Where does the time go?

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

Big Changes....

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...

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!

Soccer Star.....

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....

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...

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

An Evening Out......

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.

Our First Attempt

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.

How will you live your day?

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

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?

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....

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.

Old Salem Field Trip

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!

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

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!

Dribble it....Pass it.....We want a basket!!

It's Basketball season again!!! We have the 3 oldest girls playing basketball this year. We have practice on Tueday nights and then games on Friday night and Saturday Afternoon. It has been fun so far. The girls are learning lots, making new friends and getting some exercise too.

The oldest arrow has 4 other homeschool families on her team...so they have alot in common. We know some of the other players from soccer or past years in basketball. The next oldest arrow is doing GREAT...this is her first year ever playing and she is picking it up quick. She is a Super defender and we are going to get her to make a basket before the season is over. The middle arrow is bouncing all over the court, loving the fast paced sport and learning lots. I love to watch my girls play and see how they have grown over the years.

Here are some pictures for you to enjoy!

Happy Birthday Monkey Doodle!!

WOW!!! 12 years ago today I was about to become a mom for the first time!! I can't believe it has been that long, it seems like yesterday. Where do I even begin with you? You were the first child for us and the first grandchild for my parents, and first great grandchild for my grandparents. Your arrival was greatly anticipated!! There were 9 people in the hallway awaiting your cry and daddy was right beside me. Labor was intense, hard and LONG, for I didn't know what to expect. When you were ready, you made your entrance with a Rebel Yell. You were so beautiful, I cried, Daddy cried and the hallway crowd burst into cheers and cries. It was a Beautiful day, our daughter had arrived, safe, healthy and finally here for us to hold. We ooooo'd and ahhh'd over you for the longest time and still do. Since that day you have given us great joy and much to be thankful for.

You showed from the beginning that you were not a child to be considered average, you did everything above average and well beyond your age. You have acted well beyond your years since birth. Even now as you turn 12 years old, you act so much older, you are so mature. I know this is our last year together as a child, you will become a teenager soon, but I am not worried. Only your age will change, but not your heart. You will remain the mature and beautiful girl you are today.

At the age of 4 you accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior. Your daddy and I both wondered, could it be? at such an early age? will it last? OH YES! God is working a wonderful work in you. You have truly grown so much since that day of acceptance. You ask questions, and we give you the answers we feel God is leading us to answer for you. You have had to deal with alot of life's issues that young children shouldn't have to endure, but you come through it with a stronger faith, your head held high, and greater understanding than most adults. I am always amazed to watch you with your sisters and brother. I see how God is training you to be a wonderful mother. I know you will be a better mother than I am....for you have God on your side and in your favor. I try to do the best I can, raising you to be a "help meet" for your spouse, if that is the Lord's will for your life. I have tried to teach you how to be a "keeper of the home" and "servant." I pray for you, that you will be richly blessed when you grow up, I pray for your husband, that he is being raised now to know and love the Lord. You often hear us talk of being evenly yoked, that is what I pray for you.....never know a day without Christ in the drivers seat of your life. Christ will take you to wonderful places, places even I have never seen, He will guide your path always, if you let Him.

My Monkey Doodle,you have been my monkey doodle from birth and you always will be. Maybe at some early phase in life I knew you would be a wonderful artist! I know you will be famous one day. God will use your art to bring glory to Himself. You will find a way to praise our maker through your art. Keep painting, keep drawing and keep looking to God to guide you.

My dearest firstborn, you are such an inspiration to me. I pray that you always keep your beautiful smile, your sweet laughter, your confident presence, and your love for Christ. May your birthday today be as special as you are. I love you! Mommy

Overdue Birthday Wishes....

Happy belated birthday my chunky monkey. It is so hard to believe that you are 8 years old already! Where did the time go? I remember when I was pregnant with you and I couldn't wait to hold you, you were such an active baby in my belly. You were in such a hurry to arrive that you got bruises on the front of your face when you were born. I felt so bad about your bruising, but you were ready and you weren't waiting for anyone, including a doctor. The nurse had to deliver you, you starting growing from day one and you were the chunkiest little thing as a baby, that is why I called you my "Chunky Monkey." You are just my Monkey now (since you so tiny)....hee hee, but you are still in a big hurry. You want to grow up so fast, you can't wait for the next new and exciting adventure. I do wish you would slow down so that I could enjoy each stage. I love to watch you play, learn, read, and love on others. You have a very sweet spirit. God has given you a strong faith at a young age. You are often the one to remind me that God's way is better than my way (or any way). You are the first to suggest that we pray over something, and you pray without any hesitation, you know that He will hear you. I am so amazed at the times that God answers your prayers.....He is quick to answer you most times, and pleased, I think, that you are leading your family to walk in Him. If only I had your faith, the faith of a child. You trust Him so easily, you seek Him often, you talk to Him and you bring great glory to His name. Bless you my child for your faith and for all you do for me. I am so honored that He chose me to be your mommy. I make many mistakes, but you forgive me and you still love me through it all. I love you my monkey. You will always be Mommy's Chunky Monkey, always my little girl, forever a child of the King.

Happy Birthday Sweetheart!

A Blessed Christmas

Well, the packages are all opened, mommy is going nuts with the mess everywhere, daddy is back to work, the kids are overwhelmed, our schedule is non existent and the new year is approaching. WHEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It was a wonderful Christmas. I did manage to stay focused on the joy and love of Christmas and not the rush of wrapping, baking and everything being perfect. On Christmas Eve the girls and I baked candy, dipped candy, wrapped a few last minute packages, and then everyone showered. We all dressed in our matching Christmas skirts and went to church for our Christmas Eve Candlelight service. It was beautiful. After church we go to my grandmothers (the kids great grandmothers) to have dinner and open presents. This year everyone bought 1 gift per child and then the adults did a "white elephant" game. It was so much fun! The kids loved everything they got and had to open every toy and the adults had just as much fun taking gifts from one another trying to find the perfect gift. It was alot of fun, even the kids got to help us out. The kids would go and take back a gift from someone, so we didn't have to get up. You know, our poor old aching bones, we needed help from the young ones. After opening presents we cleaned up the kitchen, ate some dessert and packed up the cars. It was time to get home to bed, for it would be an early morning. Mommy and Daddy were up very, very late, but it was worth every minute. The kids didn't wake up until 9. Mommy got breakfast started because everyone would be here at 10 to watch the kids open presents. (This is a tradition that my mom started with me. I was an only child, so everyone came to our house to eat and watch me open presents. Now we have continued the tradition.) The kids were so good, always so patient, they have never been ones to rush to open their gifts. They are grateful for every single one. So after all the food was baked, and the presents were open we were ready for a LONG NAP. That's just what God had in store for us too.....2 hours later, we woke up and went to a friends house to hang out and play some games. After we played a few new games we wanted to get home and put the kids down after a long day. Once we got in the car the kids made us very aware that they hadn't had anything to eat since about 11:30am, so they were "starving." Where would you go to eat on Christmas Day? What would possibly be open? Chinese? No, WAFFLE HOUSE!!!! Off we went to Waffle House, and we went with another family that was visiting at the same house. After feeding our starving children, we went to Pinnacle Shores to see the lights. A few houses went in together and synced their lights to music. It was really neat! Now I am hoping that next year blessed daddy will do it to our lights! hee hee Anyway, it was the perfect ending to our wonderful, loving, blessed, family, friends filled Christmas Day! I pray that you all had a wonderful and blessed Christmas too!

Happy 3rd Birthday!

Today is your birthday, your 3rd birthday! Where has the time gone? You have grown so fast and so much this past year. I was watching you just yesterday and noticing how you can put so many words together in a complete sentence, how you say your sisters full names now and not your shortened version of their names, you brush your hair, get dressed, potty, brush your teeth, try and make your bed, all by yourself! What happened? When did you grow so much that you don't need me to help with these things anymore? I miss it already! You have become quite the little lady.

My prayer for you is that you always keep your sweet smile. Your smile can brighten the darkest of my days. It melts my harden heart like the sun melts the snow. Your laugh can fill a room and make others laugh even when they don't feel like it. Oh how I pray that you always keep these qualities.

Many people say that you are a mini version of me. As I watch your hand motions when you talk or tell a story, the faces that you make while talking, your shifting and smiling eyes and your whole facial expressions, I have to agree, you are alot like your mommy. I pray that you learn from my mistakes and you become a better person. You are at a sweet age and I love being your mommy, please continue to forgive me when I make those mistakes, just love me like you always do and remember to hug me often.

I know that God is working on your heart, even at this early age. You only know of Jesus birth at Christmas and not Santa bringing you presents. You know that God made you and everything else in this world. You are starting to realize that our hearts are selfish and only Jesus can change it when we trust in Him. You know how to sing of God's love and you say the sweetest prayers. I do pray that God will strengthen your faith and that you always have this faith, the faith of a child. May God Richly Bless You This Year and Many Many More Birthdays!

I love you! Mommy :D

It's Beginning to look alot like Christmas....

I mean, it FEELS alot like Christmas!! BBBBbrrrrrrrrr....it's cold outside. It is hard to believe that this week is only Thanksgiving. The weather here in NC is cold, cold and more cold with a slight breeze of cold. It's the kind of weather when you want to sit down with hot chocolate, a good Christmas movie, and cozy up by the fire. I LOVE this weather, as long as I don't have to go outside and my kids are healthy. Oh yeah, they are NOT healthy....so it makes for a miserable time.

Most of the kids are done or at the tail end of their medicine, but 2 still have horrible coughs and stuffy noses. And little man had a 102 fever all weekend long and just wanted to be held by mommy. My kids don't get sick alot, but when they do get sick its a serious, make it worth it sickness. If you think of us, please pray for the kids health. I pray that they are better by Thanksgiving Day...it looks like we will miss the Christmas Parade again this year. I don't think sick kids need to be outside in this bitter cold for hours watching a bunch of bands, floats, and other people riding down the street. It's just not worth the headache for mommy.

Anyway, I pray you all are healthy and warm. Happy Thanksgiving! I am so thankful for each and every one of you.

Blessings,
Blessed Mommy