Heart's Home

Things of Heaven

2010-04-14T14:56:00.003-04:00

Hannah has been talking of Heaven again of late. She wants to know everything-including whether or not Jesus will wear underwear. mmhmm, yep. I told you she wants to know everything!

She wants to know what to do with her baby dolls when we go to heaven-where will they sleep? She wants to know where she will sleep. She's decided on a soft bed of rose petals. Sounds delightful!

She wants to know what she will play with? I described all the wonderful animals to play with and the gorgeous and colorful rocks, the trees to climb, and the flying we'll be able to do. I told her I'd like to sit on a cloud and feel the cottony softness of it. I mentioned swimming with the dolphins and riding on a giraffe. She thought it sounded wonderful-When will we go?! She queried? Soon, I hope, Was my response!

What will we eat there? All sorts of wonderful things! I began to describe how huge just ONE grape will be and her eyes got big with wonder and excitement. Well, where will we eat at heaven? At a big huge table that goes on and on and on, I said.

What will happen to kitty cat Chloe when we go to heaven? Will she be there? Sure! why not! ;)

Who will be there? Everyone who loves Jesus with all of their hearts and follows what He says.

Well, I want to color Jesus a picture at Heaven. How will I be able to do that? I told her that God has the best set of paints ever up there and all sorts of wonderful coloring things and the neatest paper to use. She was quite excited.

I then told her that when we got to Heaven, Jesus would give her a new name. Her eyes got big-what will it be?! I don't know, I said! We'll have to wait and see!

Hmm... what WILL heaven be like?! I can't wait to find out! :)

"A 'Tirt' like You

2010-04-14T14:51:00.003-04:00

Hannah wants to be big like mommy. She wants to wear what mommy wears. Hannah has a closet full of sweet little dresses, but does she want to wear them? no way! She wants to wear a "tirt" like me. (please interpret "tirt" as skirt!! ;) So, I dug out some skirts of mine that I had had for a very long time and decided to cut them down to her size, cinch in the elastic waist a bit and, voila-a skirt like me for my little gal. :) Here's one of them that I did. Hannah was absolutely elated. She kept hugging and hugging me, so excited was she! Here she is, watering her flowers (in hand)

Lucky Day?

2010-04-14T14:49:00.001-04:00

It may not be St. Patrick's Day, and it may not be a 4-leafer, but is this clover cluster BIG, or what?! I don't think the picture does it justice!

My How You've Grown!

2010-04-14T14:48:00.000-04:00

Quack Quack!

Does This Look Nice, Mommy?

2010-04-14T14:42:00.002-04:00

Hannah always has a real predicament as to what to wear each morning. It must be a girl thing, huh? So the other morning as I'm in Nathan's room dressing him, in walks Hannah, donned in this lovely Indian garb- "Does this look nice, Mommy", she ask's... I told her to pet the horsey and I'd grab my camera. Priceless. Yep. that's my girl!

Menu Planning Monday

2010-04-12T10:40:00.002-04:00

Tuesday: Thick Onion Soup, Roasted Vegetables on English Muffins

Wednesday: Baked Fennel and Greek Baked Fish Fillets (just for hubby)

Thursday: Chow Mein Stir Fry

Friday: Homemade Gluten, Baked Potato w/Broccoli and Cheese

Sabbath: Chili and Mexi Cornbread

Incidentals: Hummus, Crackers, Muffins, Cheese Cubes, Homemade Veggie Tray, Homemade Fruit Tray.

Breakfasts: Eggs and Toast, Oatmeal, Yogurt Smoothies and Toast, Cold Cereal, Crockpot Cereal

Bye-Bye Binkie

2010-04-11T20:45:00.002-04:00

So, here's the saga of "bye-bye Binkie."

It was a lovely Sabbath afternoon, we took a walk along a peaceful woodland trail along with our Pastor and his family. It was a pleasant time and oh so nice to be out in God's creation, enjoying the things of Him.

We neared the end of our walk and stopped on a bridge that crossed a beautiful babbling stream. Nathan was so intrigued with the water and stared at it longingly. He kept dangling his pacifier out over the water as if he was going to throw it in. I told him that if he threw it in, it would be gone, and he'd quickly pull his little hand back.

But then-suddenly-he made a decision he would regret for, well.... we're not sure how long quite yet! He tossed that little red and white binkie right into the water. I quickly told him to wave "goodbye" because it was soon to be lost from his sight forever. He waved and waved his sweet little hands as he watched his beloved friend bob up and down on the bubbling water and drift further and further from where he was watching. As the realization of what was happening sunk into his poor little self, he hurried from the bridge and down to the creek bank, and his lower lip began to quiver. Such a sad sight!

I explained to him that we couldn't get his paci back. He had thrown it into the creek and it was gone. He didn't want to leave the mournful place. He sobbed all the way up the green grassy hill to the car. Such a pitiful little man.

He bore his grief quite well as we drove home. He munched on some crackers and drank some juice to ease his hunger pains from his workout walk. Once home, mommy quickly scoured the house in search of any remaining pacifier's. We knew it was time to make the Binkie-Break. Nathan settled onto the couch with a bowl of Popcorn and watched Tiny Tots on 3abn to sooth his troubled soul. Popcorn and couch time always makes things better, right? ;) He looked so depressed! But I have a feeling he was probably more tired out than depressed, but who knows what is going on through an almost 2 yr old's mind?!

Soon it was bedtime and we followed our typical routine. But when it came time to go to Nathan's room, he kept pulling on my hands and walking all over the living room, like he was looking for something. He searched in a laundry basket, and kept looking. I knew it was time to explain a bit more. So I took him to his room with his cup of milk and I told him to look at Mama. I told him that he had thrown his Paci in the water and it had floated away. He nodded his head solemnly. I told him that now his paci was gone and he didn't have it any more. He looked sad. I then told him what a big boy he was now and that he didn't need his Paci any more now. I told him how Hannah used to have a paci too-he nodded his head knowledgeably- I told him how Hannah had gotten rid of her paci when she was his age and how she didn't need a paci any more. He nodded his head. I said, now Nate is a big boy! And he can sleep without a paci too! He nodded his head and we said our usual goodnight prayers and I laid him in his crib for night night. I didn't hear a peep out of him for the remainder of the night. It was almost worrisome!

He did really well all the next day. Was a little uncertain at nap time, but then slept for a little over an hour-not quite as long as usual, but it could have been due in part to waking and not being able to get back to sleep.

He also went to sleep tonight quite well. I was very pleased. He drank his warm milk, we said his prayers and then he pointed to his crib. I laid him inside and he was very quiet. I think it's such a different concept to him to fall asleep without the soothing suck of the paci. About 5 minutes later he began to cry and did so for about 5 minutes and then he was quiet and went to sleep. So, hopefully he'll sleep soundly throughout the night yet again!

Praise the Lord for his power. He answer's prayers.

I had been wondering and praying when to make this break and I guess Nate made that decision for me. I had been planning to introduce "big boy undies" and the potty chair this week, but I guess we'll just stick to this step for now. It's a big one. It's hard on a mommy to have her "baby" grow up. And yet, I know I have another one on the way and that this little man needs to make a few strides-like giving up the paci and beginning to potty train.

So, there's the story-bye bye Binkie- Hope your journeys are pleasant. :)

Satan's Plan

2010-04-09T15:31:00.001-04:00

Satan called a world-wide meeting. The huge crowd hushed as he stepped up to speak. "We can't keep the Christians from going to church. We can't keep them from reading their Bibles and knowing the truth. We can't keep them from conservative values, but we can do something else." He paused. Everyone listened with batted breath...

"We can keep them from forming an intimate abiding experience in Christ. If they gain that connection with Jesus, our power over them is broken. So let them go to church, let them have their conservative lifestyles, but steal their time so they can't gain that experience in Jesus Christ. This is what I want you to do. Distract them from gaining hold of their Savior and maintaining a vital connection through their day!"

"How shall we do this?" shouted the evil angels. "Simple!" Satan replied. "It's soooo simple. Keep them busy, busy, busy, busy....busy in the nonessentials of life and invent un-numbered schemes to occupy their minds." he paused as he looked over the assembly.

"Tempt them to spend and spend, then borrow and borrow. Keep them from their children. Convince the wives to go to work and the husbands to work six and seven days a week, 10-12 hours a day, so they can constantly struggle to keep up with the 'Jones' and live a fast paced sensory-overloaded lifestyle. Then tell them that they are doing it FOR their children. Hah! That one works well. As their family fragments, soon their homes won't offer an escape from the pressures of work, and they will grope for more and more things to fill their lives.

"Continue to overstimulate their minds so that they cannot hear the 'still small voice' that God speaks in. Entice them to play the radio or DVD player whenever they drive. Entice them to keep the TV, DVD's, MP3's, iPods, cell phones, text messages, computers, YouTubes, twitter's, Facebooks, music, game shows and noise constantly going in their homes. Do not let them rest from this day or night. This will jam their minds and break that union with Christ.

"Fill their homes with magazines and newspapers. Pound their minds with the news 24 hours a day. Invade their driving moments with billboards. Flood their mailboxes with junk mail, sweepstakes, mail order catalogues, and every kind of newsletter and promotional offering free services, products, gimmicks and many other false hopes.

The evil angels smiled with glee. "Oh boy, this is gonna be fun!"

Satan continued. "Even in their recreation and time off, let them be excessive and consumed with the superficial. Have them return from their recreation at the theme park, the ball game, the mall, the concerts, the movies, the vacations on fancy cruises....or wherever they like to go, let them go, but make them come home exhausted, disquieted and unconnected with God, unprepared for another week. Don't let them go out and enjoy the simple things of nature. Make sure they stay in the fast lane, at amusement parks, sporting events, concerts, movies, or hanging out with others worshiping the idol of materialism at malls and shopping centers. Make them proud of their lifestyles, that are just different enough from the world to look "better" - but of course, we know "better is not the best." As long as they keep disillusioned that they are one step ahead of worldings...we still have them trapped.

"When they meet for spiritual fellowship, involve them in gossip and small talk, so that they leave with troubled consciences and unsettled emotions. Don't let them encourage or uplift each other up. Keep those who are gifted encouragers, especially busy and worn out. Keep them like the 'Martha' of old, constantly rushing hurriedly about.

"Above all, when these so-called Christians get together, keep them from praying for one another. Let them be involved in soul winning. But crowd their lives with so many good causes that have no time to seek power from Christ. Make them proud of their accomplishments and boastful of their offerings and good deeds. Soon they will be working in their own strength, sacrificing their health and family unity for the good of the cause. And eventually, they will collapse, wither and die...and our mission will be accomplished."

The meeting was quite a gathering. And everyone talked excitedly about what they were going to do. Soon they set off eagerly to their assignments of trying to distract the world and keep the Christians too busy, busy, busy to know the Lord. Amazingly, they discovered...their task was easier than they expected!

*Original Author Unknown - some relevant details have been added and expanded from the original.

3 Year Old's

2010-04-09T15:03:00.002-04:00

3 year old's amaze me. Especially MY three year old! haha! The things she comes up with to say and do both make me laugh, roll my eyes, sigh and even gasp.
Hannah loves to incorporate things she's heard into her every day conversation. It may not always be used in the correct sense, but she's willing to try it out.
The other day she hopped on her bike and told Nate to hop on the back-they were going to Mordecai's house. Too funny! I guess she liked the interesting sound of Queen Esther's cousin's name!
For a while she went around calling Nathan "King Ahab." He didn't seem to like that too well.
Lately she's been calling me- "You big man." I keep correcting her. Telling her, I am in no way a man!
Today at the lunch table, Nathan was being a bit of a rascal with his food. Hannah looked at him and point blank called him a Terd! Oh my goodness! I about fell over. "Hannah! where on earth did you hear that word?!"(I don't recall ever using it!) "I don't know, she honestly replied." I told her in no way shape or form was she to call her brother that-it was not nice at all!
Then yesterday, she hauled off and yanked Nate's hair-big time. I told her that was unallowable and gave her a swat. She ran off into the bathroom and slammed the door to have herself a good cry. She didn't want me to come in. Told me-"I want to be by myself." and then wailed a bit more. Oh dear- she's not even 13 yet!!
A big thing lately to say is "I don't like you." or "I don't love you." and then she laughs. It's as if she's trying everything out, to see what the reaction is going to be. Of course, a few moments later, she's hugging you and telling you- I LOVE you, mommy."
She says lots of funny, nonsensical things too-Like "eat my nose!" (followed by a lot of laughter)
Yesterday she was holding her sippy cup up to her bottom side, giggeling and saying that "her hiney needed a drink." hmm... major roll of eyes. LOL!
She's started to "read" stories to Nate-his newest pass time is to climb onto the couch with a few good picture books and look at them.
Of course both kids want the same things at the same time and must have all of mommy's attention at the same time and even have to go through the door at the same time-we've had a few bumps this way-both trying to both squeeze through at the same time.
Yeah, like is far from dull. It's more like Mama holding on for dear life to stay on top of the surface and figure out the correct response for what's coming at her next!
I wonder what she will say/do next?! Yikes!

A Blessed Weekend

2010-04-06T14:13:00.002-04:00

This past weekend was lovely in every way. Not only was the weather perfect-sunny, warm and flowery, but my dear friend Heather and her hubby, David came to visit us! The weekend flew by way too quickly. They arrived on Friday evening after an eventful day of fighting Easter weekend traffic. (Going on 4 years married)
On Sabbath, after church and a yummy Lasagna dinner, we took a great hike at Panther Creek State Park. It was a mile and a half-uphill and then downhill. I suppose with the little ones we ought to have checked the trail marker ahead of time! If we had done so, we would have noticed that the trail was marked as Moderately Strenuous! Hannah was a TROOPER though-she hiked the entire trail with a pause halfway for a pick-me-up snack. Nathan also did great!

After we got home from the hike we decided to see how the duck's took to the water! Ha-ha! It was pretty funny. At first they didn't know what to do with it, but gradually they calmed down and really seemed to enjoy themselves, dunking their heads in and out and splashing around.

Sunday morning, Heather arranged an Easter Egg hunt for the kids. David and Mike hid the eggs all over the yard and porch and the kids had an absolute blast finding the hidden eggs!

Then we did a couple's photo shoot in our front yard-had to take advantage of these awesome pear tree blossoms!
Afterwards, Heather and I started on making potato salad, mock chicken loaf and a veggie tray for our picnic. Meanwhile, the men daydreamed in the living room about buying million dollar ranches out in Austin, TX. They got the computer out and searched for a cool spread. Let me tell you, they found plenty of amazing places, but we couldn't touch them with a ten foot pole they were so pricey. But hey, it's fun to dream, right? :)

After our picnic we went to Bass Pro and browsed the place. It's a fun place to go and the kids enjoyed seeing all the fish and animals (taxodermy). They had a fun target practise place upstairs where you can practise "shooting" at targets. Hannah wanted to try her hand at it. Boy, that girl is trigger happy! We're going to have to train her in a little rifle etiquette let me tell you! We ended the day by putting the kids to bed and playing a good game of Imagine If-with popcorn and Virgin (of course) Pina Colada's all around. :)

*Sniff sniff* goodbye Heather.... maybe I'll get to see you again this summer. (I hope!)

Back to the daily grind and reality. But somehow, the fact that it's spring and beautiful weather... it helps you get through these dissapointing moments... ;)

Hope you all had as good a weekend as I did!

Loving Spring!

2010-04-01T15:40:00.004-04:00

I'm feelin' spring in the air and boy does it feel good! As you could see from a few posts back, the past 10 days have been full and busy. My body is telling me it's time to slow down. My nausea has been returning, as is the sensitivity to smells, and overall just having a rough time all week. I know it is in part due to the fact that I've been trying to do so much and haven't been pacing myself a bit slower. I have the energy for the most part, but I still have to remember that my body is carrying another life inside as well as caring for two little lives on the outside and trying to keep up with everything-including nourishing meals for all! So, after catching up on dishes and starting the laundry, the kids and I headed outside to enjoy the sunshine, fresh air and WARM weather. I spread a blanket out on the ground and we relaxed while doing a little snacking. ;) Kids are all about snacks, right? Well, see, it was almost lunch time, but I wasn't feeling well enough to actually FIX lunch, so, we snacked a bit, til daddy got home and was able to help out in getting a meal on the table. By that time I felt a bit better as well. Take a look below at my sweet babies and the flowering going on around here! Gotta love springtime! It's the BEST! Look at the faces of happiness and joy! They love springtime too!
Yum! Pure, fresh water and cheerios-life is good. ;)

My sweet potato. The best little boy ever!

The pear tree blossoms are popping!

2 little babies. Oh so sweet! Love 'em!

Daffodils

Dancing in the Rain

2010-04-01T15:34:00.003-04:00

Every kid has got to try dancing in the rain at least once in their life, right? With so much rain last week, I thought the kidlets needed some fresh air and a good romp in the raindrops would be "good" for them. Hmm... they aren't looking too sure about that right here, are they? Hehe! Getting a bit more into it now-look at that!

Nate got into the "dancing" a bit more than he counterpart. Hannah wasn't so sure about this getting wet thing!

Mission: Organize!

2010-03-31T15:08:00.004-04:00

What a busy couple of weeks!!
I've been power cleaning the house. One room at a time. One section at a time. It's hard work! We're planning a yard sale in a few weeks, so everything I find that I don't want or need anymore, I am putting onto tables that I have set up in the garage.
I semi-started with the Kitchen. I went through all of the kitchen cabinets (all the ones with dishes that is) and purged everything that we didn't need anymore. I still need to get back to the kitchen and work on the food cabinets-organizing and throwing away as necissary.
From there I moved on to the Master Bedroom. Whewwwwy! Both Mike's and my desks were a mess of papers and junk. At least it sure seemed that way. After having cleared off his dresser top, my desk (including drawers) and his desk, I had 2 garbage bags chuck full of trash. That felt great! I also went through my bookshelf and re-organized my books according to category and put some in a pile that I will add to my Paperbackswap account. Still others I placed in my nightstand and I hope to get them read over the process of time! SO! My room looks much better. Still need to get through my bathroom closet though. And the master closet. Mike and I are wanting to put up some shelving in there so that we can put at least his clothes on shelving in baskets instead of a dresser.
Today I worked hard on Hannah's room. My mom had done a great job getting alot done and unpacked in her room while she was here, but I still hadn't fine tuned it yet. So this morning was the time. I ran up to the dollar store and got a few containers to help organize and we were off to our start. I went through her cluttered bookshelf and rearranged books. Some of which I put into little baskets-such as the smaller "Happy Day" books and her Sabbath School lesson books. All in all, by the time we were through in Hannah's room, we had a 1/2 bag full of trash and 1 bag full of yard sale stuff. Her room looks so clean and inviting now!
Shortly after we arrived home, Mike and I (mostly Mike) tackled our garage. It was a complete MESS. Before we had left for Florida, we had 3 litters of puppies in cages in there. So, yeah. Imagine that will you! Of course we had sprayed and cloroxed the floor off before we left, but it wasn't all that well and the garage did NOT smell too good when we arrived home! Mike pressure washed the whole floor with Clorox and then painted it. So it was nice and clean looking! Then we got 2 more shelving units and went to work reorganizing everything. It looks so much better and we purged a lot of stuff for our impending yard sale as well.
So, as you can see-lots of organization going on around here!
In between all of this, there has been the usual laundry, never ending dishes, trying to keep meals on the table, keep the kids occupied and happy, and baby kittens being born and baby duckies growing like a WEED! It's been fun. Fun and busy.
Today is absolutely gorgeous. Mike is mowing our yard for the first time and we just got a load of gravel spread out over our horrendous driveway (so much better now!) The Bradford pear trees look like their blossoms will pop this weekend, daffodils are blooming and so is the forsythia! All the beautiful flowering trees in town are blooming and oh so pretty. I LOVE spring!

No More Buying Water for Me

2010-03-25T14:23:00.002-04:00

(Photo from clip art)

Isn't it pretty? No more monthly water bills! No more jugs! We have a Berkey Water Filter! I found mine for a really good price on Amazon.com. Now we can filter our well water into drinkable, pure water for our family. It tastes delicious.
The fun thing about this water filter is that it is used over in foreign countries to make impure water pure. It uses no electricity, so I could take it anywhere and be guaranteed pure, drinkable water. I'd love to taste what our spring water tastes like run through this filter.

Helped!

2010-03-22T15:06:00.002-04:00

Mom arrived Wednesday evening and set to work right away at helping me out. What a help she proved to be too! She did everything from vacuuming the floors, washing windows, mopping, laundry, sorting toys, picking up sticks and leaves from the yard, scrubbing bathrooms, bathing the children and so much more. I think I'd still be turning in circles wondering where to start if she hadn't have come to my rescue! haha! I am beginning to feel more settled, though not completely. But it's getting there!
The toys have been moved from being scattered here and there throughout the house to having a specific room where they are kept. Mom got them all moved in to the room and I worked on organizing them all into proper drawers and spaces. I still have some work to do on some puzzles and a few toys in Hannah's room yet, but it's minimal.
I sorted through all of Hannah and Nathan's clothing, weeding through all the clothes that no longer fit. Hannah's dresser especially looks world's better.
I also sorted through my clothing and put my "small" clothes into a rubbermaid bin awaiting a thinner season of life *wink* and got out my "big" clothes to replace them all. So now, what's in my dresser and closet fits me! Haha!
I can see the light at the end of the tunnel! It feels good. And it feels fantabulous to be home again!

The Power of Spoken Blessings

2010-03-22T15:04:00.002-04:00

I read this article in the Forever a Family newsletter that is published quarterly by Restoration International Ministries. I was really blessed and inspired by it and thought you might be too!

THE POWER OF SPOKEN BLESSINGS

Recently, I left my children
in the car to run a quick
errand at the hardware store.
As I came out of the store,
I heard discordant sounds
coming from the direction of
the vehicle. I looked around to see where the
noise was coming from, but as I approached the
open door, it was obvious that it was coming
from my children – all four of them! My first
instinct was to lecture them on their behavior,
determine who started it, and dictate the correction.
God then brought to my mind the concept
we had just been learning about verbal blessings.
When compared with the outcome of my
old way of handling these types of situations,
and having arguing and chaos over who started
the problem, a verbal blessing seemed in order.
I stuck my head in the side door and said, “God
bless them all with a spirit of peacefulness and
help them be peacemakers.” My children all
just looked at me, sat properly in their seats, and
put their seatbelts on. I don’t know what was
going through their minds, but we had a peaceful
ride home and a blessed evening.
As soon as you speak the
blessing, God will give the enabling
power to develop these
qualities. This is far better than
being a doctor with the ability to
hand out prescriptions! As I took
my seat in the car, I noticed I was calm. The children
were calm. This exercise had freed us all
from the emotional damage that could have resulted
from handling the situation my old way.
As I have spoken blessings to my children I
have seen weak areas transformed into positive
character traits. Conversely, repeated negative
words create negative thoughts in our children,
which in turn lead to negative actions. If I continually
tell my daughter that she is lazy she
will eventually accept this image of herself and
develop lazy habits. However, if I ask God to
bless her with the desire and ability to get things
done, and I remind her that God is giving her
these attributes, she is given the grace to develop
this aspect of her character.

~Brenda Kaneshiro lives with her husband
and four children in HI. She homeschools
the children and helps with the
family's commercial honey business.

Appalachian Dulcimer

2010-03-21T17:40:00.002-04:00

This is my newly aquired Instrument-an Appalachian or Mountain Dulcimer. I'm going to learn how to play it! I can harldy wait to start! Isn't it beautiful?! I found it off Craigslist. It's only been used twice and it's in beautiful condition. Great price too! I'm excited!

Touches of Spring

2010-03-21T17:36:00.003-04:00

I took a moment to put around a few touches of spring in my house. When I came home from Florida all my fall decorations were still out and around the house! It's nice to see "Spring."

Look What My Honey Brought Home!!!

2010-03-19T20:13:00.002-04:00

Baby Ducks! Aren't they adorable?!
He couldn't resist them, they are just SO super cute

Nathan was SO excited.

Hannah says "I LOVE them"

HOME

2010-03-17T15:32:00.002-04:00

Home again and thoroughly exhausted. We spent our last evening in Florida diligently packing and loading everything onto the trailer. Then, after the kids were in bed, Mike and I made a grocery store run to get some "grub" for the trip home. Finally, at 11:00 pm we crashed into bed and were up again at 5:30 a.m. (the NEW time-so we were extra tired.) Showered, and loaded all the last minute things in (which seems to always take forever and be so very plentiful) woke the kids up and got them dressed and ready and we hit the road at about 8:15. The trip went well-even though we did hit Atlanta right at 5:00 rush hour. We kept moving along pretty well. Traffic was pretty heavy the whole way home though. Mid trip, Hannah didn't care what home we were at, just so long as it was a home! She just wanted to get out and "run around and get some exercise." We got home about 9:30 pm and then of course had to check everything out around the place. Mike went through the house with a flashlight to turn the power back on and checked out all the closets and under the beds for possible intruders (*smile*) and then we got all the necessities into the house, got the kids (who were by now, sleeping) in and changed into jammies and then they crashed on our bed while we finished up a few things. Transferred Hannah to a bed on our floor for the night and Nate into his crib, moved into our room for the night. Keep 'em close the first night, ya know? Next morning the kids were up at the crack of dawn-like.... 5:30 again. YIKES. I was sooo tired! We had no water as our main water source had busted through the cold winter. So Mike had to fix that, but first he had to get to all his tools (some of which were loaded on the trailer.) By mid morning or so, we had water going in the house-I was so glad! All my canning jars had remained unbroken, thankfully. However, our large deep freeze did NOT fair so well. Something went out in it and we lost alllllll our wonderful food that we had worked so hard to put up all summer and fall. SO depressing! All our blueberries and blackberries-and remember that 10 dozen ears of corn I put up this fall? All gross and rotten. Lots of other things as well. Really sad. Anyways... moving on....
Mike's brothers came over later on and helped Mike unload the trailer of all our belongings and thus the house began to fill up and look a mess. Too bad! haha!
At 12:30, my friend, Ashney came by with all sorts of wonderful food for us! A big meal of stuffed peppers, vegan mac n cheese, a salad, spring rolls for the freezer (homemade) homemade spaghetti sauce and spaghetti, home canned greenbeans, and a bunch of other stuff. It was SO sweet of her! And tasted soooo delicious. We gobbled it right up. :)
I kept plugging away at the unpacking in the kitchen and in Hannah's room and Mike's mom came over to play with the kids and give them their Christmas presents (late) to play with. They had a blast with that. About 2 I put the kids down for a nap and then laid down myself. So tired.
Today was a big rush as well. We had errands to run first thing in the morning, a Sam's Club trip to make to stock up on necessities and stuff like that. Came home, got some lunch and put the kids down for naps. I am too tired to move! So, I guess I'll rest a little while too. My mom is almost here from Missouri. She's coming to help me for a few days to get unpacked, floors mopped, bathrooms scrubbed-all sorts of stuff. I am so thankful for that, because it looks very overwhelming to me right now. Thanks mom!
Anyways... I'm gonna go. Looking forward to posting more sane blogs in the future. Haha! I have a few fun things to blog about. Just not much time or energy to do it at the moment! :)

Organization Tips

2010-03-13T15:45:00.002-05:00

Here's a great link on Organization in the Home!
I'm looking forward to trying out several of the tips mentioned here. Especially the ones on including the children.
I have bought a set of nice looking hard plastic plates, bowls and cups for the kids to be able to set the table with. I will use these during the weekdays and then the kids can both set the table and empty the dishwasher. They love to help with both of these things and this way, I know that the plates aren't going to break like glass would on my tile floors!
I want to get some child size brooms so the kids can help sweep the floor, and perhaps a child's size vacuum so they can "help" vacuum when I do.
I like the idea of the dirty and clean clothes baskets in each child's room as well.
I also like the idea of the quick pick-up around the house with consequences if it's not picked up. (taking a toy away and earning it back)
I can hardly wait to get back home and start implementing all my ideas that have been accruing over the winter months!

Conversation between Hannah and Nathan

2010-03-13T14:58:00.002-05:00

Hannah: Nate-do you have Jesus in your heart?

Nate: Emphatically shakes head "NO."

Hannah: Mommy! He says he doesn't have Jesus in his heart!

Hannah: Nate? Do I have Jesus in MY heart?

Nate: Emphatically shakes head "No."

Hannah: Mommy!!!!! He says I don't have Jesus in my heart!

Hannah: Nate! I DO have Jesus in my heart!

Nate: Shakes his head no and hits Hannah

Hannah: MOmmy!!!! He HIT me! He doesn't have Jesus in his heart but I do! He needs to go to his bed!

At this point mommy steps in to settle the squabble....

Ahh.... life with kids. The things they argue over!

Judge Not

2010-03-11T16:19:00.003-05:00

So many times we are far too quick to judge others.

Someone might looks at a picture and right off the bat, judges by appearance and what they see. They don't know the whole story. They don't know what is in that person's heart. All they know is that they don't agree with something or they feel that something isn't right in their eyes (or in God's) and they judge.

Who are we to judge? God says clearly: Judge not that ye be not judged. We also know that there will be many people standing before the throne in the end of time whom we personally didn't think should be there-just by judging... you know?
The Bible says to love each other. To rejoice in each other's joys and speak only soft words, seasoned with salt. How many times have we chased a soul away from the truth, by pointing out their errors to them or behind their backs?
This topic has been weighing heavily upon me lately as I hear this happening so often around me. There are many topics to judge upon too. Such as; Dress and modesty, jewelry, diet, the way we choose to raise our children, entertainment, the church we attend and what we believe, attitude, music, reading selections, even the way we keep our houses- and the list can go on and on and on. We judge about everything we can think of. Somehow maybe it makes us feel better? More righteous? I don't know! But it has to stop. Why can't we, when speaking of someone else, choose to dwell only on their good points? Why can't we leave it at that? Everyone is at a different place in their spiritual journey. What's right for you, may not be right for them-ever! (or at that specific time)
Now, there is a time to speak. And that is directly to the person it concerns, and only if you know they are struggeling with a certain issue and would value your advise. Otherwise, leave it be and love that person for who they are and not what you think they should be.
I've been judged a-plenty. I know what it feels like. And I've judged before too. I plan to put a stop to it. It's too easy to gossip and judge about another person. I have no right to do this and neither do you! Let's stop today and lift each other up! We all know this world is a rough place to live in and some of us struggle more than others. So let's pray for each other. If you know your brother or sister is struggeling with an issue-pray for them! Don't blab it to the world! Let's start today and make that each of our resolutions-Judge not. :)
Hope I didn't offend anyone today! But I really wanted to share this. It's a heavy topic, but it's an important one and one that was on my heart today. Thank's all!

A Sunny Day and a Trip to the Beach

2010-03-11T09:46:00.003-05:00

Finally a hot sunny day here in florida! It's about time! We took advantage of it and went to the beach! The main beach was packed with people (it's spring break for the colleges down here) We drove waaaaay down the beach and ended up paying to park! But, we got a quieter area of beach and a lovely several hours of relaxation in the sun. We paid for it dearly with some lovely sunburns. But I still think it was worth it! Afterwards we went to eat at Sweet Tomatoes and filled up with salads and breads. Sooo yummy. Love that place! Here's a few snapshots from the day. :)

Sometimes Ya Just Gotta Go

2010-03-10T09:32:00.000-05:00

The Countdown!

2010-03-09T14:41:00.002-05:00

The countdown is on! It's finally come! Now that the time has arrived and I can see the end in sight, the time is moving rapidly and I'm trying to get it all done in time! :) Yep! We're headed back to Tennessee on Monday or Tuesday! I am so excited to be going HOME. We are all healthy and well-finally. I have never seen a sickness hang around like this one did. Now we're knee deep in packing and preparing. I've been filling large rubbermaid's with our belonging's. Three filled so far. Trying to pack everything possible, and yet still leave out the necessities of life.
I had Mike pick up the couches in the living room so the children could get their toys out from underneath. Haha! Amazing what collects underneath a couch during a 4 month duration! Also had him pick up Hannah's mattresses so she could get some toys and junk out from underneath the bed! We got all of that taken care of and now I'll have to collect my non-perishable food items from the kitchen. There isn't a lot of that, but I do need it for when we get home to a nearly empty kitchen and a completely empty fridge! A friend of mine from home is GRACIOUSLY and wonderfully making a nice menu and grocery list for us so when I get back home.... all I have to do is follow it. I am so excited! This really takes a load off my shoulders. I don't have to THINK about what to make and what to buy-I can just follow the list/menu. AMEN sister! Thank you so much Ashney!!! *BIG smiles*
All in all, the wrapping up is going well. The kids want to go to the park and the beach before we leave town. And we still have tickets to visit Bush Garden's so we have to do that as well.... not sure when!
Mike is preparing the trailer today so that we can load everything inside. He built a box onto a flat-bed trailer so we can put everything inside. Then he has to gather up his tools from hither and yon and get everything loaded up.

On a different note-I went to the Doctor yesterday and got to view my baby via ultrasound! It was just a real quick one to check age and measurement. But I saw the baby nonetheless! Such sweet little hands and fingers! Baby was putting them up to it's cheeks. Soooo sweet! (for some reason I keep wanting to say she and her instead of "it" .... but I don't know for sure yet! Just a feeling I suppose!) We've got a good selection of baby names to pick from that we're both happy with too. So that's a good thing!
As for myself and how I have been feeling nausea-wise: Better. I have to take medicine every 8 hrs and eat every 2 hrs to keep on top of things. But if I do this, I feel pretty decent. My energy level is returning and that feels wonderful. I am 15 weeks pregnant and having lots of nighttime dreams about food. Hahaha!
Well, I think that about wraps it up. I'm looking forward to hopefully blogging alot more frequently once I'm home. I also look forward to implementing more of my New Year's resolutions! I have several all lined up for take-off. :)
I'll see you soon!

A Long 2 weeks

2010-03-06T11:15:00.002-05:00

The past 2 weeks since we returned from our little adventure to Seaworld have been filled with sickness. It started off with Hannah getting sick, and that went on for quite some time (15 hours worth of throwing up) and then I got sick and that lasted even longer (as in 21 hours of throwing up, plus the nausea of pregnancy) It left me quite weak and unable to do much of anything for a week. Mike was left with the brunt of everything. Caring for the kids and myself, plus trying to stay well himself. Finally, I am starting to feel better and Hannah is eating more normally again, and now Nathan woke up sick this morning, and not only that but he's had a cold and congestion for a week now as well. And Mike started feeling really rotten yesterday. So... we've had it up to our ears in sickness around here!
Not just our immediate family have been sick, but also Mike's grandma and grandpa. We're all in the same house and just seem to be passing this sickness all around. I am looking forward to Sunday-it's going to be 75 degrees. I plan on getting the windows open and the bottle of bleach handy come tomorrow and get this place aired out and bedding washed and the whole nine yards. We've got to get rid of this sickness!!!
And not only this sickness, but I've got to get over this pregnancy sickness as well. I'm OVER it.
Ok, I guess I've complained enough. Just looking forward to better days and wondering if we'll all be well enough to get everything packed and ready to leave by the 15th (or thereabouts) I am so excited to get home to Tennessee but overwhelmed with the monumenity of packing and then unpacking and resetteling in. What a job!
Nathan is waking from his nap on the couch, so I'd better go....

Simple Grace

2010-03-04T10:18:00.002-05:00

Two weeks ago I was incredibly blessed to attend a concert performed by Simple Grace. The family who did the concert was the Jim Hitch Family. The way in which they sang and led out in their music was a blessing. I felt my soul inspired and encouraged so many times.
They are a family of 8 children who live in Nebraska. Throughout their concert, which is mainly gospel/country/bluegrass style, they share their testimonies and how the Lord is working in their lives. It warmed my heart completely and allowed me to do some soul searching in the process. I'd like to share more and perhaps I will at another time.
I invite you to visit their website. They have a blog as well where you can get to know them all a bit better.
Another neat thing is that one of their daughters, Avery Hitch, (24) has written 3 books. All of which are very inspiring. She wrote her first book at age 14, her second at 17 and the last one is HUGELY thick and took her 3 years to write. (she finished it just recently.) I aquired the books and have been reading them through and through. Her second book, Journey to the Cross especially touched my heart and caused me to yearn after my Savior more deeply.
I thought I would pass the word along and if any of you have a chance to attend one of their concerts, DO SO. You won't be sorry! :)
Simple Grace Ministries. simplegrace.org

Animal Kingdom/Seaworld Trip

2010-02-26T13:59:00.004-05:00

(Click on picture to enlarge it) I've never done a photo collage before. Maybe I should Have done it differently. I don't know. I think maybe there are too many pictures in one collage! But, never fear. I will be uploading them to Facebook, so, if you are my friend on there, you will be able to see them all in detail!
Last weekend we made an impromtu visit to SeaWorld and Disney's Animal Kingdom. We sort of decided on the spur of the moment. We needed a get-away and some enjoyable time together so... Thursday night Mike and I got online and searched for hotels and booked our reservations. Friday morning, Mike went down to the AAA office and got our tickets. I hurriedly went shopping for a backpack and munchies for the trip! Sabbath evening we headed up to Orlando and our hotel. The hotel ended up being not quite as much as it was cracked up to be, but it was nice just the same. We settled in. The kids were really tired and HUNGRY-as was I. We him-hawed about what to eat and where and finally, you'll never guess where we ended up? taco Bell. Mmmhmm. Yep. Easy, fast and cheap. We got full. Finally the kids drifted off to sleep. Nate wasn't quite too sure about a new crib to sleep in, but we finally convinced him it was O.K. and he was off to la-la land as well. Up early the next morning we showered and readied ourselves and had a good and filling breakfast at Shoney's just up the road. Back to the hotel we packed our backbag with all the necessities for the day and headed downstairs to wait for the shuttle bus to take us to the Animal Kingdom. It was Hannah's first time to ride in a bus and she has been exuberantly looking forward to this for a while now! She was just a bundle of smiles the whole way there! It was adorable. Arriving at the Animal Kingdom we found it to be quite busy. Lots of people swarming everywhere. What should we expect? It was Sunday and a beautiful weekend weather wise. The warmest it's been in some time here in Florida. We made our way through the sea of people and got to see many beautiful and amazing animals. We took a Safari ride through the plains of "Africa" and saw Lions, hippos, giraffe's and many other animals. It was quite impressive. The ride even was-the road was full of ruts and pot-holes and washes and rivers to cross. After that trip Nathan clunked to sleep in my arms. We laid him on top of the stroller top and he slept that way for nearly an hour! I was amazed. Hannah got to meet some od the Disney characters. Not that she's ever watched any Disney shows, but hey- Mickey and Minnie are on her diapers and boy she couldn't wait to meet them! She was especially impressed with Minnie Mouse and Donald Duck. She also loved Thumper. She ran up to each one and gave them big hugs. it was so cute! Afterwards she says to me "Mommy? I LIKE them. They LOVE me!" LOL! I guess that goes to show you what kids crave the most-LOVE. :) After that she had to have a hat with Minnie Mouse on it. I thought both she and Nathan chose some real cute hats. I was proud of the picks.
We walked and looked til we could look no more. Then we headed back to our room and ate our little supper from the cooler. We were so tired we didn't know if we could make it to SeaWorld the next day! It's amazing what sleep can do for a soul though-the next morning we packed our suitcases, loaded the truck and showered and headed to SeaWorld. it was another beautiful day, but since it was Monday, the place was much less crowded and we were able to enjoy the park so much more. We saw baby dolphins-SO CUTE, and baby penguins (as well as adults) Seals and otters, Turtles, Fish, whales and more. We got to see the big Shamu show as well. (I was horrified to learn that the lady actor/trainer in the show we watched was killed two days later by her killer whale. I am SO glad we weren't there that day.) The show was spectacular!
We learned our lessons on pricey food from our previous day at the Animal Kingdom, so this day we bought food tickets and they were just a flat rate for the entire day. So we enjoyed eating that day! Haha! They actually had some nice choices-such as Rice and Stir Fried Vegetables, Vegetarian Vegetable Chili served in a large homemade bread bowl, as well as homemade Veggie burgers. I was impressed! And I was full for the entire day and felt good. Hahaha! About 4:00 we decided we'd had enough and loaded up into the car and headed back "home."
It was a good weekend. We enjoyed our time together and had lots of new experiences. Once in a life time experiences I suppose. ;)
I returned home barely able to walk I had so much achiness and pain from nearly 11 hours worth of walking that weekend! For a pregnant lady-that's a Marathon! HA! All I could look forward to was sleep. Well, it wasn't to be. Hannah ended up sick that night and threw up every hour all night long and all the next day until about 3:00 in the afternoon. Poor thing! It was either food poisening or some sort of weird virus that they say is really prevalent right now here in our area. It matched either symptoms so I guess we'll never know for sure, but whatever it was, it was awful! So glad she is better. Now Nathan is sick-only he has a cold. So he's been getting onion poultices on his chest and lots of Vicks and a humidifier and Vitamin C. We hope he's better soon and that no one else get's sick! Just think! Come September we'll have a third child to add to the rounds of sickness! Oh boy. Hurray.
So, that's it in a nutshell. It's all I've got time to write. ;) So it'll have to suffice for now.
One of these days, I'll be able to blog every single day and write all the blogs I have stored inside. Hmm.... wonder when that will be? ;)

Star Fruit

2010-02-17T20:20:00.003-05:00

Look at this fruit! Hannah has been wanting to try one of these strange fruits for a long time. I finally decided to bite the bullet and get one for her to try. They are quite intriguing. I sliced it open. Pretty, yes? :)

Tasty? Hmm... she thought so! But me? Not so much...

But definitely pretty. :)

Dump Truck Boy

2010-02-17T20:17:00.003-05:00

We may be in Florida, but it's no warm state this winter! Nathan has a blast riding around on outdoor toys though, that's for sure. :)

On Top of Old Horsey

2010-02-17T20:10:00.002-05:00

Hannah is in love-with HorsesHere are both of my babies atop Mr. Horse

Valentine's Date

2010-02-17T20:06:00.002-05:00

Mike took me out to eat on Valentine's Eve... it was so nice to be out together. Alone. And have peace and quiet to enjoy each other. Guess where he took me?! Yummmmm.... the Cheesecake Factory! No. these weren't our cheesecakes... I took this picture of some that were sitting on the counter....while we were waiting for 1 1/2 hrs. to get a seat in order to eat!

It was a long wait, but the food was tasty and the company even better. ;) Happy Valentines Day lovey!

Warm Head, Warm Toes

2010-02-17T20:04:00.001-05:00

At least Nathan's Head and toes are warm-thanks to his ever-loving Nana. She knit him the socks-aren't they cute?! A perfect fit. :) He loves his hat too.

The Newest Toy on the Block

2010-02-17T19:59:00.003-05:00

I found this newest toy at a local consignment shop. It's the greatest and the biggest source of contention these days... Or, at least it was for the first 3 days. It's simmered down a bit now, with Hannah conceding to allow Nathan the majority of the time in it. Boy howdy do they love this thing! :-)

Art Day

2010-02-10T19:47:00.002-05:00

Today we went to Young at Art Studio and had a great time! Just Hannah and I. She had such a wonderful time creating pieces of artwork. A young gal of 19 helped her with everything and Hannah just soaked it all in. I loved this place! It is something that would be a great home enterprise. There were shelves on the wall and they were full of all sorts of bins chuck full of art supplies. Then there were painting easels and sand art boxes. It was awesome fun! Here are some of Hannah's creations that she made up in the 2 hrs. that we were there today:

A New Day

2010-02-10T09:42:00.002-05:00

Today is a new day. What does it hold? I have no idea! The sky is bright blue, the wind is cold and crisp and the sun is shining brightly. Hannah is pushing around her play people in their little play bus and she is taking them to school. Nathan wants to play too, but Hannah won't let him play with what she is playing with, so he's bonking her over the head with his hands.... Oh dear. Well, looks like the issue was resolved. Hannah found him two play people and now he's trying to scoot them into the bus while Hannah viciously pushes the bus across the floor. It's the big new game-the game of School. Hannah loves playing it. In fact, we've even bought school books for her to work on. You know, the School Zone variety that you can get at Target or Walmart? (or Walgreens). We got the preschool kind. It has shape identification, letters, tracing, mazes, colors, numbers, what clothes to wear in what season, etc... She absolutely loves it. Every day we have to sit down and "do school." We also work on days of the week, seasons, counting to 10, etc... I think perhaps we'll work on the names of the 12 disciples (with the "There were 12 Disciples" song) and maybe later the books of the Bible??? (maybe too ambitious at this point!?) So, this is the season of life that Hannah at 3 yrs. old is at. She loves to sing and make up songs. She loves going to the library and picking out books to read. She loves make-believe play and does it quite well. For so long I was worried she would never play on her own, but now she thrives! She'll sit on the bed and do her baby doll's hair for an hour and enjoy the whole time. She loves to ride her tricycle and toot her little horns and whistles as she rides around and around. :)
Nathan is full of life, love and cuddles. He is hilarious and my sweet little love-bug. He is starting to explode with words! Well, it's starting anyways. He's trying to talk. He likes to get on the phone with people and jabber away like he's really big stuff. Tooooo tooo cute. :) He loves taking walks outside and collecting rocks and sticks (just like any boy). He loves being goofy.
So, that's what they are up to these days. The big world of play and mystery where everything is neat and new.
I've found several new ideas that I look forward to implementing once I return home. One is a "Quiet Peace Retreat." Just a quiet spot in the house, where we can come to regroup. Where I can take a child that needs correction and we can pause for a moment and regain peace. I'll share more as I implement it. But I got the ideas from The Homespun Heart. There have been several posts that have been shared lately regarding this idea and I am really loving it. I think it's perfect.
As for my New Year's goal of reading through the Bible-I am making it! Doing pretty well on it really. :) I didn't miss one day in January. February I missed a few days, but not too bad. I'm keeping up and really enjoying it. That was my biggest goal of the year. I need to look back over the rest of the goals and see what they were! It's always easier, however, to do these goals in your own home, so I'm sure that by April 1st (giving me time to settle back in.) I'll be ready to start in earnest on some of the other goals.
So, that's all for now. I'm going to go drink my raspberry tea now... :) My little baby is growing! I looked online and saw how big little baby is now and my-it's neat to see! Can't wait to meet him/her. We've got several names we like now too!
Alrighty then... you all have a good one!

Sea Bands

2010-02-09T13:39:00.002-05:00

Wow. What a relief! I am so glad I tried Sea Bands! They honestly DO help. Since trying them out, I have since read up on them and there are many pregnant women out there who have found such relief as I have. I am so thankful. They aren't a 100% cure or anything, but they do an awfully swell job. I wear them most of the day and take them off at night to "reset." I find they work better the next day if I do that. I did have a rough evening on Sabbath, but other than that-since Friday evening I've been feeling a lot better than I have been. Mainly, if I wear them, and eat small meals all day long (it gets hard to think of what to eat after a while. haha!) and also, if I take some medicine early afternoon, I can make it through the day. I am still really tired though... I'm sure that will pass soon. I am at 11 weeks now!
I need to take a nap. I have both kids down for their naps and hopefully Hannah will be still long enough in her bed for me to take a much needed rest. ;) AND, hopefully I can rest without getting hungry again! LOL!
But anyways, I did want to update you-Sea Bands really do help! :-) yay!

Like Death Warmed Over

2010-02-04T19:45:00.002-05:00

I honestly feel like I look like death warmed over. I am so pale. And white. And feel so yucky.
I thought this medicine was helping. But I don't know... Some days it does, and other days I feel so horrible. Like yesterday, and today. Today was a little better than yesterday, but still. I feel so LOUSY. I can hardly even open the fridge, let alone cook a decent meal. Today I barely made it through cooking some broccoli and a chik pattie for the kids and I before I had to make a dash to the bathroom, unable to take it any longer.
Please tell me that this isn't going to last for 7 months like it did with Hannah!!!!!! PLEASE!
And please tell me that my clean home awaits me in Tennessee. My clean, odorless home where I can reside with just my little family only. And furthermore, please tell me that I am going home next week and not in March. PLEASE!!!!
Oh well, guess it didn't work.
I want to take the kids to the beach tomorrow. But I don't know if I can do it on my own. My blood sugar drops and nausea hits and there I'll be, with two kids, white as a ghost, unable to drive home?? I don't want that. Oh dear. I don't know. But tomorrow is supposed to finally be a nice warm day. And then yet another "cold" snap and rain.
I want to go to the grocery to actually GET food TO cook, but I can't! Last time I went I broke out into a hot/cold sweat and it was all I could do to get through the checkout line and get the groceries into the car. I had to sit in the car with the a/c blowing full blast on me while I ate a muffin (or something!) until I had enough strength to drive home. I don't like this. I don't like it one bit.
I'm trying to hold my chin up and do good and be a good mom and make it through this, but I am so tired! And so hungry! And I don't know what to eat!!!! LOL! I'm pathetic! And how do I get color into my face? How do I eat all the wonderful things that I know I should be eating while I'm pregnant, when I feel so yucky that I can barely get down a cracker sometimes? I always have these big ideals of what I'll eat when I'm pregnant so as to assure a fine healthy baby. But then nausea hits and pretty much you just scarf whatever is given you that you can manage to stomach.
I recently told someone-you've just got to look at the "end product" and think of that. I guess I'd better take my own advice, huh? In the end, I'll have a sweet little baby that will once again keep me up at nights. Once again I'll have a to deal with first time illnesses, fevers, colic, gas, feeding troubles, you name it. And new to me-juggle three kids instead of two. Deal with sibling rivalry over who's getting the most attention and who feels more loved than the other and on and on it goes. So. Here I am. At summer's end, I will be the proud and tired mother of 3 wonderful children. And I don't know what to expect in the least. But I'm sure I'll make it. Some how. Many a mother has done it before me-right? *BIG GRIN*
Ok. I feel better now, somehow. But I'm still hungry. And I still don't know what to eat. BLAH.
Night all.

10 weeks

2010-02-03T12:13:00.002-05:00

Here's the baby bump. :) I'm 10 weeks pregnant (as of Monday). I heard the baby's heartbeat! It's beating at 160 bpm. I am so happy that it's healthy and alive! Praise the Lord! I'm feeling somewhat better, thanks to Zofran-a medication for nausea. It's helping me to keep up with the children at least a little bit and I definitely needed that. Some day's are still better than others. Here's to hoping that 13 weeks brings complete relief! Wouldn't that be nice??!!!

Did you Guess?

2010-01-29T20:05:00.003-05:00

That's right! Baby makes 5! Our newest bundle of joy arrives the first of September!

SURPRISE!!!!!!!! Oh my goodness! Can you only imagine my complete surprise to be feeling pregnant yet again; and when I was least expecting it?! AND-the feelings began only days after people were guessing on Facebook that I was pregnant just because I was surprising Mike with a dinner out. Surprise to me! By the end of that week (right after Christmas) I was about 95 % sure. And by New Year's I had taken a test, it was positive of course, and I told Mike at 5 a.m. His eyes FLEW open in surprise and shock. We certainly didn't get any more sleep to be sure.

So, meanwhile, I have been feeling VERY nauseous and sick and lousy. Not keeping up with blogging much at all and just trying to keep my head above water with the kids.

Mike's been a great support at keeping up with feeding the kids as I haven't been able to handle much in the kitchen. The smells send me running towards the bathroom. (hence very little weight gain-about 2 pounds. However, the picture that I shared yesterday was taken the day I told Mike I was preggers. So... it's been a bit since it was taken. I AM showing a bit now.)

So... that's the biggest news from around here. I've been wanting to tell you all for a while, since it's hard not to blog about it or Facebook about how miserable I've been. LOL!

Anyways, I guess once we get back to TN it will be busy busy busy, getting scheduled with the OB there and getting things all figured out. I can hardly believe it. (but the nausea tells me it's def. TRUE. think it's another girl???)

Somebody has a Secret...

2010-01-29T20:01:00.002-05:00

Can you tell what it is??? :)

Strawberries in the Winter

2010-01-25T19:21:00.004-05:00

So-last Monday, Mike and I and the kids, plus Mike's little cousin, Steven, loaded up in the truck and headed strawberry picking. Kind of a novel idea for January, isn't it? Well, it's reality down here in Florida! My what nice beds of strawberries they had too. All raised and completely weed free-it was totally inspiring. The kids were thrilled to pieces. Nathan didn't put but maybe one or two in the bucket-he was all into eating his fill. If he couldn't get them off the plants, then he would just bend over and nip the strawberry right off with his mouth. It was just too funny to watch! He'd leave the little juicy end of strawberry stem still on the plant and then move on to the next one! I love this one of Nathan in the field, mouth covered in strawberry juice.

"Look at what I found!"

"I can carry it!" my BIG girl! Look at her lug that big bucket.

Yummmmm- would you just look at those juicy sweet strawberries-in January.... sigh. isn't that the best sight you ever did see?

After picking strawberries we walked over to the little farm yard and petted all the animals and fed some of them corn. There were beautiful chickens and a peacock-all strutted out in his finery. Pigs, Sheep, donkeys, mini horses, and my favorite-the goat. Isn't he adorable??? I want him.

Then the kids played at the little barn in the sand pile and with all the little farm toys. The kids loved it. Wouldn't that be a novel thing to have in your backyard? :)

So... that was our visit to Hunsader Farms. It was such an enjoyable morning. And I am glad I finally had a moment to blog about it so I can always remember our time. :)

Musings of a Playdate

2010-01-20T16:28:00.001-05:00

I really enjoyed myself today! I met up with the Young Mother’s League at the park near the house and had such a nice time getting to know some other moms! The kids seemed to tire awfully quickly, perhaps due to the fact that they don’t often get to play with other children? At any rate, we packed a little lunch-burritos and a yummy salad and ate our picnic at the park and then the kids ran around and played while the moms interspersed chasing kidlets and conversationalizing. A complete blast. It was really interesting to me to hear other mom’s talking. To hear what is “going on out there.” To hear what works for them, and what doesn’t, to hear how their children are progressing in certain areas and what to expect.
I heard about one interesting place called 40 Carrots. Every Monday morning they have opportunity for young mothers to bring their preschoolers and join in all sorts of fun activities. Things like play dough, finger painting and water colors, sand art, etc… Things that normally a mom doesn’t like getting into a home because it’s such a mess to clean up. You pay 10.00 for 2 hours for as many children as you have and you get to go to all the different stations with your kids and enter into the fun activities, yet you don’t have to clean up the mess! NICE. Sounds like something to try once at least. 
Another mom has had her children involved in Kindermusic since they were just little sprouts, they are now taking off in the Suzuki method of piano and doing phenomenally well. The Kindermusic program is totally one that I’d love to be involved in, but there is not much of that going on around me in Tennessee. It seems like a great way to involve music into your children’s lives and get them to enjoy it and hear rhyme and rhythm.
Then I heard about a great local Christian book club with like 60 women involved in it. They are studying the book More Mary in a Martha World. I’ve heard of that book, it always sounded interesting. Perhaps I will check into reading it this month-maybe they have it at the local library. I told them how I am involved in an online book club called Bloom and how we’re reading the book “Same Kind of Different as Me.” It’s an awesome read. True story and very captivating so far. I am reading it to Mike so it’s slow going, but we’re enjoying it just the same.
One mom homeschooled, and another mom didn’t do anything yet, another 2 mom’s sent their children to Preschool and were trying to work through the huge maze of school’s to choose from. (sounded complicated!)
Meanwhile, the kids played and/or hung around and on-to me and then they began whining to go home. Hannah’s pants were wet from the slides and she wanted to change (and she looked oh so very tired) So, after a while (1.5 hrs) we came home and I got the children down for naps. Hannah is sleeping! And so is Nathan. And me? Well, I’m trying to sleep, but I decided I’d rather write a blog. So… I ran downstairs, got the laptop and began typing on Word. I’ll have to upload the blog later online since the wireless doesn’t reach upstairs to our room. Hence probably the lack of blogging. It’s hard to find the quiet space to really think. This seemed to work pretty well though this time around. I miss blogging. I love telling about my life. Sometimes it gets misinterpreted though and that deters me from sharing freely. Hence another reason I haven’t blogged much lately. I don’t like getting misread and then hearing about it third handedly. Anyways, I suppose that’s part of life and blogging, maybe I’ll get over it, maybe I won’t. Ha-ha!
It’s warming up here and I am really liking that. It makes our time here in Florida seem more worthwhile. The kids and I took another Nature walk this morning and the kids found so many nature treasures that we decided to make a little Nature House in the woods for them. We found a neat tree that had nooks and crannies in it and we put little acorn caps, mosses and lichens, sticks, rocks, and all their treasures in the little natural shelves and ledges. The kids were pretty excited about it. I remember doing that as a kid, only we had things like dissected Coyote scat (with all the little teeth and bones we found within it) and little skulls from birds and oh dear, all sorts of things.  I’m honestly glad they haven’t done that yet!
Well, I’m going to sign off for now. Sleepiness is kicking in and I think I’ll try and rest a few minutes longer before the kids wake up and my reprieve is over and missed.
So long!

Picnic at the Beach

2010-01-18T14:58:00.003-05:00

A picnic on the beach! Volleyball! Sun, sand, family fun.
Sunday afternoon we all went to the beach for just that. It was so much fun! Lots of yummy food to eat. And I had a blast watching a fun game of volleyball played by Mike and his aunts and uncles and brothers. The kids thought it was great fun running back and forth trying to catch the ball. Everyone was a great sport at including them in the play.
Afterwards, we all ate and ate and ate and filled ourselves to the brim with yummy picnic food. Right about sunset we began to hearing Drumming sounds coming from the beach. A huge crowd had gathered to watch a circle of hippie drummers and dancers bring in the sunset. There were hula-hoopers, belly dancers, hippie dudes beating on their drums-the whole nine yards. It was really pretty neat. Initially, Hannah's cousin, Lexie took Hannah to see and one of the hippie ladies gave Hannah a pretty flower. (flower child, ya know? hehe) Later, Aunt Katie took Hannah over and Hannah actually got in the circle and danced! haha! I would have like to have seen that! I brought Nathan over at one point and he was dancing and squatting and twirling the whole way there. He def. feels the music. hehe!
Here's one picture of the drummers and dancersMike and his brothers playing a mean game of volleyball.

Nathan taking it all in with his cool shades.

Miss Hannah-so excited for the picnic!

It was a really great afternoon. Relaxing and enjoyable. Loved it.

Fresh Air and Sunshine

2010-01-15T10:43:00.002-05:00

Just what the Dr. ordered. It feels great. Warmer air, sunshine, tropical breezes blowing. This is Florida in the wintertime. (usually!) It's nice to be over the cold snap. Below freezing is just wrong for Southern Florida in the wintertime!
This morning, Mike took us out for Breakfast and then we played at the park! I met a mom with triplet boys. I'd say they were between 18 months and 2 years. She had her hands full-that's for sure. I reminded myself not to feel sorry for myself or ever to think I had it rough. That's a handful. And you know, she was so slender too. Tall and slender. I couldn't even imagine her having been pregnant with THREE inside.
The kids are wanting to go for another walk on the golf course and I think we'll do just that.
Mike has been super busy working on trucks and getting them ready to sell and scouring the county for good deals to make money on. I'm so proud of his supporting abilities. He doesn't sit around and do nothing and grow dispondant. He does something. and I'm proud of him. We've sold one truck so far and have 2 more possibilities on 2 other trucks. So I am just praying that they sell quickly. We'd love to take a trip to Sea World while we're down here. We've wanted to do that for years now and never have gotten around to it. If we get a truck or two more sold, I think we could swing it. It would be a nice get away and a total change of pace. Might be nice.
I started doing activities following the Alphabet with the kids yesterday. We started with the letter "A" of course and we ate Apples, painted Artwork, saw an Airplane in the sky. Talked about Aligators, and picked up Acorns. Today is "B" hmm... insight? where are you when I need you? :) Ball. Yes. that's a "B" word. hehe
Anyways, there really isn't a whole lot to write about right now. I know there will be later on, but right now, it's a slow season for writing... so hang in there folks!

Shall We Go for a walk today?

2010-01-11T10:51:00.004-05:00

We are enjoying our frequent walks on the old abandoned golf course next door. The kids love finding "treasures" (things like acorns, pinecones, rocks, etc...) I enjoy the fresh air and the beautiful warblers and jays we see in the trees. Peek-a-boo Nathan!
"Oh! Look at my treasure!"

Treasure hunting

Hello from the tree!

"Let's go on a walk, Mommy!"

Goals for 2010

2010-01-01T09:35:00.002-05:00

It's 2010! A brand new year. A fresh new start. I have so many goals for this year. I'm going to list some of them here this year in hopes that it will further inspire me to make them a reality!

Daily Time with God-Read thru the Bible this year!

Monthly Date Night with the hubby

Obedience in my Children

A well maintained small garden

Planned and Intentional Learning for the Kids

A more Simplified household

Instill more Music into the kids

Institute our own Family Traditions

Daily Exercise

Learn Massage

Relaxed Family Vacations

Read 1 bk. per week

Decorate Master Bedroom

Break down my day into a Segmented Schedule

A more Simple and Nourishing Diet

Cut down on Expenditures

~Work on Potty Training Nathan (?)
~Switch Nathan over to big bed this summer
~Night (potty) Train Hannah
~Teach Hannah more independence

Everday Goals:

Personal Devotions
Family Worship
Exercise
Nourishing Meals
Daily Planned Projects for Kids
Clean House
PlayTime (implement "Special Time")
QuietTime (1-2 hrs. a day)
A more calming bedtime routine (perhaps lullabies and a relaxing massage for the kids)

So, there you have it. Some of my goals in a nutshell. I have a few more, but I'll save them to share later...
It looks like a full year ahead! How do I implement all of this stuff? I want to! Sometimes it's hard to break the rut one gets into.
One thing I'd really like to do is get a "One Year Bible" that might make it easier to complete the whole Bible this year.
So! What are your Goals and Resolutions for the New Year? Care to share? :)

Reading List

2009-12-28T15:51:00.001-05:00

I went to the library-by myself-today and look what happened to my reading list. It just quadrupeled in size. Oh dear. I couldn't help myself! The library down here is so big and so wonderful and I just love books so much and they all looked so interesting! I "only" checked out 5 titles... *sigh* When will I ever find time to read them all?

Christmas Eve 2009

2009-12-24T21:00:00.004-05:00

Well. here it is folks! Christmas Eve 2009. Wow. Being away from home this year, I really wanted to do something fun to bring in Christmas and make it special. For me, Christmas has a lot to do with being together, cooking together in the kitchen and making all sorts of yummy treats and goodies, christmas music, etc... So I sought to bring some of that spirit in to the evening. I started around 2:30 this afternoon, cooking and listening to Christmas music on Pandora.com.

(Nate enjoying his supper, yep-with a hat on. He's really in to these sort of hats lately, kind of cute if you ask me. )

I made Spinach Artichoke Dip-which I served with chips

Bruschetta-may I just say... YUMmmmmm!!!! Like, the best ever!

Veggie Pizza Bites-oooh yum

Apple Cranberry Crips for Christmas morning (mmmmm)

And Baklava-really really yummy

Wow, what a yummy treat of a supper! Afterwards we went upstairs to our Christmas tree and opened up presents from my mom and dad. Then we went and looked at Christmas Lights! We saw some really neat displays and I think that this is definitely a Christmas tradition for us. It's our second year in a row going on Christmas eve and I like it.

Hannah went to sleep with the story of Baby Jesus and is peacefully sleeping, waiting for Christmas morning!

Now, Grandma is wrapping presents and Mike is trying to figure out how to put together one of her presents for Hannah-a new doll house!

I wanted to watch "The Nativity" but as it is already after 9 pm I guess that will have to wait for another time.

Well, I really must say that with little kids in the picture, Christmas is so much fun! Seeing the kids excitement reminds me of how I was when I was little. Somehow one loses some of that excitement as they grow older. But it's brought back once again when kids are added to the home. How thankful I am for them.

Merry Christmas y'all!!!

Nathan Likes the Phone

2009-12-24T13:56:00.003-05:00

The big switcharoo-hannah won't talk on the phone anymore, but Nathan sure will. In fact, it's hard to get it away from him! Here he is talking to one of his grandma's on the phone. I love his little pink cheeks and adorable smile. He's just so happy. :)

4 1/2 yrs. of Wedded Bliss

2009-12-24T13:39:00.005-05:00

On Tuesday, the 22nd, Mike and I celebrated being married for 4 1/2 years. Yeah, I know, it's not the full year yet, right? But why not celebrate?! Maybe we'll make it a tradition. It sure was fun. I did the surprising and planning and I had a lot of fun doing it. Mike hadn't a clue as to what was going on. All he knew was that there was a surprise and he needed to be done working by 5 p.m. so he could get ready. :)

I bought him a new pair of clothes as he seems to be plum out of dressy clothing. And after he showered I gave him a gift bag. On top was a card that told him how much I loved him and that if he kept looking deeper within the contents of the bag, he'd find all the surprises! Next came directions to The Melting Pot (a neat fondue restaurant that he'd been wanting to try for several years) and on it a note telling him that dinner was at 6:30. Below that he found his clothes, and THEN he came to the finale-a gift certificate to get a professional Massage! Wow! (I told him he'd better take me with him! haha!)

So we got all dressed up and got our picture taken. Mike's aunt watched the kidlets for us (which was so nice!!!)

First off our waitress heated up the 1st fondue pot and made a spinach artichoke fondue to dip all sort of things in. On the plate there was all kinds of bread chunks, apples, vegetables, etc... Sooo yummy.

Then, We each got a delicious salad of our choice. Mike got a Cesear salad, and I got one with baby greans and Raspberry Vinegarette.

Next we got our entree of choice. I got a vegetable plate with all sorts of vegetables-portabello mushrooms, asparagus, edamame, broccoli, vegetable won tons, tofu, etc... It comes out to you all raw and uncooked and you bowl it in your "fondue pot" full of vegetable broth and seasonings. Really interesting!

By this point, you're full, but you can't resist getting dessert because it just sounds like the icing on the cake. And it was! Out comes this plate full of all kinds of delectable desserts (my favorites were the strawberries and rice krispie treats AND you dip it all in a peanut butter chocolate fondue. Oooooh my. It was good. Too good.

At the end, they brought me out a lovely pink rose and wished us a very happy Anniversary. :)

It was a fun experience. Wouldn't do it again too soon since it costs an arm and a leg. But it was fun and neat. And we had a great time together.

Well, I wonder what 5 yrs. will bring? It's right around the corner!

Love you Mike! :-)

Gingerbread Tree

2009-12-22T11:06:00.004-05:00

Nathan was very fitful in his sleep last night, therefore he took a morning nap. I seized the opportunity to assemble the gingerbread tree that Grandma had gotten for Hannah to decorate. Wow. What fun. Hannah really enjoyed herself and we officially have a Charlie Brown Tree. :)

Brrrrrr!

2009-12-21T13:46:00.002-05:00

It's chilly today! In the 40's this morning. Brrr for Florida! Nate's keepin' warm with his neat little hat (which he loves) And Hannah's warming up while trying out a jump rope for the first time.

Thoughts On Heaven

2009-12-21T13:37:00.004-05:00

Lately, Hannah and I have been having quite a few discussions on Heaven. She has lots of questions to ask! She's most enthralled with the wings that we are going to have to actually GET there with. :) Then she wonders about what we will do up there, who will be there, and WHEN are we going to GO?! Last week when we went thru the Walk Through Bethlehem, she thought we were going to Heaven. I explained to her that, no. We were not, unfortunately! She was pretty dissapointed, but oh so thrilled to see the story of Baby Jesus' birth come alive before her very eyes! It made the story of Baby Jesus that much more amazing! Well, this month, the theme at Sabbath school has been Heaven. In part of the program, there is a heavenly mansion set up that the little kids can go into from the back and sit down inside. The door is opened to "see who's in Heaven". Here is a picture of Hannah, so happy to be in her mansion in Heaven! And here she is playing her harp and wearing her crown. :)

It's so neat to see their little minds open up to the possibilities and wonders of Heaven and Jesus! I just keep praying that her heart will always be open to Jesus and that she will always want to follow Him.

Little Shepherdess

2009-12-21T13:32:00.004-05:00

(Hannah with her cousin)

On Sabbath, Hannah got to be a Shepherd! The church down here in Florida was doing a play and they asked Hannah if she would be willing to get up front and dress as a Shepherd. She very eagerly agreed and followed her cousin Stevie up front to do her part. I was so proud of her!

Isn't she sweet? :) A lady commented and told me that she had the face of an angel... awwww.

Listening intently to her instructions. ;) too cute!

Chickens?

2009-12-21T13:29:00.002-05:00

Hannah looked out the back window the other day, saw these white egrets out in the yard and yelled out- "Hey mom! Look!! Chickens!!" Yeah, I've got quite a flock of them, haven't I? :)

Homemade Butter

2009-12-21T13:27:00.002-05:00

I made butter last week. Isn't it purty? :) Just take heavy cream, place it in a jar with a lid and start shaking! It really wasn't that hard at all. It gets to where the cream is so thick you can barely shake it and then suddenly it breaks loose and there's your lump of butter with buttermilk surrounding it. Neat! It tastes so pure and fresh too. Yummmm. :)

It's been Good

2009-12-11T14:56:00.003-05:00

Today's been a good day thus far. The kids and I both had a successful trip to the grocery store-with the help of Jesus we got through the whole list without a cry, a scream, a push or a shove. Praise God for that!
Afterwards, came home, cleaned the house and washed dishes, gave the kids some yummy fruit Kabobs to munch on and then we had lunch. Afterwards I got the laundry started and then made granola with the help of the kids. This granola recipe is delicious!!

10 c. oats-I used half old fashioned and half quick
2 c. wheat germ
2 c. shredded coconut
1 c. brown sugar
1 c. chopped nuts-I used walnuts, but I bet pecans are delish
1 c. dried fruit (I used raisins and cherries)
1 c. light olive oil or coconut oil
1 c. maple syrup and/or honey (I used a combination)
2 t. vanilla
1 t. salt
1 t. cinnamon

Mix together all the ingredients except for dried fruit. Pour the mixture into shallow pans, spreading evenly. Toast at 275* for 30-45 minutes. Stir occasionally. Turn oven off, stire in dried fruit and let sit in oven for 30 minutes.
Delicious!!

I got together one of my many menu's last night and bought the ingredients from the store this morning so that I can follow it and thus help to gain some semblance of order in my life.
You guys, I just want to be home. I'm trying to keep my chin up and make the best of it all, but there's no place like home. There just isn't. Plain and simple.
I've been reading some great works of authorship and have been gaining so many inspirational thoughts. The only trouble is: it almost makes me depressed. Hmph.
A fun website to browse: www.homestead-blessings.com I've been having a blast listening to their "Greenbean Song" and browsing their recipes and then watching some of their movie clips on Youtube. They are the cutest gals!
Christmas is almost here! My shopping is done, most of the cards are in the mail. I've gotten most of my sewing done-still need to do one more project before Christmas. But if I don't get it done, it's ok. It will be waiting for me.
I made homemade fudge this week-gotta do that every year ya know! :)
Overall, I've just been keeping super busy keeping up with the youngin's and the hubby...
Glad it's the weekend! :)

Pray 7x7

2009-12-09T13:57:00.002-05:00

I was reading my friend, Jessica's blog today and LOVED this idea that she had posted today! I hope she doesn't mind that I share it with y'all. It really inspired me and I want to do this. Like Jessica, my heart is heavy with the desire for my children to know and love Jesus. For them to follow Him all the days of their lives and to be strong in Him. So, take some inspiration from this inspiring post on prayer for your kids!

The idea is to pray 7 times a day for the next 7 days for your children. Pray specifically for them. Pray out loud for them. Write the prayers down on some index cards and carry them with you so you don't forget. I'm going to do it for my children. I have a huge burden on my heart for them to love Jesus. What a privilege it is for us as parents to be able to pray for our children!

Pray 7x7 - To help you remember these prayers are specific to the time of day you pray them.

1. When they wake up: "Let the morning bring (child's name) word of your unfailing love, for (he/she) has put (his/her) trust in You. Show (her/him) the way (she/he) should go, for to you (he/she) lifts up her soul." (Adapted from Psalm 143:8)

2. When they are getting dressed: "Therefore, as God's chosen child, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Lord, help (him/her) bear with others and forgive whatever grievances (he/she) has against others. Help (him/her) forgive as the Lord forgave (him/her). And over all these virtues, help (him/her) put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." (Adapted from Colossians 3:12-14)

3. While they are eating: "Teach (child's name) the secret of being content in any and every situation whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. Teach (him/her) that (he/she) can do everything through him who gives (him/her) strength." (Adapted from Philippians 4:12-13)

4. When they go out of the house: "(Name of child), do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-His good, pleasing and perfect will." (Adapted from Romans 12:2)

5. While they are taking a bath: Lord, give (name of child) clean hands and a pure heart, and let (him/her) not lift (his/her) soul to an idol or swear by what is false. Let (him/her) receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God (his/her) Savior. Let (him/her) be part of the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, O God of Jacob. (Adapted from Psalm 24:4-6)

6. When they are going to bed: "The Lord Your God is with you; he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, be will rejoice over you with singing." (Zephaniah 3:17)

7. While they are sleeping: "I pray that (name of child) will do everything without complaining or arguing, so that he/she may become blameless and pure, a child of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which he/she shines like a star in the universe as he/she holds out the word of life-in order that he/she may boast on the day of Christ that he/she did not run or labor for nothing." (Adapted from Philippians 2:14-16)

Growing Helpful/Being like Daddy

2009-12-08T09:27:00.002-05:00

My little boy is growing up. He wants to be just like daddy. Here he is helping to set some wheel caps on. Here he is sweeping the floor
And this is what I found this morning: Oh my, under the truck "working" with daddy and uncle andy. Oh dear.... my heart stopped. But not right away, first I had to snap the picture. ;) THEN, I brought him inside. lol!

But would you look at that face?! He's making all these adorable smiles at me from underneath the truck. he thought he was one cool dude. hehe. It's fun watching the kids learn and grow and develop into their own little persons. They sure keep me hopping!

Where in the U.S. have I Been???

2009-12-05T12:48:00.000-05:00

visited 41 states (82%)
Create your own visited map of The United States

Deck the Halls

2009-12-03T14:27:00.003-05:00

This year I wasn't sure what we were going to do for a Christmas tree. Whether we'd buy a real one, or what. So when Mike's aunt offered us her artificial tree to use along with all of its decorations and lights I was thrilled! Today the kids and I put up the tree in our room upstairs and listened to Christmas music! It was so much fun. (lots of work too, I might add! It's hard to string lights and put together that tall of a tree by yourself!) The kids were elated and had a lot of fun pulling ornaments out of boxes. Hannah was so excited when we lighted the lights. She kept exclaiming-oooooh!! Aren't those lights pretty?!! She had so much fun. The most fun yet. Nathan is still in the -tear apart and destroy stage and I had to keep him from throwing ornaments out over the porch railing. Haha!!

This year I added yellow bows to our tree in commemoration of our Soldiers fighting in the war. There are so many of them and now there will be even more headed over right after Christmas. People I know are going. People in our own home church even. It's sad. And yet, they are going forth with purpose and I just want to show that I care. So, if any of you reading this have friends and family members in the war, know that I am thinking of you and them this holiday season.

Merry Christmas Y'all!! I'm ready to bake some Christmas cookies! :-)

A Good day pt. 3- Sewing!

2009-12-03T09:54:00.003-05:00

I made this skirt for Hannah during naptime yesterday. (I also got to talk to a my friend, Kristina AND read! it was a good quiet time-even though Hannah didn't nap... =/)

I made this skirt from scrap fabric the other day for hannah. She picked out the scraps with bumblebee's and flowers. :) Fun!

A Good Day pt 2-puppy time!

2009-12-03T09:48:00.002-05:00

Here's our newest and smallest puppies of all. They are soooo cute!! Look like little teddy bears! There are only 2 of them. We have 7 puppies left to sell!!!! Hurray!! The Lord has been so good.

The cat enjoys harassing the pups. It's hilarious.

A Good Day pt 1-Beach time

2009-12-03T09:42:00.002-05:00

Yesterday morning we all took some much needed R+R and headed to the beach for a few hours. It was terribly windy, so we were eating sand the entire time, but oh the joy of being together in the open freedom of the beach! Hardly a soul was there and the kids had so much fun running wild and free. They had an absolute blast chasing seagulls!! :)

The Shaping of a Christian Family

2009-12-01T20:02:00.002-05:00

As you can see by the side bar on my blog, I have a lot of books that I'd like to read before the year ends. I don't think I'll be making it through the list! I have been reading several other books as well that weren't even on my list, and they were oh so good. (The Maker's of the Home Series) However, I am now reading one of the books that IS on my list. It's called: The Shaping of a Christian Family" by Elisabeth Elliot.
Let me tell you, it is phenomenal. I am gaining and gleaning so much from it. I believe I read it through once before I was married, but it certainly has a whole new meaning now that I have a family of my own.
I've read so many wonderful and enlightening things on ordering a household. But today, while lying in bed sick, I read something that really struck a chord in my soul and I thought I'd share it with you. (Sometimes we mom's get tired doing the so called "menial" chores of motherhood. This gives a whole new perspective.

Martin Luther says:
Our natural reason looks at marriage and turns up its nose and says, "Alas! Must I rock my baby? Wash its diapers? make its bed? smell its stench? stay at nights with it? take care of it when it cries? heal its rashes and sores? and on top of that care for my spouse, provide labor at my trade, take care of this and take care of that? do this and do that? and endure this and endure that? Why should I make such a prisoner of myself?"
What then does Christian faith say to this? It opens its eyes, looks upon all these insignificant, distasteful and despised duties in the spirit and is aware that they are all adorned with divine approval as with the costliest gold and jewels. It says, "O God, I confess I am not worthy to rock that little babe or wash its diapers, or be entrusted with the care of a child and its mother. How is it that I without any merit have come to this distinction of being certain that I am serving thy creature and thy most precious will? Oh, how gladly will I do so. Though the duty should be even more insignificant and despised, neither frost nor heat, neither drudgery nor labor will distress me for I am certain that it is thus pleasing in thy sight."

When we look at these "menial" tasks as doing them unto the Lord and we look at our children as loans from God our whole outlook on Motherhood changes.

One more passage, this one from the Bible: "Set an example... in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.... Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers. (1 Timothy 4: 12, 15-16)

As we mom's set an example in our daily lives in how to worship the Lord and how to live an upright life, our children will follow in our examples. I pray that I can be diligent.

Musings and More

2009-11-30T13:52:00.002-05:00

Y'all, it's been a while. I don't really like this lull in blogging, but I don't really know what to write about or what to say. My fun sewing projects I can't really blog about because they are Christmas presents for relatives that read this blog. I am currently done with 3 of my projects and on to some new ones, some of which I can share since they are for the kids! However, it's been hard to find time and inspiration to sit down at the computer and blog. But I'd really like to! I'd like to have a specific purpose for this blog and I'd love to get on the ball with it so to speak. I'm thinking of several possibilities and hopefully can kick something off the first of the year. Meanwhile, I must say that I am kept awfully busy tending to 2 munchkins and a hubby, keeping up with housework and laundry plus getting ready for Christmas! I think maybe some of my slump has to do with the holiday season. At any rate, I lack inspiration. So bear with me! I'd really like to facelift my blog. I'd like to add categories so that it's easier to find something. For instance, a certain recipe. Instead of wondering what month I might have written it in, all one would have to do is click on Recipes and it would take you to all the recipes that I've posted. But anyways, that's part of what I am thinking...
I'd like to hear from you. What do you like on my blog? What would you like me to post on? What interests you?
For now, Toodles. And know that I am thinking of all of you, my faithful blog readers.... even though I am off in never-never land, tending to 2 sweet children and away from the keyboard... :)
Happy Holidays folks!

Just Around the Corner

2009-11-17T12:57:00.002-05:00

The holiday season is upon us! Thanksgiving is right around the corner with Christmas following close behind! Wow. How quickly did the year slip by, huh?
This year for the holidays we are in Florida. And to tell you the truth, it's different. I'm used to the cooler weather creeping in and the leaves falling, the trees looking barren, the grass turning brown and everything being tucked to sleep for the Winter. THEN, I turn my thoughts toward holiday cheer! It's so different here in the deep south! Palm trees are bright green, and well, so is everything else! Furthermore, it's warm down here! I am struggeling desperately to get the holiday spirit and I can hardly believe that next week is Thanksgiving!
We'll be having a big dinner down here, and we're all trying to come up with a fun dinner to prepare, as well as some table decorations-all on a dime. Not sure how far we'll get, but we'll give it our best shot.
As to Christmas, this sneaky elf has a few ideas up her sleeve and if I can ever get a quiet moment without a child clinging to my sleeve, I will be at my sewing machine at the head of the stairway working on several sweet little projects for some unsuspecting family members! However, it doesn't seem like my time is today, because Hannah is calling from her bed,(something about taking her diaper off??) Nathan is crying and this mama is tired out from trying to keep the peace today. It's been a rough morning.
So, I bid you all adieu and we'll hope that next time around, the kids are happier and I have some more interesting news to share.

Why is it...

2009-11-12T13:26:00.002-05:00

...that every time we come to Florida, one of the kids either gets sick or injured within the first week of arriving? This time is no exception. Hannah has "something." High fevers the first night accompanied by throwing up. Seemed fine in the morning except for sick looking eyes. Then CRASH, down she went again, with fevers and feeling really sick. Second night the chills and cold sweats, and waking up crying (I think every time she went potty in her diaper) And today she's looking a bit better, is less whiny and I think she's feeling better. However-what is she sick with is what I'm wondering! We assumed it was a UTI, since she has quite the history of them (but thankfully has not had one for 2 yrs now.) I've been pumping her full of Cranberry Juice Extract, Cranberry/Vit. C supplement that promotes a healthy urinary tract, Pedialite, Probiotics and homemade yogurt. This morning I phoned the Pediatrician back home in TN. to ask if they could write her a prescription for a UTI. They said they wanted tests ran and I should go to a walk-in clinic somewhere. When I pushed forward and told them her symptoms and explained that she has a history of them, the nurse said she'd talk with the Dr. again. So, I am still waiting. That was around 10 this morning. It's now 1:30 in the afternoon. Such slowness! Meanwhile, I had Mike go get us a hometest UTI kit. We tested her and it tested negative. Oh dear. Was it affected by all the Vit. C we've been pushing? Or does she really not have one? I guess I'll give her another test first thing in the morning when her system is emptied of it somewhat and then we'll see again. And maybe in the mean time I will hear from her Dr. For now, she seems to be holding her own and improving. So I am hopeful for the best! That whatever it is/was it is on it's way out the door.
Such fun times! ;)

GOOT

2009-11-11T18:51:00.003-05:00

Click on the picture to take you to a neat salve recipe to help with all that ails.... :)

Chloe

2009-11-11T18:31:00.003-05:00

She's lovin' the wilds of Florida... she's been hunting lizards and prowling through the "jungles". She's been climbing trees in search of birds and squirrel and having way too much fun. :) I caught a few snapshots of her up in a big oak tree today....

We've Arrived

2009-11-09T15:25:00.002-05:00

We're in Florida for the Winter. Setteling into a routine-or at least trying to! :) It's not been too bad this time around. Nathan is in his own room this time and that REALLY helps with naptimes. Praise the Lord for that!!
The 12 hr. trip down, complete with dogs and puppies in the trailer went SO well. The kids were extremely well behaved and I didn't even have to ride in the back seat with them except for at meal times to help them out with eating. (Typically I am back there nearly the entire time. It's really wearing on a body! ) We had beautiful weather the whole way down.
Since arriving we have batteled mold in the house, a forest for a yard, setting dog cages up, grocery buying and the whole nine yards. So thankful we only had the one day in between arriving and Sabbath! It was nice to be able to take a rest and not worry about needing to work. :) We also celebrated hannah's third birthday on Sabbath! Pictures to come... couldn't locate the camera at the moment. She's thrilled to be in the ranks of the "big girls" ;)
Now, on Monday, we're headed in to a good week. Hannah and I went to the Library and got some great books on Hibernation and we're going to be studying that this week. Hannah is already going around saying she is going to Hibernate and sleep all day long. (Ha-HA!!) And then she sat down to lunch and said she needed to eat a lot of food because she was going to Hibernate. Yes, she's a real character.
We're looking forward to a good winter. No, leaving my home in Tennessee and coming to Florida every winter is not my choice, but I am choosing to be content and happy and look for the fun and adventure along the way. There is plenty of that to be had! ;) We have yet to visit the park and the beach, and... a HURRICANE is headed our way! Eeek! It's super windy and grey today... Ooooooo

Soapmaking

2009-11-03T14:11:00.003-05:00

On Sunday, my mom and I decided to make soap. Well, actually, we decided to make soap last week together when she was here visiting. So, I ordered a soapmaking kit from Nussbaum Family Soaps. It arrived Wednesday and we were set to go by Sunday to make our soap! Mom brought lavender flowers and lavender oil that her neighbor friend so kindly gave her to use! We read all the instructions in the manual twice and then we got started! Lye is pretty caustic stuff, so use goggles, masks and gloves when handling.

We have our pans ready for the soap!

After lots and lots of stirring the soap to develop a trace, our soap was ready to pour into the pans to set up. Here is my pan after the second day of sitting. Tomorrow it might be ready to cut in to bars and then set to cure for 4-6 weeks.

It really wasn't that hard to make the soap and I honestly look forward to making it again sometime! Only this time, I would probably get my own supplies instead of ordering it through a kit and thus I would make a larger batch of soap at one time.
It seems like aquiring lye is a harder thing to do locally. I found a supplier online called: The Lye Guy. I will probably try them next time.

At any rate, it was lots of fun and really neat to see that we could make our own soap!

Training Their Hearts

2009-10-30T14:54:00.003-04:00

Above anything else I want my children ready for Heaven. Sometimes it seems to me to be a monumental task. But it is certainly a goal worth striving for!
What are ways that you seek to train your children's heart's toward the Lord?
One way that I really love is through Scripture Songs. One particular CD that we really love is a Scripture Song CD by Hannah and Caleb Rayne. You can purchase it through Restoration International. All the music is so tastefully done. There are also little lessons to learn in between each song. (or you can go to the end of the CD and listen to JUST the songs.
Also, through Bible stories. The kids love the My Bible Friends series as well as their Sabbath School lesson. Hannah loves learning and memorizing her Memory Verse each month!
Another fun thing is watching Tiny Tots and Kids Time-shows produced by Three Angels Broadcasting Network. You can actually watch these shows live. They air starting at 5:00p.m. EST M-S. Hannah now pretends she is Miss Brenda and Auntie Linda and plays that she is on the show. She very reverently kneels down and bows her head and offers prayers and songs just like they do on the shows. It is instilling a love for Jesus within her. I love that. Lots of good morals and character are taught on these 2 shows.
Other than that, just being an example and saying things throughout the day. For example, Hannah was helping me unload the dishwasher and she said to me: I am helping you and I am making Jesus happy! Or, "I I am being loving and Jesus likes that." She sings songs about being obedient as well.... ;) It's fun to see tender little hearts turn toward Jesus.

My Boy

2009-10-30T14:49:00.002-04:00

Aprons-one of my love's

2009-10-29T14:55:00.004-04:00

I don't know if you remember or not, but last year when we were in Florida, I had gotten some material to make Hannah 2 dresses. I made the one and she has really never worn it much at all. So much for all that hard work and effort put in to it! At any rate, I decided if she wasn't going to wear them, then I would put the other set of fabric to good use! How about Mother/Daughter Aprons! Between the two pieces of fabric I had enough to make 2 aprons. One for Hannah and one for myself. I am so excited with how they turned out! This one is mine: This one is Hannah's

Here we are together: And here's the wreckage that was wrought in the sewing/play room while I sewed! What a doozer of a mess to pick up! HOWEVER-I made both of these aprons on 2 different days, and BOTH of those days, the kids entertained themselves for most of the duration of the project! Hallelujah! I am beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel!

A Fun Fall Day

2009-10-26T15:48:00.002-04:00

Sunday was so much fun! We went up to Pigeon Forge and enjoyed a nice lunch and a fun time strolling around "Apple Valley". We walked by the river, ate cider donuts and drank apple cider, picked out fresh crisp and juicy apples out of the large wooden bins, and just enjoyed the beautiful day so much!

Orange

2009-10-26T08:58:00.003-04:00

This week our week of Homeschool is going to be focused on Orange and Pumpkins.
We plan to make/do:

-Make an Orange Leaf collage

-Gather orange things together and make an orange picture (maybe picture book)

-Paint pumpkins on paper with orange paint

-Make pumpkin squares, pumpkin pie

-Eat an all orange meal

-Find pumpkin books to read

-Sing the "Pumpkin Song"

-Circles-learn to make and identify

-Learn numbers 1, 2, 3

-Learn Alphabet letters A, B, C

Looks like a fun week ahead!

Making Elderberry Syrup for the Flu/Cold Season

2009-10-23T14:43:00.003-04:00

Elderberries are pretty amazing!
Studies have proven that extracts from the berries provide resistance to 10 different strands of Influenza A and B including H1N1. This happens by antivirin coating the receptors of flu viruses in your system thereby disabling them from replicating in your cells. No other plant can tout such effectiveness. Taken throughout flu season and during illness, children and adults alike will show resistance or recover rapidly. Found throughout the United States, Sambucus melanocarpa and caerulea. (black and blue only) can be harvested during the month of September. Red Elderberry is potentially toxic and should not be harvested or used. Blue and Black berries should still be cooked down to release the cyanide in the berries. Syrups, tinctures and even jam or pies can be made in a short time. Rich in antioxidants, bioflavonoids, anthocyanins and Vitamins A, B and C this is a vital herbal ally for our home. I have recently introduced this important remedy into our home and am so excited to see how it works for our family! I bought a syrup called Sambucus and it also has echinacea in it. After buying it, I came across numerous recipe on how to make the syrup myself and it looks so simple! I think I will try it in the near future, ordering dried Elderberry from Mountain Rose Herbs. It's 10.00 for 1 pound and I think that is really quite a bit of Elderberry.

So, without further adieu here's how to make your very own syrup for use especially during the flu/cold season.

Elderberry Syrup

3 cups Fresh Black Elderberries or 1 cup dried
3 cups water
1 cup local honey

Bring water and berries to a boil then cover and simmer for 30 minutes. Mash berries and boil an additional 5 minutes.

Strain through a fine mesh strainer or jelly bag overnight or for at least 8 hours for Juice to develop.
Add Honey to the Juice
Add Juice of One Lemon to Preserve. Bottle and Refrigerate. This keeps several months in your refrigerator.

Adults take 1 teaspoon for daily maintenance. Take 2 teaspoons 4x a day when under the weather

Children 15 months and older: use a Medicine Dropper. Provide 1 drop for every 5lbs with mild cases of illness. During intense bouts offer half teaspoon for every 10lbs 2x daily (illness peaks day 3 and 4 typically)
Children under 6 months: Elderberry passes through breast milk
Children 6-15 months: Offer Extract of Elderberry Juice without the Honey(follow recipe above including juice of 1 lemon and bottle after Juice has strained-skip the honey)
Quantity is same a Medicine dropper above.

Reekin' Like an Onion

2009-10-20T15:25:00.004-04:00

The kids and I went all around the yard today collecting Onion Grass.

Brought it inside, washed it and cut it in small pieces with kitchen scissors

And placed it in the food Dehydrator. We can later use them on baked potatoes, salads and the like. Yum! The house wreaks like an onion! haha! Thanks, AlinaJoy for this idea! Love it! Looking forward to seeing how they turn out!

Outdoors in the Autumn

2009-10-20T15:15:00.004-04:00

You all know me! I can't resist a good picture! :)

Eat your Veggies!

2009-10-16T17:54:00.002-04:00

I love fresh veggies, but it's sometimes hard to get them in. And, what to do when the kids are starving, but lunch isn't quite ready? Veggies! I decided to utilize my veggie tray, fill it up and make a spot in the fridge for it. It's really been fun! When the kids are hungry, I pull out the veggie and dip tray. They get their fill of veggies beforehand instead of filling up on animal crackers or cheerios to "hold them over" til time to eat. They absolutely love dipping their veggies into the homemade dip and crunching away on yummy goodness. It works for me! :)

Apple Cider Vinegar and Acne

2009-10-15T14:40:00.003-04:00

So about a month ago on Facebook I asked some of my friends if they had any natural Acne solutions. I got some really neat feedback! Two of which stood out to me-Apple Cider Vinegar and all natural soap.

I've had troubles with facial breakouts since I entered my teenage years and they haven't let up in to my 20's in the least. I've tried quite a few different products on the market out there, including Proactive, Burt's Bee's Acne Solutions, Clearasil, ECT... Nothing has worked too well. Proactive worked the best, but still not like they claim to on their advertisements. Plus, it was pricey and un-natural. I really wanted a natural solution to my problem. So I began searching and asking.

When I heard the suggestion to use Apple Cider Vinegar I thought to myself-Now this is unique! I googled ACV and really found some encouraging articles regarding it's use for Acne. So I decided to try it. I abandoned all acne facial washes and used a plain homemade soap and began using the liquid Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar. 2 tsp. in a glass of water 2-3 times a day. I added maple syrup and a bit of lemon juice to the mixture and it wasn't too awful tasting. I started noticing results after the first couple of days. I couldn't believe it. I used it for 2 weeks this way and my face began clearing up amazingly. However, I was getting really tired of guzzeling down vinegar! So, I decided to try APV tablets through a company called Source Nutrition. The tablets took a bit to come and during this time I decided not to take the ACV just to see what happened. My acne began coming back! As soon as my tablets arrived(at the beginning of this week) I began taking 1-2 with each meal. The results have been amazing once again. No new breakouts, my face is clearing up, and, when I put the actual liquid ACV on my face, it helps to heal the red spots caused by old acne. WOW. Who would have thought! I am so excited to have found a natural solution!

Learning Time activities

2009-10-14T19:39:00.003-04:00

We made an apron We carved a pumpkin

We made a paper bag mask

Stamped Apple Art

And we have been reading our books, learning about shapes, categories, the "olden days", more counting, primary colors and pastel colors, ect... It's lot's of fun to learn and have fun while we're at it! :)

Guacamole Boy

2009-10-12T20:27:00.003-04:00

Tonight I decided to make guacamole for supper. I sat Nathan on the counter next to me while I made it. He absolutely had a blast eating the avacado and tomato and then stirring in the cilantro, red onion, garlic powder, salt and lime juice. Here's a few pictures of him chowing down. :) He ate like a whole avacado's worth. Wow! He really like it!

Quiet, Gentle and Content

2009-10-12T08:15:00.002-04:00

In light of last weeks post entitled "Frazzled" I thought I would share a few things that the Lord has been teaching me through the "trial's and tribulation's" of a teething son and bickering children!
Towards the end of the week, looking back, I realized that I had a bit of character building that needed to be worked on. My voice was being raised a bit too often and I was just plain ole getting "Frazzeled and grizzeled" over everything. I needed what the Bible refer's to as a Quiet and Gentle spirit. Halfway through the week, I also read another blogger's disertation on the same topic and I thought to myself that this must really be what God wants me to work on through this! You see, Motherhood teaches us things. Mainly character. What sort of character am I cultivating? I want it to be a Quiet and Gentle spirit. One that isn't frazzeled and worked up over things, one that is Gentle in my words towards others and I want a spirit of contentment as well. I love my family and there is nothing more that I would rather do than be here with them, serving their needs and making the house a home for them. I want to have that frame of mind always-even when the going is tough and I wonder how I'll get through a day-the Lord has the strength! (every "job" has it's difficulties, right?!)
So, I have taken up the prayer-"Dear Lord, please grant me a Quiet and Gentle Spirit and give me a great contentedness in what you have given me to do." And you know, the past few days I have really seen the Lord working on me. He loves it when we ask of Him and He delights in answering character developement requests such as these! He wants to see us ready to meet Him. His coming is sooner than ever before and we so need to be ready. I encourage you this week to take a look at your own life- what is the Lord trying to teach you?

Frazzled

2009-10-08T16:10:00.003-04:00

Nathan leaves me frazzled. He makes me want to pull my hair out at times. And at other times, he makes me want to squeeze him up in a tight bear hug and love him up. He can be such a sweetie pie when he wants to be! :)
He is all boy and all different from Hannah. Hannah was fairly compliant. I remember dealing with her on a few issues at this age, but not as many as my Nate boy!
What do you do when you tell your little one to "not throw food" and they look at you and throw it anyways?
What do you do when you're taking a shower and they insist on opening the shower door when you're all the while telling them NOT to.
What do you do when you're in a parking lot and you set your child down for a second to grab your keys and they take off running. (oh boy!)
What do you do when he pulls his sisters hair and hits her with all sorts of things just because he wants to?
What do you do when you give him a spank and he spanks you right back?
What do you do when you tell him not to kick and he kicks harder than ever?

I'm telling you what! I've got me a handful on my hands.
He throws things down the toilet, He dumps bucketfuls of water out of the bathtub and thinks it's neat. He likes to throw, he likes to grab and he's QUICK about it too.
You tell him to come, he GOES.

I didn't have to deal with the last item with Hannah. She always hovered close by, for fear I might disappear from her sight. She wanted to be held, Nathan wants to run.

I've been trying different tactics of discipline. Honestly, I don't know what works. For throwing food, he gets to sit in his crib. Actually, sitting in his crib seems to speak the loudest volume to him. He sits in there until he stops screaming, and then I come in and pray with him and we try again at whatever it was that we were doing before.
Spanking, well... I don't know, sometimes it seems to stir more anger inside of him. That's another thing. He really has a temper. He can throw a mean tantrum if he get's a notion to. And he gets put in his crib for that too. My goodness! Some days I feel like I'm at my whit's end!
So... we're working on him. And it's hard some days for sure. And it's doubly hard when he's teething, which is what he's doing right now. *sighs-what a day*
I'm just airing out. It's been one of those kind of hair-pulling days with that little one.

Beautiful Fall Day Video

2009-10-07T16:33:00.002-04:00

Beautiful Fall Day

2009-10-07T16:28:00.003-04:00

Today was just the most perfect fall day. Sunny, crystal clear blue sky, slight breeze, low 70's.... perfect. What a welcome change after all the rain and clouds we've had lately! Playing with the ball in the yard

The last of the summer's roses.... *sniff*

Just beautiful.... :)

The Pumpkin Patch/Corn Maze

2009-10-05T14:35:00.007-04:00

Such fun this outing was! We woke up to clouds and gloom but pressed on anyways and it turned out to be a beautiful day!! We were supposed to meet up with some people from the local homeschool group, however, unbeknownst to be, there were two corn mazes up the same road! I wasn't sure which one they were at! Well, we went to the second one and let me tell you what, it was a blast!! I am sorry we missed all the good folk from the group, but we had so much fun where we went! :) They had an adorable little farm animals petting area. Complete with goats, sheep, bunnies, baby cows, and potbellied pigs. We had fun petting all the animals and then we went on a trek through the kids corn maze. They also had a large maze that took approx 1 hr 15 minutes to get through! I didn't think we were up to that large of one with the kids and the mud from the rain, but they sure enjoyed the little maze an awful lot. :) Then, we went on the hayride with a bunch of other mommy's and their little ones out to the pumpkin patch. What beautiful pumpkins! They were so large! The kids each got to pick one out of the field. Back at the farm the kids had fun crawling through the straw bale maze, playing in the sand box full of feeder corn(what a neat idea!), spinning in the pvc pipe roller, jumping on the mattresses that were covered in straw, milking a pretend cow, watching butter being made, grinding corn through a grinder, doing a little ducky race thingy, and one of the best things-the Hillbilly Slide. WOW. How much fun! A big slide made from a Plastic pvc pipe, the kids had an absolute blast on it!! They climbed on the tractor, and the old red fire truck-Nate thought that was great fun-and then got to taste the butter they had helped make atop a bit of pumpkin bread! The whole field trip was SO educational and the people there really strived to make it that way. We ate lunch on one of the many picnic tables that were there and also got to swing on the large tire swings they had as well! WOW. What a morning!! We were there for 3 hrs enjoying the fun. :) They even got equipped with plastic bags over their shoes to keep out the mud! Totally recommend this place. Bolinger Farms it was called. It's the place to go! I want to bring Mike! Enjoy all the pictures! I had too much fun taking them and couldn't decide which ones to share on here, so, there are quite a few. More on Facebook. :) We concluded our visit with a popcorn ball each for the kids. (they also had cider and a few other snacks available, all for under a dollar.... lots of fun and totally worth it. )

Looking at the animals with wide eyes. :)

petting the sheep

hiking through the corn maze

on the hayride

In the pumpkin patch

In the corn sand box

In the straw bale crawl

ducky race-really neat -trough's with the water pump and ducky's in the trough. At the end is a water trough that the ducky's fall in to

Milking cow

The Hillybilly slide! A big plastic PVC pipe-fun!

baby cow

Nate in the old fire truck

Hello!

On the tractor

Wrapped all up with a yummy popcorn ball at the end!

Some Thoughts from Today...

2009-10-02T15:37:00.002-04:00

Isaiah 32:17 " The work of righteousness will be peace, and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance forever."
Righteousness comes from Christ-from our relationship with Him. As we surrender our lives to Him, He covers us with His righteousness. And His righteousness works in our lives, changing us. His righteousness brings peace. Peace with who I am. Peace with what is happening in my life. As I trust Him, growing in Him, I can let go. I can know that whatever happens to me or to those whom I love is for my good. I can know that God is a God who loves me, who doesn't allow circumstances that will destroy or harm me, even though they may be very painful. Sometimes we shy away from pain. Usually when we pray for another person, we don't pray for painful circumstances to happen. Yet many times, painful circumstances are what bring about real growth and change in our lives. Christ's righteousness gives me peace during these times. Peace to trust that God is in control. It gives me peace to accept who I am in Him, to trust that He created me this way, and that He is still working, still molding me and changing me into what He desires me to be.
His righteousness brings quietness. Quietness from trying, from having to prove ourselves, from having to do all and be all. I can't do it. His righteousness brings me the ability to accept it and to rest in Him, to wait on Him.
His righteousness brings assurance forever-assurance of His love, His salvation, and His promises.
Peace, quietness and assurance are all found in His righteousness. And His righteousness is found in Him-in returning and resting in Him, in abiding in Him. One of the first steps to growing in our self-esteem is to learn to trust Him, to make our relationship with Him top priority of our days. To rest in Him, to allow Him to quiet our spirit, to find our peace and assurance in Him alone. Not in what other people think. Not in what we can accomplish in a day. Just in Him.

There are things more important than accomplishing everything on the to-do list. Each morning, tell God what your plans are, then lay them at His feet and ask Him to accomplish His plans. When we give up our plans for His, there's nothing to feel guilty about at the end of the day! The housework will always be there, there will always be another meeting or committee at church. But moments with my Father, my family and my friends are fleeting. It's in the quiet moments that we will find our greatest value.

-Excerpts taken and revised from "A Woman of Worth" by Tamyra Horst-

First Litter of the Season

2009-10-01T15:03:00.003-04:00

Dakota had her litter of puppies last Friday, so they are a week old tomorrow! Here's Hannah holding one of them. She just loves the little pups! Wish I could have caught Nate's expression when he was holding one! Priceless. Sequoia is due any day and Cheyenne is due in 2 weeks. It's gonna be puppy heaven over here! :)

To the Zoo

2009-10-01T14:48:00.004-04:00

We went to the zoo on Tuesday with friend, Kristina! It was so much fun to finally get together after wanting to do so all summer! She's a couple hours away up in Kentucky, so she had a bit of a drive, but I am SO glad she came. We had a great day! Enjoyed the zoo and all the animals. It was a brisk day to be sure, but we bundled up fairly well and had fun. After the zoo, Kristina got to come over for a few hours to my house and it was really nice to catch up and chat about this and that and everything. So special to spend a day with a friend. Looking forward to doing it again sometime! Enjoy the pictures from the day!
Nathan smiling for the camera. LOLThe pretend oneThe real one Take a look at this cute turtle!

See my stripes?

Flying beauty

Messin' around

Making Sushi-hold the fish!

2009-10-01T14:45:00.004-04:00

Pure goodness and delicious-ness. Look at this rainbow of color! Fresh sprouts, red pepper, cucumber spears, jicama, avacado, carrots, mango. YUM. All rolled up inside a lovely roll of rice and seaweed. Dipped in salty soy sauce. Delicious.

Being Silly

2009-10-01T14:39:00.003-04:00

HAH! Boy that tummy is a whopper!

Nate got the hugest kick out of this. It was so hilarious!

Playing baby dolls
yep. We're ALL silly around here. Even mommy!

Dress-up!

(Nate's newest and "cheesiest" grin-don'tcha just love it!)

Vegan or not?

2009-09-28T15:55:00.002-04:00

First I want to start by thanking those of you who participated in answering my questioned dilemma-vegan or not? It was interesting to read your answers! Wish more of you had piped in, but perhaps you will later. :)
Now, maybe you are wanting to know my take on the topic. I suppose I am like many of you seemed to be. Like Cassandra, I like cheese! And, I like some of the ease that cooking mainstream vegetarian brings. You can readily open a few more cans and dump and pour to have a delicious concoction for supper. Whereas, being vegan seems to take more time and effort. Especially when you have to make everything from "scratch." I really agreed with Jordan's comment when she brought up the many additives that are in so much of our foods. It really can tend to make more sense to forget about being strict vegan or what-not and focus on eating the unprocessed foods. Now that being said, on the other hand, if you do make all your own from the cupboard, then you do have a lot less of the additives and "keepers."
I will concur wholeheartedly with Laura's comment on having a love/hate relationship with being vegan! Sometimes it makes perfect sense and others, not so much.
I think that I have often thought perhaps that I need to be categorized one way or the other or something. But I am thinking that I am coming to the conclusion that I don't have to be. I can simply be categorized as eating Healthy, Vegetarian. I can strive for as many vegan options as possible, and keeping dairy-cheese especially- at more of a minimum. Strive for lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grain dishes. Work towards eliminating the processed and ready-prepared foods and making more of my own and maybe freezing it for later uses. I think that Cassandra hit the nail on the head when she said that many vegan's tend to use Soy as a crutch after leaving dairy behind. We really need to find varied options. There are many, such as Almond cream cheese, Cashew milk, Rice cheese, etc...
On another note, I think that some of the leaving dairy behind and finding other neat options, depends on where you live and what you have available. I don't live in an area with a fun Whole Foods market just down the street from me! I have recently heard of a large health food store located about a 45 minute drive from me, however. I am interested in checking into it! I don't have Publix either, which often caters to more health-minded people; having options such as dairy free cheeses, icecream, milk, yogurt, meat analogs, and other fun things to try along the way! I have been doing some ordering from a bulk health food co-op and that helps to incorporate some things into our diet more easily.
I guess the main thing to remember is that when God gave us the original diet, it included fruits, nuts, grains and vegetables. So this should be our main substance.
At the start of this year, I made a resolution to eat more fresh foods and incorporate more of a healthy lifestyle. I think we've made progress! I make a lot more of our own bread, I even experimented with Sourdough for a while! I have begun making our own yogurt, We're eating less cheese, less processed and more fresh fruits and veggies. Using much more whole grain flours for baking and I'm not using refined sugar except for maybe very rarely, utilizing more of my healthy/vegan cookbooks and finding a lot of family pleasers within the pages! Overall, the resolution has been good, I'd say, and I hope to expound upon it more in the remainder of the year and into the upcoming year (can you believe this year is nearly over?!)
Anyways, that's my take on it all. What are your thoughts?

Popcicles

2009-09-27T15:56:00.003-04:00

In our house, we're all about Popcicles in the summertime. This summer I've experimented with many different varieties and types. We've had a lot of fun with it. Here is one I tried recently that I really really enjoyed.

It is Blackberry. We did it with 1 1/2 cup of Yogurt, 1 c. Blackberries (I used frozen) and 1/4 c. Powdered sugar.(or your choice of sweetner.) That's it. Just blend and pour into popcicle molds and freeze. YUM.

I also really liked strawberry with this recipe.

BFIAR week 4

2009-09-27T15:48:00.003-04:00

This week for BFIAR we made Bunny ears to wear and made little animal booklets out of Country magazines.We cut lots of pictures and practised pasting skills. Hannah did a good job with it too and we filled quite a few pages with some pretty neat animals. Nathan loves his book and is really getting into enjoying books now. Especially picture books of animals. We also read books on Bunny's. It was a fun week, but we didn't go all out and make Bunny pancakes or anything this week. lol :)

A Woman of Worth

2009-09-25T15:16:00.002-04:00

Wow. I have just had some wonderful encouragement from my Quiet Time with the Lord. I started off with reading Psalm 78. If you've never read this chapter, I encourage you to do so. It starts off with these thoughts: "Showing to the generation to come the praises of the Lord and his strength and his wonderful works that he hath done. For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded to our fathers that they should make them known to their children: That they might set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments." It then goes into all the blessings that the Lord bestowed upon the children of Israel and how gracious and long suffering He was to them. It continues with, "but their heart was not right with him, neither were they steadfast in his covenant. But he, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath. For he remembered that they were but flesh; a wind that passeth away and cometh not again. " In the end, we know that many of the Israelites were destroyed ultimately and that many were not allowed to enter the promised land. There is ultimately an end to the Lord's patience. He knows we are weak in and of ourselves, but He wants us to show our children his praise and His strength and his wonderful works that he has done! He wants us to dwell upon Him and His great compassion. What a beautiful and thought provoking chapter of God this was.
Moving on, I next read a chapter from "A Woman of Worth" by Tamyra Horst. This book never ceases to be a blessing and encouragement to me. It tells me how much I am worth to the Almighty. I get to feeling pretty insignificant and unworthy, and like I can never do anything "good enough." When I read this book, it brings it all back in to perspective. Satan is constantly trying to fill our minds with negativity and self-doubt. He wants to bring us out of our connection with Jesus and down to a lower level of pessimism and gloom. This is an ongoing battle for me-listening to the devil's lies of-not being good enough, not doing enough, not being enough. In reality, Jesus says "I have loved you with an everlasting love, therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn you" Jeremiah 31:3
I have called you by My name, you are Mine... you were precious My sight you have been honored, and I love you. Isa. 43: 1,4. The Bible says that God delights in us and He created us just for Him!He has chosen us and made us His special treasure. His word is full of reminders of His love for us. But often times, we don't listen to His word! How SAD! We have no reason to be ashamed of who we are. We need to see our reflection in the light of God's word and believe-really believe. The place to start is by filling our minds with God's Word's. Place promises around the house where you can see them and can often be reminded of His great love for you.
We are all different, and we all fill a different place in this world. I don't have to be a great world traveling singer, or a famous blogger or a top-chef. I can be just who I am. A daughter of God. A wife. a Mother. I love it.
What about you? Do you ever struggle with who you are and what you do? I hope this brings you a little bit of encouragement. We all struggle to keep our eyes fixed on Heaven, but perhaps by sharing, we can see that many of us struggle in the same areas and we're in a journey, but by training our thoughts to turn upward instead of inward, I think we'll be on to something. :)
Have a blessed weekend y'all! (and I hope this made a little bit of sense!)