Moms Serving Christ

NEW BLOG

2011-08-19T17:28:00.002-07:00

Forget about being boring, it is time for something new and fresh, so with that said. I have put the old behind and started a new. Come on over to www.alifefullofgirls.blogspot.com. It is a new adventure of the hair raising, daily delight of having 5 duaghters.

Burdens

2011-07-20T16:54:00.002-07:00

I believe what the Bible says, that God's commands are not burdensome. When we feel led to do something and it becomes a heavy burden, or there is no joy in it,then I don't believe I was called to do it. I understand that there are certain things in life that we need to learn to deal with. For me that is my perfection and not being very flexible. I love a clean house, but now with a rampant 2 year old who truly is somedays more than I can handle, I don't get that too often. I have little messes and sometime giant messes in every single room in the house!! So, for me I understand that I need to learn meekness, patience, and flexibility.

I am learning so much and feel that I have placed many burdens on myself that the Lord Himself did not place there. For me I tend to be insecure. In many areas. Being a great Christian for example. Looking at someone who looks godly makes me question my own godliness. Shame on me for not accepting God's grace as being sufficient. My own personal style and likes/dislikes can truly be something that helps someone else see Christ in my life.

There are so many people in my circle who are all different. Different convictions, different ideals, and such. That is what makes them great. It is my own fault if I feel pressured to do something just because someone else does. I need to get down on my knees and really pray earnestly to find God's will.

Today and lately I feel lost and alone. Trying to figure out where I am, I lost myself amidst all my girls. That is easy to do. I believe I am allowed to be a vibrant, crazy, athletic woman, and now if I can get those other burdens that I have allowed to fall off and see the woman that the Lord made me to be. And to accept them. I think I will find her. I am working on it. :)

Have a blessed day.

How Long is too Long...

2011-07-19T08:18:00.003-07:00

It has been way too long. Being a mom of 5 sure is busy. Hunter doesn't live with us anymore, so it is the girls that keep this mama way busy. Katie is almost 4 months old and is the light of our lives. She is amazing, just like all the other girls are.

Life is moving fast and things are changing. For one and the biggest, we are thinking that Katie might be the last one. I think this is the hardest decsion we are facing and want it to Biblical. So many I know in our circle just want to keep having babies because they feel that is where God has led them. At one point I would have agreed, but right now I am changing my mind. I want to know my girls, enoy each and every moment of them. I want to know my husband and enjoy all of him as well. We are full and happy. So here we are. We wonder if for us that the idea of having more is Biblical or is it a man made mandate. I don't know. My knees are getting a workout as we pray for leading.

Hunter is doing awesome at his dad's and though I miss his face, I know he is happy. I can't believe he will be 12 in October and he is starting 6th grade! I cannot believe how time flies.

Life is so good, busy and I am ready for the next season of life. No more car seats, strollers, blankets, etc. But ready to go out for tea, have our toes done and get coffee. Get our hair done and spend the day shopping. That is what I am really looking forward to.

Well, I will definitely post pics in the next day or so, and lots of them to keep everyone up to date. Now that we are on a pretty normal schedule, I know it will change, but right now I am enjoying it. I am looking forward to spilling my guts more often.

Have a totally blessed day.

Hebrews 10: 24

2011-05-04T11:33:00.002-07:00

I am not going to tell you this verse, mainly to have you look it up. It is one of my favorite verses! It is my ideal of real friendship, and what we really need as mothers. There is nothing more grand in my heart than when another mother encourages me our lifts me up when I am down. I have one person indeed who has done this for me, unknowingly. What a treasure to have. We are called to encourage one another, lift each other up. I believe we can all do this each day to people we know and don't know so that we may shine like stars for Christ.

Time flies....

2011-04-30T14:23:00.002-07:00

Time flies. I have been so overtaken with the joy of a new baby. Amazed at how quickly everyone loves her, how she fits in so fast, how we couldn't imagine our lives without her. God is amazing in how he makes families work. I have seen Lauren really grow into a beautiful young woman. It makes my heart melt.

Blogging might take a back seat for a bit while I get judge life in order.

So in love...

2011-04-15T13:28:00.003-07:00

Surrender is hard, it means to give up. Well, when I became a Christian I surrendered my life to God. Sometimethes though I want the contol back. Then I mess it up and surrender it again, you figure I would have learned my lesson. I am slow.

More baby...

2011-04-05T11:04:00.003-07:00

New babies are great! She has turned our world up side down. Having a large family is a challenge. I am learning a lot about myself, especially my limits and short comings. It is always humbling. I am always questioning and doubting. One question that I have been struggling with is, why do some believe that Gods Word says to keep having children and others don't believe? How did there become such a line? Any thoughts? Please share your thoughts in the comment section.

Sleeping Beauty

2011-04-01T18:13:00.002-07:00

Oh my goodness

2011-04-01T10:46:00.003-07:00

She is my heart. I love how God opens my heart over and over again.

My heart melts...again.

2011-03-31T10:58:00.001-07:00

She melts me everytime I see her.

Special Delivery

2011-03-29T10:02:00.001-07:00

Katie was born March 28 th at 11: 22 pm. It was a frantic birth, yet peaceful. She is 6lbs 6oz, healthy and absolutely beautiful.

More New Home Pics

2011-03-16T12:49:00.000-07:00

Our new home.

2011-03-14T14:32:00.002-07:00

Moving Week!!

2011-03-07T09:27:00.002-07:00

This weekend won't be much blogging as we are moving. We have taken several loads over, however, there is still more to do. Thursday is the official day and we will be sleeping in the house Thursday.

Today I have been ordered to rest by my husband, and though there is much to do, I am appreciative. But tomorrow back to work and getting ready. Next week, pictures of our new home.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

2011-03-02T12:05:00.003-07:00

My husband is truly the greatest man on the face of this earth. God was way too good to me to bless me with such an incredible man. He serves the Lord, seeks the Lord, loves his family, has a sparkle in his eyes, a smile that lights up the moon, and still (after 10 years of being together) gives me butterflies in my stomach. I am not deserving of such a wonderful man.

So, a special birthday dinner is being prepared this evening:

Chicken Enchiladas with refried beans
Coconut Cake

Happy Birthday my Love, I cherish you more and more each day!

Bread

2011-02-28T16:56:00.003-07:00

This is why I love making my own bread. I really would like to purchase wheat berries and grind with a grinder, but unfortunately, it is way too expensive for us right now. But I do buy my wheat flour organic from a co-op. So, today was a yummy day and the house smells so delicious. 2 loaves of wheat for sandwiches, 2 cinnamon loaves for breakfast toast or french toast and sticky buns...for my husband who loves them.

THE BREAD BECKERS BREAD & ROLLS

1-1/2 cups hot water
1 cup cold milk
(The resulting temperature will be lukewarm so as not to kill the yeast)
1/3 cup oil
1/3 cup honey
3 eggs

4-1/2 tsp. instant yeast
6 to 7 1/4 cups freshly milled flour
1 Tbs. salt

Combine water, milk, oil, honey and eggs in the bowl of the Electrolux Assistent. Add yeast and about 5 cups of the flour. Mix on medium speed until well blended. Add the salt. Continue to mix adding the flour 1/2 cup at a time. Bring the Assistent's arm into the center and out a few times between each addition of four. When the dough pulls away from the side of the bowl enough flour has been added. Lock the roller about 1/2" from the side of the bowl (or more if you double or triple the recipe). Turn the speed to high and allow to knead 8-10 minutes, or until the dough, forms a smooth ball . Let rise until double. With a single or double batch, you may let the dough rise in the bowl. With a triple recipe, turn the dough out onto a floured surface to let rise.

After rising, form into loaves or other shapes using any of the variations that follow.

I like to braid my loaves. To braid, divide the dough for one loaf into three pieces and roll into ropes. Braid, tucking the ends under. Place in greased loaf pan. Let rise until at least double in size. Bake loaves at 350 for 25-30 minutes. Recipe makes 3 medium size loaves or about 30 dinner rolls. (this is from the recipe itself, not something I do.)

*Note: One package of yeast is about 2-1/2 tsp. of yeast. With instant yeast you do not need to sprinkle the yeast over the liquids. You may add it with the flour.

**Now with this recipe I do add about 1/2 cup of gluten as well. To make all that I did today, I doubled the recipe. The bread freezes really well too. I just wrap it up in a plastic bag. I also do it all by hand and no mixers. It is great exercise. :)

I hope this helps encourage you to make your own and enjoy every single bite, it really does taste so much better.

God bless and enjoy!!

We are Moving!!!

2011-02-23T09:02:00.004-07:00

Okay, so I have been busy. We have decided a long time ago that we wouldn't go into debt, so we are working on getting out of debt. With that has come the the decision to rent intstead of buy a home. In all honesty I hope to one day live in a small farm house and live out in the country, but until God provides that one, I will live where He has us.

We live in a ginormous house about 45 minutes outside of Tucson. Though it served its purpose (extremely low rent) the communte for my love is more than we can stand anymore. It takes him at least 45-65 min to get to work and home. So rather than wasting that precious time on the road we have decided to move closer to work so that his commute is less.

Living in the city has its challenges, especially in Tucson. There are a lot of older properties, smaller homes and no garages. I think we have spent the last 2 months on the weekends looking for homes. We did find one and we were all set, but then the landlord changed some money items on us and it just didn't feel right, so we had to cancel that one. I loved the house, it was small especially for a growing family, but the character and charm was so awesome...oh well. I will have one of my own one day. We saw ugly ones and nice ones and are really trying to stay on budget.

Then last night, the very last house that we decided to look at was at the highest end of our budget. I told Bret that we are doing a "House Hunters" and out of all the houses we saw over the weekend and yesterday we were to pick. Well, the last house was perfect for us. I fell in love with the floor plan, the bedrooms were a great size, there's a fireplace and the yard has a fenced pool (amazing how many people don't have fences around their pools and don't want to get one either...). There are huge Mesquite trees, the kitchen is nice and open, and the whole house has a great feel to it.

So, we are hoping to move in 2 weeks, so from an almost 3000 sq ft home to a nice 2400, I am excited to downsize and get rid of so much stuff. It is amazing how much stuff you really don't touch. :)

The pictures above are the backyard, can you see why I would fall in love. It is right across from a high school so we can take the kids over and kick and throw the ball on the football field, I can run the track and do the stadium. And it is at the base of the Catalina Mountains which are beautiful. I will keep you posted, but as of now we are moving March 10...I hope.

So, no more writing for now, time to load up some more boxes... :) God bless.

Videos Posted by Frankie Shealy- WOW!!!!

2011-02-15T19:48:00.001-07:00

This was really great, enjoy...

Sick Kids...

2011-02-15T14:34:00.001-07:00

Okay so having a large family is fun, but also not so fun. I mean who would have thought that all 4 girls would get sick at the same time!! Uh, not me. So for the sake of my sanity I will return in a few days. Though everyone is on the mend, I need a moment to collect myself from the insanity. One venti ice coffee and some sno balls....

Keep posted though, got a great giveaway along with perhaps the beginning reveal of my new blog. Hang tight.

My Other Side

2011-02-09T07:56:00.002-07:00

Going with an wonderful, inspirational little note I read about going with your dreams, I decided to also start another blog. It isn't nearly done, I won't even reveal the name, though I will say it is so cute! I am hoping it will run off into a little business for the girls and I together. This little encouraging note I got had one little part that really struck my heart, "When did I stop dreaming big?" How will my girls dream big if I don't. Even if it fails miserably, we all need dreams and I thank the Lord that he gave us creativity and drive so that we can use it to bless others and glorify him. Doesn't he get all the glory when we dream and it comes to fruition, he did give us the talents and means to make it happen.

So, I will be working on it, no one knows, I didn't even tell my husband yet. He is a numbers guy, wants to know the bottom line, so that is what I am working on right now...the bottom line. But I will say, this will be the lowest bottom line yet!! I am so excited, can you tell. I will be back with more, later.

Have a blessed day! Oh, don't forget to dream big!

Sewing Fun

2011-02-07T17:05:00.003-07:00

A fun elastic waist skirt.

I really love sewing. So I have made it a point this year to learn new sewing skills and sew more! I have been having a lot of fun. I will be making a purchase of 2 new patterns, one a bag that I want to use as a diaper bag and the other a cute dress for the girls. So this one skirt is for Emma and I am hoping to make one for Lauren. I am wanting to get a cute white shirt and then use the polka dot fabric as a bow or flower on the white shirt for embellishing. I will let you know how the whole outfit turns out.

So my challenge is this, remember your passions and do them. I think it is great for kids to see our own passions and perhaps they will develop them for themselves as passion. Creativity is wonderful and to use it for your family and others is such a blessing. Plus a good release. So find your creative niche and go for it.

What I read right after my post.... God is good.

2011-02-03T09:38:00.001-07:00

Completely Clean

Jesus said to him, “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you.”

John 13:10 (ESV)

~~~

“It may encourage you to call to mind the people who were praised. They were not cherubim and seraphim, but men, and notably they were men filled with weakness. There was Peter, who a few minutes afterward was brash and presumptuous. But it is not necessary to name them one by one, for they all forsook their Master and fled in His hour of peril. Not one among them was more than a mere child in grace. They had little about them that was apostolic except their commission. They were very evidently men who had the same passions that we do, yet their Lord declared them to be clean, and clean they were.

This is nourishment for those souls who are hungering for righteousness and worrying because they feel so much of the burden of indwelling sin: cleanliness before the Lord is not destroyed by our sins and weaknesses or prevented by our inward temptations. We stand in the righteousness of Another. No amount of personal weakness, spiritual anxiety, soul conflict, or mental agony can mar our acceptance in the Beloved. We may be weak infants or wandering sheep, and for both reasons we may be very far from what we wish to be. But, as God sees us, we are viewed as washed in the blood of Jesus, and we, even we, are ‘clean every whit.’

What a forcible expression, ‘clean every whit’—every inch, from every point of view, in all respects, and to the uttermost degree! Dear friend, if you are a believer, this fact is true even for you. Do not hesitate to drink of it, for it is water out of your own well, given to you in the covenant of grace. Do not think that it is presumptuous to believe this statement, as marvelous as it it is. You are dealing with a wonderful Savior, who only does wonderful things. Therefore, do not stand back on account of the greatness of the blessing, but rather believe even more readily because the message is so similar to every thing the Lord says or does.”

Charles Spurgeon

Joy In Christ’s Presence, 167-168

Fixing my eyes...

2011-02-03T09:14:00.002-07:00

My heart seems to be a little overwhelmed lately. It seems that an impending birth always makes me remember all the things I don't get done in a day because I am too tired or too lazy. I know all the work that needs to be done and I am called to work and serve and I am not guaranteed a break but I want one. I want to curl up in my chair, in my room, in quiet and just sit and read or do nothing. But with 4 little people who need me, I just can't do that. Then I go through the spiral of having my poor me attitude or just an attitude all day long. Who wants to be around that??? Not me.

So, today I am using my blog to rant because I need to vocalize my heart. Though I don't want it to be my heart. I just want to wake up and be a joyful mother, I don't want to have to fight through all the muck and yuck, I don't always want to see my short comings, my failings, and be reminded of the sad state I truly am in, without my Lord.

How does one overcome such gloom. Well for me it is readjusting my eyes. Remembering all the wonderful blessings in my life, the goodness, the kindess, the joy. Focusing on the happy moments, not just all the things I need to fix in myself. I know, I don't need to fix it myself, I have God to help, but don't you sometimes just want to be all worked on and done?? Done so you can see yourself on the outside and inside, just like you envision yourself in your mind. I have such a beautiful picture in my mind of what I am like...but at this moment I am far from it.

For a moment I will have mine and by the end of the day I will be fine, but right now everything seems overwhelming and unsurmountable. So I will have chocolate and cup of coffee and take a deep breath. I think writing things out will help of all I want to accomplish, and my so called schedule, well let me tell you something about that. I love it, but it is also my demise, I feel awful when I don't accomplish everything on it, then I feel like a failure and feel so rushed and stressed the minute I wake up. I want to cook and clean, sew and type, surf a little, and read to my little people, I want to be available to help and I feel that with all I want to accomplish I don't have any time for myself.

Do I need time for myself? Is that biblical? Am I supposed to expect that, or am I in constant servitude and how do I overcome that desire?? So many questions, I guess I should go and get on my knees. Have a blessed day. Sorry for the ranting. :)

A "down" computer...

2011-02-01T14:52:00.003-07:00

Technology is wonderful. But tell me what happens when you have a delicious hot cup of coffee, a 19 month old who loves to explore and a chair that wasn't pushed in when you left the desk with the laptop and coffee together.

You get for a completely fried hard drive with nothing being able to be saved. All my documents, pictures, and anything everything...gone. Oh well, nothing I can do, it is all the Lord's and he had bigger plans than I did. So, oh well.

But it is nice to have a new one back...hard drive that is. Now that I am working with Lauren on her little newsletter, the new Microsoft definitley is a lot nicer with templates for that. By tomorrow she should be done. I am helping her type till we get all the kinks worked out, but she is telling me what she wants to say. It is a lot of fun to sit with her. I enjoy it a lot.

Life has been moving smoothly otherwise. We are officially 29 weeks and moving right along. If she comes when everyone else did then she will be here in about 7 weeks. I can't wait. We have her crib, a new chair and dresser. This weekend we will be pulling out the clothes and seeing what new items we may need.

Mady this past weeekend got a really bad bug. She literally threw up for 24 hours. It was so pititful and awful. To see her so tired and her body hanging and then to get sick...oh my heart was so broken. I am ever so thankful for my husband who really took care of her because to hold her with my belly and contractions was not an easy task. He took over. He is such an amazing man. Now she is just lingering with some diaharrea but is on the mend and I am so thankful to have my little fireball back.

Life is moving fast and time is going...I need to take a minute to just enjoy the moments. I feel sometimes that I get into a rut of thinking only about me and my pitiful self that my servitude is gone. I am thankful that God brings me back to where I need to be and gently reminds me of it.

I pray you all have a blessed week.

THE WINNER!!

2011-01-21T16:10:00.001-07:00

Yeah!! New Mom of www.growingupgracefully.blogspot.com is the winner!! Himilce, I need your # so I can call you. I hope you enjoy it! You do need some girls... you working on any?

Enjoy! I will have another giveaway next week, so check in. Have a blessed weekend.

Because life smiles.

2011-01-19T09:32:00.003-07:00

I didn't always believe that children were a blessing. As a matter of fact I didn't want children at all in one point of my life. And yes, I did make that comment in front of mothers. Ooops. Who would have known. But God did. He is the Author of my life and has been working on me and my heart. I truly could not imagine a single moment of my life without anyone of my precious children.

So here are some funny pictures just recapturing what goes on in my life in a week and even in a day!

We were visiting Nana and Mady decides to empty her box of toys and just walk around with a box on her head. She did run into walls and chairs, but just giggled as she did it. I am not quite sure what the point was, but it was hilarious. And I couldn't resist a shot.

This is what happens to a wicker ottoman when you turn it upside down. It becomes a Moses Basket. They fill it with pillows and Mady climbs in and requests that she have her "luvies" and paci. Then someone sits next to her, rocking her and talking with her. Luckily, we have 2 big sissys ready to go.

And just because I cannot resist this face. What I really can't resist is her "pigglies" and her thighs. She loves having her picture taken and wants to see them right away. Praise the Lord for the technology that she can see them right away, I can't imagine what life was like prior to digital cameras. I believe we just prayed that the pictures would turn out okay. :)

So in a nutshell this is life for me. I don't get enough of my children and I definitely don't get enough pics either. So I will work on the pics now that I have an easy way to get them off my camera.

Have a blessed week.

Give Away Change...

2011-01-19T09:28:00.002-07:00

You know, I didn't even think that some of my readers may not have a blog. I am so sorry that I didn't even think of that. So the rules will change. If you want to enter to win the apron, just put your name in the comment section and I will put the winner name on my blog Friday! Then we can exchange info on how to get it to you. Thanks for entering.

Learning To Be A Godly Girl

2011-01-18T14:37:00.002-07:00

Just sending out another little post in regards to my Lauren. She is 8 years old and wanting to encourage other young girls to be a godly girl through a newsletter. This is her project, my job is to edit, proofread and help mail. Otherwise it will be her own thoughts from her heart on what the Lord is teaching her, from her perspective. It will be easy to read and not perfect, but her heart is so sweet. So if you are interested in receiving godly encouragement for your young girl, please email me your information. It will be a free newsletter sent out monthly. Thanks so much. Also, if you could please pass the information along, it would be appreciated.

God bless

The Best Pie Crust Ever

2011-01-18T13:18:00.002-07:00

3 cups of flour
1.5 cups of butter, softened
1 tsp salt
1 egg
1 tbs. vinegar
5 tbs. cold water

Mix the first 3 ingredients together, then combine the egg and vinegar, add to the flour mixture, then add the water, mix until ball forms. Divide into 2 balls, and roll out for crusts.

I have made this recipe several times and each time it is buttery, flaky and absolutely delicious. I have made 2 cherry pies and 1 apple. I think next time I am going to make a chicken pot pie with it. Don't forget to use ice water and use a fork for combining ingredients, it makes a big difference in your crust.

Enjoy.

Don't forget to register for the give away!

My First Give Away!!

2011-01-17T18:58:00.004-07:00

Here is a beautiful, handmade (by me) Valentine's Day Apron. The rules to win this beauty. Please post this give away on your blog, then in the comment section, please put your name and blog on there. I will draw a winner on Friday!! I will contact the winner on their blog and announce the winner on my blog. Then I will get info so I can ship it to you.

I am so excited and will have many more give aways, I just think they are fun. Enjoy ladies.

God Bless.

Lost

2011-01-17T15:57:00.004-07:00

Don't you hate it when you lose something, something you need and use on a regular basis. For the longest time and through all the house cleaning I still haven't found my camera USB to upload my pictures. So, this week, one of my goals is to get another one. Then I can make the changes to my blog that I would like to make.

I sat and thought long and hard how I could revamp this blog, make it more appealing, make it more exciting to visit, other than the ramblings of a mom of 5. Not that I won't ramble...every so often. I started this blog with the intentions of encouraging other moms in their walk with the Lord and serving the Lord and their families. It isn't too often I find that.

I have even went through and revamped my life. For instance, here is an example. I find it so important to be a joyful mom of children. Not just solemn in my walk as a mama, but one that really enjoys being with her children. It isn't just a job or a chore, but my passion. So, I have been so careful in regards to friendships lately. I have been careful with the people that I have decided to be with. I don't want solemn faces and modest dress, I don't mean to classify, but sometimes I see people who try to follow all of the laws of men who look so sad and solemn. I talked to Bret about it and we decided to really be careful in that. What is important to me is to be with those who are truly joyful, that have that sparkle in their eyes, that passion to love on their children. But also, that their children have that sparkle in their lives.

So I think, as soon as I get my USB cord up and running I am going to have a giveaway. I really want to get my blog out there and will need some help with that. I want to encourage others in their walk, but to follow the ways of the Lord is not burdensome, it is when we follow the ways of man that it all of a sudden becomes a chore. So, please visit back to see what the giveaway is, it will be for Valentine's Day since it will be coming up soon, you won't be sorry.

To enter, just send out my blog address on your blog, then enter your name in the comments section with your blog. I will draw by the end of the week and will have the picture up later on tonight or tomorrow of the freebie...I promise you will LOVE it!!! Just think pink, red and hearts.

Enjoy!

A Change

2011-01-12T10:52:00.002-07:00

I am thinking of making a change to the blog, or maybe even starting a completely new one. I love being crafty and sewing and I would like to have some fun giveaways, and just change my pace. What do you think? I love the Lord, but who wants to read about my boring life???

So I am asking my readers what you love and don't love, what attracts you to a blog and keeps you reading? I want a change for a new year and I want a fun one. Let me know.

What is a meek and quiet spirit?

2011-01-07T13:27:00.002-07:00

God has led me to really work at a meek and quiet spirit. Especially with my children. That is in my facial expressions, my tone, and how I talk with them. This has been on my heart for a long while, but I seem to fail at it all the time. I want to be the type of mommy who never yells, never raises her voice, is sweet in discipline, encourages and praises, and my facial expressions just exudes the love I have for them.

You see in my heart, I adore my girls...all of them. Even when they take permenant marker and color their finger nails or when they want some cheerios and wind up dumping the whole bag on the floor, or when they smear sour cream all over the kitchen table. I even love them when it takes me and daddy (more daddy) 1 1/2 hrs to get them to go to bed at night because of all the hoopla, potty, tissues, songs, prayer, etc. But why is that in my heart I absolutely love and adore them, but I can't express it outside of my heart? Why is it that the world and my flesh win over what my heart's desire is?

I see a picture in my heart of what my relationship is with my girls. Smiling, laughing, and just instructing them in the Lord. I see us cooking together, cleaning together, sewing together, and it isn't that doesn't happen, but I see my face so sweet, looking upon them with such joy, I most of the time am too worried about what needs to be done next, the mess that it makes, or just want to be by myself. Why does that win and how do I overcome it?

The Lord has really prompted me in this area, I am convicted rather quickly of my facial expressions, tone in my voice and my anger. I am so thankful for the start. I would much rather be done with it and be where my heart wants me to be rather than working towards my goal. The sad thing is that I see a lot of me and how I handle things in my girls, rather than just enjoying them. Some would say that you just make a choice, and I agree, however, how do you turn off what has been turned on for so long?

I want to smile at them more, kiss them more, hug them more, not always feel like I have to move onto the next thing, or think, later, I will do it later after this, but after this, comes that.

I am striving with all my mind, body, heart and soul to make this not just a goal, but a reality. To have this unbelieveable, serene joy, no matter what they do. If I can love Jesus with all my heart, I should be able to do that for my girls. I know a lot has to do with my expectations of them. You ever notice how awful expectations are...especially when they are unmet...whew, they bum me out!

So here I am, with my heart on my sleeve, really working hard and failing even harder some days. But I am so thankful for my God, for showing me an area I need to work on so that I may be the woman he has created me to be and I am ever so thankful to my heart for listening.

God bless.

New Year's Resolutions....or Goals

2011-01-03T11:02:00.003-07:00

I love the Maxwell Family. I have had them out twice now to our area in Southern Arizona. They offer such practical solutions for organization and keeping life moving, simply. But they also offere encouragement and challenge to Christian families. Many, I know, feel that they are very conservative, but when you see their hearts, the fruit in their children, they are the real deal. No mistaking that. Anyhow, onto my first post of the New Year.

I like having goals. I am driven, goal oriented and keep life organized. But I always seem to fall away at some point and then get frustrated because I am either becoming over selfish and self centered, not focusing on my family, or my children are becoming a little more than I care for because of attitude and hearts. I find that having a schedule really keeps everyone much happier, saner, and the house always looks in order...just in case.

I recently redid my schedule to help me this year. We are doing school year round with breaks in between, but that way they girls are always working. Even in the summer when it is 110, no one wants to go outside, so rather than have them idle...we are keeping busy. This schedule went into effect today...what an amazing transformation in our home. The things that i wanted to do with my little people, like reading, playdough, and switching their activities is so freeing. They love it. We even have planned snack time, instead of raid the pantry at your leisure. It has been wonderful. Now the day isn't done, I know, however, I am really looking forward to the afternoon, as we have a quiet time and a time to work on projects, just the big girls and I.

If you do not have this book, I highly recommend it. It is a lifesaver and well worth the investment. There is so much information that you can glean. Even if you don't use it to the fullest potential, if you just used it for the mornings or afternoons you will be surprised how much more you can accomplish.

Tomorrow I will show you another way I am working towards another goal of mine...saving money on our groceries. Have a blessed day.

Fetish

2010-12-28T19:11:00.002-07:00

Okay, I admit it, I have a foot fetish. Praise the Lord it isn't with adult feet, or in a gross manner. :) However, give me baby and toddler feet and I am in love. Seriously! Nothing is cuter to me. Danielle and Mady have THE CUTEST feet ever. Mady is rather stout, so hers are extremely chubby, but when she walks I giggle every time. Danielle has the long second toe, thanks to daddy, and it is so cute to see her walk in some flip flops. My heart melts.

If you have a moment, put in the comment section your baby fetish....

Our Christmas went well and uneventful. I am trying to find my camera adapter so I can upload some cute pictures, but no luck in finding it. If I can't find it by the end of the week, I am buying a new one. So expect a lot of pictures.

God bless.

Christmas...wow!!

2010-12-23T09:22:00.002-07:00

I can't believe how quickly Christmas came this year. As always, I am ill prepared and sometimes frantically running about with the other people who said to themselves last year, I will take care of gifts in November. Oh well, again, maybe next year. So here I am, the van half loaded as we are heading to my mom's for one night. The girls will open their gifts from Nana tomorrow morning and by tomorrow afternoon, we are heading back home to have a nice quiet evening of family time. Of course Christmas Day will start early I am sure, but with bacon, eggs, hashbrowns, and french toast, it should be a very nice, quiet day. There will be plenty of gifts to open and hot cocoa with all the fixin's. Oh, and let us not forget about our Christmas dinner, which will be fancy to say the least...filet with ceasar salad and twice baked potatoes, and then some pumpkin pie with whip cream...mmmm.

So with that, we are at the 6 month mark...whew, almost there. I think my biggest struggle is finding clothes. I am not a cute pregnant mama, you know the kind, the thin legs and all basketball belly. NO WAY!! I am the one that it is all hips and butt. I can turn and you would never know which side is which. :) But believe it or not, I am really happy with that this pregnancy, I am just enjoying life. I can't find the time or energy to exercise, but living with stairs, I feel that the amount of time I travel up and down, should count as something. I enjoy my Ghiradelli's mint chocolate a little more, and really at the end of the day, when I prop myself up in my bed with my Bible, I really relish that time. Bret has been the best with it all and really helps out getting everyone off to bed so I can rest and even a few times I have found the bed undone with my pillows and heating pad ready to go. It means a lot to me.

Well, I pray that everyone will have a blessed Merry Christmas. Take a minute out of the chaos and look at your little ones in the eyes and smile and tell them how much you love them. Hug them, praise them, and smile, it makes a difference. Most of all, tell them that Jesus died for them and pray with them often.

God bless.

Christmas is coming...

2010-12-16T08:04:00.002-07:00

Christmas is my favorite celebration. First off, it is a time I get to reflect on Jesus' birth. It is truly humbling to my soul to think of the whole thing. Second, I get to get the ones I love gifts. I love gifts, not just for myself, but to see the faces of people who receive them. We don't do Santa. We haven't now for 3 years. It has been so freeing because I am not hiding anything, but gifts. But now the girls really know what we are celebrating. Not some man with a white beard in a red suit giving gifts because they are good. But it is a celebration of Jesus, coming to save us.

So this year we are trying to be good with our budget. So first I ordered some of the cutest, matching, things from Land's End. All 4 girls will be outfitted with matching dresses, and shoes...shshshshsh....don't tell. They are also going to get some fun toys, not junk, but really thought out what they need/want toys. I won't go into that boring detail...but my heart literally skips a beat when I think of the fun things for them.

For my hubby...ooops, can't tell because he reads my blog. :) Sorry honey.

The girls are being creative and making some jewlery for the grandma's, I am making aprons for all the girls for Christmas for our new schedule and chore sheet for next year, and hopefully squeezing in a few outfits too. I got a serger, so that will be delivered shortly and I am really excited to be able to really make things look nice on the inside and outside. :)

One thing I will say, this is something the Lord is really working on me.... I was reading in Isaiah 31:1 this morning a small part that says they trust in themselves and not Me (me being the Lord). I have a hard time of wanting to do things for myself, nothing great, like a weekend away, just sewing, cleaning, organizing, or even just sitting and reading my Bible. So when that time gets interrupted I look at it like an inconvenience and burden instead of an opportunity to serve. The days that I serve and put aside my own selfish ambitions are the days that I am most joyous. I am resting in the Lord's peace, doing what He has called me to do, be a mama first.

So with that said, I pray that we will all put aside our selfish ambitions and truly serve the Lord in peace doing what we were called to do...be mama's.

What I thought was a raisin....

2010-12-13T10:16:00.002-07:00

I love laundry. I tell myself that each and everyday that I do laundry. I really don't mind it so much anymore, however, in all honesty, like the floors, it isn't my favorite. Though I do love clean sheets. :)

So this morning I am loading clothes. I am on my last load....towels. I think we go through 7 towels a day. Don't ask me how, I just know that needs to end. I decide to gather up some trash, put shoes in their buckets, and look around for anything else that needs to be thrown in the laundry.

Well, as I scope out the laundry room for anything else, I notice a little blob on the floor. Oh, no big deal I think, it is just a raisin. A raisin doesn't get stuck under the fingernail, a raisin is much more firm, and a raisin does not have an odor that makes one crinkle their nose. So with that said, I am sure you all have figured that one out. Always use a tissue when picking items up off the floor.

A Peaceful Buzz

2010-12-03T10:56:00.002-07:00

Well, our excitement has turned to peace as we realized the importance of Hunter staying where he is at. Though my heart wants my entire family to be together, it just isn't so at this time. It is an odd feeling of leading two lives it feels. I have the desire of raising Hunter and the girls, but how do you do that when one is gone and the others aren't? How do you do it when you want to raise up a godly family and one resists? I can only think that the Lord has a great plan, not only for me and my family but for Hunter. Perhaps we will be a testimony of God's love and grace and that will lead to a change in his heart. But I do realize that Hunter isn't mine and perhaps the idea of truly letting go is the hardest. Hunter doesn't want to be here, there is nothing I can do or say that will change his mind, so rather than create much more fuss than necessary, I am willing to leave him, where he is at, happy.

So, off I go raising a housefull of godly girls. I am content with that. And the peace I feel surpasses all else. Have a blessed weekend, I know we will as we put up Christmas decorations and remember what God did for us, through Jesus.

A Happy Buzz

2010-12-01T11:44:00.002-07:00

Hunter is coming home on Saturday! That is if everything works out like it should. As much as I want to home school him again, it seems that his heart is to go to school. So, he will finish out 5th grade at the school right down the road...how convenient.

There is a lot of conflict right now, so that isn't easy to bear. But boys things are being brought out, sheets are being washed, comforters are clean, pillows are ready, and the closet has plenty of room for boys clothes, shoes, and some toys. I will be making a big Christmas purchase this year for him. Just to make sure we have enough things to keep him busy.

The girls are making little notes to let him know how excited they are, the fall decorations are down, and time to get ready for Christmas. We are all so excited. I think that the waiting in anticipation for Saturday is the biggest and hardest part right now, the unknown.

Please pray that Saturday will go well, no problems, no conflict, just an easy transfer. Thank you so much.

A Lot Going On...

2010-11-30T09:27:00.002-07:00

I am going to vent! I don't do it too often, but a lot is going on and I need to somehow express it or I just might explode!

I am in a fight, I am not sure how I got here, but here I am. The one problem is that I wonder how can I fight and be a Christian, how can I fight and be godly. I am not going to be a doormat any longer, I just won't.

You see at the end of July Hunter went to go live with his dad and go to school. Ever since that decision, I have wondered if it was right. So as I go back and forth with the situation, some red flags popped up in regards to Hunter's schooling. Mainly that now he is in the second quarter his grades are not very good because he isn't doing home work, turning it in on time, and that he isn't memorizing some multiplication. The situation he is in at his dad's really isn't allowing him the time to get all that done. Along with that the communication that his dad and I once had is breaking down. It almost seems like a prideful situation on his part, somewhat like he won.

There are a lot of miscommunication, I will say, mainly on there part. So, I didn't lay down and take it, I didn't just sit there and let Hunter just fall to the wayside, I stepped in, mainly with an email that asked what the next step was with Hunter, now perhaps it was my wording that rubbed the wrong way, I am not sure. But that is how it all started, pointing fingers, a lot of blaming, and now here we are. I am so thankful that I have a court parenting plan with me as sole custodial parent and with all final decision making with me. So Hunter's last day of school with be Friday, he will come home on Saturday.

I am preparing for a huge battle and perhaps even police officers at our arrival. What a sight that would be. But I don't know what else to do. This is for Hunter's soul, not just for him. I feel like I am fighting Satan, I won't let him win. So here I am venting on my blog. I don't do that too often.

I would just ask for prayer. Prayer for protection of Hunter during this week as it is all finalized. Prayer that he would adjust well to being back at home. Prayer that there wouldn't be too much conflict on Saturday. Thank you all.

Cold Day Fun

2010-11-29T15:46:00.002-07:00

Okay, school is done, the chores, almost, so what do 3 little girls do when it is cold (56 degrees, cold for Arizona) and don't want to go outside. They take a crib mattress and ride it down the stairs. That is absolutely hilarious. There is so much laughter in the house that I can't help but chuckle. So, when the kids are bored, give them a mattress and a stairs and life will be funny. Just don't try to climb up while they are sliding down....that is an accident waiting to happen.

A Delicious Luxury

2010-11-23T10:37:00.002-07:00

One of the greatest pleasures I have each day lately is a hot cup of hot cocoa. But not just any hot cocoa. Ghiradelli Dark Chocolate, Unsweetned. I add that to hot milk, whisk with a little sugar. Top with marshmallows, then whip cream and drizzle some chocolate and carmel sauce. Then I just sit and devour as I am wisked away to la la la land. I am not sure it exists, but for a few moments it does for me. The world is brighter, the children are kinder and life is a little sweeter. Aaahhh.

Pure Smiles

2010-11-19T16:24:00.003-07:00

Have you ever had a moment in the day, when it is just crazy and you smile. That is what Mady does for me. Right now as I type she is playing with her baby doll. She may not be able to talk, but I understand every little thing she needs, desires and asks for. She wanted her baby wrapped up in her "luvies". She is going to be a mama one day. Right now she practices on her baby and watches me. She is wrapping her baby, loving her, kissing her, and taking her for rides in the stroller and wagon. What an amazing and awe inspiring responsibility we have as mama's to set the example that our girls are going to follow and our little men, marry. May we all be so blessed as we strive to set the example that we desire in our girls and boys. Have a blessed weekend.

It's A....

2010-11-16T10:45:00.003-07:00

Well, it is another girl!!! We were hoping for a little guy, but once I saw the ultrasound and the heart, lips, spine, feet, hands, legs, and all the moving...well, I am hooked and so in love. So as for names, Jennifer Faith is what we have, though that may change.

I am thinking of changing my blog to...A Houseful Of Godly Girls. I will let you know.

God bless.

For Dinner

2010-11-09T15:40:00.002-07:00

I think being pregnant affords me the type of food I normally wouldn't eat. I love that. So tonight I am making chicken and rice. But not just your ordinary chicken and rice. Comfy, cheesey, oooeeeyyy goooeeeeyyy rice. So here is the recipe in case you are looking for something quick and easy.

Oooeeeyyyy Goooeeeeyyy Chicken and Rice

2-4 chicken breasts cut into cubes, cooked (depending how much chicken you want)
1 can cream of mushroom
1 can cream of chicken
1/2 tube of Velveeta
1 can of Rotell
1 cup of milk
6-8 cups of cooked rice ( I love white...I know not good, but good)
2 cups of shredded cheese (any kind you like)

Combine all the can items, Velveeta and milk into a microwave safe bowl. Microwave till Velveeta is melted. Take cooked chicken and rice and place in a larger bowl, add the microwaved cheese and mix together. It will be so creamy, its okay to take a bite, it is all cooked. Top with your shredded cheese. Now I use cheddar, but you can use pepper jack for a little more kick. Bake at 350 till the cheese is melted and it is bubbly. Let sit for 5 minutes and dig in. It will be super yummy.

So Much To Learn....

2010-11-08T10:14:00.003-07:00

There is a lot that I am learning from my situation with Hunter. I love him so much and really miss him. I really wish a lot that he would have loved being home with us. I really wish that I would have changed a lot of what I needed to change instead of knowing what needed to change and just shove it aside because of my own sinful and selfish self.

I am learning that praise is the best thing that we can do for our children. To overlook their faults and praise them, no matter what. To praise, hug and kiss more than we point out their mistakes. We can pray that the Lord would work in them, but those who praise them are those that have their hearts. I obviously lost that one, though not forever I hope. I heard those words so many times and even today, still have a hard time praising.

Each day I am so thankful to be home with my children, but do they know that, do I scowl more than smile. Absolutely, so much to do and get done. But a smile changes the whole room, a smile brings peace and unconditional love to a heart. A smile says, I love you! Do I say that each day with my face...no way.

Hunter is teaching me that I wish I could change all the things and take back much of what I did to show him just how much I love him. But I can't. I can only move forward. I think that is the hardest part. Trying to retie and undo much of what has been done. I believe in my heart, that it was my lack of listening to God that drove him away. I do believe in my heart, that I still have a chance, but I need to listen and do, not just listen and wish.

I heard over the weekend the importance of choosing joy, no matter what. I need to choose God over how I feel, and in that I will choose His ways and not my own. And for some reason when my eyelids are heavy and I am extremely tired, and just want to be lazy, it is hard. But I am learning so much. I will not drive my children away because of my selfishness and my laziness, but I will draw them to God by my change of heart. I know that each day will be grace filled because I cannot do this on my own, but God changes the heart and the will. Praise be to God!

I hope this encourages you on your journey with your children. I am not perfect, but I have a heart to serve God.

A Peaceful Home

2010-11-02T09:53:00.002-07:00

If you want to know how I homeschool, just look at the picture below. The Bible is my one and greatest resource. Everything else really is just filling in the blanks. I love our curriculum. We use ATI for our biggest part and then I have Lauren on SOS (Switched On Schoolhouse) for the other stuff. I love that it allows her to work independently and I can also set the grade expectations and have her do it over again. Until 3rd grade the others work in workbooks. Which is a nice way to really work on handwriting and reading.

Homeschooling to me doesn't always resonate a peaceful home. Especially when you have 2 little ones running around. So taking the advice of some wonderful, godly women I have decided to work in "sitting quiet" training. Though for me Mady might be a little too small, she is doing really well. D and Mady both sit at the table with Lauren and Emma, we do our Bible which takes us about 40 min and then our Wisdom Book, which by then I let them get up. But in all honesty, they are doing wonderful, we can get through the Bible very quietly. I think I get more disturbances from my big people then my littles.
I see funny little things like the one above all the time. But I have to tell you, when my children are placed in akward situations, they don't shy away, but really enjoy talking and sharing with other people, young and old alike. They are wonderfully social and truly enjoy being around others. So when I see that, I always wonder, how do I want my children to be, like others their age, or to be able to handle themselves with multiple ages...homeschooling allows me to do that.
How do I find joy in my house? A schedule. For a long while because of the pregnancy and my lack of energy and motivation I found my children squabbling all the time, in front of the tv and really not handling themselves in a godly manner. I knew what they should be doing, but really didn't have the desire to do it. But this past week I made myself create a new schedule, chore sheet and some other encouragement for the kids and viola! I have a new peaceful house and it has only been 2 days! So if you are discouraged, feeling a little down, have no energy, take heart, make yourself do it, I promise it will be the best thing you could have done!

In the next few days I plan on posting something on a little more serious note. Mainly about the challenges of being a Christian, divorced and having one child living away in the world. It is really what we have been going through as a family and the interesting dynamics. If you know of anyone in the same situation, please have them stop by, I hope to encourage them and take heart. Have a blessed day.

Fall is in the air....

2010-10-29T08:19:00.002-07:00

I love sleeping with the windows open. This morning I awoke to 69 degrees in the house. Oh, I love the cool weather. Hot coffee in the morning with my sweater and socks and crocs. My favorite. Jeans, longs sleeves...unfortunately by lunch time we are sweating and tearing off the hot things to put on tank tops and short sleeves. Oh well, life in Arizona. Ever have a hankering for a change? I do. I don't see myself raising my family in Tucson, Arizona forever. I have always longed for the south, weather, changes of the season, and maybe even an accent. Could you imagine. :)

Right now I am revamping our school schedule, chore sheets and even fun ways to encourage the girls and earn some extra money for them. It has been a busy week on the computer. But so worth it to feel like I have accomplished so much. I rearranged furniture, which I only seem to do when I am pregnant. Not sure why that is. :) But the house feels better, papers are being organized and I am cooking more.

This past weekend I celebrated my 34th birthday! I got to eat at all my favorite restaraunts, celebrate a day just with my hubby (and still get home in time to put the little people to bed), and get a pedicure. Oh, if I could just have someone rub my feet all day, I would be in heaven. As for gifts, Bret used to surprise me, but now I just tell him what I want. It works great, eleviates stress from him and I really get the things I would like. Such as DVD's, CD's and books....

We officially find out what the baby is on November 15! We are so praying for a little boy. But with so many girls...that wouldn't be so bad either. Instead of finding out the traditional way, we are going to have them put what the sex is in an envelope, take it to a bakery and have them bake a cake according to the sex, pink or blue, then cover it and we will do a reveal on Thanksgiving when all of our families are together. It should be a lot of fun!

Life moves fast, God moves at His own pace, and I sit in the whirlwind of it all. Hopefully with peace and joy, but sometimes I have to say not. It is amazing how quickly time goes by and even being home every minute, I feel I miss so much.

God has been quiet in my life, He is working and doing much, but is quiet on much as well. So while I pour my heart out to Him and wait in anticipation to see His next move.

Well, off to the park this morning for a little fun. The littles got a cold and there isn't much we can do, but had to cancel a fun playdate, so we will go and be outside and enjoy the cool weather and come home for a good nap.

Hope everyone has a blessed day!

Another few days...

2010-10-18T08:44:00.003-07:00

Well, we all got a stomach bug. So as we are on the mend, I am amazed at how quickly patience is tested. I personally do not handle "flexibility" very well and the Lord knows it. So He is so thoughtful to help me learn it with a smile. So today as I go about the many things that need to get done, I pray that I am flexible, peaceful, and smiling along the way.

Have a blessed day.

2010-10-11T12:19:00.002-07:00

Well whoever said pregnancy was great, forgot about the first trimester. # 6 hasn't been easy as I run chasing everyone else, leaving housework and life to run amuck. Seriously, no schedule because we moved, Hunter left and then I got sick. The kids have ben reckless and chaotic. But it seems that now my mind just might be out of the fog and looking like major life revamping may be in order.

Life does not slow down to let me catch up and sometimes the task of being a parent is daunting, causing me to spirral into depression very easily. Not dibilitating, just emotionally wearing. But there is always a light and I am thankful that when the energy isn't there to read God's Word and all I can do is lay my head down and cry out small prayers, God hears, and I am covered.

Amidst this craziness, Mady is now walking. She is so cute, it makes my heart melt. Life is slowly coming back into normal, and hopefully the reflections I see in my children, will have me working on myself rather than changing them. Leading by example why is that so hard to do? So I well pick up my emotionally drained heart, get on my knees, beg for mercy and begin again, allowing my circumstances to work in me and learn all that God has in store for me.

God bless, I am back!

Wow! A long time has passed.

2010-10-11T12:05:00.004-07:00

Feeling Better

2010-09-13T18:17:00.003-07:00

Finally, starting to feel a little bit better. The first trimester, no matter how many times you go through it, just isn't fun! So we went on a little family vacation to San Diego. This is what Oi did that made me laugh so hard, it made me cry.

Yuk...

2010-08-30T09:34:00.002-07:00

That is all I can say. I feel so gross. High protein foods seem to help the most and very often, almost every hour or so.

Morning Sickness Has Set In

2010-08-24T13:58:00.002-07:00

I enjoy all aspects of pregnancy. Sickness just really teaches me grace. So here are a few things that I have learned to help me ease some of the discomfort.

Motion sickness bands, vit. B 6, candied ginger, lots of water, small meals and whatever I am craving. My old ob told me, "eat what you.crave there is something your body needs." I have followed that and eaten many odd things, but always feel satisfied. So there you have it. 6 weeks along and about 6 more to go.

My Loft / Playroom

2010-08-24T07:22:00.001-07:00

This is one of the rooms I fell in love with. Giving the kids plenty of space to play.

My Living Room

2010-08-23T10:23:00.003-07:00

I love making a house a home, so this week I will show off different rooms. Today is my living room.

Feeling Overwhelmed

2010-08-17T07:27:00.002-07:00

The type of overwhelmed I am talking about isn't due to the "things" that need to be done. My overwhelmed is with the Lord and His blessings upon me.

When Bret had his reversal we made the commitment to the Lord to let Him determine our family size. I think once we made the announcement that we were expecting #6, family now felt they should have a say, and when will enough be enough.

I am not done! As long as I can bear children, I will. I am a willing servant of the Most High King and I serve an awesome God. I am not.worthy of all that He is doing in my life, but He sees more than I do.

I feel overwhelmed with honor that the Lord would visit me again and bestow blessings and grace on a wretched human who messes up more than I do get it right!

Praise the Lord for He is good!

Here comes #6....

2010-08-13T19:26:00.001-07:00

We are pregnant with #6, we are officially due April 19.

Happy 8th Birthday Lauren

2010-08-10T08:16:00.003-07:00

This is my bold, caring, very passionate, book worm's birthday. I remember her birth so vividly. Tonight it is steak, potatoes and chocolate cake. Mmmmm.

Painting Downstairs

2010-08-09T15:04:00.002-07:00

Here is some painting we were working on in the new house.

The Perks of Our New Home

2010-08-09T14:55:00.002-07:00

This is one amenity that drew us to our new home.

The New Do

2010-08-05T13:35:00.002-07:00

Nothing like change to spice up life. I chop my hair when I need a change.

A Day in My Life

2010-08-02T15:15:00.003-07:00

I always wonder what someone else's day looks like. So here is a small glimpse into mine.

Happy 6th Birthday Emma

2010-07-30T08:12:00.005-07:00

Happy Birthday Emma. Emma is 6 yrs old and is so sweet and precious. She is nothing but skin and bones, which can also tell you that she does not have thick skin at all. Look at her funny and she crumbles. Tonight is grilled pizzas and vanilla cake, her own seperate one so she can shove her face in it! I love you Emma.

Breakfast

2010-07-28T08:00:00.001-07:00

This is who I had the priviledge of having breakfast with this morning.

Moving

2010-07-27T09:57:00.003-07:00

Moving is always hard. Lots of boxes and donation piles. I am so excited though, I love change. Even when it is hard. But a change of scenery always does me good. If I had my way I would move to Colorado, Tennesee, or Georgia. Who knows God's plan, but renting sure leaves that open.

My Big Mama Helper

2010-07-26T08:04:00.005-07:00

Lauren is an amazing helper. Whatever I need she is cheerfully there to assist. She is growing up so fast. She will be 8 August 10 amd we are all so excited. She loves to read, is so smart and funny and loves to joke around. She has an amazing smile. I love her so.

A Long Journey

2010-07-25T09:39:00.003-07:00

No one told me that with all the joys of parenting there is also sorrow. I had my first breakdown since Hunter going to live with his dad. I was sobbing, my poor husband. I know that the Lord has a plan for him and loves him. I am walking on a journey of peace like a river and to trust and obey.

I have 4 blessings that need to see the Lord working to bring glory to Himself through this situation. May we glorify Him.

Happy 3rd Birthday Danielle

2010-07-23T20:45:00.003-07:00

Well today we celebrated our first reversal baby's birthday. Dinner was lasagna with salad and green beans, dessert was a cinderella birthday cake. Her movie of choice was none other than The Duggars, praise the Lord I have them all taped.

The Sweetest 13 Month Old Ever

2010-07-21T11:33:00.004-07:00

She is so cute! She is independant, a great sleeper, loves her paci. She loves to smile and laugh, but hates being in the car. She is a picky eater, but oh well. I am so thankful that the Lord gave her to me. Here she is eating one of her favs, spaghetti.

God's Timeline

2010-06-19T14:07:00.002-07:00

Well, an offer has been made on the house. Because of our situation, we don't even have to worry, it goes straight to the bank. So that is the nice part. It does take time and I am thankful for the family that put the offer in, that they are so kind to be patient. We are so thrilled. I am praying it goes quickly so that we can go ahead and find the area we would like to rent in.

The kids are awesome!! I can't believe that Mady turned one and is such a joy. She is so sweet. She has moved into the room with Hunter. They really are so sweet to one another. Hunter has been with his dad now for 2 weeks and he seems to be doing really well. We have been really doing well. School is taking a lighter version as I learn some more and change again our style of learning and schedule to fit the changing needs of our growing family.

Bret is still taking his CPA class and all is going well. It has been quite a journey as we come over to Phoenix every weekend so that way we can be close. The girls have been enjoying swimming all day on Saturday. I have been enjoying laying out and getting a little color. :) Bret really loves that.

I started a Bible study with my friends, Beth Moore's, "The Ascent of Psalms." So far, because we are only one week into it, it is very good. It talks about song and how we truly rejoice in songs. Our souls were created to the angels singing, so it would be natural that songs/music could encompass our being in a way that words can't. But to be careful to know the words you are listening to. Whether contemporary Christian or good old fashion hymns. So far, the one thing I got out of it, was how God is always so pleased and rejoicing when we are taking steps of success to being closer to him. It has been a great encouragement.

Summer has been going, we are slowly starting to pack and I am starting with the garage. That is a challenge. I am really just enjoying hanging out with my girls and starting to revamp our learning style.

God bless to you all. Have a blessed week.

Way too long...

2010-06-12T12:53:00.002-07:00

Well, life is full of many surprises. Especially when you are serving an Awesome God! I never know the full plan of my life, but I know that I am a servant for the Lord first and foremost. And when the chaos of life throws itself at me, well, I know where I stand...most days.

It seems that Hunter has gone to live with his dad for the summer on a trial period. The joy that has filled our home has been immense. For those that aren't divorced or in a situation of shared parenting, it is hard to understand this decision. Hunter, it seems has a syndrome..."the grass is greener". So we let him experience with a little net of security. He may choose to be there permanently, but I am at peace with where the Lord has taken this situation.

Another bend in the road has been that we have to short sell our home. It wasn't planned at all, but with a loss in some income for my husband, it seems to be our only option. We knew when we purchased this home that we should rent, but rather than listen, we are now eating our consequences. :) But the Lord has been good and it was on the market for less than 2 days there was a offer. A wonderful family with three boys. Our backyard will be perfect for them.

We will look for an option to rent only and hopefully something a lot less than our mortgage and start paying down our debt. That is our number one priority. If we really buckle down we can do it in 2 years!! I am so excited.

Along with this move, we may put the internet back in the home. Not quite for sure, but maybe on my phone. :)

The kids are doing great and Mady's first birthday was yesterday! I cannot believe it. She is a miracle and I am so thankful for the Lord's blessing our family.

So here we are, the short version. Perhaps later I will write more in detail.

One Week and Counting...

2010-04-19T16:11:00.002-07:00

I am counting this past week as a week of missing something. I didn't realize how much time I spent on the computer till all the frills were gone. Now I have more time to really focus on the kids, character training, discipline, reading, laughing, playing, and just really enjoying the small moments. I can't believe how much time has gone by.

So at the end of the day I am here at the library. I am really trying hard to remain focused on our goal and not what I am missing out on. I do miss the people, it does get rather lonely with it just being me. With Mady being on such a great schedule I do miss out on a lot of my other mom's groups because I am not willing to mess with the schedule. It has been hard.

It really makes me keep things in perspective, and really keeps me on my knees. It helps me to be creative and really stay on top of things, because I do not have anything else to get int he way of that. There are things I miss, but I really feel that the Lord will bless my heart and the goal that we have of being debt free.

Mady is 10 months old now and crawling everywhere! She loves the freedom. Emma, Lauren and Hunter are all doing awesome in school and the summer will be here before we know it. It will be busy as we will continue with year round school this year. We have found 2 rattlers in the yard and it has been fun. The garden is growing and I can't wait to have the extra time to plant more things. Danielle is just sweet as can be.

We are all well after 2 weeks of sickness...fevers, coughs, ear infections, sinus infections, and just allergies. I am glad to be on the mend. I hope to post more, but little one is fussing and my time is almost up. Life is good, my heart is full and my eyes are on the Lord. God bless.

A Debt Ladder

2010-04-06T14:50:00.002-07:00

Today I spent some time on the computer making a debt ladder. Taking our credit cards and putting them in order from least to greatest. Then I added the $200/month savings from disconnecting our internet and phone to our lowest credit card bills monthly payment. Going from $100 to $300/month. So basically in 6 months I will have that one paid off, then I will roll the $300 to the next one and move up the ladder.

There are a few options, the first one is that our car will be paid off in 2 1/2 years. So that is exciting as we get higher on our ladder and need that money, it cuts our time down by 1 year. And because we do owe to the government, hopefully we can negotiate and then that can lower it another year. So we are excited.

Seeing it written down does help to keep us focused and it doesn't seem so daunting.

My goal is to print it out and put it on fancy paper and then tape it up by my bed so I can have my focus be on that, and pray over it each night.

So within 4-5 years we could be completely debt free, only house and 1 car and then some regular monthly bills. Oh what the Lord will have us do with the money He is freeing. I can't wait. I hope to encourage others in this venture as well.

God bless.

Priorities

2010-04-05T16:20:00.002-07:00

Not quite sure if I am going to give up my blog. I love sharing much of who I am. I am not perfect and I like showing that to people...just in case you think otherwise. :) We are for sure going to get rid of our internet and phone at home. Life is changing drastically at our home.

We are in debt, it isn't a happy place to be and the burden is much to bear. So with that, we are going to sacrifice in every little area that doesn't matter and then pay off our debt. So, perhaps what I will do is chronicle what we are doing. Giving you the truth and nothing but the truth and the nitty gritty, so that way, if you are challenged or convicted you can maybe glean from our past mistakes.

Our first big thing is we no longer have our credit cards...they are gone...all of them. We have sat down and looked at our bills and have seen where most of our money went...oops that is my fault, eating out, Starbucks and Target. (Who doesn't love Target.) So we now know where to cut back, we haven't gone out to eat since we put our bills in order, though over the weekend, Bret and I did go on a date. We did eat out, though it was happy hour at our favorite restaraunt, so that helped a great deal.

I will chronicle our credit cards and the debt we owe on my next post. But for now, the first step was for us to get rid of all the little things...phone, internet, cable/dish, weight watchers online, Onstar, internet on hubby's cell phone, lowered our minutes, lowered anything that we paid for monthly that was excess. It has been amazing that we saved over $200/month just on that alone! We also have really put a tight reign on our groceries and have a set budget...

So here we are. The next post just might be at the library, or hubby's computer at work when I visit him. Praise the Lord I can type fast. :)

God bless.

Isolationism, Fear and Addiction

2010-03-29T14:21:00.002-07:00

Well, this is a heavy topic, but one that my heart has been led to talk about. Mainly because it is just now that I feel comfortable with where I am at, where the Lord has taken me and how he has taken me there.

My goal has always been to be a great mom. Not just the kind that stays home with here kids, but the kind that interacts, loves and kisses her kids. I want to encourage them, disciple them, train them, etc. But I will share with you what keeps me from all of that.

My computer, my emails, my facebook, my blog. Other things are more important and get in the way. Other things make my heart more selfish and long more for "me" time then for the important things...my children.

I have known this about myself for a long time. So long in fact that the Lord really spoke to my heart many times before about my problem. You see having a large family is great, full of so much fun and surprises, but it also can lead to, for me, fear of being alone. I am a huge people person, so my fear is not having people around me. Besides my children.

So how does my title play into where the Lord is leading me right now...well, when you are a people person and have a little one who nurses and is on a tight schedule come the evening not really allowing me too much time, you fall into a rountine that usually involves the same thing and you can't do much outside of that. When you have little ones who are sick and you miss a few weekends at church, where your family is, you feel a little isolated when you come back. The fear of the unknown.

That one is big. You see we are at a crossroads. The Lord has showed us that we are missing blessings because of the debt we have over our heads. So we are cutting back, I mean really cutting back. To the point of no land line, no internet, and many others. I don't mind it because I know that in the end we are following the Lord's promptings. We can then enjoy the Lord's blessing because we are doing what He has asked of us. But there is fear of not knowing what to do, so much is being taken away, so there is fear.

My addiction to the computer has also brought up the fear and isolationism. You fall into a rut of doing the same thing, you fall into a rut of just going through the motions. The fear of finances. I don't want that fear anymore and am willing to sacrifice all my creature comforts for us to successfully get out of that debt. It may take a few years, but it will be well worth it in the end!

I am excited to see where the Lord is leading us. It won't be easy, but I do see a light at the end of the tunnel, I see the silver lining and it is so much more beautiful without the burdens.

Don't worry I will give warning before I just disconnect.

Just Fun Happenings

2010-03-27T18:31:00.004-07:00

Life goes by fast. Blink an eye and my 9 1/2 month old is trying to crawl. My 2 1/2 year old is trying to go potty by herself, and my 5 year old is learning so much more each day!

Life is hectic and I am learning the preciousness of enjoying and savouring each moment. The good ones and the bad ones. The good ones are filled with laughter and love, the bad ones, lessons that are learned and humbling of spirits.

Here are some fun photos we took the past couple of days.

Lauren on our walk to Sabino Canyon. It was so beautiful outside and the sun was shining with a cool breeze. She is growing up so fast. She is so beautiful on the inside and outside.

Hunter and Lauren. Theyare so cute together. They really enjoy playing together. I love them so much.

My hubby and 3 of the girls. This is water run off from the snow melt. It was really high and rushing today. This spot had some beautiful rocks to hike through and there was even a bat on the side of a rock. (Not the one they are sitting on :))

Amidst the desert there is green, lush green. The kind of green that reminds me of living in Colorado - my favorite place.

More lush green. There was such a clean, sweet smell in the air. It was so refreshing.

My hubby and myself, with Emma. We had such a nice walk. We walked 3 miles!

Lauren, Emma and Hunter. They are so cute! I can't wait to have more!

This is what a 15 passenger van looks 1/2 full. :) There are plenty of empty seats for more blessings.

This is what happens to a baby when she is having way too much fun in the bathroom. She was trying to reach for anything she could within eyes sight. It was too funny.

"Look mommy, look." "What are you eating D?"

"Dis mommy, dis."

"Cheeeeze."

Bread pudding before a 2 year old found it and devoured almost 1/4 of it! I couldn't believe how much she loved it! It was so tasty. I will definitely make that one again.

Well, these were just a few pics of a few days in the life of me. Nothing too exciting, but you know what full of love and memories. Tonight a wonderful movie with my hubby and a nice and quiet evening...well, hopefully if the kids will go off to bed. :)

Good night and God bless.

Shepherd Bread

2010-03-24T13:19:00.002-07:00

I love making new bread. Sourdough just hasn't worked out for me, so I tried this bread with a biga which is similar to sourdough. Oh my was it so tasty! And so easy. The only thing I would do different is shape it but not in a loaf pan.

Night Before:

1/4 tsp yeast

1 c. warm water

2 c. flour

Cover with plastic wrap and set aside for baking day. If it isn't used in 24 hours, refrigerate.

Baking Day:

Add 1/2 tsp yeast, 2 c. warm water, 1 tbs salt. Mix in 4-5 c. flour (white, wheat, or 1/2 and 1/2). Knewad, place in greased bowl, let rise until double in size, about an hour in warm oven. Shape into 2 loaves and let rise until doubled. Preheat oven to 475- then turn down to 400 once you place bread in oven. Bake 40-45 min. Let rest 10 min, then place on cooling rack.

This is the biga the following morning.

This is the flour and other ingredients being stirred together. My lovely assistant Emma.

This is the dough being placed in a well greased bowl to rise in the oven.

I am sorry I don't have the pic of the fluffy dough, but here it is shaped in the loaf pans. Next time like I said I will just shape them and let them rise on a cookie sheet.

The final product! The crust is crispy and the inside is so chewy and delicious. I will definitely add this to my bread recipes. It doesn't rise fast like a regular bread, so I realy think just shaping it will work out great!

I hope you will try it.

Oh, by the way I strained my 2nd batch of yogurt with a tea cloth and the thicker yogurt was definitely a hit. Now, what to do with all the whey left behind. I will do some research and let you know.

Hope you enjoy.

Change Hurts, but is Oh, So Good!!

2010-03-23T10:02:00.003-07:00

I have much to learn. When I think I have learned one thing, the Lord is so gracious in showing me, truly what is left. I am so thankful He doesn't give up on me or grow impatient with me.

I am not a perfect mother, I do not have it all together, and I get frustrated, angry and impatient. I am selfish, greedy and want my way all the time. I am a type A personality and like to be in control. God can drive, but I will hold onto the steering wheel. :)

This is a new season of my life. Learning to let go, learning to give God the complete control. My children, though absolute blessings, are not mine. They are on loan. I am the seed planter, but God is in charge of watering and growing. That is a hard one to let go of.

I am learning to relinquish my control, to have more fun, to relax and just enjoy all the moments. They don't all have to be planned out. I have a 10 year old who is teaching me most of this with the Lord's help. You see, we have been having a lot of disrespect issues and rebellion. It isn't what I wanted for his life or mine, but what we have been given by the Lord. I was ready to go and let him experience public school and live at his dad's. But the Lord graciously showed me that it wasn't part of His plan. He is using Hunter to change me. To grow me. I am so thankful.

I am now seeing Hunter in a new light. His eyes are sparkling and he is smiling. It is really a joy to be working on what the Lord would have me and little by little see the fruit of my change. I read a great quote, "Have a problem with your children, check to see yourself, because more is caught than taught."

Life isn't always easy and God never said it would be, but He did promise to be by our side. He is with me, walking with me.

I pray that if you or someone else is struggling with rebellion, that you would encourage them to seek the Lord, see what changes need to be made, and fervently make those changes. I am so excited to see what the Lord will continue to do in our lives. I truly want to be His servant and vessel.

Have a blessed day.

Hope you like the changes.

2010-03-18T17:14:00.003-07:00

Well, after much deliberation it was time for a change. Time for a new profile picture, new wording, the works. So I made some changes and I hope you all like it. Here are a few questions that you can help me answer to make my blog more enjoyable for you.

1.) What do you enjoy the most about my blog?
2.) What topics do you enjoy reading about?

If you can just leave those comments in the comments section I would appreciate it. My goal is to make my blog a really great place to be with all sorts of good stuff to keep you coming back for more. :)

Enjoy the evening.

Step By Step Chores

2010-03-18T14:19:00.003-07:00

I think one of the best ways to make a large family successful is by assigning chores to everyone. Everyone 2 and up can definitely pitch in. Even the smallest chore is the biggest help and one less thing for mama to worry about.

In the beginning, I set aside about 15 minutes each afternoon to work with a specific child and chore that they will be working on. I take my "master list" with me so both they and I know what is to be expected. I also take this list and type each one out onto a larger sheet, with squares next to it, laminate it and then it can be their own personal checklist until they are confident with how to do it by heart.

Below is my "master list". I personally work well off of other's ideas, so hopefully my list will help you. I clean my house everyday, little by little, till everything is done by Friday. That way my weekends are free to be a little more flexible with the kids and hubby, just hanging out. It is a nice way for us because 30-45 min. each day is spent cleaning, versus a whole day or working. I will post my cleaning schedule hopefully tomorrow so that way you can see how that works along with my "master list." Feel free to use it and tweak to help you.

God bless.

STEP-BY-STEP CHORE DIRECTIONS

Making Your Bed
1. Take all pillows off of your bed.
2. Put away any items that don’t belong on your bed.
3. Pull up your sheet to the top and smooth out the wrinkles.
4. Straighten your blanket and smooth out the wrinkles.
5. Tuck in any sides that are hanging over the edge.
6. Replace pillows neatly.

Getting Dressed
1. Take off your pajamas in your own room with the door closed.
2. Get dressed with the clothes you have picked out.
3. Put your pajamas away neatly folded in drawer/bucket.
4. After wearing your pajamas for 3 nights, place them in the dirty laundry basket.

Brushing Your Teeth
1. Put toothpaste on your toothbrush.
2. Close the cap neatly and put it away.
3. If there is toothpaste on the cap, please rinse off with warm water and then replace the cap and put it away.
4. Wet your toothbrush.
5. Set timer for 1 minute and brush until the timer goes off.
6. Rinse your mouth and toothbrush.
7. Put away your toothbrush.
8. Rinse any toothpaste out of the sink.

Wiping Down Bathroom Sink and Mirror
1. Take out one wipe from under bathroom sink and wipe down the entire bathroom sink and counter.
2. Throw away wipe.
3. Take out glass cleaner and one paper towel.
4. Spray the glass cleaner on the center of the mirror and wipe clean with paper towel.
5. Throw away paper towel.
6. Put wipes, glass cleaner and paper towels back in basket under sink.

Cleaning Bedroom
1. Pick up everything off the floor and put things in their home.
2. Throw away trash in the kitchen trash can.
3. Put any dirty laundry in the dirty clothes basket.
4. Check under your bed for any items that need to be put away where they belong.
5. Check closet shelf and floor, put items away where they belong.
6. Make sure all clothes are hung up neatly or folded and put away neatly.
7. Take swiffer duster and dust off all furniture, shelves, and blinds in your room.

Cleaning Bathroom
1. Put any dirty laundry in the laundry basket.
2. Put away any other items that do not belong in the bathroom away where they belong.
3. Empty the bathroom trash and replace with another trash bag.
4. Get two washcloths from the laundry room and the Comet spray.
5. Take out shampoo, conditioner, and soap from shower area and place on the bathroom counter.
6. Spray shower with the Comet spray and get one washcloth wet.
7. Wipe down entire inside of the shower and the floor area with the wet washcloth.
8. Use the dry washcloth to dry off the walls and floor of shower.
9. To clean the glass door on the shower make sure to spray Comet on the door.
10. Wash with wet wash cloth until there are bubbles.
11. Then take squeegee and wipe down the door.
12. After the door has been squeegeed, use glass cleaner.
13. Replace the shampoo, condition and soap back in their home.
14. Next move to the toilet.
15. Use a small amount of toilet bowl cleaner in toilet bowl.
16. Take out one wipe from under sink and clean off the top of the toilet and handle.
17. Clean off toilet behind the toilet seat and then the top and underneath the toilet seat.
18. Clean off outside the toilet bowl and down behind the toilet.
19. Get toilet bowl brush and scrub inside the toilet, flush.
20. Make sure to straighten out the rug.
21. Hang up all towels back on the rack and hook neatly.
22. Next move to the sink.
23. Take out one wipe from under the sink and clean off entire sink area and counter.
24. Take out glass spray and spray the mirror one time in the middle and one time on medicine cabinet.
25. Take out two paper towels and wipe down mirrors.
26. Take paper towels and wipe down sink faucet.
27. Throw paper towel and wipe away in the kitchen trash.

Cleaning Library
1. Pick up all books off the floor.
2. Put all books neatly back on the shelf.
3. Put all push toys against the wall.
4. Put ottoman back up against the wall.
5. Put any toys back in their homes.
6. Get step ladder from laundry room.
7. Dust off all the bookshelves.
8. Dust off blinds.

Cleaning Front Entry/Living Room
1. Take swiffer and dust off the entire bench. Starting at the top, moving the LOVE letters and baskets.
2. Take off the runner and pillows and dust off the bench.
3. Replace the runner and pillows.
4. Take two paper towels and glass cleaner.
5. Clean the windows on each side of the door.
6. Throw paper towels away in kitchen trash and put glass cleaner away.
7. Take a washcloth from laundry room.
8. Get washcloth damp and wipe down the tv stand and all the shelves.
9. With damp washcloth wipe down all components of the tv.
10. Put all the tv remotes and Wii remotes in the drawer.
11. With damp washcloth wipe down the front of the fireplace.
12. Put washcloth in the laundry basket
13. Get three paper towels and glass cleaner.
14. Wipe down each window.
15. Throw paper towels away in kitchen trash.
16. Get another three paper towels and move to kitchen area.
17. Spray glass sliding door with three quirts on each side and clean window.
18. Spray smaller windows with one squirt and clean window.
19. Spray the big window in the middle with four squirts of glass cleaner and clean window.
20. Throw paper towels away in kitchen trash and put glass cleaner away.

Cleaning Kitchen
1. Take items that do not belong in kitchen and put away in their homes.
2. Put dishes into dishwasher.
3. Take green spray and spray one squirt in each side of the kitchen sink. Wipe out with one paper towel.
4. Take green spray and spray on counters and stove top.
5. Wipe down with three paper towels.
6. Take green spray and spray one spray on the dishwasher front, oven front and refrigerator front. Wipe down with paper towels from counter.
7. Throw paper towels away in kitchen trash and take two new paper towels.
8. Take green spray and spray five sprays on the kitchen table.
9. Wipe down kitchen table with paper towels and throw away in kitchen trash.
10. Push in all chairs around the table.
11. Straighten out kitchen rug.
12. Hang up kitchen towel on oven rack.

Clearing Off Kitchen Table
1. Take all refrigerator items and place back in the refrigerator.
2. Take all plates and scrape into the kitchen trash.
3. Place plate into the kitchen sink.
4. Take all cups and place them on the counter to be used the rest of the day.
5. Take any napkins and trash and throw them into the kitchen trash.
6. Get a washcloth from the laundry room.
7. Get washcloth damp and wipe down kitchen table crumbs onto a plate.
8. Rinse out washcloth.
9. Wipe down kitchen table.
10. Push in all kitchen chairs.

Wiping Down Kitchen Counters
1. Get washcloth from laundry room.
2. Get washcloth wet and wring out.
3. Wipe down all kitchen counters, moving items and replacing them.
4. Rinse out washcloth and hang on hook under sink.
5. Hang up kitchen towel on oven rack.

Oil All Cabinets
1. Get a washcloth from laundry room
2. Get the pledge spray from the laundry room cleaning supplies.
3. Go into girl’s bathroom.
4. Spray one spray of pledge on each cabinet door.
5. Wipe down.
6. Take washcloth and wipe down drawers and side of cabinet.
7. Go into boy’s bathroom.
8. Spray one spray of pledge on each cabinet door.
9. Wipe down.
10. Take washcloth and wipe down drawers and side of cabinet.
11. Go into parent’s bathroom.
12. Spray one spray of pledge one each cabinet door.
13. Wipe down
14. Take washcloth and wipe down drawers.
15. Go into kitchen.
16. Spray one spray of pledge on each cabinet door on the bottom cabinets.
17. Wipe down.
18. Take washcloth and wipe down drawers and side of cabinet.
19. Go to laundry room and get the step ladder.
20. Use step ladder to get the top cabinets.
21. Spray one spray of pledge on each cabinet door.
22. Wipe down.
23. Put pledge away in laundry room cleaning supplies.
24. Put washcloth into laundry basket.

Clean Out Van
1. Take out all toys, jackets, shoes, etc. and place them in the appropriate bedroom.
2. Take out all trash, napkins, water bottles, etc. and put them in the trash can.
3. Empty out all cup holders and put in appropriate place, trash or in a bedroom.
4. Get a washcloth from laundry room.
5. Get the washcloth damp and wipe down the dash and all cup holders with washcloth.
6. If needed, get shop vac to vacuum out.

Home Made Yogurt...Delicious!

2010-03-17T08:18:00.005-07:00

Home Made Yogurt

So easy and so delicious!

Here is the recipe first:

8 cups of whole milk

1/2 c. of good plain yogurt

Place the 8 cups of whole milk in a crock pot on low heat for 2.5 hours. Shut heat off and leave alone for 3 hours. After the 3 hours put in the good plain yogurt (once you have made some you can use 1/2 cup of your own yogurt as the starter), mix gently, leave for 7-8 hours. I usually start it in the morning and by 9-10:00pm I put it in the containers and refrigerate for the morning.

Milk getting all warm and delicious for the starter.

The milk I used, you can use any kind, but sometimes it is nice to know.

Cutting up fresh strawberries for the yogurt. You can use frozen, but these were on sale and so red and ripe, I couldn't refuse.

Mmmmm. Strawberries.

All cut up waiting for their sugar bath.

The sugar...I added a little more than I would because personally I am not a fan of sour plain yogurt, so to sweeten it up a bit I added a little more sugar.

This morning as I was making parfaits. Mmmm.

And here is the finished product. Now I would have shown you what I looked like eating it, however, I didn't really want to embarass myself with the drippings down the face. But it was absolutely delicious and I will definitely be making this more often in our home. I made 1/2 gallon of yogurt for about $1.50. That doesn't include the strawberries or any other fresh fruit or the granola. But for yogurt that is a great deal, especially for a large family that loves yogurt.

I will be hopefully posting our home made bread tomorrow. Later on this week I will post our home school schedule. I get a lot of requests on how we do it, especially with little ones on our feet, and I will share how it works for us.

Have a blessed day!

Best French Bread Ever!!

2010-03-16T17:14:00.004-07:00

Here is the recipe first:

2 1/2 c. flour

1 c. warm water

1 tblsp yeast

1 tblsp sugar

1 tsp salt

The secret to really great bread is making sure it has a safe place to rise. So I always preheat my oven to 200 with a pan of water and then turn it off.

So here are all the ingredients getting ready to get yummy. Remember to proof your yeast by placing the warm water, sugar and yeast together in a cup, if the yeast is frothy then you know it is ready, if it isn't, well, try again using warmer water, or your yeast might be old.

Once the mixture has been kneaded. I usually just place it in the same bowl with a quick spray of Pam around the bowl.

Cover it with a damp towel and in the oven it goes...see my pan of water? It works wonders. Also, for this recipe, keep it in the oven even while baking, it will make the crust extra crispy and the inside just delicious and chewy.

Once the bread has risen. I didn't get to take a picture of my loaves rising, however, here is another secret. I use a large cookie sheet and then my small loaf pans in the middle between them to help keep the shape of a loaf. Otherwise you might end up with misshapen loaves. Score the tops with 1/4" diagnal slits.

So this is the finished product, ready to be devoured with dinner. Tonight home made bolognase with garlic cheese bread. It will be delicious.

Also, I always double this recipe and make 2 loaves. If I start it at 3:30pm it is ready by about 5:30pm to eat. Just to give you an idea as to how easy it is.

I hope you enjoy making it.

Vacation Pictures

2010-03-16T11:17:00.003-07:00

Even though there was sickness abounding we did a few opportunities to get out. So here are a few of them!

Bret and the kids playing miniature golf. It was fun, a little cool out and windy, but the sunshine sure felt great.

My darling husband. He is so handsome. He truly is my gift from the Lord.

My little D, always posing for pictures, but then she wants to see them. :)

Lauren in the pool. She loves sitting in the jacuzzi. The warmth and bubbles. Matches her personality perfectly.

Little Mady eating her cheerios. Man since she has discovered "real" food she loves it!

My husband and I dressed up and we even had a place to go. They had 2 formal nights on the ship and it was fun getting dressed up.

All the kiddos. This was on that same formal night. It was so much fun. I love looking at all the smiles. There are always happy memories to be had.

Little Mady all by herself. She just makes my heart melt. Whether I am kissing her neck, cheeks, or feet, I can't get enough.

By the way, she just started getting up on all 4's and rocking, way too cute.

Little D, always posing. You know what she is always happy and smiling. The only time we ever have problems is when she is just tired. She is a joy.

Overall the trip does have some finer points. These pics are just a few of them. I love being with my kids and taking them everywhere. I feel that we are a loving testimony of God's grace. People find children a burden, yet we are always with all 5 of ours, it isn't always easy, but we do make it work. I want people to see them as the amazing blessings that they are, not burdens.

God bless.

(Hopefully tomorrow I will have my home made yogurt up in pics for you to see, along with the recipe.) - it will be delicious.

Vacation Update

2010-03-15T12:39:00.003-07:00

Okay, so this post may not be exciting, but our vacation was not fun at all. Well, maybe just dinner, where I got to sit and eat delicious meals and have coffee with my dessert every night!! So here is the short version:

Day 1 - Bret got food poisoning, throwing up. Finally got on boat, and he got quarantined because they didn't want it to spread.

Day 2 - Bret was confined to room, he was so sleepy from all the meds that he missed most of the day and I just bought him food. 5pm he was able to join us for dinner.

Day 3 - 5:15am Lauren throwing up. At this point I have seen my share of vomit. :) She slept most of the day and ate a little bit.

Day 4 - Lauren feeling a little better, but really tired. We went off to a port and enjoyed a cold, windy day on the beach, by the night she was still feeling sick.

Day 5 - Lauren still sick, cried out to the Lord and he answered, she had motion sickness, so we got her some bands and within 20 min was feeling better.

Day 6 - Hunter got sick. He slept most of the day eating a little.

Day 7 - Hunter still sick, took some motion sickness pills and slept all day, not eating too much.

Day 8 - We left the ship, everyone feeling okay, a 10 hour drive home and finally we are here.

Today has been a very slow day getting back into our routine. I think that is the hardest part. The Lord is showing me much. It is hard working on your faults and then being shown all your faults constantly. But I am willing to work at it and learn, I just hope I learn it soon. It has been 9 days of throwing up from someone and the whining is a little much for me personally. So we will see where the Lord will take me. For now I am trying to find joy in my season right now and focusing on all the things that I am thankful for. There is much, praise the Lord. My thankful list is much longer than my griping list.

This week I will post pictures of the cruise and I will also be sharing some of my favorite recipes, including my bread recipe...mmm. We love making our home made bread and it turns out delicious every time. So check back. Blessings to you all.

Vacation

2010-03-04T21:27:00.002-07:00

Well, we are almost done packing and finishing up for our trip. We leave Saturday for Los Angeles, CA for our Mexican Riviera Cruise. We are so excited! I will have much to blog and many pictures when we arrive back in 8 days. Have a blessed time.

Sewing 101

2010-03-02T16:19:00.003-07:00

I LOVE sewing. I wish I could spend all day doing it, but unfortunately, life beckons me and I don't have as much time as I would like. However, as one seamstress want to be, I would like to share with you one of my secrets to sewing well. Besides actually sewing, but youtube.com. I will say that has been amazing. Type in what you are looking for and boom, there is a small video to show you how. I have been making the girls matching dresses for our upcoming cruise and I learned to gather stitch right there on the computer. I watched, when went out and did it and have mastered it. Amazing!! You can learn many different things on youtube.com. So besides wasting time watching silly videos, you can learn a new skill. I am all about the new skills. Especially if my husband and family benefit.

So as one mama at home to another mama, try it, you can learn so much and then teach your children. If you are careful enough you could even have your younger girls watch and it can be for home ec... The possibilities are endless.

Blessings.

Happy Birthday to My Husband!!

2010-03-01T17:16:00.003-07:00

My husband's birthday is tomorrow. I am posting today because we are also leaving for a cruise on Saturday morning. So packing for all 7 of us and still wanting to make 6 dresses, well, let me just say that we are busy. That doesn't even include school, chores, and laundry, oh and the last minute runs out and about.

So, for my husband on this grand day, I will enjoy the moments all a little more deeper. My heart has molded to his, and we are truly soul mates. Knowing what we are thinking and finishing each others sentences. Holding hands more, kissing more and hugging more. I couldn't imagine a better man being married to.

I am truly so blessed in so many ways, but most of all thankful to a man who persued me till no end, who never gave up on me, who loved me even when I was a mess, tattered and torn. Who loved me even when I felt, "who could love me." He waited patiently, loved me and renewed me. God knew from the beginning that he would be it for me. The man I am to spend the rest of my life with.

I would not have what I have today if it wasn't for the Lord and my husband's sweet obedience to just love me. He has let me flourish and shine, my creativity burst forth because of him. I am ever so thankful for the day that my husband was born, the day his story began.

To my beloved and cherished husband may this day be full of many blessings.

I LOVE YOU!

Mady J

2010-02-25T11:10:00.005-07:00

Mady J is #5, she is our 2nd reversal baby. Her middle name is Joy and it completely describes her. She fit right into our family from the start. This post is just a little dedication to my littlest one, who seems to be growing a little too fast for this mama.

Mady J doesn't crawl, but rolls. Don't feel sorry for her, she has the strongest abs I have ever seen in a baby.

Rolling some more. She just kicks her legs over and away she goes. And man is she fast!

That is the cutest little face, she makes me want to eat her up! Oh, I do. Lots of mommy coos and funny noises just so I can see the 2 teeth on the bottom. :) Definitely worth it, even if I do look like an idiot.

Isn't she precious, and yes those are 18 month old clothes on an 8 month old baby.

See those teeth! Do you see them?? They are the cutest thing. It just makes me smile and bring a tear to my eye as to how cute she is. Do you see that other chin...you kiss that and nibble on it and you will get the cutest belly laugh.

Going in for another roll. She was eyeing the camera and wanted it real bad. :) She wasn't too fast for this mama.

Whoever said children aren't a blessing didn't have any. Looking at this life makes my heart saddened for other little ones who are missing in this world because they were looked upon as a burden. But God is good and His plan is perfect. Enjoy the little ones, they do grow up to be 10. And that, my friends, is a whole other story.

Coffee

2010-02-25T10:29:00.003-07:00

One of my greatest weaknesses is when my husband has to get a green tea. Why you ask? Because that means we are going to Starbucks and though I don't live too far out in the boonies, it is enough that it would take me at least 45 minutes to get my delicious drink and come back home.

So, I love coffee. I love tea as well, however, I do love my coffee! One of my greatest vices. I can't give it up and I don't drink a lot, just enough. It is warm on a cold day, cold on a hot day. You can have it iced, sweet, with or without whip, you can have different flavors, and it is handy, because as we all know, Starbucks is like McDonald's on every corner.

Now one thing I do not like is black coffee. I like girly coffee, flavored, sweet and tan.

You see, Starbucks holds more than just my favorite coffee drink, it also holds a dear sweet memory of meeting my husband (before he was my husband) every morning before I went to work to have a drink and muffin. He sat there smelling so good, so sweet, his eyes bluer than the ocean. That is how he lured me, buying me a drink, not drinking anything, just sitting and staring.

And now we are absolutely in love, with 5 children, going on 8 years.

So if you are single, go to a Starbucks.

How to Homeschool?

2010-02-24T12:49:00.005-07:00

I think that sometimes as homeschool families people feel that you have it all together. Well, I am about to break that myth. My life is hardly put together. I fall apart at the seams, I get frustrated and angry, I even at times raise my voice. My kids make huge messes (especially as we are trying to walk out the door), they yell, are rude and sometimes I see absolutely no fruit in their lives. I get discouraged, feel alone, and wonder how to get it all done.

Then I snap out of my pity party, pray to God for his grace and help and away I go.

I struggle with trying to make learning fun. I want my days to be full of laughter and fun, but then it doesn't turn out that way and I feel like a failure.

Right now we are going through that struggle right now. SOS is a great learning tool. As a matter of fact I am quite amazed at my children's curriculum and how there is so much potential to really master thier subjects.

Do I believe that homeschooling should be fun, not all the time. My reasoning behind that is as adults, life isn't alway fun. My children must make the choice to learn and be joyful. There are many character qualities to be gained from overcoming something difficult and then succeeding at it. Life is full of suprises, but what is important to me is the heart at which they are to handle their suprises. I don't want grumbling and mumbling spirits, but one of joy and thankfulness.

Homeschooling isn't everyone's calling, I do believe that the Lord has us at different places to show His glory to everyone. But if you have been called it is truly one of the most rewarding and difficult tasks given to a daddy and mommy. I love it and wouldn't trade my life for anyone else's.

I don't have all the answers and I don't think that is a bad thing. But I do serve a God is who is awesome and all powerful, who is never too busy to hear me (but it is my job to cry out to Him), who works all things out for my good, and loves me so much.

God bless.

Just Fun

2010-02-22T17:16:00.003-07:00

Well, today was freezing cold and for Arizona, that is cold. It was cloudy, dark, and raining all day. I mean storming all day long. The rain never stopped till 5pm! So over the weekend I went out and purchased a memory disk reader so I can finally upload pictures!! Yeah!!

So here are a few from our cold, cloudy day.

3 of the 4 sisters. They sure do love each other. It is way too cute!

Here is our Madeline Joy. She has been just sitting up now for about a week. It has been fun to see her grow, but it has gone by way to fast. Here she is at 8 months old. She is so sweet and so cute.

These 2 play all day together. Running around playing with their scooters, bikes and babies. They are best friends. Even when D calls her "caca poopoo head" and Emma screams.

"Say cheese for mommy D." "CCCHHHHEEEESSSSEEE."

She is counting her stolen money. I caught her off guard with the sound of the camera and we were both laughing.

Children are a blessing. No matter how you look at it. In today's time, debt is a blessing and children are a curse. But how can it be that the more you have, the more love you have, the more everything you have. Good and bad. I am learning so much from my children. Mostly, the Lord graciously shows me how much I have yet to grow to be like Him.

I am so thankful for each precious moment, because they are fleeting.

I pray that each of you will also enjoy each precious moments with those the Lord has given you to surround yourself with.

Weekends

2010-02-19T13:27:00.004-07:00

The older I get and the larger our family gets I really appreciate and understand the importance of weekends. Planning things to do together as a family.

My husband has a job outside of his home. As much as I would love for him to work from home, the chances of that happening are pretty slim. So the time that he is home, he truly invests all his time into the children and when they go to bed, then to me. :)

Weekends used to be pretty haphazard, fly by the seat of our pants. But unfortunately that lent itself to really busy errands and the kids dissatisfied with their time with their daddy and mommy.

So, we have planned out weekends to do things as a family, something active, not always fun, maybe educational, working on school projects, gardening, going for a walk, or just kicking the ball around in the yard. But really making an attempt to not let things get in the way of our family time. Filling each child's tank the best that we can.

I know that there will be times this won't work, but for the most part it does. The kids love it, we feel knit together a little closer and life works.

I hope this might give you encouragement to plan things as a family and enjoy the sweet time of the weekends doing something you wouldn't normally do.

My Journey

2010-02-18T09:11:00.003-07:00

(www.fotovia.co.uk)

I saw this picture and it really spoke to my heart this morning. I am on a journey. The Lord is taking me on a journey of growing closer to becoming like Him. I am learning what it is to be Christ-like. It isn't easy. But change, for some reason is never easy.

This path symbolizes the beauty that awaits. The narrow road, the less chosen one. But all around me is the beauty of the Lord, my life.

The life of following Jesus is never easy, but I don't read anywhere in my Bible that it will be. But what I do read is that I have someone who loves me more and will be by my side no matter what. Someone who wants the best for me, so He prunes me and cleans me to make me more like Him.

I am excited for this journey, one I look forward to taking. I know the outcome will be great! So I wait patiently for my Lord to keep working in my heart. The eyes are the window to the soul. I want my eyes to be so bright that the whole world can see the Lord shining through.

This is my journey. What journey is the Lord leading you on? Are you listening? Are you being obedient?

Smile, someone Great truly loves you. We all have life to deal with, it is how we deal with life that reveals where our hearts are with our Lord. Can He be seen in you?

Fallen in Love Again

2010-02-17T14:02:00.003-07:00

Well, come April 14 I will have been married for 8 years and have 5 beautiful blessings. I am learning a lot about love and what it takes to make a marriage successful. We have had our ups and downs, but I will say that the ups far out weigh the downs. God has blessed me tremendously, even after a divorce.

I carried the guilt of my divorce for many years. I was ashamed. When some found out I was even chastised and some told me I would never enter the Kingdom of Heaven. My heart was so saddened by that thought. But the Lord spoke to me in a way that only He can and I am most certain of my salvation.

It seems that my binds of love have grown far wider, far deeper, far higher than I could have ever imagined. My heart has doubled for the man that sought me. I couldn't imagine a moment without him and we are glued at the hip, unless he has to go to work. We are a team, working together. It has been amazing.

What I am ever so thankful for is how God took a bad situation and worked it for His good. It is amazing to see how he works. My heart is over filled with gratitude.

Love is a give! I truly believe that in order to fully experience love is to never take, but to always give. Putting your partner first. Doing little things to make their day better, brighter, and to make them smile. Sacrificing self for them. Because the funny thing, is in doing that, their hearts do the same.

My relationship with my husband is priority to my children. Why you ask? Because it is the love that he and I have for each other that flows down to them. We are an example to them of what their furture marriages are to be like. I want nothing but the best for my children and strive for the best in my marriage.

As Valentine's Day has come and gone, and an anniversary fast approaching. My heart is swelling with the sweet and savory aroma of love. I am so thankful. May we all be thankful for the wonderful men in our lives and do all that we can to encourage them, love them and make them laugh.

School

2010-02-02T17:40:00.003-07:00

Well, we took an unusually long break from school while I revamped. The big switch was going to the computers. The kids are using Switched On Schoolhouse. They absolutely LOVE it! I believe that learning should be fun. It sparks curiosity, interest, and desire to keep on learning. It has been fun, but not without the trouble also. We had one computer that needed cleaning up, and in the midst of it all realized that our Mac would not be compatible without a lot of other software, so we bought a new computer. But now that most of the kinks are out, we are able to enjoy.

We completely changed our schedule and chores to allow more flexibility to our time. M, W, F are our main school times, that is 7 subjects on the computer and 2 workbooks to go through. Along with that, piano and chores. T, Th we made more of our fun/project times. So we do P.E and more character work on those days and sewing, baking, and Hunter has more building time in there. It has been nice. It gets everyone excited for something, which is awesome.

I love being able to homeschool because it allows me to revamp when needed and make sure everyone is getting what they need. But most of all, it helps me keep on track.

I am learning that as time goes, the most important thing in being a parent, is sacrificing your wants. There will be plenty of time for me, but to invest my time in them, while they are still here. Teaching them, loving them, growing them all for Christ. It is an amazing calling and one that I am learning takes a lot of effort on my part, but most of all a lot of my time spent on my knees. I am so thankful.

I pray that all of you are doing well. Sorry for no pictures as I still can't find my cord. I am ripping out carpet tomorrow and putting in wood floors. Perhaps I will find my cord so that I can post some pics. It should be interesting. :)

Pictures from Christ Led Family

2010-01-22T16:45:00.003-07:00

As I said before I really admire the Maxwell family and all their sacrifices they have made for their family. It was truly an amazing experience to hear them speak again. After the Saturday sessions we took the Maxwell family out to Sweet Tomato's. Luckily for us, it was one of their favorite places to eat.

Mrs. Maxwell and I with Mady.

Bret and I helping with packing up. He just makes me laugh, I feel so blessed to have such an amazing man in my life.

One of the sessions was for the younger children learning to make balloon animals for evangelism. We bought 2 packs of balloons and 3 pumps. Needless to say, I have balloons everywhere.

I realize how important it is to stay encouraged, but most importantly how much my life depends on my Jesus. My precious quiet time with him in planning, discipline, training, and everyday walk. It isn't the easy road that we took, but one of struggles. This family has been through it all and shares openly of the how and why's of their decision. I really appreciate that. I am not perfect and I don't desire to see perfection, I want to see reality and transparency. You get that with this family.

You can visit their site at http://www.titus2.com/ for more info on their books and CD's. You will not be disappointed.

On a side note, Sunday evening I fainted and hit my head on the door frame of our bathroom. I was taken by ambulance to the ER where I was found to be just fine. I opted for butterfly sutures instead of stitches, because having 5 kids is easier than having a wound cleaned out. Being the big wimp that I am. :)

Life has been good as we rearrange our furniture, again, because life isn't exciting enough. I have taken to making our own bread, rolls and bagels, and they have been a huge hit. I will post the recipes here in the next couple of days.

It is cold and rainy for a first in a long time and I pray it won't be the last till spring. But who knows. I do know that I am enjoying each precious moment of winter because it ends way too fast.

I pray you all have a precious weekend. I will post again real soon.

A Christ Led Family Conference

2010-01-16T07:41:00.003-07:00

A family that I truly admire is the Maxwell family. They have a site http://www.titus2.com/. They have a wonderful ministry of encouraging families as they walk their walk with the Lord and home schooling. I LOVE them!

I invited them back along with our home school group to a conference this weekend. Last night was their music and testimony night and today, a day full of encouraging sessions. The best part is that it is all FREE!

If you ever get a chance to hear them speak or are able to host a conference, please do, you will not regret it at all.

The one thing I really admire about the family is that their goal is to show how God has worked through their lives. With anger, depression, etc., they show you what God has done to get them where they are now. They give all the glory to God. They are not perfect, though it may appear so on the outside, but their lives were truly transformed.

Well, it is almost 8:00am and I still have some getting ready to do before we leave for the church. I hope you all have a blessed weekend.

Oh, and don't forget to have the peace of the Lord, resting in Him.

Starting Over

2010-01-14T16:56:00.003-07:00

Have you ever messed up, realized it, sulked over it, and then tried to start over. To me right now that is my parenting journey. Life hasn't been easy. Dealing with Hunter going back and forth between two homes has never been my ideal, and it hasn't been easy. Dealing with other adults who communicate differently and even worship differently.

I am learning a lot about the person I have become and the many changes I need to make, to be there for my kids, to have their hearts. It won't be an easy journey, changing 33 years of me, but I believe that my motivation is great and my God is greater.

You see, I have never been a play, fun mom. I have a lot of work to do. Character training, discipline, cleaning, cooking, changing diapers, schooling, etc. So fun isn't always my priority. Do we laugh and such, but mom isn't always involved. The kids always have fun things to do. But now I am learning that I need to change myself to gain their hearts and keep their hearts. For my happiness and for their souls. Being a mom is hard work, home schooling is hard work. So I am going to change.

So today to start, we went for a walk, we made peanut butter playdough and laughed. I didn't make a big fuss over the little things, I let them go and smiled when discipline needed to happen. It will always be baby steps right now as I retrain myself. I will keep you updated as I go. May you be encouraged to make changes where you need. :)