~Rendering to Caesar~

Today was the last day to turn in portfolios for school. I didn't mean to wait til the last minute...it just happened that way! I am still having battery troubles...even after a new altinator yesterday the van wouldn't start this morning...thankfully, again, I was able to get home!

I have struggled with State law vs God's law. What I must teach varies a good amount depending on your viewpoint. If I do all the State wants me to, God's law goes to the back burner--there is just not time. If I concentrate on God's law...I could get in big trouble with the State!

Each year I manage to change things around just a little bit to be pleasing to the Lord and the State. After all, God says I must obey the state too! State law says I must complete 180 days...I do. State law says I must teach handwriting...I have them write verses. State law says kids should memorize...they memorize God's word. State law says I must teach history, science, geography etc...I teach them from the biblical perspective. We spent a lot more time in our Bible's this year...now, what can I do for next year...my planning is almost done. I'll be sure to share!

~Go Eagles~

My cousin is having a baby this month and I finally finished these little treats for her...

They are using the Phila Eagles theme for the baby...even though they found out they are having a girl;-)

~The Weekend~

Friday night was spent at my parents having a picnic with out of town relatives. My poor dad was grilling burgers when it started to hail! It didn't last too long, but certainly ruined the idea of having a picnic!


Saturday morning we enjoyed eggs from our own chickens! It is amazing how much brighter and fresher they are!

We usually eat a whole 18 for breakfast, but managed to make due with 10.


I spent time outside doing a bunch of nothing Saturday! During naptime, I did made it up to my sewing area and worked on several projects. With just over nine weeks left before baby, I'd like to get some of these projects finished:-) That means I have to stop starting projects! I didn't finish anything...but certainlly made progress.


I was so busy doing nothing on Saturday, I forgot to make breakfast and dessert for Sunday! We ended up eating cereal...my boys are spoiled! I couldn't skip dessert, so I made some cookies. I then realized we had very little milk...hmmm, let's make icecream sandwiches! YUM! We ate about half of them and I put the rest in the freezer for a quick treat another day!


The weather has been wonderful and things are even starting to dry out a bit...even our basement is almost dry!

~Change of Plans~

I have learned to go with the flow...toddlers don't read daytimers and there is no sense getting stressed over changed plans. I must admit, it wasn't the easiest thing for me to learn:-)

Anyway, my plans for this week included changing over all the boys clothes. I keep each size in a big blue bin. I thought this would be a good project to do now before baby even though some of the boys haven't completely grown out of their "size." I was able to accomplish Jordan, Jared and Aaron earlier this week (I always do oldest to youngest as many times I can pass the clothes down). I was planning on doing Eric and Nathan first thing this morning...as well as getting all the baby stuff to the basement to be washed. Don't worry...I didn't lift one bin. It's nice to have young men around!

BUT it looked like rain and I wanted to get to the parking lot sale of my local greenhouse. The battery was dead in the van...long story short...I jumped it and we were on our way. Look at these beauties. It is fun to wait for those "extra" flowers...1/3 the cost! I'll put some in hanging baskets and some in pots around the back patio!

We also stopped by the library to pick up these books I had ordered...

Once home, I hung out the wash, packed lunch and laid on the couch for 15 minutes before leaving to take the boys bowling. Again, a dead battery. Maybe God wants me home today. So, home we are! I spent a lazy couple of hours laying on the couch reading about chickens and playing picnic lunch with plastic food...compliments of Nathan! I didn't realize how tired my body was...thank you God for the battery problems! and double thank you for not letting me sit at the greenhouse or the library!

I'm off to clean up the kitchen and make fruit salad for a picnic we are going to tonight. I have thrown away my to do list for tomorrow...I'm enjoying a quiet day at home (hopefully!) with my two little guys while the big boys do big boy stuff! I guess those big blue bins will decorate my dinning room for a few more days...

Happy Weekend!

~My Winter Projects~

I did get to the fabric sale Saturday morning...all but two of the fabrics were marked down to $1.99 a yard! I stocked up on some blue and white fabrics. Won't that make a pretty quilt! I wasn't going to wash the fabric because I didn't think I could stop from cutting it out already! It is so much nicer to hang fabric outside then to stick in the dryer...so I did wash it.

I saw this set of fabrics and thought it would make a lovely table cloth for our picnic table. Our table is 8 sided...any pattern ideas??!?!?

These are just fun fabrics. I really liked them and at $1.99 per yard...who could resist! I'm sure I'll think of something to do with them!

I found these for the boys pj's!

I will have a busy winter with baby and boys and school to do...but just in case I have free time, I'm ready!

~Put on the Whole Armor~

Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: *Eph 6:11-17

We had a special speaker for Sunday School this week. While he said many interesting things...this one really stuck with me and I wanted to take some time to look up some verses that would back up his statement... "When you are "putting on the whole armor of God" that you are actually putting on Jesus Christ?!?!?"

Lets take a look...

Truth - Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6 - He is the truth

Righeousness - Therefore as by the offense of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. Romans 5:18 - He is my righteousness

Peace - Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27 - In him is peace

Faith - But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Gal 3:23 - He is faith

Salvation - Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Acts 4:12 - He is salvation

Word of God - In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1 - He is the Word

Well, I guess he was right:-)

~Our New Friends~

My fabric shopping plans and Gregg's plans were both canceled friday night so we headed out to our local farmers market. They have an animal auciton which we enjoy watching. Lots of birds, rodents and even livestock!

We came home with some laying hens!

We would like to have 8-10 total, but couldn't find the kind we really wanted. We are looking for Rhode Island Red's if anyone knows a good source:-)

The boys have been up with the chickens since Saturday...yawn...thankfully this morning we all slept in!

Since Saturday, we have gotten 5 eggs.

~Guess What's in the Box~

~Yikes~

I went in to get Nathan from his nap yesterday...I found him in the top bunk (Jordan's bed). My heart stopped for a moment...

He was very happy with himself! "I climbed up mom!" he said.

~Kitchen Day~

Well, I haven't done much since Tuesday. Wednesday I manged a trip to the grocery store. Thursday, we took our weekly bowling trip. Today was kitchen day. I like to cook ahead for the weekend whenever possible.

I started with boiling 2 dozen eggs...half for red beet eggs (for Sunday) and half for deviled eggs for tonight/tomorrow. I had two big bunches of ruhbarb to cut up and throw in the freezer. I decided to try making a rhubarb custard pie. Pie crusts certainly aren't my thing...so don't laugh:-)

After lunch, I made a quiche for breakfast and did a big clean up. Just before naptime, I made a cheesecake (Father's Day is coming!!!) It has been a long time since I made one, mmmm, not sure if it will last until Sunday!

I was able to rest for about two hours this afternoon. Ahhhh!

I started taking my iron supplements on Wednesday and have cut out my beloved mint tea and extra fiber (both make it harder for your body to absorb iron). I'm hoping next week picks up a little!

I plan on going to my local fabric shop tonight...they are having a big sale and there are a few things I'd like to pick up;-) I need to recover some pillows and would love to find some other goodies to stash away for this winter!

Have a wonderful weekend!

~Some Links for You~

Today was one of those days...like...I didn't want to move. I only accomplished two loads of laundry, three meals, and two naps:-) Oh yeah, I played legos with Nathan.

I thought I'd share a few links with you today since nothing else was going on around here!

Here is a link for Heart-to-Heart with Diane. She told us how to look for a good deal on toilet paper! I never really know what a good price is...double rolls, triple rolls, thin and thick...yikes! It is really easy...go check it out!

Here is a link for Canon Paper Crafts. They have a good assortment of printables. Many are more difficult (Jordan will have some trouble) few are easy. But I think we will print some out to do as a family. Egyptian pyramid, structure of the sun, maybe some vehicals, and I'd like to try out some toys for the little two guys. They recommend using photo paper...but you can use cardstock...you just won't have as clear of a photo.

Here is what the boys were working on...

Here is a link for a unit study on The Book of Virtues. I am new to this blog but from what I can tell, she is a homeschool mom of four and decided to bless the homeschool community with this huge study...992 pages worth! I looked through it last night and I think we will be going through this in 2010-2011. (Our 2009-2010 is already full). Just scroll down the right hand side and look for Book of Virtues. Even if you are not ready for this, I'd download it now and save it to a disk...you'll probably want it later and it will be either hard to find...or costly!

One more...Here is a link for a printable pattern for an apron through Susan Branch. I made this one the other week. I like how it looks but am not used to a full apron...I have only worn half aprons. It will give you a lot of practice with bias tape! I used ribbon instead of the ties.

Enjoy!

~A Lovely Weekend~

I was very busy this weekend, but fit in a lot of relaxing too! The weather here was just wonderful! We still haven't had to turn on the ac!!!

Friday morning we did all our "friday cleaning" and then we headed out to go bowling! The boys had a great time! It was really nice to sit and watch them. We enjoyed a quiet afternoon of naps and sewing.

I have been working on these napkins and table runner. My old runner was just black and white...I was needing some color! I LOVE it!!!

Since the table was clean and beautiful, we ate steak and potatoe salad for supper...with the good dishes! After supper, I sat outside watching my family. I started another crochet dishcloth...so I could feel like I was still doing something! After dark, we enjoyed a campfire! What a great way to end the day!

Saturday morning I headed out to do some more strawberry picking...by myself:-) I also picked up a few groceries to get us through the weekend. While I was picking strawberries, I found this plant...

If you brushed over it, the plant made snapping noises and was shooting out the seeds. I was mesmerized by this! Does anyone know what it is? It looks cloverish.

We kept ourselves busy playing and working throughout the afternoon and I made a quick picnic supper for us to enjoy...

Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon were spent just relaxing outside. We did play a bit of Blongo ball too! What a fun game to play!

I didn't accomplish very much from my to-do list...the strawberry picking wore me out. That's ok, I'll have all week to keep working at it.

~June Quilt Block~

I am excited to start putting this quilt together. I have really learned a lot. Ironing is very important! Snipping my threads has become more of a habit...as well as keeping my work area clean:-) I have one more month to go!

~Baby Update~

I'm entering the last trimester and have some updates for you! I had a Dr appointmnet again today. Heartbeat was 142 and I measure 28...at 28 weeks...perfect!

I passed my diabetes test! Yes!!! (I had granola and yogurt for breakfast...they were thinking I'd fail because of the sugar content...homemade is the way to go...hardly any sugar in my stuff! They suggest an egg and toast if you are wondering...no one told me!)

BUT she said I was getty very low on iron. I am not a huge red meat fan...we have a 1/4 cow in the freezer and I guess we will be digging into that more often. The males in my house will be very happy to hear that!

I asked about these items I had mentioned awhile ago...

Red Raspberry Leaf Tea
Evening Primrose Oil
Gentle Birth Formula
Floradix

Here were the comments from the midwives...

Red Raspberry Leaf Tea - both midwives weren't thinking this does too much but you are free to take it if you wish. They did warn me that sometimes the uterus give out. After so many children it may not work as a muscle. Yikes! This is supposed to strengthen the uterus. Still thinking about this one.

Evening Primrose Oil - both said don't take it unless you want to have the baby in the car!

Gentle Birth Formula - again both said don't take it unless you want to have the baby in the car...they sometimes recommend this for someone that has a history of long labors or first time moms

Floradix - three weeks ago the midwife told me this is a great product and is often replacing the typical prenatel vitamin in many dr offices. But, my tiredness is probably because I need a nap...not vitamins as I generally eat well. Her advice...save your money, take a nap! This morning, it was different. With my iron being low they do recommend me start taking this soon. My iron problem will only get worse.

I have one more herbal product to look up...at a website called motherlove dot com. A friend highly recommended their sitz bath for after birth stuff. I don't want to think about that yet:-)

I've also been sewing...two new tops and a nursing cover.

Both tops are comfy and I've received compliments while wearing both. I don't feel like I'm wearing a tent in them either! No one thought they were homemade (huge compliment!) and several wondered where I find so many modest maternity clothes! I have not sewn clothes for a long time. I think I might keep an eye out for pattern sales and stock up for after baby...this is fun!

I have never used a nursing cover but I think it would certainly come in handy. I'd like to make one more...one for the diaper bag and one for the house. I'd be interested in hearing if you have used one and how you liked it. I found many in the etsy shops (colors are often a bit too bright for me) but there are also several tutorials out there...here is the one I used. Nicer than just using a blanket because there is boning in it (you can see baby but no one else can). I used a heavier weight fabric...but soft. Total cost was about $6...much cheaper than buying it!

UPDATE on the nursing cover...check out my changes here.

~Free Summer Bowling for Kids~

Check this out...

Kids Bowl Free . com has a list of all the bowling centers that are participating in a fun summer program. Signing your kids up is free...they can bowl two free games a day all summer long...you can purchase an add on for only $23.95 for four adults to be added on! I won't be bowling with this ever growing baby bump, but I'll certainly take the boys once a week or so! You do have to pay to borrow those cool bowling shoes:-) This program is nationwide...so check it out!

~Going Bonkers~

What to do with lots of boys during a thunderstorm...go bonkers...er, um, actually play bonkers. I loved playing this game with my family growing up. My boys are not real game players...they like a little more action:-) But the computer/TV needed to be turned off and it was raining. I put aside some of my fun sewing so I could join in.

I can't wait til the boys are able to play Dutch Blitz with me! That has to be my favorite game. Another favorite from my growing up years.

Does your family have a favorite game?!!?!

~Not only are they beautiful...~

...they are yummy! I love strawberry season...but it is way too short! We have about a week left of picking time around here so today I packed up the boys and headed to the farm. The berries were only $1.35 per pound...in the store today they were $2.49.

I went happily about picking my bucket full. Can't say the same for the boys. Nathan cried just about the whole time (unless he had a strawberry in his mouth), Eric just kept walking around asking silly questions, the other three had a lot of complaining to do. I spent about an hour happily washing and sorting the berries and making some shortcake this afternoon! Aaron asked why I was having fun doing all that picking and cleaning work. Someday he may understand how work can be fun and rewarding...for now he will enjoy the fruit of my labor:-)

~Dealing with Issues~

Week 14 & 15 kind of go together...Dealing with my part of the problem and dealing with the other persons. Not the easiest of topics!

There was an extremly large amount of info in these two sessions. I am going to try to simplify things and mention only the things that really struck me. I'm sure I'm leaving holes! Again, I highly recommend you go through this course yourself or with a group of friends, family or church class! It comes with DVD's, a workbook (for teacher or one student), print outs with a simplified outline for a class & mp3's. The women in our church were really challanged & encouraged by the study...the men will start going through it this fall.

Anyway, here are some major points for me to remove my side of the problem...

*Reconciliation is not just back to talking terms. Way more! They will know we are Christians by our love!

*"I'm sorry" or "I apologize" doesn't cut it...you really need to name the sin and own up to it...none of this "if I..." stuff!

*Don't just ask forgiveness for the surface problem (attitude) but get down to the underlying problem (self-centeredness)

*Make it hard to do this sin again...Berg calls it radical amputation...I like that!

Here are a few points on dealing with the other persons sin...

*Surrender the outcome to God and show kindness BEFORE you rebuke in meekness. We often want to rebuke first. If the person is unsaved, you certainly want to handle things in a way to not jeapordize your testimony

*You can't forgive someone before they ask! The whole purpose is for both parties to be right with God and men. If you forgive them, you have taken away some of the pressure for them to get it right.

*Examples of good rebuke...God & Cain, Abigail & David, David & Saul, Nathan & David

*Forgive! - Matt 18 says you will be delivered to tormentors if you are not able to forgive!

Remember this happens in our families all the time. Am I teaching my children to go through these steps or do I just seperate them until they calm down? or until I calm down?!?!? Also, we often we treat our kids/teens in a way we would never treat others. We want to bring them to repentance not to make them pay but to help them grow.

Two resources I have enjoyed to help with my children are "The Young Peacemakers" and Doorposts chart "Brother Offended Checklist." I really need to get these back out!

Off to dig out that chart...I have a feeling we will need it before the weekend is over!

~Giveaway Day~

You all have such wonderful plans! I took some notes on your devotional material...thanks for the tips:-)

Jean asked what I was doing...um...well, the boys are I are going through the minor prophets in the morning...the family is going through Jesus miracles at night...and I am trying to continue in my Quieting a Noisey Soul study. My pregnant brain has been very taxed by the book I'm reading "A Layman Looks at the Love of God" but I am slowly starting to understand it and be challanged by it!

I had a few goals for this year... simplify (I've cleaned out a lot~have a lot to go, but am content)... make some healthier eating choices (homemade granola, yogurt, fresh ground bread)... knit/crochet (dishcloths)... make soap. All I have left is making soap!!! Once baby arrives, it will be a good six months before I get my feet back in to new stuff!

Anyway, this is what you really want to know...

Amanda from my blessed calling is the winner!!! Amanda has three little sweeties and is expecting another blessing in October. It was through Amanda, I found my yummy granola recipie...thanks Amanda! I just had some this morning with Tanya's yogurt...thanks Tanya, it worked!

So Amanda, please leave a comment on this post to let me know which gift set you would like and I also need your address...I promise I won't post it:-)

I'm off to the lab to get my diabetes test...yuck!

~Dog Grooming 101~

We got these sweet little cockapoo's last September...

They sure have grown!

A few months ago, I gave them their first haircut...just last week, I had to give them another one. This time much shorter:-)

Bullet before...

Bullet after...

I used a flowbee! I am very pleased with how it worked. It took about 20 minutes for each dog. Comparing the price we paid for the used flowbee and the cost of grooming...it paid for itself in one use:-) River does not like her face done...so I used scissors.

When searching for info on the flowbee, we found the older ones were actually nicer. They do make flowbee's for pets, but we have found this one to work just fine.

Do any of you have tips on doing their ears or feet???

~May Quilt Block~

I loved, loved, loved this one! It is hard to see the pinwheel effect in a photo...in person it is lovely!

We are just about done with the quilt blocks for this year! If you are interested in joining in next time...I think they are starting again in September. Click here for more info!

~More little aprons and some baby birds~

I'm soooo glad to be just about done with these little aprons. They have certainly been challenging! I even started modifying them to make them a little easier! The pockets on the first one are square instead of round!

Remember those beautiful little eggs!!?!? I've not check on them...not wanting to scare the mama bird away...look how big they are!

Happy Monday!