Living, Loving and Learning with the Lord

Kindle Cover

2011-12-30T17:17:00.000-08:00

One of the gifts that I was blessed with this Christmas was a Kindle Fire. I can't begin to tell you how much I LOVE that thing. It is very difficult to put down :) But put it down I must. And I don't want it to get wet, or scratched or damaged.......so......I made it a cozy.

I didn't use a pattern. Just cut some cotton for the front and back and some felt pieces for the padding......all a little bigger than the Kindle. I attatched a little bit of green braid for the loop and a button for the closure. I did a repeat this afternoon for a friend of Lee's and it took less than 30 mins.

Let's see.....oh yes, I was going to share about my Christmas projects. I've made a ton of hats. Tons. And I made an adorable shawl for my mother-in-law. I'll try to get a picture of that. And then I made coasters. I actually cut up the blocks from a quilt top that I made but never got laid out right. I traced around a CD and made a sandwich with random pieces and a same-sized piece of felt. They are very, very cute.

This week I started/finished a knitted baby bib. I'm not sure of the practicality of them but it is adorable! Now I'm working on a cowl for me. Picture to come when I get it finished. (I'm not the best at remembering pictures!)

But isn't that kindle cover adorable????? Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas!!!!!

2011-12-23T12:17:00.000-08:00

I hope all of my dear readers can feel the love and presence of our Saviour and Lord, Jesus Christ during this season of Christmas. Also, I want to thank all of you for hanging in there with me for another year, I treasure each and every one of you!

Last night we had a big Christmas dinner with Norman's mother, her boyfriend, his sister, her daughter and friend and our son's girlfriend. I prepped most of the meal on Wednesday and then Norman did all of the cooking while I was at work on Thursday. We had a beautiful, delicious smoked ham, hashbrown casserole, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, deviled eggs and bavarian dinner rolls. My mother-in-law fixed some pies. Everything was delicious! The only shadow on the evening is the severe illness of my mother-in-law's oldest sister, Joyce. She has had some severe complications following a surgery she had last week. The doctor's don't think that she will make it. Unfortunately, she is in a hospital in Texas, and of course, we are all in Illinois. Her husband and children are with her and our prayers are with them all.

Norman has to work on Christmas day so the children and I will attend church services and then come home and await his arrival. We have so much to be thankful for and many blessings this year. I feel like I don't deserve anything more.

I'm beginning to work through my goals for the year and next month. I kinda let that go with the moving/Thanksgiving/Christmas but they are going to be back. Its good to keep me accountable. Looking forward to some down time with the kids next week.

I thought I had a lot to say but turns out maybe that is it. I hope that all of you have a blessed holiday weekend with your families.

Playing Catch-up.....With Pictures

2011-12-20T19:36:00.000-08:00

We had our family portraits taken recently and I just got the disk back today. So I ordered Christmas cards (they will be late going out if you are expecting one!) and some prints. Will go back later and order more for grandparents and such. The pictures are great! My children are very photogenic :)

Gregory Robert - age 11

Leland David - age 14

Norman Matthew - age 4

Abigail Caroline - age 19 months

That's a yawn.....taking pictures is HARD work!

Mommy's little girl.

The last 3 weeks or so have been VERY hectic. I did some sewing for a friend (WITH my friend Shanna) - a 81x81inch comforter and curtains. I still need to do matching pillowcases but that will wait until after Christmas. I've been knitting like a crazy woman. Hats for all the kids (Abby is wearing hers in some of the pictures above) and for myself. A few gifts :) And sewing some gifts (can't divulge what yet but I will after Christmas - easy peasy and soooo cute!). I have my sewing room set up the way I think I want it. We will see. It was insane how much fabric and yarn I have. I solemnly swear that I will try not to buy anymore yarn or fabric until I use some of what I have......unless I go to MBT....then I can't promise anything. I had better get back to knitting and sewing :)

I've been baking like a crazy kid. The 3 youngest kids helped me make sugar cookies on Monday. There were so many sprinkles on the kitchen floor that it was like walking on marbles. We took or will be taking cookie plates to our neighbors....some of them are difficult to catch at home.

The Christmas spirit is alive and well here :) I love that I am able to enjoy it with my little family while we remember the real reason for the season. All 4 children took part in our little church's Christmas poduction. I am hoping that someone took pictures that I can get my hands on. Lee was Joseph, Greg was a wise man, Bear was a sheep and Abby was a little angle. After the play Lee and Greg joined some friends in whistling We Wish You a Merry Christmas and playing a few songs with the bells. We are Christmas carolling on Wednesday night. I love to go Christmas carolling. I can't wait!!!!!!!

I hope that all of you are enjoying the wonderful time of year that is Christmas. Remember our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and cherish the time that you can spend with your family. Hugs to all my friends!!!!!!!

2011 Gabby Moms Program - A Year in Review

2011-12-20T16:39:00.000-08:00

As most of you know by now, I have been a member of the Eternal Encouragement Gabby Moms program during the pilot year, 2011. I thought I would share a little about my experience and share what I have learned throughout the past year...........

I came to The Gabby Moms program as a "seasoned reviewer". I've been reviewing homeschool products for TEACH magazine (now Eternal Encouragment) for years. I was also a member of the 1st year TOS Homeschool Crew and still occassionally do reviews for The Old Schoolhouse Magazine. I also review books through the Blogging for Books program (as you can tell I LOVE to read and learn). With all that "experience" under my belt, I have to say that The Gabby Moms program has been the most encouraging group of ladies that I have ever worked with. The products were GREAT, however, I was most blessed by the group of encouraging ladies that I could be in instant contact with (through email and facebook). I spoke with Cindy and Lorrie Flem via telephone over the last year and came away encouraged, refreshed and ready to give another day a good shot.

The products that Lorrie offers through Eternal Encouragement are encouraging, down in the trenches products. Lorrie doesn't speak of lofty objectives or philosophical theories. She writes or talks about mothering, being a wife, managing a home and speaks as one that has done these things and has experience about how to be the best wife and mother that you can be. I can honestly say that I have been blessed by every single product that I have received and that God, in His timing, always managed to send the product that I most needed at that time. This program has never been a burden because I was reading/listening/reviewing something that was directly applicable to MY life. What a blessing!!!!!

So, that's my experience as part of the 2011 Gabby Moms program. I am so thankful to be able to say that I will be a part of the 2012 Gabby Moms program as well. Please come back and look forward with me for what Lorrie has to share with us in the upcoming year :)

Pictures...........

2011-12-05T13:28:00.000-08:00

So here are some pictures I've been promising you. We had our "professional" photos done (how professional can the photos be when you can't get everyone to sit still for 5 seconds???? Our photographer works miracles.) so the blog pictures should be updated soon and I will share my favorites then. Something is wrong with our camera so all of these are from my phone which doesn't do the best, but we work with what we have.

The first 2 pictures were taken at the Shinn Family reunion over Thanksgiving.

This is Stan (Norman's dad) and all of his grandchildren. Back row: Leland holding Abby next to Greg. Middle row: Noah, Bear, Alice, Grandpa Stan, Nolan. Front row: Christopher. Off to the side holding mommy's hand, Chloe

This picture is 4 of the 6 Shinn brothers. The 2 missing are older than Norman. Back row: Josh, Timothy, Christopher and Norman. Front row: Stan.....Missing are Stanley Jr. and Stanley Wayne (don't ask)

Today, the babies were helping with the laundry (as evidenced by the laundry - clean - all over the laundry room floor). Apparently that involved getting in the dryer. You can just barely see Bear's white hair already in there.

This is the window seat in the sitting room. Abby loves to sit here and look at books. It makes a perfect spot to sit and knit also.

Well, that's it for now :)

Yelling

2011-11-30T05:49:00.000-08:00

As most of you know, we moved almost 3 weeks ago. Although the move was an answer to pray and a very real gift from God, moving is stressful. I am still looking for things and working through routines in a new-to-us, bigger home. Let me give you an taste of what yesterday was like at our house......

I got up late. My husband is on vacation so I didn't wake up until I had to get my oldest son up for school. Abby (18 months) woke up at the same time. We wake Lee and then drag downstairs and start the coffee pot.....and the laundry. Lee comes downstairs to tell me that he can't find his coat and has no idea when the last time he had it was. (we just came back from a thanksgiving trip :( ) He needs a hoodie clean because it is very cold and he walks about 3 blocks to school now. Both of his hoodies are in the laundry.....one in the washing machine. He is frustrated that I didn't have his hoodie clean and I am irritated that he has lost his coat. I sit back down with my cup of coffee, irritiated about the coat, the fact that I haven't had my quiet time yet, irritated that my hard-working husband is still asleep, irritated that I have a huge list of to-do's to do today........then Abby tries to pick up my coffee cup and spills it all over the end table and my phone (thankfully it wasn't hot and didn't burn her). I yell at her. Frustrated that I can't even drink my coffee in peace, I get Lee's hoodie into the dryer (and dry before he needs to leave for school - go me!) and then take inventory of the kitchen. The older boys "cleaned" it last night after supper. But they didn't wipe down the counters or table, put away the clean dishes, or even wash all the dirty ones. In their defense, they've never cleaned a kitchen before so I should have been thankful that they were trying to help. Instead I was irritated that I was having to do it when my morning was already going so badly. Then Abby starts taking stuff out of cabinets (we haven't installed child locks yet) so I yell at her again and shove stuff back in there. I am unhappily washing dishes a few minutes later when Abby toddles up behind me and bites me on the butt! (((Abby has been biting a lot lately and we are dealing with it. Yesterday was the 3rd time in 3 days that she has bitten me. Bear is usually the recipient of her teeth marks. She also got a hold of her dad yesterday afternoon.))) My screaming woke my husband and both the other boys. Poor Abby got a terrible butt-spanking. I felt terrible and my day was only getting worse.

In fact, my day did get better. I was able to complete all my to-do's, have a quick fast food lunch down the street with my family. The house was clean when the nice man came to install the internet and was still clean when our photographer came to do our family holiday photos. I even had time to finish knitting a hat for Abby. What was I so worked up about?????

Yelling: The Cause, The Casuality, The Cure has been sitting on my computer since before our move. I knew that I needed to read it for The Gabby Moms review group. Even as I was screaming yesterday, I said to myself, "you need to find time to read that book!". So this morning I got up a tad bit early and gave myself some time to read (after quiet time, laundry starting and coffee drinking LOL).

That is exactly what I felt like yesterday! I also find it interesting to note that over the weekend I have put myself in time-out several times. I needed help!

Lorrie gave it to me. From starting my day with God, finding my triggers, adequate care of myself and my children, Lorrie encourages me not to give up. This is a battle that I can - and will - win! God is with me!!!!!!

I am looking forward to a good day today. With God's help and Lorrie's encouragement, at the end of the day I will be able to look back with a smile rather than guilt. If you would also like to end your day guilt-free, be sure to check out www.eternalencouragement.com for this book (available for $12.97) and others to help you along your way to a peaceful home. You can also see what other moms are saying about this topic and more at www.thegabbymoms.com

***I received this product free (boy did I need it!) in exchange for a fair and honest review as part of the Gabby Moms review program.***

So Much to Say

2011-11-24T05:28:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

As usual, we are celebrating in my husband's hometown of Metropolis, IL (also home to Superman!). We got here yesterday and are currently being lazy in our hotel room. Norman's mom is fixing Thanksgiving dinner this evening and I can't wait to hang out with family. Tomorrow will be the Shinn Family annual reunion and Christmas celebration. Norman's younger brother from Wisconsin will be there with his family this year and we can't wait to see them. We have so much to be thankful for this year..............

God always provides! Beyond our wildest dreams. I am so thankful for a faithful God, that is always there even when I am trying to give up.....He wouldn't let me. My God is an awesome God!

Almost 2 weeks ago we moved. Our new home is beautiful! The only drawback is that it is in town, along the highway, so we are having to adjust to noisy nights. I'm sleeping well but poor Norman isn't. As I said, our new home is beautiful. It is an older Victorian. Downstairs there are 2 covered porches, kitchen, laundry room, dining room, living room (with a fireplace!), sitting room (with a window seat!), library (with a window seat!), bathroom and attatched garage (which we are using for storage at this point). The staircase is ornately carved.....just beautiful! Upstairs there is another covered porch (or balcony), sunroom (can we say sewing room?????), storage room, 4 bedrooms and another bathroom.

Our church family was such a blessing. We moved some boxes on Wed/Thurs/Fri and then they all showed up early Saturday morning and just moved us......I think there was a small bus, 2 mini vans, Norman's small car, 6 trucks, 2 trailers and 15 people. By 3 Saturday afternoon we were 75% unpacked and settled in for the night. I started the day so overwhelmed and ended the day so thankful for great friends.

So, things are going well. I have some pictures but they aren't on the computer right now. I promise to post them as soon as I can. We don't have internet at the new house until the 29th, so after we get back home there will still be a few days on "internet silence". LOL I look forward to catching up with everyone soon.

I hope that everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Smurfs

2011-11-05T10:44:00.000-07:00

What do you think? As you can tell, we dressed as Smurfs for Halloween this year. Lee was dressed as Gargamel. I wanted to dress Sadie up as Azreal but nobody wanted to drag her along so we did without.

The Gargamel outfit is a wizard robe and belt and then Lee is wearing a "bald cap". His curly hair sticking out around the ears worked out perfectly. Papa Smurf is wearing red sweatpants and a blue long-sleeved t-shirt. For all the hats we took felt and cut out 2 triangles, curved the top "point" and then stuffed it appropriately, running a seam in the middle of the hat to keep the stuffing where it was supposed to be and help the hat to flop forward properly. For Papa Smurf's beard we cut 3 layers of quilt batting in the proper shape and then sewed it to a piece of elastic which we safety pinned to the hat at the ears and then around in the back. Greg and Bear (lazy and handy Smurf respectively) are wearing white pants (Greg's are sweats, Bear's are long-johns over sweats) and long sleeved blue t-shirts.

Abby's dress is beautiful. I think she will wear it to church on Sunday. I actually put a zipper in something for once. I used a bottom-weight twill for both dresses. It works splendidly for Abby's dress but my dress kept sticking to my legs. So it was bothersome, but in actuality the dress is shorter than I would have chosen because I needed to show off my blue legs. I got the tights at I Love Colors, a webstore that sells tights in 56 colors (from infant to plus size). These are great tights. Nice quality and the colors are true to the pictures. I was very pleased. We are also wearing long-sleeved t-shirts. Norman insisted that I make shoe covers in the appropriate colors for those who weren't wearing appropriately colored shoes. If Norman is going to do something, he goes all the way. That is why we are wearing body paint.

I would have been perfectly happy being smurfs with flesh colored skin, but oh no! Norman bought face paint, so we painted our faces and hands. It wasn't bad putting it on and I didn't really mind it while it was on, but it took forever to get off (it DID wash out of the white dresses though - amazing!) Abby thought we were all funny with blue faces until it was her turn to get painted and then she didn't like it so much. She HATED me scrubbing it off the next morning (yes, she and Bear and Greg all slept in their face paint. They were tired. LOL). I noticed today, almost a week later, that she still has a little spot of blue inside one of her ears.

A lot of people didn't get that Lee was Gargamel but a few did and we got a lot of positive comments. Lee is already plotting what we can all be for next year. I call that a success!

Old Fashioned Sunday

2011-10-30T04:31:00.000-07:00

I know many of you have been waiting for this post and I apologize that it has taken me a week to get it up. Here are the completed dresses for Old Fashioned Sunday:

My dress has issues. The bodice just wasn't quite big enough so I added in an extra triangular shaped panel. In doing that it was big enough to slip over my head (hallelujah!) so I didn't have to put in a zipper, but then it gaped terribly so after I put it on I had Lee safety pin it in a little bit. My hair and the shawl hide the extra so it really wasn't a big deal. Would you believe the front of the bodice was to big? LOL Good grief! (I used a Simplicity pattern for my dress)

Abby's dress was adorable and I can't wait to make more. She loved the dress and the bonnet. You can't see her bloomers in these pictures but she has them on. Other than having to hand sew in the sleeves I didn't mind doing this dress at all. I still haven't put the front buttons on though. LOL (I used a Folkwear pattern for Abby's dress, pinafore and both bonnets. I used a McCall's pj pattern for Abby's bloomers)

We had a wonderful time! Lots of good food, good singing, good preaching and good game playing. Everyone (but me, I'm not really a joiner, LOL) bobbed for apples, playing horseshoes, had a wood splitting contest and ended the day with a few games of volleyball. I look forward to it again next year.

Pumpkin Carving

2011-10-28T05:33:00.000-07:00

My crafting talents stop at knitting and sewing. I can't draw, my color combinations aren't always "compatible" and I don't have a very creative mind. That does not lend itself well to carving pumpkins. My poor children. Anyway, some years we paint the pumpkins. Some years we carve. This year was a carving year.

Lee wished me to focus my picture taking on the pumpkins not him. He learned to keep his head down :)

Greg is ready to go!

Daddy shows Bear what the task is. I figured this would be the end of the pumpkin carving for the little ones, but both of them took to it well.

Daddy helped Bear carve his pumkin (they used a template).

I would like to note that I cleaned out Abby's pumpkin and drew the design on hers - freehand. Nobody took a picture of that. LOL

There's Abby working on hers. She loved the pumpkin goo.....we were putting it in a bucket (the older boys) and a wheelbarrow (the rest of us) and she spent considerable time moving the goo from bucket to little wheelbarrow to big wheelbarrow and back again. She was covered in pumpkin.

Good job boys!

Moving goo.....

Greg used a very difficult carving template.

Lee chose to draw his freehand. He carved out all the pieces so that light would shine around them. We took a picture like that then he popped them all out. (see below)

A girl and her dog. Time to rest after moving goo. Sadie just wanted away from the goo and back in the house. She isn't very brave.

The finished jack-o-lanterns. From left to right (Bear, Abby, Greg and Lee)

Welcome Home, Daddy

2011-10-28T03:37:00.000-07:00

Ever since I was a little girl, I have loved to get mail. Now, as an adult, it is mainly bills or mundane things but I still encourage my boys to go down to the mailbox and get the mail for me. I love catalogs, letter and freebies that I request. I was "extra blessed" last week to recieve this in the mail:

Welcome Home, Daddy by Lorrie Flem is my Gabby Moms review product for October. Available at Eternal Encouragement for $17.97, this book is packed with ways to make your home special. I thought that this quote from chapter 12 summed up the whole book fairly well:

Life without the hope of eternal life is like dinner with only food. By focusing on the objective of eating, without any regard for the other things that make it so much better, we miss something wonderful. (Lorrie Flem)

Lorrie encourages women in so many different ways in this book......mealtime, child training, prayer life, family devotion, family celebrations, family ministry, hospitality, encouraging our husbands......she touches on EVERYTHING that a wife or mother deals with on a daily basis. Going further than just "doing what we should", Lorrie wants us to do all the little things that make life special and make memories with our families.

I have highlighted in my copy many things that I am going to go back and ponder on and try to implement in my family. Here are some of the things you will find:

Since we are each allotted the same amount of time, the differences are in how we spend it, what we choose to spend it on, and what we have to show for our time investment. Even though God never gives us more than 24 hours in a day, we can certainly choose how we spend the hours He does give us. (Lorrie Flem, chapter 4)

As the mother, we have the distinct honor and responsibility of setting the tone of our home. (Lorrie Flem, chapter 3)

No matter what you may be waiting on God for, it can seem like He takes a very long time. We have to realize that if we have a spirit of resistance, we really can't wait properly. We often don't understand that God is in the waiting. He is waiting alongside us. That is a wonderful, calming, and quieting principle in our lives. (Lorrie Flem, chapter 9)

This is a wonderful book for new wives, older mothers and everyone in between. If you want to see what others have said about it, be sure to check out The Gabby Moms website or www.eternalencouragement.com.

Also, would YOU like to be a Gabby Mom? You can sign up for the 2012 group HERE

***I received this book free for a fair and honest review as part of the Gabby Moms review program. ***

Some Pictures

2011-10-24T04:37:00.000-07:00

I've got tons of pictures on my phone that have been taken the last few days. I have a weird phone. It won't send the pictures straight to facebook for me. Very frustrating! Anyway, so I have to send them to my email, save them to the computer and then upload them to either here or facebook. If I send them here I can journal along with it and then post this to facebook (in case some of you were wondering why the pictures weren't going straight to fb).

All that to get to the pictures. LOL

This is Abby riding the "rocking horse" at the park in T-Town. We were waiting for the games to start Saturday morning.

These 2 pictures were taken on the trails at Ballard Nature Center. We started off with the group (honest we did!) but then Bear and Abby ran ahead and rather than disrupt the group with 2 little ones my dear friend, Mary Lemay, and I just kept walking with the babies. We let Bear choose which way to go when we would come to a fork in the road. We went over a Troll Bride (paying the toll along the way) and then things went terribly wrong. We had already been walking a considerable distance (for Abby a quarter mile is a considerable distance!) when Bear decides we will go down this Wetland Trail. The sign says it is 1.4 miles. I incorrectly assume that at some point we will find another fork in the road and we will meander our way back to the nature center. I was wrong. No more forks in the road. We trudged along about halfway before the babies started to protest. So Mary and I would carry them to the next curve or the next bench and then they would walk a bit more. Suffice it to say that we were getting very tired, very quickly. I sent Greg and Jeffrey (Mary's grandson) a text telling them to get the stroller and come meet us but I couldn't tell them really where we were. So we continued on like that for what seemed like forever (but was really maybe an hour total walking time maybe an hour and a half). Finally we reached a fork in the road and a sign. I immediately sent the trail name to Greg and we continued walking. By the time Greg and Jeffrey got the stroller and a map of the trails and found us we were almost back to the Nature Center. I was never so happy to see a stroller in my life - there towards the end we were mainly just carrying babies and Abby had fallen asleep on my shoulder. You can see how tired Bear and Abby were in that picture. Poor little things probably though they would have to walk forever. LOL

There's my babies! Again at the park in T-Town before Saturday's soccer tournament.

About the tournament, we lost both games but played their hearts out. We finished up the afternoon with lunch at McDonald's and a leisurely stroll through Walmart. It was a wonderful day!

Goals for Oct. 23 through Oct. 29th

2011-10-22T04:41:00.000-07:00

Spiritual
1. Read Matthew 25-Luke 4
2. Journal thoughts and prayers daily
3. Pray without ceasing!

Physical
1. Stretch 7 days

Housekeeping
1. Complete 90% of MM daily chores and most others

Homeschooling
1. ~~Supervise Greg's work~~
2. School 3 days with Bear

Sewing/Knitting
1. Finish whatever ball of yarn I just started (I think #5) on L's Christmas gift
2. Make list of what else needs done before Christmas (not making the list isn't making the projects go away!)
3. ~~Make Abby's Smurfette dress~~
4. ~~Make my Smurfette dress~~
5. ~~Make 1 red and 4 white smurf hats~~

Other
1. Send cards of encouragement to friends
2. ~~Write review of Welcome Home Daddy by Lorrie Flem~~
I'm sure you'll notice that I took my weekly walking goal off the list for this week. Soccer is over, therefore I won't be in town on any set schedule anymore. I won't walk here and we haven't moved. So I don't know when I will be able to walk. I do have a walking video and may try to get in the habit of doing that. Please pray that I will. Also please pray about the house we are looking at. My heart has been burdened greatly this week. I hesitate to say that I want to be moved before Thanksgiving because I wanted to be moved before school was out last spring and before school started this summer, yet here we are. Its in God's hands and it is His will! Please pray that His will be done!

Have a great week!

The "Get Dressed" Challenge

2011-10-21T08:57:00.000-07:00

Hello! It is a brisk fall morning here in south-central IL. The day is progressing along nicely. I even had time to read some blogs and found one I have never been to before. Sarah Mae also blogs at Raising Homemakers so I've read her stuff before but had missed this challenge. I love it! As nice as it is to snuggle in some sweats (or better yet, pjs!) it is so much better on our self-esteem and the image we portray if we get dressed in the morning. Yes, I may never leave the house today but why can't I look nice for my family? Dirty chores to do? That's why we have aprons ladies!!!!!

Anyway, for those of you who know me in real life, you know I wear a lot of dresses, skirts, jumpers. Not necessarily for any religious reason (although I do believe, no matter what we are wearing, we should strive to look "female") but because I love to look like a girl. Even on the days you find me in yoga or track pants or shorts there will be no doubt in your mind that I am a woman :) Twirly skirts, delicate underthings, beautiful falling hair....those things make me smile. Life is too short to not smile!

I have no doubt that I will not post daily or even weekly about this topic. Just isn't going to happen. So when I remember I will share what I've been wearing lately and maybe I will have some pictures. Maybe. Here is this week - no pictures:

Sunday - Black twill skirt, red long sleeved t-shirt, orange and red plaid zip front jacket - in the morning I had on black tights and black mary janes, in the afternoon I had on socks and tennis shoes (I'm practical)

Monday - I don't have any idea. I went to town. I know I had a dress on. At least I wasn't naked.....I hope. - As I read through this again before posting I think I remember what I had on.....a green leafy long sleeved shirt over a black jumper. I think that was it. Don't remember what shoes, maybe socks and the slip on brown clogs, that would make sense, kinda.

Tuesday - pink long sleeved t-shirt and rose print flannel jumper I made several years ago

Wednesday - I failed.....pink yoga pants and a sweatshirt with holes in it - I threw the sweatshirt away after I took it off

Thursday - repeat of Sunday (I loved that outfit) with the tights and mary janes

Friday - TODAY - denim skirt, black tights, house slippers, white tank top, pink sweater - I'll be wearing the mary janes when we leave in a few mins.

I may wear this skirt again tomorrow or I may wear the black one.....I tend to get in a rut. I may throw on a hoodie over it as we will be at soccer games outside all day. Probably tennis shoes. Sunday is old fashioned Sunday at our church and our dresses are done. I promise, promise, promise pictures next week!

Have a wonderful day and weekend ladies! (and gents if any read!)

Goals for Oct. 16-22 and a Picture

2011-10-18T18:58:00.000-07:00

Spiritual
1. ~~I don't have the list in front of my but I think that this week's reading is all in Matthew~~.
2. ~~Journal prayer requests and thoughts~~
3. ~~Pray without ceasing~~!

Physical
1. Walk 4.8 miles
2. ~~Stretch 7 days~~

Homeschooling
1. ~~Supervise Greg's work~~
2. ~~Trip to Ballard Nature Center (I had to get that in there somewhere otherwise it wasn't going to happen!)~~

Homekeeping
1. Do 90% of MM daily chores and most of others

Sewing/Knitting
1. ~~Finish Abby's dress/pinafore/bonnet~~
2. ~~cut out/sew my dress and bonnet~~
3. knit ball 4 and 5 of L's Christmas gift

The MAIN goal this week is the sewing. I am a terrible procrastinator so I am having to work quickly. Thankfully I have Abby's stuff done. I got my dress cut out and the bodice doesn't fit right so I'm going to have to alter it tomorrow. I hate that. I haven't decided how to do the back closer as I don't want to deal with a zipper. Anyway.......

Here is a picture of Abby in her dress. In this picture the buttons for the top of the dress aren't on (they still aren't) and the hem isn't done on the pinafore (it is now)......she loves the dress!

Last Week in Pictures

2011-10-11T04:49:00.000-07:00

These are the bloomers that I made for Abby last week. The top pair are made out of muslin, the 2nd out of white cotton. I was using a pj pants pattern and forgot that the kids patterns run big. So the white pair are a size 2 and the muslin pair are a size 1. I don't know why the picture of the muslin pair is fuzzy, I couldn't get it to take clear.

Watch out world! She's driving :) Only backwards for now.

Bear is sitting on top of Abby's car. I don't know why. I don't know why he does anything that he does. I love him anyway.

Here is Abby after her first painting experience. She painted herself and Bear painted her. Abby also painted on me.

And Bear painted himself and the slide. See the paper on the ground behind him? They did not pain the paper. I don't know why I bothered. The dog stayed in the house. Sometimes she is a smart dog.

We are really enjoying the wonderful warm weather we have been having. The weather man said on the radio yesterday that it will probably cool off this week. I suppose it is time. We really need to get some pumpkins. Maybe this weekend I will remember to do that. I also heard on the radio that "someone" - I never pay any attention to the who I usually just get the what - is predicting a cold, stormy winter this year. Didn't we have a cold, stormy winter last year? Hmmmm. Not looking forward to that.

Well, I guess that's all for now. I hope that you enjoyed the pictures and have a wonderful week!

Goals for Oct. 9-15

2011-10-10T07:39:00.000-07:00

Here are my goals for this week (late is better than never!):

Spiritual
1. ~~Read Zephaniah 1 through Malachi 4~~
2. Journal my thoughts and prayer requests
3. ~~Pray daily (without ceasing!!!!)~~

Homemaking
1. Complete 90% of daily MM chores and most other chores
2. Take inventory of winter necessities (socks, hates, gloves, scarves)

Homeschooling
1. ~~Supervise Greg's work~~
2. Preschool with Bear 3 times this week
3. Nature study

Sewing/Knitting
1. Make my petticoat
2. Find material for a cut out my prairie style dress
3. ~~If Abby's pattern comes in - cut out and begin sewing her prairie style dress~~
4. Finish ball 4 and 5 of yarn on L's Christmas gift
5. ~~Make a dishcloth of 2 as a wedding gift for a friend~~

Other
1. ~~Send cards of thanks and encouragement to friends~~

Fitness
1. ~~walk 4.8 miles this week~~
2. ~~stretch 7 days~~

I think that's it. If I think of more I will add to it later. Have a great week everyone!

Skeet Savage and Persimmon Cookies

2011-10-08T12:39:00.000-07:00

I just finished taking persimmon cookies out of the oven. So yummy! Another fantastic thing to love about fall.

I had the pleasure, blessing of meeting Skeet Savage (and her wonderful daughter Sony) last night.

When I started this homeschooling journey there were a few women that I really clung to and learned from......Lorrie Flem, Cindy Rushton, Teri Maxwell and Skeet Savage. NOW, I've met 2 of them (Teri Maxwell being the other).

Skeet spoke from the heart and really touched on some issues that I've been needing to deal with. I think that God was speaking through her to me. Very humbling. I'm still working through her words and soaking up scripture. I just might be getting ready for an adventure (Isn't it always an adventure when God works in your life???)

Anyway, I'm soaking up some sunshine and loving fall. Dh did soccer duty today so other than a short trip to a nearby yard sale, I've been home cleaning, baking, praying and playing with the 2 little ones. I hope for some time to knit tonight but I think we are getting ready to head back outside now.

Have a wonderful day friends!

2011-10-07T12:47:00.000-07:00

It seems like I have been chasing my tail all week. On Sunday, I was relieved to see that the week didn't hold much in the way of outside activities but by Monday afternoon it sure did fill up! And then my dear friend, Mary, lost her husband so we have been helping out where we can there and will finish the weekend with the funeral and such.

I feel like I haven't accomplished anything. I did manage to sew Abby 2 pairs of bloomers (pictures later) and I did manage to do a little knitting. I just finished ordering almost everything we will need to make our Halloween costumes this year. I'm tired. I look around and there is so much to do! I don't even want to find the list I made or make another one because I know it will be so long. Some days it is too much to ask that I get the housework stuff done let alone anything else. At the longest we have about 3 months here so I am dreading the final packing and moving (but looking forward to getting the rest of our stuff out of the various storage locations we have commandeered for the last year). Please pray that the home we desire will be available. It is a heavy burden on our hearts right now.

I guess the pity party is over. No more! I've got much to be thankful for and there is too much to do for me to be sitting here whining. LOL I hope that all of you have a wonderful weekend!

Classes They Should Have Taught in High School

2011-10-04T05:18:00.000-07:00

This is the 2nd part to a 2-part post about the uselessness of some information taught in school these days. You can scroll down to see the other one.

Grocery Shopping 101
Otherwise known as, "how to keep your sanity while shopping at 5 p.m. on a Friday night with 4 hungry kids and the rest of the insane town of Effingham"......or better yet, how to plan so you don't have to.

Producing Your Own Food
Not just gardening or raising livestock, but what to do with it afterwards.....canning, freezing, drying. How to make your own convenience foods. How to grow and preserve your own herbs. Where the different cuts of meat come from and the best way to prepare them for eating.

Childcare
Even if you don't ever have children of your own, you will at sometime be exposed to them. Learning how to deal with the little buggers for extended periods of time in stressful/enclosed situations is priceless information. Paper airplane making, shadow puppets. obscure storytelling.
Also included in this class would be: how to type one handed because Abby is on your lap, again........how to convince Abby to speak - at this point I don't even care if it is English.........how to stop Bear from talking to complete strangers (they aren't strangers, mom, they are friends)........how to juggle the social demands of a teenager and preteen while occupying 2 preschoolers.......In fact, it might be more useful to just send 2 or 3 students each day to my house and they can get some hands-on experience. Probably won't need that sex-ed class afterwards either. LOL

Money Management
How to adapt to rising cost of healthcare, gas, food and number of children on a paycheck that gets taxed a little more every week. Otherwise known as couponing, sales watching and resale shopping 101

Hazardous Driving 101
Techniques taught should include driving while ice is still on the window because you were to cold/lazy/late to scrape the windshield, driving while breaking up fist fights in the back seat, driving while digging cell phone out of bottomless diaper bag, driving while trying to hand sippy-cup to baby sitting behind you, driving home late on only 3 hours of sleep, driving while reading the owners manual to find out what that odd warning light is.........basically multitasking

Science/Health
Topics could include: what do different colors of snot mean, proper administration of cold/fever reducing medication to small children at 3 a.m., differentiation between rashes, spots and bruises........learn how to play "name that cough". Classes should be taught during the same semester as Childcare classes because you can guarantee at some point to be waiting in an empty ER waiting room for 4 hours to be sent home with a screaming child and no medication or pain relief.

Childless Adulthood 101
For those who are paying attention to the sex-ed classes and chose not to have children this class could give all those tips and pointers for how to avoid those who do.........childless eating establishments, proper shopping times, etc. Also a course on giving unwanted advice. Required for graduation: Childcare class.....lets face it, you can't avoid them so you might as well learn how to entertain them. Their parents will be eternally grateful.

Time Management 101
Showers for 6 people in one bathroom in 15 mins, dealing with last minute notes from school, overdue library books, work assignments, coaching schedules, church obligations and more.

Maybe its just me. If they would have taught this stuff in high school then maybe I wouldn't have had to take so much on-the-job training. I love my children dearly and wouldn't trade a minute of my life for anything else but it is chaos! I hope that all of you have a wonderful day :)

You Will Need to Know This When You Grow Up

2011-10-03T13:36:00.000-07:00

Remember when all the teachers told you that? Let's see how I am using the information that they crammed into my poor brain all those years ago......

History
I am a history fanatic. Was a college history major. Still read history books, biographies and practically live on the history channel.......the only use I can see for all that information is Jeopardy :) I am capable of coming up with the most obscure bits of history at the most wonderful times and awe my family at my brilliance (not really, they just roll their eyes!).

Math
Algebra: I am so thankful that I learned that so that I could help my son with his. If they hadn't taught it to me, then WHO would help him????? (Why are they teaching it again?????)

Geometry: Even worse, because I still can't do it. Beyond knowing shapes and using basic design for quilts I have no idea what all those theorums were or what they mean. Next year will be torture for both me and my son.

Basic/Life Math: Balancing a checkbook, figuring stitches per inch, yardage per size, miles per gallon......that is useful information. To bad I learned it all in 6th grade :(

Science
If you plant things in a sunny area and water them regularly they grow. Basic health information is used regularly. Please don't ask me latin names for anything, and I don't care to explain laws of gravity. I think that they should have spent more time on growing things because I sometimes have a black thumb. Herbal medicine would have been useful. The science of cooking would have been practical.

Foreign Languages
After 2 years of Spanish and a semester of French I still can't figure out what the Hispanic lady is screaming at her son on the soccer field. I'm kinda glad I don't know what he is saying to my son. I have a feeling it isn't appropriate for polite company. If I would have paid attention to Mrs. Pickens then maybe I could evesdrop on the conversation of the Hispanic males at Walmart.

English
All the proper English and good writing techniques I learned in 4 years of English class doesn't carry over well to texting and facebook. I doubt that my blog readers care so much about subject/verb agreement or prepositional phrases. And Abigail still isn't talking at all so English isn't helping her one little bit.

Driver's Ed
Everything I ever needed to know about driving I learned in a corn field.

P.E.
Yes, we play dodgeball almost daily. (No, not really. In case you haven't figured it out I'm being sarcastic. LOL) I wish that they would have paid more attention to soccer rules.......it would help when I yell at the referres during the games if I actually knew the rules (I don't really yell, but maybe then I would understand all the penalty kicks). And I wouldn't have to sit next to David Miller every home football game if someone would have explained all the rules about football. But I like hanging out with David and Susan so that's ok.

Health
Sex ed. I think eventually I would have figured that out on my own....just saying.

As long as tomorrow isn't a horrible-no-good-day I am going to post a list of classes I really wish that they would have had at high school.......you know, the actually useful stuff.

Last Week in Pictures

2011-10-03T05:08:00.000-07:00

We spent some time at the playground Saturday after Greg's soccer game. Lee is a referee for other games so we wait around for him to get done.

Sadie doesn't really like to be on a leash. BUT she is programmed to follow Abby around where ever she goes in case Abby drops food so she followed her around on the leash. Abby was pretty proud of herself. At the time they were helping Bear find Greg in an outdoor game of hide-and-go-seek. Bear said that Sadie was the hound dog. Sadie is not a hound dog. Actually, Sadie wanted to go back in the house, but she was attatched to that stinky leash. LOL Eventually I rescued her.

Abby stole Bear's polar pop. And drank most of it.....spilled the rest. Bear was not very proud of her. I had to buy him another polar pop.

Goals for the Week of Oct. 2nd

2011-10-02T11:16:00.000-07:00

Here are the goals for this week. If you would like to see how I did last week you can see that below.

Spiritual
1. ~~Read Amos 8 through Habakkuk 3~~
2. ~~Pray daily and journal thoughts from God~~
3. Send cards of encouragement to those that need it

Physical
1. ~~Stretch 7 days~~
2. ~~Walk 4.8 miles~~

Homeschool
1. ~~Supervise Greg's work~~
2. Preschool with Bear 3 times this week
3. Nature study at least one day - maybe a CIPS or Sam Parr
4. Start memory work for all of us :)

Homemaking
1. ~~Complete 90% of Daily chores and Most of other chores on Motivated Moms planner~~
2. Take inventory of hat/glove/tights/socks needs for winter

Knitting/Sewing
1. Finish ball 4 and 5 of yarn on L.'s Christmas gift
2. make list of other projects that need completed for Christmas and assign done-by goal dates
3. make petticoats for me and Abby for Old-Fashioned Sunday
4. ~~make 2 sets of bloomers for Abby~~
5. make Smurf jumper for me and Abby

Other
1. ~~order Smurf costume items~~
2. find Gargamel costume or something that will work

I think that's it. Lots of sewing to do. I have a tendency to put things off till the last minute. LOL

A Perfect Fall Saturday!

2011-10-01T11:42:00.000-07:00

Hello!
I was homecoming week here in our little town. Yesterday was a fun filled day of parade, park-visiting and football - complete with a JC porkburger!!!!! Our team lost but played their hearts out and in the end that is what matters the most. I just have to say that I think the Newton Eagles Marching Band's routine this year is the best that I have seen in a long time. Every time I see it I think it is better! I LOVE the drumline :)

We spent the morning in town playing soccer, walking and playing at the playground. I exceeded my walking goal of 6 miles this week, walking a total of 8.2 miles. I think that is pretty fantastic! You can scroll down to Sunday's post and see what else got marked off my weekly goals list. I still have some Halloween shopping to do, lots of sewing and knitting.......

I've got pictures to post, but they aren't on the computer yet so it will have to wait.
Have a wonderful weekend!

Kindle Fever

2011-09-29T12:23:00.000-07:00

Have you heard the news??????

Kindle just announced their new Kindle Fire.....supposed to be very similar in ability to the Apple Ipad......I will never be able to afford an Ipad, but there is hope for a Kindle. Probably not the Fire, but......they also dropped the prices for the regular Kindles. I'm thinking maybe a Kindle Touch. I'm still debating whether I will want a 3G or not.....would be handy, but is it worth the additional cost?

Maybe.

I continue to save money. I just earned another Amazon gift card from Swagbucks.....and as part of my "workout incentive plan" I've earned another $5 to add to the stash. I am very hopefull that maybe I will be able to get one by the first of the year.

If you've got a Kindle, let me know how you like it. I really do want to know!

From Exhausted to Energized

2011-09-26T10:20:00.000-07:00

Have you ever thought about the process of becoming friends with someone?

You probably met in a "accidental" way, maybe making contact 2 or 3 times before sitting down for a real chat. As the relationship grew, so did the trust between you and your new friend. Eventually, you feel like you've known her forever and don't know what you would do without her.

Friendship is a give and take relationship. Hopefully, your good friends are always there to lend a helping hand, give encouragement and pray, grieve and celebrate with you...........and you do the same for them. Friendship is a two way street.

My friend Lorrie has been like that for me. Although we've never met, she is such an encouragement. She is a mentor to me, leading and guiding me in the nuances of godly womanhood and parenting. It began in a happenstance way....reading some of her magazine articles and listening to an audio......but our relationship has developed into a working partnership and email/blog friend. I pray for her and she for me. I've never had the blessing of meeting Lorrie face-to-face yet. I know that if it never happens here on earth that it will in eternity :)

I was blessed last week to have Lorrie join me at my kitchen table. I listened as she encouraged me in my calling. How did this happen, you ask? Lorrie has a new format!

Lorrie Flem is on DVD! From Exhausted, Irritable and Overwhelmed to An Energized & Fullfilled Woman of God brings Lorrie, in all the wonder of DVD, to my kitchen table, living room, where ever I am when I need that little "lift". This topic seemed like a total life overhall for me. Some of the topics include: Eternally Minded, Library Rules, and Singing Thank You's. Not just touching on these topics (8 in total), Lorrie fleshes them out bringing fresh ideas and encouragement to frustrated, bedraggled moms just like me (and YOU!)!

Also included on the DVD (which can be found at www.eternalencouragement.com for $19.97) is a viewer's guide containing a topic outline and scriptures references that Lorrie used. I must confess that I was so excited to watch the DVD that I skipped checking out the viewer's guide until after the movie so I took my own notes :) Lorrie thinks of everything! (even when I am too impatient to realize it!)

So, what are you waiting for? Do you need some encouragement today? Head on over and see Lorrie at Eternal Encouragement magazine and check out everything that she has to offer. You will be so glad that you made a new friend today :)

***I received this product free for a fair review as part of the Gabby Moms program.***

Goals for the Week of Sept. 26th (and pictures!)

2011-09-24T05:05:00.000-07:00

After reading a blog post from Crystal at Money Saving Mom about how she makes her goals for the week, I decided to do that also. Last week, I set some goals and managed to accomplish almost all of them. For accountability (and encouragement for those who want to do the same) I decided to post mine here. Then I will come back next Saturday or Sunday and let you know how I did :)

Exercise/Fitness
1. ~~Stretch 7 days a week~~
2. ~~Walk 6 miles~~

Homemaking
1. ~~Complete~~ ~~Motivated Moms~~ ~~planner for the week (complete all routine chores and at least 90% of "bigger" chores)~~
2. ~~Get out winter clothes and put away summer clothes. Gather outgrown clothes for donation. Make a list of anything we still need~~.

Homeschool
1. ~~Supervise Greg's work~~
2. Work on preschool activities at least 3 days a week with Bear.
3. ~~Read to children daily (part of MM planner also)~~

Sewing/Knitting
1. Finish ball of yarn #3 and #4 for L's Christmas gift (out of 8 balls total)
2. Start Abby's Jane Austen gown (again)

Other
1. ~~Make oil change appt. for Norman's car~~
2. Order Halloween costume items
3. ~~Find and order dress patterns for Old Fashioned Sunday~~
4. ~~Send cards to those who need encouragement this week~~
5. ~~Write Gabby Moms review (look for it Monday!)~~

Crystal has lots more goals in other categories. I'm starting small. She has goals set for her Bible reading and prayer time but my Bible reading is listed in my MM planner so I am considering it part of that. I also spend considerable time praying throughout the day but I haven't made goals towards that end. I have several books that I am reading (will update sidebar later) but I read when I can and given the list of sewing/knitting I am working on that isn't often. LOL

The 3 younger children took some time to play in the mud this week. It was Abby's first time in the mud. She didn't mind it on her feet but she hated to have it on her hands. LOL

And a picture of me. This is the dropped stitch scarf I made this summer. I dropped a stitch I wasn't supposed to (oops!) and was too lazy to fix it until the other day. It is made out of beautiful yarn from Knit Picks......I'm not sure of the variety but it was a hank of lace weight stuff. The picture doesn't do the color justice. It kinda "bleeds" pink to purple and back again. Very subtle. I am thinking of getting a hank of silk and making another one.

Well, I guess that is all for now. I'm going to try to blog more regularly but I always say that and then never do, so don't hold me to it :) So much to do!

1991

2011-08-31T01:53:00.000-07:00

My oldest son starts high school in about 5 hours. I hope he is getting some sleep. For some reason, Bear and I aren't. So here I am.......I've spent the last hour or so working through some of this stuff in my head and decided it was time to put fingers to the keyboard, so to speak. Apparently, these are things I needed to work through.......

I graduated 8th grade in May 1991. I had mixed emotions. I remember being so excited about another step toward adulthood and terrified of moving into a new school with lots of new people. I was NOT a social butterfly.

Anyway, the summer started off ok I suppose. There was the 8th grade graduation and dance. That was fun......and a few graduation parties that classmates threw......
I turned 14 midway through June. Nothing special there.....I don't even remember my birthday which means I probably spent it in a field somewhere. That was pretty typical. Anyway, my maternal grandmother was sick. Really sick. She had been diagnosed with colon/liver cancer the summer before and although she managed to come to my graduation, things went downhill quickly after that. We spent a lot of time at their house in Newton. I remember hospital beds and not being allowed in the living room.......my aunt's new husband.....playing cards with my maternal grandpa. My Grandma Diel (Mary Diel) passed away early morning of July 4th.

My brothers and I had spent the night at my paternal grandparents home the night before and when we woke up that morning my parents where there. Grandma and Grandpa Pickens were great, we stayed with them that morning while my parents got some rest and they took us to the Dieterich 4th of July parade. That night my parents took us to the fair.

I think that we went on vacation later that summer. Not very far away, as my Grandpa Diel had alzheimers, aggrevated by the loss of his wife. My mom called every night to check on him but a few times he wouldn't accept her collect phone call. I didn't understand alzheimers. I tried, but until then I hadn't ever heard of such a thing and I didn't understand why my grandpa didn't know me. I remember begging my mom not to make me go to high school. I loved learning, I hated social situations. I was terrified. She made me go anyway.

It was a miracle I made it through that first day without a nervous breakdown. I got lost twice. Ended up in the wrong classroom (sitting there waiting for class to start) once. Thankfully my cousin saw me and sent me in the right direction. I didn't cry. I don't know how I managed that, but I didn't.

I tried to join some clubs. I spent some evenings sitting on my Grandpa's back step because the club function had gotten over early, mom wasn't there to meet me, and Grandpa wouldn't let me in because he didn't know who I was. The boy I had "puppy loved" for 2 years asked me out and then dumped me 2 weeks later because I wouldn't make out with him after school. Less than a month later one of my best friends killed herself.

Fourteen year olds shouldn't have to go to the funerals of friends. And they shouldn't have to go alone. Sure, I had friends there, but my parents weren't.....it was harvest season, you see. I was so blessed by the support of the mother of another friend. I cannot descibe the pain that one feels after a loss like that. I wasn't alone in my pain, so many of my friends were hurting as well, but I felt alone. In less than 3 months I had lost a grandmother, best friend and essentially my grandfather as well. I was barely coping in an educational setting that I wasn't really equiped to handle. I had my heart broken (and the ex was spreading nasty rumors about my moral character). Go me.

I managed to persevere. Now, I wonder how I didn't have an emotional breakdown.

At a band competition the next month I, along with other members of the band, was taken to the ER for frostbite. My parents were not there and my father had to give permission for them to treat over the phone. I was fine, but the trip home was agony. I knew what was waiting. It wasn't the worst tongue lashing that I had ever gotten, but it probably lasted the longest. For several years afterwards it was thrown in my face as me wasting family resources and making bad decisions. Go me.

Holidays that year sucked. One of them was at our home. Just my family and my Grandpa Diel (who was rapidly declining). For some reason, during the dinner preparations, my mother felt the need to get into a huge phone conversation with her sister, in her bedroom. I get that it was probably a hard year for both of them, having lost their mother. However, I was left with dealing with a huge meal. Alone. My Grandpa came in and starting fiddling with things while I was trying to take something out of the oven and I couldn't get him to safely stay out of the way. And I got a little grouchy. My father went ballistic. I understand now that my poor Grandpa had no idea about the safety of the oven in that situation. I know now that he wasn't in his right mind and he didn't mean to be in my way. I was just trying to do the best I could in yet another extremely stressful situation. My father, reading the newspaper in the living room, made sure to let me know how I had failed. Again.

I am sitting here tonight wondering why in the world I was even in that kitchen. I think now that I should have just went to my room, or outside. Let someone else step up to the plate and deal with it. But I didn't. People pleaser all the way, I took responsibility for everything. I always felt/feel like I have to carry the burdens of the world. Lord knows I was carrying a lot of them that fall/winter.

Things did get better in high school. I learned the ropes, made friends, started dating a nice guy. All of my high school years weren't miserable. But when I think of high school, those first 6 months are the ones I remember. The feelings of fear and sadness rear their ugly heads every single time.

I've been praying all night. Praying that my oldest (all of my children in fact) will have a good day tomorrow. A little stress and a lot of fun. I pray that his high school "career" will be shaped by fun, laughter and freedom.

Twenty years later (how could it have been that long ago????) I can see that so many things were out of my control. I couldn't control death, my parents, the weather, other students........I think that considering I did pretty well. But the tears are falling afresh again.....just like they did then. I cry for my friend, my grandma and grandpa.......I cry for my naive freshman self and the little girl that just wanted to be protected by someone........I cry for the girl that grew up really fast that fall and learned a lot of hard lessons the hard way........and I cry for the scars that were left behind. BUT I smile for the woman that grew out of those lessons and scars. They have helped shape me into me. Those scars give me the patience to go over that schedule 1 more time with my son, giving him advice about quickest routes to classes. I know to watch for depression. I rarely send my children into difficult situations alone. I love, love and love some more. And sometimes I learn to let go.

Its 3:45 a.m. and I am sitting here watching Bear, my 3 year old sleep. I just want to go around and hug all my babies; big and small. So many things I can't protect them from. So I pray.

Lord, please guide and protect my children today. Give them courage rather than fear. Help me help them. Thank you for each minute that I have with them. Amen.

Weariness

2011-08-20T11:58:00.000-07:00

I've been feeling weary lately. At first, I thought it was the heat but the last week or so has been very mild for August. Then I tried to blame it on the lack of sleep (Abigail still wakes up at least once a night, and lately it has been 2 or 3 times). I followed that by using all of our stress as an excuse. Really, I just need to let some stuff go.

So, I'm letting go of my fear of the reactions of others.
I'm letting go of the expectations of others.
I'm refusing to be anxious about our future.
I'm not placing myself or my family on a timeline anymore.
I'm going to take each moment, each task, each event as its own thing, trying very, very hard not to look forward to the next thing. Enjoy each moment!

That is a BIG list for me. I'm going to work on it.

Anyway, all is well here. We've been busy the last few days. I think we have had a good summer. We didn't have the funds for a vacation but we have spent a lot of time together and with friends. Just today we spent a few hours at a "fiesta" sponsored by a local church......food, games, prizes. The kids had a blast and I enjoyed myself, letting go of the long list of things I should be home doing. A relief. We all came home tired but happy.

Julie asked how Sadie was doing. She is ok. She was due for a haircut when she was attacked so her hair is longer than normal. I feel some scabbed spots still but she doesn't flinch when you touch them so I am going to leave them alone and try to schedule a hair appt for her in a couple of weeks. I imagine we will be able to see the marks of the attack then. She's even willing to go outside alone again so that is good. We are so thankful that she wasn't injured more severely.

Well, I'm going to get off the couch and finish up the laundry and mop the kitchen floor. Then my tasks for the day will be complete. I hope that all of you have a wonderful weekend!

The 5 R's Bundle - Part 2

2011-08-18T11:05:00.000-07:00

Last month I talked to you about Lorrie Flem's bundle - Godly Womanhood: The 5 R's for Homeschool Moms. Last month I detailed the 1st 2 topics and this month I am going to focus on the last 3 topics.

As usual, Lorrie touches my heart at just the right time. In fact, I have decided that I will be printing out all 5 ebooks and putting them in a binder for safe keeping. The topics are so encouraging, timely and necessary for a godly woman.

Refine: From Homekeeping 101 to Graduating with Honors leads us through the day-to-day of being a manager of our homes. We are managers aren't we? I like that.....a manager.....that sounds good :) Lorrie leads us through 7 homekeeping teachings:

1. Plan to Manage

2. Plan to Improve

3. Plan to Start Strong

4. Plan to Do It First

5. Plan to Bless Others

6. Plan to Feed

7. Plan to Clean

As always, Lorrie keeps it real and gives real-life guidance on managing our homes. Spending time with God, Before Breakfast Jobs and clearing clutter are all topics she touches on before bringing it around to my ATTITUDE. We've talked about that before and it is a work in progress. Thanks Lorrie!

Rejuvenate: What to Do When Abel is Raising Cain details the topic of child-raising. Consistency is the key! Lorrie talks about how the Bible discusses discipline. I think I am going to start a study about that.......

Never leaving us alone, Lorrie gives real-life examples about how she handles discipline problems in her home.

Rest: Give It Up and Get It All wasn't what I expected. I was "hoping" that Lorrie would give a list of things that she does when she needs some rest, away time, preferably once a week or more. I wanted the validation that what I do deserves a break and could someone please back me up on that?!?!?! I guess not :( Lorrie gives us so much more though. I feel encouraged to rest through serving, arranging my priorities to match God's. I need to lean on God and when I just can't do it anymore, I shouldn't soak in a hot bathtub, I should run to Him and soak Him up....seeking His wonderful wisdom about the things that I am dealing with. I've done that this week and I can honestly say that I feel better than I ever would after an hour at Starbucks. **I LOVE Starbucks though and think it is a fanastic treat to hang out there, but I don't "deserve" such a treat just because . The only thing that can completely restore me is time with God!**

I can't begin to express how much good stuff there was in these 5 topics. I plan to reread these teachings frequently to remind me to keep my focus on God! Check out www.eternalencouragement.com to see The 5 R's Bundle (5 ebooks, 5 mp3 audios starting at $24.97) and other great products that Lorrie has there. If you're not convinced head over and see what the other Gabby Moms have to say too!

****I received this product for free in exchange for an honest review through the Gabby Moms program.***

My Sadie

2011-08-12T17:29:00.000-07:00

Sweet Sadie, my black, 20 pound, cocker spaniel, was attacked by the neighbor's dog in our yard Wednesday morning. She was outside "doing her business" when we heard her yelp. A shot in the air scared off the attacker.........we think she will be fine. It is terrifying to see your bestest four-legged buddy bleeding and hurt. I've been helping her onto the couch and our bed. Asprin helps a little.

My sweet Sadie......

We think she's about 8. We got her second-hand, and they had gotten her second-hand, so no idea of her age. When we first got her and had a vet visit they said by her teeth they would say 2 or 3, but by her eyes they would say 5 or 6. Sadie is blind in one eye and hard of hearing. She has severe skin allergies. This past winter I could tell that she was moving much slower than before.

Sadie came to live with us during the midst of our infertility trials. Norman just knew I needed someone to snuggle and Sadie needed a home. It was the perfect fit. Having Sadie gave me something to focus on, someone that needed me. The older boys still needed me of course, but they were beginning to need me a little less than I liked and my yearning for a baby was so strong.....Sadie took the edge off of that feeling.

When Bear was born I worried that she would feel displaced. She had been with us for over 2 years and took the new baby in stride. I was careful to include her in our snuggle times and she was patient as Bear learned to "be nice to the puppy". They would curl up in the recliner and take their afternoon naps together (I have pictures somewhere but can't find them).

Abby's arrival was met with much the same disinterest by Sadie. She's getting older. She's not quite so patient. Frequently she will go hide under a table to get away from the babies playing.

Sadie is afraid of everything. The sight of a gun makes her hide. She runs from strange dogs. And cats. She huddles in fear at the sound of the lawn mower and vaccum cleaner. Sadie wouldn't hurt a flea. I guess that is what makes the whole incident so upsetting for me. This dog came onto our property and hurt my sweet Sadie. There was no food there, not even a empty bowl. I can't imagine anything that would have prompted a German Shepherd to attack a 20 pound aging cocker spaniel.

Norman says she will be ok. I hope so. I can't imagine my life without her.

Hug your puppies tonight. Keep them as safe as you can. And if you come to my house soon, give my sweet Sadie an extra pat or hug....she deserves it.

Since the last time......

2011-08-12T12:25:00.000-07:00

Many things have happened since the last time I took a second to update my blog here. Let's see.....

Lee turned 14. I've been a mother for 14 years. I would think by now I would have a handle on it, but alas I feel like he was just born. I LOVE watching him grow into a strong, responsible young man! His father and I are very, very proud of him.

I registered Lee for his freshman year of high school. This wasn't as tramatic as I thought it would be. The high school was exactly how I remembered it. Paid for 1 month of breakfast/lunch, registration and a yearbook - when did a basic yearbook start costing $61? I'm still in shock. But anyway, I think he is excited to start but won't admit it. I wouldn't want to go back, but I suppose everyone should experience it once.....maybe.

Abigail turned 15 months old. It was the same day as Lee's 14th birthday so I didn't even think of it until after. 14 years ago on the 9th I had my oldest, 15 months ago on the 9th I had my youngest. Hmm. She has grown so much. She had strep throat a few weeks ago so I took her in for some meds. When they measure her she had grown 5 inches since May! Amazing, but I can see it. She still doesn't really talk......and her and Bear duke it out a few times every day (she is a hair puller, and doesn't mind when I pull hers). She's a mean little bugger. What can you expect when you have 3 brothers?

Greg is at camp. He will be home tomorrow. We miss him. Especially Bear. Most nights he has been sleeping with Lee, in the living room or with us. We are looking forward to Greg's return. I'm sure he has enjoyed a week of his own bed. LOL

Everything is still a mess here. Prayers appreciated. I'm not going into the details but it feels like it will never end. I've got another post to write, but the babies want to go outside to play....so off we go!

Have a great day!

Pardon Me.....

2011-07-26T12:23:00.000-07:00

This silly blog is driving me nuts.....
After I did the last review it completely messed up my formatting. :( I am posting this in the hopes that it somehow prompts the silly thing to work correctly. Otherwise, I have a problem I don't know how to fix. LOL

(((sigh))) For some reason blogger won't accept the ranking system thing at the bottom of my post. If I put it there, then it eats all my sidebars and won't show any posts after that. So I removed it. However, I really need to have my reviews ranked so that I can receive more books to review. Quite the quandry.

Where Will You Go From Here?

2011-07-26T05:56:00.000-07:00

Valorie Burton is a certified profession and executive coach. A Christian, Valorie takes a Biblical view of recovery after a life-changing setback.

As one at the beginning of recovery from such a setback, I found Valorie's advice concrete and reassuring. She walks you through the steps of recovery from denial to goal setting. Sharing the stories of others (and her own) that have had to pull up from the ditch, she understands the pain and difficulty that clouds all judgement.

Thought provoking questions are provided in each chapter to guide your thinking. Scripture reminds me who is really in charge :)

I took forever to read this book. Each chapter had so much for me to learn and glean from. I'm getting ready to do a second read through as I get my feet firmly planted on solid ground. I am so thankful to have received Valorie's book for review, as I truly believe it has changed my perspective and given me concrete ways to move forward in my life. This book is available through Amazon with prices starting at $9.96.

***I received this book free for honest review as part of the Blogging for Books program through WaterBrook Press. ***

Speech - Psalm 19:14, Psalm 141:3

2011-07-26T05:11:00.000-07:00

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight,
O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.

Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth;
Keep watch over the door of my lips.

***This study was mainly for me. I don't want others to think I am pointing fingers. I NEEDED to read this and hear this and know that it was true. I am sharing in the hopes that it will bless others.***

Words are powerful. Not just spoken words, but words written, blogged, twittered and sang. As I consider my words:
Are they always honest? kind? encouraging?
Am I using words to express the love of Jesus to those around me?
Should I practice silence?
Does this HAVE to be said?
What are the consequences if I DO or DON'T speak?
Does love guide my words?

Those are the tough questions that I am contemplating this morning. I can say that I started several years ago to monitor my speech (I'm NOT perfect though!!!!!) so I do have a tendence to think twice before I speak. I also have written many letters this year, only to throw them away a few days later. I think that it is good to write out your feelings in a letter, set it aside for a day or so and then decide if it should be mailed. Once I actually mailed a letter (several years ago) but since then they usually get thrown away.

The thing to remember is that words - no matter the delivery method - can't ever be taken back. Yes, sometimes things NEED to be said. Frequently, the words I want to say won't make any positive difference in the situation. If they won't impact the situation in a positive way, why take a chance that they will make a negative impact?

Yes, sometimes bottling things up will make a situation explosive. Share your feelings with a trusted friend (removed from the difficult situation). Write in a journal (oh the journals I have filled!). Write a letter to the person and then throw it away (I don't suggest email, it is way to easy to push send). Someone suggested to me that I write out all the things I want to say, give them to God and bury them somewhere - or watch them burn in a fire. All those hurt feelings and anger can be taken away by Him if we let Him anyway.

So, today, I urge you to reflect on your words. Let God guide you daily so that everything that you (or I!!!!!!) say will glorify Him.

God is Always There

2011-07-25T05:47:00.000-07:00

During the past (almost) year, we have done a lot of leaning on our friends. Although we weren't terribly private people before, my wonderful husband and I prefered to be the one to do the supporting, rather than being the ones supported. Things change (in an instant) though and I can honestly say that I now know what it is like to be on the receiving end of unconditional love and support. We have been blessed beyond measure and even farther beyond what we will ever deserve.

With that said, our friends have their own lives. Their own families. Their own chores, errands, plans and dreams. While our world felt like it had fallen apart and stopped altogether, their lives were ticking along nicely. In reality, as much as I might have wanted them to, they couldn't all sit here day after day and hold my hand.

All the earthly support in the world can't be there 24/7. So when fear strikes in the middle of the night, after a particularly hard day (the 3rd one this week) or when you know all are busy and don't want to be a bother.....who do you lean on? If you are a Christian, the easy answer is God. And that is true. But when you are at the bottom of the pit, to scared to look out or even think about climbing out, calling on God doesn't always seem helpful.

God is there. He wants to comfort you. He wants you to lean in His arms and be carried by His strength. Here are some suggestions for things that you can do from the bottom of the pit to feel close to your Father.

* read the Psalms
   I am on my 3rd read-through of Psalms this year. Every time I have been encouraged and lifted up by selections that I just didn't notice the time before. The Psalms were written by people at the bottom of the pit, they speak the words that you can't and help you explain the emotions that are smothering you.

* pray
Even if it is my favorite "God, I don't know what to do now" prayer. He hears and you will feel closer just by talking to Him. Pour your heart out and then just sit in silence and listen. God says the most wonderful things to me when I just listen.

* be grateful
   I know that it is hard to be grateful when you are sitting alone in the bottom of the pit, but you CAN find at least one thing a day to be grateful for. Last fall, around Thanksgiving, I purposed to think of at least 3 things every day that I was thankful for and to openly thank God for those things. My children picked up on it (I was using prayer time at meals for this) and I think it did all of us good to remember the blessings that God gives us. Is the sun shining? Be thankful for that. Are there flowers you can see/smell? Be thankful for the beauty that God has provided. Did the cat just have 11 kittens in the bottom drawer of your dresser? Be thankful for a sweet reminder of God's creation (and a newspaper ad that can give them all away!).

* remember others
    While sitting at the bottom of the pit, it is lonely. In our situation we were all in the pit together, but we each still felt very alone. I found it humbling to pray for the needs of others. If you don't know of any others who have needs, watch the news for 5 minutes. Read the newspaper and pray for the families of those listed in the obituary section. No matter how terrible your situation, you have God with you, there are others in this world that don't. How hopeless must their situations be?

* make plans to get out of the pit
    Let's face it, the pit isn't a fun place to be and you can't stay there forever. So NOW is a fantastic time to plan your escape. Get a notebook and ask God to show you His plans for you. You might get a teeny tiny glimpse. Work with that. Jot down your hopes and dreams for your future. Seek out the advice of those wonderful friends and bounce ideas off of them. Pray for your dreams. If you feel God leading you in one specific direction, make plans to take a step that way. As long as you are open to God's leading along the way you can't go wrong. If you feel that you hit a wall, or have a setback, don't give up! Reevaluate and start again. (I speak from experience here. Norman and I are not ones to sit back and wallow in our pity. We've been trying many avenues to better our situation. So far, they have all been dead ends. We are to the last option. It seemed drastic, but the way seems clear to us. So we go forward, knowing that we didn't arrive at this choice lightly, we have exhausted all other options and that God is with us, no matter what.)

* sing
   I don't care if you can carry a tune, or not, sing. I think that just the process of singing frees your mind to praise God. Process the words to your favorite hymn. Listen to God's promises of mercy and grace and let them wash over you. I promise that if you aren't on your way out of the pit, you will be heading that way soon enough.

* banish Satan
    Just the last few weeks, when I feel fear creeping up on me, I have been rebuking Satan. Fear is not from God, it is from Satan, trying to get a handle on you. I refuse to let Satan, and fear, rule my life anymore. I give my problems, concerns and fears to God and I let Him keep them. I don't take them back. They aren't mine anymore. God is far more capable of handling them than I am.

That pit of fear, loneliness and despair is a terrible place to be. I wish that I could say you will never end up there again. I can't. But you don't have to stay there. If you are reading this, you are alive. Life is worth living. Whatever you have lost, a loved one, financial security, relationships, job.......you have your life. Live it with joy. Joy in knowing that God is there no matter what happens. Joy in the small things like flowers and kittens. Joy in helping those who have found themselves in the pit (who would be more qualified than someone who has been there???). All problems can't be solved, but we can go on living without the solution. I encourage you to say a pray, pick up your Bible and purpose today to start living again.

Psalm 119: 46-52, Job 2:10

2011-07-24T04:23:00.000-07:00

Remember the word to Your servant,
Upon which You have caused me to hope.
This is my comfort in my affliction,
For Your word has given me life.
The proud have me in great derision,
Yet I do not turn aside from Your law.
I remembered Your judgements of old, O Lord,
And have comforted myself.

God's word is comforting
God's word is salvation - by teaching of Jesus
God's word gives home - through the stories of others
God's word shows God's mercy and faithfulness

But he said to her, "You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?" In all this Job did not sin with his lips.

God is good ALL the time. No matter my problem or situation He is ALWAYS there.
God's promises are true.
God didn't promise an easy life. He did promise salvation and a home in Heaven for those who will accept Him.
The goal in my life should always be Heaven.

***This was yesterday's study. It really hit home. God doesn't cause pain in this world but He also doesn't always stop it. That is hard for me to swallow. However, just because God doesn't stop the pain or the terrible situation or the effects of a terrible situation, doesn't mean that He isn't there, helping, leading and blessing along the way. Today's reading was Psalm 119:65-72. I probably won't comment on it here as it ended up very personal for me. I am learning much about pain and affliction. And I'm leaning on my Saviour!***

Psalm 119: 15-16

2011-07-19T07:04:00.000-07:00

I will meditate on Your precepts,
And Contemplate Your ways.
I will delight myself in Your statutes;
I will not forget Your word
(NKJV)

Meditate? Contemplate? My definition of those words is "to ponder, consider, think about at great length" So, don't just read and go on. Work it over in your mind and heart (for a day? a week? a month?) and consider personal application.

Is this passage an example for me?
Should I do something? (James 1:22) (we've been discussing this in Sunday School as well!)

I am soooo glad that I came upon these verses in Psalm today while I was reading. These fit in exactly with the information about Bible study that I was talking about in Lorrie's 5 R's bundle. The 2 questions above are the ones that I am going to ask myself about each passage I study. From today's study I took away the following points:
1. meditate
2. contemplate
3. take delight in the word of God
4. memorize

I also started a prayer journal with my Bible study notes. I am so excited about this. I will share some tidbits here along the way :) Also, I've been working at reading through the Bible in a year. I got behind in the program I was using through Motivated Moms, so I am reading 3 chapters a day from 2 different books....right now I just started Esther and am most of the way through Psalms. I'm adding a sidebar with where I am reading if anyone is interested. Please, please feel free to share here or on your blog what God has been saying to you! Leave me a link as I would love to read and share in your excitement as well :)

Godly Womanhood: 5 R's for Godly Womanhood

2011-07-18T09:46:00.000-07:00

I've been saying all along that God has been working through this Gabby Moms program to teach and encourage me this last year. (YOU can share in this teaching, encouragement and sharing also....more on that later) Just 3 weeks ago, I was searching the internet for Bible study helps. 2 days later I opened Godly Womanhood: 5 R's for Godly Womanhood; a bundle of great products from Lorrie Flem.

The first topic that Lorrie covers is Refresh: A Woman Who Kneels Before the Throne Can Stand Before Anyone. Timely, eh? In listening to this audio (also featuring Cindy Rushton) or reading the ebook you will be introduced to the Pregnant BBs and the Pregnant M&Ms......Bible Reading, Bible Study, Memorization, Meditation and Prayer (just read/listen and you will get it!).

Lorrie doesn't just tell you to DO it....she tells you HOW she does it. A busy homeschool mom of many, Lorrie give advice and suggestions for when to have quiet time, how to have quiet time and the benefits of doing so.

Lorrie's advice has really impacted my quiet time. I found her suggestions practical and was so blessed by her many "this is how I do it" tips. I NEED to hear how others do it. Maybe you aren't like me, but if you are, you will love this - Lorrie even shares the scent of her table side candle :)

The 2nd topic that Lorrie tackles is ReKindle: Red Hot is So Cool. I have to say that this was the most indepth, tactful discussion of marriage and intimacy that I have ever heard/read. Gleaning from God's word, Lorrie explains the role of a wife and gives practical advice for pretty much all the problems that could possibly come up in that area. Let me say that a little effort in this area can go a LONG way :) I couldn't agree more when Lorrie said that sometimes you have to act first and the attitude/desire will come later.

Now, there are 3 more topics in this bundle!!!!!! We will tackle them next month. I can't wait to share them with you. If you can't wait to hear more, the 5 R's bundle is available HERE for $24.97.

Have you been blessed by my Gabby Mom reviews? I hope that you have been blessed just as much as I have been blessed by the products. Lorrie has a HUGE vision for Godly Womanhood and I feel privileged to be able to learn from her. If you would also like the opportunity to recieve great products for FREE in return for your honest review (by blog, facebook, twitter, etc), Lorrie would love to have you join the Gabby Mom program. There is an application process that can get you started HERE.

If you would like to learn more about Lorrie Flem and Eternal Encouragement Magazine, check them out at www.eternalencouragement.com Want more info about The Gabby Moms? Head on over to www.thegabbymoms.com and see what others have to say about this product and others that Lorrie has shared with us.

***I received this product in return for an honest review from the Gabby Moms program***

The Babies Grow Up

2011-07-16T08:52:00.000-07:00

Abigail turned 14 months this past week. It really doesn't seem like she should be that old. Anyway, we transitioned from bottle to sippy last night. It went really, really well. She didn't even cry, just had a little trouble going to sleep. I found it bittersweet to watch her sleeping this morning though.....knowing that stage is past.......

Abby is taking toddler formula....we've tried twice with milk and she just can't tolerate it. Two bottles of milk = a nasty, blistered diaper rash that takes a week to clear up. As expensive as toddler formula is, I am thankful that we have it so I don't have to worry so much about her nutritional needs.

Her leg issue cleared up....after about 2 days of expensive shoes. LOL

She still doesn't talk. But she makes more sounds. And uses hand signals. And screams. We can generally figure out what she wants. LOL

The boys are growing too. Love, love, love them. I am so incredibly blessed.

A Creative Streak

2011-07-08T18:34:00.000-07:00

Abby and I hit the ground running this morning and caught up on my chores (there always seem to be so many after the day I work LOL). Laundry, housework, cleaned out the van and did some weeding while the little ones played before it got too hot.....pancakes for brunch.....then I hit my ironing board and sewing machine and ended the day with this....

My new diaper bag/purse. It is huge.....6 generous outside pockets and 6 huge inside pockets. I chose the material the same day that little Bear got his hair cut......like a consolation prize for a distraught momma.

I've got the most beautiful lace scarf on needles right now......hand dyed yard from Knit Picks. (Shadow Tonal in Summer Blooms I think)

I can't really think of anything else to share right now....we've got lots going on, but I'm going to keep mum about most of it. I'll share when I can and I'll be sure to update as I finish projects....staying busy!!!!!!

Attitude Counts

2011-06-13T09:51:00.000-07:00

You know how I like to keep it real here, don't ya?

I've had a bad attitude all week. Last week anyway. If you follow along on my little blog or facebook, you know that the last 2 weeks have been miserable. I always thought that after a while I would be immune to emotional attacks, but every one hurts just as much as the one before (and when they come in quick succession it is worse!).

In retaliation, I've pulled away. Away from my wonderful husband, away from my adorable children, my church family and friends and away from my sphere, my home. I've been grouchy. (Why shouldn't I, everything is terrible!) I've neglected the house. (Who cares, the kids make it messy and nobody wants to help me clean it up. Nobody wants to buy it anyway!) I've neglected my children. (They don't care if they eat junk and watch TV all day, so why should I?) And my darling husband. (Why isn't he doing something about this????)

See? Nasty, terrible, horrible attitude. As I'm sure you've read in previous posts, I do realize that I have much to be thankful for. I try to see joy in all my trials. Sometimes my attitude gets the better of me though. I'm working on it....always working on it.

I sometimes think that Lorrie and God must talk about me. It always seems that she has just the right words of encouragement just when I need it (and since I got this product several weeks ago, she must be able to see in the future too! - just joking :))
I've been listening to 2 mp3s lately; 12 Keys to a Queenly Castle and Attitude Adjustments. Lorrie doesn't mince words. She is adament (and she is correct!) that my attitude is MY choice. I have learned over the last year that I can't control what other people do but I can control how I respond - I CAN control my attitude - about everything! My circumstances don't control me. Although I may not be able to actively change them at this time I CAN control my attitudes and actions regarding those circumstances.

In 12 Keys to a Queenly Castle Lorrie reminds me of my God-given role, my sphere of influence and the mandate that God has given me to raise, teach and train my children. She begins by reminding me to treat my husband as a king deserves to be treated (whether I think he deserves it or not! - mine does :)). Then she moves on to my home, my children and showing hospitality.

Attitude Adjustments uses the alphabet to give 26 "reminders" about how I have the ability to change my attitude, how God wants my attitude to be and the rewards of a joyful attitude (and obedience to God).

These are great Mp3s! They are available at Eternal Encouragement starting at $6.95 (and are available as a hard CD also).

Even better, Lorrie has offered to bless a reader of a Gabby Moms blog with a FREE Mp3!

To enter:
1. Go to EE link to choose MP3 file they want to win
2. Go to The Gabby Moms blog where June's review links are posted and comment
a. which blog they read about the giveaway (Miss Carie at Living, Loving and Learning with the Lord!)
b. name of MP3 file they want if chosen as winner
c. email contact info
3. Winner will be chosen on Saturday, June 18th via random.org.
4. Winner will be notified by email to contact info left in comments
5. Winner will have 48 hours to respond to claim prize or an alternate winner will be chosen

You control your attitude, don't let your attitude control you, your family and your home!

***I received these items for an honest review from the Gabby Moms program.

Female Eyes Only

2011-06-10T08:14:00.000-07:00

Given the nosie nature of men (at least the men I know) I have no doubt that some will decide to read this just because I said they shouldn't.....whatever. Just don't say I didn't warn you :)

Women have different.....issues....to deal with than men. Monthly issues. Sometimes expensive monthly issues.

I've found a way to deal with these issues while saving money and helping my health in the process.

Cloth

You've read my previous cloth diapering post, right? Cloth diapers have been used forever by women that didn't have any other options. Although I have heard many who beg to differ, using disposable diapers isn't really any different than using cloth. Not really......with one you have more trash, with the other you have more laundry.

What do you suppose women did during the monthly "curse" 100 years ago? Think about it for a minute. Now, let me tell you how I handle it today.

Let me begin by saying that my monthly cycle is very heavy. If I use disposable products then I am spending anywhere from $10-$15 a month on supplies (unless I am careful, find coupons and sales, etc). That adds up quickly. About 5 years ago, I heard some women discussing cloth feminine products on a message board I frequented. I decided that they must be crazy, but I was VERY curious. About 4 years ago, I searched and searched and finally bought some "mama cloth" from Joyful Living Naturals. I ended up purchasing 2 sets of the postpartum size (heavy cycle - remember?). I think the cost at the time was about $42. It depends on what size you want. You CAN make your own. Patterns abound on the internet for purchase or free. A friend made some just tracing the ones I had already purchased. I will probably make the ones I need from now on, but this was the easiest way to get started and 4 years later, I am still using the ones I originally purchased.

How do I "handle" them? It really isn't that big of a deal. You just have to change the way you think. I'm not touching anything gross. I mean, really, you have to take them off whether they are cloth or disposable. I remove mine, fold once and put into an ice cream bucket (with lid) under the bathroom sink. My wonderful husband knows not to look. I keep the clean ones under the sink when I don't need them on in a basket on the back of the toliet when I do. When the bucket is almost full (or on diaper washing day) I throw them into the load of diapers, rinse the bucket out (usually only at the end of my cycle) and put the bucket back under the sink. When I don't have a babe in diapers I will wash them with towels, sheets or dark colors. I don't want to bleach them so I keep them out of the white loads.

I don't care what you say, blood is blood. I deal with blood on clothing all the time around here. (I have THREE boys!) It washes. I don't worry about these items staining because NOBODY sees them. Who cares? But really, almost all of mine are stain free. I use disposables when out and about so I go through about 1/2 a package a month. You could easily keep a ziplock baggie in your purse and use the cloth pads all the time (I've done that when money was extra tight). Just like cloth diapers. I have yet to notice a smell on me, in my bag or in my bathroom.

Also, as a bonus, I've noticed that my cycle is lighter. Not non-existent lighter, but noticeably lighter. I had heard from various discussions that this would happen, but honestly didn't believe it. I now know it is true. (It has something to do with the chemicals in the disposable products).

So, there ya go. Now you know all kinds of stuff about me you didn't dream of, did you? LOL You can think that I'm weird. That's ok. I can handle it. If you've got any questions, let me know :)

Coth Diapering

2011-06-08T09:47:00.000-07:00

It always comes up in conversation (especially with a little girl often in a dress)......are those CLOTH diapers???

Yes, yes they are.

No, I haven't lost my mind. No, we are not dirt poor. No, I'm not super mom. No, it's not really that big of a deal. No, you don't have to touch poop (or anymore often then you would with a disposable).

Moving on.

I started using cloth diapers when Bear was 4 months old. I bought my first set from Craig's list for $50 plus $10 shipping. I bought a few more over the next year (cheaply made - but cheap!). Yes, they saved us a ton of money. I used disposable diapers any time we went somewhere and at night but my diaper bill was very low.

What do I do with the "dirty" ones? Well, the wet diapers get thrown into a medium sized trashcan lined with a pillowcase. When it is full, I pull the pillowcase and take it to the washing machine. The "dirty" diapers get taken immediately to the bathroom and dipped in the potty to removed any solids. Then I wrap the very wet diaper into a towel and set on the top of the dryer. I never notice a smell in the laundry room.

Washing: When it comes time to wash the diapers (usually every other day with my stash) I toss them in the washing machine. I do 1 cold water rinse, then set the washing machine to hot wash/cold rinse and add the appropriate amount of Rockin Green Diaper Detergent (this stuff works great on clothes also). When that is done I run another cold water rinse. Then into the dryer or onto the clothes line they go.

I only used cloth with Bear until he was about 16 months old. At that time his bladder was so big that he would leak very quickly. So we went back to disposables until he was potty trained at his 2nd birthday.

When Abby was born I used disposable diapers until she was about 4 months old. The diapers I had left from Bear were sized and at 4 months she could finally fit into them. However, they had been used when I bought them, and then used for Bear so several of them weren't usable anymore. My stash had gotten quite small. I made a stop at Mommy and Me boutique in Effingham and over the next 3 months bought 18 BumGenius 4.0 diapers. I LOVE BumGenius diapers. I cloth diaper ALL the time now. I carry a wet bag in my diaper bag. Diapering while out-and-about is the same as it is when home. I use cloth at night with no issues at all. I bought a case of Size 3 Pampers in October and if it wasn't for the washing machine kicking the bucket I would still have almost a full case (I still have half a case). The BumGenius diapers are all one size. The 18 diapers I bought in October-December will last Abby until she is potty trained (and they work on a baby as small as 6 lbs). Since Abby is our last baby I will be selling my stash when she is potty trained so I will make some of my investment back then (most BumGenius diapers can be resold for 50% of new price).

Cloth diapering and using the laundrymat aren't an issue either. I manage the diapers here at home the same way and then wash them in town with the rest of my laundry. The diapers don't make a full load in the big machines alone so I wash them with towels or sheets.

So now that you are properly freaked out, I'll tell you that I also use cloth "women's" products as well. But that's for another post. LOL

A Release from Expectations

2011-06-07T08:14:00.000-07:00

I just realized today that Miss Abby is almost 13 months old......and she still take a bottle.

While that might not be a revelation to most of you and you may wonder why I find that interesting, let me explain. All of the boys were weaned from their bottles with no fanfare at all within days of their 1st birthday. With Lee and Greg we literally threw the bottles away. I took them from Bear and hid them just a few days before his birthday.

Why the difference? Well, I think part of it has to do with the "older buy wiser" aspect of parenting. We aren't as grouchy and defensive about things like that anymore. I have yet to see a 5 year old sucking a bottle and I've seen some pretty lax parenting behaviors before.

Abby has a milk sensitivity. We tried to put her on regular milk 6 weeks ago, but she had a horrible reaction to it. Our nurse practitioner recommended we go back to formula for a month and see if it cleared up (it did) and then we would try to ease her into regular milk after that. We have about 9 more days of the month back on formula. Next month we are going to try making the bottles half whole milk, half regular formula. If she does well, then the next month will be 3/4 whole milk, 1/4 regular formula. Hopefully that will take care of the problem. It is much easier to do such things in a bottle with measurements on the side. I could make up a pitcher and keep it in the fridge with the correct measurements but honestly, we don't have that kind of fridge room. LOL

My realization came today that I'm not uptight or defensive about her still taking a bottle. Why the sudden chance in my personality? The people that tend to be so critical of such things aren't really spending mass quantities of time with us right now.

It is a revelation to me that I had inadvertantly surrounded myself by some very critical people. Why? I can assure you that won't be a problem anymore. Such a little thing has made such a difference in my responding attitude. I'm not defensive. I'm not uptight. I actually hadn't even given the whole bottle thing a thought....until this morning. LOL

Surround yourself with loving, kind, supportive people. It is amazing the difference that will make in your life :)

Monday, Monday

2011-06-06T04:48:00.000-07:00

Good morning!

We've had no resolution to our ongoing struggles but I am choosing to embrace this Monday with joy, faith and hope.

Our weekend was ok. The guys took part in a fishing tournament on Saturday, catching a whopping 77 lbs. in fish between them. That's a lot of fish! The fishfry that night was nice and it was a blessing to visit with friends and neighbors.

Sunday was an emotional day for me. I spent the morning crying out to God and searching His word for some hope and peace. Psalm 27 was in my daily reading and I can't begin to express how much that passage spoke to me. A friend from church stopped by after lunch for a wonderful visit and then our minister/counselor was here for supper. It was nice being able to visit and share burdens with those that love us. I don't understand why some people chose to treat us the way they do, but I can see those who have Christ in their heart. Their expressions of love for us are truly uplifting during our times of trouble.

Our new-used washing machine made it about 2 weeks before it began leaking large quantities of water. LOL So it is back to the laundrymat I go today. We aren't naked yet, but quickly heading in that direction. I think Norman said he was just going to bite the bullet and buy a new one later this week. With a family our size I was using $40 a week just to wash laundry at the laundrymat - I take it home to dry it. It doesn't take long for that to add up.

I think I am starting a job this week. A dear friend "sits" with an older woman during the week and was looking to share some hours :) I had been looking for some part time hours and this will be a wonderful blessing as she and I can work out days that work best for both of us. If my day/s land when Norman is working I can take Abigail with me, leaving Bear with the older brothers. It is an answer to prayer for sure!!!!!

It has been so hot, I've been neglecting my flower gardens. I've got to get out there to them this week no matter the weather. Maybe today. It is best to just do it and not dwell on it all week.

Well, I need to get to work. I have an unpleasant phone call to make in a bit and then off to town I go. Have a wonderful day friends!

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrom

2011-06-03T18:24:00.000-07:00

PCOS
It's one of those silent but deadly things.....nobody has a clue you have it. When/If you choose to share news of the diagnosis, many believe it is just another "woman" thing. Directly after my diagnosis many people I told thought it was just a fertility issue. If I had a penny for every time someone told me to lose weight, I would be rich.

For full and complete information regarding a diagnosis of PCOS please go HERE. I am NOT a doctor. I am sharing my experience with this disease in the hopes that it can help someone else.

After my diagnosis in Oct. 2006, my first and main goal was to get pregnant. If we hadn't been trying to get pregnant, I may never have been diagnosed in the first place. That goal was accomplished and Bear was born in Oct. 2007. For the next year I muddled along. I knew what I was supposed to be doing but honestly, I didn't want to do it. I was sticking my head in the sand....as long as I didn't admit I had a problem I didn't have to fix it. But reality set in and my wonderful doctor sent me to a nutritionist. She was fantastic! (and covered by insurance) With her guidance and support (and accountability), I began tracking what I ate and exercising.

Let me tell you.....I am a carb-a-holic. A PCOS diet is low carb. Low and carb are not words I want to hear in the same paragraph let alone the same sentence. I won't lie and say it was easy or great, but it works. I also posted my daily walks and distances on facebook for accountability. It helped that I could walk while pushing Bear in a stroller around town during the older boys soccer practices. The weight slowly slid off. Slowly. But I kept at it.

I was still chugging along when I found out I was pregnant with Abigail in September 2009. All that diet, exercise and medication (more on that later) had finally caused me to ovulate. Surprise! A wonderful surprise she was. After she was born in May 2010 I knew that I had to get back on track. At my 6 week checkup I had my doctor do my referal to Carol (I had to stop going while pregnant because she couldn't counsel weight loss while I was pregnant). I was so excited to go to my first meeting with her......I arrived, only to find out that my insurance wouldn't cover her anymore - and there wasn't any way I could afford the $90 a month (if I only saw her once a mont!) out of pocket. Bleh. I tried Weight Watchers for a while (at $40 a month it was almost affordable) but I missed the one-on-one accountability and eventually I just couldn't spent the money or time going to weekly meetings.

I don't do well alone. I've gained 15 lbs since Abby was born. I was just at my 6 month checkup and got the butt chewing from my wonderful doctor. I know, really, I do. It's hard to exercise when you don't feel safe walking down your road anymore (when soccer season gets here in Aug. I'll be without excuse). I hate exercise videos. Its hard to stop eating when life is just so screwed up and for a while the pan of brownies really does make everything better.

I KNOW that I would love to be a few sizes smaller....able to run after the kids without gasping for air......have a little self confidence rather than wishing I could fade into the wall. I KNOW that diabetes, heart disease and cancer are greater risks for me if I don't get this under control. I KNOW.

However hard it is for a "normal" woman to lose weight, it is twice as hard for someone with PCOS. The way our bodies produce hormones and process carbs....we are fighting a losing battle before the war ever starts. BUT we can WIN. I know women who have won. Discipline and hard work and they have been able to control with symptoms. They don't have to feel self conscious or shop in the plus size section. They don't have to feel inferior to the "thin" girls. They improved their health. I CAN do this.

Why is diet and exercise so important? The medication that helps PCOS, the main mostly prescribed medication is Metformin. Metformin has a nasty side effect of stomach troubles. If you don't use diet and exercise to your advantage then you have to take higher dosages of metformin. Higher dosages mean more nasty side effects. Let's just say the more metformin you have to take, the closer you need to be to a bathroom...always.

(((sigh))) So, I'm bound and determined to do this. For me. For my little girl (PCOS is genetic). Healthy habits now will help her in the future. I deserve to be healthy.

A Tale of Two Mornings

2011-06-02T06:20:00.000-07:00

Yesterday morning dawned late. It's not often that I sleep until 8 or that I sleep until Abby wakes up (unless she wakes up very early). I did however on this day. Abby, Norman and I all woke up within minutes of each other. She is so sweet when she wakes up. All warm and squishy and snuggly. Abby gave out hugs and lovins. For a few minutes we could forget about the stress of selling a house and all the little jobs that needed done. For a few minutes, all was perfect.

Four hours later brought the mail.....and the letter. I should't say THE letter. This is either the 3rd or 4th over the last 8 months. Full of lies, accusations and manipulation. I guess when you see a situation one way and refuse to see the truth you feel compeled to defend against that truth. Maybe that is when you realize you are wrong. I don't know. This letter brought other things also. Betrayal by a church friend. Betrayal by a neighbor. The realization that what I post to MY friends and family on facebook is being reported to others. Hard stuff. Finally, a declaration about a legal issue with our property that my husband later finds out is true. Whether originally done on purpose or not, it is being used by those with the power to control.

This morning dawns differently. I awake at 6 a.m. unable to sleep. I've cried all the tears I have in me so I cry out to God. I am reminded that He is my defender and my strength. Those who choose to not believe now will eventually be shown the truth. I don't have to be right, I just have to cling to God and His Holy Truth. Abby wakes up at 8 a.m. She's a little on edge, as are all the children. It is hard for them to see their parents so upset about things that can't be fixed. Norman is still sleeping. Some would say it is laziness. I know that depression is the cause. God is the answer. Today he seems far away.

I wonder if we will ever have another perfect morning?

Judgement Day by Wanda L. Dyson

2011-05-30T12:14:00.000-07:00

I've not had a lot of time to read lately. When I received this book for review I was sooooo excited, but it took weeks to get to it. Eventually, I found time to read while waiting at Lee's track practices :)

Judgement Day follows Suzanne Kidwell as she is accused of murder. Several intricate schemes make this book one that is very difficult to put down. The characters are well fleshed out and you are thrilled to watch Suzanne grow into a different person by the end.

This is the first book that I have read by Wanda L. Dyson and I will definately be looking for more by her.

"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review"

Breaking the Pattern of Verbal Abuse

2011-05-18T05:11:00.000-07:00

My heart broke the day I heard my oldest son saying something snide and sarcastic to his brother. What have I done, I thought. Then I felt God prompting me to do something about it.

When God tells you do something it really is best to listen. I am here to tell you that the road is not easy and you are going to learn some very nasty things about yourself. You will be confessing sins you didn't previously know that you had and you will be dealing with the sins of others in a way that you aren't accustomed to.

My first reaction, when hearing Lee's comment, was to be snide and snippy back. That's how this works, right? No. So I am (STILL) trying to retrain my brain/mouth combination to work in a different way. I have to think - and sometimes pray - before I open my mouth ALWAYS. Because sarcasm had become so ingrained in my psyche, I was frequently saying things without realizing it. Pray before speaking. Always.

Let me tell you, this is NOT easy. Years of wrong behaviour are very hard to break and there aren't any 12 step programs for this one. Asking for forgiveness is an ongoing thing......every single time I mess up, I have to go before my children/husband and confess that I was wrong. Ask forgiveness. They have been generous in giving it to me.

I started praying about this last fall. I wish I could say that I am cured, but alas, there are some days that I think I haven't made any progress at all. But God is working on me. The days that are good, I know I have been filled with the Holy Spirit. The days that went badly,I know I needed to be closer to God.

It's a journey. Now that I have decided to share, I hope that others will join me and we will support each other. Tomorrow I hope to be able to share scriptures that have helped me break the cycle of hateful, unloving speech.

The Lasting Effects of Verbal and Emotional Abuse

2011-05-17T06:41:00.000-07:00

Fear is a great motivator. The fear of failure makes some work harder. The fear of not living up to expectations causes some to do things that they don't necessarily want to do. The fear of disappointing the ones we love can sometimes make us do crazy things.

Sometimes I feel surrounded by fear. I fear failing as a mother or wife. I fear change. I fear confrontation.

Fear can be caused by episodes of physical, verbal or emotional abuse. A raised voice still strikes fear into my heart even though they are almost never directed at me and even then aren't in anger......a childhood of screaming has left a lasting impression.

I fear the future and the things that I can't control. I can't control if/when the neighbors call the police because my husband passes their house on his way to work. I can't control if the officer comes here to see whats going on and I can't control my husband's reaction to it. The worst thing is that frequently, I feel like I can't control my reaction to fear. An unknown vehicle in my driveway has me hiding in the bathroom before I have time to analyze why I am running. The phone ringing has my heart jumping before I ever see who it is. Even the peaceful times are fearful as I wait for the next shoe to drop, the next thing to happen and wonder how I will ever face another day, another problem, another confrontation.

Most of my adult life I have felt that I was conquering fear. Opening up, trying new situations, exploring the wide world around me. It is funny how 48 hours last fall (and subsequent events) can change that so quickly.

Some days I wonder if I am crazy. Who, in their right mind, is afraid to go home?

People understand and feel sympathy for those who have went through physical abuse. They can understand the fear the victims face. The unseen abuse, the verbal and emotional barrage that others endure, isn't understood. Often unrecognized, friends and neighbors place the blame on the victim. She's too soft hearted, she obviously didn't understand, the offender didn't mean it that way. Then there is the blame that is placed on the victim......"you are making trouble when there isn't any", "you were probably to blame for the screaming anyway", "it wasn't just you and nobody else is making a fuss". I think that sometimes that is the worst part. The inability of the offender to see the wrong is one thing, but the inability for outsiders to believe that such behavior is unacceptable is amazing. Would you think it proper to yell at your dog that way? Your neighbor? Then you shouldn't be doing it to your child.

I get that lots of people grew up with parents that we screamers. For me, the screaming was the easy part. The sarcasm was worse. Two words can cut to the self esteem so quickly. In two words a whole word can be destroyed. "Why can't you ever do anything right" should NEVER be said to a child.

Having lived with this behavior for 18 years growing up I was very eager to leave as soon as possible. Like a good little victim though, I came back. No matter how badly you want them to, things don't change just because you have grown up. Control is not easily relinquished by those who have it, they just learn new manipulation techniques.

I have really struggled as a parent to not repeat the sins of my parents. When you always complied when faced with sarcasm and manipulation, it is hard to understand if that technique doesn't work on your children. It was a blessing that my children are immune to such things so I had to take a cold hard look at the way I was behaving. God has been teaching me so much! In teaching me, I have realized that what was done to me as a child was unacceptable and the treatment of me in that way as an adult should have been unacceptable as well. Coming to terms with that has been difficult.

Why should I think I am better than that? Who says I should be treated with love and kindness? What have I done to deserve it? Nothing. Love should make those who love me treat me in a loving way. I treat my children with love and kindness not because of anything that they have or haven't done, but because I love them. They deserve to be treated with love. I deserve to be treated with love.

I hope to continue tomorrow with what God has to say about fear. No matter the causes, we can be free from it!

To Have and To Hold

2011-05-16T09:41:00.000-07:00

I remember my wedding day perfectly. So full of expectation and promise.

Our marriage got off to a rocky start. I knew that my husband-to-be was the one, even though we had only dated 3 months before he proposed. My parents hated him. Therefore, they refused to support or help with our wedding. I laugh when I see the wedding statistics on TV......we spent less than $500 total on our wedding. I had a beautiful dress ($100 on clearance at the bridal boutique), my soon to be sister in law was my maid of honor and her dress cost $25 (also on clearance at the bridal boutique). A flower girl dress that matched perfectly was found at a resale shop and 3 tuxedos were rented ($50 a piece). $50 for a simple cake, a few dollars for serving silverware and toasting glasses. Norman's aunt did my flowers. I had wrote every single wedding invitation and we didn't have a dinner or dance. We were married on a beautiful 60 degree January day 3 months after Norman proposed.

Once our wedding was over, I breathed a sigh of relief. There. It was over. No more dealing with my angry parents, trying to iron out the details of a wedding at 18 alone. No more hoping, wishing, planning and praying. We were married and could start our lives together.

I wish it had been that easy. My husband had ongoing medical problems that ended up with a visit to a heart specialist and heart cath in Springfield. He lost his job due to missing work while hospitalized. We lived with his mother (now that I am older and wiser I can say she was a saint for tolerating me!). We argued, we fought and there were some days I wondered if we would ever make it.

The next few years were much of the same, except we added a beautiful baby boy to the mix. We would go for months without any problems at all and then BAM, we would seem to have way more than our fair share of problems. I am ashamed to say that our marriage was on the brink of destruction and most of it was probably due to my poor attitude.

I began studying biblical womanhood, and God's design for marriage. I prayed, a lot. God changed me. I am by no means perfect, but it always warms my heart when I hear my wonderful husband say, "We don't every really fight." We do disagree occassionally but are wise enough now to work it out. Patience is a virtue in marriage :)

Anyway, I say all this to introduce you to Lorrie Flem's marriage bundle, To Have and To Hold.

This bundle contains:

Audios

5R's Session 2 - Rekindle
One Life to Live, One Man to Love

E-Books
- Loving Your Knight in Shining Armor Even When He Doesn't Shine
- Roadmap to a Marvelous Marriage
- Marriage Tidbits to Treasure
- Quotes Not Quibbles
- Marriage Report

E-Booklet
- 31 Daily Biblical Prayers for Wives to Pray for Their Husbands
- Encouragement Report
- Don't Settle
- SHIMLY
- What God Says about Marriage
- 75 Inexpensive Romantic Rut
- It Happened One Afternoon

Magazine Back Issues
- 2001 Summer Issue TEACH Magazine "Loving Your Husband"
- 2009 Spring Issue TEACH Magazine "Marriages Made Marvelous"

This is a $100 value and can be purchased from Eternal Encouragement starting at $39.95.

I wish that I had this 16 years ago! I suppose this is the information that was passed from mother to daughter 100 years ago, but since that is very rarely the case now, I am so glad that Lorrie was willing to come alongside so many of us and show us the way marriage really should (and CAN) be!

And if you STILL haven't ordered your subscription to Eternal Encouragement Magazine, you will notice that there are 2 back issues of TEACH included in your bundle price. Even being married so many years (LOL) I learned so many things about my attitude and they way I could be handling things that I hadn't thought of before.

Remember the only person you can change in your marriage is YOU! Sometimes that is all it takes. Stop by http://www.eternalencouragement.com/ for more information. If you want to hear more, head on over to Gabby Moms to see what other wives have to say as well.

***I received this product for free in exchange for an honest review from Gabby Moms and Eternal Encouragement Magazine.***

Happy Birthday Sweet Abigail!

2011-05-12T05:08:00.000-07:00

Little Abigail turned 1 yesterday. It is bittersweet for me.....I love watching her grow, but I know she will be my last baby, so I would love her to stay that way for a while, kwim? Anyway, I hope to get some pictures up here soon of her birthday. Not going to happen right now as I have a busy day.

Our washing machine died. Norman, Greg and I spent most of yesterday morning working on it but it still doesn't work. Washing machine repair-people we are not. Looking for a used one, as a new one isn't in the budget. I will be going to the laundry mat today. At least all the laundry will get washed at one time....efficient I suppose.....but it will take me forever to get it dried here at home. Some on the line, the rest through the drier.

Lee qualified for State Sectionals in hurdles this year. I am very proud of him! That is Saturday.

Lee's 8th grade graduation is next Thursday. Next week is going to be super busy. LOL But then summer break will begin.

Please keep praying that we get a buyer for the house. I really want to be moved before school starts next fall.

I'll try to do a better posting tomorrow. Have a great day!!!!!!

The Days Really Do Fly By

2011-04-30T11:00:00.000-07:00

This morning, I dropped Lee off at his grandmother's house to dig a hole so his dad could repair an outside faucet. As I drove off I caught sight of him walking away, taller than me (and much, much stronger), shovel and rake over his shoulder......he looked so grown up......I wonder how he got that way?

When you are chasing the babies and kissing the knees and wondering when you will ever get to take a shower alone, or sleep late, or enjoy breakfast without sharing......it seems like it will never end......But it does. One day you look up and that cute little guy has a girl on his arm, works as hard as his dad, doesn't really need you anymore (although he still lets me think he does).

While running errands with the other 3 children this morning, I stopped at the park so that Greg and Bear could play for a bit. Interestingly enough, Bear climbs that playground equipment like his 11 year old brother and I don't flinch......I remember chasing Lee and Greg around that playground at that age, certain that they were both going to fall to their certain demise.....eventually they both fell, but survived. Maybe I am more lax as I get older. You really do live and learn. The things that freaked me out 10 years ago, don't even cause a raised eyebrow. Bear and Greg were climbing up a curved ladder......Bear slipped and fell, catching himself with one arm, dangling maybe 10 feet in the air......Greg shuffled back and drug him up again. I just sat in the van and watched (what could I have done anyway)........I probably don't always win the parent of the year award, but I guess I am raising children that are confident (when I'm not), courageous (when I am afraid), strong and so smart. Probably much smarter than I ever hoped to be.

I look at little Abby and Bear and then at Lee and Greg......I know that before I blink again that they will be the ones going off to do hard work, helping with other little ones. They will be the strong ones. And they won't need me anymore :(

Melancholy

2011-04-23T13:05:00.000-07:00

Melancholy is such a loaded word.......sometimes brought on by lingering sadness or anxiety. Sometimes a pessimistic way of looking at things......

Just a few minutes ago Bear told me "I'm having a bad day". LOL How exactly does a 3 year old have a bad day? I wanted to coursely remind him of all the fun we have had today; dyeing Easter eggs, hunting them with the brothers, playing video games with the brothers, going to town and getting a sprite with me......its not like he spent the day with his nose in a corner. Its not like he has had to deal with arguing children, worrying that the house will never sell, dwell on dreams that might never be fullfilled, fuss about all the things that need to be done before Sunrise Service tomorrow, bemoan the fact that the living room looks like a tornado hit it (after ALL the work I did to get it ready to show this week).........oh, wait, that's me. Maybe I am the one having a bad day. Maybe I am feeling sorry for myself.

I was reading blogs earlier in an attempt for forget that the living room looked like a disaster area.......several of the blogs I read are of parents of terminally ill children. I try to keep up with the prayer requests of the parents, the ups and downs of their children..........so, I'm reading about one family. The father has been out of a job for about a year, their 7 year old daughter has been in ICU care for almost a year, the mother stays at the hospital with daughter almost 2 hrs. from their home, the 3 yr old son has speech regression and is being evaluated for autism......

What exactly do I have to be sad about? My husband has a good job that provides well for us. Yes, his commute is long and expensive nowadays, but we are getting by. Yes, we can't afford the "extras" that we did a year ago because grocery and gas increases are taking all the extra from the budget. BUT we can pay our bills on time and have food on the table. I get to see all 4 of my children and my husband every single day. My children are all the picture of perfect health (low-grade fevers and lingering coughs included). Yes, they fight, but at least they are together. No, we are not in the "perfect" housing situation here. Yes, I wish desperately that we could move. BUT we have a roof over our heads and more space than some people. We can easily afford our housing payments and aren't "underwater" on our home. Yes, my children can mess up a clean room faster than I can sneeze but they are healthy and extremely blessed with toys and other oddities to play with.

I realize that I have been throwing myself a massive pity party. Again. I have a tendency to do that when things aren't going my way. Who cares if things are going my way? Life is life and I have to roll with the punches. Nobody's life is perfect and expecting it to be is just setting myself up for failure.

So, beginning today, things are going to change. I have been incredibly blessed by a wonderful, merciful, kind and patient God.....who sent His Son to die for my sinful self. What a wonderful gift that I never deserved.

Eternal Encouragement Magazine

2011-04-21T13:54:00.000-07:00

Meet Lorrie Flem, Head Mama of Eternal Encouragment Magazine. I'm sure you've heard me talking about her before. See what she's reading?

And here is the newest issue (Spring 2011) of Eternal Encouragment Magazine You've heard me talk about TEACH Magazine before haven't you? I think I mentioned that they have a new name - Eternal Encouragment. Let me share a little of Lorrie's heart about why she changed the name.....

"It all started with a note from a friend suggesting that I think about changing the name of the magazine so that all women would realize this magazine was for them, and not just for homemakers and moms. After much time with the Lord, He led me to understand that just like TEACH had never been about homeschooling, neither was it about homemaking. I was drop-jaw stunned! Yet I realized it was true - of course it's true - this IS God we're talking about. So then, what were we about? He instantly brought my own words to me: looking more like Jesus every day. We are a magazine all about encouraging. Encouraging marriages and mothering, homemaking and homeschooling, child training and cooking, and all other aspects of a women's life. In short, we are about godly encouragment!"

Doesn't that just sound wonderful? I can't begin to express to you how much TEACH magazine and now Eternal Encouragement magazine has impacted my life.

Wednesday I had to take my dear little Sadie to have her hair done (groomed). While I waited I went to Starbucks for a treat, sat in a comfy armchair there and soaked up the spring 2011 issue of Eternal Encouragment magazine. Some of the articles that challenged me the most where:

Are You Contagious?
Do You Want to be Your Daughter's Best Friend?
No Matter What Time It is, God is Still God
Be a Grace Dispenser

This is just a small sampling of the current articles. Just a little dab of the encouragement that YOU can receive in your mailbox.

Although the encouragment has remained the same, the size has changed. Eternal Encouragment is smaller, 5x7 ish size that fits perfectly in your purse or Bible case. I love the new size!

If you want to see what others are saying about Eternal Encouragment Magazine, head on over to the Gabby Moms and see how Lorrie has blessed other women, just like you! When you decide that you need some of this encouragement as well, head on over to http://www.eternalencouragement.com/ and check it out. A one year subscription starts at $25.97 (4 issues as year).

"I received this product for honest review from Eternal Encouragement Magazine as a part of The Gabby Moms blogging program. All opinions expressed are solely my own."

Sorry for the Delay

2011-04-10T10:59:00.000-07:00

I wish I could say that the reason I haven't been posting was because I was hard-working on a big project or marking things off the never-ending to-do list, but alas, I was ill. Very sick, taking the cold meds every 3 hrs., probably going to die anyway, sick. I did not, however, die (hurray!) so I am back to work on the never-ending to-do list.

Norman is on vacation this week, which was a blessing since I was so sick. He was able to deal with kids and meals so that the whole thing didn't go to the pooper while I was down. Since my recovery, he and whoever else is around have been going to the lake fishing. So yesterday I decided to sew :)

This is the FREE pattern I was using: Pillowcase Dress from 3 Fat quarters

And here are the completed pictures:

I added the little "belt" with leftover bias tape. I stitched it on in the front and left it loose to tie in the back. The reason was that the pattern was only sized down to a 2T and Abby wears an 18 month so it was really big on her.

I also made the shoulder ties shorter and took an extra half inch in the casing at the top.

This morning Abby modeled it before church. It should have taken about 2 hours to make, but Abby was lonely so I had to play. I still got it done in an afternoon.

See how I pulled the extra width in at the back? Makes it loose but fitted at the same time. I think it turned out so sweet and it is lightweight (cotton) so it won't be so hot. I will absolutely be making more!

Now to work on a dress for Easter.........

I'll try to post more next week. Abby and I are going to go play :)

Carie Creates

2011-03-26T10:00:00.000-07:00

I just added some real cute burp cloths to my etsy shop today....you can check them and some very handy dishcloths out at Carie Creates

My Most Recent Projects and A New Bear

2011-03-25T09:35:00.000-07:00

First off......a New Bear:

He got his hair cut this week. Really cut (obviously)....not just a trim. He is thrilled. I cried. Such is the life of a momma with growing boys. Now, onto my most recently completed projects:

These 1st 2 are "baby" blankets. The wildlife one is for he "big" brother and the colorful farm patcwork is for the new baby :) They turned out super cute.

These next 2 are the lace project I've been working on. My FIRST lace project. I am very pleased with how well it turned out. The butter yellow color looks great in my living room.

And a pink apron sewn for a customer. The little lady wanted it in pink plaid snuggle flannel so that is what she got :)

It is snowing here. I can't hardly believe it. Very depressing. Especially since the temps were in the 70's early this week. Bleh.

The appraiser is coming to look at our house on Wednesday next week. Greg and I are packin more "non-essential" stuff. Of course, I believe that most of my stuff is essential so it is very difficult. LOL

I'm leaving you with a couple of pictures I ran across on the net the other day. I love them :) I wish I could look so beautiful while knitting.....

Need a Shot?

2011-03-25T09:02:00.000-07:00

What do you think of when you hear the word shot?

A painful shot in the arm or elsewhere??? Keep in mind that this shot is full of healing medicine......

Or how about this -

What about a shot of coffee early in the morning? Does that give you just the boost of energy you need to get going for the day?

How about a shot of help, encouragement or experience? I want that!

Today, I want to introduce you to the Encouragement Membership Program. Doesn't that sound helpful? Developed by Lorrie Flem of Eternal Encouragment Magazine, this program was created to help you! Each month, a subscriber to this program will receive a "Super Shot"; 4 products (audio, video or textual) that Lorrie has created to help you dig deeply into a problem or concern that you might be having. By focusing on that one area for a short period of time, you can learn what God's will is for you in that area and learn from His leading and direction.....Lorrie just guides the way!

I had the wonderful opportunity to check out A Super Shot of Preventing Parenting Pits. Let's just say, Oh My! I was momentarily overwhelmed by all the great information this bundle contained. I plugged along though and was so surprised to be learning so much; and my children were too! Just wait till you hear the CRIJ rhyme for kids :)

Each Super Shot contains 4 products that are exclusive to THIS program. Nothing that you have seen before from Lorrie! The videos are similar to the Chick Flicks for Moms but longer, more like a mini workshop. The Super Shot I reviewed also contains a new book by Lorrie, Consistency, Consistency, Consistency. Now remember, each month you get a different Super Shot, with 4 products each and the cost is only $7.97 a month! Can you believe it? I couldn't, but it is true :) AND if you subscribe to the Encouragement Membership Program before April 1, 2011 (when the site goes live) your price will only be $6.97 a month for the lifetime of you membership (NO FOOLING!).

As I said, the site doesn't go live until April 1st so make sure to keep checking back at http://www.eternalencouragment.com/ and HERE for all the latest news and information. This will be both healthy and energizing for you :)

***I received this product free as part of The Gabby Moms review program :)

Reflections: Power of a Praying Wife Day 7

2011-03-17T05:14:00.000-07:00

His Mind

A successful person is almost always successful in his mind before it plays out in his life.......someone who frequently fails has probably already decided that was going to happen before the project ever started.....and after a while, they quit trying.

Confidence. I can usually tell who the confident people are. In a room full of people, they are at ease with the conversation, their surroundings and who they are. The rest of us (me) are usually praying we find someone we know, can go home early or can hide in a corner. But we've been over my dreadful social skills, so I will spare you that. My wonderful husband is a confident person. I think that attracted me to him. Not afraid of anything, willing to just jump in and give something a go......even when it didn't work out, he very rarely took it personally. Sometimes I would get tired just listening to him plan or watching him do, do, do.

That confidence has been shaken. I really didn't think that was possible, but it is and I (as his biggest supporter and helper) should have seen it coming. Now I am praying that God give that back to him......show him that he isn't a failure, that sometimes things just aren't in our control. I'm asking God to give him back his spark and take away his fear (which is the topic for tomorrow).

I'm also asking God to give me a little confidence. I am not a doormat to be pushed around. My thoughts, plans and feelings count. I am worth respect. I deserve to be treated as they want to be treated. And I always have, I just didn't know it :)

Whether your husband is a confident man or not, pray for his mind. Dreams die in the mind of a man before they even get to the planning stages. Ask God to give your husband wisdom and discernment and the ability to act on his ideas (if they are also God's). If your husband is confident, be on guard and pray about things that might attack him.....they are many. Most of all, keep praying!

Reflections: The Power of a Praying Wife Day 6

2011-03-14T04:53:00.000-07:00

Temptations

I know that my husband is frequently tempted by the world around him and I pray for him to be able to resist, that God would open a window for him to jump out of, every day. But for the sake of this conversation, lets talk about the temptations that I face. :) Remember, I can only change me. The rest is up to God.

I suppose that I am not tempted by the usual stuff......alcohol doesn't call my name (although I don't mind a good drink occassionally), never wanted to do drugs, not into porn........I suppose that my temptations are more mundane....the bowl of ice cream after dinner (when I know I had to many snacks throughout the day), facebook when I should be cleaning something, a quick internet purchase that nobody has to know about (remember to pray for financial control!). I find my temptations to be more habit than anything. I do things sometimes without even thinking about it. So I pray, today, for my husband and also that I will resist the temptation of worldly things and keep my eyes on my priorities: God, husband, kids, church......everything else will fall into place :)

Praying

2011-03-13T10:44:00.000-07:00

I used to be a news junkie.....before 9/11 it was bad, but for several years after I woud have Fox News on in the living room almost around the clock. I just needed to know that everything was ok in the world I guess....by my definition of ok anyway. Sometime in the last year, I quit watching the news all the time. I was spending my early morning ours in prayer, bible study and facebook (If there was time). Occassionally, I would check the local news or catch a radio broadcast. After Sept., when things got so bad here, I just needed to focus on our problems and not worry about anything else. Facebook became my major source of news then, as I could get feeds from Fox News and friends were always commenting about local stuff.

The stuff happening in Japan right now is unimaginable. I just went and looked it up; Japan is smaller than California or Montana and just larger than New Mexico. Earthquake, tsunami and possible nuclear meltdown (at 6 facilities!)......I just can't fathom the devastation, desperation of those people. I keep praying for them, but I don't know what to pray for.......stabilize the power plants - but they don't have food or water......send them food and water - but they face radiation poisoning......What about housing, medical needs, transportation????

I asked at church this morning what a safe distance was from a nuclear facility facing meltdown and we all agreed that whatever it was we would go twice that far away.......but if there was a nuclear problem in California, would I consider going anywhere near the state at all? If something like that happened in IL, do you think I'm hanging around if there are any other options? Even if it was as far away from me as possible? But with limited supplies, no roads, even if these people wanted to leave, could they? (And I fully intend to find out where the nearest nuclear power station is to me)

I just keep praying, even though I can't see the answers. I know God is over there in Japan and that they are strong resourceful people. I am thankful that those here in the states that were affected by the tsunami are ok, and pray for the families that lost loved ones. I just don't know what else to do.

Enough rambling. Praying with me for those poor people, Christians or non......hug your kids and count your blessings today, as there are few with problems as great as those faced by the Japanese right now.

Reflections: Power of a Praying Wife Day 5

2011-03-12T06:46:00.000-08:00

My parents never were overly affectionate with each other. No lovey-dovey stuff there. So I started married life ignoring affection all together. It wasn't that I didn't like a quick hug or kiss, but I didn't make it a priority. My wonderful husband comes from a very affectionate family. He often walks on the very thin line between decent and inappropriate. LOL I am learning and he has backed off a little bit......and the kids frequently roll their eyes and tell us to "get a room".....so I suppose we are doing ok, now.

There were many years in there though that my poor husband felt like I was shunning him when I dodged his embrace or walked away from a kiss. I wasn't necessarily doing it to hurt him, but couldn't he see I was busy? I had things to do! I have since learned that a 5 minute hug isn't going to make or break my day. Snuggle on the couch while watching TV (difficult sometimes with 2 little ones crawling on us as well)....hold hands in the car......I try to find ways every day to show Norman that I love him a lot.

In this department it is the little things that make the big difference :) Pray about your attitude toward affection. Show some, even if your husband doesn't. Our actions speak much louder than our words :)

Reflections: The Power of a Praying Wife Day 4

2011-03-11T03:52:00.000-08:00

Sexuality.

Hmmmm.

Well, lets just say that if you are married, you should be doing it and you should probably be doing it more often than you are. Also, attitude is important.

Prayer changes everything :)

That's all I'm going to say about that!

Reflections: The Power of a Praying Wife Day 3

2011-03-10T04:28:00.000-08:00

Finances.

Bleh.

I like money (who doesn't)....I like having it, I like spending it, if there is enough I don't even mind sharing or saving it.....but I hate handling it. Dealing with it. Worrying about it.

In our marriage, Norman makes the money and I deal with it. I don't like it, but it is what it is. So yesterday, I prayed for a better attitude about dealing with it. I am praying that I become a better money manager. I pray that God will give ME and my husband discernment in our spending habits.

Starting today, I will be praying before making any extra purchase, even if I consider it a need. Stick strictly to the budget in all areas barring an emergency. I am also praying that God will bless my efforts to supplement my husband's income.

Keep praying!

Reflections on Day 2: The Power of a Praying Wife

2011-03-09T05:45:00.000-08:00

I feel my husband is blessed because he has a job that he enjoys and that pays enough for us to feel financial secure. However, my husband is a correctional officer, and that position doesn't come without danger. I frequently find myself praying, "Lord, please keep him safe today."

I learned early on in his career that if I felt the Lord prompting me to pray, I prayed! Frequently he would tell of a fight or other difficult situation at work that he had to deal with that day and the time would coincide with when I felt called to pray.

Stay with me ladies and keep praying!

Reflections: Power of a Praying Wife Day 1

2011-03-08T05:05:00.000-08:00

If reading chapter 1 in the book didn't open your eyes, then you must be blind! LOL I am ashamed at myself to think of the ways that I have been tearing my wonderful husband down. Not intentionally, mind you, but in the little things that I have let go......or don't do.....or flat out ignore. Shame on me! So, after spending the day in prayer and reflection, here are a list of things I am resolving to try to do better. With hard work and a heart open to God, I know that He can make wonderful changes in my life and that those will filter down to my precious husband. Here goes:

1. Daily time spent in prayer with God, giving my husband to Him.

2. Do my very best (no half-hearted attempts here) to keep the house picked up, the laundry done and supper every day.

3. Work more dilligently in training the children, focusing more on Bear and Abby but the other 2 as well, to instill good work habits and character in them. Bear has some major issues that need worked on. I was waiting for Norman to do it, but that is my responsibility!

4. No nagging. Ever. About anything. Prayer always before bringing anything up that might be construed as nagging. ***This is the most difficult for me. I am a nagger. I admit it. May God and my husband forgive me***

5. Diligence in the financial areas that my husband has given me control over.

6. Try to think of something small that I can do everyday to bless him (sweets after work, a new gadget, time alone, etc.)

7. Look around and find things that I can do daily/weekly that will relieve his burden. Small things can add up!

I also made it a point last night to LISTEN to Norman. He wasn't talking about anything especially important, mainly work and his coin collection, but normally I would have "tuned him out". Last night, I listened, asked questions and made eye contact so he knew I was listening (he knows I don't always). I even learned a few things :)

Feel free to comment on things that you have learned - share please! Maybe the things that you have learned will help the rest of us!

Encouraging My Husband

2011-03-07T06:25:00.000-08:00

The last months are really starting to wear on my wonderful husband. A person can only take so much stress. I've been looking and praying for a way to help him. Finally, last night, I realized that the best way that I could help him was by praying for him.

Many, many moons ago (probably 12 years!), I picked up a copy of The Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian. I can't begin to express how this book impacted me as a wife....and I think that it benefited my husband as well.

Would any of you like to join me in spending 31 days in prayer for our husbands? No matter your current circumstances, there isn't a husband on the planet that couldn't beneft from prayer :) I urge you to grab a copy of the book, or pray on your own (there is a facebook page devoted to this) and begin blessing your husband through prayer. It will be the best thing that you have ever done for your marriage, I guarantee it!

Some More Pictures

2011-03-04T18:24:00.000-08:00

Before church this Sunday. Aren't we cute? See those adorable tights Abby is wearing? I stood in line for an hour at The Children's Place in St. Louis Mill mall so that I could get the $15 tights for $1.47......yeah, I'm dedicated. Or cheap. I'm not sure which.

This is the only derby car race picture I got. Daddy made Bear a Lightning McQueen car. It did well :) I spent the rest of the evening holding a sleeping Abby.

Bear and Abby after story-time at Helen Matthes Library. They had a great time. We will have to go more often.

Greg made this pillowcase for Bear today. I gets bored in the afternoon so I am trying to keep him busy. A yard of snuggle flannel is a small price to pay for a happy child. The feel of that flannel makes you want to stay in bed forever!

Ok, I think that updates pictures and such. Have a good evening!

Pictures from St. Louis Trip

2011-03-04T18:01:00.000-08:00

I realize that I am very late in getting these up. Sorry :)

Bear loves helicopters, so when we saw this one in Collinsville, we just had to stop!

Lee is as tall as I am so that tells you how tall that truck was.

Bear loved this Catsup bottle. We drove past it twice that day and he just went on and on about it each time.

They forgot to take the camera to Monster Jam. And I forgot to take the camera into the City Museum. So those are the pictures from our trip!

Tearing Paper

2011-02-26T11:47:00.000-08:00

This morning I was sitting at the kitchen table with a cup of herbal tea and facebook......pretending really hard that I couldn't hear Abby in the living room shredding paper.....what kind of mother does that? The didn't-get-much-sleep-do-we-have-to-get-up-at-6 a.m. mommy, that's who! LOL

See, I finally did get up and take pictures :) That counts for something, right? LOL In my defense, I had already put up the non-board books....I inadvertantly left out a word search book.....

Hiding the evidence :) She thinks that she is being sneaky......yeah, not really. LOL

And if we do the cute baby routine for momma she won't care that I just made a huge mess in the living room.

It really isn't my fault. We have a queen sized bed. Norman sleeps on half - alone. Last night, I slept on the other half, along with Abby, Sadie and Bear. I was squished, cramped, cold and awake.

Last night Abby shredded a paper towel that Bear left in the living room. Why does she like to shred things? I could hire her out to businesses......make some side money somehow maybe.

When not sleep deprived, I am learning to knit lace.

When not sleep deprived, I can write blog posts that are interesting and make sense. Oh well! Maybe next time! Talk later :)

The Dragon and the Turtle Go on Safari

2011-02-24T12:12:00.000-08:00

I haven't been reviewing children's book for Blogging for Books program but I decided to give this one a go. We have so many books, mainly children's books, but Bear loves dragons and dinosaurs.....and he LOVED this book.

Roger turtle and Padraig dragon are friends that are on a safari (in the backyard). They hear noises that scare them but overcome that and even rescue a baby leopard (kitten). Along the way they use manners, share and encourage one another.

As I said, Bear loved this book. In fact, when I got the copy and set it next to me for review, he spirited it away to his room. It is HIS book :) I believe it is written in England English (you know, with the accent) - there is a lot of "jolly good" and "cheerio". I don't do a British accent and I find it slightly annoying. Bear didn't know what a mum was so I switched it to mom while reading. However, the book is very cute and it doesn't have to be read with a British accent so that is easy to overlook.

The story at the end about Mount Sillymanborrow was super cute, even if Bear was too young to "get" it....I tried explaining and it didn't work so we will save that for later. The last page contains questions to guide discussion with your child. Very simple and thought provoking. We don't always discuss books, but we did this time and Bear got more out of it than I thought. Nice touch.

The Dragon and Turtle Go on Safari is available for $8.63 HERE.

***I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review***

Encouraging Moments Newsletter

2011-02-22T12:45:00.000-08:00

During the wiping, washing, sweeping, cleaning, folding, diapering, reading, loving and living sometimes I just need a break. If it is Thursday, I look for Encouraging Moments Newsletter.

You have heard me rant on and on over the years about TEACH magazine, right? And you read the post about the new name, Eternal Encouragement? Well, Lorrie has more for you! Each Thursday Lorrie will send Encouraging Moments Newsletter to your email box FREE. Yes, I said FREE.

Encouraging Moments is short but packed FULL of all kinds of goodies to encourage a mother's heart. The issue I just finished reading discussed spiritual strongholds. As always, Lorrie turns to God's Word to guide, direct and encourage.

Also, Lorrie is on Facebook (who isn't????). Tidbits from the weeks facebook discussion are available, as well as a link to Lorrie's facebook page.

Upcoming dates to me Lorrie LIVE are listed as well. Be sure to check and see if she is in your area - you don't want to miss it! That is my dream!!!!!!!

Possibly the coolest thing in the newsletter is Chick Flicks for Mom.

During a quiet moment in your day, you can sit down and listen to Lorrie talk from her heart. Honestly, these "flicks" are just like sitting at the kitchen table with Lorrie. You can even submit questions or topics that you would like Lorrie to discuss and she will try to cover them in the future. I think this is the best use of YouTube so far! Lorrie covers all the bases with topics including homemaking, mommy-hood and marriage.

In case all the above isn't enough, a Timely Tip article from another reader is included. I was encouraged this week by the testimonal about getting out of debt from Annie Herrick. And finally, there is a link to subscribe to Eternal Encouragment Magazine (in case you haven't done so already - what are you waiting for???)

Subscribing to this FREE resource is soooo easy.....just go to http://www.homemakingwithteach.com/ and look for the box in the right hand corner. It just takes seconds and the benefits are very worth it.

Also, head on over to http://www.thegabbymoms.com/ to see what others are saying about this wonderful resource.

****“I am reviewing Encouraging Moments as an official member of The Gabby Moms blogging program for Eternal Encouragement magazine. I did not receive compensation for this post and all opinions are solely my own.

St. Louis City Museum

2011-02-21T18:40:00.000-08:00

"Bizarre......this is really bizarre."

Those are the words I heard spoken by a young college age fellow I happened to be walking past shortly after we entered the museum. I think that bizarre is the most fitting description for that place. You honestly have to see it, to believe it.

On the drive home, while reviewing the day with my husband, we discussed how City Musuem was the best place for an imagination to grow. Living in the boonies, there isn't anything like it here. If we lived closer, I would buy a family pass and I don't say that about many places.

Upon entering the first level, there are the caves. Filled with "rabbit holes" as my husband called them, they would disappear in one spot and reappear in another. Abby (in her stroller) and I were even able to walk through several paths and ended up on the M level. There was a restaurant :) We took the elevator to the 2nd floor. I don't remember what was on the 2nd level.....must not have been baby oriented. LOL I think that is where the hampster wheel was, and the hallway of mirrors. The 3rd floor was where it was though :) Several rooms were filled with architectural relics, bug collections and small critter models. Then we found the train (for little kids only), an arcade room, snack bar, "sponge" room (lots of big sponges that you could build with), block area (Abby really liked that), a toddler room with toddler sized slides, ball pit and climbing things, circus (Abby and Bear LOVED the show), "creation area" (face painting, painting, etc), a room with Japanese paper cutting and rag doll making, sock skating, trampoline jumping..........It goes on and on. The 4th floor and roof terrace were closed when we were there. THEN outside, there were catwalks, a larger ball pit, slides, ropes. Plenty of places to grab a snack or drink and rest.

The older boys just wore themselves out. Norman followed Bear everwhere he wanted to go, even when it was questionable that he would fit. Poor guy ended up with fluid on his knee and "road rash" on his elbows. He is still barely moving. I rode an elevator and pushed a stroller for most of the day so I don't feel too bad.

This was the BEST place ever. I would totally buy a family pass if we lived closer. They were super busy but the nice employee I rode the elevator with one trip said that they are mainly dead from Sept - Feb. I don't know why, I would absolutely go there in the winter.....tons to do inside for kids that can't go out and play. All ages can find something to do....even Abby played with blocks. HERE is their website if you want to check it out.

Gone With The Wind

2011-02-16T18:47:00.000-08:00

This is one of those cases where the movie doesn't do the book justice....but the movie is still lovely.

I REALLY need one of those dresses. LOL

Anyway, I'm sitting here sipping echinachea tea hoping to nip the cold I am getting in the bud. We've got plans for the weekend and I really don't want to be sick.

I finished the quilt project I was working on and will get it to my customer this weekend. Back to the tablecloth now :) I'm still knitting swiffer cloths and hoping to maybe get a start on some dishcloths.

My new "drool over" project book came in the mail this week......One-Yard Wonders: 101 Sewing Projects by Rebecca Yaker and Patricia Hoskins. I would like to make just about everything. LOL I think I will start by making a dinosaur for Bear.....or laptop cases for the boys.....or a dress for Miss Abby. Wherever to begin???

I've got some knitting needles on order and hope that they show up by the first of next week. I've got lots of yarn sitting here waiting to be knit up. Oh the projects to do! There really needs to be more time!

Well, I think I shall head to bed and get a little extra rest. I hope to rest, anyway. Goodnight all!

I Smell Spring

2011-02-14T05:01:00.000-08:00

I think it might be coming. It can't get here quick enough for me! It's been a long, hard winter, physically and emotionally for me and I am ready for spring and the promise of a new start.

Because I don't really have anything else useful to say and because I have pictures that are dying to be shared, here ya go:

Bear has it made. He leads a charmed life. It doesn't get any better than making your 9 month old sister push you around in your dump truck.

Abby says she can do it....she's a big girl!

Yes, she did move him, but just a little. It was actually in her best interest for him to be in the truck when she pulled up to it, otherwise it would have slipped out from under her. She's not walking....quite....but she pulls up to everything and cruises around. She didn't win the prize for earliest walker.....Bear walked at 8 months, Greg at 9 months and Lee at 10 months......She is just a hair over 9 months :)

That is my super informative post for the day. Stay tuned for more interesting updates at a later time! LOL

Carie Creates

2011-02-12T12:46:00.000-08:00

I've opened at Etsy shop! You can go HERE to check it out. If you are browsing around, my shop name is Carie Creates. So far I only have dishcloths posted but I expect to have many new items in the next few weeks. Help me out, and spread the word please!

Questions - Answered

2011-02-11T04:52:00.000-08:00

Victoria, if the wet jet takes the "throw away" swiffer cloths (and I think it does) then this will work on it.

Briana, it does stretch a lot. I think that even if it shrinks a little, like the dishcloths always do, that it will still fit as knitted. The stitching allows for a lot of stretch too.

Julie, this is the 1st thing I've made from this book. The patterns are very well written and easy to understand. I am just dying to make the little Edwardian dress and jacket for Miss Abby :)

Knitting Project - Reusable Swiffer Mop Cloth

2011-02-10T13:58:00.000-08:00

That's a mouthful! LOL Anyway, I know many of you are waiting with baited breath for these photos, so I snapped them as soon as I got it finished. I had to pry the mop out of Bear's hands....he was so eager to use it.

The pattern, found in Mason-Dixon Knitting: Outside the Lines by Kay Gardiner and Ann Shayne, recommends using up little bits of leftover cotton yarn from dishcloth knitting. I had a whole bag. LOL That is why it looks so.....eclectic. I tried to tie the colors together with white but I don't think that it worked very well.

On the Swiffer. Spray it with pledge to dry mop, get it wet to wet mop. Fantastic! I wet mopped my kitchen/dining room today and used 3 wet swiffer cloths. I can't afford that. This I can afford. Mop and wash. My kind of cleaning.

Bear wanted to model with the new mop. He just about had to lay on the floor so I could get him and the mop cloth in the picture.

A happy little mopper.

I still have the yarn out and the pattern is ready to go. I think I need 3 more. White probably isn't the best choice of colors but I have a lot of it. Mason-Dixon Knitting: The Curious Knitter's Guide by the same authors has a matching dishcloth pattern in it. Instructions are also given to make a dog sweater. So Sadie could match my dishcloths and mop covers. Fantastic, huh? I will absolutely be using this pattern again.

Super Bowl and Other Stuff

2011-02-08T09:00:00.000-08:00

We hosted a huge (to us) Super Bowl party here Sunday night. 34 people in total....many of them kids. We had great fun! Wonderful food - shrimp/sausage gumbo, wild game gumbo, beef stew, chips, dips, pizzas, pizza bread, fantastic desserts.....the list goes on and on. I was rooting for the Steelers :( So sad they didn't win...... but that's ok. A good time was had anyway :)

I should have taken pictures while everyone was here. It was a good thing we have such a big living room and so many TVs. People were watching in Lee's bedroom, Greg's bedroom and our living room. Crammed in like sardines. LOL Good times, good times.....

The snow/ice melted just enough to make the whole thing ice....and then it got cold again....so it is like solid, smooth sheets of ice in our yard, driveway and some of the roads. This afternoon I am venturing out to return movies to Effingham....I drove to church on Sunday and took Lee to the bus this morning.....I don't drive well on this stuff. I don't remember when the last year was we had so much snow/ice/mess....and it has been so cold that it stays around forever. We may never get rid of it. I can't wait till spring gets here. I need warm sunshine and flowers.

I think we will be planting a lot in planters this year since we don't know when we will be moving exactly. We've had a couple of phone calls about the house and one couple wants to come see it but the weather slowed that down some. Maybe warmer temps will bring just the right buyer. I would love to be moved quick enough to plant a garden this year, but if not that's ok. We will manage :) We are usually given much produce and are sure to get some if we put the word out. I am itching for a home-grown tomato.....oh the tastes of spring!!!!!

Well, I need to get back to work, so off I go. Have a good day and stay warm!!!!!

Baby Burp Cloths

2011-02-05T17:32:00.000-08:00

Today's project was some burp cloths for our minister's new grandbaby. The expecting mother doesn't like pink (gasp!!!!) so I went with neutral yellow and green.

A set of 3. I thought that they turned out cute.

Rolled and tied up with some ribbon.....

Wrapped and tied with more ribbon.

Bear and Abby played in Abby's crib while I was sewing.

BEAR took this picture of me and Abby. It is a terrible picture of me (why do I have such bags under my eyes????) but I doubt that there are many pictures of me and Abby so I thought I would share one. You can see Sadie sleeping on the couch in the background. LOL

So that was my day. I got the burp cloths done and wrapped, I got the review done. Bear, Abby and I played a lot and all the boys played outside. Super Bowl party tomorrow!!!!! Go Steelers!

A Review: The Miracle Of Mercy Land by River Jordan

2011-02-05T11:24:00.000-08:00

Power outages are wonderful things when you have a book waiting to be read :)

The Miracle of Mercy Land is an intriguing book set in the south during the 1930's. The story revolves around a mysterious book that arrives at the newspaper office. The book shows the lives of those in Bay City, life choices made and those roads not traveled. Everyone that "reads" the book says that the lives are felt rather than read about.

Doc, the newspaper man and Mercy, his right-hand girl struggle to decide what to do with the book. They don't understand why they have been entrusted with it or what they are to do with it. As the story unfolds Doc brings a stranger into the mix, someone from his past and Mercy's past as well. His being there muddies the waters and brings personal conflict for Mercy.

While I will admit that this story is "out there", it is riveting. It really makes you wonder about the intertwining lives of those in small towns. Can one person's choice change the face of a town for 20 years? That is the question that the book asks and Mercy is really the only one that can answer it.

If this book is any indication of future stories, I look forward to reading more by River Jordan.

The Miracle of Mercy Land is available from Amazon for $11.89 or Books-A-Million for $9.64 (Club Members). HERE you can read the first chapter for free :)

"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review"

Abby's Legwarmers

2011-02-04T13:52:00.000-08:00

I got them finished up while we were watching movies this afternoon.....I've already got plans for another pair :) Anyway, here are the pictures:

Isn't she adorable??? She is rocking that cloth diaper and Thirsties cover too :) They are almost too tight, that's all the higher they will pull up.

With her best buddy, Bear. In case you were wondering, none of the males in this family ever wear shirts in the house....although it does look like Dad has one on in the picture below. LOL Today Lee wore his coat while outside, but no shirt.....Greg put on a shirt but no coat......I have no control.

All smiles. Isn't she the sweetest thing you've ever seen? We think so :)

Crawling on Bear is a good way to pass the time. Normally he yells, "Don't eat me Abby, I'm not food!" but today he was being generous and didn't. LOL

Ok, she's done.....crawling away.....till next time!

Hello!

2011-02-03T16:22:00.000-08:00

We made it through the ice storm in one piece. A generator is a wonderful thing :) Many in our county are still without power although ours was only off for about 24 hrs.

Today we made it out into the world. Ryan's for lunch, Walmart for groceries, Family Video for movies and we are home again....snuggled up watching The A-Team. Going to have buffalo burgers and fries for supper. Yummy!

This is "Cooker Bear" in his new Cars apron that I whipped up on Tuesday. I used the pattern for the girls apron in the book All Dolled Up: Sewing for Girls and Their Dolls by Joan Hinds. Very easy. It took about 30 mins. worth of sewing - but of course I eliminated the cupcake applique, the ruffle and modified the neck strap. Next time I make him an apron I will have to add a pocket. Everyone needs a pocket :)

This is the kids Christmas Eve before we opened our gifts. Sorry, I am slow :)

Bear loves it when I make him a blanket tent in the living room. Actually, we have had one there for most of the winter. Occasionally, he can coerce Abby into joining him. So I quickly snapped a picture. Aren't they sweet?

I've got a review to do sometime this weekend, I want to finish Abby's legwarmers and get a picture posted and I need to actually finish the legwarmers and prepare for a Super Bowl party. I also have a custom project that I am pushing to get finished for a customer. Lots to do :) Talk again soon!

Epic Ice Storm

2011-02-01T13:37:00.000-08:00

I say epic, because I don't really remember one this bad before. They said it would get as bad as it did in 1988, but I was only 11 so I don't really remember that. It started sleeting last night and is still at it. Sometime this evening it is supposed to change to snow. At this point I don't think it matters. LOL

Norman bought us a generator and we have 2 electric space heaters to hook up to it. A camp stove will be for cooking. So far the power is still on but it is just a matter of time. Who knows how long it will be out.

I will update when I am able. Stay safe and warm friends!

Swagbucks

2011-01-30T13:51:00.000-08:00

Times are hard economically for everyone right now. I've got a way you can earn a little extra money, without doing anything that you don't normally do.

Meet SWAGBUCKS. Swagbucks is a search engine, just like Google or Bing. You search for the stuff that you always search for and you randomly earn "swagbucks". You can download a toolbar to each of your computers for ease of use and continuity of login (You wouldn't want to be searching while not logged in!).

What can you do with Swagbucks? Well, you can enter contests, giveaways, or save them up to buy things. The list is extensive. I save mine up. When I get 450 swagbucks I "buy" an Amazon . com gift card ($5). It takes about a week to get the gift card, then I go apply it to my Amazon account where it waits peacefully with all of its friends for me to decide to buy something. Right now, I have $15 just waiting for me, all earned since the first of the year and I am 5 "bucks" shy of another $5. I didn't do anything but search for stuff I was looking for anyway. Can't beat that, can you?

There are other ways to earn Swagbucks as well. You can take surveys. Buy stuff from online stores through swagbucks . com.......I bought Abby some shoes last fall from Diapers . com but I entered their store from my swagbucks page.....and I got double points (for example, spend $25, get 50 swagbucks). Also, you can refer friends. If you sign up from my referal link then I get to claim the first 1000 swagbucks that you earn from online searches (searches only). You get to claim them also, so we are both getting 1000 swagbucks. Cool huh? Of course I would love for you to sign up under me and you can do so by clicking the links in this post, or by clicking the swagbucks ad in the left sidebar. But don't let helping me stop you from signing up. You can also go to swagbucks . com.

I hope that this helps some of you earn a little extra cash. We all love a little extra cash, especially when you don't have to do anything special to get it. Blessings to all!!!!!!!

Our Current School Stuff

2011-01-29T16:53:00.000-08:00

I could go through the list of educational stuff that I do with the babies but suffice it to say that they play....a lot. We read, we color, we practice letters, numbers, shapes, biggest/littlest, colors....you get the idea. Bear will start "formal" preschool next year. I will post about all that stuff next year :)

For now, we are focusing on Greg. He is 10, 5th grade. Just finished Saxon 54....I will be ordering the next level (65 I think) sometime next week. We are using A Reason for Handwriting to learn cursive. He hates it, I make him do it anyway. It is what it is. For science we are using Creation Science unit study by Media Angels. Very thorough and he seems to like it. We are also basing writing assignments and spelling words from that study. Works for me. That brings us to history. I like Sonlight. Actually, I LOVE Sonlight. We finished up Core 4 in December. We can't afford to buy another core right now. So I am improvising. I borrowed Diana Waring's new Ancient History curriculum available from Answers In Genesis from a friend. It is nice. It is geared with activities for all learning styles. We skip most of them but that is ok. I read the lesson to him on the first day, then he spends several days listening to material on the provided CD's, does the Bible reading assignments, we discuss the discussion questions, do timeline/map work. Then he chooses a research/report topic from those given. I have been giving him 3 days to do the report and he presents it at supper that night for the whole family. That is forcing him to work on his thought organization and accountability. The whole history units are taking us 2-3 weeks. He is reading books I assign that we are still working on from Core 4 (we got behind on that reading somehow) or Louis L'Amore. He really likes westerns. Our library card expired and I don't have any money for that either so I guess he will be reading my books for a while. For read-aloud right now, we are reading through D'Aulares Greek Myths. I thought he would like that but he doesn't. Go figure!

How our day goes:
I get home from taking Lee to the bus at about 7:45 a.m. Greg gets up about 7:15 so I encourage him to get breakfast and get dressed when I get back. School is supposed to start at 8. Sometimes it is 8:30.

Ideally:
At 8 a.m. Greg and I would sit down, I would read read-aloud, history lesson and we would work through the science lesson. Then I would teach the math lesson and go over any spelling for the day. After that, Greg is on his own to complete history CDs, Bible reading, regular reading, math worksheets and lessons, handwriting lessons, grammar corrections, spelling practice, etc. The papers go on my pile and I will stop and grade/correct them as I go through the morning. If he applies himself, he is almost always done by 10:30.

Normally:
Bear starts begging me to play with him at 8 a.m. I send Greg to get started on independent school work (I have all sheets, etc in a folder for each day so he can do that). At 8:30 I manage to get away from the kids and we do read-aloud. Then Abby wants a bottle so he works some more on his own. I manage to get her asleep and put down and we read through history (or I start CDs). Abby starts screaming so I quickly teach the math lesson. I get her calmed down, convince Bear he can play with her or alone and manage to get science taught. Greg finishes his independent paperwork and begs for a break. I let him take one. He comes back around 10 and works on math. Then he convinces me that he will do his independent reading later. He disappears. Throughout the day I remind him until he finally gets tired of listening to me and just DOES the 30 mins. of reading.

How's that for keeping it real? You can tell if there is something special planned for the afternoon because Greg will just sit down and do his stuff. You can tell when Dad is home because the schedule goes almost exactly like the ideal scenario. The rest of the time, it is a crap shoot. LOL

Greg says he is staying home for school next year (6th grade). He is wanting to try Switched on Schoolhouse on CD. Hmmmm.......I guess we shall see.

Legwarmer #1 and Other Stuff

2011-01-28T18:03:00.000-08:00

This is the 1st legwarmer for Abby. How would I NOT have thought of this before? They will be so sweet under her little skirts and a wonderful use for leftover sock yarn - I suppose that most of her legwarmers will match a pair of my socks :) Norman measured her ankle to mid-thigh as 7 inches....the pattern I was using was for a newborn so I had to work several more increases and gave it 12 inches in length....as I finished it up I was so afraid that the top would be too loose, but it just fits. Perfect! Which means that she won't have much growing room but they should work for this winter and we will see about another pair next winter. AS SOON AS I get the 2nd one done I will make her model them for ya'll.

Abby learned how to "pull-up" to stuff today. She cries once she gets there though because she doesn't know what to do or how to get down. Had family for supper tonight and Norman fixed the goose that he hunted a couple of days ago. He is really liking goose hunting. LOL I had chicken.

Got a birthday party tomorrow - for our cousin Gabby, yes, Abby has a cousin named Gabby :) Gabby turned 1 today and was one of those here for supper. She is smaller than Abby, considerably. I know that Abby is very big for her age, but it is days like this that I realize how much bigger she is. LOL Such a little monkey.

Anyway, it is getting late, but I wanted to share the picture. Hope ya'll have a good night!

True Treasures - A Giveaway!

2011-01-27T09:22:00.000-08:00

If my review of True Treasures peeked your interest you can enter to win a copy, courtesy of Homekeeping Heart! Head on over HERE to read her review and enter :)

AND We Love to Homeschool is also giving away a copy - you can go HERE to enter :)

Good Morning!

2011-01-27T05:14:00.000-08:00

I hope that everyone is well today!

Norman got up at 4:30 a.m. to go goose hunting. In a boat. On a lake. It is very, very cold out. I am fairly certain he will return an ice cube. But he is hoping to get a goose, the 2nd time he has gone out :)

Regular laundry is in the dryer, diapers are in the washer. Bear and Greg are still sleeping. Lee is in the shower, Abby is in her highchair next to me, growling. She got her first tooth in! We were beginning to wonder. She is pretty proud of it. And she said Dadda, twice to me yesterday. Daddy is pretty proud of that.

Nothing exciting here happens until after I get Lee to the bus stop. Then the pace picks up! If I can get the little 2 settled doing something quiet, Greg and I start school. Otherwise, he starts working on the stuff he can do alone while I feed Abby or play with the littles. Sometimes 15 mins. playing will make all the difference in the rest of the day. After I get "my" part of school done (I'm going to be doing a school posting soon!), I work on lunch, Motivated Mom chores or play some more depending on how things are going.

After lunch, which is almost always sandwiches or leftovers, I try to finish up any chores that are left, get something out for supper and put Miss Abby down for a nap. Abby doesn't believe in naps (8 months old!) so sometimes this is in a exercise in futility, but I give it a good shot. If she naps and if Bear feels that I have paid him enough attention up to that point (which is rare because he is 3), THEN I will try to get some sewing or quilting done. You can see my current projects in the left hand sidebar. I knit at night while watching TV with the family.

Norman gets home from work around 4, with Lee (he meets the bus at the bus stop for me most days). We usually eat supper early, around 4:30 or 5 and then I finish kitchen clean up and we settle in for the night.

So, that's a little about us and how things operate around here. I have a school post up my sleeve, for anyone interested. I am also hoping to finish at least one of the legwarmers tonight so pictures of those to come shortly.

Have a great day friends!

True Treasures: 10 Years of TEACH Magazine

2011-01-26T10:56:00.000-08:00

As most of you know, I've been in a dark place lately. A couple of weeks ago, my wonderful husband recognized that I needed a break and sent me to town with some "mad" money to hang out by myself. I grabbed a book before I left......True Treasures: 10 Years of TEACH Magazine by Lorrie Flem. Once in town, I went straight to Starbucks, ordered a large Caramel Macchiato and sank down in a huge armchair with my book. I only made it 2 pages before tears were flowing down my cheeks.

Homemakers know that staying home all day is hard work. I realize that the rest of the world believes that we are all sitting around eating chocolate and watching soap operas (I do eat chocolate, but not all day. I do not watch soap operas, wouldn't even if I did have time). Each day I am mom, wife, cleaning lady, teacher, pretend doctor, bottle holder, diaper changer, remote control wielder, laundry washer/dryer/folder/putter-awayer, train track builder.....the list goes on and on. While doing all those things, I am giving advice, prayfully answering questions, kissing real booboos and giving pieces of my heart to everyone I meet. So much goes out of me every day.....it is like "the force" is leaving my body. God's love is the force and I am thankful that I am here to administer His grace, mercy and love to those around me....but sometimes I get empty. Sometimes I get so dry that I can't soak up God's word on my own. I need a human touch. Frequently, TEACH magazine and Lorrie Flem have been that human touch. Lorrie and those that share with her, use real life experience and God's words to encourage and lead those of us who are seeking back to godly womanhood.

True Treasures is the BEST of the first 10 years of TEACH magazine. The articles are laid out on 2 page spreads; short little tidbits to help even the busiest of wife/mother. She has divided the articles into sections so that you can quickly find the encouragement you are looking for. Parenting, marriage, mothering, homemaking and serving others are all addressed. I honestly believe that it would be impossible to come away from this book without having received encouragement.

True Treasures is available for $19.97 at http://www.homemakingwithteach.com/ . While you are there, check out the other wonderful resources that Lorrie offers. Also, please note that TEACH Magazine is changing names. It is the same wonderful resource, with a more fitting name I believe.......Eternal Encouragement Magazine. Use coupon code GabbyMoms to get $4 off True Treasures :)

If you want to read what others think about this wonderful publication, feel free to check out The Gabby Moms to see other reviews written by homemakers just like you!

***Disclaimer: I received this product for honest review from TEACH magazine as part of The Gabby Moms blogging program. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Lots Going On

2011-01-24T10:09:00.000-08:00

As usual, there has been a lot going on here. I suppose I can quit saying that when I am dead. Anyway, I am very thankful to have been HOME a lot this winter. I have kept the "running" to a minimum and stayed in the house. Some of that was due to the depression that I have been under, some a conscious decision that I have made.

I remember when I was a new mom, early in our marriage.....I hated to stay home. I would find excuses to go anywhere....shopping, my mom's, the park, a friend's....sometimes we would just drive around aimlessly. In the evenings we would drive to town, eat fast food and wander walmart. It seemed so lonely and depressing at home.

I realize now that some of that was due to my attitude. Some of it was due to marital and financial problems we were having at the time. Some was due to depression. Some was due to my laziness....I didn't want to clean, cook or "deal" with these babies. If I wasn't home, then the problem could be ignored for the most part.

God placed many wonderful, godly people (mostly women) in my life around the time that Greg was born. I can honestly say that their guidance helped keep our marriage together, introduced me to homeschooling and brought my heart back around to my home and family. God is good! I wish many days that I had learned more during that first year of marriage, when we didn't have children. I wish that I hadn't wasted so many years when I could have made better memories for my children. BUT, I praise God every day that I am where I am now. I can understand some of the struggles others are having and no matter how "bad" things get, I know that God is here, He is working, ever present in my life and family. He has brought us a long way so I know that nothing is too big for Him to handle.

One of the godly women that was placed in my path was Mrs Lorrie Flem, editor of TEACH magazine. TEACH isn't a magazine about homeschooling, but about mothering, godly womanhood and homemaking. An occasional article about homeschooling will be found in it's pages, as homeschooling is a big part of mentoring in our children's lives.

I can't hardly believe that TEACH has been publishing for 10 years! I must have found Lorrie early on, but it still doesn't seem like it has been that long :) Please, if you are looking for godly encouragment on your role as wife, mother, and woman of God, check out TEACH.....their magazine has a new name....Eternal Encouragement. I think that is fitting, as Lorrie gives encouragement about the things that have eternal implications in your life, my life and the lives of our families. Anyway, I will be reviewing True Treasures: 10 Years of TEACH magazine later this week. Please come back and see what this wonderful publication has to offer YOU!

A Little About Me.....

2011-01-12T17:31:00.000-08:00

Since I am determined to keep this REAL and most of you don't know me in "real life", I thought I would list out some interesting tidbits about me, in no particular order :)

***I love to wear skirts/dresses but don't do it all the time.
***I wish I had a dress that required a hoop skirt (other than my wedding dress). And I WOULD wear it somewhere :)
***I wish I had a bonnet.....although I know people would laugh if I wore it.
***I knit funky socks, and wear them, and they rarely match the other stuff I am wearing.
***I LOVE Italian and Mexican foods.
***I love bookstores. I love that Books A Million has huge armchairs that I can sit in and look at books before I buy them. I LOVE that BAM has a coffee shop so I can sip coffee while sitting in the huge armchair and looking at books.
***I LOVE JoAnn's. If JoAnn's had a coffee shop I would live there.
***I buy fabric and yarn with no idea what I am going to do with them. That is why I frequently have 5 yard pieces of fabric (that is the amount required for a full length dress).
***My hair used to be naturally blonde....I am now a natural brunette that acts like a blonde :)
***I am obsessed with HGTV
***I would love to travel to Oregon on a wagon train.
***I would love to live in a pioneer log cabin.
***I would miss facebook.
***I hope to someday go to Alaska.
***Norman might leave me there. LOL
***I wanted 10 kids.
***Most days I want to string up the 4 I have.
***Have you ever heard my philosophy on snow?
***I LOVE the color pink. I think that pink looks fantastic with chocolate brown.
***I hope to retire to a place in the mountains.
***I enter 2 times every day to win the HGTV Dream Home in Vermont.
***If we win, I want to live there for at least a month
***I don't ski and don't want to learn to ski.
***I clean when I am mad......I am generally a very happy person :)
***As of tomorrow, Norman and I will have been married 15 years.
***I love him more now than I did 15 years ago :)
***We had a rough start, but I would do it all over again.
***I hope someday to live in an assisted living community (they cook, they clean, they drive, I just exist!).
***I would like to go tomorrow.
***The kids are ready to drop me off.
***Norman is fairly certain that I am crazy.

That's enough for today. Have a great evening!

Blogs, Lies and Real Life

2011-01-11T17:46:00.000-08:00

How's that for a title?

I've been reading blogs for a while. Started when the older 2 boys were real little. That is where I learned early homeschooling, household scheduling....that is where I got encouragement. Some blogs I have followed for close to 10 years now.

Unfortunately, it has been brought to my attention that one of the blogs I have followed forever, one that led me to higher housekeeping goals, encouraged me to cloth diaper.....frequently stressed me out because I didn't feel that I could "measure up" to this person.......she was living a lie.

I find it interesting that someone would make themselves an authority on homeschooling and housekeeping. I guess I get the desire to BE better than you are. She made this perfect life look easy though. I often felt bad because I couldn't get my kids to do the chores hers did and my husband wouldn't eat the nutritious foods that her's did (even though she claimed if I kept putting it on the table he would eventually learn to love it).

In learning that she was "padding" her life a little I am learning to let go of a little guilt. I've been striving all these years to be just like her......but now I see that I can only be just like me. That's all God wants us to be. I'm naive. Although I always try to be truthful (and if anything make myself look worse than the truth), I understand now that people lie on the internet - even about the mundane, like school schedules and housework.

I've got to rework my sidebar. Her link is still over there, although she has taken her blog down after her "cover" was blown. I will be reworking my blog links. I need to add some new ones anyway.

Please remember that you, God and your dh are responsible for the workings of your house and homeschool. You don't need to be like me, and I don't need to be like you. I think we will all be happier if we quit beating ourselves up anyway.

I Know God is With Me, But......

2011-01-04T12:30:00.000-08:00

This is kinda a personal posting, but if my sharing helps someone else, I am very glad to do it. Sometimes it just helps to know you aren't alone.

Depression has an interesting way of sneaking up on people. Sometimes it is the smallest things that make me just want to throw in the towel - and suddenly I realize I am depressed and have to look back and wonder when it all started. Today's revelation was brought on when a friend commented about paying off one of his last 3 debts. I could only wish we had 3 debts and that one was newly paid off! LOL But it is more than that and I know it.........

My battle with depression began many, many years ago. I never felt like I was good enough and my people issues didn't help matters any. I prefer to keep things bottled up.......I don't ever really remember exploding. I just figure out how to deal with it. Probably not well, but that is how it goes I suppose. I graduated high school, got married, had Lee. I don't really remember being excited about graduating high school, just resigned to my future. My wedding day was the best day of my life, but even it was shadowed by hurt and disappointment, as the people I hoped would want the best for me were not supportive. They couldn't even pretend to be happy for me and as much as I tried to ignore that disappointment, it still clouded my otherwise wonderful day. Because of my choice of husband, we had no financial help in the wedding arrangements (aside from dh's mother who helped when she could). Life doesn't seem to work out the way you want it to sometimes. I have a feeling this is turning into a pity party, so I'm moving on.

After Lee was born, Norman lost his job. We were getting ready to lose the house we had bought and had nowhere to go. A last hour miracle financed us a trailer on my parent's ground. We had nothing. I don't remember fighting a lot but its hard when you don't even have the money to buy groceries. Norman bounced from job to job while I tried to go to school. The fighting started. We drifted apart. When I found out I was pregnant with Greg, I decided I had to either give this situation everything I had, or get out. I decided to stay. Greg was born and I hit the bottom. I can honestly say that was the worst year of my life. Norman got a great, steady, financially wonderful job shortly after Greg was born. However, he had to work away from home. There were many days that I didn't get out of bed. Still, my memories of that year are a haze. So many wonderful opportunities with my oldest 2 children slipped through my fingers. Great friends and an amazing God got me through that year and helped me get out of that dark place.

Depression is a very dark place. Often, the depressed person knows they have a problem (I hate when people say if you know you are depressed, then stop)......they just don't know how to fix it. Fear places a person in a place of inability......inability to think, to do, to plan. Inability breeds and grows.

I've struggled some since then, but I can honestly say that things have never been as bad as they were then. I wish I could say that I have conquered depression! Maybe people who don't care what others think, maybe they aren't affected as much. I don't know.

Our current situation is a mess. If you are a personal friend, then you know what is going on, otherwise HERE is the quick story. Feeling abandoned by the people that should love you the most is the worst feeling. I don't wish that on anyone. Loneliness has crept in. I look around and want to change the house, bring in a breathe of fresh air, but what is the point? We, God willing, won't be here that much longer. But what if we are? What if this house never sells? What if we can't get financed for another house? What ifs......they sneak up on you.......a person of fragile emotional bearing is very vulnerable to the "what ifs".

God holds me up. Every day I feel Him and I know that without Him I would be nowhere. Sometimes I need a little reassurance though. A little earthly reminder that things are going to be ok. I am trying to remember that sometimes you don't get that.........sometimes things that we can't control happen.

A little change will do me good, and maybe a little more in a direction that can help our future. Right now, there are so many variables. I am thankful for the things we have and hope that the future is bright.

Sometimes I just want to cry.........

Strawberry Shortcake Blanket - For Sale

2011-01-03T13:18:00.000-08:00

I just finished making this adorable Strawberry Shortcake blanket.....and it is FOR SALE!

The design side is cotton print, the reverse is chenille. It measures a generous 36 inches by 54 inches, perfect for a little girls toddler bed or as a throw for a bigger girl. Price is $30 plus shipping, if necessary.

I am in love with it! Don't despair for Abby, I have more Strawberry Shortcake material set aside to make something super cute for her :)

Welcome to the New Year!

2011-01-02T05:43:00.000-08:00

To start us off, a picture of my favorite little girl....

She is sporting a new sweater dress (Old Navy), new tights (Walmart - the heavy cotton ones), almost new boots (Pedipeds, she got them last month) and the new headband I finished knitting for her last night. It is made from the same yarn as the cell phone case I showed pictures of in the last post. Someone asked where I got the yarn.....I am fairly certain that is from Knit Picks because that is where I get almost all my yarn. I have no idea what the coloring is called though as I have had it forever and the label wasn't on it anymore. It is a sock yarn (and machine washable) if that helps :)
Trying to get organized this year. I say that every year. Some years are better than others. Four children really aren't any harder than 2 or 3 but there is more of everything......more toys to put away, more clothes to wash, more hands to keep out of stuff, more people to take places. In the end it takes more mental energy if nothing else and I don't really have any to spare :) I bought the Motivated Moms planner this year. I looked at it last year and regretted not getting it all year. So far I've only used it 2 days but I am liking it. Daily chores are listed for the whole week on the left (in the layout I got) and bigger chores are listed by day on the right. Plenty of room to write in your own stuff (appts., etc).

Looking forward to some changes this year. I normally don't look forward to change, but this is a good one so I am taking it. Lots going on here, so if you feel led please pray. I will share as stuff happens :)

My sewing/knitting business is taking off. I'm not rich yet :) but staying busy and I love it. It gives me a reason to create. Lots of plans in my head. I visited the quilt shop for some fat quarters last week and came home with more ideas. My priorities for MY stuff are: denim quilt for Lee, chenille quilt for Abby and a new diaper bag for me. We will see how it goes while working on orders and packing, etc. I am staying flexible!

God has been so close to me this year. I am looking forward to another year of seeing what He has in store for us. I hope that all of you have a wonderful year as well!

Knitted Cell Phone Case and Other Pictures

2010-12-30T17:14:00.000-08:00

I knitted a cell phone case! I had to rework the pattern a little because I couldn't find the purse frame the pattern called for (very frustrating by the way). I ended up putting an I-cord in the casing, leaving it open at one edge so that I could be hooked to a bag clip or over the wrist. It also works as a drawstring so the phone doesn't fall out.

I needed something to put next to it to show size so I grabbed my sunglasses, which by the way fit in it perfectly!

Since I am uploading pictures anyway, here are some new family shots:

My family :)

A Book Review - Tandem by Tracey Bateman

2010-12-30T14:56:00.000-08:00

As a new Blogging for Books reviewer I was so excited to get my first book, read and review it. In my house, nothing ever goes like planned. I read through the list of available books and then was called away from the computer. When I came back the next day I didn't reread the book descriptions, I went from memory, which is never a good thing with me.

I received my book and was excited to get started reading while Abby took her afternoon bottle. After the 2nd chapter I had figured out it was a vampire novel. Bleh! I am not a big fan of vampire love stories, but I did love Anne Rice as a teenager so I decided to keep plowing ahead and hope for the best. After the 4th chapter I couldn't put it down.

Somehow the author manages to weave vampires, a saucy mystery, a romance (not with the vampires so much) and a little Christianity into one book. Tandem seems to be the 2nd book of a series (Thirsty being the first) but it can absolutely be read alone. I fell in love with the main character, struggling to find her own identity while caring for her ailing father. I empathized with the main vampire character even if she did appear to be a little stuck up at times. Several of the other characters surprised me, so I'm not giving away the story :)

If you want to read a little on your own you can see the first chapter HERE. Although I will try to choose my books selections more carefully in the future, this was a pleasant surprise.

DISCLAIMER *****I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.