Blessed "Little" Quiver

Paying Attention???

2011-11-17T13:23:00.001-05:00

It's that time of year again......when we start thinking about the holidays, gifts, cards, pictures, family dinners, visiting family, holiday parties, church activities and getting it all done before that holiday arrives. Whew.....that's exhausting just thinking about it.

I am pleased to say that I got a jump on pictures this year and we scratched that off the list this week. Along with the Operation Christmas Child Box packing party. What a truly blessed event! This year the 2 little arrows had a better understanding of why we were packing these boxes and they were so thoughtful with each gift they included. When it came time to fill out the "all about me" coloring page they were thrilled to share about themselves. The question on why they love Jesus was the one that put a lump in my throat......My lil man answered because Jesus is so super special.

To many that might not seem like much but, to a homeschooling mom that feels like she struggles to "reach" her kids, its a lot! To me that was affirmation from Christ himself, that He is working in that little guys heart! All those Bible lessons each day and talks with Mom are getting through, even though he acts like he's not paying attention.

How often does God think that I am not paying attention to Him? The mere thought saddens me, but the truth is that I often am act too busy to listen to His leading. Today I choose Him, today I choose to listen, today I will seek His will. How about you?

"Listen to me, you who know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear not the reproach of man, nor be dismayed at their revilings. For the moth will eat them up like a garment, and the worm will eat them like wool; but my righteousness will be forever, and my salvation to all generations." Isaiah 51:7

Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!
1 Chronicles 16:34

I'm Back.....

2011-11-10T14:24:00.001-05:00

Wow.......its been a long while! It is now November 2011, months since my last blog post and here I find myself back in the saddle. So much has happened over the summer and this fall. I won't even begin to recap. I'm just going to pick up in the here and now.

We are in our 8th year of homeschooling and loving every minute of it. This has been a tough school year as I have my first high-schooler and added a Kindergarten student. I now have 4 students to teach everyday, along with all the other requirements of a wife and mother. I wouldn't trade this life for any other one in the world!

We have had some rough roads in the past few months, but God is faithful and answering prayers. His word is living, breathing and alive in our midst! I see my children growing in the word, growing in faith and that is such a wonderful thing. I am so blessed to see it, day in and day out. I pray that you all are feeling the love of our Savior as well.

Come back and visit soon. I hope to blog a few times a week. I've missed you all!

Blessings!

Blessed Mommy

Where does the time go?

2011-03-14T18:09:00.000-04:00

It seems that I can't keep up with this blog anymore. While it serves as a wonderful outlet for me to connect and reach out, there isn't enough time in my day to allow for it. What is keeping me so busy you ask? It could be the potty training 3 yr old boy.....and he is doing well, thank you. It could be the 15 week old puppy that we rescued several weeks ago that isn't potty trained like the boy! Or the 2 preschoolers that beg me everyday to play with "rice" or "do school." It could also be those 3 big kids that need me to teach them the ways of our Lord, along with math, language, history, science, spelling, reading, writing, and home economics. It might also be those long trips we make (an hour one way) to take 2 kids to soccer practices just 3 days a week. Or the studying that I do for my own spiritual growth, currently studying 1&2 Thessalonians, Grace Based Parenting and also a book on Women's Leadership in the church. And then there is that other thing called a house I have to keep clean, the laundry that has to be washed and folded, the meals that need cooking, the dishes washed, dogs fed and walked....you know all the joys of being a Wife and Mom! All those things that I wouldn't trade for all the money in the world!
I am finding joy in the small things, joy in the trials, and joy in the big things! I am busy, yes, but busy doing the things that God has called me to do. And for that I will not complain about lack of blogging time, but I will love those times sharing in studies with my husband, cherish those moments when my kids finally understand a concept, cheer for the goals reached in sports, relish those times playing with "rice," and just enjoy the JOYS that God has given me.......for He has given me much. How will you spend your time?
Where does your time go?

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14

A Finch Rescue....

2011-01-24T19:12:00.001-05:00

This morning as my adoring children were looking out in to God's creation, my oldest arrow saw a frightening sight! (Now if you've been following my blog long, you will know how much we love our birds, feed them well and enjoy them through our kitchen window.) So as they are watching the birds, my oldest arrow saw a Blue Jay attacking a little Yellow Finch! The poor finch was just sitting in the middle of the yard, scared, shaking and a bit dazed. I went outside to investigate the situation and as I was walking over I could hear the Blue Jay in the tree mocking the poor thing. Sqwak....sqwak.....sqwak! As I approached he flew away. I'm sure you can imagine what happened next! LOL

The bird is just looking at me, like help, but don't touch me! My oldest begged me to "help her." How do you know its a her?! Well, her colors were not as bright and pretty as the males, so I guess she was right. My oldest picked her up, put her in our extra bird cage and took care of her for a few hours, until we thought she was no longer dazed and safe from harm.

She ate some food, sat in the cage shaking for a long time, but by around 1pm she was ready to fly the coop! She was trying to stick her head through the wire of the cage and we took that as a sign....she needed to get home. We took the top off and hoped she would fly away................................................... ahh, but she didn't! She could not fly, but she could walk and walk she did! She was gone after an hour and we haven't seen her since. Now the children are all praying that she finds her way home and her wing heals enough so she can fly again.

It was a good experience for all. It was so great to see our favorite bird, upclose and personal. Though she never spoke, as she was scared practically to death, I hope one day as we look out enjoying our finches that she will be among them, singing a little thank you tune.

Hello again.....

2011-01-12T15:52:00.000-05:00

Hello again blog, its me.....your author. I've neglected you long enough and feel it is time we get reacquainted. I have missed you so these past few months, but life happened and took me away from you. I am embarking on a new year and hoping for a new found love to blog again. Bear with me as I make changes, maybe even changes in the direction of this blog, I want this to be more of an outlet for me and not just keeping everyone up to date on my family happenings.

Here is a short recap. December we had 2 birthdays, my beautiful red headed daughter turned 12 and my vibrant littlest girl turned 5. Time is slipping away from me as they grow up so fast. We had friends that came to be with us and stayed through Christmas. It was a very special Christmas for us this year. A few of the kids ended up sick with a stomach flu the week before Christmas and then another on Christmas Eve. I also ended up sick with an ear infection that same night that left me with a perforation in my eardrum. The next few days are a blur of flying wrapping paper, Motrin, tons of movies, lots of sweet goodies, and napping.

While having sick kids during this time we had to postpone Christmas with our family until we were healthy. The Tuesday after Christmas my children went to be with grandparents while my husband and I traveled to help a friend that was relocating. We were away from our family for a whole week! I missed them so much, but it was good to be with friends and have some time alone. Upon returning from our trip we had enjoyed some much needed rest as a family and finally celebrated Christmas with our family this past weekend. All the decorations are finally down, things are getting back to "normal," the kids have colds now and the saga continues.

So here are some pictures to catch you up on all that has happened. Some things will go unsaid and others will tried to be forgotten, but life happens, forgiveness is freely given, and a new year brings new hopes for the next.

This is Christmas Day Snow fun! Our FIRST White Christmas! Thankfully everyone was feeling well enough to enjoy a little while in the snow!

This is my middle arrows 10th Birthday! I can't believe how time has flown by!! She didn't open a present on her birthday because all she wanted was to go to the movie "Tangled" with her family! Of course we took her, since we don't go to the movies very often it was a real treat for all of us!

Feeling it...

2010-12-03T15:55:00.000-05:00

Feeling the hustle and bustle that seems to always come with December! Where has the time gone? Wasn't it just summer?? I haven't felt in control of my schedule for sometime now, but really a whole season has passed me by???!! I did get to enoy some of the fall beauty during our women's retreat, on an outing with the family to the mountains, and every morning during soccer season, but it passed to quickly. I feel as though I woke up one day this week and got hit in the face with winter!

Don't get me wrong....Christmas is my favorite time of the year, but also the busiest!! This is the time of year that I can't say "no" to anyone, I plan too many activities, lose sight of the true meaning of Christmas and wish there were more days in the month to get all my craft projects done. I guess I can only pray that one day I will learn to plan better and use my time more wisely. Not today, but someday. LOL

Hope you are having a wonderful Christmas season, focusing on Christ and loving your families!

We Are The CHAMPIONS.....

2010-11-17T13:21:00.000-05:00

Wildfire U-15 Girls team finished their season UNDEFEATED and as CHAMPIONS! I am so proud of my Arrow and all the girls on the team! Everyone played their personal Bests and it showed all season. They each improved with each game and their hard work paid off! We are officially off soccer season until the spring! Yay...family dinners, movie nights, no more fast food after practices, no more long drives!

This past Saturday the girls played a Semifinal game and during this game our very own Oldest Arrow scored 2 Goals!!! In the collage picture below I shared the photographic evidence of one goal! The look on her face afterwards was priceless! Her mouth was dropped wide open looking around like....did I do that? Well, one goal wasn't enough, she had a taste for it and wanted more! I was so excited and proud by then, I forgot I was supposed to be taking pictures! I got caught up in the moment of the game. The girls won that game and went onto the Final Championship Game!

It was a Loooooonnngggggg day for everyone, but the girls persevered and won that game as well. Enjoy the pictures of the CHAMPS! Know that we are Proud of EACH OF YOU!

A Picture is worth......

2010-11-05T12:23:00.000-04:00

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, right? Well how about a few collages? Will they make up for my hiatus from the blog!? SORRY! It's been so crazy hectic around here. I truly just haven't had time or motivation to blog until now. I hope these picture collages will help you understand why I've been so busy and catch you up on the happenings at our "Blessed Little Quiver."

This is our trip to the Brushy Mountain Apple Festival and then up the Blue Ridge Parkway for a day visit! It was a beautiful day to enjoy God's creation, as is any day! This was a great family day. We started the day with 2 soccer games, good food, apple festival fun, a nice drive, hiking and great pictures. I just love spending time together as a family....one of my favorite things.

This is our recent trip to the Creation Museum! If you haven't been, GO....if you are thinking about it, GO.....it is money well spent! I wish I could have recorded my Youngest girl arrows reaction to Adam and Eve's joy as they walked in fellowship with God and then after the fall, their sadness. She was so overcome with their sadness, she started to understand the magnitude of "sin" and what it really means for us. Precious moments! We were also blessed to share this experience with our Best friends that recently moved to Indiana. We will cherish these memories for a lifetime!

This is the Creation Petting Zoo. The kids really loved feeding and petting all the animals. Even little man fed a few animals, but his favorite was the camel. My oldest arrow doesn't show favor towards anyone and enjoyed feeding all the animals, especially the zebra/horse.

These are our dearest friends that we spent the week with in Indiana. My heart longs to be with them. It's so amazing to me how God puts people in our lives that we need at just the right time, my how I needed them and still do. We have only known them for a few short years, but it feels like we have known them a lifetime! We truly are more like family than friends.

The kids are just as close to each other as us parents! This was a Great "old fashioned," meaning like when I was a kid, park. They had a merry go round, metal slide, see saws, swings, big rope tree swing, cool train where we rang the bell, and a little boat play set too. It was a beautiful fall day at the park....a wonderful last day to our short trip. We spent every waking moment together doing something fun, games, corn hole, outings, shopped the "Rural King," Creation Museum field trip, step classes, zumba, and late night laughter (my favorite).

We returned home on a rainy, stormy day only to unpack the car and lose power for the night and most of the next day. Things are cleaned up from the storms, power is back on, school is in session and life is just as it normally is, BUSY.

Reformation Day was this past week and the kids enjoyed some dress up fun. We hosted home fellowship in our home on this evening, so the kids loved showing off their costumes. As you can see we had "Woody" from Toy Story, "Jessie" from Toy Story, "Astrid" from How to train a dragon, "Mean, Old Neighbor Lady," "Tooth fairy Princess," a Black Eyed "P" and Daddy's One of a kind....NO costume t shirt.

So there you go, you are now caught up on the happenings in our quiver! See you around!

Dear Blog,

2010-09-15T10:23:00.001-04:00

I haven't forgotten about you, dear blog. Life has been a whirlwind, ok maybe a tornado in the night, through our house and lives these past 3 weeks. After having such a great start to school it was inevitable that something would happen to stop that and so we ended up sick with strep throat in the house, again! Now everyone is well, antibiotics are working well this time, kids are getting back into the swing of school and Mommy is still trying to figure out the schedule! Between home schooling the 3 older girls, grading papers, home preschool with the 2 little ones, soccer, household chores, cooking, orthodontist appointments, soccer games, several church activities, teaching music to 2 of the older girls, and trying to study for home fellowships......I have NO TIME left over for blogging! As soon as I get this schedule worked out I hope to be back in the saddle, but right now its too much. I will only be blogging once a week or less until I can come up with a better plan. SORRY! Just remember, I haven't forgotten about you dear blog. I just need some more time to figure out a better schedule.

In past 3 weeks, we have completed lots of good schoolwork, kids are doing GREAT! Makenna and Edwin got sick with strep throat for a 3rd time in 2 months. Magdalene got strep for the 2nd time in 2 months. Ellianna's steel immune system finally let down and she got strep throat with an ear infection. Mommy also came down with the sickness and had strep throat! Everyone healed from all the sickies!! Praise God! Our A/C unit went out AGAIN, but fall is just around the corner! Oh, and let's not forget that Makenna got her top braces!!! Very unexpected at this time, but she had to have it done now in order to make room for some important teeth. YES, I have 2 kids in braces!! Never thought I would see that day! All in all it has been a WHIRLWIND 3 weeks, but it's also been a BLESSED 3 weeks. I can see God's hand in everything, in every school day! He has given me strength to get up in the mornings, He has given us health again, He has given us a spirit of peace and for all those things I am so grateful, just busy. Busy for His kingdom!

Update on lots!

2010-08-24T17:30:00.000-04:00

Induction is going well! So far I'm down 9 pounds in 8 days!! I only got crabby a few times last week, thanks to your prayers and I have had an incredible amount of energy to keep me going. Again, thank you for your prayers, they helped. I'm still trying to decide where to go when this induction phase is over. It seems to help get me over a hump, so I just may continue with it a bit longer.

Today we started school. We were all lined up and ready to start yesterday, but I awoke to a Crashed Computer. Of course, the computer that is centered around all the school work and schedules. Obviously we had to postpone starting by a day. My dearest husband came home early yesterday to rebuild a computer, try and save my harddrive and change the central computer to another. We are blessed to have more than one computer in our house, so he could make these changes easily. It was a long night for him, but by this morning he had everything up and running again. We were only 45 minutes behind our schedule this morning!! Not bad for the first day, but I'm hoping for improvement.

The kids have a heavy load of subjects this year. More than they've had in the past. So this morning as we were going over the plans for the year their faces went from happy to sad, very quickly. They got better as the day progressed. They perseveered and did a great job on their first day. I pray it continues.

So, there you go. That's our update from last week. Until next time!

Induction....

2010-08-16T13:59:00.001-04:00

Here I go again......I managed to lose 35 pounds on Atkins once before I fell off the wagon and had a wonderful carb filled summer. Now its time to refocus and get back on the wagon! Today marks Day 1 of my induction phase again on Atkins. I am such a slave to carbs! LOL My dearest hubby is the one that initiated the desire to go back into Phase 1. He wanted to go back on Atkins and I decided it would be easier for him and myself if we did it together. Things always go easier when you have a partner! I haven't checked in with my partner today, but I'm praying for his success! Together we can do great things, especially through prayer. Will you pray for us!?

Be forewarned.....I'll be a BEAR by Thursday. I'll have NO energy, slurring my words and on the verge of a coma, but if I make it through days 3, 4, and 5 things will be brighter on the other side! I once said to a friend that was on this Atkins induction period....."I would die without my carbs!" However, much to my surprise, I didn't die when I went on this endeavor in January 2010 and by April 2010 I had lost 35 pounds. My friend was and is a great support to me still today. Always encouraging me to stay with it, keep active and even invested in my weight loss adventure with a gift. It's the neatest little device you wear on your arm daily and it measures the calories that I burn every minute, by hour and day. I have noticed, however, that regardless of my activity chasing after 5 kids, I am not active enough to burn all the calories I consume. Hence the reason I am overweight! lol With the help of this device though, I'm going to conquer this beast of my weight! So, thank you dear friend, you know who you are, you are my biggest fan and I love you! I wouldn't be where I am today without you!

It's amazing how good you feel after losing weight. Knowing you still have a long way to go, but its invigorating! I feel 10 years younger and apparently other people can see that I feel younger. So, here I go again......this time I'm more active and exercising so hopefully more weight will melt away and quicker. But I do ask for you to pray for me and my hubby too. We are looking for a brighter, healthier future to serve our Lord. We are seeking the bodies that He intended us to have and keep. Thanks for your prayers! I'll see you in a few days with an update!

Longing for Routine....

2010-08-12T13:57:00.001-04:00

Ahhhh....I miss my routine. I miss the fall weather, the smell of cinnamon potpourri, and the sounds of pencils to paper and keys tapping a keyboard. I need routine! I need school to start back!

I never thought I would see or hear the day when I longed for our summer break to be over or longed for a schedule to follow. But here I am.....longing and yearning for a regular routine. The busyness of summer has finally come to a close. We were blessed to entertain all summer and I do mean all summer. 7 weekends out of the past 8 weekends we had family or friends staying with us. It was such a Great summer! A true summer to remember, but I'm ready for routine, ready for school.......ready for a schedule!

I had huge plans this week to get my lesson plans all drawn out, organize the new curriculum, ready the computers and school desks, but a migraine was in store for me instead. After 2 full days in bed I've had to put off all lesson planning. Motrin wasn't a help, but my dearest husband called my Dr and got my regular migraine medicine and I'm feeling human again with a bit of after pain in my eye. So it looks like another day partially in bed, but at least today I can look at the computer screen with sunglasses on.

My oldest arrows have been a HUGE blessing to me these past few days. Always taking care of me, bringing me anything I needed, and taking care of the little ones. I am so blessed. I'm so glad that they had family and friends over recently to just play and be kids. We've played so many games together this summer and enjoyed each other, like families should, it was a wonderful summer.

But I'm longing for routine.........................

For My Mom.................

2010-07-30T21:44:00.002-04:00

My Mom.

She is everything a woman wants to be. She is a Proverbs 31 woman. She is everything I want to be.

She gave me life, loves me unconditionally, trained me to work hard, showed me how to love.

She loves her grandchildren. She loves them unconditionally. She is training them to know and love the Lord.

She is always ready to laugh. She has a beautiful laugh. She has an infectious smile! She always seem happy, even on her darkest days. She is a glimpse of what I (hope) to someday be.

She is beautiful on the inside and gorgeous on the outside! She is a servant to all and an inspiration to many. She is known by so many and loved by all. I admire the woman that she is and will become in her lifetime.

Today is my Mom's birthday and I wanted to show you how wonderful my mom is to me. She is all those things I wrote above, but more than anything, she is a Child of God. Her life is a testimony to God's goodness and grace. She is an inspiration to me! I love you Mom! There aren't enough words to describe the gratitude in my heart. You will never know how proud I am of all your accomplishments. I am so blessed and honored to call you "Mommy" and my children are blessed to call you "Mammaw." Thank you for all your sacrifices for me while growing up and even still now. Thank you for showing me unconditional love that I now show my husband and children. Thank you for always being so true to yourself, never backing down from what's right. The Lord will graciously give to you, for you so humbly gave to Him.

I love you with all my heart and soul! Happy Birthday!
Your "Little Girl"

An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands.She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar.She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens.She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong.She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night.She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle.She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet.She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple.Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land.She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant. Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:"Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all." Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.
Proverbs 31:10-31

More Catchin up....

2010-07-25T21:30:00.000-04:00

We had BackYard Bible Clubs July 5-9th! It was awesome! The kids had a blast! The pictures say it all! Yes it was hot, yes we were sweaty and YES spreading the "Good News" is FUN!!! Just ask the kids in these pictures!

We also enjoyed a little downtime the weekend before BYBC. The kids really seem to enjoy their slip and slide. We bought one years ago, but I think the kids were too young to know what to do, this year they went alllll out! Running, Jumping and Sliding Off the end! Even the littlest ones got in on the action.

Animal Sightings....focus

2010-07-23T18:41:00.001-04:00

Cool Animal Sightings at our house! God always gives us such wonderful teaching moments in the midst of a busy day. Do you take time to enjoy them or see them as a bother? We try to enjoy them...like the turtle that a friend of my daughters found crossing the driveway. Turtles are known to be slow, but let me tell you, this one was Quick for a turtle! We tried giving him an apple, but he didn't much care for it. Then we put him in the kiddie pool we had in the front yard. He swam for a bit, looking for the edge so he could run away! My poor kids ~~tortured~~ played with him for about 15 minutes, until we left to enjoy the pool for the day!

The bird or hawk you see in the other pictures has a fish in its talon!! This was quite a sight to see! He was perched up on this dead tree, resting from his hunt. We live across from the lake, so his journey wasn't far, but I'm sure it was heavy! He sat up there for some time, flew away and came back. When he returned I just knew God was granting me the opportunity to take his picture! Hee Hee OK....maybe not just for that purpose, but I took full advantage anyway!

It's always amazing to me, God seems to speak to me at those times when I am in a hurry and losing focus of what's important. On both these days I was busy going about my day. First day it was me trying to get all the kids and friends off to a day at the pool, the second day I was hurrying the children to shower and bathe while rushing to get dinner on the table. How about you? Lose Focus much? I do and it takes an Awesome Animal Sighting to get me back on track! Thanks God!

O LORD, how manifold are your works!In wisdom have you made them all;the earth is full of your creatures. Psalm 104:24

A Little Catching Up....

2010-07-21T21:01:00.000-04:00

WOW.....I can't begin to tell you how busy we have been the past few weeks. And I can't begin to tell you how Good GOD is and how He worked out every detail of those weeks. I was under a bit of stress, but I couldn't blog about it, since my adoring husband reads my blog. You see, I was planning a surprise 40th Birthday for him. Tomorrow is is real birthday, but we had a surprise party for him on 7-10! It was wonderful, he was truly surprised and I even surprised him with a visit from our dear friends that just moved to Indiana. Over the next few days I will be posting collages of some of the things we have been up to the past few weeks to catch you up!

I don't have pictures of this, but I do have a bit of news as far as our church goes. We have been looking for a new pastor since our pastor of 14 years left to go into the mission field December of 09. He and his family have since moved to Ecuador and we stay in touch via Skype! After 6 long months, our Pulpit Search Committee has found someone! I have had the privelege of meeting him and his family and they are wonderful! We are looking forward to seeing what the Lord has in store for our church. Needless to say, this is one of the things I've been busy with these past few weeks. We had lots of meetings taking place, we had the family over for dinner a couple times, and enjoyed lunch with them after worship one Sunday. They are a true delight and I look forward to getting to know them much better.

My husbands youngest sister and her family came to town a few weeks ago. We always enjoy being with them, but this time I felt so preoccupied. SORRY YOU GUYS! We had our new Pastor and his family in town, BackYard Bible Clubs going on every morning and regular church events keeping us so busy. The time we did have together was alot of fun. I truly enjoy spending our summers with my niece and nephew! They were alot of help with BYBC and to me! We did enjoy some pool days, dinners at our home and game nights! I think that "Mad Gab" was our game of choice that week. Love that game! The adults played against the kids and we stomped them!!! : ) But it was all in fun.

Well, I hope this gets you caught up just a little bit. Until next time!

It's Official....School's Out for Summer!!

2010-06-29T19:10:00.000-04:00

Yes, SCHOOLS OUT for summer!!!!!!!!!!!! Yay.....I don't know who's more excited, me or the kids! Yesterday was our last day of school for the 2009-2010 year. Yes we went a bit later than most schools. We took awhile off to help some dear friends move out of state, took an early summer vacation and all because we can! Its hard to believe we just finished our 6th year of homeschooling. I wouldn't change a thing...I mean I love having my kids at home. Sure I would do a better job teaching them more and improve upon myself, but I wouldn't change having my kids at home with me for anything. They are my life and I love them!

Now that schools out we will be spending our days sleeping in, watching lots of "Little House" and going to the pool. I do love the summer break, but it doesn't take long to yearn for the schedules again. What do you do during your summer months off? How do you pass the time? I would love some ideas on fun things to do during the summer that are easy on the budget. Thanks for sharing!

Big Changes....

2010-06-21T22:47:00.000-04:00

We've been busy, busy little bees in this Little Quiver. The kids have pitched in and helped out alot too! The older kids no longer like playing on their playground, as it had been taken over by weeds and trees. After this weekend that is not the case and they have played out there every night since we finished! I love seeing the kids play outside again. I used to have to come up with an activity for them to go out, now they just go swing, slide, and play on the fort! YAY! BIG thanks goes out to Daddy for all his help! He sacrificed his Father's day to help us load and unload mulch. Thank you Daddy!

Here are a few pictures for you to enjoy! I'm soooo happy the kids are happy! You know what they say, if Momma ain't happy, nobody's happy! Well this Momma is HAPPY, Happy and the kids are too!

Pool Happenings...

2010-06-15T17:01:00.000-04:00

Today we went to Grandma's pool. It was HOT and the perfect thing to do on a Hot day, did I mention it was hot? The kids hadn't played in the pool this year, so it was fun to see what they remembered from last year. Little Man remember he could jump in the pool and he did it over a hundred times!! The oldest arrow did what teenagers do best, spent most of her time above water, tanning more than anything. The youngest girl arrow spent alot of her day trying out her flippers. This was her first year in the pool with no swimming gear to help her. I thought it best to see how she handled herself. She did pretty well considering. Now the middle arrow was alllll about under water! It is so hard to keep an eye on her because I never know where she is...she's all over the pool and under water. She is like me when I was a child, a FISH! Last, but not least the 2nd to oldest arrow was busy helping her little brother, swimming him around the pool and helping this sweet little girl that took to her like glue. She was very helpful and the little girl wanted to go home with us. : )

I love to watch my kids interact with other children at the pool. The kids at the pool today were very polite, asking if they could use toys, etc. I was really impressed! Most of the time a community pool everyone assumes the toys are community too. LOL Anyway, all in all it was a wonderful day with the kids. Hope you all are having a blessed and wonderful day too!

Barefoot Blessing Beach Blast

2010-06-11T12:13:00.000-04:00

Our beach trip was wonderful! I need to say a special thanks to my Mom and Step Dad for allowing us to use their beautiful beach house for the week! We had a wonderful time! The kids loved the sand, ocean, riding the golf cart and going for ice cream! We made some great memories! Daddy was able to join us halfway through the week and enjoy a few days with us. It was extra fun when Daddy got there. The kids missed their Daddy and I KNOW I missed him even more than them. There's something about taking your kids to the beach, for me its not relaxing. I feel always on guard. I have to watch the ones in the ocean on boogie boards to make sure they don't get caught in the undertow or drown, gotta watch the little ones on the beach playing in the sand so they don't wonder off and get lost. There wasn't a peaceful day at the beach for mommy until Daddy arrived! Ahhhhh....now I can relax and tan the backside of my legs, since so far I had only been able to sit in a chair and watch everyone. However, I should've asked Daddy to put my sunscreen on my backside. My oldest arrow put it on and missed a few spots! I was so sunburned on the back of my legs that I had trouble sitting for a few days! It's better now, but it itches reallllly really bad!

Daddy got sunburned on his feet the first day out on the beach. Poor guy! They were swollen, red and HOT....now they are RED and Itchy! Poor thing...he is still having a hard time with his feet and it's been a week! His 2nd day on the beach he thought he would play it safe and just stay out of the sun and under the umbrella for shade. Well, he didn't put on sunscreen, thinking the umbrella would protect him. WRONG!! Very Wrong, he was burnt to a crisp! He sat under the umbrella for about 3 hours, then cooked on the way home, by the time he reached home he had to remove his shirt from the pain. He saw how red he was and realized what he had done. He is still suffering from that burn too. Finally starting to peel around his shoulders, ears and face. He is quite pitiful to look at. I guess in our mature years we don't "tan" as we once did.

All in all, despite sunburns and itching, we had a fabulous time! I especially enjoyed the peaceful days of doing nothing. While my Mom and Step Dad didn't get to stay the whole time, we missed them, but made the most of our time together! During the week we had beautiful weather, but on the days we needed a rest from the sun and beach the Lord provided rain. Those days we spent inside, doing a little homeschooling, playing cards with my Mammaw and making memories for a lifetime.
THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES MOM & DAD!!!!!

Barefoot Blessings to you all!!

The Lord hears and answers.

2010-05-28T08:29:00.000-04:00

Wow...one little prayer and the Lord supplies! :) I prayed for the Lord to keep me busy and He has!!! We have had a wonderful week getting packed for our beach trip, doing school and attending our homeschool conference. The week went by very fast and the kids are thrilled.

Faster weeks are so much easier for me and the kids. Thank you for your prayers for us. Our hearts are healing and we are keeping busy, busy for the Lord and He has supplied for our every need. We are off to the beach today for a week in the sun. My mom has a home at the beach, so the kids are thrilled about being with their Mammaw n Pappaw. I will try to blog when I can, but you know how vacations are...too much fun to stop and blog!

Enjoy your Memorial Weekend! Stay Safe and Blessings to yall!

Lord keep me busy....

2010-05-18T12:28:00.000-04:00

Today is a good day, I'm pushing forward. My oldest arrow is off for lunch and a movie with her Uncle, my little brother. He just graduated from college last week and we haven't seen him in so long. It's good for him to bond with the kids. They love their Uncle Trav. soooooo much. The other kids are very jealous of her "private uncle time" and happy for her too. I can't wait to hear about all they did!

I am going to a "homeschool" store today to buy some used curriculum. I'm trying to prepare ahead of time for next year. Trying to busy myself with things to keep my mind from feeling so lonely. I've realized that when I am idle I am lonelier, depressed, and sad. That is when the uncontrollable urge to cry all day sets in and I don't get off the bed. The kids are really feeling the loneliness because mom isn't doing a good job of keeping them busy enough. I wish I had the stamina to get up and just go, but it physically hurts most days to get up. I hate this feeling!!! I want so badly to shake it. I lay in bed at night and pray that the next day will be better, I beg God to give me the strength to get out of bed. The next day comes and the hurt over powers all other things. However, today God prevailed and won the battle this morning. I was able to get up and move. I have to force myself NOT to turn on the tv or just lay there a few more minutes.....and today we are up and the house is hopping! I pray all days could be like this, busy.

Lord, let me be busy everyday. Busy for you, busy focusing on your children and your will. Keep my hands and feet from idleness. Keep my head clear of the voices that say "its ok, try again tomorrow." Lord I know its not ok, its not your plan....help me to seek you and only you to fill the void I feel in my heart. Amen.

Friday's Here....

2010-05-14T20:12:00.001-04:00

Ahh, finally Friday! I made it through my first week. I may have spent 3 days in bed, but on day 4 I got up and showered...that's progress! Day 6 is here and I had lunch wtih my Mammaw, grocery shopped, washed and folded laundry, cooked dinner and did the dishes! I have to say that I am very proud of me, for getting all that done today. If you have never suffered depression you won't understand what an accomplishment this is for anyone, but trust me it is!

I can't say that things are getting easier, they aren't, but we are getting over the initial hurt and trying to look to bigger things. We are going to try and plan a trip to the beach with my mom in the next few weeks and we have our annual homeschool conference to attend. I have lots of things to keep me busy in the next few weeks. We need to finish up our school year, finish testing, look at new curriculum for next year and start planning for next year also. I'm hoping that we can get caught up with some schoolwork, as we are a few weeks behind right now. I got spring fever a few weeks ago, then we helped our friends move and this week was a total bust, cause I didn't feel well. Great thing about homeschool......it goes where we go and we can do it at OUR pace! The kids are actually excited to know we will be continuing some subjects through the summer. We will still take time off for fun, but I think they like knowing that there will be some consistency to their days...not just a free for all.

Tomorrow we have our LAST soccer game of the season! It's the Big One....Championship Game! I'm looking forward to it and to the end of the running around for awhile. Fall will be here before I know it, summer will be over, a new school year beginning and soccer season right behind it, but for now I will embrace the spring and enjoy my kids! Have a Great weekend yall!!

A Week's Summary....

2010-05-11T13:22:00.000-04:00

It's hard to put this past week and half into words, but I'll try. We safely moved our friends to IN, had a blast along the way, made lots of IN memories, prolonged the goodbyes as long as possible and cried most of the way home. That sums it up in a nutshell.

We are struggling to get back into the swing of things here....ok, mommy is struggling more than anyone else. I never thought that I would physically hurt this bad, but I sure do. I've been fighting a headache for 3 days now and today it is a full blown migraine! I keep leaning on scriptures, praying often, thinking of the good times, and holding onto the faith that Jesus will carry me through this time. My prayers have changed from get me through, make us stronger to hurry it up! Hee Hee

Sorry you haven't heard more from me. I'll be back when I'm feeling better. Pray for me, I'm fighting the beast of depression again and right now he's winning, but I know God will heal me in HIS time.

Take time to smell the roses!

2010-04-30T17:28:00.001-04:00

Isn't this the prettiest color rose you have ever seen? It came from my rose bush....my grandmother bought it for me as a birthday gift. Today is my birthday and I found this perfect bloom waiting for me this morning. It made me smile brighter and stand a littler straighter too.

Often I wonder why I can look at things in creation and it makes me feel better. Does that happen to you? This morning as I was walking enjoying the peace and quiet, the serene sound of birds chirping, feeding their young, the waves crashing on the lakeshore, dogs barking in the distance, trees whistling in the wind and the sound of my footsteps along the road, I thought what an awesome God I serve. He created all this that is around me, all that I was enjoying. He knows every bird, animal, person, feather, hair, direction of the wind and waves....and He is not overwhelmed with it all. I have felt every emotion this week with the closing of my dearest friends moving, yet not once was I overwhelmed with it. God has given me a peace that I can't explain, an acception to the fact and blessed me beyond anything I deserve. So I can look around at today and say...THANK YOU GOD for all you have given me, you have blessed me beyond my years.

Have a super great week! I am off to help my friends move, so I'll be offline for about a week! Enjoy the roses! Take time to smell them too!!

Growing Faith...

2010-04-26T18:38:00.001-04:00

I just love spring days when the kids are done with schoolwork and go outside to enjoy creation. Today some of the kids came inside yelling "we found a nest, we found a nest and it has babies, cardinal babies!" Of course I went running.....with my camera! :) Mom cardinal flew out of the nest and bush quickly when we all went outside, but the babies weren't bothered by us a bit! They let me take a few pictures and even posed for me a few times.

I really can't tell you how grateful I am that the Lord lets my kids experience His creation, His design for animals and His kingdom right here in our front yard.

Let our faith grow as these young babes, feeding on HIS word as these babes feed from their mother...let HIM be in our every thought and deed today.

Soccer Star.....

2010-04-24T13:51:00.001-04:00

Time for a brag post! I have to show you my soccer star! She has such a sweet, loving and giving spirit and underneath it all she LOVES soccer!! I am so proud of my firstborn....she is such a blessing to our family and she plays some AWESOME soccer too!! Here are a few photos of my babe playing hard and loving every minute of it! She prefers to play Mid-Field Left or Center, but she will change it up like today and play Forward or Goalie! Enjoy the pictures! I know I sure do.

Fully Restored....

2010-04-22T10:49:00.001-04:00

I don't know where this week has gone, but it certainly flew right by me. Mondays are always busy days for us, but then again, everday is busy! LOL

I had the joy of watching 4 extra girls this week, while my girlfriend packed up the rest of her home for the big move. We had a GREAT time! There were 9 kids in the house and yes, only one of them was a little boy!! My youngest arrow was surrounded by girls, but he loved every minute of it. The youngest babe was 9 1/2 months, she is a doll! My youngest arrow loves having a younger person in the house, he feels older I guess. While he enjoyed being the "big brother" for a few days, my oldest arrow was like an extra set of mom hands. I couldn't have done it without her. During day 2 of our adventure she said, "see mommy, 4 more kids isn't that bad, you could handle it." I stopped dead in my tracks and stared her down....."are you kidding me child?" She replied "hee hee, no, you haven't lost your mind yet, WE could do it." My reply was gentle, but blunt. "There is a HUGE difference in watching 4 extra kids and BIRTHING 4 more kids! Ha Ha" She laughed and we continued with our day without another thought of adding to our brood.

I have to admit, there are days when I think about having more kids, but then the Lord gently reminds me of the blessings I have now. I am so grateful for the Lord entrusting me with 5 of His children (and 1 that is in His care) and I couldn't feel anymore complete than I do at this very moment. What a great and wonderful God to serve. I prayed for this day when I would feel "complete" and no longer desire more children. What an answer to prayer. I would welcome another child if He thought us worthy enough, but I really feel like He and I have a common understanding. : )

So after 2 1/2 days of pure joy with 9 kids I am fully in tact, totally grateful, overwhelmed with love and wondering when I can do it all over again! When I serve the Lord and do everything in His name, He fully restores my soul and gives me unmeasurable blessings!

"The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace." Numbers 6:24-26

Savoring every minute...

2010-04-16T16:14:00.001-04:00

I find myself savoring every minute we have with our friends lately. In the back of my mind, I know this might be the last time we do this, or that, or the last time I could photograph this and that. So yesterday at the park I followed the kids everywhere and snapped lots of photos!

I guess I've been savoring my friends like a sweet dessert, one that you thoroughly enjoy. With every bite you wish there could be just a little bit more. Maybe just one more serving will satisfy your craving. Maybe just another weekend with my friends will make the hurt not hurt so bad or maybe one more playdate will be enough to last until our next visit. The time is going by so fast, it seems like I had a few more months with them, but now the time is near. Only a few more weeks now, then they will be gone. The emptiness is almost too much to bear, but then I have sweet moments like this to treasure and cherish forever.

I feel like this babe....being held in the loving arm of her mother, but I am in the loving arms of my Heavenly Father. He is comforting me, soothing my nerves, swinging me to sleep in the midst of this storm. I can feel His presence and at times I feel peace, but today.......I am anxious for the day is nearing, nearing when they will depart.

So for today, I will continue to savor each and every moment we have together.....taking pictures to cherish forever, making memories with our children, and enjoying life.

O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger. When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet: all flocks and herds, and the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas. O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! Psalm 8

Productivity

2010-04-13T20:47:00.000-04:00

Today was a great day! Productive too! I love days like today. We woke up early, got going and at the end of the evening I can relax! I can smile at all that we were able to pull together. School is done for the day, laundry isn't completely done, but it is manageable and not overflowing, grocery shopping is done, dishes are done, kids are bathed, flowers are planted and watered, dinner was homemade not fast food, and the house is fairly picked up and orderly. Is there a better ending to any day?!

God is so good to supply all our needs. If only I could remember this everyday, my days would be so fulfilling! Hope you had a productive and completely wonderful day too!

He who suppliesseed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing andincrease the harvest of your righteousness. 2 Corinthians 9:10

A Lesson from my daughter

2010-04-11T22:43:00.002-04:00

I learned a lesson tonight from my 11 year old! We were talking about responsibility, maturity and other character qualities. She inquired about earning back "her makeup" privilege. Well, I explained that it wasn't about how many chores she did, it was about showing a level of maturity to wear the makeup. She has always struggled with material things, jewelry, hair styles, shoes and clothes, so we often talk about this subject. But tonight was different.....tonight I learned of something I have taught her by my behavior. There are so many things on my list of sins, but this is one I hadn't even thought of yet! I tried explain(as I often do) that it isn't important how we look, how well we dress, if our hair is just so or if our makeup is on just right. Then I asked this...."do you think I spend too much time worrying with the way I look?" As to which she replied, "well yeah, sometimes." I can't even imagine the look on my face at that answer....."really?" I thought and she quickly gives me an example. "Last night when you said you had an outfit picked out for church, but if you felt bloated in the morning you wouldn't wear it. Remember?" OOOOooooooooohhhhhhh, Yeah I did say that didn't I? In an instant I relaized the sin I had mirrored for my struggling daughter! The apple didn't fall far from the tree. As I realized how right she was and admitted to her of my sin in my behavior, I asked her to help me. I asked for her forgivness and she easily forgave me. I had never thought of my dress, hair and makeup as a stumbling block for her, but they are.....I do spend too much time worried about how I look when I leave the house, or what I look like on Sunday morning. God doesn't care! Those things aren't important! My heart is what God sees....why dress it up? Why parade it around in front of a mirror for Him? He knows the deepest darketst secrets of my heart, and now I see it for its awful wickedness.

As I apologized to my daughter, I looked deep into her big beautiful eyes and I saw them smile back at me. She had no more sadness in her eyes and I asked her, "do you feel better now that we talked?" As to which she replied "oh yes, I feel better now that I know that I'm not struggling alone, mommy." And I kissed her quickly goodnight, and came downstairs to cry. Oh how my heart is grieving for my sin and the sin that I have passed along to my child, but how I rejoice that Jesus paid the price for my sin and He will give strength to us both to fight this sin!

Lord, I thank you for the innocence of children, for childlike faith, bedtime talks and open minded hearts to hear you when you speak through a child. I thank you for using my daughter to speak to me and show me of my guilt within my heart. I ask you to clease me and strengthen me to fight this battle....a battle that you have already won! Praise to the Lord, the Victor over the grave, the Creator and Maker of all things, including me and my daughter. May you grant us both peace and wisdom as we conquer and triumph in Your name! Amen!

Aaaacccchhhoooo.......

2010-04-07T20:49:00.000-04:00

Beautiful Spring....flowers blooming, bees buzzing, birds singing, kids ~~sneezing~~ playing, adults ~~crying sneezing~~ laughing and enjoying creation. Our house is in full bloom, and I'm not talking about flowers...allergies! My poor husband, oldest arrow and youngest arrow are the worst! Our air conditioner is on the fritz, again, so we have all the windows open, fans in the windows, ceiling fans running on high and my counters, tables, chairs and everything is YELLOW!!! I had to wipe down my laptop just to get on and blog! EEEeeeeeeewwwwwww.....

As I spoke to a friend this evening we both shared how we feel as though the pollen this season is awful, more than normal and alot of it! I noticed while driving home yesterday that there was a haze of pollen in the air all around us. It looked as if someone had driven down a dirt road and kicked up all the dirt. Ya know? But we don't live anywhere near dirt roads, it was just the lovely pollen. Hope you all are fairing well inside your pollen free air conditioning! Pray for us!

Enjoy the beauty of creation, the smell of fresh flowers, the sounds of spring and the coolness of your homes and allergy free zones!!! :) Have a Blessed Spring Break Y'all!

Easter Weekend

2010-04-06T10:22:00.003-04:00

Wow....Easter just flew right by us! I missed out on all the things I had hoped to teach and go over with the children, as usual. I don't think I've ever made it through a holiday and taught everything I had on the agenda! LOL

Anyway, we had a wonderful, relaxing and refreshing weekend. Blessed Daddy surprised us and came home very early Friday! That's the nicest start to any weekend! After a fun afternoon with Daddy we had some friends over for dinner and games.....it was just like old times with them. Saturday Daddy had to work for a few hours, so the girls and I went to run a few errands. I had a last minute Easter errand to run, finding a slip! Ugggg.....slips must be a dying artform as well as thank you notes and rsvping, etc. Oh well, after a few hours of shopping and a few stores, I found one that would have to do. I returned home and cooked dinner for the family and then it was early showers, fingernail painting, preparing clothes for church and bedtime. We woke on Sunday to a GLORIOUS Easter morning! It was a wonderful and beautiful day to celebrate the resurrection of our Savior!!!! After worship service we enjoyed fellowship with our church family, then lunch with friends at our home and lots of rest an relaxation that afternoon. Here are a few pictures for you to enjoy!

Focus....

2010-03-29T16:16:00.000-04:00

It's time to focus on next years curriculum choices. I have lots of changes in store for next year. This year has been wonderful, so far. The kids are always so enthusiastic to learn something new and they are getting older, so we need to change the way they study some things. My oldest arrow will be going into 8th grade!!! I can hardly believe she is that big....seems like just yesterday we started this homeschooling adventure and here we are about to start our 7th year. WOW.....time flies.

As I am still reading my book on Homeschooling with a Meek and Quiet Spirit, I am trying to put into work some of the things I have already learned. For example, they suggest bringing in your husband to help with the curriculum choosing. This is an area that I have normally had full control. My husband trusts my choices, although I often go to him first and ask what he thinks. This year however, I will be seeking to do this as a joint praying and decision making process.

Having an almost highschooler in our midst really changes the way you look at curriculum. You want to make sure that her transcripts will look good to whatever college she might applies and you seek to teach them as much as possible before they are "adults." I have to say, I am getting a bit nervous over this one. This is when I have to stop and pray, pray, pray.

The younger children's curriculums won't change all that much other than a few things here and there. I am seeking a new math curriculum for everyone. I've loved using our Teaching Textbooks, but I have also heard recently that they miss quite a bit too. I don't even know where to begin on this one!! Any suggestions? We really enjoy having it on the computer, as I am not great in math and the "new" way of math has me baffled! I could probably get by with teaching it the "old" way, but I'd be doing my kids a disservice when they get older and into higher grades. So, what do you do?

How do you go about choosing your curriculum? Do you follow what your fellow moms are teaching, branch out and go your own path, or do you and your husband pray over and choose wisely? I'm curious to know....so sit a spell and give me your insights. I'm wondering if after 6 years, am I missing something wonderful??? Thanks for sharing!

I'm off to FOCUS, pray and focus on choosing the right curriculum for my uprising highschooler.

Fear.....

2010-03-25T22:53:00.001-04:00

Better days have passed. I still feel the struggle of depression knocking at my door, but there have been a couple better days. Today, while waiting on my eldest arrow to finish her science class, I sat in the car reading a book while the other children played on the playground. I have read this book before and it warranted reading again, since the first time didn't "take" for me. You know those books that are great, full of good information, but you failed to put it into action in your life? Anyway, I am now reading "Homeschooling with a meek and quiet spirit" by Teri Maxwell GREAT book for anyone that wishes to be that calm, soft spoken homeschool mom that doesn't lose her temper every single time something goes wrong. As I was saying, I'm reading it for a 2nd time hoping and praying that something sticks this time.

Today I was reading the chapter on Fear and Worry......ah, this is perfect for me to read. I immediately thought, "the Lord has something to teach me today....wake up, pay attention, don't let anything distract you." As I read this chapter I see so much of what I am facing. FEAR is taking over my emotions, fear is trying to run my life, but fear is NOT OF GOD!! Then I read these bible verses that I already know, but they finally start to click in my mind and my heart starts to respond.

For God gave usa spirit not of fear butof power and love and self-control. 2Timothy 1:7

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5

Finally I think I'm understanding, you mean if I stop worrying over every little detail of friendships, school, relationships, and church and PRAY....hand it over to God, He will direct my path? And I will show my children that there is joy in Godly obedience???!!! OK....I think I'm getting this! Finally, I feel some relief. I don't control everything, although I would like to, but God controls it all. I can rely on Him to help me be a better teacher to my kids, He will provide friends, and He will care for every need. Wow...what a wonderful, loving and merciful God I serve because He knows, I will try, but I will also fail.

Lord Jesus, may I hold dear these teachings you had for me today. Make them new to me everyday, write them on my heart forevermore, and may I truly take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ!! Amen.

I have known these truths for so long, but today they feel fresh and new. Isn't it wonderful to know that God has so much for us to learn from His word, even when we think we already know so much?! I love it! I can't believe there are people out there that say the bible is outdated and does not teach us anything about today. Oh how sad and wrong those people are and I pray that they would turn from their ways and see His glory!

Lonesome.....

2010-03-23T14:49:00.003-04:00

Yesterday it finally hit me.....and hit me HARD. In bible study we were talking about friendships....everyone was sharing how special it is to have those friends that you share everything with and you act yourself around. You know the ones I'm talking about. The friends that know you better than anyone, almost as well as your spouse. They are kindred spirits, bosom buddies as Anne of Green Gables would say, they see your feelings without words. They love you unconditionally, with all your faults, they pray for you, they are truthful even when it hurts, they make you laugh until your stomach hurts, and they cry with you when you are hurting. It's not easy to find kindred spirits like this, it takes much work, vulnerability, and patience.

I have been blessed with wonderful friendships in my adulthood, not so much in my younger years, but definitely in the past 12 years. I have been given friendships that come and go, and now I am facing friends that literally go and move. This is a first for me. I mean, yes people I know have moved away, but this is the first one that HURTS!! In December a dear friend and her family announced they are moving to Ecuador to be missionaries and about a month ago my closest and best friend found they had to move to Indiana. Really???? Two of my closest friends in 4 months!!!?? Are you kidding me?

Let me give you a little background to why this is such a big deal. Fifteen years ago I was a working, newly married woman and only 22 years old. My friends were literally girlfriends of my husbands friends and a couple coworkers. These were only "party friends" we didn't get very close or share a lot of secrets. These were not friends that I would call or go to with a problem. Then my husband and I joined a new church, they searched out a pastor and he moved his family here to my town. I fell in love with this family right away. They had 1 child and she was adorable!! Not long after getting to know this family did we find out we were expecting our first blessed child and our pastor's wife was expecting her 2nd child!!! We shared our pregnancies together and gave birth to our babes only 1 week apart!! I was so blessed to share this with her and I was so grateful that the Lord had provided me a confidante to help me in the new stage of my life/motherhood. As you can guess our babies have grown to be best friends and are now 13 years old! I have endured so much with this family....births of children, miscarriage, death, divorce, remarriage, and salvation of family and friends. As you can see, this family is very near and dear to me. Now after 15 years of knowing them, they are moving on to a new adventure. God is calling them to be missionaries! How wonderful is that???!!! However, after finding out they were moving I didn't let myself accept that they were leaving. They left the church in December, but aren't moving until May. I just knew I was going to spend every waking minute I could taking in her wisdom, sharing dinners, sharing our kids and just enjoying each others company as long as I could. Well, don't you know, life goes on and I haven't spent hardly anytime with their family. They are busy with packing, school, activities for their children, getting their house ready to sell, and a list of other things.....as well as our own family busyness. So we haven't spent as much time together as I would have liked. So....here I sit today, SAD......Lonesome, missing my friend and her family.

Now, that's just one family. There's another wonderful family that I have opened my heart to in the past 2 years. They moved here 2 years ago and I met them at church. It was at a time in my life when I didn't like to step out of my comfort zone.....I didn't like greeting people I didn't know, but someone had asked me to reach out to this family since they were new and they home schooled. I finally got up the nerve to say hello and I am so glad that I did! God was putting an opportunity in my lap and I almost passed it up!! I can't even explain to you the connection I felt right away to this family. It was INSTANT! Love at first site! LOL At the time we met them I had no idea that they would change my life forever!!!!!! She has helped me be a better mom and teacher to my kids, she has sparked my love for sewing again, she has inspired me to be healthier, she inspires me to be better organized, she sparked my love for blogging and she helped me grow spiritually!!! God really put her family in my life right when I needed them the most. There are other reasons they are so special, but not enough words or space to blog about it. About a month ago her husband was laid off and had to find work.......well, God is taking them to Indiana!!! Just when I was enjoying them the most and really loving having them around, they have to move. I know they have been here only 2 years, but I feel as though I have known them forever.

See......these 2 families have touched my life so much that I don't think I can go on without them. I'm struggling to stay afloat. I feel like I'm drowning in my own tears of saddness. After battling 9 years of depression and finally conquerring it 3 months ago, I'm scared!! I don't want to slip into the pit of darkness that I lived in for so long. These 2 women gave me hope, love, light, and showed me that there is life to be enjoyed....it's mine for the taking! Will I be able to brush this feeling off and move forward? Will I find another friend or confidante? I know that God has provided these families to begin with and He will provide again.....BUT, will my heart be willing to open back up to another journey?? It's not easy to find friends like I have with me now. I guess for now I have to be patient and wait, but man, am I lonesome.

Past......

2010-03-22T16:03:00.001-04:00

Today in our bible study we spoke about our past. This really hit home for me. I often think of the mistakes I have made in my past and whether or not I have learned or been forgiven of them. Am I still living in the past? Have I learned and moved forward? Have I forgiven and forgotten or am I still stuck in unforgiveness.

Our past is our history...if we don't learn from our past then it will repeat itself. I, for one, don't need to repeat my many mistakes. Do you? The past is not where we are to live, but where we should learn. I have had friends that hold on so tightly to their pasts that it totally defines them, they live it out day to day and this breaks my heart. The patterns keep repeating themselves over and over. Their children, though young, hold onto these truths that they have been taught at such a young age. I agree that we must learn from our past, but living it day to day is not good for anyone. God actually calls us to put it behind us.

Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal forthe prize of the upwardcall of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14

We must trust God to do the things He has said. He can and will restore us, if only we would seek Him first. If we don't choose to leave the past behind, what will we teach the next generations? The pattern of living in the past and holding onto it will continue unless we choose to break it now! My past is not who I am today....my past is behind me, I am grateful for the Saving Grace of Jesus to have changed me! Lord, I pray that you will continue to change me and mold me into your image, your calling upon my life. May we not live in the past, but look to the wonderful future of praising you day after day.

"Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?" Isaiah 43:18-19

God's Calling....

2010-03-18T16:48:00.001-04:00

Where oh where have I been?? I don't even know myself. It's been a crazy week, I can tell you that. Lots going on and there never seems to be enough time for me and my blog. It's always the last thing to get my attention. Sorry for anyone that was wondering if we are ok. We are GREAT, just busy little bees.

Several weeks ago I spoke to some women at my church about being too busy to listen to God's calling on our lives. I prayed so hard that I would learn from what the Lord was teaching me. It was a hard week, busy trying to prepare to leave 2 little ones behind while I took the older kids on a field trip, leaving my husband behind as well. I wanted the house to be comfortable for him while we were gone, the clothes to be clean, kids to be well taken care of, even if I wasn't providing all the care. I was often too busy to stop and pray, stop and listen to God speaking to me in the midst of it all. Do you ever get that way?

Well, I sure don't want my kids to remember me always being "busy" for everyone else. I mean, being busy for the Lord is great, busy with church is awesome, but too busy for my kids is a big NO, no! It makes me ask myself, "what kind of legacy do I want to leave?" What do or will my kids remember about me? Was mom always on the computer? Too busy to read a book with them? On the phone too much to see to my scraped knees? Too busy with household chores to notice I was lonely and needed a friend? Or will they remember the things I want them to?? Mom stopped everything to tend to my scrapes and tears. She read me books over and over even though I had them memorized. She prayed for me when I felt worrisome over schoolwork or friends. Do they know that I pray for their futures? Do they know I pray over them? Do they even know that I pray?

I have been trying to spend more "time" with my kids, doing more fun things with them, putting aside the laundry, the hustle and bustle of the day. I struggle with this so much, there is so much being neglected, but for now....My kids are NOT neglected, they are More important to me than a load of clean clothes or dishes. So, forgive me when I don't blog everyday or every other day, or even for a week. It's because God has a bigger plan for me, He has more to offer me through the real world than this blogoshpere. He gave me 5 precious children to mold in His image, His likeness, show His love, teach His ways and I am choosing to obey His calling on my life. I pray you are listening to His call on you as well.

He's calling.....do you hear?? Will you listen? Blessings to you all!

Purging....

2010-03-09T13:01:00.002-05:00

Yep, upon returning from our trip to Virginia I started purging clothes, toys and other unnecessary knickknacks. You know why, when you visit a place like Williamsburg and you think of the little that the colonial people had, then compare it to the "stuff" we have today.....well, it makes you want to purge. OK...at least me.

Why and How do we collect so much stuff? When will it ever stop? I thought I had done a good job of keeping the "stuff" to a minimum, but apparently I was deceived. I have done a pretty good job here lately of keeping up with the kids stuff, but this past weekend we took 10 bags of kids clothes, shoes and toys to the Christian Mission. Of course that doesn't include the large load of trash my husband had to take to the dump of things not worthy of donation (broken toys, stained clothes, mismatched shoes). While purging does seem to do my mind good, it always aches my body. It takes me days to recover from things like this, or maybe that just the vacation. :) Whatever the case, I am resting. Resting in the arms of my Savior to strengthen me again to continue the work He has called me to do.

But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. 2 Timothy 4:17

Super Fun Field Trip!

2010-03-06T18:04:00.001-05:00

Whew....we had the best time in Jamestown, Yorktown and Williamsburg. I don't know that my oldest 3 arrows have ever walked that much, but wow it was great! I learned so much while we were there and I pray that my girls did too. It was a great effort to get us all there, but God was gracious in our travels, we arrived safely and had a wonderful time while learning so much about our country and exactly how this "new world" all got started. If you ever have a chance to go, I must say, TAKE IT! It is definately a must see kind of place. To be there and see, touch, feel, walk and talk all where our founding fathers did was amazing! Words just can't describe it. Breath Taking! I can't even begin to sum it up for you, but I will leave you with a slideshow of our trip. We took over 300 pictures, but I downsized to the best of the best for you all. ENJOY! I will be back to my regular blogging this week. I needed a few days to recover from such a wonderful trip.

The pictures start in Jamestown, then go to Yorktown and end in Williamsburg. ENJOY!

Toooo exhausted....

2010-02-26T22:56:00.002-05:00

I am just tooo tired to fill you in on this past week, but oh so much has happened! I will try to fit in a blog post tomorrow after my womens "coffee and conversation" at church. I had school to teach, children to get to soccer, some had to babysit away from home, go to the store, catch up the laundry, prepare for an all day field trip for today, more laundry for an impromtu trip to WILLIAMSBURG, VA!! We are overflowing with JOY over this one. I will fill you tomorrow!! Oh yeah, and pictures!! Lots of pictures to come too from our trip today!

Oh the deep....

2010-02-24T14:51:00.001-05:00

All week I have been singing this song. As a member of the praise team at our church, we introduced this song during the offertory. I LOVE IT! It's my new favorite!! "Oh the Deep, Deep Love" by Bob Kauflin (this is a youtube video, please don't hold me responsible for the ads or comments) This song is an old hymn, but only put to new music. How beautiful!!! I can't tell you what a saving grace it has been for me after this weekend and past few days, I am truly leaning on the words of this song. "Oh the deep deep love, all I need and trust is the deep deep love of Jesus!" How true!

The old me would have been deep in a pit of depression by now and yesterday I was fighting it for sure, but today I stand triumphed in His Glory and resting upon Jesus for every breath! Last night Blessed Daddy and I had to tell our girls that their "BESTEST friends" are moving to Indiana! It never seems to matter how much you prepare for these moments, you are never prepared. I have had awhile to let this sink in, but it felt like hearing it for the first time. How my hurt is aching and rejoicing at the same time. I know that the bond of our friendship is strong and can withstand this distance, but trying to convince my kids of this is something different. My middle arrow didn't take the news really well, she is so tender. The Second Oldest Arrow was quiet, she is hurting on the inside. My youngest girl arrow is too young to understand, but I will always hate to see my kids sad and hurting. This is a wonderful song to help heal us!

Oh the deep, deep love of Jesus
Far Surpassing all the rest
It's an ocean full of blessing
In the midst of every test
Oh the deep, deep, love of Jesus
Mighty Savior, precious Friend
You will bring us home to glory
Where Your love will never end

I am taking great comfort in these words. His love surpasses all the rest, no one can love us the way He does. In the midst of every trial, test, and season HE is the one there to carry us through, lending His shoulder for us to cry on, wiping the tears from our faces. Oh Father, how I am leaning and trusting in these words today! Thank you Dear Lord, for hearing me in my cries and offering mercy and love to me.

Here's the question I pose to you today, Will you trust in His Deep Love? I certainly pray you do!

Freshness...

2010-02-22T17:00:00.001-05:00

Ahh, the freshness of a new week and all the potential it has, isn't it great? ~~Oh sorry, did you hear the sarcasm in my typing? Hee Hee~~ Really, Mondays are turning out to be pretty great. I get to start it off with a weekly bible study, prayer and meeting with other women. Sounds good, right? It is all those things and more. It's when I see that the laundry is neglected from the weekend, the house is a wreck from our "no chores on weekends," the dishes are waiting for someone to tend to them, the floors need tending from all the many feet in and out all weekend, the kids rooms need a bit more "mom clean" perspective. You know, all the joys of having a big household. I love every minute of it too. : )

Speaking of freshness.....as you can see, I've been playing with some layouts and pictures. A friend tried to teach me how to make my own blog banner, but the text wasn't working out so well for us, so you see what we ended up with. I LIKE IT! I just wish I could get the words to line up better, like I had it yesterday. So, please forgive the "remodeling" of the blog and feel free to tell me what you like or dislike! Comments are always welcome! I enjoy knowing who's reading! :)

Happy Monday Yall!

He is my supply....

2010-02-20T20:13:00.002-05:00

Ahhhhhh.....when I look back at the post from yesterday I wonder where did that depressed lady go? God is so good and I thank you for your prayers! He heard and I felt them indeed. So, thank you again and if you have no idea what I am talking about then be grateful and let's move on. LOL

I began attending a bible study on Monday morning and I believe that these past few days were a test to see what I had learned and if I would use my new skills. I am happy to say that I GREW!! I feel like I handled them better than I would have a week ago, but I still have lots of improving. (Don't we all!?) Anyway, I prayed more and looked for God's desire in the situation and I am so thankful for His quick answer. He has equipped me with a better grasp on my faith and a deeper prayer life than before. It's a good thing, cause I'm gonna need it!

Because.....This morning I got some news that really saddened me, but also brought me joy too. Sounds really weird, I know, but a friend told me that she is pretty sure they are moving away and soon. Now normally this would cause me GREAT anguish, but I felt such a peace. You see, this friendship is totally based on God's love! I feel that a friendship that is built on His foundation and in His Love can get through anything. So no matter how many miles are between us, we will forever be friends. She has been such a blessing to me, I can't imagine life without her here, but I am so happy that God has answered their prayers. Her husband recently lost his job, his position was eliminated, so he has been unemployed for about a week! Talk about a quick answer to prayer, a week later he has a wonderful offer for a new job. All this to say that, even though I am saddened in the flesh, I am rejoicing in God's goodness and love. Indeed He gives and takes away, He supplies our every need, and He strengthens us with His great love!

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Phillipians 4:19

Seeking God's will in the middle of strife.

2010-02-19T13:21:00.001-05:00

That title says it all, or just about all. How do you seek His will when you hurt? How do you know when His will is being done and your own will is not overshadowing His? I know I am to pray, read His word and seek Him.......I have tried to do those things, but I still hurt, I'm still confused. Will He have to hit me over the head? Does He do that? Too many questions and too many hours in the day for me to wonder!

I will continue to seek His will, I will continue to pray for wisdom, but for now my heart is broken. Will you pray for me? I know you don't know what is going on and that's ok.....God does. He knows all, sees all and I fully believe that He will supply all I need, but every prayer helps! Right?

Thanks!

But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.

Deuteronomy 4:29

An Evening Out......

2010-02-18T08:48:00.001-05:00

Ahhhh....a peaceful evening out for a few hours, but sadly not with my husband! I met with some homeschooling girlfriends for dinner last night and it was so refreshing! We really didn't talk much about our homeschools, but we did get a glimpse into the "real" women that we are apart from teaching. You know sometimes its nice to know more about your friends and not just the things you have in common. I was surprised by so many things that were shared, but more impressed with the way each lady handled themselves in each situation. I have a much greater respect for each of them and now I know a little bit more about who they are and how God has used them. It was a wonderfully enlightening evening!

Although my dear husband was at home watching our precious children (and a few extra), I did so enjoy the time away, but missed him dearly. I wish there were ways to find time away with him. It seems that we never make time to go anywhere just the 2 of us. We are always too busy serving the other one that we forget to serve our marraige. Surely someday we will see that we need to stop serving each other with restful times away from the children and chaos of our lives to realize we need some time together.

Change

2010-02-15T17:36:00.001-05:00

Another Monday, ahhhhh, the wonder of a new week and the contemplating all that goes with it. Will it be a good week? Will it linger on forever? Will I accomplish all I have set for the week? Will we get our schoolwork done? Will I get time for coffee with friends? So many questions, yet no answers.

Mondays are such a tough day for me. Its the second day of the week, but it feels like the beginning. Mondays my husband goes back to his work week, we are back to our school grind, and I am back to dragging my kids here and there for this and that. Ahhhhh....the busyness of the week begins on Monday, that must be why it feels like the beginning. Right? I mean, Sunday is the start of the week, but it is so relaxing and worshipful it doesn't feel like work.

Mondays seems to be when the chaos begins, at least for me. However, I have found a peace about my weeks over the last 3 weeks! What has changed you ask, I am attending a women's Bible study at my church. Let me tell you, all that talk about spending time wtih God will improve your life, improve your outlook, improve your marraige, is RIGHT! I've heard of this thing called "God time" or "quiet time with the Lord" but it never seemed to happen in my hectic day(s), week(s), month(s) or year(s). Until this year, when I finally chose to listen to the calling God has for me. I chose to listen to Him telling me to change. Hey You, its time to change your body! Hey You, its time to get healthy! Hey You, I want to spend more time with you! Hey You, why don't you Pray about that question? Hey You, I'm here anytime you need me....will you look for me? Finally I decided to listen, I decided to ask, I decided to pray, I decided to let Him change me. What a wonderful God we serve that He desires us to be like Him! He created us in His image, so of course He wants us to live like Him!

Will you let Him change YOU?????!!!!

Create in me a clean heart, O God,and renew a right spirit within me. Psalm 51:10

Saying goodbye....

2010-02-13T12:28:00.001-05:00

It's so hard to say goodbye, isn't it? I said goodbye to "Facebook" today, but it feels so good! I have spent entirely too much time on there and my poor eyes have seen things that only bring me down. I need to focus more on the good, the will of God, the do's He has in store for me. So as I say goodbye to facebook, I am saying "Here I am Lord," "Yes, I am listening." I hope to have more time to pray and be in God's word, more time for my husband, more time for my kids, more time to blog and sew, more time for the good things in life. It feels so right to say no to the things in life that bring me down, why can't I say no to more things? What about facebook was so hurtful and convicting to me? That I can't answer, I don't know. Something was just unsettling about it and after a year of it, it was time to cut it loose. So today I chose to say "Yes" when the Lord called me and tomorrow I pray I do the same. Maybe He is calling me to clean up my body and heart now that I've tried so hard to clean up my house! LOL Maybe after all these years there is still hope for me. Thank you Jesus.

"And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you.
Psalm 39:7

Inches are melting away........

2010-02-10T10:43:00.002-05:00

Melting I'm telling you and NO, I am not talking about the snow we had last week!!! I am over a month into my new lifestyle and loving it! Today I decided that I needed to check the measurements instead of just relying on the scale, however, the scale is still going in my favor! The inches are a real eye opener to me! I have lost 3 1/4" in my waist, bust and hips!!!!!!!! I lost 4 1/2" in my THIGH alone and 6.61% weight loss!!! WOW!!!
I strongly encourage you to sit back and evaluate your eating habits, exercise habits and see if God is calling you to change. He was calling me for a few years now, but I finally listened this time. I am thankful for His patience with me. I can't sit back and think about what if I had listened so long ago, I can only be grateful to hearing Him now and Him changing my heart. Truly the power of the Holy Spirit is convicting and when we heed to Him, we will see His face! Thank you Lord Jesus for your patience with me, for loving me unconditionally and giving me this newfound love for myself. It is a gift that only you can give!

So?? How will you choose to live today? Will you listen to the knocking at your heart and open the door? I promise if you do, you will NOT regret a day!

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. Revelation 3:20

Projects for today

2010-02-01T17:27:00.001-05:00

So, the older kids played outside in the snow most of the day. I gave them a "project" for school. They were instructed to build an igloo. First the attempted to scoop out snow from a mound and make an igloo cave, so to speak. Next I instructed them to a block type igloo. So, off they went and upstairs I went while the younger babes were still napping.

Ahhhh, it feels so good to accomplish a task for the day. Don't you think? Today I wanted to get some sewing done. I have a number of projects cut and ready to sew, I just wasn't in the "mood" to do them. Last week I had read a few other bloggers that were making camera straps for their cameras. I thought, what a fabulous idea! I could have a stylish, yet comfy strap on while I take pictures....so I did it! I made my very own!!

YAY me, of course, I realize that it is very "girly" but the camera was a gift for ME, from my hubby. I have material cut and ready to make him one too, if he complains about the flowery print. It is much softer and nicer to wear now with the minky dot material on my neck. Also it is completely removeable!

On to the next project for today, making a camera wristlet case for my 11 yr old arrows new camera that she got for Christmas. She is having so much fun taking pictures, but she needed something to keep it in.

I think it is just her style, don't you? She loves music, wants to play guitar and piano, wants to be a "rock star" so I thought the fabric was perfect for her.

For the straps I used a ribbon. It is lined and has a pocket on the outside/back as well. It is so cute! I think I may have to find someone else that needs a camera case, just so I can make another! It was fun and it only took me about an hour to complete.

Here's a sneak peek of the inside! Bright Orange, because it reminds me of her firey red/orange hair! She's such an outgoing gal!! Love you sweetness! Hope you enjoy your new camera case.

BTW, the igloo cave collapsed!! So, I guess they learned that building with brick type stones is stronger than just scooping out dirt from a mound. :)

Will you love??

2010-01-30T19:35:00.003-05:00

Ahhh....the peace of freshly fallen snow. Isn't it beautiful? It started snowing here late yesterday afternoon as I drove the 2 oldest arrows to their sleepover at a friends house. Earlier yesterday we made sure to pack extra clothing just in case the snow actually arrived and they needed to stay an extra evening. Well, I'm sure the children must have been ceaselessly praying because we awoke this morning to 6" of snow here in our town. The town where they are got at least 4". They are having a blast at their friends and I am missing them terribly.

The youngest 3 arrows woke early and wanted to play in the snow. "Let's make a snowman!" The snow is too fluffy for that, it doesn't pack well at all, it kinda crumbles. So that didn't work. Our youngest arrow lasted only a few minutes before screaming his head off!! He had had enough and wasn't taking it anymore. In his defense, it was still sleet/snowing, the wind was blowing and it was cold out there! We sent him inside while the youngest girl arrow decided to sled down the driveway with Daddy pulling her. Well needless to say, 2 times and she was done and ready to go inside.

After getting the younger ones settled inside, I continued to take some pictures of the beauty surrounding us. I am always so amazed at the snow, I mean think about it. Every single snowflake is different!!!! No two are alike. I can't even begin to imagine how that is possible, can you? There is 6 inches of snow in my yard, all over my neighborhood, all over the town I live in, surrounding towns, up to surrounding states!!!! And NO TWO SNOWFLAKES ARE ALIKE!!!!!!! What an awesome Creator we have, how immeasurable His love for us. He shows us His divine power through His creation and we see it everyday, but do we stop to think about it? Really? I often see, feel and experience these "God Moments" or "God Thing" and I am still constantly in awe of Him and all He does. Are you?

Another thing I am in awe over is the way that God has provided for me throughout my life, whether I professed to be His child or not. He has always cared for me, loved me and molded me to be the woman He wants me to be. I am forever grateful and indebted to Him.

Today marks a very special day for me and my husband. It was 17 years ago today that we were united and made into ONE. I married my best friend, my soul mate, my help meet, my lover and friend. At the ripe age of only 19 I thought I knew everything and I thought there was no way I could love anyone more than I loved my new husband on that day. God has grown me in so many ways. Not only do I love my husband more today than that day, but my heart has been blessed to love 5 Blessed and Earthly children and 1 Heavenly Child I have waiting. I can't explain the love that one has for a spouse, but I can

tell you that it is far beyond anything you could ever dream or wish for. These little beings have been given to me to care for, mold, instruct in the way of the Lord, guide to know Him, and protect as best as I can. How can your heart hold so much love for one person, let alone 6 more???? Only God can fill your heart and make it stretch. I don't feel by any means that my heart is stretched to its max.....I have sooo much more to give, My Savior, my husband, my children, my family and my friends. Oh how grateful I feel today to have been blessed beyond all measure.

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every familyin heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and may have strength to height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all grounded in love, comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:14-19

So I leave you all with this question. How are you loving? Are you loving to your fullest extent or are you with holding from your Creator? Will you not give to Him freely the love He has promised you, that He gave you in the first place? I will choose to LOVE today and always.

Happy Anniversary My Love. Thank you for 17 wonderful years together and May the God Peace grant us many more years together! I LOVE YOU!

Still Going...

2010-01-27T12:33:00.002-05:00

Ahhhh....we've been so busy that I haven't blogged in some time. Sorry! As you can see from the ticker above, we are doing well on our "goal" for this year! 2 1/2 weeks into our lifestyle change I have lost 15 pounds. I'm happy with that and hoping for more loss when I get back into my workout routine.

I recently implemented a schedule for all of us and it is working out wonderfully!!! I have heard less whinning and groaning from the children, less fighting, more fun times and more extra time as well. I'm amazed at how much of my time was wasted on little things. The kids have adjusted quite well to the new schedule, except the teenager of course!! She doesn't like getting up so early, but she is trucking along with the rest of us and I am so proud of her and the other children. I knew I was blessed, but with these new endeavors of late they are being real troopers and doing GREAT!

I hope to blog more often and keep my weightloss updated every week. Some weeks there may not be a change, but that's ok, at least I have somewhere and someone(s) to keep me accountable! Thanks for the support everyone!

The truth will.....

2010-01-16T21:49:00.001-05:00

Some days are better than others. My days start out really great, overly excited, energized, and then they slowly peak after about 5pm. Wonder why? Is it the calm before the storm? Am I using up all the energy I have for the day too early? What am I doing wrong?? How many times have I said I? There......something about that word strikes a chord!

Maybe I'm not giving my all to God?! Ahhhhhh, the truth hurts! Me, me, me, me, isn't that what life is about? OOOhhhhhh No, it's not. Its about God and all He has given me, blessed me, entrusted me with and I turn it all around everytime! When will I learn? When? How can I change?

Thankfully I serve a Loving God that knew long before that I would be a hopeless, wretched sinner and He gave me a pathway to Him, through Christ. Lord, today I pray that you would strengthen me, uplift me when I feel so down and like I can't go on, carry me through, so that I might remember to Praise you for all you have given me. May I glorify You through all you have entrusted me with and blessed me with. May you hear my words Lord and may they be true, Amen.

New Year.....New ??????

2010-01-11T16:54:00.001-05:00

A new year...a new me! I am ready for some change...how about yall? I do not normally do "new year resolutions," however, this year I am making goals for myself. First on the list was a new hair cut!! I opted instead to get a perm, first one in 23 years. So far I am in TOTAL love with it and it's so easy to style, just wash and go! Next on the list is to get Healthy again. Hubby and I started together this time. I don't have much success when I go it alone, so my darling better half is helping me. We have started with our diets first, eating better, etc and next is to add exercise.

I hope to keep you all updated on the "goals" for this year and help you to keep up with the family as well. What better way to update than with pictures!? So, here you go, the months of December and Jan in a nutshell! ENJOY!

Our First Attempt

2009-11-11T16:07:00.001-05:00

I thought I would share with you our first attempt at getting some decent Christmas card pictures. Of course, I went on a bright sunny day, the sun was so bright all the kids are squinting or half their faces are shadowed! Ugggg....why is it so hard to get 5 kids and the perfect picture? Oh well, enjoy!

With alot of help from Photoshop I salvaged some of them.

Happy Reformation Day....

2009-11-04T18:02:00.001-05:00

A little late, but better late than never! : ) Here are some pictures of our little ones. They decided to dress up this year and the 2 oldest girls got to "trick or treat" for the first time. We normally attend a Fall Festival at some local churches, but they didn't have them this year, so we decided to stay home (and dry and warm).

Hope you enjoy!

Princess Middle Arrow and Sleeping Beauty

Aren't they cute?

Sleeping Beauty wanted to show off her curls in the back.

True to form.....Sleeping Beauty fell asleep while waiting for trick or treaters. Poor thing. She didn't miss anything though, we didn't have anyone! :( Unless you count our oldest 2 girls and their friends....so we had 5 trick or treaters!

Here's BUZZ Lightyear to the rescue!!!!! He is the cutest little thing!

Pictures of the oldest 2 girls will have to wait until I get them from their friends. We didn't get any of them, since they were soaked by the time they came here. Hopefully I can get some fresh pictures of them before they went out that night.

Our Soccer Champ

2009-10-21T16:27:00.001-04:00

Harmony Wildfire Soccer 2009

Wild fire on 3...1, 2, 3...WILDFIRE

All Star Soccer Champ Number 30, Oldest Arrow

OUCH....first collision of the night and not the last

Whew...she was working hard last night. I don't know how you can be outside sweating when it is 58 degrees outside. All of us on the sidelines were cold.

Look at that control of the ball.

She truly has a love for soccer

She totally went after that ball!! The ball just bounced off of her and then she went after it! I am so proud of my girl!! She is doing so well and loving every minute of it.

Giver of Life...............

2009-10-14T14:03:00.001-04:00

This weekend I had the privelege of going on a women's retreat with some wonderful women from my church. There were 8 of us, including a precious 3 1/2 month old baby, that attended the entire weekend. The speaker was Great and she had such a sweet spirit that shined everywhere she went. She shared with us about leaving a life-giving legacy and what that means. How are we as mortals, life-givers? Isn't God the only one that gives life and takes it away? As women we are bearers of God's image, we are made in His image and isn't God a life-giver? In order to give life, we must be willing to be a HELP and better understand what it means to be a HELPer.

H=hedge of protection
E=empathizer
L=lifter
P=preserver of life and hope

A hedge of protection simply means offering a safe place for others to come into. Do you feel as though others can trust you? Do you give off the feeling that people can share with you and feel protected? An empathizer needs to try and understand where someone is coming from. Can you try and remember what it was like as a teen, or a young adult, to be single, divorced, or struggling in a marriage? At least try to understand what someone else is going through even if you haven't yourself experienced it. Be a lifter.....lifting others in prayer, lifting their spirit when they are sad or down. Just giving off a smile instead of a sour face can lift someone else's darkest day. Are you lifting others? Be a preserver of life......give hope for the future generations. In order to preserve life we must share the good news of Christ! It is our calling form the Lord! The next generation is all we have left...if they don't know of Christ how will the good news be told???

Where are you today? Are you giving hope, life, and preserving the future? Our speaker posed this question to us...............If God plucked you out of your family, would anyone notice? Would you be missed? If God plucked you out of your church, would anyone notice? Would you be missed? If God plucked you out of your neighborhood, would anyone notice? Would you be missed? I'm sure that many of us mothers feel like our families would certainly notice and miss us, but what about our churches? Are there ministries that would notice you were no longer there? Are there neighbors that would wonder about you? Would they miss your sweet spirit? Your trust? Or would life go on without a hitch?

Today I am trying to live my life as a HELPer, an image bearer of Christ, and encourager, a lifter, a preserver. How then, will you live yours?

So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us. 1 Thessalonians 2:8

Retreat.............

2009-10-09T10:26:00.001-04:00

Sorry it's been so long. You know life with 5 kids is never boring and there is always much to do! We have been on field trips, to soccer practices and games, catching up on well checks, getting eye glasses fitted correctly, homeschooling and living the good life. God is good! All the time!

Today I am leaving for a women's retreat!! I am excited and sad. I am looking forward to the time with my Lord, but I will miss my family too. My dearest husband is such a blessing. He is taking over the mom duties and taking all the kids to 3 soccer games this weekend.....all so I can go relax, learn, and get closer to God. I will not say I don't need this break, but I wish he had the same oppurtunity.....he needs a man retreat. : ) I will return on Sunday and look forward to hearing all the fun things that the kids get to do with Daddy....you know they will do something spectacular!

To my Hubby....thank you with all my heart! I am blessed beyond all measure to have such a Godly Husband, Friend and Father for our children! I thank God for you, I pray for you daily, and I love you more than you will ever know. THANK YOU for allowing me this oppurtunity!!

Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! Psalm 34:8

How will you live your day?

2009-09-24T10:52:00.002-04:00

It is so fun to watch a child discover something for the first time. I watch my son and I often find it intriging to see his wonder at things. I can see he is going to be a hands on learner. He learns more by experience than instruction....much like me. I love to read God's word, but it doesn't really sink in until I touch it, feel it or experience it. How about you?

There are many days when I wonder, did I live my day to glorify God or did I just get through the day? I don't know about you, but I have way too many get through the days. I am trying to learn to experience God's word in my life. Live it! How will you live your day? Will you Glorify God or just get by?

I am choosing today to bless the Lord with my praise, living the day for Him and not myself.

One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. Psalm 27:4

Apples and Fall

2009-09-23T09:50:00.002-04:00

Yesterday was our Apple Orchard Field trip....we had so much fun! I can't explain to you the amount of fun, so I dedided to let the pictures do the talking for me today....ENJOY!!!

Pink Lady Apples

Arkansas Black Apples

My Blessed Arrows

Yummy Apple!!!

Her first taste of apple cider.

Our Homeschool Group that attended with us. We were also the first tour of the season for this orchard....they got a late start this year due to a hail storm earlier in the year. It was an honor to be the first and so much fun too!

Beautiful Sunfowers surrounded us in the maze.

A Sunflower maze.....this was a first for me. FUN!

He was happy to find the end!!

Our picnic lunch with friends! After lunch the kids played on the playground for an hour! Then we packed up and went shopping in the little store they had there. We got some yummy treats to try, apples for cooking, blackberry jam, apple butter and a few mums for outside. All in all it was a wonderful day. It was such lovely weather...we really felt like Fall had finally arrived.

Who says its Womans Work?

2009-09-19T12:08:00.001-04:00

Whoever said that doesn't know my family or know my son! : ) He was happy to help out with the cleaning up today.

He is looking at himself to see what a handsome guy he is and his sister is saying "yeah, yeah, we know."

He and his sister did a wonderful job helping everyone with our weekend chores. :) I love how everyone works together to get it done.

Big sis is always close by to lend her helping ~~hand~~ spray too.

While everyone else works together, this one sneaks off to clean alone! I think she has learned from mommy, that ~~most times~~ sometimes you get done quicker without the "helpers."

Early Day....

2009-09-16T16:46:00.001-04:00

Today started off much earlier than our normal days. My Middle arrow and I got up for an early walk. We walked 2 miles and it felt GREAT! After we arrived home my oldest 2 arrows went for their run. They ran 4 miles today! Show offs! :) That's ok....slow and steady I always say. After a fast paced morning the afternoon kinda hit a lull and we all got really tired. So while the boy was sleeping, I layed down with my youngest girl arrow and watched Rapunzel with her. The girls were all finishing up their schoolwork and eventually were able to join us.

I ask you, is there anything sweeter than 5 beautiful kids piled on your bed watching a movie with you?!! I love these kind of days. Now it is time for dinner, soccer practice and praise team practice....ahhh, the busyness never ends.

The eyes have it....

2009-09-15T20:47:00.001-04:00

Today was an early day, but a successful one. My second oldest arrow and I had eye doctor appointments. We loaded up the van and everyone went with us. What is it about an office full of glasses makes your kids go nuts thinking they have to try on every pair!!?? LOL The younger ones were putting on glasses that were bigger than their heads. It was so funny. After our exams, finding that my daughter and I have a very similar eye design, we went to pick out new frames. She has had her glasses for 2 years now and I thought she was due for a new frame. I can 't wait for her new glasses to come...they are so cute! Very fashionable and colorful. They also make her look older.

Here is a picture of her old glasses...they have lost their pretty pink shine.

I will post a new picture when her new glasses come in....

After about 2 hours we were finally done there and off to Huntersville for some errands only to find that the fabric store I wanted to visit was closed due to some smoke damage caused by a fire nearby. :( I was so sad! Now I am trying to find what I need online because I don't know another fabric store that is nearby.

Later this afternoon I took the middle arrow to soccer practice. She was running all over the field, kicking her ball and laughing with some new friends. I was on the sideline with no other children to worry about, since my wonderful hubby brought the other kids home and made them dinner. What a Keeper!!! He is so good to me.....and I love him so much. Thanks honey!

Now we are home and watching a History video. Bedtime will come soon to follow the short video and then another beautfiul day tomorrow! How thankful I am for the wonderful days and the hard days that the Lord allows me to share with my family. Have a Blessed Day Y'all!!

Raindrops......

2009-09-14T15:13:00.001-04:00

Rain Drops Keep Falling on my head

But that doesn't mean my eyes will soon be turnin' red

Cryin's not for me

'Cause I'm never gonna stop the rain by complainin'

Because I'm free

Nothin's worryin' me

Raindrops keep fallin' on my head

They keep fallin'

Nothin's worryin' meeeeeee!!

Not a cloud in the sky, just a sprikler nearby

How are you spending your last days of summer?

New school room........

2009-09-12T11:29:00.002-04:00

A fresh new look for our schoolroom.

I realized today that I hadn't updated the blog in so long before that I forgot to include pictures of our newly painted and reorganized schoolroom. The kids were so excited when we finished that they couldn't wait to start school! So we started school on August 24th.

Here is a picture of all my little homeschoolers!! Aren't they the cutest little bunch? My oldest Arrow is in 7th grade, next arrow is in 4th grade, my middle arrow is in 3rd grade, my youngest girl arrow is in preschool and then my only son is just hanging out and learning how to be a real two year old boy-although he still has a few weeks until he is officially 2!!

HAPPY HOMESCHOOLING EVERYONE!!

Wonder

2009-09-10T12:13:00.005-04:00

I often find this little cutie just staring out the window or front door and I wonder what he is thinking? Does he wish he were out there running in the wet grass? Maybe he wishes to chase squirrels out of the yard like the dog or play soccer like his big sisters? Or is he just enjoying the beauty of God's creation?
Whatever the wonder.....I am so grateful the Lord gave him to me.

Busy Hands

2009-09-10T12:00:00.005-04:00

These are some busy hands at my house today. We are having a wonderful time with our friends that are visiting with us for the week. There are 7 girls in the house and 1 Little boy!!! My poor son! Nah......he's got it made! He has 8 Moms in the house because everyone loves looking after and playing with him.

Thanks for some friends on the web, I have been playing with some pictures. Tell me what you think? Please be honest as I am new to this...you won't hurt my feelings!

Here are some pictures of busy hands and busy mouths. Everyone seems to hold the mouth a certain way while working. The concentration is so cute! I love to watch children imagine and learn.

And others choose to do real school work in the peace and quiet! :)

I hope that your hands are busy today doing the things that you love. My hands are full of love and ready to learn today. My heart is overflowing and my prayer is that you have busy hands for the Lord too!

Listen

2009-09-09T16:26:00.005-04:00

Today was a day of concentration for the kids. They really had to work hard on their school work, as they do everyday, but today was a bit louder in the house. We had laundry beeping every 40 minutes or so, phone calls for mom, groceries to bring in and put away, along with 2 toddlers that were less than cooperative today.

Even in all the noise, they got their work done and did it well! It makes me think of all the noise that I hear during the day, and why I don't hear the Lord when He speaks to me. I don't hear Him because I am not listening for Him. How that makes my heart ache. I want to hear the Lord, I want to be obedient to His word, but time and time again I let myself get too busy in the day to day busyness that I don't listen. It is not that He doesn't hear my cry for help, but I don't wait and listen for His response. His word tells me the He hears me when I cry out....

The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. Psalm 34:17

His word also tells me that He hears....

I call on the LORD in my distress, and he answers me. Psalm 120:1

So, why, if He will do these things, do we not wait and listen for Him? We don't need more time in our day, we need to prioritize our time better.....give unto Him that has so freely given to us! The Lord delights in our time with Him and He will bless us all the more if we obey His commands. Have you listened for God today?

Refreshed.....

2009-09-04T10:22:00.004-04:00

Well, we finally started back to school!! Yes!!! Maybe now I can get back to my regular blogging schedule. I have missed the steadiness of our "school schedule" and the order which it brings. This year will be a busy year for us, but a Great year no doubt. We have new classes outside the home this year and extra classes to be taken here and there along the way. I have also already scheduled all of our holidays into the year and I have a firm grip on things now rather than fumbling later.

We started Aug. 24th and had a wonderful first week of school....then that dreaded stomach flu hit the house and all of us got it at the same time! By Tuesday we got a slow start, but we did have fun with History to get everyone in a good mood. Wednesday was a better day for us all and a full day of school again. Now yesterday brought NEW joy to a couple of the girls. My 2 middle arrows had their first science class with nJoyscience and they LOVED IT! They both came home talking of catapults, simple machines, levers, inclined planes and the list goes on. The made a catapult and my middle arrow played with hers for hours yesterday, hurling anything and everything across the room.

It is so refreshing to see ones spirit revived, their love for something return. Don't you think? I see the sparkle return to their eyes, the questions start swirling. How does this work and why does it do that? Or when they have struggled with a new concept and then all of a sudden it clicks and they figure it out. I LOVE to be here and see that and I am so grateful to have the opportunity to teach them myself, so I don't miss those moments.

When I think about the beginning of the school year and that refreshing of their spirits, I think of the Holy Spirit within me. He refreshes me everyday, not just school days. He sustains me through my comings and goings, He intercedes for me....what a comfort He is at all times.

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17 (ESV)

Do you have that freedom? Are you calling upon His Spirit to lead you and refresh you? I encourage you to spend time in prayer today and call upon the Holy Spirit, ask for that freedom and it will be given to you. Have a Blessed Day!!!!!

The Holy Spirit......

2009-08-19T14:28:00.005-04:00

It's back to school for us next week and with the new school year comes a new schedule. For the first time ever, we will be taking classes outside of the home. I signed the oldest 3 arrows up for a Science class that meets every other Thursday....but that is not the case! The oldest is on one Thursday and the other 2 are on the opposite Thursday, so we will be going out every Thursday for class. I could be frustrated with the scheduling, but I'm not. I am so thankful that the kids can be with other home schooled children and having fun with science. Plus the curriculum is awesome! They will be using Apologia....this is the one curriculum that I have always wanted to do, but been too intimidated by it to try. This way I am not teaching it alone and they can do the experiments with peers their own age.

Not only do we have outside class this year, but we have our usual fall soccer schedule to include, practices and games. So far the middle arrow is the only one officially signed up for soccer. The oldest arrow was signed up for soccer, but it didn't work out so well. She is too old to play in the league we had originally signed with and had to pull her out, despite the reasoning of others that "everyone does it." Yes, they are referring to cheating and lying about kids ages. I was totally dumbfounded at the thought and can't believe that they would even consider it.

As homeschoolers, I realize that we all home school for different reasons, but this is my first encounter of this type. This situation goes against everything I am trying to teach my children, trying to live out in my daily life, and more importantly against God's commands. I can't and won't cheat just because everyone else is doing it! As a sinner I also realize that it's an easy trap to fall into, but for once my guard was up, my conscience alert, and I knew right away it was wrong. I could have just kept my mouth shut and not said anything, but something within me was unsettled....what you ask? I guess the Holy Spirit really is within me and I saw/felt evidence of it yesterday.

I often question whether or not God is pleased with me, does He know me? Will I be one that He never knew? But I am fully confident today, I am confident that I have Him in my heart, He lives within me, He has given me the Holy Spirit to help guide me and for once I was truly listening! I have often thought of Christ today and thought of how he was tempted by Satan, he could have chosen the "easy road", the other path, instead He did the Father's will to save us.......you and me. How I Thank Him today and everyday for going to the cross for me. May my life always shine forth the love of Christ and nothing else.

Am I ready?

2009-07-31T22:04:00.004-04:00

Am I ready for school to start back? Am I ready to homeschool 7th, 4th, 3rd and preschool? Am I ready for my 12 year old to grow up now that she looks it with her braces? Am I ready for the fall schedule of soccer, science, school, practices and everything else? Am I ready for any of this?

NO....................the answer is plain and simple.....NOOOOOOOO......I am NOT ready! My head starts spinning just thinking about it. I can't sleep at night, thinking about it. When will I learn to trust in the Lord? When will I remember that He is in control, His timing is perfect, and through Christ all things work for the good of those who love Him? WHEN???? It is not right now. I feel overwhelmed, frazzled, scatterbrained, forgetful, stressed, ready to explode at any moment. I think I need a breather.....time to look at everything and relax. I need to trust in God for all my needs and I am having a harder time this year than ever, passing the torch to Him. I so want to be in charge....I want to be in the drivers seat, but I have to remember, if I am in the drivers seat.......where is God? Where are my priorities? GOD has to be my First Priority, to glorify Him in all I do.

Lord, hear my prayer that I will trust in you, that I will turn to you for all my needs. I know that you know my heart better than I know my own heart. Lord, please help me to cast my cares, worries, and concerns on you, for you will give me the rest that I need......you will sustain me. Thank you Lord, for loving a sinner like me and still saving me. Amen.

Calgon? Take me away.....

2009-07-29T18:23:00.004-04:00

It's been one of those days today. I have 2 sick kiddies, 1 with a 104 temp. and the other with a headache and tummy ache. My oldest arrow got braces on Monday and she's been hurting all week. WOW! Where's the Calgon? Someone pass me some, I need a long hot bath, ALONE. :)

Now, don't misunderstand me. I LOVE moments like this when my kids are sick and they want me to hold them all day, but it is also physically tiring. I just feel drained today. So I had a few moments and went on Facebook. While checking out a few friends and their new status updates, I ran across one that got my attention. A friend wrote this....

God's promise from Isaiah 41:10 "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Believe this and be encouraged today! May the Lord bless you with His Presence and Power today!

Now, there's my Calgon! I don't need any hot bath, I don't need any rescuing from my children, I don't need to escape from it all.....I only need to look upon Christ. He is my Rock, my Savior, and in Him I will find rest....in Him I will find the strength to go another day. So, today I will fear not, I will look to Christ to strengthen me and uphold me.....whom will you look to? Calgon or Christ?

Show Us Your Wedding Dress....

2009-07-24T08:47:00.005-04:00

It's wedding dresses this week at Kelly's Korner. I hope you all enjoyed last week's birthday post, so here we go again.....wedding dress style! I have been married for 16 years now, so we have no digital pictures, only what we have scanned or in an album. These are a few of my favorites! My dress was very stylish at the time and YES...I was very young, only 19!!! It was the happiest day of my life, I married my soul mate, the one that God had chosen just for me and the one I will spend my eternal life with.
This is after the wedding, after the pictures, we were able to breathe a sigh of relief!! We were both very nervous, but God calmed our hearts as soon the ceremony was over and we have enjoyed everyday since this most precious day.

Ahhhhhhhh, sealing the commitment with a Blessed Kiss! Wow, he still makes me weak in the knees!!

Now to take the garter for some fun!! :) Here is where you get the best look at my dress. HUGE puffy sleeves, long sleeves (since it was January) and the veil was as long as my dress! I don't know what I was thinking....it kept getting caught in everything, just like my very long and wide dress! Hee Hee

It was a wonderful day, but I can still remember the hectic running of trying to get everything done in time. I remember shopping with my mom for my dress and finding the perfect dress (aka, the one I wore) for $393.62!!!! That was a steal! I don't even want to imagine if I had to find a wedding dress these days! I would probably have to take out a small loan. LOL

I still have my wedding dress and I am not sure that I will give it to any of my girls...since I watched the movie, "27 Dresses" which is hilarious, but I have 4 girls!! Can they possibly leave it in tact enough for the others to use it too? I think it is just a permanent keepsake for me now. Anyway, since I am sharing these photos, I should tell you a bit about the groom. He is a handsome, faithful, well grounded husband and I love him more today than the day we married. There are so many things I would love to say about him, but that is for another post! Ha Ha, you will have to just tune in later!

Anyway, thanks for stopping by! Hope you enjoyed a peek into my past. Leave me a note so I can see where everyone is from! And THANK you to KELLY for opening the doors and windows of the blogosphere to me and my friends!

Enjoy the pictures!!

Frog Birthday Revisited....

2009-07-17T16:22:00.005-04:00

I am posting this slide show in honor of "Children's Parties" being hosted by Kelly's Korner. Hope you all enjoy the slide show. My 12 year old daughter made the frog cake for her brother. We served swamp punch, played pin the flies on the frog, had veggie dip inside a frog looking pepper and sang the song by Coffey Anderson, "The Frog Song". The song was our inspiration for the party, my son loves this song and starts jumping in when he hears it! ENJOY!

Father's Day...

2009-06-21T16:38:00.004-04:00

Happy Father's Day to all the fathers out there in the earthly world, and also to those fathers that have gone to be with our Lord. I pray for each of you that God would bless you in mighty ways.

Today I so want to honor my husband....he is the Rock of our family, the calm touch that I yearn for in troubled times, the shoulder I turn to cry on, the lover of my soul, the reason my heart still skips a beat, the strong, yet gentle hand that I love to hold, he is my everything. I love you dear husband, so much. I wish there were enough words to tell you how much you mean to me, but there just isn't enough....only God truly knows how much I love you. You are such a strong spiritual leader in our family...you are the head of your home, you manage your children with love, you work long hard days, you sleep little, you are known among many people, you are wise and handsome and I am blessed because of you. Your children are blessed to have you for their father and they love you. May you feel honored and blessed everyday. I LOVE YOU today, tomorrow and for eternity.

Where do butterflies go......

2009-06-13T14:10:00.008-04:00

....when you release them from your children's captivity??

They flutter off your hand and into the butterfly bushes in the yard, of course. Then they flutter around some more so that you can admire what beautiful and spectacular creatures they are and how good God is and thank Him for your "science" experiment.

Arrow Number 4 was sooo proud of her butterfly. She stood there watching her eat nectar for the longest time.

We have enjoyed watching the caterpillars develop into chrysalis and then into beautiful butterflies.

We had 5.....3 males and 2 females. How do I know you ask? Females have larger abdomens then males. Almost immediately after emerging from their chrysalis they quickly find a mate!!! Then a few days later, the females laid their eggs allllllllll over the butterfly basket. (You may have to click on the image to see it in life size to see the turquoise looking eggs. They are tiny, but you can still see them without a magnifying glass.)

We are hoping to see the full circle of a butterflies life. We watched our butterflies for about 2 weeks before letting them go today. It was a sad, but beautiful thing. We still see them fluttering about in the yard.

It's been a while.....

2009-06-10T10:28:00.005-04:00

Hello Bloggy Friends!
It's been almost a month since my last post! WOW! As you can probably figure, we have finished up our school year and summer has officially started for us! We have been enjoying strawberry picking, days by grandma's pool, boat rides with Mammaw n Pappaw and picnics with friends. It's been busy busy.

Here are some pictures to update you on our recent happenings. I promise to try and keep up better, but honestly, it's been nice having the computer break. I didn't realize how much time I waste on the computer!

Did we do enough school?

2009-05-14T00:01:00.003-04:00

A friend of mine sent this to me today to encourage me. I couldn't pass up the opportunity to share it with you, my fellow homeschooling moms! Enjoy and I pray that God would use it to ease your minds and hearts.

Blessings,
Blessed Mommy

Did we do enough school?
C2006 By JulieBeth Lamb

It's the end of the school year. From this vantage point you are just happy to be nearing the summer break and the beginning of school seems so long ago. It is hard to remember the enthusiasm you had and all the plans, so many plans. Your children were going to be smarter, brighter, more Godly, well educated, and learn everything under the sun. It was all written out neatly on pages of lesson plans. Looking back it somehow feels like hardly anything got done all year, there were so many days spent cleaning the house, making Christmas cookies, helping Grandma in the yard, visiting a friend who was having a bad day, skiing, playing in the mud (there was alot of mud this year!), looking at old family photos, and. ah, yes, I do remember cracking the math book a few times.

Did we do enough school? How do I know? Who decides? If we really want to get technical we can look at the public school's approach to it. They use standardized tests to evaluate if a student is progressing. It doesn't tell if they are thriving, love learning, are really excited about a certain subject, all they really care about is a higher test score than last year. That tells us if they are better at taking tests than last year, if they are less nervous about test taking, if they have been taught to the test, and if they are having a good day today. It doesn't really tell us what we parents need to know.

As Christians there is only one way to measure how well we taught our students through the previous school year. Are they growing in God? Are they better prepared than they were before to be used by God now and as adults to live out His good plan for their lives? If we seek these things first, everything else will be added to their lives as needed by the perfecter of our faith. Did we do enough "school"? What are the things that are truly of value, did we make time for them? Were there times spent in the Word, singing His praises and memorizing scripture? Did we make time for family meals, great conversation, and breaking bread together?

Did we visit the Lord and His family at church regularly and fellowship with believers for our mutual edification? Was there time spent in service to others, training up the next generation in Christian service, the true proof of our belief? Did we have fun with our children, enjoy these quickly passing years together before they speed away? Hours of daydreaming, thinking, planning, pretending, should have been accounted for also, they are very important. You did enough school. If there were some of these areas that you need to improve on, you can do more school next year.

You know in your heart how the school year went. Maybe Johnny needs to work on his reading over the summer and Suzie has to practice her multiplication tables. There is always more time for book learning. But you also know in your heart how much you love your children, more than anyone else on this earth. You know you have prayed over them and worked to provide them the things that God ordained for them, even when it didn't make sense, was overwhelming, or difficult. When God showed you that narrow path you followed it, just as you did when you chose homeschooling in the first place.

That is all we can do, that is all we should do, that is all that is required of us-to obey God in the area of our children's education and trust that He has given us and them everything they need and those things He hasn't provided were not needed. It is such a blessing that we don't have to provide our children everything they need, only one can do that, our Lord God, who loves our children even more than we and is working out His good plan in their lives.

Next school year lies before us in glorious anticipation. With God's help our plans will come together for another home school season. They will all be written out neatly on pages of lesson plans and we will be once again full of enthusiasm. We will do some more math, English, reading, history and science, but more importantly we will make time for God's Word, service, family & friends, and mud and God will make up the rest.

Camping Update....

2009-05-12T12:24:00.003-04:00

Sorry I have been away for so long. I have been trying to recuperate from a long camping trip. We had a GREAT time, despite the cloudy weather. Some of our dear friends went with us and that made it even better. I found out how hard it is to camp with 5 of my own kids and one extra, plus a dog!! I woke up grouchy about every morning and the last morning was by far my WORST day yet. To let you know how bad it was, I actually had to go to my friends and ask for forgiveness!!! My behaviour was worse than that of a child and I felt awful for acting that way. They have since forgiven me of my short coming and they are still friends with us! :) Thank you guys (you know who you are)! Here is a slide show to let you see some of our fun! Enjoy!!!

A boy and his new toy....

2009-04-22T17:03:00.005-04:00

Today it was a beautiful spring day outside, so the kids have been outside for most of it, after finishing their schoolwork first. I went out later this afternoon to watch them play and saw that they found a bat a ball. My youngest arrow and also our only son was playing with the bat. He LOVED it.....although, he used it more for a glof club than a bat. Then it hit me and I remembered that on his First Christmas his Pappaw gave him his first set of golf clubs!!! He is FINALLY the right size for them, so today he played golf. It was the cutest thing! I am so grateful that the Lord has allowed me to mother a boy after having 4 girls. It has shown me a new side of parenting that I never thought I would know. It is such an honor to raise young maidens to know and love the Lord and to honor, obey and love their husbands(to be). What a joy to also raise a son, a man of God, a spiritual leader, a husband (to be) and defender of our faith. I am so blessed!

I pray that you are feeling the blessing of being a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle or friend. God is so good! All the time! Enjoy the day!

Blessings,
Blessed Mommy and my arrows

Christ Is Risen!!!

2009-04-13T22:08:00.007-04:00

He is Risen Indeed!!! What a beautiful Easter Sunday it was yesterday! We enjoyed Worship with our Savior, good food, family, friends, egg hunts, and relaxation galore.

Lake Norman State Park Fun

2009-04-13T22:06:00.003-04:00

We went to the Lake Norman State Park a few weeks ago with a couple sets of friends. We had a BLAST!! I thought I would share the slide show of all our fun! Enjoy!

Spring has Sprung!! God's creation is in full bloom, from the flowers, trees to the animals!

Perseverance

2009-04-10T09:40:00.001-04:00

Finally, she worked and worked for 2 days and finally got her horse puzzle to go together. The instructions are pretty vague and she thought she would need the help of her daddy. After much perseverance she conquered. Isn't it great when we persevere and see the fruits of our labor. Just as our children must persevere to learn new things, we as parents must persevere through the rough times. Whether it be a trying time with a new baby, a new puppy, a crying 2 year old, a stubborn 10 year old or a trying teenagers....we must persevere through it.

Isn't it wonderful to know that through it all, GOD is with us. He is our strength through the storm. He is our Rock and salvation. It does my heart good to know that even though I can't see the light at the end of the tunnel, GOD can and does, He knows what is best for me and He knows how it all will end. Keep praying!! Persevere, you can do it, with God leading the way.

"The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge, my savior; you save me from violence. I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be raised, and I am saved from my enemies." 2 Samuel 22:2-4

Praise......

2009-04-04T09:11:00.004-04:00

"Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!" Psalm 150:6

I had the honor of spending the afternoon and evening with My Blessed Mommy!!! She took me to a women's conference in a town near by. It was wonderful! We attended one of the small sessions about Intimacy With God and I was richly blessed. After dinner we attended the evening session which was lead by Babbie Mason!!! WOW!! I don't know that I have the words to describe how beautiful her spirit is and how the love of Christ glows in her. Her voice is beautiful, a gift from God and then a spirit to go with it. I was just in awe of her many talents. Now I could go on and on about Babbie Mason and the fabulous evening there, but there is something else that overshadows all those wonderful things.

The time I spent with my mom, just the 2 of us, my mom and me, me and my mom. Let me tell you a little about my mom, she is Beautiful on the outside and her inside is just as gorgeous. She is caring for friends and family, hard working in all she does whether work or personal, loyal to the end, sweet as a flower, friendly and southern as can be, funny, loved by all who know her, and she can sing to boot! She has come so far in 10 years.....wow....did I say 10 years? 10 years ago yesterday her father died, a month later she found her husband having an affair after 28 years of marriage. Long story short, my parents are now divorced, but my mom is Happily remarried 5 years now to a wonderful, God fearing man, whom I am honored to call my Dad. My mom wasn't walking with the Lord during that time, BUT God had a plan, He had been working on my mom for sometime. I had been praying for my mom, as I had been walking with the Lord and I wanted her to feel and have the same Joy of Eternal Life with Christ. I remember her phone call like it was yesterday, telling me she was going to make it right, right with the Lord.....what a glorious night!!! She asked me to pray with her, now I don't pray in front of other people, but God gave me the strength and the words to say. I went to my bedroom to get on my knees and pray with her. It was a glorious time....and I am grateful for the Lord sharing that moment with me.

Last night was like that moment brought back. Sharing in God's goodness. Praising Our Lord together, hand in hand. Praying for each other. Praising God for one another and Praising God for who He is, what He has done, what He will do!!!! I can't tell you how precious those moments are to me...they are etched in my heart forever! So to my Mom, thank you for inviting me, thank you for taking me, thank you for loving me, and thank you for sharing in our Lord with me. :) I will cherish last night for years to come and I pray that we make more memories like that together. I Love You Mom!!

I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples;I will sing praises to you among the nations. Psalm 57:9

You know there is a boy in the house.....

2009-04-02T19:13:00.006-04:00

when you find your 12 year old sobbing over broken pottery. She worked so hard on this piece of pottery. On her birthday we took 3 of her friends to a neat little place in town where you paint pottery. They worked hard for 2 1/2 hours and then the next week they were ready for us to pick up. My oldest arrow was very proud of her horse and Mommy was too. She did a really wonderful job, so to see it in pieces was very disheartening.

I did attempt to put her horse head back together. It's supposed to be a jewelery box, but the lid doesn't fit on it like it once did....no thanks to her brother. He really likes to throw...........and everything turns into a ball. It's just One of the MANY, MANY, many, many joys of having a BOY in the house. We are all adjusting, but hey, at least there is never a dull moment. It's a hoppin' house!

Mom Song............

2009-04-02T10:21:00.006-04:00

Somedays I just feel like this....how about you?

Puzzled....

2009-04-01T14:35:00.007-04:00

Have you ever been just puzzled at life? Puzzled by your feelings? Puzzled by a simple joke? My kids have been playing with puzzles this week. We found these really cool puzzles at Michael's and the kids broke them out this week. My 2nd oldest arrow tackled her puzzle first. While she didn't read the instructions, she did it on her own, she only needed a tiny bit of help from daddy to get the last piece in place.

While others look good, they just aren't finished. Seems like much of my life....looks good on the outside or from a partial point of view, but when you get down to the whole picture there is a lot lacking. How I wish I could figure out the puzzle called my life, but I will trust in God and His Sovereignty to guide me along the way. He will hold me in His clutch and be my rock. How thankful I am to have that rock in my life, that assurance.

As I look forward to this season of Spring, Easter, New Life, and Christ's Resurrection I think of where would I be without him.....where would you be...where am I going....where are you going? Look to the Savior for your salvation and your strength. I know I am!

2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

Busy, Busy

2009-03-30T11:07:00.006-04:00

Sorry, it's been a while! I've been busy! I had a friend over last week for a play date with the kids and the mommies got to scrapbook!! I haven't scrap booked in over 3 years! It felt so good to get some pages done. I wasn't being very creative, it was more about getting the pictures down on paper. 9 pages later I was a very happy mommy and inspired to do it more often. After realizing that my supplies are just not very accessible during the evenings when I could scrapbook it was time for a change. After about 6 1/2 hours on Thursday I got the job done. All my supplies are now in my loft area, which has now become the scrapper/sewing area. The 2 oldest arrows now have more room in their bedroom and it is more their own room, not mommy's storage room. They have a computer in their room now too which makes it GREAT for playing Webkinz again! We had taken a long break from playing webkinz, but they seem to be interested in it again. Here are a few pictures of my accomplishments last week.

Not only did I scrapbook 9 pages, but I made 2 sundresses, finished 1 Easter skirt, and 2 Easter dresses. Now I only have 1 Easter dress and 1 Easter skirt to go! Not so easy for the scrap booking, as I have many, many, many years to catch up on!

Anyway, as you can see, it was a busy week. Weekends are always fun with Daddy and friends. This weekend was no different! We had friends over on Saturday for games, movies and Easter Egg Dying! Our friends brought some egg dying kits over and the kids did about 4 dozen eggs! They had so much fun and I didn't get one picture! I don't know what I was thinking, other than we were having so much fun that we forgot.

Sunday was the Lord's day! While getting ready for church I was rushing around and hit my toes on a baby gate. I have walked by this gate so many times and never had a problem, but yesterday the Lord had a lesson for me to learn. Either watch where you are going or SLOW down! My toes were throbbing so badly I took 2 Motrin before we left for church, BTW, I taped them and put on a pair of flip flops. Hee Hee While at church I could see behind the tape that there was some blue discoloring. Then while waiting to go to lunch my son toddles over to me (without me seeing him coming) and he kicked my toes!! After another 2 ibuprofen we left for lunch. Upon returning home we took the tape off so we could see just what was going on under the tape. WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So many shades of blue, purple, black and a touch of pink. I put my foot up and put ice on my toes for awhile. It did seem to help with the swelling, but the throbbing was not going away. I slept with my foot propped up on a pillow and tossed and turned all night long, feeling my pulse in my toes. When I woke up this morning I went about my normal routine with a slightly swollen toe and then it happened.....I HIT IT AGAIN!!!! This time I was in the school room and hit it on the steel leg of the desk! I really thought I was going to pass out from the pain! SO.....what to do now?

I am terrified of hitting it again, but there is nothing to do for a broken toe, just tape it, but I can't do that because the swelling gets worse when I tape it. I can't stand the pressure either. Ahh, what lesson did I miss Lord? How then should I glorify You in the midst of all this throbbing!? I am to slow down and enjoy the little things in life for right now. So, I will.......take a deep breath, exhale and now I will bask in the glory, beauty and knowledge of what a Sovereign, Loving God you are.

A New Day....

2009-03-23T12:23:00.006-04:00

Ahhh, a sigh of relief as I start a new day, a new week, a new chance to glorify my Lord in all I do. I am so grateful for a new day, last week was a struggle to keep my head afloat. I felt overwhelmed and like I was drowning, but today is a new day! I feel much better and I finally feel as though the waters are drying up! I can see new life in the world around me.

Spring has sprung in God's beautiful creation and in my heart! At church yesterday I felt something change in my heart. I can not explain it. I only know that it came from the Lord and I am going to rejoice in His blessing. I have been working on my prayer life, my quiet times, and our daily schedule. I feel as though the Lord has answered my requests in more ways than I could have ever asked of him. Don't you find that joyous? I mean, when you ask for something and the Lord gives to you, but He gives more than what you ask? I just think that is AWESOME!!

Do you have something to pray about? Go ahead....ask it and the Lord will answer. Maybe not like we had hoped or asked, but it will be better than what we thought we needed. I can assure of that!

Let there be peace.........

2009-03-16T12:52:00.003-04:00

Today I woke up sick. My head hurts, throat hurts, back hurts, nose is stuffy and I'm very tired. How can you go to be feeling fine, just tired and wake up like this? I feel like I've been hit by a truck. Is this emotional exhaustion? Is it a cold? I truly don't know. I do know that I am going to listen to my body and rest today.

I had a rough day yesterday. I have been spending much of my time in prayer and searching God's word lately, looking for truths. Trying to define myself, who does God want me to be, where does He want me to go? I haven't had alot of free time this past week or this weekend. Yesterday my sweet husband and I spent time talking about a relationship in my life that needs some attention and work. I took his advice and tried reaching out, but didn't get very far. I didn't get anywhere and I feel like I am back at square one. I keep praying for peace, but don't feel it and I don't know what to do. As I was talking to my husband this song came to me...."Let There Be Peace On Earth" you should notice it playing in the background...

Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me.
Let there be peace on earth
The peace that was meant to be.
With God as our father
Brothers all are we.
Let me walk with my brother
In perfect harmony.

Let peace begin with me
Let this be the moment now.
With every step i take
Let this be my solemn vow.
To take each moment
And live each moment
With peace eternally.
Let there be peace on earth,
And let it begin with me

I believe in a sovereign God and I know that I didn't just think up this song. I know He wants me to make peace through Him with this relationship. Where do I start? How do I start? I feel like I am drowning and going in circles. I don't even know where this post is going...it feels so random like my thoughts. I guess sometimes you just need to vent and get things out there. Thanks for letting me purge on you and if you think about me through the day, could you lift me up in prayer? Thanks! Have a Blessed Day Y'all!

Wishy Washy??

2009-03-06T23:29:00.003-05:00

After a day playing in the snow, we watched as the snow quickly melted away. Now we have only traces of snow left and tomorrow the weather is expected to be in the 70's!! Go figure! It's amazing to me how crazy the weather can be....so wishy washy, inconsistent, much like my life.

I have had to look at myself and re-evaluate who I am....what do I stand for.....what do I believe....does my life follow my convictions? I have joined a women's Bible study at church on a book "Faith and Doubt" and it has me thinking alot about myself and where do I fit into this world. I have really enjoyed the few sessions that I have attended, but I am struggling to find what God wants me to see. I think some days I know who I am, I am firm in my convictions and I stand strong....then something happens to knock the wind out of me and I can't stand up straight, I wobble, I turn and hide.....why am I like this? Why do we cower away from our true beliefs? Why must I always let the world in which I live in influence who I am or how I act? All I can say is that God is growing me. He has a purpose in my life, a purpose far bigger than I can see, a purpose He will reveal in His time and for now, I must wait, must persevere, I must continue on the path that I believe He has set before me and pray, Pray, PRAY that I am being obedient to His word.

To you this may sound like a random post.......but to me, it speaks of my struggle right now. for now, I will seek Him on my knees and praying that He answers me loud and clear. May we all meet Him on our knees and humble ourselves before our Lord and King.

Have a Blessed Weekend Y'all!

Snow Much Fun.....

2009-03-03T14:00:00.005-05:00

We had snow much fun yesterday! We got snowed in with some GREAT friends that are more like family and we played in the snow all morning yesterday! We were like Popsicles when we finally came inside. We had snowball fights in the front yard, built a snow man, pulled sleds in the yard, then the REAL fun began.....we got out the John Deere Tractor, loaded up the trailer with all 8 kids and adults and off we went to the boat ramp up the road to sled down the BIG hill! It was so much fun! The littlest ones had fun for awhile and then the newness wore off and they wanted to go back inside. We had to take showers to warm up and of course Hot Chocolate too! Enjoy the slide show!! Hope you had a safe and Blessed time in the snow too!

Busy...Busy

2009-02-25T09:02:00.003-05:00

Busy is the perfect way to describe our past week. We have been running here and there, visiting my grandmother, basketball and schooling at the same time. I am happy to report that my grandmother had back surgery and is home recovering now. She will have a few months of physical therapy ahead of her, but we are praying that the surgery was a success and she will have more movement in her back and a lot less pain. She had 4 screws put into her vertebrates to get them off one another and unpinch a nerve. She has suffered for years now and God knew to hold her off until now for the surgery....it was a new procedure, but one they have had great success with too. I just marvel at how God's timing is so much better than our timing. Please continue to pray for her.

Now, for our household. We have just been busy all around. Last week we were visiting my grandmother in the hospital alot so that took a good portion of the week. We had basketball games last weekend, our oldest arrow shot the winning shot for her team!! So, we had to celebrate with ice cream once we got home! The other 2 arrows had their games on Saturday afternoon and one team won and the other team lost....it was the first loss for that team, but I think it was good to teach them how to lose gracefully. I think it is important for kids to learn how to lose gracefully, God doesn't promise us a life of happiness everyday, no trials, but He does promise us......

For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself." Acts 2:39 ESV

God is with us during our trials, strengthening us, conditioning us, drawing us closer to Himself....for our good, for our sanctification. I am so grateful for such a loving Father. Aren't you?

After such a busy week last week, this week has been slower. It has been nice to relax, get back into the school swing, since last week it was school on the go. We got the school room cleaned up and organized again. The kids are still enjoying their curriculum on the computer...and I am so thankful for them! That was the hardest to teach on 3 different grade levels. Now we just do Science, History and Spelling together. Reading they do on their own, or we read a book aloud together, with discussion afterwards. Speaking of school....it's past time to get our started! Gotta run! Have a Blessed Day!

Old Salem Field Trip

2009-02-16T09:55:00.004-05:00

Thankfully by Friday last week I was feeling better due to an antibiotic and much rest. We were able to keep our field trip plans to Old Salem in Winston Salem, NC. They were offering a "homeschool days" for homeschoolers at a discounted price, so took advantage of the opportunity. The kids had a wonderful time and we learned so many things while there. It was so fun to see, touch, hear and smell history! I was really amazed at all they had to offer and we didn't even get to do everything! I can't wait to go back and take the kids again. Here's a slide show of some of our fun! THANKS to my Mother In Love that went with me too!!! We had a WONDERFUL day, busy, lots of walking, tiring day, but it was FUN!

Blogging Break....

2009-02-10T21:31:00.003-05:00

Sorry all, I am sick right now. There won't be any blogging for me for a few more days. I just don't have the energy right now. Pray for me. I guess it is just a cold, but it sure won't go away. I just feel tired, stuffy, throat hurts, coughing, achy from laying in bed so much and run down. Hope to be back soon, until then keep smiling!

Blessings, Blessed Mommy

Chickadee Rescue

2009-02-05T16:51:00.006-05:00

Yes, I said Chickadee rescue. Today after finishing up school and the youngest arrows waking from their nap, my oldest arrow found a beautiful little chickadee stuck inside the bird feeder. I didn't believe it at first. I thought it was just on the opposite side of the feeder and it only looked as if it were inside, but I quickly realized the bird needed help. My oldest arrow volunteered to release the bird and I said "Sure, but not before I get a picture!" I love taking pictures of our wildlife with my fairly new camera.
Here you can clearly see the bird is stuck inside the seed cylinder. She looks so peaceful, doesn't she?

The Chickadee Rescuer....

She tried to fly out a number of times, but she couldn't go anywhere. Poor Chickadee

Here you can barely see her flying out of the cylinder....I think she was very thankful to her rescuer.

After releasing her back to the wild, we filled the feeders back to maximum capacity as to ward off any other victims. Let me also add that the feeder she got into was filled just Monday afternoon and emptied yesterday. We have 4 bird feeders, 3 suet feeders and 3 thistle seed socks. All were filled on Monday, but gone by today. The poor birds just don't have any food around, so we have to feed them, plus we don't mind feeding them since they let us watch them so closely. 3 of the feeders hang on the window to our kitchen, so we watch the birds all day long. They don't seem to be frightened by the kids noise inside. They just eat and go on about their business with wide eyes looking on at them. We are sure to thank Lord Jesus for our birds, he made them so beautiful, so tiny, so strong and so different. The girls enjoy our hands on nature study.....right on our kitchen window sill.

Here are a few other pictures we got today after filling the feeders. I was sitting in the middle of the yard just waiting. As I waited, I said a prayer for the birds to not be frightened of the camera sound. Let me say that He answered me! The birds were afraid of nothing! They sat right in front of me, looking at me, eating away and even flew by me that I could feel the wind from their wings. They are such beautiful creatures! God is so good, all the time! Enjoy God's Creation! Blessings!

What is this white stuff???? SNOW???

2009-02-04T10:08:00.004-05:00

Yes, we got some white stuff....it's more of a dusting, but they say it is snow and they cancelled school! So we decided we would join them in the no school day. It's just a dusting, but enough for the kids to play a bit and mommy to get some pictures! Here's a slide show! Enjoy!

Lesson Plans....

2009-02-03T21:50:00.003-05:00

I finally got some lesson plans done today! I have never made lesson plans. I have tried a few times, but I never get too far and never followed them. However, today I packed up my stuff and took it to basketball practice. As the kids had their practice I sat there working on my plans. I now have plans through March. Woohooo....yay for me. I am so excited about finally improving on an area of my life I have been praying about for a long time. I have friends that do their lesson plans in the summer, some do it every month, but I never could figure out just what or how to do my own.

I have been praying that God would help me be more accountable to the kids and with our lessons. We have made GREAT progress in the past 3 weeks, now that the kids are healthy again. The girls are just flying through their studies and loving every minute of it. We have a field trip coming up to Old Salem soon as a reward to all of us for our dedication. God has been so gracious to put people in my life that influence me in a good way. He has provided for my every need in more ways than you can imagine. I continue to pray for His strength each day, His guidance in teaching His children, His wisdom in the subjects to teach them and for His patience to pursue this path. I see everyday where God is sanctifying me and bringing me closer to himself. Thank you dear Jesus that you have given me the power and strength to get through another day. May tomorrow be another wonderful day of homeschooling and may you bless all the rest of our homeschooling days.

A 2nd Honeymoon!!!!!!

2009-01-31T21:26:00.004-05:00

Let me just say that I was totally swept away yesterday by my dear husband. He planned childcare for all 5 children, reservations for dinner and an overnight stay in an undisclosed area. He came home early from work, our dear friends came over and he swept me off for a romantic evening. It was the most romantic thing in the world!! He took me to Winston Salem, NC and we stayed at The Brookstown Inn....this is where 16 years ago we spent our very first night as a married couple!! It was so nice, nicer than I remember and so relaxing. We checked into our room, freshened up a bit and then he whisked me off to dinner at Meridian. It was right across the parking lot from the Inn, so we walked and quickly I might add because it was cold! We sat down to a wonderful meal....we both agreed it was the best meal we had ever eaten. Hubby got the Grouper and I got the NY Strip....both were equally delicious and melted in your mouth. Hubby also got this brown sugar pound cake with blueberry topping and ice cream. It was GREAT, very sweet, the blueberries were so fresh and the ice cream was sooo cold it hurt your teeth, but was creamy. I give it a 15 out of 10 stars! After dinner it was back to the hotel, with no kids, no computer, just the 2 of us and CABLE TV!! OK....I know that sounds very lame, but we don't have cable TV, we have bunny ears, so it was a real treat to watch some of the shows we used to adore. We watched Ace of Cakes, and flipped through I don't know how many channels...great fun. The next morning we got up, checked out and headed to Old Salem. We walked around looking in different shops, we ate at the Tavern Restaurant, then walked some more. We found the bakery and brought home some goodies to eat. Then after shopping and walking we returned home, refreshed, happy and more in love than the day we married.

I can not tell you how wonderful our weekend was, there are no words. It was so romantic, so spontaneous, full of adoration for one another, selfless, and completely unexpected. It is moments like these that I get teary eyed thinking of all my many blessings. I am married to the most wonderful man in the world, made just for me. No matter what, he adores me....no one else....ME!! I am so thankful for him, my love, my help meet. Thank you dearest husband for the most wonderful weekend. I will cherish the memories always! I will cherish you even more!

To our dear friends that watched our kids.....WOW! You knew all along, but never let word slip of his plans. Thank you so much! I am in awe of your selflessness! I will feel forever in your debt and I will do anything for you! I only pray that someday we can return the favor. It isn't everyday that you celebrate the joining of 2 lives becoming one and I pray that we can rekindle that love for you, as you have done for us. We are so grateful and thankful for you and your family. Thank you!