yet he abideth faithful

~Grace for the Good Girl~

2012-02-06T21:55:00.001-05:00

Wow, you should see all the notes I took while reading this book! This is going to be a long post!

I wasn't sure if I was a "good girl" or not... I know I need grace... so I asked for this book for Christmas.

Where to begin?

First off, I'm totally a "good girl." Not in every situation she mentioned... but many.

*She had me when she said "I desperately want to manage your opinion of me."

*I gulped hard when she talked about hiding from dreams... "to face them is to admit they are there, to admit they are there means you are not living them... that means failure" I don't do failure.

*Conviction hit when she said "The innate desire to be good protect me... but it didn't bring me any greater understand of God"

*An eye opener was when she mentioned we praise people who never let on they are suffering. So true... but it that a good thing!??!?! (keep reading, we come back to this)

*I am so Martha... not Mary. Almost every sermon on this pair makes me grit my teeth because I don't get it. Somebody has to make the lunch!!! Loved her take on it!

*Another great story... Mary being told she was going to bear the Messiah. She said I am the Lords servant. A servant... service is an act of faith - it isn't me doing work for God but it is me trusting God to do the work in me. Mary just had to let things happen.

*A key thought... pleasing God or trusting God... I choose to please for various reasons. Trusting feels to passive for me.

*Law/Grace - Grace is not Jesus helping us keep the law... this keeps us focused on the law. Jesus came to fulfill the law so we don't have to look at it any more. Don't listen to the law, listen to Jesus.

*A guilt written across the for head moment. Responsible is good but I simultaneously feel resentful that I am the one to manage it all.

*Yikes - We may call it people pleasing but it is entirely self serving because it really is all about keeping myself comfortable.

*Another story I struggle with... the prodigal son. I can relate to the older brother. She had great thoughts about this.

*Great thoughts on guilt vs shame

*Great question "Are you trying to be who Jesus wants you to be? or do you trust him to bring out who he has already created you to be?"

*Back to the thought above about praising people who never let on they are suffering...In the midst of grief, there is no such thing as strong women of God. There is only brokenness & in desperate need. We are not called to be strong... I want to be strong... not broken and in need."

*Thinking about Moses... he said who am I, God, that I should __________________... God said... I will be with you. Moses asked who, who are you? God says I am.

*Great, great thoughts on worship...loved this!

*If I feel ________ I grab a mask of __________... I completely bypass the spirit within me.

*To recollect truth sometimes we need to re collect truth.

*Closure vs Healing... wow! When there is no healing, there is haunting. To escape haunting we either need to find a mask or a healer.

*Don't fear the future. Choose to anticipate the next great provision.

*Do not compare your pain with others. The worst pain you will ever feel is your own.

*Enjoy the tempo of a God breathed life by letting him set the pace... sick kids, phone calls, broken cars... God is setting the tempo.

These are NOT all my notes:-)

I had notes on three index cards front and back. I put the page number so I can look it up later. I also have a list of 6 books to look up that I may want to add to my wish list.

I am going to go back through some of the topics I marked, but I feel like I got a lot out of the book the first time.

Change... not so easy... control... comes naturally. I'm in it for the long haul. This book really made me think about some of the counseling classes I have taken... you can't go on your feelings... you MUST find truth.

Highly recommended for all my "good girl" friends!

~Thinking Thoughts~

2012-02-04T21:15:00.002-05:00

1. This wonderful reminder from here...A man approaching retirement called the retirement office to inquire about his pension. Afterward, he was asked if his wife worked.“She’s worked all her life making me happy”, he replied. “Yes sir, but has she earned money to receive her pension?” “When we got married we agreed on an arrangement”, he said. “I would earn the living, and she would make the living worthwhile”.“Make the living worthwhile”…have we forgotten the very essence of that? Have we forgotten to live for someone else, that doing so IS what makes a living worthwhile?

2. I listened to Nathan's new Patch the Pirate CD . He was so excited about the story and thought it was great that I was listening with him. One of the songs was "Stokin' up the Fire." I was able to tell Nathan what that meant and that it was something God was showing mom right now. It was so neat to talk with him about it!

3. Another thought from my friend "Patch"... If God has called you go be a Preacher don't... lower yourself to become a king.

4. From my current book "Through Jewish Eyes" - God used examples in Acts 8, 9 and 10 of three different men getting saved. These three men were from the line of each of Noah's three sons... showing that every people group is represented.

5. From my Ephesians study - Chapter two says "children of wrath" That means having a close relationship with God's wrath...yikes!

6. Also from Ephesians - Chapter two goes on to say we have no hope.... no hope...

7. Keep reading and you find out about our peace!

8. I really liked this "A Letter to My Children About Marriage"

What a good week of thinking~ It is amazing how many things I would be forgetting if I wasn't purposefully writing them down!

~Leather Wrap Bracelets~

2012-02-03T22:08:00.002-05:00

My first Pinterest project!

A leather wrap bracelet was repined by a friend of mine. I had all the supplies and thought it would be a fun project!

I found a written tutorial here... and a video here.

Some people start with the button, some end with it. Doesn't really matter either way.

Here is my first one...

It is more silver in real life and a little bit big... I guess I have a small wrist.

I had so much fun that I made three more:-) A little bit smaller and with smaller beads. Eric's favorite is the green. I agree with him!

I have supplies to make one more... I'm waiting for the perfect bead combination:-) I just got a birthday coupon from one of my favorite craft shops... maybe I'll find the perfect beads there!

~A Holy Influance~

2012-02-02T21:48:00.000-05:00

I heard Wanda Gibert speak at our state home school convention a few years ago. She was talking about "Be the Crowning Touch in your Husband's Life."

I enjoyed her talk and ended up buying her bible study by the same name. I found it hidden and dusty and I thought it would be a good way to start the new year in my devotion time so I got it out.

She wrote that the study should take 12 weeks... as I looked over the book, I realized there was 12 days worth. I read one chapter a day.

I wasn't overly impressed... maybe because I took good notes during her talk:0)... but I did glean some things.

The study was based on Prov 12:4 A Virtuous woman is a crown to her husband; but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness to the bones. She also pointed out that being virtuous was something that is favored by God (Prov 18:22).

Each chapter was about a different aspect of a crown... it brings beauty, it brings influance, it brings elevation... and she talked about how we, as wives, can bring those qualities to our husband.

I wouldn't say to run out and get a copy (I can't find them online anywhere) but it was food for thought.

~February Goals~

2012-02-01T10:53:00.003-05:00

What I am hoping to accomplish this month!

1. Read one book a month - Through Jewish Eyes

2. One big craft project a month - quiet book for Kiersten

3. One small craft project each week - choose these off my pinterest boards

4. Spring clean one room a month - Bathroom (from Jan) and my bedroom (for Feb)

5. Keep up with devotions - Continue with Ephesians

6. Health goals - Keep up with walking 3 miles a day 5 days a week. Get back to eating better (I haven't made yogurt in months, I need to trade out my creamy sweet coffee for herbal tea, enforce smaller portions). Try 4 new recipies.

7. Projects for when I am doing school with Eric - finish uploading my digital scrapbooking kits, finish my ripple blanket, do any handwork for Kierstn's quiet book (see #2)... and if there is time start some embroidery

8. Memory work

a) Romans 6:3-4 (Church verses - Romans 6 this year)

b) Continue in James 2 (with boys for school)

9. For others - Secret Sister, make Nathan's birthday special, reach out to one who needs encouraged

10. Misc Projects - Can't wait to see what pops up!

Ready, set, go!

~January Goals~

2012-01-31T10:56:00.007-05:00

I never posted my goals in the beginning of the month but here are my goals with what I accomplished.

1. Read one book a month - I finished Grace for the Good Girl... review coming... I need to go through a lot of notes!

2. One big craft project a month - I finished a quilt top... photo coming

3. One small craft project each week - 1) Christmas cards/photos, 2)bracelets, 3) glass display in living room, 4) verse holder for 2012 church verses... photos of bracelets and glass display coming

4. Spring clean one room a month - I was supposed to do the bathroom this month but never got to it...oops! I guess I'll have to double up next month.

5. Keep up with devotions - I scheduled each week with different studies I want to do this year. I finished "A Holy Influence: Be the Crowning Touch in your Husband's Life" (two weeks) and started studying the book of Ephesians (12 weeks).

6. Health goals - My goal for January was to get back to walking. I didn't walk much in Dec and gained back a few pounds that I lost last year. My goal was 3 miles a day 5 days a week. I generally split my 3 miles into 4 mph, 6 mph and 5 mph. I didn't hit my goal of the number of days since the stomach bug came for a week. I'm still pleased with my results!

7. Projects for when I am doing school with Eric - I sit with Eric for about an hour... I like to keep my hands busy. This month I did a very small amount of crochet (still working on my ripple blanket). I spent one week working on leather wrap bracelets (see #3). I spent over a week working on my digital scrapbooking program. All my digikits were deleted when I sent my laptop out for repair. It is taking hours and hours and hours to reload them.

8. Memory work
a)Two verses in Romans 6 every month - I learned verses 1&2
b)James 2 & 3 with the kids this year. (We did James 1 last fall) We are up to verse 12!

9. For others - One note sent to Secret Sister, one note sent to a new mom, put effort into making Eric's birthday special

10. Misc projects that pop up - This month was cleaning out the boys clothes
Now, I'm off to write my goals for February!

~Funnies~

2012-01-30T21:48:00.002-05:00

Aaron measured himself on our height chart and must have not stood right. He comes out and declares "I'm shrinking."

Nathan replies "Just read your Bible and pray every day and you'll grow"

~Shopping and Lunch Out~

2012-01-29T22:13:00.000-05:00

What a fun day! Yesterday, Kiersten and I spent some girl time doing girl stuff:-)

The boys were all in need of new jeans and some other wardrobe basics. After breakfast, I packed up Kiersten and a bunch of coupons and headed out. We were in no hurry to get home (Gregg was taking care of lunch for the boys) and just wanted to enjoy the bargain hunting!

We hit Kohls first and found some good deals and added a 20% off coupon to make them great deals. I got a beautiful winter white wool coat...love it! I got a bunch of other things for the kids and in total I saved75%!

By now it was after lunch and we were hungry. Kiersten had a snack in the fitting room but we were both read for a sit down food fest! We drove across the street to Panera! Oh, yum! We split a sandwich, drink and bakery item.

We headed to Target (across the parking lot) to get some good coupon deals and to look for the items I couldn't get a good deal on at Kohls.

I found some great grocery deals... boys jeans on clearance for $5... and beautiful glass cups on clearance (that I hope to use for pudding/dessert dishes).

I was going to hit Aldi and Michaels afterward, but Kiersten had a mini break down in the checkout so I figured she needed a nap.

We were almost home and stopped at a bent & dent grocer for food to get us through the weekend. I did not get groceries this week since we had special services at church.

I look forward to many more shopping trips and special lunches out!

My favorite moments:

*Watching Kiersten pull things off the rack exclaiming how "pretty" they were. She loved anything with sequins.

*We were in the fitting room. I was trying on clothes and Kiersten was eating her snack. She finished her snack just as she saw a sweater in the cart that I was buying for her. She started taking all her clothes off to try on the sweater:-)

*She was busy making friends with everyone at Panera.

~Thinking Thoughts~

2012-01-28T22:13:00.000-05:00

My Saturday post filled with thoughts I've been thinking on:

1. Beauty for ashes... it is a promise from God for those mourn. BUT I have to give him the ashes (the ruined, burned up, worthless leftovers of a disaster) in order to get the beauty. Isaiah 61:3 Hanging onto the ashes isn't worth it! Give it to God! (from Sunday's sermon)

2. Beauty for Ashes... my husband wrote it on my white board for me... he put it in the pray for section. I first thought, that is not where that goes... then I realized there was no more perfect place!

3. “I don’t want to get to the end of my life and find that I have just lived the length of it. I want to have lived the width of it as well.” thought from here

4. I was half way through my walk Thursday when I remembered I was supposed to be listening for something to stoke my fire. I came across this Cd and the song "All are Welcome":
*come and lay your burden down, you have no reason to hide... accept his grace, let him take control...He will take away your guilt and shame, lay it at his feet... - I'm in the midst of reading Grace for the Good Girl. This ties in perfectly!
*Let his healing begin - also from Grace for the Good girl - I just read the chapter about the difference between closure and healing. I would have never picked up on this had I not been purposefully listening!

5. In reading Grace for the Good Girl she mentions "beauty for ashes"... just like the message on Sunday!

6. Blog post by Monica talking about the Prov 31 woman... extending grace. Hadn't seen it that way before.

How cool is that that the message from Sunday, my book, and my music all were working together! I would not have known it without purposing to listen and to stoke my fire.

~Busy Week~

2012-01-27T22:02:00.002-05:00

We had special services at church all week. I felt like I was on fast forward... trying to get everything done before supper that normally takes me til bedtime to finish.

The speaker was very good... a Marine. We have heard him speak before and were looking forward to hearing him again. There were several great messages but his first one on anger was my favorite. It was a "Family Conference" so he spoke on communication in the home, Husbands role, wives role etc.

We purchased some new music Cd's and some Patch the Pirate for the kids.

We have had playmobile (mess) out for a few weeks so I finally packed that away for a few months. They love to play with it and it works best to put it away for a little while.

Nathan has been building wonderful towers with books. He often builds one and wants it to remain standing til Dad gets home to show him... it isn't always still standing, but we try to protect it as much as possible!

I have tried several new recipes lately. Two were really yucky. My family was very gracious.

This one was excellent! Cheddar Bacon Ranch Pulls...

Kiersten did make the week a little more interesting. I was talking to someone after church and left her in an empty classroom to play. I came back to get her and she was choking with a red face... I could smell hand sanitizer. She had pulled over a chair and climbed to get the bottle. She put some on several plates (she was having a little tea party) and ate a spoonful. It must not have tasted good. Anyway, we called poison control (again!) and they said it happens all the time not to worry. It would have done damage if it was in her eyes but to just eat a spoonful was ok.

Tomorrow I take my girl out for some shopping and lunch... wonder how that is going to go!?!!??!

~Thinking Thoughts~

2012-01-21T22:20:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite verses is Luke 24:32. "And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?"

I want my heart to burn like that... but so many days it doesn't. If you think about it this way... you have a 15 hour day and if you only fill yourself with 20 minutes of fuel... you are not going to burn real long or real hot. How can I change this to not only sustain me through the day, but to give warmth, heat and light to those around me?!?!!?

Lets use the example of stoking a fire. When you get up in the morning you need a good pile of wood to heat up the house. As you go through your day you need to add a log here and there. Some days when it is really nasty... you have to add extra logs.

So, to make this idea a part of my life this year, I am going to make an effort to stoke my fire throughout the day.

7 am personal devotions
9 am Bible with the kids
12 noon Memory verses over lunch
3 pm walk with good music
8:30 family devotions
10 pm one chapter in a good book

I have been doing most of these things but I don't always get something out of it... and when I do get a great thought to think on, I often forget what I wanted to remember. I am going to try to keep a running list of things so that I might have a better chance of remembering.

I am going to try to make a Saturday post with the major thoughts I was thinking each week.

Here is my first post:

My Saturday post of what has made me think this week:

1. This blog post was very encouraging. You don't have to love every moment of mothering to be a great mother.

2. I ran across these verses in devotion time with the kids:

1 Peter 1:3-4 (KJV) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope
by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,

It gave me a sigh of relief and strength for the day!

3. I forget where I read this but... I want to raise adults... not children!

If there is one thing our society is lacking these days, it
is Responsibility. Responsibility for our own actions.
Responsibility for our own consequences. Responsibility for our
behaviors, emotions, and reactions. All too often it is someone else’s fault
or someone else’s job. In fact, so many people have outsourced their
responsibilities to the point there is no one left to take responsibility for
anything.

And I refuse to be a part of the problem.

No more finger-pointing. No more sitting around making
excuses. I want to raise adults. Real adults. Adults who are
responsible, discerning, and purposeful.

4. I read this quote from Martin Luther while in my personal devotion in the book of Eph:

The law says, “do this,” and it is never done. Grace says, “Believe in this,” and everything is already done.

So, there we have it! Let the burning begin!

~Sick Week~

2012-01-20T22:14:00.002-05:00

I didn't post anything this week because there really wasn't anything happening... well, except for the stomach bug that came to visit. We all ate dinner together Friday night for Eric's birthday... it wasn't until this morning that we all ate together again.

I've been feeding those that are sick, those that are recovering, and those that are going to be sick. Not a fun or easy task!

Gregg was home several days... one feeling well and helping, two feeling sick, one feeling like he wanted to be well.

A few boys missed one day of school but we really didn't get behind.

I do have one cute photo of Nathan recovering on the couch, but I can't find my camera card so I'll have to add that later!

Here it is... so cute!

~The Big Seven~

2012-01-14T21:33:00.005-05:00

Eric turned 7 years old this week! We really spread his birthday out too!

Monday night I took him on a Birthday date. He wanted to go to Chick fil-A:) Yum! We also walked through the toy section of Target so he could tell me what he might like to receive for his Birthday. I let him choose an early gift... Cars 2!

We had a little play time with friends on Tuesday that made that day special!

Wednesday was his birthday but with Gregg at work all day and church in the evening he decided we could move it to Thursday... but Gregg had a meeting Thursday night so we moved it to Friday! We watched Cars 2 Thursday night instead (we also watched it Friday afternoon and Friday night).

Eric was a lot of fun this year... so excited! He opened his gifts as soon as Gregg got home.
Then we ate the birthday dinner. He requested "Nathan" hot dogs, mac 'n cheese and red beet eggs.

After supper they played! The three older boys got these tops for Christmas...

Eric really, really wanted one for his birthday... so, of course we got him one. I wasn't too impressed with these things. The boys were using my nice stainless steel bowl and it was loud!!!

Gregg picked up this orange bowl that they are supposed to play in. I liked them much better this way! I even got in on a few rounds!

Eric requested mint chocolate chip ice cream with brownies and hot fudge sauce... with whipped cream and a cherry on top...

Looks like Dad got a little crazy with the whipped cream!

There we go!

Happiest Birthday wishes to my little man! This guy is a gem.... I can't wait to see how God uses him!

Here is a video of the tops!

~My Egg Trick~

2012-01-09T07:33:00.000-05:00

Fresh eggs every day are wonderful!

Twenty one fresh eggs every day are a lot!

I have had to come up with new and exciting way to serve eggs. My guys love deviled eggs, red beet eggs and egg salad... but, I hate peeling fresh eggs. I tried to let them sit for a week in the fridge but that still didn't work... not to mention the fact that 8 dozen eggs take up a lot of room!

I was reading about eggs and read that they do not "need" to be refrigerated... once they are refrigerated, they need to stay refrigerated though. One day without refigeration is like one week in the fridge.

So, I tried leaving my eggs out for 3 days on the counter and then I hard boiled them. They were still a little rough to peel. I tried 4 days and they were perfect! I have been doing this for two months and have only had 2 eggs that were rough to peel! (I'm guessing someone put them in the wrong basket.)

Every morning I tell the boys where to put the eggs... in the fridge or in a basket. I keep three baskets on my counter with sticky notes. The notes tell me what day the eggs were laid and what day I need to boil them.

I have waited 5 days to do two days of eggs together and haven't had a problem. I'm not sure I'd leave them out in a heat wave, but for now, it is working well!

They peel so nice that Kiersten often helps me!

~Organizing Christmas Cards~

2012-01-07T22:09:00.003-05:00

I am so excited about some of the projects I have scheduled for this year... lots of goals to work towards! Most are about cleaning out and organizing!

One of the first things I wanted to do was figure out what to do with all the Christmas cards, letters and photos. I usually just stick them in a file in a drawer.

I saw this idea and thought it would be perfect!

It took me all week to get it done (school and my little girly were not cooperating!) but I'm so happy with it. I have everything in one 1 1/2" binder for 2001 to 2011! I do have a handful of photos that do not have dates so I'll be playing detective to see if I can find where they go.

I also put my letter in there with the extra copies. I save them to give to the kids "someday" when they move out.

I only kept the photos and letters... the Christmas cards that were simply signed were used in this craft...

A friend of mine sells creative memories and shared this idea! Use your tag maker to make tags for gifts for next year! I absolutely loved punching these out! My family will be impressed next year too... I never remember to get/use labels... I almost always label the packages with a black sharpie!

Now, my filing drawer has a bit more room, I have tags for next year, and my Christmas letters and photos are in a wonderful album that I can actually page through!!!!

What do you all do with your Christmas cards?

~Yikes, what a Day~

2012-01-05T22:08:00.002-05:00

Monday was a fun day... Tuesday was a day of routine. The kids did great getting back into their chores/school. Wednesday... well, that was another story.

Morning school went very long... like, I walked into the kitchen to make lunch close to 1pm. I heard my cell phone ring and chose to not answer because everyone was hungry and lunch was my first priority. When the house phone rang I knew Gregg needed to talk to me, so I answered. I had to leave the room to look at something to answer him and was being bugged by Nathan. I quietly reminded him that he was not to talk to me while I was on the phone. He insisted he had to ask me something.

"Mom, can I eat some of those green things Kiersten has?" "Um, let me see" was my answer as I continued talking to Gregg and walked back to the kitchen.

I saw Kiersten popping rat poison into her mouth and scream "no!!!!" I hung up without even saying anything to Gregg... Kiersten spits out the pellets. All were hole... no bites taken. Her teeth were clean and her tongue was clean too. Thankfully, the poison was still in the original bag and I could call poison control (number was on bag too!) and see what I needed to do. They didn't answer right away so I was barking commands to the boys. Jordan, call dad and tell him what happened. Jared make sure everyone has shoes on... we may need to leave.

Someone FINALLY answered and I told the very calm lady what happened and gave her the information from the bag. She informed me that rat poison (this type, anyway) wouldn't take effect for 4-7 days. If she has any symptoms just take her to the doctor for some vitamin K. Symptoms would be blood in stools/urine, bleeding, bruising easily.

Ok, breathing again... I had Jordan finish making lunch while I called Gregg back and washed Kiersten's hands.

I was thrilled when nap time finally arrived!

~New Years Day Out~

2012-01-04T08:49:00.003-05:00

We spent New Years Day at church with our normal routine. Sunday night Gregg and I both wrote a to-do list for Monday (he had the day off).

We both woke up Monday morning and decided we'd rather do something "fun" and let the lists wait for another day! One of us normally talks some sense into the other one in times like these... but we were both senseless and packed up the gang and headed out.

Our first stop was Cabela's. It is about an hour drive so I packed some snacks for the trip. The place was mobbed, but since we never buy anything there, that was ok. We looked at all the animals... the fish, deer, bear... and then we went to shoot! Jordan shot several rounds on other people's tokens. He found the jammed guns and used his pocket knife to loosen the tokens... haha!

Nathan was especially fun to watch!

We found this poster of Bear Grylls...

My guys loves to watch his adventures... they just are not allowed to tell me about them!

After Cabela's we went to Cracker Barrel for lunch... but the wait was 40 minutes so we tried an Asian Buffet. It was mostly Chinese with some sushi and American food. Jared tried squid. The boys said he looked like he was chewing an eyeball...uck! I couldn't watch him eat it! I was full on my Chinese when I finally asked about the hibachi grill. I couldn't resist so I filled a plate with my choice foods and watched him grill it for me! That was soooo yummmmy! I can't believe I ate it all!

Kiersten fell asleep on the way home and my guys let me stop at Joann's Fabric! I got 3 dress fabrics for Kiersten that were 50% off! I also got a great price on big skeins of cotton yarn! Kiersten woke up before I got back so we did some other shopping before coming home.

It was a great day of getting along and being out. My house is a wreck and nothing got done... getting back to school/routine isn't going to be easy!

~Happy New Year~

2012-01-01T15:22:00.002-05:00

~New Years Party~

2011-12-30T22:51:00.000-05:00

We had a New Year's service Tonight instead of tomorrow. We enjoyed a time in scripture and song then some food and fellowship! Kiersten had fun in this cabinet. It has wheels and she was being pushed around by the other girls with the doors closed.

I got to talk with one of our newer families. We have a lot in common and I look forward to getting to know them better!

~Last Book of the Year~

2011-12-29T21:23:00.002-05:00

I asked for this book for Christmas... and I forgot about it. I was happily surprised to open it up Christmas morning!

We took the week off from school so I had a little free time every afternoon to read this week. It was an easy read so it didn't take me long to get through it.

I was very challenged by it! I think it was a great book to end the year.

My two favorite parts:

* One of her daughters asked if she would explode if Jesus came into her heart. Katie's first response was no... but then she thought about it and realized you should explode! "'Yes, if Jesus comes to live in your heart, you will explode.' That is exactly what we should do if Jesus comes to live inside our hearts. We will explode with love, with compassion, with hurt for those who are hurting, and with joy for those who rejoice. We will explode with desire to be more, to be better, and to be close to the One who made us.'"

* "One of His favorites. That is what I have felt like this last two weeks. Lavished with love, But isn't that what He wants every one of his children to feel, all the time? Each and every one of us created perfectly in His image. Each one cherished. Each one 'one of His favorites'. How would life change if we thought of each other as such? If each person that approached us we treated as beloved of God, cherished by God, one of God's favorite people?

A few take aways:

* I want to know Jesus the way Katie does

* I want to love Jesus the way Katie does

* I want to love my children as much as she loves strangers

* I want to see each and every person as God's favorite

I really enjoyed reading about Katie's experiences, how God worked in her life, and how He opened so many doors for her to minister. It makes me wonder how we, as Americans, who have so much can learn about God and watch him do wonderful things when we don't "need" Him. It is almost scary to pray to see God in that way... thinking it would only come through great trials.

I was encouraged by the simple fact that it isn't up to me to change the world... children are hurting all over the world and that can be overwhelming to think about. All I need to do is to change the life of each person God brings to me. That change may only be a small thing in my life but it may impact them far greater.

Katie had a few statistics throughout the book. One that stood out to me was the number of orphans and the number of Christians. If only a small percentage of Christians adopted one child there would be no more orphans.

A great book! (you can read most of the book on her blog, but the book is much easier and more detailed)

~Christmas Letters~

2011-12-28T21:13:00.000-05:00

84 Christmas letters finally done! I really didn't feel like doing the letter this year. My kids kept asking if I did it yet... they love to read the past letters and laugh at all the things that happened. I knew I would regret not doing a letter but just couldn't get motivated until yesterday. My parents took all the kids out for lunch so I had some time to just sit and type. Jordan proof read it for me:-)

I read it to the kids this morning to make sure it was accurate and so they knew what I said about them. We printed them out and made an assembly line.

Aaron put on the return address, Jared put on the stamp, Jordan put on the addresses and I folded and stuffed them. Kiersten actually pulled off the self sealing strip and closed them... she did a great job!

Ahhh, done!

~Christmas Crafting~

2011-12-26T20:01:00.008-05:00

I didn't craft too many gifts this year. The blanket for my Grandparents and these small gifts...

I turned these "normal" looking mugs into fun little cozy mugs!

I also took plain soap bottles and personalized them...

The only other things I crafted was Kiersten's dress.

I figured out how to do a blind hem on my sewing machine! Way easy!!! I also learned how to make the little flowers that I added. I used a pattern for the top of the dress but the bottom was something I just copied from pictures I saw online.

~The Fourth Christmas~

2011-12-25T21:45:00.001-05:00

We spent Saturday afternoon with my parents and my brothers family. My mom served a bunch of snacky type food that we all enjoyed before, during and after our gift opening!

Kiersten helped Uncle Darrell hand out gifts for a little while.

She enjoyed opening everything!

Aaron knew the shape of one of the gifts from my parents. They took the boys shopping to get ideas and Aaron knew this shape from one of his most desired gifts. He was so excited to open it and since his uncle could tell he was overly excited... he waited til last to give it to him!

All the cousins.

We enjoyed our day in church today. We stayed and had lunch with some of the people at church that have no family in the area. It was a really nice time.

Tomorrow I crash!

~The Third Christmas~

2011-12-24T21:22:00.000-05:00

Christmas morning a day early! Since we didn't want to cram everything into a Sunday Christmas, we enjoyed our normal Christmas Day activities on Saturday.

First we opened stockings...

We ate breakfast... simple English muffins this year!

Then we opened gifts. Each child receives 3 gifts... this takes til about noon!

Then we head out for our next Christmas!

~The Second Christmas~

2011-12-23T23:04:00.001-05:00

I spent most of today in the kitchen. I was cooking for tonight's Christmas Dinner with Gregg's family, Saturday afternoon snacks with my family and Sunday afternoon dinner with church family.

I did enjoy all the cooking and it was much easier with Gregg home taking care of kid stuff!

I first started the roast for dinner. Potatoes were peeled and chopped and put in the fridge for later.

I made this yummy olive dip for Saturday/Sunday
And a cheese ball for Saturday/Sunday and some deviled eggs

Dessert for Saturday/Sunday

Stuffed mushrooms, mashed potatoes and baked corn for dinner Fri.

I even made a whole bunch of ham/cheese sandwiches to throw in the oven for whenever I needed them.

My fridge was stuffed!

We had a great visit with Gregg's family! Usually, the adults exchange $5 gifts a the kids exchange snacks. This year we all exchanged our favorite snacks. I think that went very well!

Not much needed to be cleaned up before bed since I had kept the kitchen clean all day while I was cooking! Stocking are set out and we are ready for our next Christmas!

~Brown Paper Packages~

2011-12-20T22:50:00.004-05:00

I've got them all tied up in string!

I am still waiting for one package to come in the mail but the rest is done!

I had the boys help with Gregg's gifts. I am so glad to have my bedroom back! All these gifts were stashed in there!

Even the stocking are ready to go!

Whoo hoo!

Now for the cleaning!

~The First Christmas~

2011-12-17T22:06:00.007-05:00

Four Christmas's every year... that is a lot. But I think we have a good schedule down! The first one is my mom's family the Saturday before Christmas (today). It is hosted by my Uncle & Aunt who only live about 20 min away. Some do a gift exchange pollyanna style, some participate in a cookie swap and some just come to visit.

I enjoyed this Christmas party on my own:-) Gregg happily stayed home with the kids so I could actually talk to people. I love my kids... but when you have to keep giving direction and making sure everything is ok you really can't get into a good conversation. I enjoyed talking to several cousins, aunts and uncles. I didn't get to everyone but I'm happy with how many I did actually talk to. By my count there were 6 uncles, 7 aunts, 15 cousins, 8 second cousins, and 2 "friends" of cousins. I met two wives of cousins for the first time too.

It was a nice afternoon/evening out but I was happy to get home to my quiet house and watch another Christmas movie with my gang.

I sent them off to bed and sorted all the cookies! Yum!

~Tis the Season~

2011-12-16T22:03:00.008-05:00

What a fun Friday! We only did Bible, math and grammar this morning. I returned two movies to the library and picked up three more. We had a quick lunch and headed out to the Choo-choo Barn. This is our third year going at Christmas. We got in free with donations to a food drive.

They decorated for Christmas this year. There were also 50 Santa's hiding around the track. My boys found them all!

I just loved the hats on the giraffes!

Isn't this so pretty!

Kiersten could see a lot from the floor but asked dad a few times for a ride on his shoulders.

Nathan and Eric are just so much fun to watch. Nathan's favorite part is the house that catches on fire and the firetruck that comes to put it out!

I did find some stables hidden in places too!
Why is it always so cold when we go here!?!?!? The wind here is crazy cold!

After we got home I started on Christmas cookies for a cookie exchange tomorrow. My little helper rolled the cookies in sugar and put them on the tray for me.

Mmmmm... Mint Chocolate Chip and Chocolate Orange Macaroons!

http://www.doorposts.com/blog/2011/12/08/the-green-cookie-recipe/

http://mamasfixins.blogspot.com/2010/01/chocolate-orange-macaroons.html

We all enjoyed this movie after a yummy taco dinner and a clean kitchen! I'm still crocheting... and I WILL finish the dress this weekend!

~Sneak Peek~

2011-12-15T23:01:00.001-05:00

I was up late working on a dress, drinking tea, and watching a Christmas movie...

Anyone else trying to fit a gazillion things into this last weekend before Christmas?!!?!??!!?

~Mittens~

2011-12-13T09:11:00.003-05:00

Remember these mittens I bought at a craft fair (favorite mittens ever! So. very. warm.)... well I found directions here if you are interested!

I don't have time to add these to my list before Christmas but maybe I can try to make a pair this winter!!! I have some felted wool sweaters all ready for a project!

~A Lost Pearle~

2011-12-11T21:53:00.005-05:00

I knew there was something else I did last week... I just could not remember what it was when I typed up my post! I read this amazing book...

I spent many night time hours keeping warm in my blanket with my book! I refused to read it while the kids were awake because I knew I would never be able to put it down! As soon as the kids were in bed I was into the story and stayed at it until I seriously couldn't focus anymore.

The publisher says it is a mystery with plenty of action. Yup!

I read one "real" romance novel and one "real" mystery book many years ago. Books on the top book lists. This book was so very different. I came away from those books feeling dirty and creepy... this book was challenging my character. It is amazing how the quality of writing can lead your mind down different paths.

There was romance... but not immorality

There was death... but nothing gory

There was evil... but it was shown as the result of selfishness not glamorized

There were decisions made sacrificially

There was compassion

People were humbled

Joy was found in trials

Character shined through

Service to others helped heal a wounded heart

God was praised for the work He did through the trials

I woke one morning after reading this book and thought for sure I had watched a movie! The pictures were so clear in my head.

This book was written in 1883 and I always enjoy the Old English. This company does define some words at the bottom of the page which is helpful but I could mostly glean the meaning from the context.

Certainly one of my favorite books! Coming in at 440 pages... it is long but, oh my, do the pages turn!

I am afraid to choose another book off the shelf right now... I don't have time to get drawn into another book! Maybe after Christmas!

~Christmas Progress~

2011-12-10T22:48:00.004-05:00

What a day!

We attended a Memorial Service for a gentleman at our church this morning. Funerals are always times you wish you had gotten to know someone better! It also makes me think about the things people/my children will remember about me!

As soon as we got home I started working on these...

Pretty, yes!!?!? Can't show them to you though... Christmas is coming!

I "finished" my Christmas Tree Skirt... I want to embroider a verse or song along the bottom with some decorative stitches on the edge. That may have to wait for next year!

I prepped tomorrow's breakfast, lunch, and evening snack!

The last thing on my list today was to cut out Kiersten's Christmas dress! It is soft and thick... I don't remember what kind of fabric it is but it will be wonderful to work with!

I found this photo on my camera... looks like the dog had a good day too:-) Looks like I need to cut some threads!

Yay! I can go to bed! Wait, I need to write a list for Monday....

~Busy Week Recap~

2011-12-09T22:28:00.000-05:00

I've been in constant motion this week! I am progressing on my to do lists, but I am skipping a lot of things too (like my nice long walks). This week we really fit in a lot of Christmas type activities. We finished decorating for Christmas (almost)!

We did a lot of baking! I made a cheesecake, some mint chocolate chip cookies, pumpkin bread and peanut butter bread. I'm so thankful for my little helper... sigh... she will start helping and stop mess making right!?!?! Haha! Here she is doing dishes! I was glad she stopped picking the chocolate chips out of the batter:-)

I have not touched my ripple blanket (well, I've snuggled in it every day) but have made great progress on the one for my Grandparents. I have one more skein to go!

I have also been doing an advent activity almost every day with the younger three. One day was painting Mary and Elizabeth. Never did you see a more happy and content group of kids! They loved it and hardly made a mess! I am reading an advent book to the whole gang during breakfast and lunch. This year it is Tabitha's Travels.

I've been wanting a tree skirt for a number of years. I usually just use a table cloth. I got these squares cut out and am hoping to make real progress this weekend!

~My Helper~

2011-12-03T22:00:00.000-05:00

I was making deviled eggs today... Kiersten wanted to help me.

Can you guess which two eggs she peeled?

~My Grand Day Out~

2011-12-02T23:08:00.000-05:00

Gregg has several vacation days to use up this month. I was a little concerned about him being home so much... the school days still need to be done and it isn't as easy when he is home. He told me he would do school a couple of days while I take a vacation day:-) Doesn't that sound great!

Today was my first "day off."

I packed up my GPS, some coupons, and my Christmas list and took off around 8 am. First stop... the bank:-) Then I picked up some coffee! I had an hour drive to my next stop so I listened to this...

We just got Teddy's Button in the mail so the kids haven't even heard it! Their audio books are the best... and they have a sale coming up on Monday if you are interested!

I stopped at a craft store for some supplies... I was going to visit my Gram in the nursing home and thought it would be fun to "do" something with her. I found some plastic ornaments (half price this week) and got some beads and pompoms to fill them. I also got some ribbon to tie on the tops.

I have not seen my grandmother in over a year and her memory isn't he best... I was really hoping she would be in the mood for company and that if she didn't remember me that I wouldn't upset her. Right before I walked in I called Gregg to tell him I made it and he said he would be praying for a great visit. Well, I walked in and told her I came to visit her and brought some Christmas ornaments to make and showed her our new family photo. I put the photo on her wall with the other family pictures and looked around her room pointing out pictures of people I knew and decorations I knew my mom had put up a few days ago. I figured if I looked like I knew what I was doing she would at least know I was family:-) She seemed fine that I was there so I settled in and got our crafts out.

She chose the flattish ornament and beads first...

She put them in one by one. White, green, red, white, green and red. She was a little upset when there were not enough white ones:-)

Then she chose the round ball and wanted the pompoms...

Gram LOVED the pompoms:-) She made three balls filled to the top. I liked them 3/4 full, but she liked them stuffed... so they are stuffed! She kept trying to put the biggest size in but they wouldn't fit. She finally asked me to cut them so she could put them in. I told her it would make a mess but she didn't care... so I cut them.

When she finished she sat back and folded her hands. I asked if she wanted to play a game or do a puzzle and she said "No, tell me a story." I asked what kind of story and she said "you have kids, you must have stories." So, I told her all about the kids.

Her lunch came so I did some crocheting while she ate. When she finished eating she started talking about places she wanted to visit. We talked about Christmas movies. She started naming actors and then threw in Christopher Columbus and Ben Franklin. I figured she was probably about done visiting. A few minutes of naming some more movies and she pulled out her little movie player. She started watching Snow White. I figured that was my clue that she was done visiting.

I am so thankful that she and I had a 2 1/2 hour visit and that it went so well. I don't know if she will remember that I was there... but I will remember... and I have the ornaments to prove it!

Now to the next part of my day... just down the road was a mall... Christmas Shopping!!!

I, of course, needed lunch... Chick fil a deluxe chicken sandwich with pepper jack cheese and honey roasted bbq sauce...yum... oh, and a peppermint chocolate chip milkshake please... It is my Christmas shopping tradition!

I found some great gifts and only have a tiny bit of shopping left to do! A great trip! The mall wasn't even that busy so that made it even nicer!

I stopped on my way home for more ornament supplies because I knew my kids would like to helped make some pompom ornaments.

I got home around 6:30. I showed off my treasures and the ornaments that Gram made.

I got the update that they all completed their school, the house was clean, they ate 3 meals and Kiersten was dry all day! Whoohooo!

The younger kids and I made some ornaments and got out the Christmas trees.

Ahhhh, exhaustion has hit! and now it's the WEEKEND!

~December Header~

2011-12-01T16:13:00.001-05:00

~Thanksgiving~

2011-11-24T23:06:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving 2011 start with my devotions. I am still reading chronologically through the Bible. The portion I read Thanksgiving morning was on the crucifixion. What a great spot to be! There is nothing bigger or better to be thankful for!

I made some Little Smokies wrapped in bacon and we headed to my parents for breakfast. My mom made some yummy new treats again this year! A few Aunts, Uncles and cousins were there to join us. Kiersten was able to "play" with my cousin's little girl who is only a few weeks older. I said "play" and not play... because they are definitely two... like, not into the whole sharing thing:-) I think they did very well!

I enjoyed a cup of pumpkin coffee and got to visit with some family. I met two of the youngest members of the family... 5 months and 3 months old. Adorable, yes!?!?!

Time goes so quickly so we were packing up and heading out for Gregg's family's celebration. We found Nathan here...
Haha! He was just comfy sitting on the couch, eating his muffin and watching the parade:-) He had no idea we were ready to walk out the door!

We arrived at the next destination to find the table set and the food ready.

After dinner the girls made fresh green wreaths. I had so much fun making mine! I have never done that before and was surprised at how easy and fun it was.

We made it home in time for the boys to finish their big game of war on paper and to watch our favorite Father Knows Best show about Thanksgiving Day.

I just finished a cup of tea and finally got to eat my dessert!

Now to plan the rest of the weekend....

~Happy Thanksgiving~

2011-11-24T07:34:00.000-05:00

I had planned on posting a bunch of "thankful" posts this week... but life kinda got crazy.

We enjoyed a small family Thanksgiving Saturday evening. We love turkey and I just couldn't wait to start feasting!

Nathan and Kiersten are battling colds and I'm hoping our day isn't too stressful for them.

I spent yesterday finishing up school, cutting hair and making food for today... rolls, pumpkin cheesecake, tea, and little smokies wrapped in bacon!

Today we will be going to my family's for breakfast and Gregg's family for dinner.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

~Grandma~

2011-11-23T19:44:00.010-05:00

Grandmas.... aren't they the best!!?!?!?

I happen to have both of my grandmothers still living. They are so different from each other... but I have so many good memories of spending time with them.

I'll have to meet Gregg's one grandmother in heaven... I love her already because I know she prayed for me... not by name but for his future spouse:-)

I was able to meet Gregg's other grandmother while we were still dating... I'm thinking July 1994. Before I met Grandma he told me all about her.

she is little
she is funny
she wears jeans and sneakers
she rides roller coasters
she irons jeans (he loved this)
she has handwriting that should be turned into a font
she listens to talk radio
she has definite political opinions

He touted her as a "cool" grandma. I was pleasantly surprised! I added some of my own observations over the past number of years...

she has the best laugh
she writes the greatest letters
she loves a good picnic
her arthritis filled fingers are all out of shape... she was a hard worker
she learned how to use an ipad
she sure can cook
she lived well in spite of chronic pain

We were saddened to hear of her hospitalization on Friday night and then of her passing on Monday... just days after her 88th birthday.

We were so glad we took a trip to see her in April. We knew then that we may never see her again so we spent as much time with her as we could. She lived with Gregg's Aunt and Uncle and they were so gracious to allow us to hang out at their house for a number of days (8 people hanging out isn't real quiet or convenient... but they were so welcoming!).

Tonight, I pulled out some old photos and scanned them to make some scrapbook pages to remember Grandma. I'll be adding thoughts and captions for my own memories but here are some photos of Gregg's sweet, little, cool Grandma...

Grandma and I will meet again. She questioned many things, but never doubted her salvation.

Have you hugged your Grandma today?

~Ripples are Growing~

2011-11-17T16:28:00.002-05:00

Well, I was trying to not have more than one project going at a time... but Christmas is coming and I thought I'd like to make a blanket for my Grandparents. They don't ever "need" anything but my Grandmother is always cold (now you know where I get it from) and they never buy anything just for themselves. I bought some cotton yarn... 'cause I love cotton... and I got 3 big skeins of it so I won't have many ends to tie in.

I got a lot done this week (1/3 of the way in the photo) and at this rate I will be done in three weeks (the boys had a really hard time with grammar so I crocheted more than normal). This blanket is smaller than mine and with no color changes it works up faster. It is hard to see the ripples in the photos but I think it looks nicer in person!

I got more done to my blanket too! It is big enough to snuggle under already but I think 19 more rows will be perfect! It is not going to live on my bed, but it is an easy place for a photo... the width of a queen bed and almost the length!

After Christmas I'd like to do some embroidery (I love these!)... I think I'll need a bit of a break from the crochet hook :-) After my little break, I'm hoping to make one of these blankets and a pillow like this!

~MIA Blessing List~

2011-11-15T22:09:00.007-05:00

So, I can't be everywhere and do everything... Yeah, I'm still learning that. I've cut back on my computer time to be more in tune with the world going on behind me... I don't like that I have missed journaling some fun things... but I do like that I am more available for making memories.

Sigh... balance!

We have been enjoying some fun indoor activities since it has been dark, cold and damp around here... catching up on some cleaning... potty training... and eating!

So, here is my catch up post mixed with my blessing post for the last week... or two! :-)

#516-540

516. pile of clean dishes... before supper!

517. war on paper - what laughter and fun coming from the other room!

518. home made soup

519. the taste of fresh bread

520. the ooohs and aaahs from the family!

521. fresh cut veggies waiting to be thrown into the pot

522. the smell of warm dough rising

523. pulling out the big box of playmobile and sitting on the floor for an hour with my girl.... my legs were so asleep but she wouldn't let me sit on the couch and watch... I had to play

524. finally (after 8 years) cleaning and sealing the wood floor in the dinning room!

(the picture is hard to see but half of the floor was done and shiny!)

525. duplex legos with the little people... they were so impressed with my building skills!

526. indoor hop scotch... my one child normally has just one sock on...

527. finding my girl brushing her teeth (normally when I have to go look for her, she is in trouble)

528. Celebrating two birthdays

529. fresh from the oven cinnamon rolls

530. sound sleep... after a week of being restless

531. the look one brother gives another when they are up to something

532. taking many, many trips to the potty chair... she is getting a hang of it!

533. hot tea right before bed.

534. new thick flannel sheets to jump into

535. knowing everyone is tucked into bed

536. hearing boys laugh while they do their big brothers chores

(Gregg and three boys left early Saturday for a flea market...

I asked Eric and Nathan to help me with their chores and they gladly

did them all by themselves! I just cracked up watching them!)

537. Big boys coming home with treasures

538. The beep of the mail lady delivering packages!

539. getting my laptop back from the repair center

540. a quick email from a cancer surviving friend telling me she is well

540. headaches that help me call it a night

nighty night!

~My Blanket... Week 3~

2011-11-08T21:48:00.002-05:00

Whooo hooo! Half way!

~Boys will be Boys~

2011-11-03T22:14:00.000-04:00

My boys have a little more time on their hands now that racing is done for the year. Last month was a busy time of inventing for my guys.

They "accidentally" blew up a soda bottle with an air compressor. I gave them some rules after the first big bang... First, tell mom before you do this! Second, wear ear protection. Third, make sure there are no horses coming down the road!

They tried again two days later and had a harder time sealing the bottles. They persevered and had a bunch of fun.

The next week, we were cleaning the living room... cleaning carpets, dusting, washing all blankets and slip covers... and they decided the sleeper sofa would be fun. Four of the boys tried to get in under the bed but it would not close up all the way. Aaron is claustrophobic so he never tried. Jordan got the idea to climb under the couch, have the mattress pushed in a little, climb onto the mattress and ride up into the back of the sofa. Only two boys tried this... neither of them fit. They were very disappointed they did not think of this while they could still fit:-)

The last thing they tried was to removed the mattress and climbed in. Jordan was first. If you have ever worked a sleeper sofa you know you need to lift way up before pushing in. Well, Jared lifted way up and totally dropped Jordan into the couch. It closed! Now we had a big problem. Jared could not lift Jordan out of the couch. Jared and Aaron could not pull him out together. I was laughing so hard I was no help either! I finally pulled myself together long enough to get him out of the couch... he weighs almost as much as me so it was no easy task! It was truly funny. I tend to lean toward caution in these adventures and often tell them to stop fooling around. I'm glad I just watched and laughed this time!

Another day a squirrel got caught between the glass door and sliding screen door. The boys all rain for their BB and pellet guns. They "took care of it" for me. How kind... I would have let the poor little thing find the hole to get back out.

As often as they fight and pick on one another they certainly miss each other. Even if one boy is missing they all mope around. Jared had to get his school physical last month and they couldn't wait for him to get home.

Three of the boys got "new" bikes this week. I never realized how many bikes you have to grow out of! It is so much fun to watching them race around. They could literally race in a circle for hours... must be a boy thing. Eric is learning how to shift and Nathan has a break on his handle bar!

These photos were taken yesterday in our back yard. I never got their "school" pictures taken this year and was so happy to have a sunny warm day to do it. They are not our best photos (several boys don't know how to smile) but they are certainly my guys!

~Baby Gifts~

2011-11-02T22:30:00.001-04:00

A friend of mine just delivered her first little baby! I heard from the happy new mommy today so I know my gift arrived and I can share it with you!

They found out it was a girl... I couldn't help but craft up a gift or two!

A must have super sized swaddling blanket. Flannel birds on one side and cotton polka dots on the other.

and a crochet blanket

I chose the colors she is using in the nursery.

(I miss this blanket.... loved it)

I used a size "J" hook and some cotton yarn. I think it was about 150 chains to start and I just did a sc and dc all the way across. My mom showed me how to make the tassels (can you imagine tying all those ends in!?!?!?)

I used random colors for the first 16 rows and then repeated that pattern. I really like how it turned out!

Every little girl needs a nice white hat! This one is just like Kierstens. Directions for a hat 0 to 12 months go here.... 18 months to 6 years go here :-)

I love making gifts:-)

~My Blanket Week 2~

2011-11-01T22:40:00.000-04:00

Twenty two rows completed! That is 1/3 of the way!

It is so soft and warm!!!!

I snuggled under it with Kiersten and Nathan the other night... BLISS!

~November Header~

2011-11-01T08:15:00.001-04:00

~Wacky Weekend~

2011-10-30T16:18:00.007-04:00

Our weekend started early because Gregg took a day off on Friday! It was beautiful... but a little cool. I did a bunch of grocery shopping but did have a few minutes to relax. Kiersten needed some outside time so I took her to see Ginger. She grabs and apple and runs out the door to see our neighbor's horse!

We had a fall fellowship at church. I took my camera but didn't take any pictures! Jordan drove our golf cart and pulled a wagon for some "hay rides." Some played Frisbee football while others stayed indoors and played games. I chose to stay inside and chat!

I made a pumpkin dessert for our annual cook off. Despite my best attempt, I didn't win. But these are super good anyway! Pumpkin Chocolate Cheesecake (I used an oreo instead of the graham cracker crumbs)

Poor Eric got hurt at the very end of the night. I was already home and in bed when the guys got home. Gregg woke me to check Eric's head. He had a big gash in it from the trailer gate falling on his head. I thought he looked ok and we all went to bed around midnight.

We woke to snow! Unbelievable. I remember it snowing twice before thanksgiving but snowing in October is a real surprise!

It was our week to clean the church so we did that early in case the roads got bad.

We went out for Chinese afterwards:-)

Gregg enjoyed making rooster tails of all the slushiness. The boys loved watching the slush fly. We stopped at the farm for milk and found the front of our van covered in snow/slush/ice! Nathan was really funny. He was so happy to see snow! He got really excited when he noticed that the sky was even white!

We woke to this beautiful sight this morning.

Our neighbors were trying to bring in all their cauliflower on Friday. I guess the soybeans will be ok because no one brought them in before the storm.

Church was canceled for the morning so we had our own devotions and went outside.

~Eric Lost His First Tooth~

2011-10-27T22:25:00.005-04:00

Eric has been feeling like he is missing out. All the kids a year younger than him at church have all started loosing their baby teeth. At 5 1/2 he hasn't lost one! A few weeks ago he noticed one wiggle and was so excited. Tonight, while eating chicken, he lost it! He didn't know it came out until he bit down on it and spit it out! Haha!

Happy boy!

~Little Craft Show~

2011-10-26T22:27:00.000-04:00

Just over a mile from my house in an old barn is the cutest little craft show that I just love going to every year. It is always freezing cold but I always find the cutest Christmas Ornaments and sometimes I even find Christmas gifts.

This year I found these really cozy recycled mittens. The outsides are from recycled wool sweaters and the insides are recycled fleece. They are soooo warm and cozy!

I always look for an ornament I can recreate... doesn't that sound better than "copy"!!?!?

I love the fabric one and that will be so fun to make! The holly is painted canvas I think... It looks nicer in real life. The little mitten is so easily made but for 50 cents, I couldn't leave it there!

I also came home with whoopie pies... my boys will let me go to the craft show every year now:-)

~MY Blanket... MINE~

2011-10-25T22:06:00.000-04:00

Well, I got my fingerless gloves done... and my scarf... but got distracted before I got my hat started. I wasn't sure which pattern I wanted to use and while I was thinking, this bunch of yarn appeared in my room:-)

Lucy over at Attic24 is having a ripple-a-long. She is making another ripple blanket and has invited everyone to join in... well, I just couldn't help myself! I love the pattern. Many ripple blankets have been popping up on her flicker page and they are just lovely. I saw one that was crocheted through the back loops for the color change and I really liked that... so that is what I did.

So, my ripple blanket journey has begun.

It looks like this is after week one (1/6th of the way done)...

This yarn isn't my normal cotton... I splurged on bamboo ewe yarn:-)

11 colors, 22 balls of yarn, 66 rows of color... can I finish by Christmas?!?!?!

~Blessings~

2011-10-24T22:01:00.000-04:00

#499-515

campfires with friends on beautiful fall evenings

mountain pies

homemade french fries

"new" bikes for my growing boys

my little sweetie making it to the potty on her own a number of times

undisturbed sleep... I rarely have to get up at night with a child

library books

starting Christmas lists!

fleas... yes, that was hard to type down. We have been trying to get rid of them for about 2 months. My living room has never been so clean... and I am totally tired of picking fleas off dogs every afternoon.

soft, colorful yarn growing inch by inch

a pile of heavy blankets to climb into at the end of a long day

the crunching sound you hear through open windows while children play

our baby chicks now laying eggs

time spent at the best little craft show

the smell of fall candles (Candied Caramel Pecan is this years favorite)

two birthday celebrations to plan for

finally making it through the Old Testament in my chronological reading plan

~Family Photo~

2011-10-23T15:29:00.005-04:00

I've been wanting a new family photo and this time of year is just great for those! We did not all match well but it was a beautiful day so I drug the family across the street after we got home from church for a photo shoot... this was before lunch so we had to work fast!

I saw this idea and though it would work great since it is hard to take our own picture!

Then our neighbor came out and offered to take a family photo... didn't it turn out great!

Nathan had so many funny faces in all of the pictures that I will just chalk him up to being silly!

So, do I go with the "traditional" or the photo shop photo??!?!?!

~Sewing Spree~

2011-10-22T21:39:00.002-04:00

I was so happy to have a Saturday sewing spree again!

I made a new trivet cover,

A new table runner,

and had the dining room all nice and clean!

Kiersten helped me put these in the dinning room windows.

I am going to try to put a little flower on the ribbon.

This and the fall smelling candles I got is all the fall decorating for this year. Just a touch!

I do love my normal table runner, but thought I'd change it out for fall and Christmas.

~Yom Kippur and the Passover~

2011-10-12T21:50:00.001-04:00

Last week and we had a Jewish man as a special speaker at our church. He was helping us to see the scripture through Jewish eyes. I really enjoyed listening to him and anything along those lines has been catching my attention.

This radio broadcast stopped me in my tracks. If you don't have 4 minutes to jump over and listen, here is the main point....

Yom Kippur is the day of Atonement. The day when the Israelites sacrificed for their sins. First a bull then a goat. They also sent a scape goat out into the wilderness (symbolizing a pardon for sin). The question was... why didn't God send his Son to die on this day... rather than the Passover. I thought that a very good question indeed!

Two reasons were given

1. Jesus was never mentioned to be a bull or goat, but a lamb. The lamb was sacrificed in the Passover.

2. Yom Kippur was something the people did. The Passover was something God did.

There is no sacrifice that we could take part in that could save our eternal souls. It is totally a God thing...Grace. Isn't God great!

~Hats~

2011-10-11T22:35:00.000-04:00

I finally finished my latest crochet project (I can't show you yet because it is a gift) and was able to get to the long promised hat for Nathan! He wanted it to be bright orange! I added the black stripes.

I followed the directions but the hat was too small for him. It fit Kiersten perfectly. Instead of pulling it all out, I thought I'd give it to a little boy that might enjoy it.

So, I started over and added another increase round and made it three more rounds long. Perfect.

I need to add the flower but I made this one for Kiersten.

Here it is with the flower!

Eric saw Nathan's hat and wanted to choose his own colors. He did not want only 3 stripes he wanted it all striped. I aim to please so I had him choose the color at the start of each round. I think it turned out very nice!

My next crochet project is fingerless gloves, hat and scarf for myself! I'm so excited!

~Blessings~

2011-10-10T22:11:00.000-04:00

#481-498

playing flashlight tag with my kids

taking care of scraped up knees with the little lady watching and learning

new recipes to try

flowers brought in by my little loves

a good well check for my 2 year old

fingernails that can take apart any "stuck" lego pieces

piles of clean, folded laundry put away

boys picking out yarn for their own winter hats

finally finishing a crochet blanket

and starting a project for myself:-)

a good hair cut and teeth cleaning all in one week (appointments are so hard to set up for a busy home schooling mom!)

a good carpet cleaner

boys... oh my boys...

pulling winter clothes out of the attic

online sales and free shipping codes for the rest of the clothes we needed

pumpkin this and pumpkin that!

the promise of warm sunshine returning after a few really cool days

good sermons that challenge

~A Pattern of Good Works~

2011-09-29T22:32:00.004-04:00

I was reading this well written blog post tonight.. and this verse jumped out at me...

Titus 2:7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,

But before I dug in, I read the verse before it...

It was written specifically to young men. Interesting that these qualities are directed toward young men who in our day are just "enjoying their youth." I would have assumed this was written to older men who had learned life's lesson and have grown in the Lord.

Back to the verse...

"In all things" means ALL things... simple, yes!?!?

"shewing thyself a pattern of good works:" Do I exhibit or show valuable or virtuous deeds? If so, is it as a pattern would be (consistent), or maybe it just happens haphazardly!?!??

"in doctrine shewing uncorruptness," Is the instruction I'm living pure to the Word?

"gravity" Is the instruction I'm living honest?

"sincerity" Is the instruction I'm living genuine?

I saw this verse through the glasses of raising children (scripture must be applied!) Am I instructing them with a pattern of purity, honesty and genuineness. If not, my children will notice... even if no one else does! If I am... this next verse is a gem!

The next verse says...

Titus 2:8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.

Isn't that just the icing on the cake?!?!? Wouldn't that be wonderful if my deeds were so pure, honest and genuine that I could not be condemned... and that would lead to someone (most likely my children) seeing Christ in me... and they are quieted? Hopefully left thinking about what they are missing (either Christ Himself or growth).

I want to live a consistent life of valuable deeds: I choose to pattern for my children purity, honesty and genuineness. What a fine goal... totally unattainable on my own! Yet He Abideth Faithful!

And, of course, I made a verse card... because my memory is short:-) Feel free to copy it and print it for yourself!

~Birthday Run~

2011-09-24T22:01:00.005-04:00

Jordan has been waiting patiently for his birthday gift. He and Gregg have been working on the car and trying to find a track that Jordan was old enough to race at.

Gregg found a track that was having a "Test and Tune" day.... perfect!

So, we packed up this morning and headed out for a mini race day.

Jordan getting all buckled in. His car is 25E... we didn't get all the stickers on yet but they look really nice!

Some last minute instructions.

Getting pushed off. Jordan is so laid back I don't think he was the least bit nervous!

I'm betting he was having fun! The car looked so little on the big track!

The first time he went out he was by himself. He got to run so many laps and then he was taken off the track for the next person. He was able to get back in line and got a 2nd time out... this time with another car. He was on the track for the third time when he got a water leak and had to be finished. He was really happy with the two times and was fine to be packing up. He most likely would not have had time for a 4th time anyway.

Now he has to wait to drive it again until next racing season.

Here is a video of him getting pushed off...

~Blessings~

2011-09-19T21:37:00.002-04:00

#470-480

a nice big dinner... summer food is nice, but boy do I enjoy fall comfort food!

peach cobbler (again and again)

a big pile of yarn waiting to be used

payday

chatting with older ladies that have been there and done that

a pile of bills to be paid... and plenty of cash to pay them

a lunch out with the family before we part

knowing the other side of the world is only an email away

friends and family who share in your fun

a little girl (who missed her "da") flipping out when she sees dad walk in the door

good sleep knowing all is well and everyone is home

~Winner's Classic / Fun Race~

2011-09-17T22:47:00.001-04:00

What a racing season! This was our very last week... and Gregg was in Germany! Thankfully some friends from church volunteered to help us! The parents drove our big van with our bigger trailer and their boys (teen young men) did everything to help our boys on and off the track. We also had some other visitors and my parents... which made the day even more fun!

It was really cold when we got there to set up and I thought I'd never make it through the day. After a few sprinkles the sun came out and it was beautiful!

The plan for the day was a pig roast starting at noon. Yummy! Everyone brought sides and we certainly feasted... well, I didn't... I was too busy watching my drivers! I took Kandy Cakes and Whoopie pies... they were enjoyed!

We had last chances races for anyone that had never won in their class that year. Eric was our only driver that did not win but he was also the only one in his class that didn't win so he automatically moved up to the Winner's Classic race.

Winner's Classic race was next. All the winners raced each other for the Grand Champion title. Jordan was thrilled to take 1st place in one of his classes.

Jordan took 2nd in his other class.

Aaron (red car) and Jared (black car) had a bit of a rough race. Both moved from back to front to back to front a few times. Jared finished 3rd and Aaron 5th. Jared was thrilled because he wasn't even in the Winner's race last year. Aaron was a bit disappointed because he was the champion last year.

Eric lead more than half of his race but ended up 5th. I know he was disappointed but he bounced back to his happy self quickly.

Next up was the "Fun Race." Jordan had a great time! Lots of extra cars in his class and they had fun with it. Jared, Aaron and Eric didn't have so much fun. Especially Aaron. Poor guy had a shock fall off, breaks quit and rods bent all in the same race!

We didn't get home til around 7pm... a long day! Too late to talk to Gregg via Skype so he had to wait until Sunday night to hear the results.

The boys are already talking about next year:-)

~The Apron~

2011-09-15T16:44:00.000-04:00

I finally got Kiersten to wear her apron! I just had to tell her she couldn't do dishes without it on! She wore it later when we made banana bread without a fuss. It should help keep her clothes cleaner!

~Team T-shirts~

2011-09-14T16:32:00.000-04:00

The president of our race track has been calling the boys by their number.... Our last name starts with "e" so they are e1, e2, e3, e4 and tearoff (a name someone gave Nathan last year). Other people have caught on and it seems it is easier to remember their number than their name! It cracks me up. I wanted to make t-shirts over Fourth of July weekend but never got my act together. I finally got them done... in time for our last real race!

Can you spot my mistake?!??!!? I ironed Kiersten's on upside down! Oops! I "fixed" it by cutting it at the arm pits and making that a skirt. The bottom was hemmed so I used that as the waste. I just ran some elastic through it. I didn't hem the new bottom because you don't have to hem t-shirts (and I didn't have time!). I cut out the patch and sewed it onto a white t-shirt. I thought she looked really cute!

How do I get myself into all these crazy projects!??!?!

~Kiersten's First Measurement~

2011-09-13T16:23:00.000-04:00

I really like having this measuring board! We didn't start it until Jordan was 8 so we are missing some measurements. I think Kiersten is coming in as our shortest:-) She took it very seriously!

~Counting again~

2011-09-12T21:46:00.000-04:00

I just get so side tracked before bed that I don't take the time to write out the blessings of the day. I wish it were getting easier to have a thankful spirit, but I really have a hard time remembering to be thankful... not just to write it on a list but to be thankful in general.

#457 -469

a basement that is wet... but doesn't flood

a vacuum to clean up the standing water

bridges that are still in place

sunshine that finally peaks through the clouds

mounds of fresh fruit and veggies after grocery shopping

grocery shopping alone

another safe day at the track

camera batteries that hold out to the end of the day

carmel iced coffee that keeps me going all day

My love who stops to get me one

extra eyes watching Kiersten while I'm preoccupied at the track

washing tiny legs after a long day of play... brown bubbles from all the dirt and green bubbles from fresh cut grass stains

crocheting... so relaxing

~Last Points Race~

2011-09-10T22:33:00.000-04:00

We had a lot of flooding this week with a major storm that came through. The track is an hour away from our house and it was in an area that had a lot more flooding than we did. Many families travel an hour from many different directions so we were really unsure if we were racing until Friday night. Several families could not make it because of roads/bridges being closed. We had two small detours.

There was mud everywhere and we had to park in a different spot making it very hard to set up. The racing itself went well.

I don't know all the point results for the year but I was told Jordan's. I almost wish I didn't know! He was one point under the leader in one class... only the two boys showed up today so the other boy was automatically the points leader. Jordan and the same boy were one point apart in the other class... and so it was all determined by who won today. We were not allowed to tell the kids because they didn't want them to race stupid:-) Jordan did so well... and Gregg and I were holding our breath... he made a great pass and lead for awhile, and then he got passed. He finished the race in 2nd. I am sure he is disappointed but he doesn't seem like one to dwell on it... he is excited to be getting his bigger car out on the track in a few weeks and has turned his attention to that!

Next week is a Winners Classic race and a fun race. We have a pig roast and everyone brings side dishes. It should be a fun day... but sad. We say goodbye to these families until the banquet in January and then the first race in May. I know one family is not coming back and that will be a big loss for the track.

Here are some shots from today...

Kiersten checking on Aaron

Kiersten keeping Jared occupied while he waited for his turn

Nathan was picking mud off his leg... He and Kiersten were covered! Thankfully, once the mud dries it comes right off!

Gregg had this tiny flag... it looked so funny! I don't know what happend to the big normal one!

Playing while everyone else was packing up to head home.

~Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte~

2011-09-07T12:51:00.000-04:00

Over the weekend I realized Turkey Hill would soon be offering their incredibly yummy Pumpkin Spice Latte. It is a bit thick and rich for me... not to mention all the caffeine... or the price. I try to splurge once every fall on this delicious treat.

BUT WAIT!

Amy Clark over at The Motherload posted a homemade version. I tried it yesterday... yum-o!

Perfect for a rainy day... now I just need to bake something to go with it!

~Birthday Dress~

2011-09-06T12:12:00.000-04:00

Started and completed on Saturday!

~Tea Pot Cake~

2011-09-05T17:00:00.005-04:00

Just in case I need this for future reference (I foresee some fun tea parties in our future!)... this is how I made the tea pot cake for Kiersten's birthday...

I doubled a pound cake recipe. The cake needs to be dense to be able to hold itself up. I made six large cupcakes for the teacups. I used a pyrex 1.5 liter glass mixing bowl for the cake.

Here is one cake cooked and one cake ready to go in.

I cut out paper in shape of the handles and spout and used toothpicks to keep them in place. The only other thing I added was a lollipop for the handle. I did buy some smarties and other candy to decorate the pot but I liked it just the way it was (meaning... I was running out of time).

I used this icing because it stiffens when it cools and I thought it might hold up better.

Chocolate Icing

Mix 1 cup sugar and 3 heaping spoons corn starch

Add 1 cup water and 1 1/2 oz baking chocolate (I use semi sweet)

Boil and cook til thick

Take off burner and add walnut size chunk of butter and 1 tsp vanilla

This icing is great when you are in a hurry... you can actually ice your hot cake!

~The Birthday Girl is Two~

2011-09-02T21:39:00.007-04:00

Oh my! This wild little girl keeps me on my toes!

A nut, a clown, a monkey, an adventurer and a sweetheart... along with some other less desirable characteristics that we are working on:-)

We decided she would like "Slaw Sandwiches" for supper. If you have never tried them, please do... thousand island, turkey, Swiss and Cole slaw grilled! They are one of our family favorites. I also got some cheese curls and threw together a chef salad... the girl loves croutons!

Two of her brothers wrapped up some smarties for her... she was loving that!

I made her an apron... she tried to put it on her legs and then gave up... another day!

We bought her a little tea set. She knew just what to do!

The boys picked out Mrs Potato Head.

To go along with the tea set I made some felt food... I thought the cake could fit into the theme so I googled teapot cake and came up with this.

She ate a lot! Lots of her favorite things!

I didn't get the birthday dress made... but I'm hoping to start some time tomorrow!

Here is a cute little video of her opening her felt food. She kept tapping her foot while opening gifts... so cute. And what a great little laugh!

~Jordan is 13~

2011-08-24T22:13:00.005-04:00

My how time flies!

Thirteen already!

And very tall! He has me by just about an inch.... and he is closing in on Dad quickly!

Jordan requested cheese steaks and Doritos for supper... I threw in potato salad to make sure he was full! He was glad to have the leftovers for lunch the next day!

He wanted our traditional chocolate cake with peanut butter icing... I wanted to do something a little special so I added a 3rd layer... a brownie layer right between the chocolates... yum! He approved!

It was fun to watch Aaron, Eric and Nathan find things to wrap up for Jordan. They didn't really care whose it was... if they thought he might like it they took it off some one's shelf and wrapped it up for him! Haha! He was so good at opening all his "new" toys.

Gregg and I got him a new racing shirt and we renewed his racing magazine subscription. The real gift is that he gets to drive our Micro Sprint. It looks like his quarter midget but it is bigger and it has a wing. He needs some extra safety equipment, a seat, and some other misc things need to be done so he can drive. We are hoping to be ready for a local race at the end of Sept. To him, it is a very cool gift.

I have spent the last few days trying to burn images into my brain... I know if I blink, he will be gone. What a joy it is to watched him mature. He is my right hand man!

He was born a leader... God, please help him learn to be a servant as well.

He is driven in his racing... God, help him to remain above reproach.

He is intelligent... God, knowledge is a powerful thing... help him to use it wisely.

He is a joy and delight... God, help me to foster Christ-like character in him, in spite of myself.

He was never mine, always Yours... a blessing, a gift.

Thank You for allowing me to be his mom.

Thank You for working in both of our lives.

I trust You with our future.

~Earth Shake~

2011-08-23T22:08:00.001-04:00

I was sitting outside by the sandbox watching the 3 little people play. I thought one of the bigger boys came up behind me and shook my chair. I looked around... but no one was there. Then I thought maybe a dog was under the chair.... nope. I probably looked really funny! The shaking stopped and I didn't think a think about it until I got an email from my husband asking if I had felt it.

It is very strange to have an earthquake around here! I remember one about 20 years ago when I was still living at home.

My older boys said they did not notice it... too bad... it is something to remember!

~Coming up for Air~

2011-08-22T21:47:00.002-04:00

Another week or so and I'll be able to sit back and enjoy life a little more. My self imposed schedule is a little tight right now and I'm needing some down time! I have been working on some craft projects... some for Kiersten's birthday next week. I have also been starting school... that means reworking my schedule. Things are going undone around here and it is driving me nuts... but I'll get back to it soon!

Anyway, I haven't been writing down my daily blessings every night. I really need to get back into that!

Here are some that I can recall from this past month...

#442 - 456

Kiersten got her cast off!

Bible School

Hearing young and old chatter away on the way home from Bible School

Finishing most of my July goals in July

Loosing my baby weight... for the 6th time (18 lbs in 5 months)... a month early!

Sibling strife turned into teamwork (on occasion)

A fun filled last week of "summer vacation"

A good solid week of school work done with minimal complaining

A good report from the dentist for all four boys

Birthday season is upon us... oh, I have missed cake!

Cool August days (very unusual for us)

Green grass in Aug (another unusual thing)

Free Shipping codes

Crocheting little hats

Felt food pile growing

~ Countdown Has Begun~

2011-08-20T21:43:00.005-04:00

We only have three more race weekends! Only two of those weeks count toward their points.

Our day started out a little behind. I was up late last night and slept in this morning. I didn't do my normal day ahead packing because I couldn't seem to fit it into our first week of school. I'll get the new routine... I hope!

Anyway, I forgot the camera card and didn't charge the video camera... but I could use the built in memory and had enough battery to video the races... just not the heats... so it wasn't too bad of a mistake! I think they would have hung me if I forgot lunch!

Here are a few candid shots of our day... I'll be scrapbooking these tomorrow!

Aaron was pulling around a crew... they just love these pit carts!

Jared after his race day was over... doesn't he look hot, dirty and tired!

Kiersten actually fell asleep in my lap after the heats! Gregg made up this little bed for her and she slept there the whole time they were racing. I was so thankful! I have a hard time watching her and the race... she wanders off quickly!... and it was too hot to hold her out in the sun.

Jordan & Jared

Jordan getting pushed off.

No wins this week but all the boys had some good racing. Jordan's car was really loose for his heat and Gregg and I commented to each other that it looked rough. By his 4th or 5th warm up lap he had gained control. He told us later he just had to learn how to go through that turn. The track changes every week because of weather and there was no rubber on it yet. He is a thinker! There were some visiting cars this week so it made it a little more competitive!

Eric was in a wreck during his heat. The other car's bumper ran right into Eric's car... like in his lap! (you can see in the last picture of Jordan how that side of the car is much lower than the other side) We were thanking God for watching over him today. We pray as a family over every race and it is moments like this that you know you are in His hands. Eric's arm is strapped to his seat belt so his arm could have certainly been in the way.

Now, off to get cleaned up!

~The Grand Finale~

2011-08-12T22:04:00.016-04:00

Well, we just completed our last week of summer vacation. Bummer. I don't think any of us are ready to get back to school... but it must be done.

I was trying to make our last week fun.... and this is what we ended up doing...

Monday - we went to Grammy's house to swim and play Wii

Tuesday - it rained off and on all day so we had lego car races... and the boys went to the race car parts store.

Wednesday - I was going to take the kids out for ice cream and then realized that our favorite little country store was giving away free ice cream (and balloons) with a purchase! What great timing!

Thursday - Jordan and Jared went to Hershey Park with my parents... it was their birthday gift this year. They had a great time... their first time to a real park! The weather was perfect! I took the other four to our local timbers park.

(first pony tail!)

Everything was great til Nathan road this one too many times...

He got sick when we arrived home but recovered quickly!

Friday - We enjoyed cooking hot dogs and corn on the grill and eating outside... I ran out of propane at the very end. We even splurged and gave the kids grape soda.

We split up and got some things done before dark... then we enjoyed a campfire and marshmallows... big ones!

I am happy that even though our summer break is over, we will still be able to enjoy summer weather. It will help keep us motivated to accomplish everything as early as possible!

Tomorrow we divide again!

~Rained Out~

2011-08-06T21:37:00.005-04:00

We were hoping for a nice, cool, cloudy day to race.... hoping the rain would hold off until after we were done... nope.

We unpacked, got all the cars ready, had our driver meeting and finished two heats... then the rain came. We were packing up around 1pm... instead of our normal 5pm. I did get some fun shots while we were getting everything set up!

Here is one of the girls Jordan races pulling one of our pit carts with Kiersten and her new BFF Daisy. Nathan is pushing from the rear.

Kiersten loved that Eric was buckled in and his hands were tied down... he couldn't really protect himself! Look at that cheek pinch!

Next she tried to kiss him... but he wasn't going to let that happen!

The kids find the simplest things to play with. They found a spare tire lying around.

And they tried to share it. You sit... then I sit on you....

How about we both sit...

Actually, how about just I get to sit!

Gregg was helping Eric get ready for his heat.

Nathan was helping Jared put his numbers on.

Kiersten wanted to be weighed just like the cars... 20 lbs

I have to admit it was nice getting home a little early. Kiersten and Nathan both got a good nap and I enjoyed some quiet crafting time.

~Baby Doll~

2011-08-02T22:12:00.003-04:00

Ta-dah!!!!!

Oh, this was sooo much fun! Here is Kiersten's Christmas doll for this year! I wanted a doll that she could dress, a quilted blanket, and a crochet blanket.

My goal was to finish this project in July... knowing that once school starts I have less time to dedicate to craftiness:-) All I have left to do is add some Velcro. I may decide to crochet some shoes or change her hair... but she is basically done!!!!

The first week I cut the fabric out for doll and clothes... I hadn't decided what I wanted the quilt to look like. This is the doll pattern I used. I did modify the top to make it a dress and I added a skirt. I skipped the diaper because the cute little diaper covers would be nearly impossible to get on if there were a diaper there too.
Week 2 I sewed the doll, bonnet and sleeper. Here she is without stuffing. I put those little beads in her hands and feet so she feels heavy.

Here she is with her quilt and pillow. The pattern for the top only had the top and bloomers... my boys thought she needed a skirt:-)

Week 3 I finished the clothes. Here is her pretty purple dress.

And her sleeper and bib.

Week 4 I made the quilt and pillow.

Kiersten has only seen me cut out the pattern... so this should be a fun surprise! She has her two other dolls filthy from dragging them around everywhere!

This month I need to work on her birthday gifts. My plan is an apron and felt food. I would like to maker her a birthday dress too... but we will see... school starts soon!

~An Unusual Book Choice~

2011-08-01T21:56:00.001-04:00

Not my normal read... but it caught my eye as I walked through the library a few weeks ago. It was read the week we all were sick so I had a lot of rocking time to read.

Anyway, I remember when this news broke. I guess we had a TV back then because I remember seeing him interviewed on the news. I also remember thinking he messed up big time... why would you risk your career for drugs. He grew up not too far from my little corner of the world and I thought it might make a good summer read.

It was really interesting.

I learned a lot about the sport of cycling. I never realized how much the team worked for one person. How they could all push him to the front and let him win! I also did not know they had a lot of planning and race tactics.. I guess I thought the fastest man won:0)
I also didn't know that the last day of the Tour de France there was really no racing. The winner the night before was allowed to win the last day... a gentleman's thing.
It still amazes me how driven (crazy) some people are!
I guess I will say that I believed his story... but this is only his side of the story. I need to google him now and see what he is up to.

I was hoping to pass this book onto Jordan... but the language is bad and he seems like a very angry person that rebelled against everything... not the type of hero I want my boys to have.

I'm adding the rest of this post later in the week!

Well, I googled him. LOL! I didn't realize he had since confessed. It really made me wonder how many other details in his book were true... or lies. I guess I could look at reading this as a big waste of time... but I know God works all things together for good. I was sharing a lot of the information in the book with my family. When I found out the end of the story, I also had to share the news clip of him confessing. It certainly lead to a lot of good family conversation! Isn't it always easier to talk to your kids about stuff when it isn't them in trouble!

I don't recommend this book... maybe I just recommend staying a little more current with the news;-)

~Happy August~

2011-08-01T07:40:00.000-04:00

~2nds and 3rds~

2011-07-31T21:25:00.001-04:00

We enjoyed another beautiful hot summer day at the track!

We had a little mishap on the hour drive to the track... one of the cars fell off the pit cart in the trailer. The fiberglass frame was damaged but, thankfully, nothing bad enough to stop Aaron from racing.

All four boys placed in either 2nd or 3rd... and they did great!

~July Update~

2011-07-28T21:58:00.001-04:00

I haven't been online much because I started panicking when we hid mid July. I took a week off of life (thankfully my ear is all better!) and we had Bible School... we are only a few weeks away from school and I still had a huge list I wanted to get to before school!

Lets see if I can remember some of our recent happenings...

The weather the last two weeks was really hot. The chickens found relief from the heat beside the house in the mulch. Our little peeps sure have grown!

We enjoyed our week of VBS. Jordan helped with the puppets this year! We always have a pie in the face contest.... boys vs girls. It is based on the weight of their pennies for the night. This year the girls won!

One night while the boys and I were at VBS, Gregg and Kiersten went to visit an older couple from our church. They had a great visit and Kiersten picked these flowers.

Kiersten got her cast off! The doctor said her elbow may be stiff for a few days... nope... not even an hour. She was moving it fine in no time. She did have a rash on her arm but didn't seem too bothered by it.

Here are some of our puppets. The stage was a big submarine with portholes for the puppets to come out of. It was very well done.

I took Aaron to his first Orthodontic appointment. I dropped the rest of the kids off with my mom and they enjoyed some swimming and wii. Aaron and I brought lunch back and joined in the fun.

We have a busy weekend coming up, I have just about finished Kiersten's Christmas doll, and I finished another two books!

~2 Hot 2 Race~

2011-07-24T15:44:00.005-04:00

The temp at the track was 103!

We received an email early in the week asking the parents what they thought about racing in the high heat. Most families said they would... I said they were crazy!

I stayed home with Nathan and Kiersten. I packed 5 gallons of water for the boys and a bunch of Gatorade. They took two canopies to try to keep out of the sun. One of the moms explained the dangers of being in the heat and what to look for in someone that may be getting sick. As far as we know, every one at the track stayed hydrated.

It wasn't the best day for us race wise, but the boys said the heat really made it not fun. I think next time they would vote to cancel.

Aaron was my photographer and Gregg shared the video camera with the boys... they missed me:0)

~36 Sandwiches and 4 Gallons of Water~

2011-07-17T15:33:00.002-04:00

We packed up the gang and a young friend this week to head to the track. The boys did very well again... three came in 1st and two in 3rd. There was one flip this week but no one was hurt. The track was probably more dusty than I've ever seen it... meaning we were a dirty mess! We ended the night going to a local town's anniversary celebration... fireworks!

The boys can sure eat a lot on these hot summer race days. I think we only had 4 sandwiches leftover!

~My Sick Buddy~

2011-07-13T13:56:00.005-04:00

I thought I was feeling better yesterday so I tried catching up on cleaning and laundry. I'm not doing so well today. Still have those body aches, sore throat and swollen glands. I wonder what kind of bug I caught?!?!? Even if it takes me family a week to get over something I normally throw it after 24 hours so this is unusual for me.

Gregg thinks I should go to the doctor... I guess he thinks it is odd for me to sleep 12+ hours a day, not cook or clean, and stay snuggled in the recliner all day. I was thinking about letting the kids watch all 9 hours of Ann of Green Gables today. I sent them outside instead. I feel more achy & tired than anything... so, I'm not doing too bad.

Maybe I'll hold out one more day to go see what the doctor has to say. This is as close to a vacation as I'll be getting this year... I might as well enjoy it!

Poor Nathan woke up with a fever this morning. So, whatever it is... it's catchy!

~Crafting for Christmas~

2011-07-12T08:26:00.000-04:00

I have started working on Kiersten's Christmas doll. She will receive a cradle (that I found at a yard sale!) for all her doll stuff, a doll, some clothes and blankets.

I have the first blanket done!

I have been crocheting this here and there and was surprised how quickly it came together. I really like the design the yarn made! I also learned a new edge to put on it! I really like it! She does too! Now I have to tie in the ends and hide it!!!

~Blessings from the Sick Bed~

2011-07-11T15:34:00.004-04:00

I have put myself on the couch for the rest of the day. I was exhausted from being out in the sun on Saturday and just thought I needed a good nights sleep... I was freezing in church and thought I just needed a sweater... I didn't even fix my family lunch but went straight to bed thinking I only needed a nap...

It turns out I woke up this morning with a major sore throat, swollen glands and a fever. UGH!

I had volunteered to clean the church this morning for a funeral service tomorrow. Thankfully, the boys do a lot of it. By the time I got the bathrooms done they were done with the rest.

So, as I rest with blanket, fan and ice water... the list continues...

#423 - 441

A good time going door to door raising money for cancer. Our quarter midget group works with the American Cancer Society and raises money once a year.

Finishing a baby doll crochet blanket

Starting to sew a baby doll
A verse in devotions that gives strength

More door to door. This time we are inviting children out to VBS!

Finishing the Objectives for the 2011/2012 school year

A family that goes along with my idea of fun... dressing like cows for a free meal! (Jared really wasn't upset... he just didn't know she was going to take the picture right then and didn't want to stand there smiling forever:0)A computer that is finally fixed!

Big brother who jumps out of his car to get his younger brother started

Youngest brother who entertains himself at the track

Shade

A husband who tells me to go to bed before I even start lunch

And he even makes sandwiches for supper

Hearing from the teens that went to camp

Working with some of the teens... I'm in charge of the VBS puppets and have 5 teens helping me!

A friend that notarizes my affidavit without charge every year.

Being invited over for ice cream after church

Aches and pains that will most likely go away within a day or two

Boys that chip in when they need to

Now, I'm off to sneak a nap before Kiersten wakes up!

~Dress Like a Cow Day~

2011-07-08T21:53:00.001-04:00

Yum!

We even got our family photo put up on the wall!

Did anybody else go!??!?!

~Encouragment for this Exhausted Mom~

2011-07-07T09:28:00.007-04:00

I've been running low on cheerful strength and high on discouragement the last few days... not a good combination! I occasionally grow weary of all the toiling that goes on around here. Cooking, cleaning, training... repeat! I came across this encouraging verse in my devotions today and thought it might encourage someone else!

2 Corinthians 12:15

And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.

And I will very gladly - My toil should be cheerful and willing... not begrudging

spend - I am willing to spend my strength, time, life and all that I have for your welfare... at any expense.

and be spent - Greek work means be exhausted and worn out in my labors... sounds like a mom to me!

for you; - Greek work actually means their soul - so I'm laboring for their souls

though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved - love that is willing to toil no matter whether the other person is grateful or not (sounds like children:0).

Do not be discouraged!

In case you are like me and you'd like this on a 4x6 card to put in your purse or hang by the sink...

~Week Review~

2011-07-02T23:49:00.000-04:00

Another week has flown by!

I did manage a little July crafting! I took this craft outside and did the folding while the kids played.

Our fun activity this week was going to our local dairy farm. I had to drop paperwork off at the school district and this farm isn't too far from there. They have the best chocolate milk! They also allow you to wonder around the farm. We saw some dogs, peacocks, cows, cats and birds. We bought two gallons of chocolate milk home... one for that night, and one for the holiday weekend!
I spent a good amount of time at the hospital and doctors office with Kiersten on Thursday and Friday. Eric & Nathan were able to go play with a friend on Friday when I went for Kiersten's cast. She is doing just fine now!

We started our holiday weekend with just hanging out at home. The guys were getting a micro sprint running. Trever (the young man who went with us to the races last week) came over on Saturday to help get it running... he would love to race it. They got it going but something is still wrong with the fuel line.
I did some shopping on Saturday morning, made lunch for the hungry bunch, and then packed their supper. Gregg, Jordan, Jared and Aaron went to watch some racing.

I was home with the younger three trying to catch up on everything I was running behind in! We did manage to walk across the street to give "Ginger" her weekly apple (our neighbors horse). I was happy to get all three kids washed and to bed. I wanted to start working on some sewing for Kiersten for Christmas. Her Christmas doll is going to have clothes this year!

I stayed up a little too late, but I am happy with how much I accomplished! She is going to love it!

~Happy July~

2011-07-01T15:41:00.000-04:00

~Kiersten's Broken Arm~

2011-06-30T22:02:00.003-04:00

I was having a rough morning and I didn't have a lot of motivation. Once I finally got going, the phone rang. Our credit card company was calling about fraudulent charges. After a good half hour of going over charges, I had to cancel the card. I am thankful they caught it right away... but what a mess to have to cancel it! Lots of other little things kept creeping into the day and I felt like I needed to call down a couple more measures of grace!

Around 2pm I was trying to clean up from lunch, the boys were outside, and Kiersten was playing. I heard her tumble down the steps. Sigh. I just wanted to get the kitchen clean. She seemed to be overreacting and as much as I rocked and kissed she was miserable. She wouldn't even take her nap and she is normally a good napper. It was almost supper time till I could put her down. She got a match box car to play with Nathan and put her hand down to lean over and screamed. That is when it occured to me that she really was hurt. She had full motion of her arm but as I watched her, she really wasn't using her left hand/arm. I felt all her ribs and she seemed fine with that.

I called the Doctor's office but they said I should just to in to E-Care because she would need an x-ray. It took almost two hours to get through the system but she did a great job. The doctor felt her arm and when she got to Kiersten's wrist she said "ouch." The x-ray was really interesting. I knew babies didn't have wrist bones, but Kiersten still doesn't have many. She blew kisses to everyone and enjoyed all the attention.

Now I need to make an appointment for the cast. What color cast do you think she would like... hot pink?!?!

~Dog Bandage~

2011-06-29T21:56:00.000-04:00

Bullet was outside running around this morning. Jordan noticed her foot was bleeding. I sprayed it off with the hose to see what the problem was. She broke off her nail! Ugh! Just in case that happens to you, you can put flour or corn starch on it to help it clot and add pressure if it doesn't want to stop. Bullet left the bandage on for a few hours. It looks sore but she doesn't seemed bothered by it today.

~Racing Update~

2011-06-26T21:37:00.000-04:00

Here are my pages so far!

I noticed a few blanks I need to fill in here and there... but I am up to date on my scrapbook pages!

~Checkers, Checkers, and more Checkers~

2011-06-25T21:24:00.003-04:00

The race season has had a rough start. We had a few cancellations because of rain and that was very disappointing to my guys. They have been doing well in their races though... that reminds me I should post my scrapbook pages every week:-) Maybe tomorrow you'll get the whole shebang!

Anyway, it was a banner day!

We took a friend along with us today. Trevor is in school for automotive stuff and thought it would be fun to learn about our engines. He was fun to have around and was helpful today... crazy stuff was happening!

Eric said he throttle wasn't working right after his warm up. Gregg didn't see anything and wasn't sure what might be the problem. Eric made one lap for his heat and the car died. It seems our mechanic forgot to put oil back in the car after draining it...oops. We are very thankful the engine seems to be fine!

Jordan was running good in one of his heats and all of a sudden stopped. He lost a key! Thankfully we were able to replace it before his race.... he is also thankful the key came out during the heat and not the race!

Both these problems took some time to fix today so that is why it was nice to have an extra pair of hands. Jared and Aaron race in the same class so it was nice to have Trevor around for them too!

So, at the end of the day, we celebrated Jared's very first win!!!! (Aaron came in 2nd! - you should have seen them racing together!) Jared came up from the back twice! Both he and Aaron had good clean passes! Jared was 2nd for awhile waiting for just the right moment to pass. He got close a few times but didn't have it in the turn so he had to back off. That is so neat to see him not take a space that isn't his and to wait it out... he also wasn't going to give up!

Jordan's first win of the season! Jordan had some really clean racing today. The win means nothing if you get it the wrong way and we are so proud of our guys for racing well.

and Jordan's second win of the season! This was the icing on the cake!

What a day! Kiersten did great today too! She played in the dirt by my feet so I could video tape! She was one big mess til we were done.
We don't race next weekend because of the holiday... I'm sure there will be some anxious boys to get back on the track in two weeks!

~Petting Zoo, Ice Cream & 20 Bucks~

2011-06-24T22:59:00.001-04:00

It has been a busy week!

Monday we raked our front hill and spread grass seed and straw (God has done an awesome job watering it for me every day!)

Tuesday we had our evaluations for the school year

Wednesday I was busy paying bills and taking care of other paperwork

Thursday the kids and I cleaned the church

I decided today would be a fun day (I am trying to do one "fun" activity every week along with a few "work jobs"). I took the kids to a free petting zoo that is in town!

We just walked away from the Kangaroos when there was a huge commotion in the crowd. The little joey came out of the moms pouch. We didn't even know he was in there!

We stopped for some ice cream cones on our way home.

The boys were patiently waiting for their cone as I handed them out giving directions to big brothers to watch over little brothers and sending them off in pairs. I did not realize a lady was watching us. She noticed that each boy not only obeyed my instructions but they said thank you. I grabbed my cone last and as I turned to leave she asked if I would be offended if she gave me $20. Then she went on to explain that she is a retired middle school teacher and recognizes well behaved children when she sees them. She wanted to do a little something special for our family. I explained that we really didn't need the money but thanked her for her encouragement. I also told her that any good she saw in us was only because God is working in our lives. She stuck the $20 in my purse (I had no free hands with an ice cream cone and Kiersten in my arms) and said i can see that God is working in your lives. I asked if she would be ok with us using the money to buy Bibles to send to people who have none. She was delighted with the idea. I mentioned it to the boys and they thought that was a good thing to do with it too! Our church puts together John & Romans and we have run out. We are waiting for more funds to come in so we can buy more... and I was praying that God would provide. At 10 to 15 cents each, $20 can buy 130 to 200 John & Romans!

I spent the afternoon/evening catching up on wash, cooking 3 chickens, making two loaves of banana bread, ordering a photo album, finishing my blog book, and making 8 dozen cookies!

Happy Weekend!

~The Praise Goes On and On~

2011-06-20T07:34:00.000-04:00

#402 - #422

Cool morning walk -we have had a string of hot and humid mornings... I didn't realize how much I enjoy the cool morning!

Giggles from the swing set - Gregg put up one of those back to back swing seats... the little three love it! I like it too... I don't have to push them!

This bird singing to me as I made supper with the windows wide open

Splurging on the best ever brownies

Craft time at naptime

Teaching the 4's and 5's about Elijah and the raven - What a fun group of little people. I made a little paper Raven puppet to help me tell the story. They were amazed!

Mulberries - We have serveral mulbery trees at church. The pastor's wife took Kiersten and Nathan to pick them after church Wednesday. Kiersten couldn't stop eating them. We took them home to eat with breakfast and some of the boys gave theirs to Kiersten because she loved them so much.

Good books going from the to be read pile to the enjoyed pile

Crocheting on the back patio -Starting Kiersten's Christmas presents!

Painting little tiny toe nails - I was painting mine and she came over, sat down, and held her feed up for me. I couldn't resist!

Unclogged kitchen sinks - Yep, I'm going to remember this yucky job for awhile!

Gift cards found - yay!

Sidewalk chalk - Never knew it would make the grumpy happy again.

Family night out

Meeting a nice couple with 7 grown children. Encouraged.

Seeing a deer on my walk

A good race day... that means good weather and no one was hurt. I think my boys did great too:0)

Brothers making sister happy - Kiersten wanted to help push the car. Jordan was kind enough to stop and let her catch up.

Ice water

Clean, flushable bathrooms - I always appreciate my bathroom when I get back from the races I greatly dislike suffering through the little blue out house!

Watering flowers - for some reason this is so relaxing for me.

~Family Night Out to the Theatre~

2011-06-19T21:31:00.000-04:00

Ok, it is confession time. Did you ever loose something? Like, say, a gift card. Worth a lot of money. And you just couldn't find it... for years?!?!?! I did...I felt so bad, but seriously couldn't find it.

For Christmas 2007 my Mother in law gave us a gift card for tickets to Sight and Sound (it is a great theater that portrays Bible stories. If you are EVER near one, you must go!) I put it... well, I don't know where!!! I looked for it on and off for a few years! I was cleaning out the school books on Tuesday and found it! I looked up the value online and it had, sadly, lost half of it's value. It is the closing season to see Joseph and we decided to go with a mostly paid for night out. I tried to make reservations but I couldn't get my coupon code to work so I called. I got it straightened out with the lady on the phone and mentioned the lost and found gift card. She looked it up and told me what I already knew... but then, she said can you hold? Yes, yes, yes... maybe she will re validate it!!! She came back on the line and told me she would override the fees from not using the card and pay our bill in full!!!!

I was so excited!!! (Lesson learned by the way! Gift cards have a very special place now! They don't get lost!!!)

So, Friday night we headed out to see Joseph... Wow, what a great show! They do make up some things to make the story flow but I still got some very good things to think about.

I was better able to understand why Joseph treated his brothers the way he did when they came for the grain the 2nd time - the way it was portrayed you got to see their change of heart
I was challenged by the brothers attitude of lets sing so dad thinks we love God - masking your real feelings/beliefs never works... your heart always comes out.

There was also some funny things! Our favorite was...

I learned "When you get kicked in the head by a horse, there isn't' much else you can do" This quote was the jailer explaining why he was the way he was. He was very... odd. We all enjoyed this part and I want to remember my boys giggling as they quote the line.

So, thank you to my mother in law for the tickets... and thank you for not asking if we used them:0) I would have had to tell you that we lost the gift card and that would have been so very hard:0(

~Fixing the Grumps~

2011-06-18T21:35:00.004-04:00

It was Friday... and there was so much grumping and complaining going on I was going nutzo! I had things to do and we had plans at night so I was really disturbed by all the fighting going on. I finally decided to take my grumpy girl outside with my grumpy self and a container of sidewalk chalk.
One by one my grumpy boys came out to see what I was doing.
One by one they starting drawing with me.
By the time we created 100 drawings, we were not grumpy anymore!

We were filthy, hot and tired...

but drawing things that made us happy helped change our attitudes...

and then it was Nap time!!!!

~A Yucky Job~

2011-06-17T08:27:00.001-04:00

It is getting to the point where I can say everything new I learned, I learned from YouTube:0) We use it for school. I learned how to crochet by watching YouTube videos!! And now, I had to look up clogged kitchen sinks.... yuck!

I have been putting up with a slow drain... some days it is really slow! A few weeks ago, I searched for a way to fix my problem and found a great You Tube video on using baking soda and vinegar. It worked for a little while... and it is fun to watch:0)

Yesterday, it was super sonic slow (Aaron's new phrase). So slow I could not even do my dishes. (I keep forgetting to mention it to My Love... he is so busy and I feel bad adding something to his list.)

Anyway, I found myself searching the net again. You Tube came through!!! I learned how to take the pipe out of under the sink to look for a clog in there!

Well, I was smart enough to take out the box of stuff under the sink... and put in a dish pan:0) Then I realized there was no screw to undo the pipe... so I just pulled. Much to my horror and amazement... the pipe came right out with all kinds of stinky, yucky, gooey, messy stuff.

I flushed the gunk down the toilet (because I didn't know what else to do with it and I obviously couldn't dump it into the sink) and took the pipe to the tub with a nice round brush. Lots more gunk!

I hooked the pipe back up and tah-dah! All is well!

Now, I'm thinking we might need to get My Love a garbage disposal for Father's Day?!?!? Yes!!?!?!

Did I win the yuckiest job award for yesterday? or did someone do something grosser??? Do tell!

Hey wait, don't plumbers get like 50 bucks an hour!??!!

~Summer Reading Continues~

2011-06-16T07:56:00.004-04:00

Another book done!

I have had the privilege of hearing the author speak several times at our church. I also heard him when I was a teen (and remember enjoying him then too). The book is written much like he speaks so I did enjoy the book!

Mr Rice goes through several Bible verses about raising children. He lays it out in a very real way and takes the Bible at it's word. What does this verse really say... what does it mean. Some verses could be a little controversial:0) but I think we should all be spurred on by his challenges.

One popular verse is Prov 22:6 "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." This seems like a simple verse... but I have heard several different speakers say it means different things. Mr Rice challenges you to take it just the way it is. Some parents who have children who decided not to follow the Lord may feel false guilt (or real guilt) because they think they did a bad job training. Some parents carry no guilt (but they should) because they think they did all they could. So, this verse could be a sore spot for many. I do believe the "train up a child" part is so important. Training is not just taking them to church, letting them be in youth group, and possibly putting them in Christan school or home school. I really think training is a whole lot more than we like to think it is... more time, more effort, more doing. Mr Rice is really encouraging you to take this verse at it's word and raise your children with confidence instead of crossing your fingers and hoping "it" works.

Another verse he dives into is Ephesians 6:1 "Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. He takes a good look at obeying "parents." It is so important for the mom and dad to be as one. I need to help my children obey their father with a right attitude on my part... even if I disagree or don't see the point. What a great way to teach your children to honor!

Mr Rice also talks about obeying, honoring, God's will and marriage.

One of my favorite questions in the book is a hypothetical person asking at age 29 living away from home and not married if they are still under the authority of their parents. I thought this was thought provoking because I have heard this before from real people... anyway, the answer given was "What is it that you are doing or that you would like to do which would not meet with your parents' approval?" It is such a question of the heart isn't it!!??! We don't like authority!

"Do you Mind if your Kids Don't" was easy to read, funny and thought provoking. And yes, you do need to mind... 'cause your kids won't ;0)

~Crafting Horses~

2011-06-15T09:45:00.000-04:00

It has been way to long since I crafted anything. I have not turned my sewing machine on in over a month and don't think I even picked up a crochet hook... except maybe to clean up. I did start a crochet project over the weekend but I needed something else to get into!

Kiersten has been riding a pipe around the house and Nathan is talking about one of those stick buffalo's he saw at Christmas time... BINGO!

I set aside yesterday afternoon for some fun! My sister-in-law made something like this for my older boys... they loved them! They lasted awhile but my younger three never saw them.

I kinda threw it together as I went.

If you want to craft some little person some happiness, here are the directions!

First, put the little princess down for her nap. You might also want to put prince charming in a quiet area with some books for an hour:0)

Next, gather supplies. One pair of jeans, twine, yarn, buttons, hot glue, poly-fill, dowels
Cut the legs off your jeans... my jeans were boys size 10 slim... I think almost any size bigger than a 10 will do as well... you want to make sure the leg is long enough.

Turn the legs inside out and wrap the cut end with twine.

Flip your leg back the right way and fill it with poly-fill or old socks or old nylons...

Then put the dowel in about 9". I used some hot glue to hold it and then wrapped with twine. If you can keep the stick on the top (the faded knee part, you'll have a better end product!)
Bend the head over so the faded knee part is inside the bend (this way the top of your stick is very padded). Wrap the nose with twine and then tie on some reins. I also stuck some hot glue under his neck so his head would hang down better.

Raid your button stash for some eyes and cut out white circles a little larger than the eyes with foam or felt. Glue!
Last thing is the hair. I cut pieces of yarn about 36" long. I pulled my needle through like in the photo and tied a knot. I cut off my needle and did it again, and again, and again... that was the longest part. I ended up taking it outside to do it. It was so nice out I couldn't help myself! (I did give Kiersten's horse some bangs and a bow.)
Tad-ah!!!!
Now place them where the prince and princess will be sure to find them!