Life with Lollie

Amazed

2012-02-07T09:38:00.000-08:00

Well I didn't finish the Joy Dare.
I did however while sitting here looking at FB have an amazing realization.
9:30 am is around the time that Josh phones from work. He usually catches me still in bed, usually with a pre-schooler climbing around my head or she's stacking up pillows and using my knees as a launch pad. Anyway the point is my feet have not yet hit the floor.   I started the Hello Mornings Challenge from Inspired to Action.
For the past couple of weeks when Josh calls I'm already done my coffee, and school assignments are started.
TODAY.....he hasn't called yet and I've already been to the grocery store and back!!!! Miraculous! Although I probably wouldn't have left the house if the kids were not attending Spiritual Emphasis Week.   And to be totally honest I wouldn't not have dashed in for a few things IF I had not been totally out of dishwasher detergent. ;)
   Yet I sit here still amazed at what has been accomplished in the time that I would have previously still been in bed! ;)

Joy Dare 19

2012-01-19T10:05:00.000-08:00

19. a grace in the kitchen, a grace in the weather, a grace that might never have been.

~ A sink that both sides work, thanks to my handy hubby

~ With this -23 feels like -39 weather I find it really hard to find something thankful. But the sun is shining and that is bright beauty, we can enjoy from inside.

~ I have a few graces that might never have been. Right now I'm thankful for a 3yr old girl who came 6 years after her sibs and the little one that will follow her. Had we been "planning" things they might never have been.

Joy Dare 18

2012-01-18T15:40:00.000-08:00

18. 3 gifts from God's Word.
~ "He shall not be afraid of evil tidings; his heart is firmly fixed, trusting (leaning on and being confident) in the Lord" Ps.112:7

~ "For God has done what the Law could not do, [its power] being weakened by the flesh [the entire nature of man without the Holy Spirit]. Sending His own Son in the guise of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, [God] condemned sin in the flesh [subdued, overcame, deprived it of its power over all who accept that sacrifice]." Romans 8:3

~ "I have been crucified with Christ [in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ (the Messiah) lives in me; and the life I now live in the body I live by faith in (by adherence to and reliance on and complete trust in) the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself up for me." Gal. 2:20

Joy Dare 13 -17

2012-01-17T11:01:00.000-08:00

When Josh is home it's hard for me to get over here.

13. 3 sounds you hear.
~ The quietness of children busy at their school work.
~ The giggles of a 3 year old
~The diesel truck warming up outside

14. 3 ways you glimpsed the startling grace of God.
~ A hug
~ The smiles of my children
~ How peaceful they look while sleeping

15. one thing you wore, one thing you gave away, one thing you shared.
~Maternity jeans that don't make me feel fat or frumpy
~boys clothes that have been outgrown
~tears for a friend gone Home

16. 3 ways you witnessed happiness today.
~ Hubby's happy about yummy coffee
~ Madi's happy to cuddle in bed with me, so am I
~ 9 year old happy with getting her Math correct

17. one gift that made you laugh, one gift that made you pray, one gift that made you quiet.
~ Josh always makes me laugh
~ The gift of praying for a friend
~ When my friend left this earth and moved into Heaven

Joy Dare 11 &12

2012-01-12T16:34:00.000-08:00

11. 3 yellow things that strike you as fresh mercy.
~ SUNSHINE!!!!!!!!!!!!
~ Egg Yolk the really bright almost orange ones
~ Bananas

12. Something above you, something below you, something beside you.
~ A new non-leaky roof
~ My sweet Hubby working away to get the furnace installed
~ Madalyn drawing away happy as can be with just pen and paper.

Joy Dare 10

2012-01-10T11:10:00.000-08:00

10. a gift that's sour, a gift that's sweet, a gift that's just right.

~ lemons...yummy and healthy
~ brownies and whip cream
~ coffee, mmmmmmm

Joy Dare 8 & 9

2012-01-09T10:30:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a very hard day emotionally. Getting back to what I need, and want to do. Give thanks.

8. a light that caught you, a reflection that surprised you, a shadow that fell lovely.
~Well it wasn't a physical light, but it shone in my heart, to let me see things a little different.
~ Perhaps it didn't surprise me as much as make joy swell within me. My little girls face pressed up close to mine and my big girls face smiling at me.
~ The shadow hasn't fallen yet, but if it does yes it will be lovely in a sad way, but lovely.

9. a gift in your hand, a gift you walked by, a gift you sat with.
~in my hand coffee made for me by my eldest
~I walked by the girls painting together at the kitchen island.
~Morning cuddles with toddler, makes rising and shining so much easier.

What I Need a Joy Dare.

2012-01-07T11:22:00.000-08:00

Maybe this is what I need to do right now. Not that I am feeling depressed or anything really. As a matter of fact I'm not even sure what I feel. I don't feel anxious, maybe a little sadness. I have a friend in a hospital far from here he may die from the cancer and he might not. Depends on what God will do. I know God can do all things, but from my own experiences with loved ones dying I've come to realize that God does not view death the way we do. Especially for the believer. So we wait, and pray, and hope, and know that we are dearly loved. God is good and He loves us deeply.
    I have been inspired by Ann Voskamp. To be thankful, to count His many graces in my life and in the world around me. I have even attempted to write some down. But never consistently. She has started The Joy Dare. I'm going to try it.   I'll keep track of it here on my blog. Papers are lost to me. I start one and it always disappears. Buying a journal, well that takes me remembering to grab one when I'm down town, which is usually only when I have to buy groceries.
   Here seems like a good place to start. If you want to join in follow The Link. Read her blog it's awesome! Scroll down to the Joy Dare.
   I'm a bit behind so I'll get caught up to today.
1. 3 things about yourself that you are grateful for.
   ~ I love people
   ~ I am a peacemaker
   ~ I forgive

2. A gift outside, inside, on a plate.
   ~ It's not below 0
   ~ My boys cleaned the kitchen and made me coffee
   ~ Toast with honey

3. 3 lines that you overheard that were graces.
   ~ We will rise from the ashes
   ~ There is no reason to be afraid
   ~ Hugs and Kisses Mommy I love you

4. one gift old, new and blue.
  ~ A praying Grandmother who is long since gone, but I believe her prayers are still being answered today.
~ New life within my womb.
~ Blue for it maybe a baby boy (pretty sure of it anyway;)

5.Something you're reading, you're making, you're seeing.
~ I've been reading Ecclesiastes
~ Well I'm being used to make this little baby but as for actual creativity on my own I'm not doing anything.
~ I'm seeing my children grow up before my eyes, it is happening so quickly it makes me sad. But I am so, so grateful I get to be here and see it.

6. one thing in your bag, your fridge, your heart.
~ My drivers license
~ Eggs
~ Thankfulness

7. 3 graces from people you love.
~ How my husband makes me know without a doubt that he adores me, loves me and there is no one else (besides Jesus) as close as me.
~ That even when I blow it as a mother my children always forgive me.
~ The love and support of our parents and siblings, to walk in the way that God leads us.

Blank Pages and Time

2012-01-05T14:46:00.000-08:00

I love blank pages. Never been marred by pen or pencil. Open to all the possibilities.
I especially enjoy looking at blank calendar pages. For the time that it's blank it means I don't HAVE to do anything. I like that thought.
   It never stays that way. I always have to write some one's lessons in, or remind myself of some appointment.
     'Cause we all know that if it isn't on the calendar it isn't happening.
   Funny, I'm always a little sad to turn the page, as much as I love that fresh new page.
   I know that I have to write on it, or those $70 violin lessons will go to waste. We won't show up for swimming lessons because no one remembered, we'll miss those free skating days, and who wants to miss the free things!
   Turning the page means no more going back. That month, that year is gone. How many moments passed me by? Did I tell my children I love them enough? Did I show it?
   That time is gone and never to return. It's a death of a thing, time. We only get so much. If we don't spend it wisely we waste it. Regardless of how we use it we run out, always.
Time waits for no one. It has no favorites and cares not for our need of more. Time can not be saved or borrowed. It is here for the moment and gone. Moving on, forward marching, whether we are dragging behind, in-step or trying stay ahead.
Learning to be here, right now in this moment. Why is that so hard? It is the only time we really have, right now. Yesterday is gone, tomorrow may not come. How do I just be here, and understand it's the only place I can really be?

Many Christmas'

2011-12-22T12:03:00.000-08:00

      We had a lovely little Christmas with Josh before he went to work. Rather than make the kids wait until the 28th or 29th, we had an early Christmas. Of course this means the kids will participate in 3 Christmas' this year. One with Mom and Dad, one with Grandma, and one with Oma and Papa.
    It is kind of nice to spread it out. Then it's not all over in one day.
    I don't think I'm cooking a turkey this year. We started a new Christmas meal tradition a couple of years ago, prime rib roast. It started after a Thanksgiving of too much turkey. I couldn't even look at another turkey!   The prime rib has turned out scrumptious the last two years. Hoping for another one this year.
     I would post some pictures, but I can't seem to find the right camera cord. All these wires and cords and not one that works:(
    I'm looking forward to just relaxing these next few days. No where to go and nothing to do is nice.

How It's Been

2011-12-11T15:18:00.000-08:00

     It's been awhile since I was on here. Better write something!
Our Jesse Tree hasn't been quite as consistent as I'd like it to be. I would prefer to do it everyday, but it just isn't happening. My fault.
     I'm tired, and hibernating. Actually I'm making myself go to the Church dinner tonight. It wasn't to hard to convince me since my first thought was, "Then I won't have to cook dinner at home." I do feel a little guilty that I'm not bringing anything. I will check and see if my good friend MJ wants me to grab anything on my way up.
    My house is a somewhat scattered mess. I have no motivation to care at the moment. The kids are all playing with friends, except Madi. I am keeping her entertained with a video. I know not really a great thing to do with a three year old, but it is what it is for now.
    I went to bed at 11pm and slept until 8am, well I stayed in bed till 8, not sure how much of the night I actually spend sleeping. The cat was outside so that was one less thing to wake me up. It was mostly bathroom breaks and sore hips.
   I'm only at the 22 week (23 tomorrow) mark, I'm thinking it's a little early to have a sore hip! Oh well.
   This little baby has gotten quite active which is fun. It'll be fun to meet this little person.
   I have some Christmas shopping done. Just about half I think.

Christmas Thinking and Baby Stuff

2011-11-24T15:55:00.000-08:00

    While looking and searching for Christmas gifts my mind keeps wandering to baby gear.
    I saw online a great double stroller awhile back. Now I can't find it.
    Not sure if we should get an Ergo this time or just stick to the wraps.
   My name dilemma was solved. We've had a boy name for the last three girls. I finally get to use it!
   Trying to think of stuff to do "for me" as my Dr. instructed.
   Trying not to be busy and just relax, which isn't too hard with how tired I am. Although I do see a lot of "stuff" I want to get done before Christmas. A little frustrated with the lack of energy. If I had more, maybe I could do more.
   Madi's room needs to be tackled, and she needs to move from the crib to a big girl bed. It's getting more difficult to lift her in and out.
   I'm really simplifying the decorations this year. Our tree will be our Jesse tree, adorned with our Jesse ornaments, paper snowflakes, white lights and a single white ribbon.
I would like to have some candles around. I have lots of candles but lack the pretty/simple candle holders.
Wondering how much my budget for Christmas will be.

The Name Game

2011-11-05T19:40:00.000-07:00

There comes a time in the anticipation of baby that you play the "name game". Very rarely do Josh and I ever agree on a name. Maybe we do for a little while, then someone comes back and you know that feeling, "I just don't know".
We had thought that if we have another girl we'd like to give her a Hawaiian name. We love Hawaii after all. It just so happens that our favorite Dr. who delivered 4 out of the 5 we have has a Hawaiian name.
Leilani. We thought for the longest time that Leilani would be her first name. But now we're not so sure, for sure her middle name.
What goes with Leilani??
Got any suggestions?
We have a boys name. That one's not a problem, we've had it for the last three girls!
If you care to share some girls names, that you don't mind me using:) Please do!!

Highschool

2011-10-20T11:44:00.000-07:00

I knew that teaching Highschool would be a challenge. What I didn't realize is where the challenge would lie.
   I thought it would be more along the lines of curriculum issues. Was I going to be able to teach the skills needed to do the work? I was so encouraged by Bradon's teacher, and there is a multitude of resources to help where skill sets are concerned.
Nope the challenge is, and I guess always was with the student. Not that the skills are not attained. Not that work is misunderstood. It's the actual "get your self down to work" part. That's the challenge. How do I get this young person to complete the task at hand? There are no amount of incentives or punishments that motivate. I've even resorted to yelling at moments in my frustration, which get us no where.
   Then miracles! I've seen progress! He's actually finished this report, and it's great. I make some corrections, fixing run on sentences, spelling mistakes, giving suggestions on using new words. Now suddenly he wants to rewrite the whole thing differently. He does not want to make the corrections I gave, he'd like to start again with the same subject but different angle.
   I gave him a deadline of having the good copy in by tomorrow. I can not see how he has time to rewrite a report that took him two weeks (or longer) to complete.
   Why does he want to do that? Is it because he doesn't like me correcting it? It's not like that's anything new, I always correct his work. Is it a form of perfectionism? I'm confused.
   This is the first time he will be handing in his work to someone else. Is that it? I don't get it.

Love Creative People Who Invent Useful Things!

2011-10-14T10:15:00.000-07:00

3 years ago when baby #5 was born I discovered a whole lot of new baby and mom things that had been invented since the fourth baby.
   I love all the useful new things, and so glad that some Mom invented it, and shared it!
   I found a new one today!
I've used the Bella Band to help with modesty in nursing, and have found it sometimes lacking.
Now there is Modest Middles. A tank top that is super low, the top sits under your bra (you wear it under your shirt) so you can easily pull up your shirt and nurse your baby without showing your back, side and belly!
NICE!
You can visit Life in a Shoe to see her giveaway!
This is for sure on my list of baby gear for this baby!

Are We There Yet?

2011-10-12T23:04:00.000-07:00

Well maybe I should say are we done yet? I think we are, but I'm afraid to say "Yep done!". Just in case we aren't.
You see my sweet little Madalyn has been my most challenging potty trainer. Well I'm suppose to be the trainer I guess, but it really wasn't working out that well.
Never before had any of the previous 4 put up such a big stink about NOT sitting on the potty. The first day I could bribe her with chocolate chips, but only if I gave her some every time she sat on it. Otherwise, no way.
I gave up for awhile. Then once she turned 3 I thought, I really gotta get this girl on a toilet. Seriously!
So I bought books, and stickers and treats. For the first day (second try) she sat and got her treat and read the books. She was the potty princess. But we produced nil, nada! She saved that for the floor.
I gave up for another week.   I decided I would have to just accept the fact that this was going to be messy. We would have to stay home, not have people over, and just get this done.
Oh and I bought playdough, the little tubs that you give out in goodie bags. I had to really stick to my "No playdough till you put something in the potty". She kicked up quite a fuss with that.
   Thankfully she was really good at number two on the potty. I can handle cleaning up pee off the floor, but not the other!
Once she caught on that she could have a new little playdough each time she went potty we had no more accidents!! It was like magic! For a week we stayed home just to make sure, then the big test of wearing no diaper on an outing of more that 3hrs. She made it! She even told me when she had to go!!
   So are we there yet? Is she potty trained? Can I stop holding my breathe?
Well today we ran out of playdough, so I guess we'll see what tomorrow brings.

Thankfullness

2011-10-09T11:17:00.000-07:00

Missing Church today, sore throats, coughs and stuffy noses. Well 3 of the children who are healthy managed to make it thanks to their wonderful Oma.
  We, those left at home, sit listening to Keith Greens Lord You're Beautiful.   I like Keith Green. His no nonsense, tell it like it is, style. His passion for Jesus.
We had our Thanksgiving dinner on Friday so Dad could be there too. It was Josh's idea actually, so that his Dad didn't have to miss out. I love that he was thinking of that, cause my thinking is really not there. I also love that Mom did the Turkey, Josh baked the pumpkin pie, I made stuffing and Maiya did the rest. It was a group effort that makes it so nice.
   It does feel strange this year not heading to Houston for my family's dinner. This is the first year without Bob. I'm glad my Mom went to my Sister's, she's not alone:)
   I am so thankful for the wonderful people God has placed in my life. For the bounty of food. For the roof over our heads, and clothes on our backs.

My Do and Don't List and Some Parenting Ramble

2011-10-02T15:27:00.000-07:00

Things I don't like about being pregnant;
    ~Being so tired
    ~Being irritable
    ~Being emotional
    ~Gaining 12lbs in 12 weeks
    ~Being tired
    ~Pregnancy brain (I forget EVERYTHING)

Things I like about being pregnant;
   ~The fact that there is a little soul in there growing and getting ready to join us
   ~Everyone already knows I'm tired so they let me sleep
   ~Eating for two (hence the 12lbs)
   ~Guessing if it will be a girl or a boy
   ~Knowing Madi won't be an only child (I know she has older siblings but they are really more like parents)
   ~Stretchy pants

Being pregnant is not easy, being a Mom is not easy. It comes with lots of sacrifices.  It comes with lots of joy.
The heart breaks never end, as little babies grow into little people, who grow into big people. My heart is glad and sad all at the same time.
I read it once that having a child is like having your heart walk around outside of you. Or something like that. And Ann Voskamp said something to the effect that the pain of child birth never stops. That's something they never tell you about. The pain of children growing up.
    My oldest is 15 and I feel the tug of his independence, to be his own man.  And I hope that for him and I rejoice with him as he moves from the boy man into the man. But my heart fissures too. Our dance has been a hard one. We both hard headed and strong willed.   And yet a love that conquers all. Maybe it's not that way for everyone but it seems like my first born was the hardest to parent. The hardest in labour and delivery, and I struggle to understand him. I fight in prayer for him, for wisdom to parent him. And just as I called out to God in birth for him, I call out to God still. He is not a malicious child, nor is he terribly rebellious. In most respects he is perfect and wonderful. For him and I it's a mess of words and misunderstandings. From the first moment I saw him I wondered who is this little person, I was in awe of him and totally in love with him. If I stand back and just take in who he is, I am still in love and awe of him. And just as I said back then, that I would do the whole long hard labour all over again, just for him. I say it now that I would do the whole battle of love to parent him all over again, just for him. I do realize we're not done yet, there are still three more years until he's officially an adult.  Right now he's the first young adult in my house. And I'm learning how to be his Mom, just as I've done since the beginning of him. In retrospect I think it's actually him whose taught me, well the Lord using him anyway;)

New Look!

2011-09-27T21:17:00.000-07:00

Here it is!! My new look. It's great. I love it!
Thank you so much Erin. You did a great job!

And I have a button! You can find it if you scroll down.
You can visit Erin here and see her designs:)
http://www.designbyinsight.net/

Spinning Plates

2011-09-15T09:31:00.000-07:00

    Why is it that I can never keep them all spinning? I can get one going pretty good, but then the other 2 have stopped or fallen off and smashed.
    You would think that it wouldn't be so complicated, to keep three plates spinning in midair at once. It's something I've tried and see pictured perfectly in my head.
    I can usually get one of them to go quite nicely, but I always hit a glitch when I have to get them all up and running.
The plates I am referring to are, schooling, housework and spiritual life.
     If we have a great school routine and things are going great that usually means I'm spending very little time in my bible or in prayer. It also means my house is a disaster zone. On the other hand if my house routine is smooth sailing and it's clean and tidy this means no school has been done and again I am without my personal time with God.
   How do I get them to all go at the same time? Is it even possible? I really can't shirk my time with God to often, otherwise I become the growly, barking Mama that all the children run and hide from. Not only that but in not spending time with Him I start to feel a little lost.   The longer I put off our time the more crazy I feel. Worries creep in, irritation seems off the charts and pretty soon I'm wondering out loud, "What is wrong with me?".
   I know that some, well maybe more than some, discipline is required. I need to go to bed a decent hour, so I can get up in the morning. I need to schedule planning times.
   I've never been a planner, I'm really more of a "fly by the seat of my pants" girl. The only problem with flying that way is that you usually end up with a wedgie.

16 years ago

2011-09-02T12:32:00.000-07:00

Ok this picture is not from 16 years ago. This is last year:)

    What better day to start blogging again than on our 16th wedding anniversary.
    Josh proposed June 1995 and we were married on Sept. 2, 1995.
    He was no slacker on his proposal either. He worked tirelessly on kinder eggs perfecting his resealing technique so I would not be able to tell it had previously been opened.
   The day he proposed we'd been dating for 6 months. We had talked about our future and what we wanted. I knew that he want us to be married one day, I didn't know that he would propose that day.
   We walked up to the little store near his parents house, like we usually did.   We bought 2 kinder eggs, like usual. The only thing that was different was his insistence on me opening the little yellow toy keeper. I like to finish my chocolate first, but he was so insistent that I finally opened it.
    There under the instruction paper was a gold ring with a shiny diamond. I gasped!
    Josh took the ring out and got down on one knee, right there on the street corner and asked me to marry him.
    After I caught my breathe I said "YES".
Now here we are after 16 years of marriage and 6 kids later.

Did I say 6??

Heart Strings

2011-07-20T10:17:00.000-07:00

One day I will walk with you again. While your grandchildren play.
I'm sad you had to leave us so soon. I wanted to keep you here. I'm thankful I got to have a second Dad, I'm grateful that it was you.
Thank you for marrying my Mom and making her so happy. Thank you for accepting us as your own and making us feel so loved. Thank you for the Papa you were, for walks around the duck pond, motorbike rides and hours with budding carpenters in your shop.
Thank you for teaching me the names of so many flowers, even though I could never remember them. Your appreciation for life was contagious.
I will miss you.
I thought this picture was sweet when I first saw it. But now it has heart strings attached.

The Good with the Bad

2011-06-20T15:53:00.000-07:00

I was doing really good with my 31 days to clean. Josh was so delighted to come home to a clean and organized, not just kitchen, house! Not including the shared girls room. I did make a dent in there, with them, but it's far from over (and even worse now).
Then I hit a wall, a virus wall. You know a real life firewall for your body would be nice. Especially when your on a good roll with keeping it all together. A nice little cold knocks you on your butt and well it was nice while it lasted....
Today I am feeling a bit better, still dizzy but not as wiped out. Today I have 2 members of my family joining in the sickness fun. Although what was has got I did not, and no thank you! We are in lock down, sanitize everything and everyone around the clock terror watch. Well it's not really that bad, I mean as in terror, but I'd really appreciate this not going any farther than one. So it's disinfecting time, I mean serious doorknob, light switch, Mama's following you around the house cleaning everything you touch. Now I'm really exhausted. Oh and don't forget the homemade medicine chicken broth. Made a big batch planning on adding it to everything we eat. Plus lots of garlic!
I was really down about missing days 9-13 on my cleaning. But you know what I did clean my kitchen today. Then I messed it up again. But it's ok, I'll jump back in when I can. Other things are demanding attention right now, and I'm not going to get discouraged and give up. I can jump back in when things are a little more closer to normal.

Uphill Both Ways

2011-06-13T16:51:00.000-07:00

Well I made one goal happen on Saturday. I got up at 6am! To be honest I really had to get up that early, actually I stayed in bed till 6:15, but that is still earlier than I ever have without it involving a crying baby.
I was up at this crazy hour because the boys were participating in the Seafest Parade. We first had to drive an hour and a half to get there.
The girls had slept over at Oma's because Daddy is at camp. The boys and I got up, ate breaky then into uniform they got. I downed 2 cups of coffee and off we went. We grabbed 2 hot chocolates and another coffee at Timmy's!

   It was a really nice drive. We chatted, they listened to Odyssey stories. My Sirius radio blasting the Message the whole way.
This is a very long parade. Bevan's drum teacher was concerned that Bevan might not be able to carry the drum the whole way.   Bradon's feet have grown and his shoes are pinching his heels and toes. We are all gathered with the band at a lovely couples home. They live right beside where the parade starts.
Once we're ready to line up for the parade, I carry Bevan's drum the short walk over there. In my mind I'm thinking that he should save all his energy for the actual parade.
The parade begins, Bevan hooks up his drum and off we go. I follow along on the side to be there when Bev is done with the drum.   We are followed by the Navy bus and I secretly wish I was brave enough to ask for a ride, cause I'm to lazy to walk this whole thing!
   We walk up a hill, and not just a little hill, these streets are like rolling hills!   Then down and up a side street. I lost count of the blocks we walked this far. If that bus would just get a little closer I could jump on.
   Bagpipes singing and drums beating we turn up a side street and then back down another street. Heading in the direction we came. Great another hill!
The band played great, lots of cheering and hooting from the crowd. Bevan gives me a look. I give him the thumbs up and wave him on. He frowns at me.
Just at the last building at the end of the parade, he stops drumming and his holding up the straps with his hands. Ok, I wave him over.
"Look! You made it all the way to the end!" He smiles at me, hands me the drum, and gets back in line.
   The boys get lots of good pats on the back for a job well done. Brady runs and changes into his runners the first chance he gets!
We say our thanks, and good byes and head to McDonald's.

Glitches

2011-06-10T13:56:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I hit a glitch. I finished the kitchen no problem. It actually gets faster as I do the kitchen each day. It was the main living areas that cramped my cruising and I glitched.
I didn't get it done. Well the couch and chair area is easy enough, the computer school area is overwhelming.
But today I got it done. Well for the most part. To the untrained eye it may not look glorious, but if you saw what it looked like before (your training) it's fabulous!
Now if I could just get Madi to stop dumping out her blocks!

Right-Brained, Left-Brained

2011-06-09T11:31:00.000-07:00

Apparently I'm right-brained. This means that if I don't see it, it doesn't exist. Which really explains why my clothes never make it out of the laundry basket in my room. Clean clothes are in the basket, I dig out of there. Dirty clothes on the floor, in the corner, I chuck them over there. It also means I'm suppose to be artistic, hmm, I must have more left-braininess in there cause I can't draw to save my life!
I was convinced that my sweet husband, love of my life, was totally 100% left-brained. My reasons for this conclusion are that left-brainy people are organized. Everything has a place and everything in it's place. He is constantly putting things where I can't find them "in their place". Which I appreciate, but have a hard time with. You see in my brain if I can't see it, it's gone, therefore I go buy more. Ya, this is a source of frustration and sometimes laughter in my house.
Last week I thought it was strange that we went through a whole box of diapers. But I went and bought more anyway. When Josh came home he showed me the full draw of diapers! Oops!
   I was pondering creative ideas for when the toilet paper runs out today, you see I am hoping for a paycheck today or tomorrow. If that doesn't happen we'll be using paper towel!   Anyways not to worry, while doing my 31 days to clean I was actually hanging things in my wardrobe, which Josh and I share and VOILA!! TOILET PAPER! I thought we went through that big bulk package awfully fast even for this house! My sweet left-brained man had put it away:)
   Oh and we did an online test, to laugh at ourselves and apparently he's not so left-brained after all. In fact he's perfectly balanced, 49-51% Of course as I suspected he's 49 right and 51 left.   I wasn't totally wrong.
   As for me I lean quite far into the right, with very small slice of left. Enough left that I can add 2+2 and that's about it. Sorry I forget the exact numbers, something like 70-30 or there abouts.
   So if you think your seeing double at my house, you probably aren't. What surely happened was that Josh put it away, I thought it was gone forever and bought another one;)

UPDATE!
I went and got you my numbers 33 Left and 67 Right.:)

Dragging But Still Doing

2011-06-08T15:24:00.000-07:00

Wow, am I tired. I didn't sleep well last night, but that's normal for the first night Josh is gone.
We postponed school this morning and headed to the family garden for some weeding time. The boys delivered their papers, the girls, Oma and I weeded. Well the girls alternated weeding with keeping Madi occupied.
I'll have to get some pictures of our lovely family garden up on here. The gardeners consist of Oma and Papa, Auntie Maiya, Uncle Joe and kiddies, Josh, our kids and I. It's super! I love it. Planting this year was similar to last year. 3 women and 8 kids. Great fun, and great conversations.
Weeding is lots of fun too, lots of time to chatt and pull weeds. Lots of time for the big ones to trade of watching little ones.
My kitchen is clean, save for one load of dishes waiting for it's turn through the washer. Today was the day to add picking up the main living areas to the clean the kitchen routine. Well the floor was picked up from all it's toys, papers and miscellaneous socks/shirts/towels. Oh Oops! I forgot today is also add laundry to the list. Gotta run put in a load! See ya!

Sparkling Clean

2011-06-07T20:02:00.000-07:00

Today was the day it sparkled. Yep I HAD a super nice clean kitchen. With some of the cupboards even cleaned out and organized. I say some because I have a lot of cupboards and can't get to them all. More tomorrow:) My kitchen is still in great shape. One more load of dishes should complete the job. And one last wipe of the counters and tomorrow I will wake up to a clean start. Which maybe happened once before...maybe!
Looking forward to the next thing!

It Figures, and Thankfullness

2011-06-07T08:53:00.000-07:00

   Well yesterday was the first day of the focus group. The mission....to clean the kitchen.   And.....my.....dishwasher broke.   Ok not really broken but wasn't working and my sweet husband had it in pieces and back together, then apart again. This process took all day.
    It figures, when I want to get to work, my maids quite on me. So I washed by hand.....A LOT of dishes. My kitchen didn't quite get sparkly clean like I intended. Time was not on my side. It takes a lot longer to wash by hand, I have a new appreciation for my dishwasher.
   I am thankful for the first 31 days to clean. My kitchen was in a far better shape then it's been in a long time. I am thankful I had already done some.
   So although my kitchen might not be as great as I planned, it's still better than if I'd done nothing;)

31 Days to Clean

2011-06-06T10:24:00.000-07:00

     A couple of weeks ago I bought an e-book. 31 days to clean

      If you know me then you probably know I'm not a cleaning type person.   It's something I've struggled with all my life. My bedroom when I lived at home was your typical teenage nuclear disaster area.   Now fast forward to getting married, having children, homeschooling. I now have a house that looks like my teenager bedroom!

    I use to think that my Mom didn't teach us to clean. She was a single Mom raising two girls. I do remember her making us do dishes and sweep and vacuum. So I'm pretty sure we had to learn how to clean. What I think now is that the key was she MADE us do it. We knew what we had to do but we never did it with out her MAKING us do it. Seriously!
    Now running my own home, there is no one to MAKE me do anything. In fact I could sit on my behind all day and do nothing! If it wasn't for the multitude of children crying for food I probably would have. Maybe.
   Besides teaching my children about Christ and generally how to behave, I have a desperate need to teach them how not to be me!
   I know that sounds bad, but really people I'm 35 years old and just learning how to keep a house! Sad, really sad.
   I can learn from the mistakes my Mom made. Not that she did anything badly, she did her best.   In hindsight I can see that hounding my children to get their required chores done, and MAKING them do it, doesn't work. I need to teach them something I don't have. Which is impossible, if I don't have it how do I give it??
    Here's where I cry to the Lord and He always answers. Now this isn't going to be easy especially for me. I have discovered many things about myself these past couple of years. One of which is that I accept things to be true that are not actually true. Especially if I perceive it to hard to change. Well the truth is I can't change. Nope I can't, but Christ can change me if I let Him.
    I found this e-book and it's really helping me. It has Mary challenges, which are more about spiritual growth and Martha challenges, which are cleaning jobs.
   This combination is really working for me.
   The sweet lady who wrote this book has started a focus group for the next part. I joined.
   I am a little intimated to say the least. I am praying through it. I'm also excited. I'm learning. It's fun. I do much better when there is someone to TELL me WHAT TO DO! Hahahaha! Ok so that is something I'll have to deal with too, but for now I'm working on establishing routine cleaning habits.
Sarah Mae has given us permission to blog about our journey if we like.   Writing things out helps me process, so I'll be blogging about my cleaning journey as much as possible.
   I am doing this for a few reasons.
   First, because I am a wife and mother and I am at home it is my job to run the home. Scripture tells me to do everything I do as unto the Lord!   I can honestly say I don't care about housework, I skirt the edges and only do whats necessary when necessary. I don't give it my all, never have. But things are going to change, they have to if I want to give my children a chance to be better than I am. I want them to be able to stand on my shoulders and reach higher than I could.
   I believe that if I learn this, they will too, and when they leave me to run their own houses this will be one thing they won't have to struggle with. They will have their own struggles yes, but if I can help them out with one, that's one less thing they have to do later.
    Today it begins! I've been already working through the first e-book so I feel ready for the second one.
   It's based on the idea of building a task each day.
I will post after today, and let you know how it went;)

Raising Homemakers Anniversary Giveaway

2011-05-30T10:12:00.000-07:00

I am posting this to let you know about 2 things.
First is a great group where I have gotten lots of great tips. Raising Homemakers. I get the e-mails everyday. From cleaning and cooking to raising kids. Lots of great stories, ideas and encouragement:)

Second today is their first anniversary so they are have a give away. There is a collection of great books that they are giving away.

Today we are THRILLED to announce that one “lucky” reader will win AN ENTIRE CLAY AND SALLY CLARKSON BOOK COLLECTION!!!!
Which includes…
Educating the WholeHearted Child
Our 24 Family Ways-
The Mission of Motherhood
The Ministry of Motherhood
Seasons of a Mother’s Heart
Dancing with My Father
All SIX books could go to YOU!

If you want to enter head here!

Agenda

2011-05-27T11:33:00.000-07:00

On the agenda today.
School
Clean fridge
Bake cookies and muffins
Decide whether or not I'm writing my own curriculum or finding one that works
Now I better get moving, 3 of the kids are done they're work, now I can make them do chores:)

I am learning.

2011-05-26T16:16:00.000-07:00

   I am learning to listen. Listen to the Spirit whispering to me. Listen to the heart of God. Being still and waiting does not come natural to me.
My Father however is teaching me that what I think is my personality is in fact not.. He is teaching me that I must let it go, let Him take them off. These parts I think are unchangeable. To change my mind, He does that, I'm not really good at that either. Change me to think that maybe I've been wrong all these years. To claim a song and call it mine, and that's just the way I am. Nope, not anymore, for if I am dead and He lives, what is mine? Nothing. I can cling to nothing, claim to nothing but Christ.
   Of course at any given moment of the day I forget this simple thought, that it is no long I who live but Christ who lives in me. I think only of my goal in getting something done, or avoiding that which I know needs doing.
   For me I am learning to answer when He calls, to seek Him in each moment, in each task. To ask for His help in things I should be able to do myself, but can't. Or don't know how, or have just been doing wrong for so long I can't see up from in.
He is there, in it all, holding my hand. Speaking peace in my heart. Heart Peace.
I like what I read today from Ann Voskamp's blog "Will I ever be who I already am in Christ?"
It's a question I didn't know I was often asking. Will I ever be who I already am in Christ? I have faith in Christ that He will accomplish what He wants to in me. I'm going to blow it, no doubt. But He'll be there. And I'll repent. I'm learning.

Challenge Stats

2011-05-19T10:25:00.000-07:00

    Where I'm at today. I sometimes wonder if I bit off more than I can chew. I seem to start a number of things without finishing the first thing, and somehow don't complete anything.
First with Maximize Your Mornings, I started out ok, but once we went on holidays that all went out the window. I haven't gotten back into it since I got home.
   Then with memorizing Colossians....nil... Oops!
   Is there something else? I'm sure there is I just don't remember.
So now I have this e-book 31 days to Clean. My newest and latest challenge.   Who am I kidding!? Cleaning has been a FOREVER challenge. I am never caught up. If the kitchen, living room and bathroom are clean at the same time, I can guarantee the bedrooms and laundry room are a disaster site!! And really the only time all three main areas are clean is when company is coming!
   Now you got all the goods on my challenge stats. So I'm going to pray now and do laundry so I feel like I did something.

Sand, Salt, Sun. Oh and Water!

2011-05-14T15:54:00.000-07:00

The view off the right side of our Lanai

Madi's favorite part of Hawaii

One of the pools

With Papa and Grandma each morning.

Fun in the Sand

On a leaning Coconut Tree

Walking back to our Villa after Church.

Daddy and Madi way in front, Bevan must be back with Grandma and Papa.

The Shaka sign, which began in Hawaii and became a universal surfer sign for catching a good wave.

I learned the origins of this sign while on a train ride.

Back when the sugar cane trains use to run in Hawaii is where the Shaka began. It started as a wave by one train driver (I forget his name). He would wave to the children on the side of the tracks, well they thought he was waving so they'd wave back. Really he was waving them away because sometimes they would jump on the train or run up and take dropping sugar cane.

He had some kind of accident (I don't remember what) where he lost his 3 middle fingers. Only his pinkie and thumb remained. He continued driving the train, but now when he waved at the children, they didn't know he lost his fingers so they copied him. Thumb and pinkie. The kids began making this sign to one another to let each other know it was a good day for a ride (jumping on the train) or that sugar cane had fallen off and they'd go get it.

A rare moment with all the children in the picture.

The Trip There

2011-05-11T12:28:00.000-07:00

   Are you wondering what it was like to travel with 5 kids? If you are here's a run down of events, if not then you might want to skip this one.
   I spent 3 days packing and planning. Friday night the van was all packed and ready to go.   Saturday morning we ate, cleaned and left.
I drove 3 hours to my parents house. We stayed there till Josh came in from work (he works near there so this helped).   My parents left to catch their flight.   We hung out at their house till we just got restless and left around 8:30pm.
   Josh drove the first 5 or 6 hours then I took over for 3 or 4 hours.   2 or 3 more hours till we get to the airport, Josh drove.
    I don't know the exact times, I wasn't really keeping track. All I know is that it's a 12 hour drive from my folks to the Vancouver Airport.
   We arrive at the airport, park in long term parking, take the shuttle to the terminal.   We wait about an hour or two till my parents land.
   They land at 11:20am. All 9 of us camp out in the airport. People sit far away from us, I don't know why.

Finally at 2:30pm we can check-in.
Madalyn's ticket is randomly selected by homeland security for a full security check. Josh, the Parents and other kids all go through a different, faster check.
Madalyn and I line up for her full check, then I get picked by the machine for my choice of either a) a full pat down or b) a body scan.   I opt for the body scan, thinking that would be less intrusive than a pat down. It still felt intrusive.
   Finally we get through all that and into the USA side of the airport.
   Thankfully they have a wonderful play area that keeps Madi busy the whole time we wait to board our 5:35pm flight.
   On the plane! Yay! The hardest part over. Madalyn seems to do fine with the going up. The kids all have gum, they're great!
   Watch some shows, play some card games, nap, snack. 6 hours and we are landing in Honolulu!!
   Madalyn is asleep coming down and wakes up screaming. Her ears are hurting and she's so upset she won't suck her sucky.   I hold her and rub her ears gently and sing to her, she calms a bit.
   We step off the plane and are hit with the warmth and humidity.....I feel like I'm home.
Mom and I stand with the children. Papa and Josh gather the suitcases.
We walk out, catch the bus to our rental car.
Drive to Ko Olina, get our room cards, get all the kids beds made, everyone crashes. 1:00am Hawaii time 4am BC time.
Madalyn won't sleep, so we bring her into bed with us, she's out like a light in 2 seconds! We laugh and fall asleep. We're in Hawaii!!

How/What to pack for Road/Airplane trip.

2011-04-15T17:14:00.000-07:00

Having a laundry facility on the other end of your trip is a plus, plus. It means you can pack less!
Here's the basic list:
2 long pants
4 shorts
4 short sleeve shirts
2 long sleeve shirts
1 Hoodie
2 pairs of socks
5 pairs of underwear
2 dresses (girls)
1 pair flip-flops
1 pair of hiker sandals
1 pair of aqua socks
1 pair of runners (mostly for the getting there and getting back)
1 hat
1 pair of pjs

To be honest the shoes take up more room than the clothes!
For me I have all of those plus:
Camera
Toiletries
Diapers
Wipes
Passports
There are towels there so I don't need to pack any.

For the road:
Home made cookies and mini muffins.
Store bought trail mix, banana chips and flax crackers.
Fruit snacks
Word searches
Blues Clues colouring book and crayons
Mad libs
1 pillow each
Blanket for Madi
1 mp3 player each (except Mads)

For the Plane:
1 Monopoly card game
1 Sorry card game
1 new mad libs
A bunch of stickers
Plus all the stuff from the car. I am keeping somethings new
for the 6hr plane ride.
And a secret sucky hidden in my purse for Madi emergencies. You know the screaming, crying, get me out of here kind.

There you have it.
Oh I forgot the car DVD player, plus the secret new DVD I bought. Do you remember Chip and Dale the Rescue Rangers? I found them at Wal-Mart a 3 disc set!

Ok done!

Check it out!!

2011-04-14T22:37:00.000-07:00

I want to introduce a new blogger to you!
Lilly through the valley.
Check it out:)

Also these sweet ladies who've been blogging and I forgot to introduce them to you!
Grateful Heart and Helping Hands
and
Wiebeville
Hope you don't mind me sharing:)

Oh yes and
Starlit Home
and my friend who inspired me to blog
Hey, Mrs. Wilson!
Don't forget this one!
Life More Abundantly
And this lovely lady!
Oh Dawn...
I have a few more than I thought. But I think they are all worth introducing! You can also find them in my side bar, where I have blog links:)
Bon Bon's Bistro
And my Pastor friend.
Mountainside Community Church
I have a few more, but I'll give you a break.
Ok, have fun!

WILW Link up! And a notice for my absence (that will come:)

2011-04-13T13:21:00.000-07:00

I thought this looked fun. What I Love Wednesdays. I linked up with Krystina at Lollipops.

What I love. I love the Beach.

And of course I love my family.

You KNOW I love coffee, but my favorite coffee is Kona, and you can only get it in one place. You know the place......

HAWAII!!!

Yep, that's the place. And what could be better than having my family on a beach and me drinking Kona Coffee?!

So that's where I'll be Monday morning. Sitting at the beach in Hawaii watching the kids play, sipping my Kona!
Now you'll know why it's so quiet here, we're at our second home (I wish!).
Wish I could bring you all along! Love ya!
Lollie:)

I WON!!

2011-04-12T18:21:00.000-07:00

I won a blog design!!! I'm so excited! I can't wait to see what Erin can do. You can check out her site here and her portfolio.
Her blog is called Insight Blog Design.
So stay tuned to see what will be new.
Also a question for you bloggers, what is the difference between Blogger and Word Press? Is one better than the other?
FUN! FUN! FUN!

Happy Birthday Ashley

2011-04-11T10:54:00.000-07:00

   How do I describe her. Bundle of energy, doing everything with all of her. All the knees in every pair of pants are gone, and yet a princess in every way. Nothing is ever hidden, she wears it all up front so you can see. She will always try to make you happy, she's very good a co-operating.   Organized, well maybe not.   Ready for adventure, always.
   Can't believe she is 9 now. How did that go so fast? Like her entrance into this world, a mere 45mins in hospital, gave that nurse a run for her money! The Dr. arrived in her pjs just in time to catch!
   That's Ashley our little lightening bolt! Bundles of muscle and life, full of loveliness.
She has a talent for art, in fact she NEEDS to draw. She goes through withdrawals and pleads "Mama I just need some paper PLEASE" bouncing up and down in desperation. I hand her yet another piece from my printer. Aaahhh, a big sigh of relief and she quickly sketches it full. Back for more!
   Ashley who makes a friend where ever we happen to be. At the pool, at the park, on a beach. "Mom this is my new friend _____" She's done this through the grocery store before.
   My girl, you delight me. I am so amused watching you and full of excitement for your life and what it shall behold.
   In Christ she lives. Through her Saviour conquered her fears. She clings to Him and builds herself in His truths. She draws them out and tapes them on the wall above her bed. So at night when she feels the lies trying to creep into her mind she reads her verses, truths He gave her. She smiles rolled up in His love and sleeps soundly through the night. I am in awe.
Happy Birthday Sweet, Vibrant Girl, I love you!

Happy Birthday Bevan

2011-04-09T21:58:00.000-07:00

Bevan's favorite colour is green. He is very organized and keeps his room neat and tidy. For that he can thank his father. He absolutely hates change. Here he can thank his mother.
Changes are hard. Sometimes I love it, like changing seasons, I love for Spring to come and turn into Summer! Other times change is hard, like life changes, where things are not like they were. Oh we adjust of course and we think back to the "good ole days".
My kids are growing up. Bevan turned 12 this week. It doesn't really feel like that long ago when I brought my 8lb 11 oz baby boy home. He's getting taller too, pretty soon he's going to pass me. What happens when Mom's are now smaller than you? Will I still be Queen? Will they still obey and listen to me? I feel like I'm shrinking into the incredible shrinking woman. I have a small squeaky voice as I follow them around..."get back here and do your chores! Where are you going? You can't ignore me" I don't know what it will be like. My brain is still having a hard time switching from Toddler to Big Kid. Now the Big Kids are turning into Young Men, with their sisters not far behind. Well I mean I know their sisters won't be young men!
   Young Men, Wow. Just the thought of those words makes me feel so inadequate. And thank God that I am otherwise I might not ask for His help!   I was going to ask how you raise Young Men, but I'm thinking that by the time they get to that stage they've already been "raised". Now is the last bit of training and teaching that I can squeeze in before.....the young men turn into Men. Yikes!
    This is the coaching faze. Where they get to go out and make the plays on their own, but I still get to call "time out" from the side lines. One day soon I won't get to have that job, I'll be a spectator, with no say.   I can cheer and boo, but that's about it!
   This post is suppose to be all about my Bevy boy! He's the big Birthday ~~Boy~~ Young Man.   For his birthday dinner he asked for his favorite, mashed potatoes, corn and steak (done schnitzel still). Ice Cream Cake to top it all off.
   He had some buddies come over and they played for a few hours, ate chips and hot dogs. At the end of the day he said "It was a good day, I had fun." Just what I wanted to hear.
Happy Birthday my son. May you continue to grow in the Grace, Knowledge and Love of our Savior Jesus Christ.

Still here!

2011-04-08T15:32:00.000-07:00

I have been so busy! Today is birthday party number 2!
I really want to do a post for each of my birthday babies. Once this day is over maybe I'll have some time to write!
Not only write but sit down and read through some of the great blogs I found at the UBP!
So this is just some chicken scratches to let you know we're still around!
:)

Sacrifice My Sleep

2011-04-03T20:55:00.000-07:00

Me sleeping.

   Does is count if you get up early and go back to bed? You know cause I did get up yesterday and today, but then I went back to bed. I read my bible, prayed, then went back to sleep for 45min. Well all that yesterday, today I knew I was going to church so I thought I'd skip it. (not the waking up part, the bible reading part;)
   I think it should count. Don't you?
   It could be counted as a nap, maybe.
Seriously though, I had big plans this past week and for whatever reason it just didn't happen. I am determined to do this, get back on the "wake up early" wagon. Now I know that 7am is not that early to some of you, but if you know me, well then you're probably laughing. You're laughing 'cause you've come to my house and woke me up at 9 or 10am!!
   So you see folks 7 is early in my books. So early in fact that I have to think about it the night before and get my butt to bed before 10:30, otherwise it doesn't happen.
I was convinced that I needed between 9 and 10 hours of sleep. Seriously! You could not tell me otherwise. But you know when God moves you, calls you to action, to sacrifice, to obedience. He begins to teach you things. Things that I'd been so sure of have started to fall apart, my closing arguments, epic fail.   Then He teaches, fills in my gaps, gently leads me in the way He wants me to go. All the while giving me loving encouragement and assurance. And here I find myself where I never thought I'd be, convinced that I only need 8hrs of sleep, actually wanting to get up early. Wanting to have some time with Him to myself, uninterrupted by the world that is my home. Does He still love me if I don't make it? Sure He does! Can I still get through the day? Yep, He hasn't left. But I tell you the truth! And you can handle the truth! It sure feels good to be there, to be awake, to be in His word. Just me and Him spending time. Feels good. Makes me smile more, makes me think more.
   Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice to save me. I can make a little sacrifice to spend time with Him. Sacrifice my sleep, that's pretty big for me. It's not easy, but I'll do it!

Ultimate Blog Party 2011! WOOT!

2011-04-01T16:50:00.001-07:00

This is my first Blog Party!

If you have a blog and want to join follow this link. If you're visiting me from the UBP11 Hi!

My friends call me Lollie, this is my life. I have 5 kiddos, married to my best friend who just happens to be the Hottest guy I know! I homeschool, stay at home Mom stuff.
I am a believer in Jesus Christ and try to live my life for Him.

Francine Rivers Giveaway!

2011-03-28T09:52:00.000-07:00

Head over to Francine Rivers' fan page to enter a great contest to win all of her books!
Francine Rivers Giveaway

Ground Control

2011-03-27T17:43:00.000-07:00

   Well this week was a write-off as far as early mornings go, but not in the way of spending time with people I love! My Mom was here for a few days over last weekend and into the week. I had such a good time chatting away with her, we always stay up much to late; hence the lack in early morning rising.
   Once she left, the Hubby returned. (not on purpose it just happened that way;)
   The week flew by, another weekend gone. Hopefully tomorrow I'll be back on my mission. Right now it's lost in outer space!
   I can't wait to dig into the info I printed out, plus pray and seek the Lord on what my Mommy Mission Statement should be.
   I am so loving watching the snow melt! Even if what's underneath is brown, soggy and stinky! Ya, and there's THAT too!

Mom on a Mission

2011-03-19T09:56:00.000-07:00

    Have you ever heard about or thought about a mission statement as a Mom? It never occurred to me to have a statement. My mission mainly has been to SURVIVE! Not just my own survival but hopefully theirs too!
   Of course I had some idea of what I would like to teach my kids and how I'd like to do that. Sometimes it works out, sometimes not. Although I have a slight idea of what we should do, most days we fly by the seat of our pants! I've always kind of been like that, spontaneous decisions, or combustion, depends on the day.
   I've been picking up some thoughts and mulling them over. First of all this getting up earlier thing, which didn't work out for me so well this morning, due to a late night of giggly little girls:)
   Now this Mom mission statement idea.
You can read all about it here from Inspired to Action.
I printed off some of the pages. I'll be praying about it and reading through them in the mornings. Which by the way are going well (when we go to bed), like yesterday when I got up 20 mins earlier and had nice quiet time reading Acts 4. I decided to read through the book of Acts. No particular reason. What's really cool is my 14yr is following me, setting his alarm early and getting up to read his bible. Super sweet!
   Today we are getting the house ready for Grandma! She's coming to visit yay! I love my Mom:)

I Did It!!!

2011-03-15T08:43:00.000-07:00

Thought I'd let ya' all know that I got up 10mins earlier today!!!
Granted the toddler got up too so I didn't get as much as I wanted done, but I did get to read Acts chapter 2 or most of it anyway. Soon we will listen to music. Some, well one child has already started his school!

I Love Sleep.

2011-03-14T17:27:00.000-07:00

I have discovered a new challenge. Well, actually it isn't new to me that this will be a challenge, what's new is that I now feel inspired to change and do something about it. In there lies the challenge.
I love sleep. I could sleep 12hrs if "they'd" let me. Honestly I don't get out of bed, unless I really have to. It may be that I lack the will power to abandon my warm cozy bed or it may just be inertia.   Lets go with that one!
   If it was all inertia though then I probably wouldn't go to bed in the first place. I look forward to bedtime, all the kids are asleep, I can finally hit my feather pillow and cuddle in my duvet.   Ahhhhhh, is it bedtime yet??
   Ok, so what's the challenge?   To get up earlier.
     I can hear those words echoing off the walls, can you? Frightening! It's a thought that makes me groan on the inside. Who am I kidding! I'm groaning out loud!
   Where did this come from? Well it's been kicking around in my brain for years. It comes up from time to time. Good thing God loves me and is ever so patient with me.
   I found this website the other day. Inspired to Action's Maximize your Mornings. Due to the constant lack of time for planning school, planning the day, squeezing in little bits of bible reading, I am aptly aware of the need for more time.
   I will not start getting up at 5:30am! When I read that on her site I ran screaming from the room.
    Instead my plan of attack will begin with 15min increments, er, or, well, maybe 5mins. Babysteps, babysteps.
   My hope is that I can spend this extra time, worshipping God, reading my bible, praying, planning the day and the week. I also hope this will help me change my evil nemesis "Housework" into a much friendlier giant.
    PS I can't start tomorrow (oh darn) I am fighting a cold (cough, cough). As soon as I feel better I'll be up ~~15mins~~ 5 mins earlier.

House Work My Nemesis

2011-03-08T11:12:00.000-08:00

Do you have any struggles that have lasted your whole life?
Is there something that has always been there and never changed? Maybe you have changed, and you are in a different place in your life, but that one part remains. I do.
   For as long as I can remember I have never been organized, never kept my room neat, ever.
    When I lived on my own there was no cleaning, until company was coming or I had no more dishes to use and had to wash some. Now imagine how that translated into marriage. Then add children into the mix. How was I never able to get a grip on this skill? How has it evaded me all these years? Why is house work my nemesis?
   Oh I've heard it all from, just do it, to writing out lists and schedules. Flylady worked for me for about a month I think. I've tried to get back on the fly wagon, it usually lasts about a day.
   In other areas of my life I've changed, moved on, but this one gets me. I'm stuck. It's not that I can't clean, I have, but that's it when I HAVE to.
    I know this probably doesn't make sense to my "born organized" friends. Some of my friends are nice and make sweet excuses for me, "You have 5 children!". "You are very busy!" Yes, yes, you are all sweet and I love your nonjudgmental love. But I know the truth, I know that I could do better. I know that I could BE BETTER. So what's with NOT being better, what is that?   Am I too nice to myself, allowing myself the excuse to "not feel like it right now"? Is it something deeper that needs to be worked out?
   Often over the years I have prayed for help. Begging God to make me good at this. Asking for the desire to get it done. Now I have begun to pray again. Asking God to reveal to me what it is that holds me back. Giving me His motivation to WANT TO do the cleaning, His knowledge to know HOW and WHERE to start.
    2 weeks ago an amazing thing happened. For 3 days I had no dishwasher. I had to wash all the dishes by hand. Since my children are ~~spoiled~~ privileged enough to only know how to load and unload a dishwasher, and I was too ~~lazy~~ merciful to teach them.   One son actually took the initiative to dry the dishes and put them away. A boy after his father's heart!
Anyways back to my story of the amazing thing that happened to me. There is something truly magical in hot, soapy water. It makes you want to wash everything. So I did, all the appliances small and big. All the cupboards (on the outside it's not THAT miraculous!). All the counters, and walls (above the counter again not THAT miraculous).
   By the time I was done the dishes my kitchen was sparkly, and I didn't even give it a second thought. I was in awe, and a little fearful that I had left and someone else had moved in (just kidding).
    I kept it nice and sparkly clean for 3 DAYS!!! Then I got a cold and hubby fixed the dishwasher and here I sit in the mess again.
   I don't have a cold anymore. Maybe I should make some soapy, hot water and stick my hands in it. Maybe something might happen, and if not then I guess I'll just give myself a manicure.

It's An Emotion That Has No Name

2011-03-07T16:52:00.000-08:00

Prayer, seeking, reading (scripture), listening, quiet, be still. All these things are good and necessary for the searching of heart and soul. When emotions surface from the deep depths of ourselves we have choices.

1. we can ignore them
2. we can take them to the One who created us with a purpose and ask Him about them.
     I must confess that my go to choice is 1. ignore, deny, shove it down. I am learning more and more (slowly and like a stubborn child) to choose the second.
   To come before my Beloved, the One who allowed those things to surface in the first place, because He wants to continue the work He started when I was first born into His Spirit. Alive in Him, no longer dead in sin. Because He loves me and wants to make me whole.
   To some the answers come easy, asking the Lord to reveal to them the cause, or getting right to the root. For me it hasn't always been that way. I can feel like I'm groping around in the darkness, waiting for my finger tips to grab hold of some truth or some reason. If I don't make myself fold my hands and just pray, stop grabbing little things turning them over and over in the dark trying to make sense of what they are, I could easily give up, despair. It's much better for me to sit quietly in the dark and wait for Him to turn the light on.
    Sometimes He has already, and for some reason I still sit with my eyes closed. What am I afraid to see? Am I afraid? Am I sad? It's an emotion that has no name, it feels like grief, like the death of something. Is the death of something in me? Or the realization that something has died either long ago or more recent?
    While praying and reading I've been focusing on Life. Simply because the feeling that came to me was about death. When I think of things dying I am instantly transported to my Dad's death. His dying was the deepest hurt I ever felt in my life. It was a brokenness I can't describe, a shattering of my heart.
At the same time I also experienced God in away I never had before and I know Him better because of it. He carried me through that time, whispering His love in my heart, giving me strength when I had none.
     In years later I learned that it was a multi-faceted hurt that stretched it's sticky fingers into many areas of my life. I make decision and sometimes beliefs (some lies, some not) based on that hurt.
   It makes sense to me that what I experienced a few days ago is some part of that multi-faceted pain.
       I am reluctant to claim that my Dad's death must be the reason for this just in case I am wrong, I don't want to miss the truth.
   So I wait sometimes in the dark, sometimes with the Light on and my eyes closed, waiting for the Revealer, Healer, Comforter, Master, Teacher, to do His work.
When I hear Him say "Open your eyes." I will.
The verses that stuck out to me that night and today,

"Nevertheless I am continually with You; You do hold my right hand. You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to honor and glory. Whom have I in heaven but You? And I have no delight or desire on earth besides You. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the Rock and firm Strength of my heart and my Portion forever."
Psalm 74:23-26

Going Through

2011-03-04T11:26:00.000-08:00

   I have the feeling that I'm going through something. I don't know exactly what it is. My only clues are that my emotions are highly elevated, meaning things that wouldn't normally make me cry, make me cry. I don't cry that easily. I am not a very emotional person. Don't get me wrong I have emotions, I am not numb, but I am definitely different from most of the women in my family. For example my Mom and my Sister, Aunties and some female cousins all cry, and sometimes bawl, when we all say goodbye. I never do. Goodbyes are never really sad to me, I never think that I'm not going to see you again, in fact I usually think the opposite. "I'll be back!" So I don't get sad.
     I am not pregnant if that's what your thinking. I know cause that crossed my mind too, I checked, nope not pregnant. (I even bought a test to check, negative!)
    Not that I put all that much faith in my feels, knowing that what I'm feeling may not actually be based on truth.
   So while in the midst of this unknown phenomenon I just keep praying that God will work it out. The way He always does, revealing to me what I need to know, need to deal with. I am not into digging around, that just gets more trouble than it's worth, nope, I will wait on the Lord and His good timing.
   Meanwhile learning to allow these emotions to surface and giving them to the Lord as they come is hard to do.  My first reaction is "Come on now what is that! Get it together woman!" Hahahaa!    Maybe all I really need to do is be allowed to have these emotions without reason, just let them be. Kinda goes against my nature though, I like to have a reason for things. You know, cry because something is sad or there is pain.
I guess it isn't just nothing that makes me emotional. It has been something I read or have seen or think about that brings it out.
For example I read some things at Ann Voskamp's blog, A Holy Experience.
This is what I read, "just remain moment by moment in the Vine and there is the promise. Of yielding more in the end than an unlived life. ": and "this is where God is. In the present. I AM.

Here is the only place I can love Him. Here is good."
Even reading it now the tears are burning my eyes. Why? What is it about these words that touches a place so deep in my heart that it is foreign to me. At the moment I don't know, but I trust my God who is doing the work in my heart that in time He will reaveal it to me. Then perhaps I will be able to share it with you.
In the mean time I really encourage you to go to Ann's blog. She is an amazing writer, gifted actually.

Up To My Eyeballs

2011-03-03T10:34:00.000-08:00

Wow, it was so much easier to post when I had instructions on what to write about!
My days have been filled with trying to get more school done, organizing chores and making sure they get done.
Lately I feel like I'm settling more fights and dealing with more discipline issues up to my eyeballs!
It must be cabin fever, time for Spring!! Unfortunately the weather here is less than springy.
I had a couple of sick days, now I'm waiting for the energy I had last week to kick back in again. Josh and I were both amazed at the amount of organizing and cleaning I got into! Must be all that working out finally paying off. I have had a bit more energy, about a month after starting. Last week though I had energy to spare! Which never happens to me!
Right now my goal is to get Unit 2 done! I have a future goal of getting us through Unit 3 and 4 by Sept. so we can start Year 3. Year 3 is the one Bradon needs for Grade 10 learning outcomes. Funny I've never followed learning outcomes before, the only reason I am now is so he can be tracked for a Dogwood Diploma. (For those of you not in BC a dogwood is the name that BC gave to it's highschool diploma. Don't ask me why it's not just called "Diploma". I guess we have to be special.)
I need to find some other Canadian Tapestry of Grace users. I need to pick their brains on what they did for Canadian History. The end of Year 2, and most of Year 3 are basically US history. So I won't follow the curriculum exactly. For example when we do the week about Jamestown Colony I will find a similar Canadian parallel to use instead. Some US History stories we will look at, I'll pick and choose as we go along.
So that's my week so far. How 'bout you?

Incase you were wondering

2011-02-23T15:45:00.000-08:00

I haven't posted in a few days. It's because everytime I see my blog come up I see that picture of my Dad. It's great to see him. I'll post soon don't worry:)

Day 30: Picture of someone you miss

2011-02-19T17:53:00.000-08:00

I miss you.

Day 29: A picture that can always make you smile

2011-02-18T10:50:00.000-08:00

This picture always makes me smile.

Day 28: A picture of something you're afraid of

2011-02-17T10:28:00.000-08:00

There are lots of different things that scare me or cause me anxiety. But there is one thing that pricks my everyday mindless routines. There is but one thing that I avoid only by the Grace and Mercy of God.
This is not a picture of something that I'm afraid OF, but instead a picture of something that I am afraid to leave.

I pray that I never leave the Narrow Path, that Jesus would not let me go my own way. That I would keep my eyes on Him and not get distracted so long that my feet leave the path and I do not notice.

I pray also that you all find the Narrow Way and enter the Narrow Gate. And if you already have, that you never wander.

Day 27: A picture of you and a family member

2011-02-16T15:52:00.000-08:00

Me, my little sister, my youngest brother. My oldest and my sister's oldest.

I think it would be great to get a sibling picture one day when we're all together!

Day 26: A picture of something that means a lot to you.

2011-02-14T14:09:00.000-08:00

They mean more than a lot, they mean the most!

Day 25: A picture of your day

2011-02-11T17:49:00.000-08:00

Ok this isn't actually from today, but it's the closest we're gonna get! :)

Day 24: Picture of something you wish you could change

2011-02-07T10:02:00.000-08:00

I would change the way we travel. No more long flights or long drives, just jump in your teleporter and voila! You're there!

Day 23: Picture of your favorite book

2011-02-06T10:18:00.000-08:00

I love books! I would have a library twice the size of the one I do, if I was allowed to buy as many books as I like.

It would be impossible for me to pick just one book, well except the bible I already did that one as my treasured item. Instead I'm going to give you a list of the books that impacted my life the most. Now this is just off the top of my head, there may be more but here it goes.

This book shared the gospel with me, and planted the seeds that lead me to Christ. It was given to me by my Auntie who loved Jesus and is with Him now.

This book helped me learn to walk in the freedom that is mine in Christ.

This book helped me learn to be the kind of wife I wanted to be.

This one helped me see that my husband loved me more than I knew and that he talks in blue. A language I am learning.

This one helped reminded me that I'm the parent, and what I want teach my kids.

And last but not least, this book helped me gain wisdom in homeschooling. Helping me to see what it is I want in my homeschool.

Day 22: Something you wish you were better at

2011-02-05T12:54:00.000-08:00

Easy! This one didn't take much time at all!
Actually it's 2 things but they go hand in hand.

First, to be a better housewife. I don't keep a very tidy house.

Second I don't just wish I was better at being organized, I wish I was organized period!

Day 21: A picture of something you wish you could forget.

2011-02-04T10:49:00.000-08:00

I liked the story line of this movie. I hated the gory violence. I dislike all things gory. I really don't think gore is necessary. Some violence is tolerable. Like beating up the bad guys. But I can't watch gory, yucky stuff.

So for everytime I watched yucky, gory or something in movies/tv that bothered me, I wish I could forget all those images.

As for real life, there is nothing that I want to forget. Everything I went through, everything I experienced made me who I am today. All things bad left room for God's healing and restoration. All things good... "every good and perfect gift comes down from above."

Day 20: A picture of somewhere you'd like to travel

2011-02-03T10:20:00.000-08:00

I would really, really like to see Santorini and some other places in Greece.

Day 19: A picture of when you were little

2011-02-02T09:54:00.000-08:00

This is me (in the blue) and my little sister.

I think I'm 3yrs.

I'm the one holding the tea set.

I think I am 6yrs maybe 7.

Day 18: Your biggest insecurity

2011-02-01T10:00:00.000-08:00

This is a hard one. I'm insecure in lots of areas. They are all negative thoughts and are never based on truth.
They all include feeling fat, ugly and not good enough or good at something I want to be good at.
The problem with these thoughts is that they never accomplish any good. So I MUST choose to think in better ways. I am not "fat", but I am not healthy, so I am working to change that by making healthy choices.
I am not "ugly" but not getting proper sleep and drinking proper amounts of water makes my skin less than desirable.
I may not be perfect but I am good enough and if it's something I really want to do I will learn how! The best thing I can do is be who God made me to be! His servant, and just be ME!

Day 17: Someone who recently made a difference in your life.

2011-01-31T11:07:00.000-08:00

Ok you might think this is really weird, because I don't really know this person in real life. She has made a huge difference in my life. She is able to motivate and challenge me, even if she's only on my tv.

Jillian Michaels. This is the only workout I do, and one day I hope to get another one. Right now though I'm still totally getting my butt kicked!

Day 16: Someone that inspires you

2011-01-30T09:25:00.000-08:00

This is my wonderful, beautiful sister-in-love. She grew up the little sister of the man I love. But she is so much more than that to me.

She inspires me in so many ways. She is brave and strong. Full of love and life. When she shares with me the things that God is revealing to her and what He is doing in her life I am in awe.

She is His servant and she lives her life yielded to His. Her love for others and her constant seeking of the Lord in what He wants her to do is a continual encouragement to me.

I look at her and I don't feel defeated or that I'm not good enough, she never makes you feel that.

She inspires me to seek the Lord for what He has for me this day.

I Love you my girl!

May His face shine upon you continually and many blessing on you and your sweet family.

Day 15: Something you like to do before you die

2011-01-29T09:20:00.000-08:00

I couldn't really think of anything. There isn't really anything I "have" to do before I die. I don't have a "bucket list". But since this is part of the game there is something I would like to do with my kids while we are still on this earth, Lord willing:)

I would like to drive across Canada and see all the Provinces!!

Day 14: Someone you could never imagine your life without

2011-01-28T11:28:00.000-08:00

I would not have life had it not been for my Mom. So I could not imagine my life without her. I need to get some more recent pictures of her, and I still don't know if she'd let me post it:)

Day 13: Favorite Band or Artist

2011-01-27T13:27:00.000-08:00

I have lots of favs. Here's 3.

Day 12: Something you Love

2011-01-26T13:06:00.000-08:00

Well of course I love these guys!

And you know I'm mad for this guy!

Day 11: What I hate

2011-01-25T12:58:00.000-08:00

LIES. I hate deceit.

He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. John 8:44

This is in reference to Satan.

Day 10: Person that I did the most "wild' things with

2011-01-24T10:30:00.000-08:00

That would have to be my wild child, Bon. This one's from back in our wilder days.

Well we weren't really "wild" in today's meaning of the word.

We did convince our driver to try and out run a cop once.

We did ask a total stranger to lead us to the last bus stop through an abandoned dark part of Edmonton. I think there were train tracks!

And hundreds of crazy things that should have gotten us into trouble, but never did.

Oh we look innocent now, but you just never know;)

Day 9: Person who got you through the most

2011-01-23T12:47:00.000-08:00

Hands down it's Josh. He was there when my Dad died, he's been here ever since. My best friend, love of my life. I am truly his and he is truly mine. God picked the best partner for me in this life, and I am so blessed to have him. I am crazy about this guy!

Day 8: Picture that makes you Laugh

2011-01-22T13:39:00.000-08:00

My Girls always keep my laughing!

Day 7: My most treasured item

2011-01-21T11:02:00.000-08:00

As far as items go this by far is the one I treasure the most. Whenever I feel confused, frustrated or I just don't know what's up with me, all I have to do is read in God's word. His Word is alive, a two-edged sword. It always feeds my spirit, and brings heart peace to my soul. This Book contains the Words of Life that Sustain you, lift you, teach you and tell you how much you are loved by a Great and Wonderful God.

Day 6: Person to trade places with for a day.

2011-01-20T09:56:00.000-08:00

I would choose to walk in Bradon's shoes for a day. I would like to know how he sees the world. What he thinks of his life, his parents, of just anything and everything.
I forget sometimes what it's like to be 14, and I find that sometimes I miss understand.
If I could see things from his perspective for a day then maybe I could be a better Mom.

Re-introducing...

2011-01-19T10:53:00.000-08:00

I know I've shared a link here before, but since he's started blogging again (it's been a while) I thought I'd hook you up again. Here is a link to Bevan's blog
http://newsreporterbevan.blogspot.com/2011/01/back-to-hawaii-d.html

He really enjoys writing and thinks one day he'd like to be a famous reporter. He'd settle for just being famous;)

Now if I can just get the other one to start writing again...hmmm.

Day 5: My Favorite Memory

2011-01-19T10:16:00.000-08:00

Well that's not just one thing. There are 6!

First would have to be the day we began our Great Adventure!

Second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth, would be seeing and holding each of our babies for the first time.

(This is Madalyn. The other's have pictures that are not digital, but they all kinda look just like this! Except Nat, imagine a TON of black hair on that baby and you got Nat!)

Day 4: Something I'd like to do again

2011-01-18T10:43:00.000-08:00

I miss FOCUS. I would love to do that again.

Day 3: Fav Show

2011-01-17T14:48:00.000-08:00

My Favorite show. A lot because I love seeing Oahu, but it has great charaters, action and stories.

Day 2: Person Friends with the Longest

2011-01-16T14:02:00.000-08:00

Michelle and I have been best friends since we said so in grade 2. After graduation we went to different towns, got married (we were in each others weddings), had babies. But through the years of seeing each other once a year and sometimes not at all, I love that when we do see each other it's just like old times:) I have a few long lasting friendships, Bonnie, Adrianne, Daniele, Tia to name a few. Michelle and I have been together the longest, and sadly this is the only picture I have of us on the computer. The rest are in albums!

Because I must be a follower and it's fun! 30 Day Thingy

2011-01-15T15:27:00.000-08:00

Day 1: Something you like.

I really, really like Kona Coffee...mmmmm

Did I tell you about Christmas?

2011-01-11T19:03:00.000-08:00

This year Christmas with my family was at my house. It was wonderful! A house full of people, 15 for four of those days. It's always nice to visit people, but you never really get to know someone until you live with for at least a week!
   The kids got along really well. There were 8 kids in total.
    My Brother-In-Law is a great cook! Thanks for all your help in the kitchen! It was greatly appreciated by all!
    Josh got to be here for 4 of the days, but he was at work over the actually Christmas days.
   I got to bounce my lovely 5 month old nephew to sleep. Chatt with my other 2 nephews. Laugh with my Sister and Bro-In-Law. It was great. Next year your house ok Sis?
   Mom and Bob came with baked goodies.   It really is a blessing to have the room to accommodate us all. As much as my house can bug me in its goofy layout and unfinishedness, it does have it's good points.
   When my family left we spent time with Josh's family.  Uncle I and Auntie Y came up with all the kiddies. Playing with cousins is the bestest! And we did lots of that this past holiday.
   By New Years all the family had returned to their respective homes, some as early as boxing day. We returned to some kind of normal. Until the stomach flu hit us last week. It is still trying to make an appearance I think as one kid is not feeling so hot right now.
   I was very bad at getting to my Christmas cards. I do still plan on sending them out, they will now be called New Year's cards!
   The Christmas tree is still standing, I know, I know! Don't worry it's coming down this week!

Sickness or School?

2011-01-04T11:10:00.000-08:00

   Today I am suppose to be planning lessons. Instead I am holding down the fort. Keeping one sick child in his room to rest and keeping the others filled up on Silver Water and immune boosting things.
My sicky doesn't seem to think he needs to rest. The others don't want what he has so they are dutifully downing whatever I hand them.
   I am thankful that I wasn't the one up with him all night. I do feel badly that he was having a sleep over with poor Oma who was up all night.
   I am feeling funny but don't know if it's in my head, or I'm tired or I need more coffee.
I have found that basting Madi with olive oil day and night seems to help her eczema.
She has grown and can now reach the counters edge. In her mind anything her fingers can grab is fair game.
Not sure if school will start tomorrow or not. I guess it depends on the level of healthiness in the house.
Thinking of and praying for a young friend who started Chemo today. Josh and I are praying for you!

Shred it!

2010-12-12T21:04:00.000-08:00

  Some of you know I've been doing Jillian Michaels 30 day shred. It has definitely taken me longer than 30 days. In the beginning there was no way I could do 2 consecutive days because my muscles were so sore!
I haven't lost tons of weight. 8lbs so far and I'm on the 6th day of Level 3. I'm not too concerned about what I haven't lost, but I'm totally psyched about what I've gained!
   I am stronger! I can do more than I could before. Going up and down the stairs is a breeze now. Loading wood in the fire not as hard (still don't like doing it but I actually can now).
When I think about how weak I was it's kind of scary. I'm not done yet I still have a ways to go. Level 3 is still kicking my butt pretty good. I know my cardiovascular system thanks me.
   I've also lost inches too. How much exactly I don't know. I never did measure, but I started at a size 12 and now my size 10s are getting lose and baggy.   Maybe soon I'll get into those old size 8s I have kicking around in the closet.
   I never use to like working out, but now I look forward to it.
It's good to sweat!
And now I have good stabilizing muscles to wear my 5" Steve Madden high heels;)

Wee Bit of Me Wednesday

2010-12-08T12:25:00.000-08:00

Following my friend cause I can't think of anything to write.

{one} If you were granted three wishes what would they be?
Hmmm...to live somewhere like Hawaii...that housework would be easy and enjoyable...and I'm gonna leave the last one open for emergencies;)

{two} Who is your favorite author?
   I would have to say John Bunyan first. I can't think of any authors only good books. My all time favorite the one I read over and over is the Bible so favorite all time author, God:)

{three} What crowd were you involved in during high school?
   I was in the Church crowd.

{four} What is your favorite thing to do when you have time to yourself?
   When I have time I like to sew, cross-stitch and scrapbook. While I do these things I like to watch movies.

{five} Do you have any hidden talents?
I really don't think so and if I do they must be really, really hidden!

{six} Can you fake any accents?
   yes, but only with Josh, I'd never do it in front of anyone else

{seven} Have you ever been mentioned in the newspaper?
    I grew up in a small town so yep I've been in the newspaper a few times.

{eight} Have you ever been arrested?
    Never been arrested, but I did take a ride in the back of a cop car!

{nine} What is your favorite job you've had?
   Being a Mom, it's a had thankless job, but so far it's still my favorite.

{ten} Do you have any scars?
   Emotional or physical?? I have both:)
On my knee I have this weird scar of lines and dots from when I stopped my bike with my knee.
And lots of stretch marks, my battle scars:)

Josh has way more scars than me, from chains saws and stuff, but the coolest one I want to tell you about is a body surfing scar from Hawaii. It looks exactly like the number 17!
(just a little scar trivia for ya;)

Mistake #1

2010-11-29T11:36:00.000-08:00

Word of advice....be careful where you get your sewing instructions.
   Following duvet making instructions from a miscellaneous site, I bought the listed amount of material for the proper bedding sizes. Unfortunately there was no where on those instructions that told me this would only cover the front!
   I thought at the time, "This is a lot of material!". Not once did I think it wouldn't be enough.
   While I only need a 15 x 84 inch piece for the Twin Cover, I'll need another 5 1/2 yards for the Double. NUTS!
I am beginning to think it would have been cheaper and easy to buy covers. I would have, but the ones I liked were at least $100, the cheaper ones where not as pretty. I have beautiful material, the kids are going to love it. If it gets done!
I've spent $189 on 3 duvet covers so far, how much more will I need to spend??

   I am currently undoing 1/4 of the stitching I did late last night.

Mistake #2 Sewing while tired = miss calculations in measurements. OOPS!

The "Getter Done" List

2010-11-28T21:29:00.000-08:00

The plan for this week, along with all our regular daily tasks:
~ Detailed Cleaning of the Kitchen, Dining Room, Living Room and Entrances in preparation for decoration.
~ Shopping with the children so they can buy gifts.
~ Shopping without the children so I can buy gifts.
~ Baking Cookies with enough to freeze and last us through the holidays. (maybe) (That's maybe last not bake.)
~ Decorate the house for Christmas.
~ Make all gifts that need to be made.
That last one I am starting right now. I am off to sew Duvet covers, catch ya later when I'll let you know how the "list" is going.

Love/Hate Relationship.

2010-11-26T21:09:00.000-08:00

I believe I have a love/hate relationship with Christmas, and winter.
I love Christmas for the fact I get to visit my family that I haven't seen most of the year or at least since summer. I hate that the roads are yucky and sometimes scary this time of year and my beloved family is traveling on them.
I love giving gifts to people.   I hate that gifts often take away from the real reason why we are celebrating in the first place. If I had it my way there would be no presents on Christmas, the big spending and hoopla would be on your Birthday!!
I love all the good food, and baked goods. I hate that how I feel when I eat to much of the yummy, yummy food!!
I hate being cold, I hate keeping the fire going (which reminds me I need to run and put wood in the furnace!).
I love how quiet it gets outside at night when everything is covered in white. It looks so beautiful that I forget that it's cold out and I just stand and stare. The stars are even brighter and time disappears.
I love that the kids have so much fun out there, building snow forts and snowmen. I hate that 3 out of 4 of them never seem to remember to knock the snow off outside or hang up wet stuff! GRRRR!   But they do play nicely (mostly) for hours.
I hate that the kids are always thinking about what they want, well the younger ones anyway. I haven't heard much about it from the older two.   I love that they are old enough to shop for and think about, what the person they are buying for would like.
   I hate that the stores are crowded with people. It makes grocery shopping a pain. I love that Ten Thousand Villages is open this weekend and so is the Farmers Market fair.

   I am thankful for the true meaning of Christmas, above all the hoopla (my new word of the day).
That true meaning being the Creator of Heaven and Earth gave His only Son to pay the way for us to be reconciled to Him. Christmas celebrates His birth, but really it's about the Cross. And I can't leave it there, cause He didn't stay on the Cross, no He didn't. He rose up from the dead to sit at the right hand of God, preparing a place for those who will follow Him. That is what Christmas is truly for, to remember what He gave, and remember why we're here.

Sittin' in the Rain, Water on Your Brain, Got a Hole in Your Boat

2010-11-24T10:51:00.000-08:00

That's how I feel when I'm sick. Do you remember that song? I think it was a Michael W. Smith? (Wow I totally drew a blank on his name!)

"Sittin' in the rain,
water on your brain,
gotta hole in your boat.
Tryin to stay afloat,
has got you down.

I’ve got a wind in my sail
Rubber boots and a pail
I’ll throw you a line
Rest assured that i
Won’t ever let you drown

Chorus:
’cause when you’re up against the wall
You know I’ll be here for you, for you
When you rise and when you fall
I’ll always be here for you, for you

When the plans you make
Fall through and take you
For a loop
Or some bird has flown the coop
And left you stranded
Just lean on me
And together you see
We’ll carry the load
Even if we don’t
Quite understand it

     I'm not really sinking, just feeling sorry for myself. When I'm under the weather and not myself all the things I wanted to get done and can't bother me. Like grocery shopping, my workout, lesson planning. I just don't have the energy and I can't see through the cobwebs in my brain.
      We're in survival mode here. I make waffles, toast and ichaban to keep the children fed. They do the dishes and whatever school they can without me. Then they play games and watch movies the rest of the time. Don't worry they are supervised. I counted there are 4 here! Ok that means one is missing but I remembered that he went to Oma's:)

    Hope you all are avoiding the annoying coughs, colds and flus. I am going to take more Vitamin C and drink some tea.

HOUSTON!! WE'VE GOT AN EGG!!

2010-11-15T15:13:00.000-08:00

Finally! One of my little chickens is earning her keep! Yesterday morning Bradon came in beaming with the first little egg in his hand.
It's actually bigger than I expected. I was thinking they'd be like robin's eggs. They are a pretty good little size.

Here We Go 'Round the Cough, Cold, Flu Bush.

2010-11-14T12:32:00.000-08:00

A mulberry bush sounds like more fun then the circle we've been traveling the last few weeks. Bad coughs, one puker, all day fever, runny noses. I am hoping this cycle ends soon, I'm tired of keeping the sick ones locked up. With sending out the healthy ones I'm still afraid we're infecting others, or bringing in more germs!
   I am however thankful that it is more annoying than it is really ugly. We are not doing that badly, we're doing pretty good all things considered. The ~~baby~~ toddler is not throwing up. Only the oldest one did, he handled it well, I didn't even know about it until the morning (poor guy).   All those in between had their turn with a runny nose and 2 with coughs. So over all we're good!
   There was that one year....well lets not go there again (shudder).
I was feeling pretty queasy myself, so I've been downing the silver water, vitamin C and acidophilus. I felt good enough to do my workout!

What do I want?

2010-11-11T21:06:00.000-08:00

I have a pretty good idea of what getting for others. Well the kids mostly. Adults are a little harder. Especially the none picky ones. Which means yes they are easy to please, but I want to try harder to make in meaningful, that takes more brain steam.
I know what I want Josh to get me, well a few things, he can pick one!

First of all I've always wanted a fondue set.

A Kitchen Aid pasta maker attachment would be nice.

I would love to have the Canon Rebel camera or a Nikon.
Or let me go clothes shopping! That would be nice too:)

Really though these are things that I can accumulate over time and don't really need for any reason.

Now I will go write a post about how Christmas is not about getting or giving, it's about Christ. 'Cause now I'm feeling guilty.

Workout

2010-11-07T17:30:00.000-08:00

   I don't like working out. It's boring and well hard work.
I would much rather be drinking Lattes at Starbucks!
   But there comes a time in a girls life when things just aren't as they were. When she (me) realizes that it's not going to get better unless I apply a good effort. And regardless of how comfy it is in the sand I must pop my head out long enough to see that I'm only 16 yrs to the age my Dad died.
His death could have been avoided by a healthy lifestyle.

So I feel the need to get healthy.
I started a workout video called 30 Day Shred by Jillian Michaels. It is done in 3 levels.
Level 1 isn't so hard that you have to be super coordinated. I could manage all the low impact moves. But boy was I huffing and puffing! My cardiovascular system is baaaaad!
I had a hard time recovering after, catching my breath!!
After 5 or 6 workouts though it became easier. By the 7th or 8th I could do more of the higher impacted moves.
You are suppose to do 10 days of level 1 but, I did 12. I wanted to have the level 1 a bit better before I moved on.
Level 2 is a lot harder than the first.   I've done Level 2 seven times now. I still can't do the higher impact.
   I also read Jillian's book about Mastering your Metabolism. It was a lot about hormones and how the food we eat and our lifestyles effect them. Some really good info.
Here's what I've been doing.
I eat some protein and healthy carbs, and healthy fats at Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and a snack. I do not eat again after my last meal or at least make sure I don't eat after 9pm. I try to get to bed by 10:30/11:00.   I try to work out every day. The work outs are circuit style and 20mins each. The most I've gone without working out is 2 days.
I've done a totally of 19 workouts. I've lost 5lbs. I feel stronger, I have more energy and my clothes are much looser fitting. I haven't taken measurements. Maybe I should have. Really I just want to feel better and have more energy! And it's working:)

A Few Interesting Things

2010-10-30T15:32:00.000-07:00

I have found a few interesting things.
One is this site that you can buy brand name things at discount prices. Actually a friend on FB posted it and I have checked everyday since, but not bought anything yet!
http://www.beyondtherack.com/member/signin/event-calendar

I was looking for Christmas gift ideas for my older nephews and I found this.
http://www.giftbee.com/for/gift_ideas_for_12_year_old.php There are tons of ideas for all ages on Giftbee!

This looks like an awesome Advent idea for the family, http://www.familymanweb.com/store/advent-craft-kit
plus I really like the family man guy, Todd, he has great homeschooling articles on The Old Schoolhouse newsletter.
http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=v8kuxxbab&v=001oa6YnRfZhAX2h1HqcF0e00VlCNQ9u9EUbMNyq5XwCRsfv29zDgoyV7Iznuy4qW945QSn5Q8Rs7QeHWYVHbMSjVaQli9CaiLUCaSJqGhh8FD0NLQHM-KYPgY9s3ERC0J5f_6f53Fa4hMf7VTbwpLZvrAALWlk9PDTGgii4Nyw1hcNKEerygKoRnuKlmdoATtUE8WNipXwW5QLyUYZjTT1tMBEUEl4WPPhMVGtWtnsrl0%3D
Sorry that's a huge link. It's the Old Schoolhouse Minute if you need to google it.
Well the house is falling apart around me I better get it back in gear!
We're getting our cars ready for the races tomorrow! Should be fun!

The Christmas List

2010-10-26T18:56:00.000-07:00

(I couldn't remember if we had a tree up last year, but look we did!)

   What do you do first? Do you plan your decorations, get out your ornaments, clean?   Do you write your food menus and grocery lists? Write a list of all the gifts to buy?
    I wish I was that organized. If I ever am, which I'm not, I usually get a list of gift ideas written down. Whether or not that's what I actually do depends on my mood at the store. If I see something better I'll switch, if I think I can make it, then I switch.
    This year I think I'll be doing a lot of online shopping. I may check out the local toy store and see if anything catches my eye. I will be avoiding Wal-Mart this holiday season.
   For my own kids I plan on making Duvet Covers. The one that doesn't have a duvet will get one, and the one who doesn't like duvets (I know! crazy right!) will get a comforter set.
    I haven't figured out Madi's gift yet, since I don't want to smoother her with a duvet in her crib, I'll have to come up with something else.
   I have a pretty good idea what I want to get the little nieces and nephews. Just not sure about the big ones yet.

   I also have to plan a family picture. Last year we had Ruth come and take pictures. This year I think she's too busy with her beautiful new baby.
   Gotta think about that.....what to do??

I am thinking about food a little bit. My new Brother-In-Law is a great cook I hear, so maybe I'll be getting him to do the Christmas cooking!

   There are also Christmas cookies on my brain. Maybe I'll get the kids to do them all this year. It might be fun for them!

Christmas is coming fast, and I'm starting to feel the pressure, panic, well whatever it is!!