience when we look at the heavenly end.

Again...CONGRATULATIONS to my good friends! I am so happy for you!

A Special Day

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!!!

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

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.

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.

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

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.

Happy Birthday Honey!!

You are sexier every year!! I LOVE YOU

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!

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!

#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!

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!

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....