Rabble. Isn't that a funny word? It refers to the Egyptians and others who left with Israel during the exodus. In Numbers 11 the rabble were dissatisfied with manna and the Israelites started in complaining again. If you didn't know the history of discontent you might think the rabble to be a bad influence.
Up ahead in chapter 14 the spies have just returned and reported gloom and doom. It says all the community raised their voices and wept aloud and grumbled against Moses. They believed the first thing they heard from their peers. And when Joshua and Caleb reminded them of their position with the Lord, they talked of stoning them!
How easy it is to follow the naysayers. Just this morning I read about the climbing stats of suicides in this country. Last night I listened to a podcast concerning the rate of college students abandoning their faith. The reports are everywhere. And while I think there is value in being wise about the times, I also think it is dangerous to buy into every conspiracy theory you hear.
Now Joshua and Caleb were far from the power-of-positive-thinking types. They saw the same things the other spies did. They knew the truth, they trusted in their God, and were willing to forge ahead under the command of their Lord. It doesn't seem that they were too concerned about things being easy and nice. They didn't turn their eyes toward Egypt.
Here is a quote from Voddie Baucham that I like, "We are not here to consume and enjoy." Paul says it like this...
"However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the task with joy and complete the ministry the Lord Jesus has given me-the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace." Acts 20:24
In the verses before that he mentions the fact that he does not know what is to become of him but that the Holy Spirit warns him of hardships and prison. He does not shrink back. He knows the truth, trusts in his God, and encourages his listeners to be on guard.
Thinking on these things this morning I wondered how I could train my children to be Joshuas and Calebs. To be the salt and light and to point others to the good news of God's Word. I want them to be able to stand alone when their peers are doubting and to shout from the rooftops that the victory has already been won! To remember where their treasure lies, to deny themselves, to live for Christ. To not to worry about how things appear and expect life to be perfect. To suck it up and not whine when it's not. To encourage others to do the same.
It starts with me. Me being the good example. Me encouraging them. Me pointing them to the Lord. It's work. It's denying myself. But I wonder if in years to come we could change these disturbing reports if we took our eyes off of the things of this world and instead turned them toward furthering the Kingdom....one child at a time. Then maybe they could stand strong, not fall in with the rabble, or look to Egypt instead of their God.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Monday, July 14, 2008
Today
We were invited to some friend's house for dinner. All of us! This is the second time since we've been in CO! Sweet. It's an early dinner so I've had to plan things differently for the day to make sure we get our work done AND be ready for school tomorrow before we leave the house tonight.
~I didn't get to run this morning b/c when I was about to leave I remembered that I forgot to make cereal. Eggs would've worked but would've taken longer once everyone got up. If I made cereal now, the breakfast time would go faster for everyone. A good lesson to plan better.
~I made 2 batches of cereal and 2 loaves of bread. This afternoon I'll make salad to take for dinner.
~Currently working on laundry load #3. In order to keep it up , I need to do about 3 loads a day. I only washed diapers yesterday so I gotta make up for it today.
~My oldest son was at soccer camp this morning. He had a blast! Tomorrow we send 3 more kids. It's 8am-12pm at CCU. It's nice since Honey can just take them with him to work and pick them up at lunch.
~I fed the littles lunch outside. Watermelon is a mess! So...
~Daytime baths for 5 little kids.
~Mopping and clean up right after tea. No more mess for the night so we can leave the house clean and not have much to do after we get home.
~Babies are napping. Tea and salad to make, laundry to fold....
~I didn't get to run this morning b/c when I was about to leave I remembered that I forgot to make cereal. Eggs would've worked but would've taken longer once everyone got up. If I made cereal now, the breakfast time would go faster for everyone. A good lesson to plan better.
~I made 2 batches of cereal and 2 loaves of bread. This afternoon I'll make salad to take for dinner.
~Currently working on laundry load #3. In order to keep it up , I need to do about 3 loads a day. I only washed diapers yesterday so I gotta make up for it today.
~My oldest son was at soccer camp this morning. He had a blast! Tomorrow we send 3 more kids. It's 8am-12pm at CCU. It's nice since Honey can just take them with him to work and pick them up at lunch.
~I fed the littles lunch outside. Watermelon is a mess! So...
~Daytime baths for 5 little kids.
~Mopping and clean up right after tea. No more mess for the night so we can leave the house clean and not have much to do after we get home.
~Babies are napping. Tea and salad to make, laundry to fold....
Our House
This weekend I had the chance to pick up a new ceiling fan at Lowe's. Since I was by myself, I browsed through most of the store playing with the door bells, picking out paint samples, and looking at everything for "someday".
But instead of thinking of how much I want to do, my mind kept going to how much we've done. Honey said we should write it down so that if we ever sell it we'll have a record of improvements. Then he changed his mind and said "We'll just say 'everything'". The house was in such bad shape when we got it 9 months ago. But since then we've replaced...
~garage door
~furnace
~radon mitigation system
~3 sinks, maybe 4 (?)
~every single kitchen appliance
~5 interior doors
~bathroom vanity
~bathroom mirror
~front door lock
~kitchen cabinets
~kitchen counters
~clothes rods for every closet
~paint
~3 ceiling fans
~planted a garden and flowers
~shower heads
~fixed a hole in the ceiling
~roof work
~blinds
Not bad for less than a year. I wish I could say that you'd be wow-ed when you walk in now. Not the case. With the exception of the kitchen, most of the things we've done have just been to get the house to a livable state. But with time, we're hoping to do some fancier stuff to it too. It has fantastic potential! As for now, we're thankful for bathroom doors to close and sinks that work! It's funny how you take those things for granted.
Next on the list...closet doors and a new front door.
But instead of thinking of how much I want to do, my mind kept going to how much we've done. Honey said we should write it down so that if we ever sell it we'll have a record of improvements. Then he changed his mind and said "We'll just say 'everything'". The house was in such bad shape when we got it 9 months ago. But since then we've replaced...
~garage door
~furnace
~radon mitigation system
~3 sinks, maybe 4 (?)
~every single kitchen appliance
~5 interior doors
~bathroom vanity
~bathroom mirror
~front door lock
~kitchen cabinets
~kitchen counters
~clothes rods for every closet
~paint
~3 ceiling fans
~planted a garden and flowers
~shower heads
~fixed a hole in the ceiling
~roof work
~blinds
Not bad for less than a year. I wish I could say that you'd be wow-ed when you walk in now. Not the case. With the exception of the kitchen, most of the things we've done have just been to get the house to a livable state. But with time, we're hoping to do some fancier stuff to it too. It has fantastic potential! As for now, we're thankful for bathroom doors to close and sinks that work! It's funny how you take those things for granted.
Next on the list...closet doors and a new front door.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
In The Kitchen
I have wheat! I had some soft white wheat but had been out of hard red for some time. Pastry flour just doesn't make good bread so I am thrilled to be re-stocked. I also got new salt and sucanat. AND wheat prices continue to go down! "Only" $23 for 50#. Down from the $35 I paid last time.
There is nothing like loaves of bread cooling in the kitchen. (Unless it's sparkling canning jars full of tomatoes....grow garden grow! ) Today there are 6 loaves making my house smell yummy...all made in my new bread pans I got for my b-day. I'm sure it'll make the bread all the better. We also have cinnamon roll dough working in the bread machine for later. mmmm....
Ziti in the crock pot for dinner with salad and garlic bread. Tea in the coffee pot. Super easy and there ought to be enough for left overs after church.
We have a new kitchen work schedule that seems to be working splendidly. All as a result of a bad last week and needing to re-evaluate. The kitchen is shining.
The weather is cooperating and is rather cool so using the oven is no biggie. Yesterday was a different story!
My in-laws are coming next week to stay with us for a bit. My MIL and aunt *love* homemade bread. I'm happy I can make it for them again.
There is nothing like loaves of bread cooling in the kitchen. (Unless it's sparkling canning jars full of tomatoes....grow garden grow! ) Today there are 6 loaves making my house smell yummy...all made in my new bread pans I got for my b-day. I'm sure it'll make the bread all the better. We also have cinnamon roll dough working in the bread machine for later. mmmm....
Ziti in the crock pot for dinner with salad and garlic bread. Tea in the coffee pot. Super easy and there ought to be enough for left overs after church.
I had 3 leftover hamburger patties in the frige. I diced them up and divided them into 2 baggies to pop in the freezer and use for pizza.
I wanted to make a new batch of yogurt today but forgot to save some from my last batch so I have nothing to start it with. Not worth a trip to the store and besides I guess the kitchen is busy enough. I'll add it to the list for next week.We have a new kitchen work schedule that seems to be working splendidly. All as a result of a bad last week and needing to re-evaluate. The kitchen is shining.
The weather is cooperating and is rather cool so using the oven is no biggie. Yesterday was a different story!
My in-laws are coming next week to stay with us for a bit. My MIL and aunt *love* homemade bread. I'm happy I can make it for them again.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Today
Today was not the best. To be perfectly honest it wasn't even good. Really the whole week has been the same. And while I prefer to keep my blog upbeat, I can not ignore the fact that sometimes it's hard to come up with happy things to blog about. Sure there are those super-positive types that can turn anything into pure sunshine but that is only depressing to me b/c I don't think anyone is really like that. I'd much rather be real and tell it like it is....or at least how I see it (which is probably not how it really is at all!).
~I wonder how life would be if I could script it in the way I chose.
~Big kids are different than little kids.
~Eating ice cream makes me feel guilty.
~Cleaning is therapeutic.
~Why can't adults cry out loud like babies?
~Why do I only hear noises when Honey's not home?
~Things change too quickly. New problems arise that we've never met before. And really I think we are still recovering from the move. The whole separation period, the whole tearing apart and putting back together. Much more than we bargained for. And if we had it to do over again, I think we wouldn't.
~I wonder how life would be if I could script it in the way I chose.
~Big kids are different than little kids.
~Eating ice cream makes me feel guilty.
~Cleaning is therapeutic.
~Why can't adults cry out loud like babies?
~Why do I only hear noises when Honey's not home?
~Things change too quickly. New problems arise that we've never met before. And really I think we are still recovering from the move. The whole separation period, the whole tearing apart and putting back together. Much more than we bargained for. And if we had it to do over again, I think we wouldn't.
What's For Dinner?
It's way too hot to cook and I'm having trouble coming up with something more creative than salad or ice cream.
What do you make when it's hot outside?
What do you make when it's hot outside?
Ecc 11:6
I'm very much a morning person. It's my best time of the day. My energy is high and I am optimistic about the day ahead. And during our family morning meeting, I can share with the kids what I read in my personal quiet time, work on our memory verse, and continue reading aloud from our daily childrens' Bible.
Ecc 11:6 says..."Sow your seed in the morning and at evening let not your hands be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that or whether both will do equally well."
After reading this awhile back I decided that my little boys needed more time from me at night. I started taking turns reading in each of their beds. They love it when I climb up to the top bunks!
Problem is that by after dinner time I'm ready to be done. I'm tired. The irritations of the day are wearing on my mind and I'm ready to put an end to it. It's hard to work up the discipline to "let not my hands be idle".
Last night was one of those nights. And I answered my 4yo, "Not tonight, Bud, Momma's too tired." And when I popped my head in their room later they were all sleeping sweetly.
Remorse swept over me. I had wasted this night to read to them about Jesus. An opportunity that I'll never get back. And even if I read extra tonight it won't be the same. Sigh..... Too tired? I don't think so. Too lazy? Absolutely.
My time with them is short. It is ticking away as I type. Lord, please keep my energy high and let me not waste the short time I have!
Ecc 11:6 says..."Sow your seed in the morning and at evening let not your hands be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that or whether both will do equally well."
After reading this awhile back I decided that my little boys needed more time from me at night. I started taking turns reading in each of their beds. They love it when I climb up to the top bunks!
Problem is that by after dinner time I'm ready to be done. I'm tired. The irritations of the day are wearing on my mind and I'm ready to put an end to it. It's hard to work up the discipline to "let not my hands be idle".
Last night was one of those nights. And I answered my 4yo, "Not tonight, Bud, Momma's too tired." And when I popped my head in their room later they were all sleeping sweetly.
Remorse swept over me. I had wasted this night to read to them about Jesus. An opportunity that I'll never get back. And even if I read extra tonight it won't be the same. Sigh..... Too tired? I don't think so. Too lazy? Absolutely.
My time with them is short. It is ticking away as I type. Lord, please keep my energy high and let me not waste the short time I have!
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
John
I'm a John the Baptist fan. I love his courage, his boldness, his lack of fear of man. His message was the same to everyone, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."
He didn't specialize it for a particular audience. He never watered it down to cater to anyone. Always the same. "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."
His job was to prepare the way for the Lord. He never tried to exalt himself but always pointed to the One who was yet to come. "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."
"Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world." John 1:29
His whole purpose was to point to Christ. No interest in his own glory. And he did such a good job at it that when John's disciples finally saw this Jesus they left to chase Him down.
Jesus went to Galilee and began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." The way was prepared.
How I would love to have the characteristics of John. Unashamedly proclaiming my Jesus with no fear whatsoever. To live my life in such a way that my love for God is evident to all. To give a visual: I want to be one of those big obnoxious signs with the big arrow and blinky lights all around. JESUS THIS WAY!!
He didn't specialize it for a particular audience. He never watered it down to cater to anyone. Always the same. "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."
His job was to prepare the way for the Lord. He never tried to exalt himself but always pointed to the One who was yet to come. "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."
"Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world." John 1:29
His whole purpose was to point to Christ. No interest in his own glory. And he did such a good job at it that when John's disciples finally saw this Jesus they left to chase Him down.
Jesus went to Galilee and began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." The way was prepared.
How I would love to have the characteristics of John. Unashamedly proclaiming my Jesus with no fear whatsoever. To live my life in such a way that my love for God is evident to all. To give a visual: I want to be one of those big obnoxious signs with the big arrow and blinky lights all around. JESUS THIS WAY!!
Monday, July 07, 2008
2 Pink Lines!
That means a BABY!!!
And just when I was thinking it would never happen again.
Early March I think. It'll be our 3rd March b-day.
I hope it's twins.
At our last Bible study a friend broke her wonderful news to everyone. A first baby. So exciting. But after they left, #1 says, "It seems like everyone is getting babies except us. " Little did we know.
Last week I had a ridiculous amount of appts. Unheard of. One of them was a mammogram. And b/c I'm a goof, I mixed up the time and missed the appt. Now I realize what a protection that was! I'd never want to do radiation with a baby on board.
So now I can add me to the list of mommas/babies I'm praying for....
Tracy
Emily
Angelia
Brannon
Amanda
Nicki
Angie
Carri
Please join me to pray for these sweet baby blessings!
And just when I was thinking it would never happen again.
Early March I think. It'll be our 3rd March b-day.
I hope it's twins.
At our last Bible study a friend broke her wonderful news to everyone. A first baby. So exciting. But after they left, #1 says, "It seems like everyone is getting babies except us. " Little did we know.
Last week I had a ridiculous amount of appts. Unheard of. One of them was a mammogram. And b/c I'm a goof, I mixed up the time and missed the appt. Now I realize what a protection that was! I'd never want to do radiation with a baby on board.
So now I can add me to the list of mommas/babies I'm praying for....
Tracy
Emily
Angelia
Brannon
Amanda
Nicki
Angie
Carri
Please join me to pray for these sweet baby blessings!
Church Babies
Babyest has a hard time at church yesterday. We sat in the pew closest to the back door but I know we were a distraction just the same. Especially to the older folks sitting in front of us. I don't remember how many times Honey took him out, but it was a lot! A lot of crying, screaming, a big battle in the bathroom, spankings, tears....then coming back in to try again. Honey seemed to be pretty patient with him, but I was quite tired of it.
The thing is that we practice this almost every day. Or at least we practice sitting on a blanket and being content. I'm not seeing the fruit of that at church time though so we're going to have to bump up the training a bit.
Now I'll have him sit on my lap in the living room and watch a sermon dvd. Every day. No getting up. No snacks. No juice. No crying. And no whining. Toward the end of the service we decided that I will stay home with him next Sunday and continue our practice. It'll give the rest of our church family a break.
After the last time he was taken out he seemed like a new man. Ready to sit and be quiet. Showing us that he does indeed have the self control to obey. BUT it was the Lord's Supper Sunday and when I got my little cup of juice it was more than he could bear. This time I took him out...not to return.
So I'm standing on the back porch with him when one of the older men came out. Right away I apologized for our disruptions...especially since he was one of the unfortunate ones who sat in front of us. Know what he said? It went something like this....
"Don't ever say that! We love hearing babies in church. That's what church is supposed to be like and that's what it used to be like. You are an important part of this family and I don't ever want you to think it another way."
Awww....
I'll still probably stay home for the next couple of weeks but he was a sweet blessing to this discouraged momma.
The thing is that we practice this almost every day. Or at least we practice sitting on a blanket and being content. I'm not seeing the fruit of that at church time though so we're going to have to bump up the training a bit.
Now I'll have him sit on my lap in the living room and watch a sermon dvd. Every day. No getting up. No snacks. No juice. No crying. And no whining. Toward the end of the service we decided that I will stay home with him next Sunday and continue our practice. It'll give the rest of our church family a break.
After the last time he was taken out he seemed like a new man. Ready to sit and be quiet. Showing us that he does indeed have the self control to obey. BUT it was the Lord's Supper Sunday and when I got my little cup of juice it was more than he could bear. This time I took him out...not to return.
So I'm standing on the back porch with him when one of the older men came out. Right away I apologized for our disruptions...especially since he was one of the unfortunate ones who sat in front of us. Know what he said? It went something like this....
"Don't ever say that! We love hearing babies in church. That's what church is supposed to be like and that's what it used to be like. You are an important part of this family and I don't ever want you to think it another way."
Awww....
I'll still probably stay home for the next couple of weeks but he was a sweet blessing to this discouraged momma.
Friday, July 04, 2008
Freebies For June
Here's my freebies for the month of June. All free with coupons or rebates! My favorite are the toothbrushes!
Happy 4th!
I LOVE a 3 day weekend!
We cleaned the house this morning. Nice.
Watched a church dvd from my old church in AR.
My crew went shopping.
I took a nap.
They forgot to get something I didn't put on the list. I hate it when I do that. I had to run to the store too.
The cousins are coming over to roast hot dogs and marshmallows in the fire pit.
We got chips and Velveeta dip too. That is mighty fine stuff!
Lane is making an American flag cake from a magazine.
Lots of FUN!!!!!
Thursday, July 03, 2008
More Free Soap!
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
The Shortcut Park Again
Later in day I was thinking over our time at the park this afternoon. It didn't go at all like we had planned but it was great fun just the same. I think it was more fun b/c of the adventure of it all and especially walking through the creek.
I loved getting to do something for my son. Honey frequently gets to do neat things for him but I don't always have the chance. He really wanted his siblings to get to play at this park. And because it was harder than I expected, it blessed me more to do it although I didn't realize it until later. Being of a selfish nature, I prefer to give when it's easy. If I had known it would be like it was I'm sure I would've said "forget it". Seeing his ear-t0-ear smile at home made my whole day. I would've done again and again all day long.
I'm so happy that it turned out like it did. The kids were eager to tell Dad all about it at dinner. We had a great time.
The bad part is that everyone had to take showers right away b/c of the creek...what is that water anyway? It was ok for everyone except Mayfee. He threw a fit when we hit the door and had to take a nap. Since he was barely in the creek I decided he could shower later. Now the hot water heater is broken and he had NO hot water! Poor little guy.....it was a hard bath.
I loved getting to do something for my son. Honey frequently gets to do neat things for him but I don't always have the chance. He really wanted his siblings to get to play at this park. And because it was harder than I expected, it blessed me more to do it although I didn't realize it until later. Being of a selfish nature, I prefer to give when it's easy. If I had known it would be like it was I'm sure I would've said "forget it". Seeing his ear-t0-ear smile at home made my whole day. I would've done again and again all day long.
I'm so happy that it turned out like it did. The kids were eager to tell Dad all about it at dinner. We had a great time.
The bad part is that everyone had to take showers right away b/c of the creek...what is that water anyway? It was ok for everyone except Mayfee. He threw a fit when we hit the door and had to take a nap. Since he was barely in the creek I decided he could shower later. Now the hot water heater is broken and he had NO hot water! Poor little guy.....it was a hard bath.
The Shortcut Park
My son went running with me yesterday and I took him to my favorite place. It's an elementary school yard that has a running track. He loved it too and wanted everyone to get to see it. The play equipment is different from our school across the cul-de-sac and he had great plans to play Lava (a game they made up).
I learned something today. Running with a dog gets you there faster than walking with 9 kids. The stroller had a flat. The 2 yo was slow. It was hot. It was taking forever. UNTIL I thought of a shortcut!!
So I take them up the other side of the creek and plan to cross at the bridge. Well, it was blocked. You can't walk up the other side of the creek b/c there isn't enough room. You'd have to swim.
Now we have to walk back to the place we started and go the regular way. My son is impatient knowing we have to leave by 12:45 and we are *not* making good time. I let him run ahead with his brothers and Meg and I brought up the rear with babies. We got there at 12:45...time to turn around.
It was way too fun to do that though so we parked under a tree and let Babyest out of the stroller. Already Mally was at the top of the slide. The springy car is big enough for two. The slides are long and bumpy and fast. There's a zip line and lots of monkey bars. Oh yes, this is a fun place!
On the way back I let them stop and play in the creek(!). Huge fun! The walk home was a lot faster since we didn't take the short cut. And a bit cooler since most of them were wet.
We had ice cream at home followed by lots of "Thank you MOM!!" and slip and slide in the back yard. There's plans of going back...but NOT taking the short cut.
I learned something today. Running with a dog gets you there faster than walking with 9 kids. The stroller had a flat. The 2 yo was slow. It was hot. It was taking forever. UNTIL I thought of a shortcut!!
So I take them up the other side of the creek and plan to cross at the bridge. Well, it was blocked. You can't walk up the other side of the creek b/c there isn't enough room. You'd have to swim.
Now we have to walk back to the place we started and go the regular way. My son is impatient knowing we have to leave by 12:45 and we are *not* making good time. I let him run ahead with his brothers and Meg and I brought up the rear with babies. We got there at 12:45...time to turn around.
It was way too fun to do that though so we parked under a tree and let Babyest out of the stroller. Already Mally was at the top of the slide. The springy car is big enough for two. The slides are long and bumpy and fast. There's a zip line and lots of monkey bars. Oh yes, this is a fun place!
On the way back I let them stop and play in the creek(!). Huge fun! The walk home was a lot faster since we didn't take the short cut. And a bit cooler since most of them were wet.
We had ice cream at home followed by lots of "Thank you MOM!!" and slip and slide in the back yard. There's plans of going back...but NOT taking the short cut.
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Freebie At King Soopers
I'm so late in posting this as the sale ends today. Hopefully you can still take advantage of it this afternoon.
Lawry's marinades are on sale 10/$10. Use .50/1 MQ doubled to get them free!
I love freebies!
Homeschooling Babies
Our Babyest is a whopping 14 months old now. He's starting to talk, can sign, nod and shake, pretend to blow his nose, and is proud when he turns off lights with his toes.
And when I think of how much time I spend with each of my kids on school, I have to say that his school probably takes the most time. I know that most people think of school starting at kindergarten but there's so much opportunity before that.
Here's Babyest's school...
~Sitting on a blanket and playing with the toys Momma "assigns" without getting off (blanket time).
~Crying quietly.
~Reading & singing.
~Signing.
~Coming when called.
~Staying where he's told.
~Giving it back, putting it down, and not touching it.
~Obeying a simple command.
~Sitting through church.
Some of these are taught passively and some we work on purposely. Crying loudly and voicing his disapproval over every little thing was quite an issue for him. That was definitely one we worked on purposely! And thankfully, that is one where we've seen improvement the last couple of weeks.
This is a fun age. I love seeing the things we've taught him start to click. And hopefully these lessons in self control will translate into a smoother book time school in a couple of years.
And when I think of how much time I spend with each of my kids on school, I have to say that his school probably takes the most time. I know that most people think of school starting at kindergarten but there's so much opportunity before that.
Here's Babyest's school...
~Sitting on a blanket and playing with the toys Momma "assigns" without getting off (blanket time).
~Crying quietly.
~Reading & singing.
~Signing.
~Coming when called.
~Staying where he's told.
~Giving it back, putting it down, and not touching it.
~Obeying a simple command.
~Sitting through church.
Some of these are taught passively and some we work on purposely. Crying loudly and voicing his disapproval over every little thing was quite an issue for him. That was definitely one we worked on purposely! And thankfully, that is one where we've seen improvement the last couple of weeks.
This is a fun age. I love seeing the things we've taught him start to click. And hopefully these lessons in self control will translate into a smoother book time school in a couple of years.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Today
~Yogurt and cereal for breakfast.
~I didn't run. It was too cold. I woke up too early. Hmmm...what other excuse can I think of?
~I blogged instead and started a load of laundry and dried diapers from last night.
~My top goal of the day is to work on my babies' attitudes. Not crying, coming happily when called, playing contently with the toys assigned to them for the whole time.
~School.
~No errands, no reason to leave the house. Unless I run this afternoon when it's warmer.
~I need to finish the school prep I didn't do this weekend, write a letter to my g'mother, and maybe something for the church blog. I definitely need to clean my room.
~An easy Monday I think.
~I didn't run. It was too cold. I woke up too early. Hmmm...what other excuse can I think of?
~I blogged instead and started a load of laundry and dried diapers from last night.
~My top goal of the day is to work on my babies' attitudes. Not crying, coming happily when called, playing contently with the toys assigned to them for the whole time.
~School.
~No errands, no reason to leave the house. Unless I run this afternoon when it's warmer.
~I need to finish the school prep I didn't do this weekend, write a letter to my g'mother, and maybe something for the church blog. I definitely need to clean my room.
~An easy Monday I think.
Big Family Misconceptions
I've been thinking about a comment I heard this week regarding my family. It seems we were the object of someone else's chatty musing. And while I try not to let it bother me, it does a little. Of course being the blogger I am, it just had to be a post, right?
First I will clear up a few misconceptions...
~Each child is not exponentially harder.
~A big family is not harder than a small family.
~I'm not busier than a mom with 2 kids.
~My older kids do not have more responsibility just b/c they are in a bigger family.
I've found that we are curious to most b/c we are not the norm. There are some (most) that seem genuinely happy for the blessings on our lives, they enjoy our kids, they want to see us succeed. Then there are those that watch from a distance, quick to share an opinion, and secretly hoping one of them ends up in jail. Thankfully those are the quiet ones.
So here's the truth....
~Each child is exponentially more joy to the family.
~It is different. Not necessarily harder.
~We help each other. Many hands make light work.
~We are not perfect.
~We are our own entertainment.
~We go through a lot of gallons of milk.
~We have a lot of coat hangers.
~God's plan is different for each family. A big family is not "more blessed" than a small one.
Unfortunately it also means that we are sometimes the target of gossip and speculative chatter. Oh well, it is what it is as Honey says. And really it doesn't bother me too much. Just something else to blog about, right?
First I will clear up a few misconceptions...
~Each child is not exponentially harder.
~A big family is not harder than a small family.
~I'm not busier than a mom with 2 kids.
~My older kids do not have more responsibility just b/c they are in a bigger family.
I've found that we are curious to most b/c we are not the norm. There are some (most) that seem genuinely happy for the blessings on our lives, they enjoy our kids, they want to see us succeed. Then there are those that watch from a distance, quick to share an opinion, and secretly hoping one of them ends up in jail. Thankfully those are the quiet ones.
So here's the truth....
~Each child is exponentially more joy to the family.
~It is different. Not necessarily harder.
~We help each other. Many hands make light work.
~We are not perfect.
~We are our own entertainment.
~We go through a lot of gallons of milk.
~We have a lot of coat hangers.
~God's plan is different for each family. A big family is not "more blessed" than a small one.
Unfortunately it also means that we are sometimes the target of gossip and speculative chatter. Oh well, it is what it is as Honey says. And really it doesn't bother me too much. Just something else to blog about, right?
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Saturday
~We started the morning with lots of eggs and juice and loud music.
~A devotional at the table. Honey posed the question.."Where is your treasure?"
Hmmm.....
~It's a great cloudy day with a breeze blowing through the windows. Outside plans include: weeding, mowing, and planting coffin #2.
~I'm having lunch with a friend. Not sure what everyone else is having. Maybe I should think about that some, huh?
~We're eating at a place that's in the same parking lot as the grocery store so I'll swing in there and grab the sales.
~Special projects: ironing, matching socks, bathtubs, and folding.
~Haircuts for boys and baths all around.
~We were invited over to some friends' house for dinner. Can you believe that anyone would be crazy enough to do that? I hope we don't break anything.
~School planning for next week. My in-laws are coming in July to do some local vacation type things with us. I wanna get a LOT of school days in between now and then.
~I had a nice long phone conversation with a friend from AR. We've been friends for lots and lots of years. I hadn't talked to her in about 3 weeks so it was nice to catch up while baby was sleeping.
~Speaking of Babyest. Trouble for him this morning. I don't remember what started it, but he was mad at me. He sat down and threw a fit. I gave him a swat and lifted him up to his feet and told him to come here. He walked 2 steps then threw himself down again in a very stubborn, defiant way. Swat! I told him again. Again he walked 2 steps then plopped down on his bottom. Swat! We did this about 4 times. Guess what we're going be practicing for the next few days?
~A devotional at the table. Honey posed the question.."Where is your treasure?"
Hmmm.....
~It's a great cloudy day with a breeze blowing through the windows. Outside plans include: weeding, mowing, and planting coffin #2.
~I'm having lunch with a friend. Not sure what everyone else is having. Maybe I should think about that some, huh?
~We're eating at a place that's in the same parking lot as the grocery store so I'll swing in there and grab the sales.
~Special projects: ironing, matching socks, bathtubs, and folding.
~Haircuts for boys and baths all around.
~We were invited over to some friends' house for dinner. Can you believe that anyone would be crazy enough to do that? I hope we don't break anything.
~School planning for next week. My in-laws are coming in July to do some local vacation type things with us. I wanna get a LOT of school days in between now and then.
~I had a nice long phone conversation with a friend from AR. We've been friends for lots and lots of years. I hadn't talked to her in about 3 weeks so it was nice to catch up while baby was sleeping.
~Speaking of Babyest. Trouble for him this morning. I don't remember what started it, but he was mad at me. He sat down and threw a fit. I gave him a swat and lifted him up to his feet and told him to come here. He walked 2 steps then threw himself down again in a very stubborn, defiant way. Swat! I told him again. Again he walked 2 steps then plopped down on his bottom. Swat! We did this about 4 times. Guess what we're going be practicing for the next few days?
Friday, June 27, 2008
New Friends!
Yesterday was a GREAT day!
We had lunch with 2 homeschool families and had the best time.
My girls have friends! And me too!
These are the type of friends that you feel connected to right away.
Everybody enjoyed one another.
Big smiles on their faces.
It did my Momma heart good to see them so happy.
Thank you God for these new friends!
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
More Walgreens And Other Weekly Deals
I forgot to mention about the other RR deal at Walgreens.
Lucky Charms
Cinnamon Toast Crunch
Fiber One
Honey Nut Cheerios
On sale 3/$7 (get a $2 RR) = 3/$5
Use printable coupons here and here to get them for .66/box
Safeway has peaches, nectarines, and green grapes for .98/lb
King Soopers has Yoplait yogurt 20/$10. Get all your MQs doubled and get a good deal on yogurt.
Also corn 4/$1
$1/lb is my target price for produce so this is a good week for me!
Rite Aid
2 bottles of Finesse shampoo or conditioner .50 after rebate. Use a $1 MQ to get it free + a profit.
Crest Pro Health is free after rebate. Use a .75/1 MQ to make a profit.
Lucky Charms
Cinnamon Toast Crunch
Fiber One
Honey Nut Cheerios
On sale 3/$7 (get a $2 RR) = 3/$5
Use printable coupons here and here to get them for .66/box
Safeway has peaches, nectarines, and green grapes for .98/lb
King Soopers has Yoplait yogurt 20/$10. Get all your MQs doubled and get a good deal on yogurt.
Also corn 4/$1
$1/lb is my target price for produce so this is a good week for me!
Rite Aid
2 bottles of Finesse shampoo or conditioner .50 after rebate. Use a $1 MQ to get it free + a profit.
Crest Pro Health is free after rebate. Use a .75/1 MQ to make a profit.
Matthew 5:16
"In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Matt 5:16
Moms have a chance everyday to show Jesus to their children by letting our light shine. We are the windows through whom they come to know their Father. It is humbling to think that we can actually reflect God's glory.
Visible joy is the only joy children understand. And Oh how they watch! When we patiently serve them with a smile, when we run outside to see the rainbow they discovered, when we love them with the fruits of the Spirit then we are "letting our light shine before men."
And as they grow in the faith we are teaching them and learn about their heavenly Father who loves them, the light that we have shown upon them by our availability, love, and diligence will be a reflection of the Jesus they are trying to grasp.
Our greatest desire is for them to adopt this faith as their own, to run with it, and to shine it upon everyone in their presence. "That they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."
Moms have a chance everyday to show Jesus to their children by letting our light shine. We are the windows through whom they come to know their Father. It is humbling to think that we can actually reflect God's glory.
Visible joy is the only joy children understand. And Oh how they watch! When we patiently serve them with a smile, when we run outside to see the rainbow they discovered, when we love them with the fruits of the Spirit then we are "letting our light shine before men."
And as they grow in the faith we are teaching them and learn about their heavenly Father who loves them, the light that we have shown upon them by our availability, love, and diligence will be a reflection of the Jesus they are trying to grasp.
Our greatest desire is for them to adopt this faith as their own, to run with it, and to shine it upon everyone in their presence. "That they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Unadvertised Walgreens Deal
The RR deal this week includes buying $15 worth of certain products and getting a $5 RR. Green tea is on sale 2/$5 so I got 6. I used coupons and got a good deal. BUT along with my RR printed another $5/$15 Catalina for the same products.
So I'm wondering....if I do the same deal again, could I use the Catalina (since it scans as a MQ I think) and still get the RR? Has anyone done this yet?
~~If you're unfamiliar with Catalinas, some stores (like Walgreens) will print off a coupon called a Catalina...named after the machine itself... to use on your next purchase of like items.~~
So I'm wondering....if I do the same deal again, could I use the Catalina (since it scans as a MQ I think) and still get the RR? Has anyone done this yet?
~~If you're unfamiliar with Catalinas, some stores (like Walgreens) will print off a coupon called a Catalina...named after the machine itself... to use on your next purchase of like items.~~
Mark 6
In Mark 6:31 Jesus is speaking to his disciples. However this passage has a great principle that I think can be a real encouragement when applied to young mothers.
"Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." Mark 6:31
Doesn't this sound typical of a mom with babies and toddlers? Many little hands and voices all wanting and needing something from Momma. She is busy taking care of those around her and often ignores her own needs. But Jesus doesn't.
He knew this need before even one disciple spoke up. And He had a plan. "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." I know that sometimes it seems like there is no quiet place with little ones. But God knows this too and when you lift your care up to Him, He will provide a way.
"Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." Mark 6:31
Doesn't this sound typical of a mom with babies and toddlers? Many little hands and voices all wanting and needing something from Momma. She is busy taking care of those around her and often ignores her own needs. But Jesus doesn't.
He knew this need before even one disciple spoke up. And He had a plan. "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." I know that sometimes it seems like there is no quiet place with little ones. But God knows this too and when you lift your care up to Him, He will provide a way.
This is the same chapter that He multiplied 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish to feed 5000 men and had 12 basketfuls leftover! He takes such a little bit and makes it so much!
Further down in verse 56, people are bringing their loved ones to Him to be healed. They are coming on mats left and right. They are begging Jesus to heal them. As I read this I can imagine their sense of desperation knowing Jesus is their last hope. So.."They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched him were healed." Just the edge and amazing miracles were performed.
A little bit of Jesus goes a long way.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Menuing This Week
I made our menu this week by taking inventory of what I already had plus what was on sale. Eggs are on sale through tomorrow and since my kids are good egg eaters we go through quite a few. I will also boil 2 dozen and let the kids color them. Then I'll use them as snacks and in salads. I love when eggs are on sale!
So eggs were top on the list as well as lettuce, beef, and spaghetti sauce. That gave me a good place to start.
I don't usually plan breakfast or lunches. We have homemade granola almost every morning and leftovers or sandwiches for lunch. I usually just plan for dinner and tea.
We have pizza every Friday night thanks to my bread machine and bean burritos on Thursdays (Bible study night) out of the crock pot. Whatever would I do without these servants? I love having a planned meal on at least one night of the week. It's one more thing not to think about.
Here's our menu this week....
Monday - breakfast burritos (scrambled eggs with spinach, oven potatoes, leftover steak chopped up with tortillas and salsa), and LB's chocolate chip muffins.
Tuesday - Spaghetti w/meatballs, salad and bread with 4 minute brownie pie.
Wednesday - Meatloaf w/ mashed potatoes, green beans, salad, and bread with pb shortbread.
Thursday - Bean burritos (refried beans in the crock pot with onion, cheese, sour cream and salsa w/ chips and a new cookie recipe.
Friday - Pizza! and german choc cake.
I'm hoping to share my new cookie recipe. We'll see how it turns out.
So eggs were top on the list as well as lettuce, beef, and spaghetti sauce. That gave me a good place to start.
I don't usually plan breakfast or lunches. We have homemade granola almost every morning and leftovers or sandwiches for lunch. I usually just plan for dinner and tea.
We have pizza every Friday night thanks to my bread machine and bean burritos on Thursdays (Bible study night) out of the crock pot. Whatever would I do without these servants? I love having a planned meal on at least one night of the week. It's one more thing not to think about.
Here's our menu this week....
Monday - breakfast burritos (scrambled eggs with spinach, oven potatoes, leftover steak chopped up with tortillas and salsa), and LB's chocolate chip muffins.
Tuesday - Spaghetti w/meatballs, salad and bread with 4 minute brownie pie.
Wednesday - Meatloaf w/ mashed potatoes, green beans, salad, and bread with pb shortbread.
Thursday - Bean burritos (refried beans in the crock pot with onion, cheese, sour cream and salsa w/ chips and a new cookie recipe.
Friday - Pizza! and german choc cake.
I'm hoping to share my new cookie recipe. We'll see how it turns out.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
What Not To Take To A Soccer Game
A toddler. (This guy is never going anywhere again until he's two. And only then if I'm in a good mood.)
9 lunch boxes
A diaper bag has holds everything but the kitchen sink...and apparently a sippy cup.
Too many lawn chairs
An umbrella to blow away
Swords
Extra Shoes
A frisbee
3 soccer balls
2 cameras
A dog
A broken water bottle
~Just stick to the basics!! 1 kid, 1 ball, and a few fans.
9 lunch boxes
A diaper bag has holds everything but the kitchen sink...and apparently a sippy cup.
Too many lawn chairs
An umbrella to blow away
Swords
Extra Shoes
A frisbee
3 soccer balls
2 cameras
A dog
A broken water bottle
~Just stick to the basics!! 1 kid, 1 ball, and a few fans.
Scalloped Potatoes
One of the best money saving ideas I know is to cook from scratch. Buy simple ingredients and skip the processed foods. This is a simple homey recipe that is perfect for the crock pot.
Scalloped Potatoes With Broccoli
Chopped broccoli
1 onion chopped
Several potatoes sliced thin
White sauce
Grated cheddar
Use enough broccoli to cover the bottom of the crock pot. Layer the onion on top of that, then the potatoes. Season with salt and pepper and parsley. Stir in the white sauce, adjust seasonings, and cook on high for 3 hours or until potatoes are tender.
When it is finished stir in a couple of handfuls of cheddar until it is all melty.
Basic White Sauce
1 stick of butter
2 cloves of chopped garlic
1/2 C. flour
1 can of chicken broth (or homemade equivalent)
1 can of evaporated milk
salt and pepper
In a sauce pan, saute garlic in the butter. Stir in flour and cook for about a minute. Whisk in liquids and seasonings. Stir until smooth. As it heats, it will thicken. You can add more milk to thin it if you need to.
There are lots of different ways to make a good white sauce. It will replace cream-of-something soups in any recipe. Canned soup is expensive and contains preservatives and too much salt. You can add mushrooms, celery, and whatever different spices. It's quite versatile. Experiment with it until you find your perfect combo.
Scalloped Potatoes With Broccoli
Chopped broccoli
1 onion chopped
Several potatoes sliced thin
White sauce
Grated cheddar
Use enough broccoli to cover the bottom of the crock pot. Layer the onion on top of that, then the potatoes. Season with salt and pepper and parsley. Stir in the white sauce, adjust seasonings, and cook on high for 3 hours or until potatoes are tender.
When it is finished stir in a couple of handfuls of cheddar until it is all melty.
Basic White Sauce
1 stick of butter
2 cloves of chopped garlic
1/2 C. flour
1 can of chicken broth (or homemade equivalent)
1 can of evaporated milk
salt and pepper
In a sauce pan, saute garlic in the butter. Stir in flour and cook for about a minute. Whisk in liquids and seasonings. Stir until smooth. As it heats, it will thicken. You can add more milk to thin it if you need to.
There are lots of different ways to make a good white sauce. It will replace cream-of-something soups in any recipe. Canned soup is expensive and contains preservatives and too much salt. You can add mushrooms, celery, and whatever different spices. It's quite versatile. Experiment with it until you find your perfect combo.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
I'm Doing It!
This week has marked a new beginning and I want to blog about it to sort of feel accountable. I've exercised on purpose for 4 days in a row! I've wanted to for so long and I'm hoping to persevere long enough to establish a life long habit...not just a phase.
Yep, I call myself a runner. Running sounds so much more athletic than jogging doesn't it? Sort of like carrying a bottle of water just makes you feel healthier than a can of coke. And since I'm not naturally athletic I need all the help I can get. I certainly use the term loosely (although it's really fun to say!).
So I grabbed my iPod, my dog, and my tennis shoes and hit the road. I did seek advice before I headed out on how to begin. Seems like you shouldn't need help to know how to run, but like I said I need all the help I can get. There's even a whole store here for runners, and books, and magazines. Who knew?
I'm working my way up doing the walk more than run method. And on day 1 I was pretty sure I wasn't going to make it to the first tree. Huffing and puffing. Pitiful. I am SO out of shape.
Day 2 was better. I had the whole park to myself. That meant I could sing out loud. The weather was fantastic, a little on the chilly side. There was a family of ducks that wasn't there the day before. A mom and 7 little ducklings...just like you Tracy! I ran a little farther and a little longer. My time was a little tighter that morning so I didn't stay out as long as I would've liked.
By day 3 I was feeling the pain of the first 2 days. Apparently you use different muscles when you run than when you walk. Its a good feeling though. Anyway, there were quite a few people and dogs at my park (no singing) so I cut through the back to follow the creek. It led to an elementary school yard that I didn't know about with a running track!! Oh yes! Joey and I had the place to ourselves. I could see a difference in my stamina in just 3 days. Amazing!
Today was day 4. I stayed up too late last night and slept too long. No running. So I did some weight training and stretching exercises this afternoon. Probably I needed the break, but I did not want to let the day go by when I'm trying to establish a new habit.
I'm planning on running in the morning, and Honey and I are going to bike Waterton in the afternoon. I bike worse than I run. It's a sight to see...and laugh at.
Yep, I call myself a runner. Running sounds so much more athletic than jogging doesn't it? Sort of like carrying a bottle of water just makes you feel healthier than a can of coke. And since I'm not naturally athletic I need all the help I can get. I certainly use the term loosely (although it's really fun to say!).
So I grabbed my iPod, my dog, and my tennis shoes and hit the road. I did seek advice before I headed out on how to begin. Seems like you shouldn't need help to know how to run, but like I said I need all the help I can get. There's even a whole store here for runners, and books, and magazines. Who knew?
I'm working my way up doing the walk more than run method. And on day 1 I was pretty sure I wasn't going to make it to the first tree. Huffing and puffing. Pitiful. I am SO out of shape.
Day 2 was better. I had the whole park to myself. That meant I could sing out loud. The weather was fantastic, a little on the chilly side. There was a family of ducks that wasn't there the day before. A mom and 7 little ducklings...just like you Tracy! I ran a little farther and a little longer. My time was a little tighter that morning so I didn't stay out as long as I would've liked.
By day 3 I was feeling the pain of the first 2 days. Apparently you use different muscles when you run than when you walk. Its a good feeling though. Anyway, there were quite a few people and dogs at my park (no singing) so I cut through the back to follow the creek. It led to an elementary school yard that I didn't know about with a running track!! Oh yes! Joey and I had the place to ourselves. I could see a difference in my stamina in just 3 days. Amazing!
Today was day 4. I stayed up too late last night and slept too long. No running. So I did some weight training and stretching exercises this afternoon. Probably I needed the break, but I did not want to let the day go by when I'm trying to establish a new habit.
I'm planning on running in the morning, and Honey and I are going to bike Waterton in the afternoon. I bike worse than I run. It's a sight to see...and laugh at.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Deals Of The Week
Rite Aid...
~disposable diaper bags - 2.99 w/2.49 rebate = .50
~Bam spray cleaner - 2.99 stack $1 store coupon with $1/1MQ = .99
~Lysol wipes - 2.49 stack with .50 store coupon with $1/1 MQ = .99
~Nexcare bandaids .99 use $1/1 MQ to make them free
~Barilla pasta -.99 use .50/1 MQ = .50
~Angel Soft 4 pack - .99 use .50/1 MQ = .50
~Herbal Essence shampoo FREE after rebate
~Organix Shampoo FREE after rebate
King Soopers....
~eggs 10/$10
~green grapes 10/$10
~Buddies soap .97 use the coupons I posted earlier to get them FREE
Safeway...
~Mission tortillas 2/$3
~White mushrooms 10/$10
Walgreens...
~Oral B power toothbrushes - 5.50 with 5.50 RR makes it free. Use 2 B1G1 MQ to get 4 free! You will need to do 2 transactions.
That's all I see this week.
~disposable diaper bags - 2.99 w/2.49 rebate = .50
~Bam spray cleaner - 2.99 stack $1 store coupon with $1/1MQ = .99
~Lysol wipes - 2.49 stack with .50 store coupon with $1/1 MQ = .99
~Nexcare bandaids .99 use $1/1 MQ to make them free
~Barilla pasta -.99 use .50/1 MQ = .50
~Angel Soft 4 pack - .99 use .50/1 MQ = .50
~Herbal Essence shampoo FREE after rebate
~Organix Shampoo FREE after rebate
King Soopers....
~eggs 10/$10
~green grapes 10/$10
~Buddies soap .97 use the coupons I posted earlier to get them FREE
Safeway...
~Mission tortillas 2/$3
~White mushrooms 10/$10
Walgreens...
~Oral B power toothbrushes - 5.50 with 5.50 RR makes it free. Use 2 B1G1 MQ to get 4 free! You will need to do 2 transactions.
That's all I see this week.
Happy Birthday To ME!
Well not really, but almost.
Last night Honey and I went on a date while the g'mas watched the kiddos. We went to dinner, walked around the lake, and browsed through the book store. Then he wanted to go home. What?! It's not even 8pm! Do we have to go home NOW? Yes, he wanted to go home.
So I walk in the door and ...... SURPRISE!!!
Really really surprise as half of my church is in the kitchen. My first thought was, "Oh no! I forgot it was Bible study night!" No, Bible study is Thursday. They were there for an early birthday party for ME!
My b-day isn't for a couple of more weeks but Mom wanted to do it while she was in town. Isn't she a love? It was all so fun. So she and Nana and the kids were busy planning and organizing and I had no idea. I didn't even notice extra cars in the street. Weird.
Mom made me this most beautiful quilt with all my kids hands and feet. Meg and Lane helped with this one. In the basement in the old house I had lots of little hand prints painted on the wall. From bigger kids to little bitty newborns. Meg traced them off the wall and gave them to G'ma. Knowing that someone would paint over that someday was a sad thought. But now thanks to my sweet family I have them with me now and HERE!
Thank you all so very much! It was lotsa fun.
Last night Honey and I went on a date while the g'mas watched the kiddos. We went to dinner, walked around the lake, and browsed through the book store. Then he wanted to go home. What?! It's not even 8pm! Do we have to go home NOW? Yes, he wanted to go home.
So I walk in the door and ...... SURPRISE!!!
Really really surprise as half of my church is in the kitchen. My first thought was, "Oh no! I forgot it was Bible study night!" No, Bible study is Thursday. They were there for an early birthday party for ME!
My b-day isn't for a couple of more weeks but Mom wanted to do it while she was in town. Isn't she a love? It was all so fun. So she and Nana and the kids were busy planning and organizing and I had no idea. I didn't even notice extra cars in the street. Weird.
Mom made me this most beautiful quilt with all my kids hands and feet. Meg and Lane helped with this one. In the basement in the old house I had lots of little hand prints painted on the wall. From bigger kids to little bitty newborns. Meg traced them off the wall and gave them to G'ma. Knowing that someone would paint over that someday was a sad thought. But now thanks to my sweet family I have them with me now and HERE!
Thank you all so very much! It was lotsa fun.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Life Is Good
Have you ever had those times in life where everything seems so perfect? I'm experiencing that now. Everything seems so wonderful, so how it should be, so happy.
~My family is healthy and happy.
~My husband loves me a lot.
~I have a good Bible study and lots of books I'm working on.
~I'm running! Big huge smile. More on that later...cause I REALLY wanna talk about it.
~My mom AND my step mom are visiting AND 2 grandmas. I'm so blessed to still have 3 grandmas and to have 2 of them here is *fantastic*!!!
~My freezer is full of meat! YAY!
~I have beautiful new curtains in my room that Mom bought me. I don't think I've ever had curtains in my room before. Wait, I take that back. Once I had Wonder Woman curtains that Mom made me when I was little. These are prettier though.
~Blogging is fun. It's a good outlet for me. And I'm liking my church blog too.
~I'm getting my own computer! As in I don't have to share.
~I have fresh flowers in the kitchen.
How I wish I could stay in this place forever. But I can't, so I pray that the Lord will use this time to fill me up for when the next trials come. As for now....I LOVE IT!
~My family is healthy and happy.
~My husband loves me a lot.
~I have a good Bible study and lots of books I'm working on.
~I'm running! Big huge smile. More on that later...cause I REALLY wanna talk about it.
~My mom AND my step mom are visiting AND 2 grandmas. I'm so blessed to still have 3 grandmas and to have 2 of them here is *fantastic*!!!
~My freezer is full of meat! YAY!
~I have beautiful new curtains in my room that Mom bought me. I don't think I've ever had curtains in my room before. Wait, I take that back. Once I had Wonder Woman curtains that Mom made me when I was little. These are prettier though.
~Blogging is fun. It's a good outlet for me. And I'm liking my church blog too.
~I'm getting my own computer! As in I don't have to share.
~I have fresh flowers in the kitchen.
How I wish I could stay in this place forever. But I can't, so I pray that the Lord will use this time to fill me up for when the next trials come. As for now....I LOVE IT!
Monday, June 16, 2008
God Likes To Shop
Tis true. I think He enjoys showing me all the ways He provides for me. I pray before I shop. I pray that He will open my eyes to show me what are good deals for my family. I pray for self control to leave behind the things I don't need. I pray for the cashiers. I pray that I won't forget what I went to the store for in the first place.
Looking into my freezer I noticed it was looking fairly bare. I figured that I had enough meat to last for the rest of June but that was it. My parents raise cows and have blessed us over and over throughout the years with lots of beef. Now I'm many miles away and it's likely not to happen much more.
So I prayed for meat. I prayed for the Lord to start teaching me what was a good price to pay and to show me how to fit it into my budget. Then I get a call. My mom is coming for a visit and bring us a cow! My freezer is full. My God is good. I praise Him and I think He smiles at how amazed I am at His provision over and over again. Thank you God. Thank you G'pa and Nana and G'ma and PawPaw.
I went to the dentist this week. All is good. No cavities. But he said he'd like me to switch to an electric toothbrush b/c I brush too hard. So I mentioned to the Lord that while I'm thankful for all the free toothbrushes I'm getting, I'd really like an electric one now. In my Sunday paper was an offer for 2 free battery toothbrushes, and 2 free replacements!
"And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Phil 4:19
What are you trusting God for today?
Looking into my freezer I noticed it was looking fairly bare. I figured that I had enough meat to last for the rest of June but that was it. My parents raise cows and have blessed us over and over throughout the years with lots of beef. Now I'm many miles away and it's likely not to happen much more.
So I prayed for meat. I prayed for the Lord to start teaching me what was a good price to pay and to show me how to fit it into my budget. Then I get a call. My mom is coming for a visit and bring us a cow! My freezer is full. My God is good. I praise Him and I think He smiles at how amazed I am at His provision over and over again. Thank you God. Thank you G'pa and Nana and G'ma and PawPaw.
I went to the dentist this week. All is good. No cavities. But he said he'd like me to switch to an electric toothbrush b/c I brush too hard. So I mentioned to the Lord that while I'm thankful for all the free toothbrushes I'm getting, I'd really like an electric one now. In my Sunday paper was an offer for 2 free battery toothbrushes, and 2 free replacements!
"And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Phil 4:19
What are you trusting God for today?
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Some Good Coupons
nice. V-8 Fusion $2/1 
here.
here. Another $1/1 Chex Mix here.
Zout laundry stain remover full rebate offer here. I found this at WM for less than $3. Plus there is a $1/1 MQ from a recent Sunday paper.
Thanks to BudgetHelps for posting these.
Sorry my spacing is so weird. Not sure what's up with that.
Sorry my spacing is so weird. Not sure what's up with that.
My Time
"Make time for yourself."
Sounds like something you'd hear on an Oprah episode or read in a woman's magazine. Our culture teaches us to look out for #1, to nurture our inner child, to love ourselves.
And while I don't buy into any of that, I confess that my right to spend my time as I wish is something that I grip with both hands. If I think that someone is taking too much of my time, I can get quite testy. I hate it when people are late, I get upset when my baby wakes too early from a nap, and getting cornered by a chatty neighbor is enough to make me come unglued.
The Lord has been talking to me about this a lot lately and repeats the same word to me over and over....SURRENDER. A surrendered life is a free life. Give it up.
There is no time that is my own. My every breath is a gift from Him. Do I live for myself, or live for God? I need much help and many reminders in this area.
I want to live for Him. I want to be completely and wholly devoted to my Lord. I can not do that when I am trying to fit Him into my own schedule. And so I thank Him for helping me see it His way and I pray...
"Teach me Your way, O Lord, and I will walk in Your truth; give me an undivided heart that I may fear Your name. I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart. I will glorify Your name forever." Ps 86:11-12
Sounds like something you'd hear on an Oprah episode or read in a woman's magazine. Our culture teaches us to look out for #1, to nurture our inner child, to love ourselves.
And while I don't buy into any of that, I confess that my right to spend my time as I wish is something that I grip with both hands. If I think that someone is taking too much of my time, I can get quite testy. I hate it when people are late, I get upset when my baby wakes too early from a nap, and getting cornered by a chatty neighbor is enough to make me come unglued.
The Lord has been talking to me about this a lot lately and repeats the same word to me over and over....SURRENDER. A surrendered life is a free life. Give it up.
There is no time that is my own. My every breath is a gift from Him. Do I live for myself, or live for God? I need much help and many reminders in this area.
I want to live for Him. I want to be completely and wholly devoted to my Lord. I can not do that when I am trying to fit Him into my own schedule. And so I thank Him for helping me see it His way and I pray...
"Teach me Your way, O Lord, and I will walk in Your truth; give me an undivided heart that I may fear Your name. I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart. I will glorify Your name forever." Ps 86:11-12
Thursday, June 12, 2008
New Things
This has been a year full of change for my family. A new baby, a new job, and a huge move to another state. Things that were familiar are no more. And while at first glance it would seem that we have stepped out of our comfort zone, I can tell you that it is not so.
Our house, city, friends, church, and even family is different but our God is still the same. He never changed. He was with us from step one and He is still here now. He comforted us during times of separation and desperation. He proved to be the constant in a time of upheaval.
I recently had the privilege of visiting my home town. I loved the familiarity of it all.
Everything was just the same. When I came back home I was surprised by something I totally did not expect. I started to notice that these places are looking quite homey to me. I'm learning how to get around. I have new weekly events to look forward to. I'm enjoying my neighborhood. I love my church.
And as I was thinking of these things the Lord spoke to my heart...
"See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? " Isa. 43:18
When the Lord speaks to my heart like this I feel so blown away by His love. I wasn't thinking about that verse, or about any Scripture for that matter. I was simply taking note of what was around me. It was another reminder that He is always here. Right here! Even when I'm not paying attention, He is paying attention to me.
Our house, city, friends, church, and even family is different but our God is still the same. He never changed. He was with us from step one and He is still here now. He comforted us during times of separation and desperation. He proved to be the constant in a time of upheaval.
I recently had the privilege of visiting my home town. I loved the familiarity of it all.
Everything was just the same. When I came back home I was surprised by something I totally did not expect. I started to notice that these places are looking quite homey to me. I'm learning how to get around. I have new weekly events to look forward to. I'm enjoying my neighborhood. I love my church.
And as I was thinking of these things the Lord spoke to my heart...
"See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? " Isa. 43:18
When the Lord speaks to my heart like this I feel so blown away by His love. I wasn't thinking about that verse, or about any Scripture for that matter. I was simply taking note of what was around me. It was another reminder that He is always here. Right here! Even when I'm not paying attention, He is paying attention to me.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Knock Knock
I tried to teach Jes how to do a Knock Knock joke.
I say "Knock Knock"
"now you say 'who's there?'"
He says, "Who's there?"
I say "Phillip"
"now you say Phillip who?"
He says, "Phillip who?"
I say, "Phillip the gas tank please."
He doesn't smile. He doesn't get it.
He says, "Who's Phillip Boo?"
I say "Knock Knock"
"now you say 'who's there?'"
He says, "Who's there?"
I say "Phillip"
"now you say Phillip who?"
He says, "Phillip who?"
I say, "Phillip the gas tank please."
He doesn't smile. He doesn't get it.
He says, "Who's Phillip Boo?"
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Today was one of those days that I had to do a lot of stuff I didn't want to do and didn't get to do much of anything that I wanted to do. At least it seemed that way for awhile.
~It has been brought to my attention that Babyest is getting out of hand. His character issues have been the focus of the day. For me that means wearing pants with pockets to carry around the rod in order to have it right where I need it when I need it. For him that means much less freedom of "speech". By the evening however, he seemed much more peaceful and happy. #1 asked me how long this would last. I told her we will hopefully see fruit by the end of the week. I'm thinking it may be sooner. He's a smart guy and doesn't like being in trouble.
~We visited our new dentist for the first time. An hour before my appt I remembered that I forgot my pre-meds! Heart surgeries always require pre-meds before cleanings. I knew that. So they took 2 kids in my place. 3 appts in all and NO cavities! Praise the Lord! I gotta go back Thurs.
~Honey didn't come home for lunch b/c he had some sort of free lunch thing at work.
~Where in the world did all the laundry come from all of a sudden? It seems like the whole house just unloaded into my laundry room! Lane helped me with this one.
~I think I have enough food without doing a weekly shopping trip!
~Tonight I retired a little early to do some of the things that I wanted to do earlier. I called Mom Wing, looked at the sales papers, and posted on my church's new blog. Ok that was a little intimidating. Blabbing on my own personal blog is one thing, my church one is different. Go visit it here and tell me what you think.
~Oh! I almost forgot! My homeschool group has asked me to come do a RENEW on couponing and saving money! It's not until October and I know a lot can change between now and then, but I'm excited about another trip to AR and the opportunity to hopefully help some of my friends with the new things I'm learning.
~Way past my bed time and I think Honey's waiting for this computer. I'm working to clean my book room to make room for my *own* desk and computer. I took before pix to post when it's finally done. (That'll be embarrassing.)
~It has been brought to my attention that Babyest is getting out of hand. His character issues have been the focus of the day. For me that means wearing pants with pockets to carry around the rod in order to have it right where I need it when I need it. For him that means much less freedom of "speech". By the evening however, he seemed much more peaceful and happy. #1 asked me how long this would last. I told her we will hopefully see fruit by the end of the week. I'm thinking it may be sooner. He's a smart guy and doesn't like being in trouble.
~We visited our new dentist for the first time. An hour before my appt I remembered that I forgot my pre-meds! Heart surgeries always require pre-meds before cleanings. I knew that. So they took 2 kids in my place. 3 appts in all and NO cavities! Praise the Lord! I gotta go back Thurs.
~Honey didn't come home for lunch b/c he had some sort of free lunch thing at work.
~Where in the world did all the laundry come from all of a sudden? It seems like the whole house just unloaded into my laundry room! Lane helped me with this one.
~I think I have enough food without doing a weekly shopping trip!
~Tonight I retired a little early to do some of the things that I wanted to do earlier. I called Mom Wing, looked at the sales papers, and posted on my church's new blog. Ok that was a little intimidating. Blabbing on my own personal blog is one thing, my church one is different. Go visit it here and tell me what you think.
~Oh! I almost forgot! My homeschool group has asked me to come do a RENEW on couponing and saving money! It's not until October and I know a lot can change between now and then, but I'm excited about another trip to AR and the opportunity to hopefully help some of my friends with the new things I'm learning.
~Way past my bed time and I think Honey's waiting for this computer. I'm working to clean my book room to make room for my *own* desk and computer. I took before pix to post when it's finally done. (That'll be embarrassing.)
Our New Church Blog
Visit me here at my church's new blog. I'll be posting on parenting thoughts, marriage, and Biblical womanhood types of things. I'm excited for the opportunity and hope you'll leave me a comment with your thoughts and ideas.
Monday, June 09, 2008
Free Subscription
Thanks to MoneySavingMom for passing along this freebie. I got it the last time it was offered and have received 3 already.
Go here to get yours. These will go really fast. If your total is not 0.00 then it is already gone.
I must say that I am not at all impressed with this magazine. A lot of fluff, nothing of real value. However, my daughter likes to cut out the pictures plus I was able to share them with Mom Wing for her long trip home. Some have had coupons...which makes it all worth it.
Wing Fun
What a fantastic vacation! It was full of....
talking, hikes, walks, sword fights, talking, gaming, hot dogs and marshmallows, sitting around the fire pit, shopping, talking, laughing, shouting, wiffle ball, talking, soccer, minor injuries, movies, talking, church, driving, biking, talking, picture taking (more on that later), park visits, Bible study, sun burns, talking ....friendship, and talking.
They're gone. We're sad.
Now we're making plans for winter!....or sooner?
talking, hikes, walks, sword fights, talking, gaming, hot dogs and marshmallows, sitting around the fire pit, shopping, talking, laughing, shouting, wiffle ball, talking, soccer, minor injuries, movies, talking, church, driving, biking, talking, picture taking (more on that later), park visits, Bible study, sun burns, talking ....friendship, and talking.
They're gone. We're sad.
Now we're making plans for winter!....or sooner?
Sunday, June 08, 2008
Deals Of The Week
Here's a few sales worth mentioning..
Walgreens
Reynolds foil .89 stack with $1/2 MQ and get 2 for .78
Bandaids .99 use $1 MQ to get them free
Ban Deodorant 1.49 use with .75/1 and get it for .74
Rite Aid
Electrasol 3.49 with 1.50 rebate + .75/1 makes it $1.24
Right Guard deodorant 5.99 with $5 rebate + $1/1 MQ makes it free
Safeway
4# strawberries for $4.88
King Soopers
Large eggs 10/$10
fresh pineapples 10/$10
Walgreens
Reynolds foil .89 stack with $1/2 MQ and get 2 for .78
Bandaids .99 use $1 MQ to get them free
Ban Deodorant 1.49 use with .75/1 and get it for .74
Rite Aid
Electrasol 3.49 with 1.50 rebate + .75/1 makes it $1.24
Right Guard deodorant 5.99 with $5 rebate + $1/1 MQ makes it free
Safeway
4# strawberries for $4.88
King Soopers
Large eggs 10/$10
fresh pineapples 10/$10
Friday, June 06, 2008
Our "New" Backyard
Look at these little beauties! There are tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and flowers. Grow Babies Grow! 
Here's the 3rd. Reserved solely for the purpose of boy play.
The fort is finished!
We worked this past weekend then sat back and admired the fruit with a satisfied smile. The roof work was done, the yard mowed, the fort finished, and the garden planted. Big long happy sigh..... And ya know what? Even with the fort up there is still lots of room to run and play in the backyard. We were just discussing that our yard seems to be the perfect size for us right now. Just big enough without being too much to handle.
May Deals
Here's my freebies for the month of May. A little late b/c of computer malfunctions. My favorite is the cereal. 
This was my favorite deal of the month....1 pkg of flushable wipes + 17 Cascades all for $4.49. I'm looking forward to what June will bring!
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Wing Fun (Day 1)
We started the day with many bowls of cereal, lots of chatter, and rain outside the window. Thankfully this is supposed to be the only day of rain.
A soccer game in the street.
A skinned knee.
A wiffle ball game in the cul-de-sac.
Then off to Prince Caspian! Even Jes got to go. Moms and babies stayed home to nap and talk. A quiet house.
Tonight is a special movie on the special dvd player the Wings brought. Popcorn?
I do believe it's some sort of boy war movie.
Much fun-ness.
A soccer game in the street.
A skinned knee.
A wiffle ball game in the cul-de-sac.
Then off to Prince Caspian! Even Jes got to go. Moms and babies stayed home to nap and talk. A quiet house.
Tonight is a special movie on the special dvd player the Wings brought. Popcorn?
I do believe it's some sort of boy war movie.
Much fun-ness.
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Bloggging Blues
Wouldn't you know that when I have sooo much to say all of a sudden and lots of pix to share that my computer would mess up? Tis true. I need a new...nic, nick, nik...however you spell it and whatever it is...I need a new one.
So Honey just got a $50 Best Buy card as a coaching gift and he is sweetly going to use it to get us up and running again. Maybe tonight I hope. In the meantime, I'm sitting at my daughter's computer. Not my fave, but it works and she is happy to share with Momma.
I did lots of errands today in preparation for the super Wing visit. We hit 4 stores, the post office, and got gas all in about 3 hours.
Not any great deals to be had but...
Safeway rarely has anything to mention but this week was an exception.
~Wheat bread is on sale for .89
~Honey Bunches Of Oats 2/$3. Use the coupons I posted earlier to get them free + $1 profit.
Rite Aid had a good week.
~Head & Shoulders on sale 2/$8. $4 rebate + B1G1 from the paper makes them both free.
~Aquafresh Advanced free after rebate. Use a $1 MQ and make a profit.
Pantene shampoo is $3. $1.50 rebate + $1.50 MQ makes it free.
~Carefree or Stayfree 2/$5 with a $2 rebate. Use a $1/2 MQ makes them $1.50 each.
**note: Rite Aid's rebates are easy to do. Just like WG, you can do it online and they mail you check in a couple of weeks.
Walmart...
~ Kraft salad dressing rolled back to 2/$3. Use a .75/2 MQ and get them for $1.12. ~Wishbone salad dressing is $1.88. Use a .75/1 MQ and make it $1.13.
Not a super deal but a good price to have it in your pantry if you're too busy to make your own.
~~~~~~~~~
While I was running around with babies in tow, my faithful troops were home cleaning and cooking. I reversed the day to do house work first and school in the afternoon. Just knowing our friends will be here TOMORROW made the work fun and quick. We're so excited!
So Honey just got a $50 Best Buy card as a coaching gift and he is sweetly going to use it to get us up and running again. Maybe tonight I hope. In the meantime, I'm sitting at my daughter's computer. Not my fave, but it works and she is happy to share with Momma.
I did lots of errands today in preparation for the super Wing visit. We hit 4 stores, the post office, and got gas all in about 3 hours.
Not any great deals to be had but...
Safeway rarely has anything to mention but this week was an exception.
~Wheat bread is on sale for .89
~Honey Bunches Of Oats 2/$3. Use the coupons I posted earlier to get them free + $1 profit.
Rite Aid had a good week.
~Head & Shoulders on sale 2/$8. $4 rebate + B1G1 from the paper makes them both free.
~Aquafresh Advanced free after rebate. Use a $1 MQ and make a profit.
Pantene shampoo is $3. $1.50 rebate + $1.50 MQ makes it free.
~Carefree or Stayfree 2/$5 with a $2 rebate. Use a $1/2 MQ makes them $1.50 each.
**note: Rite Aid's rebates are easy to do. Just like WG, you can do it online and they mail you check in a couple of weeks.
Walmart...
~ Kraft salad dressing rolled back to 2/$3. Use a .75/2 MQ and get them for $1.12. ~Wishbone salad dressing is $1.88. Use a .75/1 MQ and make it $1.13.
Not a super deal but a good price to have it in your pantry if you're too busy to make your own.
~~~~~~~~~
While I was running around with babies in tow, my faithful troops were home cleaning and cooking. I reversed the day to do house work first and school in the afternoon. Just knowing our friends will be here TOMORROW made the work fun and quick. We're so excited!
Sunday, June 01, 2008
Our Sunday
Today we joined our church! Honey said it was time to put down roots and not just live here. What a great body we are now a part of.
~My guys are all working in the yard today. We got some tomato, pepper, cucumber plants, and some flowers.
~Most of our school is planned for next week. We will only have 3 school days until the Wings come. I only have to look over a few things. Usually I save it until Sunday but now I'm glad I didn't. I think I'll change school planning to a different day and leave Sunday more free.
~Our roof workers left yesterday. They did a great job and the house looks so much better.
~I'm going to look over the sales and coupons in the paper. I glanced at them before church but didn't see anything too exciting.
~A big nap!
~Date night and I have no idea what's for dinner.
~My guys are all working in the yard today. We got some tomato, pepper, cucumber plants, and some flowers.
~Most of our school is planned for next week. We will only have 3 school days until the Wings come. I only have to look over a few things. Usually I save it until Sunday but now I'm glad I didn't. I think I'll change school planning to a different day and leave Sunday more free.
~Our roof workers left yesterday. They did a great job and the house looks so much better.
~I'm going to look over the sales and coupons in the paper. I glanced at them before church but didn't see anything too exciting.
~A big nap!
~Date night and I have no idea what's for dinner.
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