A Little Bit of This and a Little Bit of That

Back in School

2011-08-09T22:36:00.004-04:00

We started school . . . good news and bad news . . . good news because we need the structure to get things done and keep this house running like a well oiled machine!!! . . . bad news because my house gets neglected and things are usually a little more hectic!!

This year I will be teaching 6th grade, 4th grade, and Kindergarten, as well as entertaining a 2 year old and her almost one year old brother!! We all take turns entertaining the Littles (the youngest 2), but the Bigs (the oldest 3) want to get their work done!!! Isn't that the dilemma of every homeschool family that has more than one child?? I am trying to enjoy our days and remember they are only little for a short while (thank goodness) and this stage will make way for a new one!!

I have switched to Singapore Math from Math U See, which I have been using for 6 years. I have had 2 math teacher friends, plus another K teacher friend who uses Singapore and highly recommends it!! My two BIGGEST Bigs are reluctant mathematicians!! So I thought we would try something new!! I am also switching to Explode The Code to teach Carter to read!! He can't wait to learn to read like the other Bigs!! I am using Wordly Wise 3000 for Vocabulary. I have never used it before but I have read rave reviews on it!! We are using IEW for Writing, Sonlight for History, and Apologia's Astronomy for Science. We have been using these for a few years now!

I am looking forward to a year filled with fun and excitement!! I hope we all survive!! I am pretty sure we will!!

**Thanks for indulging me while I referred to my children as "The Littles" and "The Bigs". Camden just read the book, "The Littles" so I couldn't resist!! It was fun and I think I have decided to do it from now on!!

Sunday Fun

2011-07-17T23:54:00.002-04:00

Today we went to visit some our GA friends, the H Family. They were in FL visiting some family and they invited us to join them for church and lunch after ward! The kids had a blast and didn't want to come home! That is the sure sign of a great visit!

I wish I had my camera because there was a live oak tree with spanish in the yard that was enormous!! (It looked sort of like this pic, but better) In fact there was an 87 year old family member of the H family who told us that when he was a boy he played and climbed on that tree. I hope I get to visit again!! I want pictures of that tree!!

I just love the H Family!! Theh have left their mark on me! They are the pastors of the church we attended in GA. From the beginning when visiting their church for the first time, I knew they were different. It was so evident in their dealings with people, the church atmosphere, and the culture of that body of believers. I have been to a lot of churches all over the country. I have eaten meals with a lot of ministers. I have had some of them come visit me when I had a baby. But the H Family is the most sincere bunch I have ever had the privilege to fellowship with!! They are REAL and their love for Jesus and other people is REAL!! I am so blessed to be able to call them friends!!

. . . . tomorrow . . . more unpacking!!

The Twists and Turns of Life

2011-07-16T16:57:00.013-04:00

It is has been WAYYYYYY too long since I updated my blog!! I am sorry about that!! Since my last post I have been pretty busy!! Let's see if I can sum it all up quickly!!

Moved to GA-LOVE THE SOUTH-had baby #5 Creed Joseph-unpacked and homeschooled-found an amazing church with amazing people-made some amazing friends-Carley turns 11-Hubby begins to get into teaching at the college level-Hubby gets a job offer back in FL (literally 4months after we get there)-it snows on Christmas day-Hubby accepts the job in FL-family is making adjustments to the idea of leaving our niche in the south-Caydence turns 2-Camden turns 9- Carter turns 5-we pack our house-cry our tears-say ours "see ya laters"-move back to FL-unpack . . .

. . . And that is where we pick back up!! I skipped a few details because they are boring and overrated!! We are now living in FL again and loving it!! We have been here about 2 weeks now. Hubby is working at Trinity College and is already excited about the possibilities!! He is the Program Director of the Management and Ethics degree. He is thrilled and feels like he is a very good fit for this college. He is also working on the final semesters of his Phd. His goal is to be finished with everything in 2 years!! If anyone can do it, I know he can! He is stressed about some aspects, but I have faith that the God who brought him this far will see him through to the end!

The children have been troopers through all of the chaos! Their emotions are up and down. The Lord has been their strength through it all and they will gladly tell you all about it!!

While in GA Carley, made lots of friends-good friends!! There were girls her age everywhere! They all seemed to be into dancing and singing so they got along great!! They were always making up a dance to a song or acting out a skit!! She played basketball for the first time ever and she also played softball and took dance. She has a passion to worship God with her dance. Carley also loves reading and writing. Right now she is into The Lord of the Rings Books. She is constantly learning something new about the characters and the symbolism within the literature (and movies). She is looking forward to seeing some of her Wesley Chapel girlfriends at VBS in a few weeks.

Camden is into all kinds of things too! While in GA, he played soccer and excelled at goalie. He played basketball, his favorite sport and his team went undefeated in the league. He even tried dancing with the dance team at church. He did a great job too, but I think he decided he wanted to stick with sports!! Camden is very sanguine, meaning he is a people person and he always has to be having FUN!!!! He made some great friends in GA too and got to do lots of sleepovers. That was a highlight for him! Now he is glad to be off of school for a while!! When it starts back up again it will have to be FUN!!! (on my to do list . . . make life FUN for Camden!!)

Carter has grown into such a sweet boy! You may know him and remember that when he was two, we wondered if he was going to live through those years!! It seemed he was never going to learn to comply with the family culture. He has a very strong personality, which God will use to glorify Him!! In GA Carter had a friend that had the same birthdate as he does, so that was an instant bond for the 2 of them. One friend had him over to spend the night and they slept in their homemade fort!!! So fun!! Carter starts Kindergarten this school year!! He can't wait to be "in school" like the older children!!

Caydence is now 2 . . . need I say more!!! Her name means "the beat of movement as in dancing or marching". This is so true for our Caydence because she definitely "marches to the beat of her own drum!!!" She keeps me on my toes!! She loves to "help" Creed, her baby brother. Really she is torturing him!! I know she loves him deep down!! She is starting to play dress up and pretend to be a princess. She has a "princess club" and only the most professional princesses are admitted. She is hilarious and she loves music! I am going to post a video of her singing Jesus Loves Me. It is super cute!

Creed Joseph is our newest baby boy! He was born on Sept 16 at 5:55AM. (Six weeks after we moved to GA) He was 8lb 14oz and was 23 1/2 inches long!! He has been a joy since the day he arrived. He is always happy and smiling and like his sister, Caydence, Creed loves music. Creed means, "a confession of faith" and we have learned so much over the past 3 years; most of which was spent unemployed for our family. FAITH has been the key element that has sustained us. Creed is a great reminder of that faith!! His smile and his energy are such a blessing!!

As for me, well . . . these children are my life!! I love every minute of the chaos! I spend most of my time cleaning up spills, doing laundry, changing diapers, picking up the same toys 20 times per day, etc. There isn't anything else I would rather be doing with my time!! I have been given the opportunity to mentor and discipline the children that have been entrusted to me for this season. I am so blessed!

I have managed to find myself involved in some wonderful life giving relationships with some wonderful women of God! They must really love me because they always seem to welcome me and my chaos. I am so very blessed to be living in such a place of opportunity in all areas of life!!!

I am planning to blog more about . . . well . . . whatever!! I am just so thankful that whatever twists and turns in life are around the corner, I can be sure that I am loved unconditionally by my Heavenly Father!!

First Things First

2010-06-24T22:11:00.004-04:00

Why do I worry? Why do I second guess Him? Why do I even give in to the temptation to try and figure it all out myself?? When will I ever learn?? Trust . . .

After Shannon and I got home from our initial visit to GA and the whole job interview, we decided that there was a lot to pray about in the whole transition!! We made a list of our most important concerns and began to pray for them daily and meditate on the Lord, knowing that He would provide answers!! Within only a few days our most important concern was taken care of!! We needed renters for our home in FL so that we could get a home in FL with the assurance that the expenses here would be taken care of!! DONE!! Our next concern was to find a home that would be a good fit for our family!! We wanted to make sure the home would feel like HOME right away!! We didn't want to have to go in and do a lot of cleaning or fixing things in order to make it HOME!!! DONE!!! We went to GA to look at a few homes and we found one that we think will be a PERFECT fit for us!! It is HUGE and had a great big back yard!! We are excited to make the move!! Our next concern . . . the one that would keep me awake at night . . . where will our precious baby make his entrance into the world?? FL or GA?? About a week after the job was offered to Shannon I found a midwife in rural N GA!! WHO KNEW?? I couldn't believe it!!! What a HUGE blessing!! Now baby Creed will definitely have a exciting birth in a new place!!

Those were the biggest concerns on our list and they are all taken care of!! There are more, but I have no reason to worry!! It will all be taken care of!! The Lord is Jehovah Jirah, my provider!! I have a WONDERFUL Heavenly Father watching out for my family and I. He know what we need and WHEN we need it!! I pray that I will always remember how He has provided our every need and even some wonderful things we didn't really NEED!! Thanks you, Lord, for making beauty from ashes!!

20 Months, hundreds of rejections, and thousands or resumes later . . . .

2010-06-12T10:39:00.003-04:00

There is good news to report!! My Hunny got a job teaching at a Christian college in a VERY small town in the deep south. I am so proud of him. The teaching portion of his interview was flawless (in my completely unbiased opinion!!). You know how you watch a sports event and you realize that the players seem to make their "job" look so easy??? I always think, "If I threw a ball . . . it sure wouldn't look like that!! How do they do that and make it look so easy??" That is what Shannon did!! He taught a mock class on a given topic. I sat in the back and observed with tears in my eyes!! He did amazing!!

He embarked upon this journey 20 months ago when he was struggling at his job. He was working himself to the bone day and night and NEVER receiving the benefits promised him from the beginning. He was promised employees to help with the work load, an office space, just to name a few. While dealing with those unfulfilled promises, he was being degraded and demoralized on a daily basis. It was one dramatic scene after another. Since he was working from home it became a family affair. He had no co-workers to bounce things off . . . there was chaos and confusion everyday. We know that isn't from God, so with very heavy hearts and timid spirits, we agreed that he would quit that job!!!

I am sure that most people thought we were crazy!! But we took the step of faith!! The Lord had showed us a Scripture that confirmed the decision. So we felt . . . . timidly confident!!! Of course we thought that he would have a job within only a few months. We never dreamed it would be a journey that would last nearly 2 years.

Through the months, we have had our ups and downs and our faith and doubt. There were times when we wondered if this season would EVER end!! Sometimes it feels too surreal and we wonder if we are dreaming. But we are alas so thrilled at the opportunities that lie ahead.

This is a dream come true for Shannon. As a professor, he is looking forward to doing life with people on a new level!! His humble spirit, energy for life, and creativity are going to keep him learning and mentoring for a long time!! I am so proud of how he has been faithful to obey the Lord during this time and keep our family afloat during this very LONG roller coaster of emotions and circumstances.

WHAT AM I LOOKING FORWARD TO?? Well, I am looking forward to taking my kids out of the city and into the country!! I am looking forward to new homeschool field trips. I am looking forward to a change of pace. I am looking forward to meeting new people and making new friendships. I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for our family in Georgia. It is going to be a blast!!

Cloth Diapering

2010-04-23T20:48:00.010-04:00

Who knew it could be so easy!! It really is a non-issue!! I have considered it in the past with other babies, but all I could think about was the "hassle"!! After trying it . . . to my chagrin, it is SOO easy!! I am very happy I gave it a try!!

I have a good supply of diapers now and I only have to wash every 2-3 days. With all the laundry I do anyway, I hardly notice the extra load!!

I also use cloth wipes. I never thought it would be so easy to keep those on hand!!!

HERE IS MY SYSTEM: (I'm a beginner for sure!!)
I have a wetbag that hangs from the changing table and I sprinkle some baking soda in it to help with the odors. NOTE: The changing table is in my bedroom and there are NO odors that come from the bag at all!! So I use Flip diapers for the most part.

I keep the inserts and covers folded on the table as well as the wipes warmer with cloth wipes. When I change a pee-pee diaper, I put the insert in the bag and use a new insert. When I change a poopy diaper, I plop the poo and swish in the toilet a few times and then I sprinkle the insert with baking soda and drop it in the bag along with any wipes I use. I have a diaper sprayer that attaches to the toilet, a MUST HAVE, according to a friend!! BUT the Hubby is having a difficult time getting it attached properly and so we have not yet used it!! I have heard that it makes poo-poo clean up much less hassle, but at this point, I wouldn't know!! When I do swish poo in the toilet, I wear dish gloves. Call me a wuss . . . but I just can't bring myself to do it without them!! I always wash my hands good with the gloves ON and then put them in a safe spot wear they aren't going to get used for anything else!!!

TO WASH: I take the bag and dump all content into the washing machine including bag and put it on the "soak" setting in cold water along with a little more baking soda. After it has soaked for some time (a few hours to over night) I wash the load with a chemical free detergent and a little oxy clean. I wash using HOT water and use the 2nd rinse cycle to be certain that all detergent it out of the diapers. I hang the bag and diaper covers to dry and add the inserts to the next load to dry or if large enough, they all go in the dryer alone and dry completely. Some days I can put them on the portable clothes drying rack outside in the sun and save some money on using the dryer!!

ANY QUESTIONS??? How about ADVICE???

I am sure I will change my system over the next year or more while cloth diapering Caydence and the NEW baby. I am looking forward to the challenge!!

Wood-burning Kit Brings Dad Back

2010-04-20T13:24:00.002-04:00

My Hubby's parents recently moved and as my MIL was cleaning out the basement she found an old wood-burning kit that belonged to Hubby. He was probably about 12-14 when he used this to entertain himself "WAYYYY back in the old days," the kids would say!!

Well, the kids begged him to get it our yesterday so he did!! They had a blast . . . he had a "blast from the past!!" When he opened the box, there were pieces he had made as a kid that were still in the box. The kids were fascinated and Hubby was too!!

As they painted and burned their pieces of wood they kept saying, "MMMM, I love the smell of the burning wood!!" Should that concern me??? At any rate they had a great time and they all made "Keep Out" signs for their rooms!!!

I Love You Well, My Little Brother

2010-04-19T15:24:00.003-04:00

I found this poem in Camden's Language Arts book. He is supposed to memorize it!! I like that idea!! I am making his brother memorize it too!! I think we shall walk around reciting this one all the time!! I know they love each other, but there are days . . . when love lies deep under the surface!! Maybe the poem will be a fun reminder of how we ought to treat each other!!!

I Love You Well, My Little Brother
Mother Goose Rhyme

I love you well, my little brother,
And you are fond of me;
Let us be kind to one another,
As brothers ought to be.

You shall learn to play with me.
And learn to use my toys;
And then I think that we shall be
Two happy little boys.

Our Souvenir from VA

2010-04-17T21:51:00.003-04:00

Well, we have a sweet souvenir from our time in VA. We didn't plan this, but I know we will be blessed to bring another life into our family. We found out we were pregnant on our anniversary, Jan 3rd. It was unexpected and took some time to used to the idea, but we are thrilled. The other children and VERY thrilled. We were especially excited to find out that baby #5 is a BOY!! We have had so many suggestions on CA- names since all the other children have followed that pattern but we think we may break the mold . . . yes, it's true!! BUT he will still have a C- name.

We like the name CREED JOSEPH HOGAN. I know that most people won't like it at first and you won't find it in a baby naming book, but we feel like the Lord has brought us to such an amazing place in our lives. We have been through so much in the past 18+ months. It was always about trusting, obeying, serving, and doing what was right. But the anxiety of the thought of bringing another life into the world was a little overwhelming (especially when I just did it a few months ago!!). Now it was time to walk the walk. Did we really BELIEVE what we say we BELIEVE???? We took 14 weeks until we decided to tell anyone . . . but we realized that YES . . . beyond a shadow of a doubt . . . we BELIEVE!!! A synonym for Creed is Faith or Belief. These words have come to mean so much to us. Without our FAITH, we are nothing!! Our faith in the Great Creator is what has sustained us in the difficult times.

The name Joseph is also taken from the Bible. What a character he was. He went through so much. He was a cocky kid when the story of his life starts out, but he stands for what is right and he is mistreated and even feels forgotten . . . but God has not forgotten!! In the end he is placed in a place he NEVER thought possible. He was given more than he could EVER imagine. His life mattered from the beginning all the way to the very end!! He was a character of great integrity and faith.

So we are pleased with the name we have come to fall in love with. He will be loved and he will always have someone to play with!! Blessings!!!

Christy's ONE year Anniversary

2010-04-13T22:32:00.000-04:00

This past week we celebrated a huge milestone in our family. Christy's anerism was one year ago. Here is her story:

Christy's Story

21 Rules of this House

2010-04-08T22:07:00.002-04:00

I found this on the internet and I am going to post it in every room of this house!!! I love being a mommy and I love my munchkins . . . but they are still learning and growing!! I hope they can get this in them! Maybe it will make life a little less hectic around here!

The 21 Rules Of This House
by Gregg Harris

1. We obey God.
2. We love, honor and pray for one another.
3. We tell the truth.
4. We consider one another's interests ahead of our own.
5. We speak quietly and respectfully with one another.
6. We do not hurt one another with unkind words or deeds.
7. When someone needs correction, we correct him in love.
8. When someone is sorry, we forgive him.
9. When someone is sad, we comfort him.
10. When someone is happy, we rejoice with him.
11. When we have something nice to share, we share it.
12. When we have work to do, we do it without complaining.
13. We take good care of everything that God has given us.
14. We do not create unnecessary work for others.
15. When we open something, we close it.
16. When we take something out, we put it away.
17. When we turn something on, we turn it off.
18. When we make a mess, we clean it up.
19. When we do not know what to do, we ask.
20. When we go out, we act just as if we were in this house.
21. When we disobey or forget any of the 21 Rules of This House, we accept
the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

My Carley

2009-11-26T21:52:00.003-05:00

Today Carley turned 10!! I can't believe it!! She is growing up to be such an amazing person. Her beauty radiates from the inside out!!

I remember when I found out I was pregnant with her. It was Easter Sunday of 1999. I told Shannon that I thought I was and he said that he'd bet me a DOLLAR that I wasn't!! I won!!

My pregnancy with Carley was interesting! Since it was my first, every little nuisance was alarming! A pain here and a pain there . . . what did that mean? Why is that happening?? My blood pressure began to rise too high about 6 weeks before her due date. I was put on bed rest. There were several trips to the doctor and hospital. So the doctor finally said we would induce birth the day after Thanksgiving, which was only 12 days early! That was exciting!! All the family came to TN, where we bought our first house in preparation for Carley's arrival. I made Thanksgiving dinner . . . I was supposed to be on be rest . . . but I really wanted some good food!!

So we packed our bags and checked into the hospital on Friday morning. I had pitocin to induce contractions. I had one contraction and then I said . . . I think I need an epidural now!! I was definitely afraid of the pain!! After I had the pain medicine, I fell asleep. I had my water broken and then began to push a little while after that. I only pushed for 30 minutes or so and out came my baby girl!! It was an absolute miracle!! She was 6 pounds 13 ounces and only 18 1/2 inches. What a tiny thing!!

Meanwhile, the family that came for the occasion was out in the lobby placing bets on WHEN the baby would arrive. I can't remember WHO won the bet, but that was quite a memory!! Our first visitors were grandparents, great grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and lots of friends!! It was our first baby and such a special time for us!!

I couldn't believe we were "allowed" to take her home with us. When we came home, I can remember our first night's sleep . . . I mean actually there was no one sleeping!! What a mess these first time parents were. There is no amount of reading one can do to prepare you for those early days. The Lord knows we can't handle them for long . . . that is why they seem to go by so quickly! (That and the fact that we are so tired, we can't remember!!)

Carley has become such a sweet young lady. She is so much fun to be around. She makes me laugh all the time. She likes to go with me to the grocery store so I don't have to go alone!! She likes to shop for clothes and loves to dress fashionable! BUT she also like to get dirty in the MUD, if I let her!! She is a GREAT sister to her brothers and sister. But what I am most proud of, is the way Carley loves Jesus. Her prayers are so heartfelt and sincere. She knows how to talk to Him and does so freely. She shares her faith with her friends in the neighborhood because she wants them all to have the Peace and the Grace that she has.

Carley has been such a blessing for me to parent and I am looking forward to watching her blossom into the beautiful woman of God that I know she will become. Hugs to my sweet, sweet girl!!!

The News it Out

2009-07-24T22:43:00.003-04:00

We are still in VA helping to care for Christy. She is making progress each day. I really enjoy being here with her and helping her with her day-to-day tasks.

We are very excited because she was able to find a GREAT OB doctor this week. They scheduled her c-section for August 11 at 10am. We are all very excited about Addison's soon arrival. Today she had an ultrasound and they estimate Addison's weight to be 5lbs 6oz at 35 weeks. Please keep Christy and Addison in your prayers. This will not be the birth that Christy hoped for at the beginning of her pregnancy, but as her hubby keeps reminding her, "the hard part is over!!!" Addison and Christy are both alive!! Everything else is going to be a piece of cake. I am so proud of Christy as she takes on the challenge on mommy-hood! I know it is difficult without the setback of a brain injury. Christy is not letting these circumstances get her down. She is moving forward as planned.

We are planning a baby shower in the next few weeks. It will be simple with only the family, but we know that Christy will enjoy filling Addison's room with baby stuff!!

Our family has decided to stay here with Brian, Christy, and Addison for the next 6 months or so to continue to help out. We have seen God move in a mighty way as we have made the decision to serve our family in this way. The details can only be chalked up to "The Lord and His PERFECT will!!!" I am excited to see where Christy will be in 6 months. I believe that she will make a full recovery eventually. I can't wait to share the stories with Addison (when she is a little older) about how her mommy fought through the odds for her. Our family will never be the same!!!

Thank you Lord, for unfortunate circumstances. They always seem to make us into better people. You can take something that was meant to destroy us and use it to help us change the world! You are amazing!! I love you, Lord!

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

Caring for Christy

2009-07-06T21:52:00.003-04:00

Today I completed my first day of caring for Christy while Brian went to work! What a job!! She is completely dependent and has to have someone with her 24/7. There are a lot of little things that I keep forgetting and she has to remind me . . . putting the breaks on the wheel chair for example, adjusting her trach collar just right, or a wet wipe after a meal. She is being so patient with me though!! I am probably more frustrating to her than she is to me. She can communicate, but not with words . . . so we are trying a few one handed signs and lots of guessing!! She gets frustrated at me and she doesn't mind telling me so in her own way . . .

We laugh a lot!! This is what warms my heart more than anything. Here she is, is such a state and she is laughing and enjoying the life she is blessed with. She always has me feel Addison moving around in her belly!! What a little blessing she is already! It's the little things that amaze me!!

Christy is determined . . . did I mention that?? When she wants to do something, she wants to do it!! That is going to be so beneficial to her on this journey . . . She has come so far already, but she still has a long way to go.

Tonight before she went to sleep Shannon and I prayed for her. We are believing that He will do mighty things in her life including heal her body completely! I feel so privileged to be able to be here to serve Christy and Brian in their time of need. I am thanking Him already for her healing. Thank YOU for joining me in prayer. I know something is going to happen soon!

Praying for Christy

2009-07-02T21:13:00.000-04:00

*I wrote this when Christy had just begun this journey. I can't believe that she is coming HOME tomorrow!!

THanks to all who have been taking Christy's needs to the throne of God. She has made amazing progress in one week and we are all hopeful for a full recovery. Today I went into her room and the nurses had propped her up in a chair. She looked good and she opened her eye to look at me. When I reached down to grab her hand, she squeezed my hand tight! That brought tears to my eyes. She likes to have her feet and legs rubbed with her favorite lotion. When Shannon and I left the room we said, "Goodbye Christy." As we walked out she waved goodbye with her left hand. How cool was that!?!?!

THE SHORT VERSION:
On Monday, April 13, Christy had a migraine and vomiting. She was at her parents house and her mom called 911. When she went to the ER she was diagnosed with a brain aneurism and they were going to transfer her by air to UVA Medical Center in Charlottesville, VA. The weather was too bad to for an air transfer, so se went by ambulance.

Christy is a 28 year old young woman who is 21 weeks pregnant with her first baby and last week she found out she was having a girl!! Christy and Brian were so excited and had already named her Addison Jean. They were so excited to be parents!

After arriving at UVA, Christy had 2 brain surgeries. They weren't sure how she would respond at first. She had a few set backs and then she had 2 more brian surgeries. The last one was to remove portion of her skull in order to make room for some swelling of her brain. (Doesn't the sound serious??? IT IS!!) After those few set backs, she has had several good days. The doctors say that set backs are normal. The baby is miraculously alive and kickin' like crazy!!

Christy is looking forward to motherhood! We are so sure that she is going to pull out of this and be the mom that Addison needs! There are so many folks praying for Christy and Addison

My Hubby

2009-06-25T23:20:00.004-04:00

I know that everyone thinks that their husband is the "best is the world", BUT I think mine is "THE BEST" . . . . he is pretty amazing!! I have been blessed to have been married to him for 11.5 years now. We dated for 4 years prior to getting married. We have been together for almost half of our lives at this point (and we are YOUNG!!). Everyday, I look him in the eyes and ask him, "how did we get this happy??"

We met when Shannon came to IN to see his family at holidays and summer breaks. I was friends with his cousin and her family. Their home was like a second home to me in those days! So naturally, I knew her family and extended family. Well her family extended all the way to Virginia. It's funny how the Lord works out those details!!! Thanks, B family! The Lord used you back in those days to bring this young gal and guy together forever!! I will forever be grateful for those precious moments of being welcomed in your home . . . on what always seemed to be "cleaning day!!!" HAHA!!

When we started dating, it was long distance. I was 16 and he was 17. I lived in IN and he lived in VA. He was a SR and I was a JR in high school. I had been a Christian for a few years and he was newly saved. We talked on the phone a lot . . . but not too much!! Neither of us wanted to seem too eager!! PLUS we couldn't afford the phone bills. Even though we were long distance for 2.5 years, we still managed to see each other about once a month. I counted the days from one time of seeing him to the next. It seemed like I was always counting days!! Sometimes I would fly out to see him and most of the time he would drive 10 hours to see me!!! We did all the same fun dating things as other couples. Movies, dinner, parks, walks along the river, hikes in the woods, walking the mall, etc. I remember when I lived at home. I would walk into the door from work and the first thing out of my mouth was, "Did Shannon call???" He was my best friend!!

He was a friend like I had never had before. He was patient, kind, gentle, not easily angered, humble and not boastful . . . . sound familiar?? That was and is my best friend.

After all these years together . . . he still makes me laugh everyday!!! He is hilarious and he reminds me of that often!! He has grown to be an awesome man of God and a wonderful father to my children. I can't believe we have four kiddos!! Family means the world to us. We want to change the world by impacting our kids. They are already awesome people to be around!! They love the Lord with all their hearts. The main reason for this is . . . their Dad!!

He has an amazing relationship with the Lord. He has been blessed with so many gifts and talents. I am blessed to call him my best friend!!

We have been through some of the toughest moments of our lives together in the past year . . . the new job "YEAH" . . . the new job "OH NO!!" . . . the new job "what have we got ourselves into??" the new job . . . gone . . . for the last 8 months . . . He has been unemployed!! I have seen him go through a lot during this time, but the Lord had remained faithful. Shannon reminds me all the time of where we could be . . . where we are . . . and the blessings we receive daily!!! We are blessed!

Today, Shannon got a job as an adjunct professor at a local Christian College. It isn't enough to pay all the bills yet, but we are thrilled. This is what he has been wanting to do for a long time. We are praying that it turns into something more permanent with more pay. Or maybe the Lord will use another avenue to bring full time work . . . we don't know?!?!?! BUT we are standing on his promises!! He has not left us yet . . . and He never will!

I just want to say that I am sooo proud of Shannon! He has been through so much, yet he holds his head high with the blessed assurance of Christ's love. I want the world to know that he is an AMAZING person. He is full of wisdom, integrity, and God's grace. He is thankful for the little things in life . . . and I . . . . am thankful for him!!

WHAT HAVE WE BEEN UP TO??

2009-06-19T23:49:00.012-04:00

We have been doing a lot to stay busy . . . besides NOT sleeping! Here are a FEW of the highlights.

We have all been adjusting to having a new member of the family! The older children think it's so cool to have a baby in the house and the younger one . . . he knows what it means to get into trouble for being careless around his infant sister. He is adjusting too!! Cater loves his baby sis though and just wishes she could wrestle like him and Daddy and Camden.

Carley and Camden have been in sports this past spring. Carley did girls fast pitch softball. It was her first time playing a team sport and she LOVED it! She did awesome too. She started out a little nervous when she would get up to bat. But by the end of the season she was hitting like a pro and making it to base!! She wants to play in the fall, so look out girls . . . here she comes!!

Camden played basketball and Shannon coached his team. Camden did AWESOME!! He was the tallest kid in the league and had the second highest score of any of the players in the entire league!! He is definitely a talented athlete! He made the all stars team. His team WON against the kid that had the highest scoring points for the entire season! Camden did awesome!!

We have had LOTS of homeschool events that took place at the end of the school year. At our talent show Carley played a piano solo, "This Little Light of Mine." She did awesome!

We had tragedy strike our family about 2 months ago. Shannon's brother Brian's wife Christy had an anyerism. She is 28 years young and is 30 weeks pregnant with their first baby. She is on the road to recovery. This has taken up a significant amount of time for us. We will be going to VA to help out the family for appx 6 weeks or so when she is released from rehab. We know that with God's help and healing power she will make a full recovery.

In May we celebrated the life of Camden Andrew Hogan for the seventh time!! HE is such a joy!! His friends came t the park and we had cake, presents and games!! He was so happy to be the center of attention!!

Then yesterday we celebrated the life of Carter Scott Hogan for the third time!! What a sweet blessing he is in our family! He kept calling himself "The Birthday Boy" all day. Then when he woke up the next day, he reminded us that he is STILL "The Birthday Boy!" He makes us laugh everyday!!!

That was a little of the highlights! I hope to post at least once a week now! Caydence likes to watch the computer screen while I type!! Thanks for your patience!!

Caydence is THREE months old now!!

2009-06-19T23:19:00.003-04:00

These are by best girls . . . Carley and Caydence

I know I have not posted in almost three months . . . but I haven't had any sleep eitherand life just seems to get busier and busier!!

Caydence is such an amazingly sweet baby! She is pretty easy going and seems to be going with the flow for the most part. She still wakes up 2-3 times per night, so I walk around in a sort of permanent FOG!! I am always tired!! . . . the woes of a new mommy . . . I think we forget how tiring it can be. God sort of tricks us mommies into doing it again!!!! PLUS I think that the more kiddos I have the more tired I have been with each new baby!! I know it is but a short season!! The Lord know we can't handle it for too long. That is why "it goes by so quickly!" Here are some pics of my newest sweetheart!

Our Baby Caydence Lynne

2009-03-26T14:39:00.005-04:00

She has finally arrived!! She was 6 pounds 10 ounces and 20 1/4 inches long. She arrives on Monday March 23 at 10:27PM. We had been anticipating her arrival for 9 months, and we are so excited to have her join us! She is our tiny princess and we are all enjoying our time getting to know her.

Contractions started and stopped twice over the few days preceding her birth. I thought she might NEVER arrive! On Monday, Carley had a softball game and I decided to go! I was tired of sitting around waiting for the "real thing" to start! Contractions started again before we left for the game. They were mild and only 7-10 min apart! They were getting a little stronger throughout the game, but still 7-10 min apart. I went to the van to sit in silence b/c they were really starting to get to me and they were still 7-10 min apart at about 7:45PM. BY the time the game was over (WE WON!!) they were just starting to get closer. They were now about 5-6 min apart. BY the time we got home, at 8PM, they were 4-5 min apart and they were about 1 min long! So we called the midwife and she was on her way in no time! I had continued contractions and the little princess was born in a birthing tub at 10:27PM. My water broke as I pushed her out. That was different!! I could feel it POP in the water and it freaked me out at first!

It was such a great experience and the Lord answered our prayers! Caydence is healthy and strong and ready to take on the world! She fits into our family already and we feel so blessed to have her!

Thank you to all who have prayed, bought gifts, brought meals, or said an encouraging word! We will hold the memories in our hearts forever! We appreciate you and your generosity!

. . . now, I am gonna go get some sleep!!

Labor Update

2009-03-23T09:37:00.003-04:00

I know you are all as eager as I am . . . well maybe not QUITE as eager . . . but I thought I would give you a quick update.

Yesterday the midwife came over and checked me in the morning and I was 7cm . . . yeah crazy! Contractions started at 2:30ish yesterday and have been about 7-10 min apart since then. They are growing in intesity, but not quite intense enough yet. She stayed all night and I didn't really progress at all. In fact I was able to sleep through a lot of the contractions, and only woke up for the more intense ones. I woke up at 5:30AM with some that have been a little more painful, but still only about 7 min apart! She said this could continue for "a while!" (no definitive answer!!)

So we are all TRYING to be patient and wait on this little angel . . . Thanks for your prayers! We are all doing good! I will update when we have a baby! Till then we sit and wait!!

Caesar Salad Dressing

2009-03-19T18:11:00.003-04:00

I made homemade Caesar Salad Dressing today and boy was it ever good!! It was easy too and even the kids liked it! It doesn't taste "fishy" at all!! I promise! It tasted so fresh!

Ingredients:
1/2 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 cubic inch (appx) Block of Parmesan Cheese
4 anchovy fillets
2 cloves of peeled garlic
1-2 T fresh squeezed lemon juice
Salt to taste

Put all ingredients into food processor and blend until smooth! This is enough salad dressing for 2-3 salads depending on size! We toasted some bread and dunked it because we didn't have any croutons! YUM!!

We Will Wait

2009-03-12T13:50:00.005-04:00

SIGH - - - I am taking a deep breath! So much has happened since my last post! I am sorry for keeping quiet, but life here has been busy and crazy and exciting all at the same time!!

I have been "nesting" and getting ready for our new little addition. She is scheduled to arrive on March 30, but we know she can't wait that long!! Mom is already dilating and feeling like something is happening . . . ya know when you just KNOW??

So in the meantime, I have been getting ready! Ya know, trying to keep the house clean, laundry done, getting things together for the birth, making my last minute phone calls, appt for this and one for that . . . it seems like things are never DONE!!

This has really been my best pregnancy OVERALL, but these last few weeks seem to be the most memorable and miserable all at the same time! I am in constant back pain! This little sweetie is comfy and cozy right on the pelvis area. It causes sharp pain all night long and I dare not try to roll over at night!! I have to get up and then lay on the other side!! I walk like an old person whose bones are deteriorating!! I guess I know why some people that deal with pain all time are on the grouchy side! It gets to you after a while. My family still loves me in spite of the grouchy moments! Thank goodness!

I am reminded of the Scripture in Ecclesiates 3 that says:

There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born . . .

This gives me hope that IT WILL HAPPEN!! My midwife assures me of the same even thought it feels like we have been waiting forever!! I am only 38 weeks along and it just seems like this baby would want to come on out and see the world, but she is comfy and cozy right where she is at!! I will wait . . .

So many have asked about the job situation. It is still the same! It too is a waiting game! God has shown his provision many times over and over and we feel blessed every day! But as of now there is no job and no possible leads! So we will wait!

Thanks to our friends and loved ones for your prayers, support and kind words! You don't know how much it means! God is using this time of waiting to show us many things! I know that in the end He will be glorified. So with patience, we will wait!

FINALLY GOOD NEWS

2009-02-21T10:11:00.003-05:00

Well, it seems like we would NEVER receive any good news! I keep telling myself that this is only a season and "this too shall pass!"

Yesterday, Shannon got the good news that he was accepted into the PhD program at Regent University. Well . . . for those of you that may not know . . . that is HUGE!!! Only 50% of the people that apply get accepted AND the average age of students is 45! He beat the odds, to say the least!! We are sooo excited about the opportunities that this opens him up to!!

Let me just insert a few details here that no one really knows:

This week, Shannon decided to take a break from his fruitless efforts of resume sending. All this has done is keep him busy and disappoint him like crazy! He has probably sent more than 100 resumes and the ones that were even looked at have ALL been rejected!! How frustrating! He keeps saying that "there are SOOO many jobs out there . . . why is there so much unemployment??" It a competitive market, I guess!! He felt like the Lord was saying to "sit and wait!!" Well, Shannon sent his Regent App last Friday and this week on Wednesday he got an email saying the the board has received all his paperwork and that they would be reviewing his application soon. We thought that we would hear from them in a month or two. We weren't really expecting to hear from them any time soon. Then 2 days later, we get the GOOD NEWS!!

We just feel like the Lord is reminding us that HE provided this opportunity. It's not been by our efforts. He totally gets all the glory! In reality, Shannon and I BOTH thought that he would be rejected. Not because he wasn't qualified, but because there has been no good news lately. We just expected more of the same!!

So, we are not sure what else will follow this awesome news. All along he has said that his DREAM would be to teach in a University, but he has looked at every Christian university in the country and every local university here in FL and they were not hiring in Dec & Jan OR you had to have a PhD in order to teach for them . . . so that was a closed door in his mind. (Hence the fruitless efforts of applying for ministry positions) But now that he is going to get his PhD AND has been accepted into a program . . . his opportunities are much more open!!! We are hoping for the best and we are knowing that God wants to give him his dream . . .

Ephesians 3:20
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,

Thanks to ALL friends and family that have prayed! We are truly blessed to have so many people that care!! We have seen God work in so many ways in the past 4 months. I can't wait till this season has passed and I can share ALL that God has done in me!! Thank you so much, Lord Jesus!

Still Waiting

2009-02-05T19:30:00.004-05:00

**UPDATE: We got the news on Friday about 5:30PM! Shannon was told that they went with someone else for the position in VA! We were EXTREMELY disappointed. That is why it took me so long to update you all. I have been struggling a little. But in the end, I know that God is in control and I wouldn't want it any other way!! Instead of looking at what we DON'T have, I have to focus on what we DO HAVE!! When I think that my husband has been out of work for 4 months and we have never missed a bill to be paid, we have 3 healthy kids, and 2 good cars, to name a few . . . I think that His HAND OF PROVISION is at work in my life!! Thanks you, Lord!! Thank you friends and family for all your kind words and prayers!! It means so much!

It's no secret! We went to VA last week for another job interview at a church. It was fun! We had a cool experience and learned a lot about ourselves and the Church as a whole. The kids went to visit with the grandparents while my Hunny and I were grilled with questions over a 3 day period. It was exhausting for us but well worth it! We were told that we would know by the middle of the week THIS WEEK.

Well . . . yesterday (Wednesday), we STILL hadn't heard anything! We have been on pins and needles to say the least. Every time the phone rings my heart jumps!! I am probably more psychotic that my Hunny. I keep asking, "Is your phone charged? Where is your cell phone?" or when it rings, "who is it?" before he even has a chance to look . . . So he sent an email yesterday to ask when we might hear the news. The pastor eagerly replied and said that they just finished interviewing all candidates yesterday and they would be making a decision this morning. He said we'd hear from him sometime today. That was so satisfying to us! We just wanna HEAR SOMETHING!!! We don't even mind, if it's a "you're not what we're looking for . . . " Just anything . . . the silence was killing us!!

So today has come and gone and we still have NOT heard anything from them . . . My Hunny says that there must be a reason and he is probably right . . . but waiting stinks!!! I guess this is how the kids feel when they are waiting for something really exciting to them . . . like Christmas . . .

Thanks to everyone who has prayed for us!! This has been quite an experience. I would have to say . . . it has been one of the most trying times we have faced in a long time. We thank the Lord for sustaining us through it all!!

25 Random Things About ME!

2009-02-02T14:57:00.003-05:00

I posted this on my Facebook for all my friends to see. I thought maybe some strangers may want to see it as well! So here are 25 Random things about me!! Maybe you'll learn something about me you never knew! Now it;s your turn! Post!!

1. I love love love homeschooling my kids!! I wish everyone could experience the fulfillment that I have in doing this!
2. I think that ALL parents should take responsibility for their children's education . . . even if they don't homeschool!! (I know it's not for everyone) There really is no one to blame . . . and please don't use socialization as a reason NOT to homeschool . . . you have to take responsibility for that too!! You have to socialize your kids!! No one else is going to!!
3. I also think EVERYONE should take complete responsibility for their own health!! Trusting what the doctor tells ya . . . it can get you DEAD!!! Do your own research!!
4. I also think that all people . . . Christians in particular . . . should take responsibility for their own spiritual walk!! Ya can't blame the preacher for not preaching "what pertains to you!!" Go find out what THE WORD says . . . and do it!!
5. I think my husband is the smartest person I have ever met!! He can figure anything out!! He can do anything . . . someone PLEASE hire him already!!
6. I hate video games . . . but I let my kids play them for a limited time per day! I am such a push-over!!
7. I think home birth is THE MOST amazing thing!! I am sooo glad I have a CHOICE!! It may not be your first choice, but again . . . I take responsibility!!
8. Someday I might just take up the career of midwifery!! Maybe . . . who knows??
9. I hate it when my toe nails aren't painted!! I live in FL and where flip-flops year around!! What can I say!
10. I think large families are fascinating! That is why I want one!! (My definition of large is 4+ children) . . . I don't know if I will be done after four . . . MAYBE one more . . . we'll see!
11. I wish I would have been a better student in high school . . . I made up for it in college, but I missed out on some good stuff!! BUT thankfully my God is a God of second chances!! Now I am learning along side of my kiddos!! I love my life!!
12. I wish that my house was cleaner and more organized!! BUT I have given up the crazy-ness of that all to be at home with my kids!! The house and it's orderliness is way down on the list of priorities!! My kids are more toward the top!!
13. I have really enjoyed reading other peoples list of 25 Random Things!! Sometimes I just laugh out loud!!!
14. I secretly wish the animals that live in my house would mysteriously disappear!! The kids would be horrified (that is they they are still around) but . . . I am tired of cleaning up after animals . . . sorry to the animal lovers out there!! I am not one, but my daughter is . . . so we have a dog and a bunny!!
15. I think my college days were the most fun times of my life . . . I hope my kids get to have a similar experience!! Those we the good ol' days!!! Carefree . . . . it was great!
16. I love coffee!! I just wish it wasn't so bad for ya!! I don't have to have to caffeine. I just like the way it tastes!! So when it is cold outside, i make decaf and tell myself "at least it's decaf!!"
17. I make homemade antibiotics . . . sounds hippy, Right Robin?? See my blog for the recipe www.jamielhoganblogspot.com It kills everything . . . even strep!!
18. I wish I had the money and energy to have a farm and raise all my own dairy, meat, and veggies . . . but I don't so I will settle for the toxic waste that is sold in grocery stores around the country!! One of my fave lines from the movie "Over the Hedge" is "If it tastes this good, it MUST be good for you!!" Funny!! SOOOO not true!!
19. I wish we didn't own a TV!! It is waste of time . . . but I can't get anyone in the house to agree with me, so we settle for fasting from it from Memorial Day to Labor Day . . . thanks Thompsons!!
20. I have been to Africa several times. I lived there for a year . . . yes my hubby & 2 older kids were with me . . . no I didn't live in a mud hut!! LOL
21. I wish all people in America would take a trip to a Third World Country!! Pictures don't do it justice . . . you can't smell the smells or hear the cries!! That is when you can say life isn't fair!!!
22. I wish people would follow rules!! That is one of my pet peeves!!
23. I used to be an aggressive driver! Then I moved to Ghana, where driving is . . . very stressful . . . now, I am rarely in too much of a hurry to let someone go in front of me!!
24. I feel sorry for people that win the lottery and mess up their lives!!
25. I LOVE MY LIFE!!!! Jesus has blessed me with SOOOO much richness!! Words can't describe it all!! I thank GOD everyday for bringing me HERE!! ". . . for such a time as this!!"

BRRRRR!! I thought we lived in FLORIDA

2009-01-20T18:35:00.004-05:00

Well, I must say that I HATE the cold weather we have been having lately! I grew up in the north where it was cold and gloomy 6 months out of the year! I always asked my mom why we couldn't have lived in a warmer climate . . . she never really had an answer, but when I went to college in TN, I experienced a little warmer weather and definitely LESS SNOW!!!

When the opportunity arrived for us to move to Florida, where there is sunshine year 'round . . . I was thrilled!! All I knew was that is was HOT most of the year and it didn't snow!! . . . I have found this to be true for the most part. But this winter has been the coldest winter in the 4 years that we have lived here. I really realized that I DO NOT like the cold . . . and now . . . it is supposed to be 33 degrees tonight. Now that is COLD for Florida!! It's the topic of most conversation around here! I guess I will be breaking out our Northern clothes and coats in order to survive the next few days!! Sorry for complaining . . . thanks for listening!!!

Carter was checking out the baby!!

2009-01-17T22:37:00.003-05:00

Carter was looking the baby over very good! He wanted to SEE him, but he didn't want to touch or hold him. So he kept standing over him . . . just looking and sighing long deep sighs!!! It was really funny!! Then when my sis went to change his diaper, Carter saw his belly button and said, "Look, he as two p*nises!!" He was fascinated!! We all got a kick out of that one and I just HAD to share! Life from the perspective of a two-year old is very humorous!!!

My Nephew - Raleigh Blake was born TODAY!!

2009-01-17T21:47:00.004-05:00

My sister is 4 days away from her due date (as of yesterday) and she was MORE than ready to bring this baby into the world!!! She had an appointment with the midwife, Rachel at 6:00PM at her house. Rachel was telling Shannon that she would not strip her membranes because it was painful and caused painful labor, so she would rather let her body go into labor on it's own!! My sister, in all pregnant hormones, began to cry!! Rachel felt bad because the last thing she would want to do is make a pregnant mommy upset!!! So she decided to check her cervix and see how far she had dilated. Shannon said that Rachel's face said she was either NOT dilated at all or VERY dilated!! The latter was the case!! Shannon was 6 almost 7CM dilated!! Rachel couldn't believe it!! Then Shannon got up to get dressed and . . . her water broke!!! She thought she was peeing all over Rachel's floor . . . but she was officially laboring!! Rachel thought she may not have time to make the hour long trek home, where she planned to have the baby, but Shannon really insisted that they hurry home. She wanted to have him at home (not at Rachel's house)!!! She they made the trek and got home about 7ish. I meet her there! We all hurried to do the preparations to make the birth go smoothly!! Shannon wasn't really having a lot of contractions though!!

Then all Shannon's girlfriends showed up!! Lots of 'em!! Let me try to paint the picture accurately!! Shannon's house is VERY small!! The midwife and her 2 assistants showed up and that made 6 adults (sis, her hubby & me, midwife + 2 helpers) in the house. Then 5 more ladies!! The excitement and energy filled the room!! There were 11 adults in the house!!

Shannon wasn't really having a lot of contractions and things seemed to slow way down!!! So she kept going for walks. She walked about 6-8 times with different people. Finally she began hard contractions that were about 1-2 min apart at 1:30AM!!! Those that weren't walking with her were crashed on the floor!! So . . . after hard painful contraction began . . . we had a baby at 2:36AM!!

He had a full head of hair and was gorgeous upon arrival!! He weighed in at 9lbs and 4oz and 21 1/4 inches long! he is a big guy!! He is surrounded with love and seems to be happy and content pretty much all of the time!!

I have to say, that birth is miraculous!! I have birthed three children of my own and I have baby #4 in the oven, so I have been there!! There are so many things that must go into the making of a human life that only a Sovereign Creator could put all the pieces together as He does. I cry every time I think about it!! I personally think that a natural birth environment (at home with friends and family) makes it even more amazing!! I often think about Eve. How did she know how to move the baby out of the birth canal or how to feed her infant?? When her daughters began to have children, I bet she was the "midwife" with all the answers!! It's just all so fascinating to me!

I pray that Baby Raleigh Blake stays healthy and safe in the hands of his loving parents! The Lord has a purpose for his life and I pray that He would lead Blake in the path of righteous for His name's sake!! Amen!

Famous People from the Past and Present

2009-01-12T15:45:00.002-05:00

Name one famous person that has ever been homeschooled and has also made contributions to society?? Let's take a look at a few!!

The 14 Days of Homeschool!!

2009-01-12T15:17:00.001-05:00

This is pretty funny . . .

Eleven Years With My Best Friend!!!

2009-01-04T21:41:00.003-05:00

Yesterday my Hunny and I celebrated our 11th year of marriage!! It was low key, as usual! We aren't real big spenders on such occasions. We took the kids to their aunt's and we were off on a DATE!! We went to a movie that wasn't a kids movie!!! It was "adult time!!" Then we went to dinner at the Toasted Pheasant. Someone blessed us with a gift card to go there and it was AWESOME food!! We were full when we left!! It was such a nice evening to be with my sweetie!!

I am so blessed to have him! He is my very best friend. He is so encouraging and funny!! He is an awesome man of God who seeks the face of Jesus to see our family moving in the right direction!! I am so blessed to have him!! Sometimes I look at him and say, "How in the world did we get so happy???" I know it doesn't "just happen!!" God is the center of our lives and so we live in rich blessings surrounded by Grace and LOVE!!! We are so RICH!!

40 Days of Focus

2009-01-01T22:09:00.005-05:00

You hear about it everywhere you turn these days. People are unemployed by the dozens!! You never think it is going to happen to you . . . then it does! It is unsettling . . . to say the least!! Life is quite different for us now than is was 2 months ago!! We are taking advantage of having Daddy at home, but he is essentially "working" to find work!! Every minute is consumed with "looking for a job" or thinking about the possibilities of this job or that?!?!? . . . unsettling isn't really a STRONG enough word!!

In these last few weeks with my husband unemployed, we have taken some time to devote ourselves to seeking God. This seems to always happen when life gets tough. Everything is going good and that relationship with Jesus just gets put an the back burner. Sometimes I just want to smack myself for doing that!! "Wake UP!!" So we decided to take 40 days and seek Him in a more intense way.

When I think about finishing up the 40 Days, I get nervous because I have got so close to my Savior during this time. The temptation to slip back into mediocrity is always there for me!! I am an Israelite from the Old testament, at best!! They were always so tempted to worship idols, even though they knew and had PROOF that God would come through for them if they would just remain faithful to Him. So instead of saying, "I'm gonna be devoted to Christ like THIS FROM NOW ON!!" I am going to start another 40 Days to focus. When I say "from now on . . ." I usually fail because I let life & busy-ness get the best of me!! SO, instead I am going to take it 40 Days at a time. Then I will re-evaluate my purpose, focus and methods and start a NEW 40 Days!! So for the rest of the year, I am going to continue in that pattern.

ONE THING I HAVE LEARNED:
James 4:7&8 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8Come near to God and he will come near to you.

I have found this to be SOOO true!! I have taken the first steps to draw near to Him and HE has been so faithful! He has shown me things and taught me things that I would have never learned if I had not had the opportunity to see things from the perspective from which I now see!!

If you feel compelled, please pray for our "job search"!! (We could use all the help we can get!!) It's exhausting and daunting! There are very few rewards in the task and it is really no fun . . . what-so-ever!!! We have been blessed with some very encouraging people in our lives (you know who you are) and we feel like the richness of life is manifesting itself through these people!! Thank you, Lord!!

Thank you for stopping by and for your prayers!! That is my New Year's Resolution in a nutshell. What is yours?

What Christmas is ALL About!!

2008-12-27T08:53:00.002-05:00

Our Christmas was probably the best one ever!

My Hunny and I said several times that the hustle and bustle of gift-buying, wrapping and exchanging that we are used to, is way over-rated. This year, my Hunny is jobless so that means being creative this time of year. We decided to only give gifts to our kids (not to our parents, in-laws or outlaws!!) and we were planning to only give them 3 gifts each even before he lost his job, so that is what we did!! It was SOOOO hard to stick to it!! He wanted to fill their stockings in addition to the three gifts. I wanted to buy just "one more thing!" But we did it!! Our kids know the financial crunch that we are facing too. And do you know . . . . they were SOOO thankful and grateful for what they got, which wasn't much!! They never cease to amaze me!! There were plenty of other gifts to unwrap. Nana and PopPop sent their gifts in the mail and so did aunts and uncles, so we still had a sea of wrapping paper amongst the gifts.

I was talking with someone else who only buys the children one gift each and he totally agreed with us! When you "tone it down" you feel out of touch with others that over indulge in the commercialism! I watched Charlie Brown with a new perspective this year! "Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about??"

Carley Plays for a Crowd

2008-12-20T09:29:00.002-05:00

Last night Carley performed in her first piano recital. She did such a great job!! She was second on the program and she was soooo nervous that she prayed the entire trip to the church where the recital was held. (That was a solid 45 minutes!!) She did so great and I am so proud that she decided to ask Jesus to calm her nerves. She was calm as could be!! It was neat to see other students perform at a much higher level. Carley saw what kind of pieces she will be playing in the future!! She did awesome!!

Life is so busy!!

2008-12-16T10:18:00.003-05:00

I just love this blogging thing! Becky introduced me to it almost a year ago and I really love to post what we are up to! But life is getting the best of me right now!! Things are so hectic and it doesn't seem like it is going to slow down any time soon! I have a habit of thinking, "When we finish . . . . this event . . . things will calm down and they won't be so busy!!" But they never really do! So I am thinking that things are just going to stay busy!! Maybe if I think more along those lines . . . I'll get more done!! :o)

So here's a quick update:
Carley and Camden just finished up their Christmas program at church. They did awesome, of course! Carley did a dance with the cheerleaders. She looked so cute in her little costume! Camden was in the choir. He got to say a line to a bible verse and hold up a card that had letters spelling a word on it. It was so cute because he held us his "E" backwards!! So did half the rest of the children!! It was so Camden!! This was his first time in the Christmas program and he did a great job!!

The kids have also been invited to a plethora of birthday parties this month!!! It's crazy! One of them have a party almost every weekend! Those December babies have to make sure they aren't overlooked with the Christmas season so they make sure everyone gets a big shin-dig party!! FUN . . . but busy!

This week Carley has her fist piano recital! That is exciting and the piano has been in constant use!! She is excited and nervous all at the same time!! I am so proud of her! She has practiced and she will do great!!

We also went on a trip to Ft Lauderdale about 2 weeks ago! That put me behind more than anything!!! The kids had fun and we all got to see the family again!! The kids loved going to the "Swamp Safari" and getting to hold a baby alligator!! I even held it!! I have a pic! I have been so busy, that I haven't even downloaded the pics off the camera yet!!

. . . AND between all of this . . . Christmas is next week!! Yeah that's right next week in like 9 days and I am not finished shopping! SO I am trying to find time to check off my "to do" lists that keep choking me!!

I must confess that my house is in shambles and I am beginning to get ANNOYED with it!! It seems like we are bursting at the seems! All the Christmas decor is out and makes for a cluttered garage for now!! The clutter is . . . everywhere, really! I never had clutter before!! I think it is a combination between living in a small house with all these kiddos AND not moving in almost 4 years!! (That is what helped me keep the clutter down before . . . when you move, you throw stuff away in order to NOT have to move it!!) . . . and now we are going to add another baby to the cluttered mess! I told my Hunny . . . We have got to make room for this baby!! So, I am tossing stuff left and right!! Thanks to Flylady.net I have a plan of attack on the clutter and I plan to take it one area of the house at a time!! I am going crazy!! . . . . But not for long . . . I am on the prowl and if it is dusty or is still in it's box . . . it probably means we don't NEED it!! :o) I will post on my progress!!

Somewhere within all this mess my husband and I have found some time to seek the Lord MORE and listen to Him MORE!! Shannon has been job searching for several months now and we are taking the time to seek God in ways we never have before! Just being intentional and diligent in seeking Him has made such a difference in my heart and the way I see Him!! He has spoken to me because I have taken the time to sit and listen!! I am in awe at His providential hand!! He is Jehovah Jirah - my provider! I am so thankful for all he has done for us this Christmas season and always!!

I hope you have a great Christmas too!

Lots to be Thankful for!!

2008-11-28T13:35:00.004-05:00

We had a great thanksgiving! My sister and her family came over and we all ate the day away! It was probably our nicest Thanksgiving in a long time. There was no stress here because my sis and I split the menu. We are both pregnant and we don't need any more stress than possible. We played games and the kids played outside with all the neighbor kids for like 3 hours! We all had a blast!! It was nice to be together and a great reminder that we all have so much to be thankful for!

Another Bunny Dies

2008-11-28T13:11:00.004-05:00

I guess it is a good way for children to learn the cycle of life and death. Pets help them know that all creatures are born once and then eventually die. But it hurts all the same!

This morning we had another bunny die. But I am not sure I handled it all too well. I went outside to let the dog out and the bunny cage was open. Camden, our 6 year old, fed them yesterday and apparently he didn't shut the cage back tight. Usually Carley does it, and yesterday he helped her with her chores. I don't know when she got out, but she was stiff as could be in the middle of the yard. I could tell it had been awhile since it happened. The dog was out last night for quite a while and our guess is that she chased the bunny down in her instinctual way. I'm sure the dog was just playing, but Star, the bunny, was too fragile to "play."

When I saw her (THE BUNNY) in the yard, I immediately called for Shannon. Carley was still sleeping, so I thought we could dispose of the bunny before she saw what happened. He ran outside and got rid of her, but Carley looked out her window and saw him. In my desperate attempt to protect the kids from the trauma that they incurred the last time a bunny died, I lied to them (not knowing that Carley saw the whole thing out her bedroom window.) I told them that the bunny got out of the cage and must have run away (because dying seemed so much more traumatic to me!!). Carley asked what Daddy picked up in the yard. She said it looked like the bunny. Ugh!! I blew her off and tried to get away with it. She asked a few more times and I was feeling extremely guilty, so I told them the truth. They cried and mourned, but it was nothing like our last bunny death.

Why did I lie to them?? I didn't really think about it. Time just seemed to stand still, so I tried to protect them. The last time a bunny died was the first time we had a pet die and it was extremely traumatic for the children. They actually found her and didn't realize she was dead for several minutes. All I wanted was to protect them from that. They realized that I make mistakes too (if they hadn't figured that out already!!) and I prayed and asked them to forgive me . . . and they were eager to. I am glad for the conviction of the Holy Spirit and I am still asking myself, "WHY DID I DO THAT??"

The good thing is that we still have Hope, the other bunny. She will just have to get used to being alone.

It's a GIRL!!

2008-11-22T17:37:00.003-05:00

We were so excited to find out on Thursday, that we are welcoming a baby girl into our family in March! The tech said she is measuring at a due date of March 20th instead of the 30th! "I say come early sweetie!!" Her name will be Caydence Lynne. She will be named after her mom, dad, and paternal grandfather (Pop Pop)!! We are so excited for her arrival! Carley and Camden got go to with me! They were both hoping for a girl so they were thrilled! I let them take turns making phone calls. They felt so BIG!!

Well, I gotta go shopping for girl stuff!! More later!

Check Out This Video About the Church

2008-11-20T16:48:00.002-05:00

Vacation Update

2008-11-09T15:47:00.006-05:00

We just got back from Myrtle Beach with my Hunny's entire family (pretty much). Every year they go on a golf vacation. We have been before, but it has been about 6 years since our last time. Every year it's the same thing . . . the men (and a few of the women) golf all day and most of the women go SHOPPING!! It's fun but no one else takes their kids. So the whole shopping till ya drop for 8 days in a row . . . my kids were not interested. So I knew I was going to have to find other things to do to keep them entertained.

So before we left I did some googling and found a few things that the kids would enjoy. We did all kinds of stuff!! We found a Children's Museum and the kids loved that!!! They spent an entire afternoon in that place! It was awesome too! There was so much to learn and see. We went to a Zoo. It was more like a preserved piece of land with lots of exotic animals to see. It wasn't like a regular zoo. It was right up my kids ally because they love to feed animals. They love to see baby animals and they got to do both. I also found a Civil War Museum and Shannon's dad just loves that kind of stuff. So he took the kids one afternoon after golf. They said it wasn't super exciting, but they always enjoy being with Grandparents. Then there was the Mall on Halloween night. They were in out of the cold and they got a little bit of candy. That was a lot of fun! They taught Carter how to say "Trick or Treat!" It was really cute!!

We were invited (don't ask how) to a "Get out and vote Rally" for the Republican party. It was a cool experience for the kids. There were all kinds of local politicians and the kids got their picture in the local paper!! We have been doing lots of learning about voting and the elections so this was interesting to be a part of.

This is Shannon and I enjoying the festivities!

We even found the local library in MB!! (I think homeschoolers can spot one miles away!!) Well, come to find out . . . they have several, thank goodness!! The hotel we stayed in didn't have a business center with computers, like most hotels do, so we used my new GPS and simply typed in "library" and vioala . . . a long list of possibilities!! This is a funny story . . .

The first library that came up was the closest one so we went there and found that on rainy days . . . it doubles as a homeless shelter!! The place was full and packed with homeless people sleeping all over the place!! AND there were only 2 computers that could only be used for 15 minutes at a time!! That's not even long enough to check your email!! So we went to the next one on the list and it was a beautiful new library with 24 computers. We left the kids with family and we each spent an hour on the computers!! It was still a strange experience . . . the people that we there that day . . . . were making noises and snoring while awake . . . I could go on . . . it just seemed like everyone that sat near us was . . . making some strange noises OR they had strange smells coming from their direction . . . . it was memorable . . . let's just put it that way!! We did go back another day and we took the kids to explore the kids books!! That was an experience too! It was one of Carter's bad days . . . I know we are all entitled to them sometimes . . . his was library day!!!

I will post more later . . .

Election Day is Tomorrow

2008-11-03T14:28:00.002-05:00

Please read Becky's latest post at Blessed with Olive Plants. She has done a great job of getting involved!

I, on the other hand . . .I am in myrtle Beach on vacation and I came to the local library to check my email . . . let's just say public computers are an experience and if you have never used one . . . you're lucky!!

More when I get home!

I'm still here

2008-10-30T13:07:00.002-04:00

Hi everyone! Life seems to be a little busier than usual! How did that happen??? Hmm . . . let's see three kids, homeschool group pres, watching my niece daily, trying to keep a tidy house . . . Anyway, we are getting ready to leave for vacation to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina . . . in like an hour and here I am blogging!! I will try to take some time while on vacation to do some REAL blogging and let ya know what the we've been up to!! Thanks for checking in on me!!

Food that Makes People FAT!!

2008-10-21T14:25:00.006-04:00

I get so mad when I hear that Americans are letting the food industry exploit them!! This article (Which I have put down below) is more of what I have already been doing lots of research on. There are people making money off the fact that most people don't read labels and frankly don't care what is in their food. UGH!! We need to stand up to these big companies and let them know that we are much smarter than they give us credit for. I don't want to be obese and I don't want my kids or grandkids to suffer with obesity. It can be avoided by eating nutrient dense foods that have not been processed. Read the article! I hope it makes you made enough to check out alternatives for your family!!

Two nutrition experts argue that you can't take marketing campaigns at face value
With America's obesity problem among kids reaching crisis proportions, even junk food makers have started to claim they want to steer children toward more healthful choices. In a study released earlier this year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that about 32 percent of children were overweight but not obese, 16 percent were obese, and 11 percent were extremely obese. Food giant PepsiCo, for example, points out on its website that "we can play an important role in helping kids lead healthier lives by offering healthy product choices in schools." The company highlights what it considers its healthier products within various food categories through a "Smart Spot" marketing campaign that features green symbols on packaging. PepsiCo's inclusive criteria--explained here--award spots to foods of dubious nutritional value such as Diet Pepsi, Cap'n Crunch cereal, reduced-fat Doritos, and Cheetos, as well as to more nutritious products such as Quaker Oatmeal and Tropicana Orange Juice.
But are wellness initiatives like Smart Spot just marketing ploys? Such moves by the food industry may seem to be a step in the right direction, but ultimately makers of popular junk foods have an obligation to stockholders to encourage kids to eat more--not less--of the foods that fuel their profits, says David Ludwig, a pediatrician and the co-author of a commentary published in this week's Journal of the American Medical Association that raises questions about whether big food companies can be trusted to help combat obesity. Ludwig and article co-author Marion Nestle, a professor of nutrition at New York University, both of whom have long histories of tracking the food industry, spoke with U.S. News and highlighted 10 things that junk food makers don't want you to know about their products and how they promote them.
1. Junk food makers spend billions advertising unhealthy foods to kids.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, food makers spend some $1.6 billion annually to reach children through the traditional media as well the Internet, in-store advertising, and sweepstakes. An article published in 2006 in the Journal of Public Health Policy puts the number as high as $10 billion annually. Promotions often use cartoon characters or free giveaways to entice kids into the junk food fold. PepsiCo has pledged that it will advertise only "Smart Spot" products to children under 12.
2. The studies that food producers support tend to minimize health concerns associated with their products.
In fact, according to a review led by Ludwig of hundreds of studies that looked at the health effects of milk, juice, and soda, the likelihood of conclusions favorable to the industry was several times higher among industry-sponsored research than studies that received no industry funding. "If a study is funded by the industry, it may be closer to advertising than science," he says.
3. Junk food makers donate large sums of money to professional nutrition associations.
The American Dietetic Association, for example, accepts money from companies such as Coca-Cola, which get access to decision makers in the food and nutrition marketplace via ADA events and programs, as this release explains. As Nestle notes in her blog and discusses at length in her book Food Politics, the group even distributes nutritional fact sheets that are directly sponsored by specific industry groups. This one, for example, which is sponsored by an industry group that promotes lamb, rather unsurprisingly touts the nutritional benefits of lamb. The ADA's reasoning: "These collaborations take place with the understanding that ADA does not support any program or message that does not correspond with ADA's science-based healthful-eating messages and positions," according to the group's president, dietitian Martin Yadrick. "In fact, we think it's important for us to be at the same table with food companies because of the positive influence that we can have on them."
4. More processing means more profits, but typically makes the food less healthy.
Minimally processed foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables obviously aren't where food companies look for profits. The big bucks stem from turning government-subsidized commodity crops--mainly corn, wheat, and soybeans--into fast foods, snack foods, and beverages. High-profit products derived from these commodity crops are generally high in calories and low in nutritional value.
5. Less-processed foods are generally more satiating than their highly processed counterparts.
Fresh apples have an abundance of fiber and nutrients that are lost when they are processed into applesauce. And the added sugar or other sweeteners increase the number of calories without necessarily making the applesauce any more filling. Apple juice, which is even more processed, has had almost all of the fiber and nutrients stripped out. This same stripping out of nutrients, says Ludwig, happens with highly refined white bread compared with stone-ground whole wheat bread.
6. Many supposedly healthy replacement foods are hardly healthier than the foods they replace.
In 2006, for example, major beverage makers agreed to remove sugary sodas from school vending machines. But the industry mounted an intense lobbying effort that persuaded lawmakers to allow sports drinks and vitamin waters that--despite their slightly healthier reputations--still can be packed with sugar and calories.
7. A health claim on the label doesn't necessarily make a food healthy.
Health claims such as "zero trans fats" or "contains whole wheat" may create the false impression that a product is healthy when it's not. While the claims may be true, a product is not going to benefit your kid's health if it's also loaded with salt and sugar or saturated fat, say, and lacks fiber or other nutrients. "These claims are calorie distracters," adds Nestle. "They make people forget about the calories." Dave DeCecco, a spokesperson for PepsiCo, counters that the intent of a labeling program such as Smart Spot is simply to help consumers pick a healthier choice within a category. "We're not trying to tell people that a bag of Doritos is healthier than asparagus. But, if you're buying chips, and you're busy, and you don't have a lot of time to read every part of the label, it's an easy way to make a smarter choice," he says.
8. Food industry pressure has made nutritional guidelines confusing.
As Nestle explained in Food Politics, the food industry has a history of preferring scientific jargon to straight talk. As far back as 1977, public health officials attempted to include the advice "reduce consumption of meat" in an important report called Dietary Goals for the United States. The report's authors capitulated to intense pushback from the cattle industry and used this less-direct and more ambiguous advice: "Choose meats, poultry, and fish which will reduce saturated fat intake." Overall, says Nestle, the government has a hard time suggesting that people eat less of anything.
9. The food industry funds front groups that fight antiobesity public health initiatives.
Unless you follow politics closely, you wouldn't necessarily realize that a group with a name like the Center for Consumer Freedom (CCF) has anything to do with the food industry. In fact,Ludwig and Nestle point out, this group lobbies aggressively against obesity-related public health campaigns--such as the one directed at removing junk food from schools--and is funded, according to the Center for Media and Democracy, primarily through donations from big food companies such as Coca-Cola, Cargill, Tyson Foods, and Wendy's.
10. The food industry works aggressively to discredit its critics.
According to the new JAMA article, the Center for Consumer Freedom boasts that "[our strategy] is to shoot the messenger. We've got to attack [activists'] credibility as spokespersons." Here's the group's entry on Marion Nestle.
The bottom line, says Nestle, is quite simple: Kids need to eat less, include more fruits and vegetables, and limit the junk food.

MOPS Meeting

2008-10-14T13:22:00.003-04:00

I was asked to be a guest speaker . . . that is exactly what I did . . . I almost spit out my coffee in SHOCK!!! The MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) Director at the church called to ask me to speak about time management, organization, and finding time to spend quality time with the munchkins! She told me that I just seem to have all those areas under control in my life!!! BOY have I got her fooled!!!! And you too if you think the same thing!! So, today was the big day and I was up on the stage as Me*i*sA interviewed me. I am not sure what came out of my mouth, but the message I wanted to get across was this:

I am a simple ordinary mom of 3. I wish my house was cleaner and my cabinets more organized and I had time to clip coupons, but life is too short to worry about EVERYTHING!!! So I only worry about a few things!! I concern myself with people because they are the ONLY thing that last forever! My relationship with Christ, my husband, and kids are my main concerns. There is no "super-mom" in this family. Just a forgiven, simple, hopeful, faithful, passionate, mommy that is surrounded by loving people. I make mistakes! I yell at my kids sometimes. I don't always do the dishes before I go to bed at night! I am just like YOU in so many ways.

I am not sure that all of that came across because time was short. BUT if this is your first visit to my blog and you were at the MOPS meeting, let me know you stopped by.

Achieving

2008-10-08T21:35:00.004-04:00

Recently my big kids, Carley and Camden, are so driven to achieve! All kids like a pat on the back or words or praise. They like that too, but this seems a little different. They don't just want to do a good job, they want to do an excellent job!! It is so exciting to see them do something that they excel at.

Carley is doing Junior Bible Quiz (JBQ) and she has her first match this weekend. She is so excited!! She practices everyday and she wants to do her best!! In practice matches she does really good and she feels confident! The only problem is that in the matches parents can's say a word . . . no cheering . . . nothing. If you do, it is a foul on your team and they loose points!! It is going to be so hard to sit still!!!!

She is also taking piano lessons and the piano teacher says she is gifted, musically. I am a mom with NO musical talent whatsoever and I loved hearing those words. She picks things up so quickly and she will be performing in a Christmas recital in December. I can't wait to watch her perform!!

Camden is memorizing stuff like crazy! He memorizes about one verse a week as well as a poem and sometimes more stuff for his Wednesday night class at church, Ranger Kids. He has all the poems and verses still memorized from the beginning of August. He loves to stand up and say all his poems or all his verses. It's like he glows with excitement about his achievement!!

I am so proud of them! There were days when I heard both of them say . . . "I am not doing this!! It is WAYYY too hard!" They have said it about reading, writing, sports, JBQ, poem memorization, and lots of other hurdles that they have reluctantly but gracefully overcome! I am so glad they have found things that they love to do! I know they are young and there is a lot more world to explore and I can't wait to see what else lies on the path ahead!

Bogus Scams

2008-10-01T05:28:00.002-04:00

Subject : Bogus inspectors & your safety!!!!!

I hate it when people forward bogus warnings, and I have even done it myself a couple times unintentionally...but this one is real, and it's important. So please send this warning to everyone on your e-mail list, or post it as a bulletin so all of your friends will know..........

If someone comes to your front door saying they are checking for ticks due to the warm weather and asks you to take your clothes off and dance around with your arms up, DO NOT DO IT!! THIS IS A SCAM!! They only want to see you naked.

**I hope I didn't offend anyone!! I laughed so hard when I read this that I just HAD to share it!! It's a joke!!

I Made the Announcement

2008-09-17T13:36:00.005-04:00

We are very excited to be expecting again! Baby #4 is on the way and we couldn't be happier! I have had so many people ask me if I was pregnant and b/c of my circumstances, I didn't say "yes" or "no!" I simply said, "Ya never know, we are trying!!" All along I knew that I was pregnant! Oh well, you understand!

I am 12 weeks along and I have known of my pregnancy since mid-July (before VBS for those of you that were there!!). Since I had a miscarriage in May we decided to wait out the first 12 weeks. That was fun in a way! My Hunny and I would talk about it and we were able to become very comfortable with the idea before sharing the news with others! We told the kids first (yesterday!) and we let them call family to make the announcement! They are all thrilled!

The day I hit 6 weeks I began to feel lots of nausea, but I never vomited! I think I learned my triggers very quickly so I was able to avoid them most of the time! Now I am totally nausea-free and feeling really great!! I had my first appointment with my midwife yesterday and she is the "food & exercise nazi!" SO, I will be walking 3-4 days per week and DON'T ask me if I want to go out for dessert and coffee because I have no will power and she will kick my butt if I eat junk!!!

We will be having another home birth. We are so excited to bring a baby into the world in this amazing way!! What a blessing to have this opportunity! So many people I know want to do it, but don't have their husband's support OR don't have the option! It is totally the way God intended birth! The natural un-invasive setting in which Eve herself gave birth! Thank goodness I am so blessed!

Well, I knew lots of people would have questions, so I thought I would post here! That is it in a nutshell! Thanks for your blessings and support!!

Awesome MySpace Comments / Myspace Layouts

Proverbs are so Wise

2008-09-15T10:20:00.002-04:00

There is so much to be gained from the book of wisdom in the Bible. As I was reading today I came across a few of them that blessed me. These are from the New Living Translation.

Proverbs 17:14
Starting a quarrel is like opening a floodgate, so stop before a dispute breaks out!

Proverbs 17:18
It is poor judgement to guarantee another person's debt or put up a security for a friend!

Proverbs 17:22
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person's strength.

Proverbs 17:27
A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered.

So much good stuff to glean! I could go on for days!! I will share more later!!

Childish or Careless?

2008-09-12T21:26:00.005-04:00

Daddy & Camden on the Cruise

Camden making funny faces!!

My Camden is so full of life and energy! He is 6 years old and his goal is to make you laugh! He has come home from church telling me that he made the whole class laugh!! He is sweet and sensitive. He will run outside to give me a hug and kiss before I leave to go ANYWHERE, even if I am only going to the store for 15 minutes. And he will tell me what Jesus is speaking to his heart, whether it is to pray for someone or some deep truth about life!! He is protective of his little brother too. He told me that a friend at church was saying, "dang!!" Well, that isn't a "bad word" and Camden knows that, but he also knows that certain things don't sound nice coming from the mouth of a child! Dang . . . is just such a word. His friend was saying this word and Camden politely asked his friend not to use that word in front of his brother. He said, "I don't want my brother to say that word!!" Isn't that sweet??? He is destined for great things!!

Did I mention that Camden is HUGE for his age!! Not huge, like pituitary giant huge . . . but BIG!! He is the size of an average 8 year old. He proudly tells me he is the biggest kid in his class at church! He thinks that somehow makes him "better!!" He also wants to be JUST LIKE HIS DAD and it just so happens that his dad is 6'5" and so he seems like a giant to Camden!!

With this "big-ness" comes a slight bit of clumsiness! At least that is wear I am hoping it comes from!! It seems like he is being very careless at times. But when I analyze the situation . . . post lecture on "being careful" . . . I wonder if it is just because his body is bigger than he realizes!!

Anyone out there with more experience than me?? Will he grow out of it?? Are all boys like this? Is this normal childishness or is it carelessness?? I don't want to punish him if he REALLY can't help it!! But I don't want to grow a careless boy that has little respect for the things of others around him. (He breaks everyone's stuff!!) I don't know about this? It is baffling me!!

Any thoughts, ideas, or suggestions would be awesome!!

Bad Guys Out There

2008-09-11T19:14:00.004-04:00

We have heard of it happening before, but this is just ridiculous! Several of our neighbors' houses were broken into today! How frustrating!! We know there were at least 2 people that got it bad and several others that had attempts made on their homes!

How awful and violated to be invaded in such a way!! What goes through these people's minds as they take valuables and vandalize other people's personal property??? How do they get to the place in life where people are so unimportant? They are in a sad place in life!!

My husband was home the entire day and he even spotted a "suspicious" car outside, but didn't think anything of it! He said it was driving slow and the driver seemed to be writing something?? He just thought the driver was looking for a specific address!!

Well, the good thing is that one of the neighbors has a camera that constantly monitors the exterior of her house!! Last time someone broke into a person's house on this street, her camera is what helped catch them! So I am hoping it does the job this time!!

I haven't talked to any of the victims, but I am just praying that they and their children can sleep tonight!!

Jesus,
Send your angels to watch over and protect those that have been violated! Please give them peace that passes human understanding!! Help them sleep tonight! I pray that the perpetrator's would be brought to justice and that they will find You in the midst of this situation! Your Grace is more than enough!!

Cheesy Enchilada Casserole

2008-09-08T23:46:00.003-04:00

Tonight I made this recipe for the family and it was SOOOO good!! It was a hit too so I thought I would share it!! The best part is that it was made with simple ingredients, and it was EASY!!

Ingredients:
Ground Beef, browned
Enchilada sauce (or taco sauce or salsa, whatever you have)
Cheddar Cheese, shredded
Tortillas
3/4c Cream Cheese, softened*
3/4c Sour Cream*
*None of these ingredients were measured. These are approximate amounts. If you want more, add more!!

Mix sauce or salsa with ground beef and set aside. Mix soft cream cheese and sour cream and set aside. In a 9x13 pan you will layer the ingredients, similar to lasagna. The first layer is the ground beef mixture, then cheese, tortillas, cream cheese mixture and start over again adding as many layers as you would like. I used TONS of cheese on the very top and then baked till bubbly. I also only put one thick layer of the cream cheese mixture because it was rather hard to work with. I cooked it at 400 for about 20 minutes. It was so good!! The kids gobbled it up!

I also thought it might be good with a layer of rice and pinto beans! If you try it, let me know how it goes!!

What a great day!!

2008-09-04T22:06:00.006-04:00

If you know me at all you will know that I really don't like to be the center of attention. I really prefer to be in the background and I don't need a pat on the back. When my birthday rolls around, my family celebrates together, but I really don't like to have a big birthday "party." I like to go out to dinner with my husband and kids, and extended family. (The gift here is the fact that I don't have to cook!!) This year was no different.

The weekend started out simple. We invited some friend over to play a Euchre Tournament. That was a blast!!! I love to hang out with fun people and I love to play cards AND eat food!! Then on Saturday we just hung around the house doing chores and planning our coming week. On Saturday, Shannon decided that he and the kids would give me my presents early (They do this every year, at Christmas AND Mother's Day too!!) I was thrilled when he gave me exactly what I asked for!! I asked for the Anne of Green Gables Trilogy.

I was sooo excited!! The kids were too! We didn't waste any time! We began watching the movie on Sat evening. I even made Shannon sit and watch it with me and . . . don't tell him I told you . . . but . . . he likes it!!

This movie totally brought me back to childhood. I remember watching it on PBS and getting interrupted by those silly telethon things!! I hated that! Although I loved the movies, I had never seen them all from start to finish!! There are 3 of them! This time it was 9 hours of bliss!! The kids would beg to watch more!! I told told them that when we take a long trip to Grandma's or Nana's we can watch the entire movie without stopping!! They liked that idea!!

Then Shannon surprised me with something that I have always wanted . . . a Garmin GPS!! I love maps! So he thought I would like this gadget! He was right! It practically drives the car for me!! We all have fun and we even turn it on when we are going to church or home from the store!! We are trying to come up with a cute name like Becky did! Stay tuned!

On Sunday, which was my actual birthday, I was greeted first thing in the morning with toast and a glass of milk in bed. I got lots of hugs and kisses and I think that was my favorite part of the day. . . oh, I have another favorite part . . . I didn't have to do the dishes all day!!! Thanks Hunny! I love you so much!! What a great day!!!

I realize what I have got

2008-08-23T19:16:00.004-04:00

Shannon and Camden went on a "boy's trip" to Arkansas to see Shannon's grandma. Shannon's dad and brother met them there and they are having a hum-dinger-of-a-time!! I don't know if you have ever experienced Arkansas, but it is one you would NEVER forget nor want to repeat!!

Shannon's grandma Hogan has Alzheimer's and lives in a nursing home. She really isn't that bad, but she can't be left alone because she looses stuff constantly!! She mixes people's names up and asks the same questions several times a day. It really quite funny . . . comic relief!! She hates the nursing home! It is full of invalid elderly people that sit around and do nothing. Grandma is up and moving all the time!!

She lives in Hardy. It's a tiny little town!! She talks about how people are moving in like crazy and building stuff . . . but I think she means the McDonalds, Taco Bell, and KFC!! That and Walmart are the high lights of the town!! Shannon said they went to Walmart 2 times the first day they got there!! It is Grandma's favorite place to go. She loves to shop . . . and buy lots of junk that we don't need and give it to all of us as gifts!! Sweet, huh? Well, her whole family lives there and they have since the beginning of time!! She tells all kinds of stories about that place as you drive down the road.

Shannon's dad wanted to try and save some money and not stay 5 nights in a hotel, so he booked a resort that is just outside of town!! He said it was half the price of the only hotel in town, so they gave it a try!! Shannon says that the "resort" is a hum-dinger too!! He says it's a little old 2 bedroom and 1 bathroom house that creaks and squeaks at every move. He says that you can hear everything through the walls, including Grandma's terrible coughing (just like a smoker's cough because Grandpa smoked in the house for 50+ years). So he isn't sleeping much!! (I forgot to say that Grandma is staying at the resort with the boys. It's like her vacation away from the nursing home!! She hates it there!)

This is Camden sending me some love from the great state of Arkansas!!

The fun part is that they boys are going fishing, golfing, and creekin' (that is the official Hogan term for looking for critters in the creek!). They are having a blast and Grandma is tagging along to each event! Camden is having a blast because he LOVES everything BOY and messy and gross!! He is keeping everyone in stitches!! Whenever they are creekin' or fishing Camden is the first one to fall in the water and get as wet and messy as possible!! It's a little boys dream!!

I am at home with my oldest and youngest Munchkins! We are bonding in different ways, of course! We made lots of sweets in the kitchen and on Monday we are going to make a "Welcome Home" cake for Daddy! Carley has been keeping me company in bed at night and we have been staying up till about 11 and even eating snacks in bed!! (She thought that was so cool!)

But in the end . . . I miss my Hunny!! Since he works from home now, we are pretty much always together!! We talk about everything and nothing all at the same time!! He is the source of laughter in this house and the source of silliness!! I just miss him!! I hate it when I put something down . . . and it's there when I get back to it!! No one has moved it because no one is here!! I am looking forward to seeing his face on Monday evening when he gets home!!

How do you learn to SOCIALIZE anyway??

2008-08-14T07:53:00.004-04:00

Those that are not familiar with homeschooling usually believe the stereotypical lie that homeschoolers don't have an opportunity to socialize. They believe that school is the place where children can learn to interact with others and learn the "social skills" that are necessary to live a complete, healthy life. They may never stop to think about the people in life that you know or have met that went to school, but who are completely unsocial or anti-social. You have seen then in your own school days; all alone in the corner of the cafeteria, the one that is so rude and has no social graces, the one that chews with his mouth open at lunch and makes a spectacle of himself. They exist as adults in the work place and in other social settings.

Most of the time, those unsocialized folks weren't homeschooled. They are people that are simply not taught at home how to interact with the world around them in a socially acceptable way.

There is one child that I know who is very unsocialized and that child has been in school/daycare since birth. The child is in "survival mode" making sure that no gets the child's stuff or takes the child's seat. The child carries stuff around all day long so no one will take it. The child yells at other children in order to get away with things or get the point across, so that someone will hear what this little one is trying to say. This child is mean. Sharing is not the norm and is very difficult. The world revolves around this child and everyone is expected to know that. I know for a fact that I have only seen the surface of what this child is capable of socially.

If parents expect the school system, public or otherwise, to teach their children how to socialize PROPERLY, there are going to be kids that are lacking in so many areas of life because this area of socializing affects so much. A teacher with 30 kids in a classroom should not be expected to teach your kids how to play nice, share nice, or talk nice. That is OUR responsibility . . . the parents of said children.

So, that is what I do . . . I teach my kids how to interact with other children of different ages, not just their own age. We actually talk about certain scenarios and how they might act or interact. When we have people over, we talk about the proper way to treat a guest. When my kids go to someone else's house we talk about acceptable social behavior. Since I have them at home with me, especially while they are young, I can be there for them when they are in a situation and need help figuring out what to do, socially. I don't call this tattling . . . . I call it teaching.

As a homeschool family, our opportunities to socialize are enormous. Sometimes I have to tell the kids, "Ok guys time to stop socializing! We need to get some school done!!"

My whole point is . . . I don't want someone else teaching my kids how to socialize. I want to do it!! I am so glad that God has given me the opportunity!! It is my life's most exciting adventure!!

What a NIGHT!!

2008-08-10T13:36:00.001-04:00

Last night no one wanted me to sleep!! If it wasn't me getting up to go to the bathroom, it was one of the kids!! I went to bed early becasue I was so exhausted. It was a busy day!!

At 2:20AM Carter woke up and had peed the bed! I got him all situated and back to sleep and then I went back to bed. I am feeling a little sinus stuffiness come on, so I laid in bed and sneezed and tossed and turned for an hour!! Then I heard Carter make more noise! I thought he was not sleeping yet and so I dreaded going in to settle him. But I went in to check on him and he was sound asleep. (Wish I was!)

I got up and went to the computer to try and blow off some steam. (I was MAD!) After an hour or so of doing a little bit of surfing, I decided to go back to bed. I laid there for another 20 min or so, tossing and turning, when I was almost alseep. That is when Carter yelled out, "MOMMY!" I turned to my Beloved and asked him to go and check on the baby! Thankfully he did! He stayed in there and laid in bed with him till morning.

So . . . there I am again . . . wide awake!! Just as I drift off to sleep I hear, "Mom, I had a bad dream!" Carley was upset so I told her to hop in bed with me (Because Daddy was still in Carter's bed!) and she was fast aleep in no time! I laid there trying to tell myself that it was going to light soon and if I don't get some sleep I will be an sight for sore eyes in the morning!!

I did finally fall alseep. It was a night of chaos and mishapes and that is what I call being a "Parent!" Sometimes the rewards are so great and sometimes the "rewards" are not so great!! Getting a good night sleep is always a plus, but that didn't happen last night!! Oh well . . . there is always tonight! I hope things go a little more as planned for a regular night's sleep!!

Hedge Of Protection . . . . is that the best you've got?

2008-08-06T22:53:00.002-04:00

our first event

2008-08-02T12:45:00.003-04:00

I think it went well!! Last night was the first event that we have had this year and that I have had since becoming the group's president. The event last night was different than what we have had in the past, but people came and hung out and had a lot of fun!! I had many people come and tell me that I did a great job and I humbly say Thank You!! But in all honesty, I couldn't have done it without the team that I had in place to assist. You all were so amazing!! Thanks a bunch!

The homeschool group at the church, is an awesome bunch of families to be a part of!! I am very proud to be part of such a close group. Thanks to all who came out and listened to me talk!! I am looking forward to lots more fun and excitement this year!!

And the winner is . . . .

2008-07-29T22:48:00.005-04:00

First of all let me start off by saying I am SOOO sorry for being late to announce the WINNER!! My head is spinning with busy-ness and I am a little overwhelmed right now!!

Anyway, We put everyone's name in the bowl on little pieces of paper and Carter, my 2 year old Munchkin, drew out Melissa Haught as the WINNER!! Congrats Melissa!! Hope you enjoy your coffee!!

The is Morgan, my niece, with Carter and Camden.

Carter chooses Melissa!! Congratulations!!!

Baby wearing

2008-07-25T15:11:00.002-04:00

I wish I would have done this sooner. I was walking through Walmart and Carter REALLY wanted me to hold him. It's pretty much impossible to hold a 30lb toddler and push a grocery cart. So I was in the baby section looking for a gift for a friend's upcoming shower. My eyes zoned in on a baby sling on the shelf. I opened the package and took a look at it. Then I tried it on. It fit and it looked pretty cool. I asked Carter if he wanted to get in and he refused . . . he's 2 and he has an attitude. So instead of reason with him on adult terms, I offered him a cookie (that is not an everyday event in our family) and he caved!! His eyes were as big as saucers when I said "if you try it, I'll give ya a cookie!!!" He jumped in that sling with a smile on his face!! After adjusting the sling for a moment, I asked Carter if he liked it and he smiled and said "Yes, Mama!!" He laid his head on my shoulder and looked at the view from high up, instead of the cart, which he HATES!! We finished our walk around Walmart and when we went to checkout I handed the cashier the package and told her that I was wearing it!!!

That was my first experience with a sling and it was pretty cool. I have had a friend whispering in my ear about it's marvelous benefits!! I don't know if this will work for us for too much longer (since Carter is already pretty big), but it is worth a shot!! Next time I go shopping, I'm taking the sling!!!

A Much Better Day . . .

2008-07-23T21:23:00.002-04:00

I am so pleased to post that Carter and I had a GREAT day today!! He had pretty much perfect behavior today. I gave him so much praise and even a big fat STICKER for his awesome behavior!! I was so proud of him!! It was one of those days that makes me forget about days like yesterday. Thank goodness for days like these!!

Totally Felt Defeated

2008-07-22T21:49:00.005-04:00

It was one of those days. . . . I mean the kind when you feel like a complete failure as a parent!! I don't know if I am exaggerating or not, but it felt like the worst day of child-rearing that I have EVER experienced!! How does it get to this??

I'll tell ya how??

SIN!! Adam and Eve started it!!!

Today, my 2 year old pushed me to the limit!! (I think they are known for that!!) When it was time for a "routine spanking" for general misbehavior, he decided that he wanted to kick and scream bloody murder (so the neighbors could hear). I tried to reason with him and tell him it was making things worse, but he never really "got it!!" Oh my goodness!! I was so MAD at him that I had to leave the room and tell him to wait till Daddy came home because I just couldn't continue to wrestle with him over getting a spanking.

I know that discipline, specifically spanking, is a touchy subject in some circles. Our family has a "spanking routine" that is made to keep peace and is used for correction, not to get anger out. So here is our "routine:"

1. The child is taken to a private location and never spanked publicly.
2. The child is asked if he knows why he is about to get a spanking. We make sure he is completely clear on this.
3. The swat is administered with a spanking tool or paddle.
4. Crying ensues and is calmed.
5. We hug the child and let him know that we love him unconditionally (like Jesus does), even if he had disobeyed.
6. Usually the crying has stopped and then we will let the child pray to Jesus and ask Him to forgive him and help him when the temptation arises again.
7. Then the parent administering the discipline will pray for the child.
8. Then we talk and the child asks forgiveness from parents, siblings or whomever he has offended.
9. Then there is lots of hugs and kisses and talking about how much we love each other.

This process causes great amounts of emotional bonding. It is a fact, that there is a direct correlation between pain and repentance. If it hurts bad enough you are sorry for what caused the pain (in any area of life . . . think about it). It is just a principle that we live by.

Carter, the precious 2 year old mentioned above, has become accustomed to the routine established in our home and he knows what to expect. Well today went awry and I guess we are chalking it up to seeing what he can get away with . . . the ol' "sin nature!!" I am praying for his little mind and spirit as he tries to figure it all out. I love that little munchkin to pieces and I was so mad at myself for getting SOOO frustrated at him today!! He could sense my anger and he was mad at me too. I asked him to forgive me and he said he would, but he was clinging to Daddy, (even though he is the one who actually administered the spanking), because he knew "Mommy was upset."

It made me think about Jesus and the pain He must feel when we disobey Him and then blame Him for it. We've all done it, but today my eyes were opened to His Hurt!!

Random Stuff

2008-07-16T22:06:00.002-04:00

Things seem busier than usual . . . I always say that!! It seems that as the kids get older, things are just busier!!

My kids have had play dates everyday this week!! It is so unfortunate that they are so unsocialized (because we homeschool) and have no interaction with other children their own age. (that was totally sarcastic!!) So if they are not reading a book, they are playing with other children. That has made things very busy!!

I have been planning and organizing events and meetings for our homeschool group. That is quite a task! There is a lot of "red tape" when dealing with a large church like we have. I have also been putting cards, flyers and sign up sheets together. This (and blogging) are what I spend most of my late nights doing!!

Next week our church is doing VBS and my Hunny and I volunteer. That is one of the busiest weeks of my year!! The kids look forward to it all year. We always have fun too!

The week after that I am planning some big events for the HS group and Carley, the world's best big sister, will be at kids camp. I am going to miss her like crazy!!

That means that sometimes laundry doesn't get done like I would like and floors aren't mopped as often as I'd like!! I have convinced myself that in the end, my kids are going to be happy because I poured everything in to them and their education. I hope that the details of piled laundry and finger prints on glass doors fade in the background.

We are starting school on Aug 4, so I plan to slow it down some. I am excited about what is coming up with our homeschool group and that is all I can handle!!! God is going to have to help me every step of the way . . . . as He always does!!

Camden is reading like crazy!!

2008-07-08T08:45:00.005-04:00

Remember the reading challenge? Well the kids won't put the books down! They are doing soooo good!!

I have to brag a moment on Camden!! He just turned 6 and is in first grade. I am so proud of him. He is pronouncing words and reading words that I didn't even know that he knew!! I am amazed!! He is reading "Frog and Toad" Books!! I am just so happy for him and eager to see him learn and expand his vocabulary even more!! I love to watch my kids LOVE to do something!!!

While I am talking about Camden, let me just take a moment and tell you a little about him.

He is hilarious!! All he wants to do is make people laugh and please his parents!! He loves Jesus so much!! There are pieces of paper all over my house that say, "Jesus Rocks! I love him!" or "I love Jesus!" I am so grateful for that! He loves sports! Any team that his dad likes, he likes! Speaking of his dad . . . Camden loves his dad more than anyone else on this planet!! All he wants to do is hang with Dad!! If one of the other kids gets to go to the store with Dad and he has to stay behind, he is so jealous, he can't stand it!! Dad and Camden are going to be best friends when Camden is older!! When Camden was 2, his teacher at church would tell me Camden is the happiest boy she'd ever seen!! He just loves life and all it has to offer! I can't wait to see what God has in store for my oldest son, my big boy!!

I love you Camden!

Camden and Daddy making funny faces!!

Camden holding his baby brother!! (Aren't his eyes amazing?)

Camden holding Star, his bunny.

Heely's Skate Shoes

2008-07-06T14:52:00.002-04:00

I'm sure you've heard of them. They aren't as popular as they were a few years ago, but we tend to not allow our kids to indulge in the "latest and greatest" of things! (If we'd allow them to, the grandparents would OVER INDULGE!) They are Heely's! They're sneakers that have a wheel in the bottom of the shoe. The kids have to learn to balance themselves on the skates or they will fall off!! It didn't take long for them to get the knack! Now they love to wear them wherever we go!! I have taught them Heely etiquette and they know how to "look out for other people," etc.

. . . but some people out there don't like kids with Heely's (I have seen many that don't practice Heely etiquette!)!! I have found that they tend to be older women. First she tries to get the kids attention and shakes her head and finger NO or snaps her fingers (the kind you can imagine of a teacher shamefully scorning a child after which she places him in the corner with a DUNCE hat on his head!! The children will quickly come to my side because I didn't see the initial non-verbal attack!! Then the un-authoritative, older lady (a greeter at Walmart for instance), will say, "I'm sorry Mam, but they really don't want kids riding on those in here. They could fall and get hurt!!"

DUH!!!

They COULD fall while walking too!!

If that was a posted rule at Walmart, BJ's, etc. and the woman actually had a tool to remove the wheels, I would completely understand and wouldn't mind complying with the posted rules. (This has happened by the way!)

BUT when a janitor, greeter, or sample server has a power trip because he/she personally "doesn't want someone to get hurt," I get super annoyed!! People get hurt by doing all kinds of stupid things!! You really can't avoid it!! While I was at Walmart, during the same visit, a child was riding a bike on training wheels through the isles at full speed!! Now that could hurt somebody . . .

I just think that if a greeter wants to have a power trip because she is concerned/annoyed with kids wearing Heely's, she should go to the Walmart corporate headquarters and have them make the rules!!!

Another rant on this same topic:

We were walking somewhere the other day and Camden was wearing his Heely's and he fell!! He didn't get hurt!! He's used to it!! But the mom behind me said to her son, "See how you can fall on those things!!"

I said to her, "Well, I figure they can fall if they're walking too, so what's the difference?" That was said with a smile, and we both laughed!

Why are people so afraid of "getting hurt?" I want to protect my kids as much as possible too, but they are gonna get hurt no matter what I do to keep them physically safe!!

"decaf, please"

2008-07-03T00:24:00.003-04:00

The other night my Hunny and I went out on a date. Our Sunday School Class coordinated a group date!! So, we went to the Japanese Steakhouse and the filet mignon was awesome and the laughs were even better!!! Then we went out for coffee with the gang.

. . . let me go backward for a moment . . . . normally my Hunny would get a Mocha (his mistress) at the coffee shop and then he would plan to stay up late and work because he would be zinging from all the caffeine. He works so hard and I knew he was pretty tired, so if he went home (without a visit with the mistress or at least a decaf version) he'd konk out!!

. . . back to my story . . .

SO, I ordered him a decaf Mocha and told the barista NOT to write decaf on the cup!! About an hour or so later we got into the car and I asked him if the caffeine had kicked in yet. I asked if he was planning to work late or go to bed. Wouldn't ya know it? That stinker said he was tired!! I told of the deception that had taken place and he laughed. But, guess what he did when we got home?? He konked out as soon as his head hit the pillow after he said "Thanks for ordering me a decaf!!"

I'm too tired!!

2008-07-02T13:46:00.006-04:00

"Ok, Carter! Time to clean up your blocks." I look at my precious 2 year old and don't expect much. He is still learning the art of cleaning up after oneself. I grab his hand and walk him over to the mess to which I am referring.

He looks at me, grabs his "blankie" and says, "Mommy, I'm too tired!!"

Can you believe how smart the kid is?? He has figured out how to shirk his responsibilities already!! He thinks that I will have sympathy on him and say, "OK, Carter-Poo! Mommy will joyfully clean up the mess in your place. You go and play happily and have a merry day of fun . . . make more messes if it pleases you!!!"

What a little stinker!!!

This isn't a game!!

2008-07-02T06:12:00.001-04:00

This video is alarming!! The preacher challenges people to think in terms of holiness and REAL-LIFE salvation!! It isn't a game, it's a battle against unseen forces!! Watch this video in it's entirety and let me know what you think!!

I Need Help . . .

2008-07-01T14:38:00.002-04:00

I am trying to upload my own videos from my camcorder to God Tube. I don't have a USB port on the camcorder, so I made a DVD. I wanted to insert it into my computer and then download . . . no luck!!!

I am about ready to toss the computer, camera, and everything with it . . . out the window . . . I guess you could say I'm frustrated!! When I get frustrated . . . I begin to grunt and groan in . . . well . . . frustration!! Any help you have to offer would be great!! I'm gonna try some more . . .

I'd like to share my video of Carter singing Jesus Loves Me!! It's sooooo cute!!

More to Laugh About

2008-07-01T13:41:00.001-04:00

You are gonna laugh harder than you have in a long time!! Are you ready??

A Homeschool Family

2008-07-01T13:08:00.001-04:00

Book Challenge

2008-07-01T12:13:00.003-04:00

I am not usually into bribing my kids to do work, but I am looking at it from a new perspective. We are now "goal setting" in this house. We are hoping to get them to work . . . at anything . . . just DO something!! They would be content to play electronics or ride bikes all day long. While neither of those are "bad," I want to instill in them a sense of working in order to earn something. (That's why we all work, right?) So, here's the deal . . .

They each set a goal of 5 books to be read this month. If they reach their goal they each get $10. Any book over 5 is worth $1 each, unless they double their goal. If they double their goal they get double the cash, $20!!!

That is a lot of money for a 6 & 8 year old. They are learning the true value of money. Recently they have saved up some of their own money in order to buy something. They say, "Wow, $20 is a lot of money!!" So they know they can get some nice things with their cash.

They are now motivated to work and read. I hope they reach their goal!!

a new record

2008-06-29T08:07:00.003-04:00

Thanks to all who stopped by to read Carter's Story!! I set a new record yesterday of hits to my blog. I guess people like to read a great story!! I love this blogging thing . . . thanks Becky!!

Carter turns 2 . . . his birth story

2008-06-28T09:35:00.008-04:00

I have been thinking about that day 2 years ago when my sweet toddler was born. He came into the world as most babies do, but it was a little . . . unconventional!!

I was so excited when we made the decision to have him at home! It fit into our new "homeopathic" approach to most of our other health issues. I was thrilled to have a Hunny that was supportive of such a decision. So, we found a midwife, took the classes, educated ourselves, and we were off!! There was no turning back!! I knew all along that I was not afraid of "what if's" if he was born at home, I was just afraid of the PAIN!!! My previous two births were in a traditional hospital setting with epidurals!!! I never felt any pain!!!

The day came! The midwife came to my house for my check-up and I was 6 days away from my due date!! I was just sure that I was going to be pregnant for 42+ weeks and here I was committed to having this baby at home . . . ok a "what if" did creep in!! At that appointment, Karin, the midwife assured me that all would be fine. She gave me a run down of the biology of the whole thing! I think that put me into relax mode!!!! I felt very assured!!

She checked my cervix and I was dialated 4cm and I hadn't had any contractions yet!! (I know some women are in hard labor for days and only dialate 2cm . . . thank God I didn't have this experience.) She thinned the membrane in the cervix, but she told me she didn't know if she did a very good job. I didn't expect much. A few hours later, I was having contractions. YEAH!!

Shannon came home from work and the midwife came back over. I labored at home!!!! It was AWESOME!! My sis came over to help out with the other kids. I could eat and drink whatever I wanted. I wasn't hooked to a machine! I walked the neighborhood while in labor!!! At 10:00PM she checked me and I was ready to push!! I got into the birthing tub and had a few VERY VERY PAINFUL contractions and then . . . the baby was here!!!

I have to admit that I didn't handle the pain as well as I told myself I would!! I didn't "focus" or think about God's awesome creation that He chose me to carry . . . none of that . . . I SCREAMED MY HEAD OFF!!!! IT HURT!!! I kept waiting for someone to tell me to push and then stop pushing, like they do in the hospital . . . but the only person that knew when a contraction was coming was ME . . . so I just kept pushing because it just kept hurting!!!!

When Carter arrived . . . I wasn't overwhelmed with emotion and crying because of the beauty of the moment. All I could think about was how much that hurt . . . I was glad it was over!!!!! The first thing I said was, "That hurt so bad!!"

On the good side, I got to sleep in my own bed that night. My big kids got to see carter come into the world . . . in their jammies!! Then my sister made eggs for everyone . . . at midnight or so. No one poked and prodded either of us. No one came in to bother me all night!! It was one of the most exciting experiences of my life!! I am proud of the fact that despite my fear of the pain, I persevered. God was with me through it all, and I hope I have the opportunity to do it again someday!!

Happy Birthday Carter!

Slow Down and READ the Word

2008-06-24T20:56:00.002-04:00

I have been reading Ruth and I must say that there are times when I struggle to S L O W D O W N enough to read MORE than just what is simply written on the page!! I have recently been reading audreycaroline.blogspot.com. She posted about that very subject . . . Slowing down in order to hear what God has to say.

. . . So I was reading Ruth!! I was soaking it in too!! (I don't want to hurry through the book just to be able to say, "I read an entire book of the Bible!!") God provided for Ruth and Naomi in ways that seemed wayyy too coincidental. Ruth just happened to be gleaning in the field of one of her husband's family. Boaz just so happened to notice her. He showed her kindness and gentleness in ways that only God can.

When things seem crazy to me, I simply rest in the fact the HE provides everything I will ever need!! He shows up in ways I never expect.

CHAPTER 2
4 Just then Boaz arrived from Bethlehem and greeted the harvesters, "The LORD be with you!"
"The LORD bless you!" they called back.

5 Boaz asked the foreman of his harvesters, "Whose young woman is that?"

6 The foreman replied, "She is the Moabitess who came back from Moab with Naomi. 7 She said, 'Please let me glean and gather among the sheaves behind the harvesters.' She went into the field and has worked steadily from morning till now, except for a short rest in the shelter."

8 So Boaz said to Ruth, "My daughter, listen to me. Don't go and glean in another field and don't go away from here. Stay here with my servant girls. 9 Watch the field where the men are harvesting, and follow along after the girls. I have told the men not to touch you. And whenever you are thirsty, go and get a drink from the water jars the men have filled."

10 At this, she bowed down with her face to the ground. She exclaimed, "Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you notice me—a foreigner?"

11 Boaz replied, "I've been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband—how you left your father and mother and your homeland and came to live with a people you did not know before. 12 May the LORD repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge."

13 "May I continue to find favor in your eyes, my lord," she said. "You have given me comfort and have spoken kindly to your servant—though I do not have the standing of one of your servant girls."

14 At mealtime Boaz said to her, "Come over here. Have some bread and dip it in the wine vinegar."
When she sat down with the harvesters, he offered her some roasted grain. She ate all she wanted and had some left over. 15 As she got up to glean, Boaz gave orders to his men, "Even if she gathers among the sheaves, don't embarrass her. 16 Rather, pull out some stalks for her from the bundles and leave them for her to pick up, and don't rebuke her."

17 So Ruth gleaned in the field until evening. Then she threshed the barley she had gathered, and it amounted to about an ephah. [a] 18 She carried it back to town, and her mother-in-law saw how much she had gathered. Ruth also brought out and gave her what she had left over after she had eaten enough.

19 Her mother-in-law asked her, "Where did you glean today? Where did you work? Blessed be the man who took notice of you!"
Then Ruth told her mother-in-law about the one at whose place she had been working. "The name of the man I worked with today is Boaz," she said.

20 "The LORD bless him!" Naomi said to her daughter-in-law. "He has not stopped showing his kindness to the living and the dead." She added, "That man is our close relative; he is one of our kinsman-redeemers."

21 Then Ruth the Moabitess said, "He even said to me, 'Stay with my workers until they finish harvesting all my grain.' "

22 Naomi said to Ruth her daughter-in-law, "It will be good for you, my daughter, to go with his girls, because in someone else's field you might be harmed."

23 So Ruth stayed close to the servant girls of Boaz to glean until the barley and wheat harvests were finished. And she lived with her mother-in-law.

Bloggity Bliss

2008-06-19T22:36:00.002-04:00

I have really enjoyed this "blogging thing!" It is such a fun way to journal family happenings and special events! It brings people closer that live so far apart. Friends can stay in touch in ways that were never possible in the pre-cyberspace era! (I can barely remember those days!!)

One of my favorite parts is using the sitemeter link to see who is visiting my blog!! That is fun!! My average hits per day is up to 15!! That is pretty good for . . . a homeschooling, crunchy, kid lovin', house cleanin', imperfect, Jesus servin' Momma!!! People have visited my blog from all over the world and right here is good ol' Wesley Chapel!!

Thanks to all my visitors!! I am so happy that you have stopped by!! I would love to get a comment from you and become "blogging buddies!"

what we did on our mission trip

2008-06-17T23:22:00.006-04:00

WOW! What a trip! Carley and I had such a great time of bonding, serving, praying, giving, and much more!

We flew into Rapid City, SD (a small town of only 60,000 people, but very touristy because of Mt. Rushmore) on Friday and after getting rental cars, and settling into our hotel for that night we went to dinner. It was a local joint with lots of interesting items on the menu, including "Rocky Mountain Oytsters." I chose to pass this time because I hear that this kind of "seafood" "will leave you hanging for a long time!"

The next morning we went to Mt Rushmore, did our grocery shopping at Walmart and Sams for our week ahead. Then we were off to Lower Brule! We had a 3 hour trip ahead. Thank goodness for the walkie talkies and the "I'm going to South Dakota and I'm going to take a A WORD, B WORD, C WORD, etc" game. It really passed the time! By the time we got to Lower Brule Indian Reservation, we were tired and hungry.

The missionaries greeted us and let us use their kitchen to make dinner at 11:30PM! The next morning was church. We went early to pray and believe God for great things. I helped out in kids church and it was a great time. The children were responsive and interested in what Rebecca, the missionary, shared. One of them brought a cat into the service. When someone would take him out, he would find his way back. I have never been in a service where animals were welcome!! LOL

*Let me interject that the church had a great kitchen and we cooked all meals there. We bought enough food to feed our 11 team members plus the missionaries, Randy and Rebecca for 6 days. At every meal we feed no less that 17 people. God multiplied the food because no one went hungry! In fact we probably gained weight b/c there was so much food!.

On Sunday afternoon, we canvased the local neighborhoods, knocking on doors and inviting children to our MEGA SPORTS CAMP! It was a long day because we switched time zones several times. We were beat.

On Monday, the day we had been waiting for, we got up early to distribute more flyers where we knew there would be lots of children. We prayed, prepared, and panicked . . . we didn't know what to expect! When 1:00 rolled around the children started filing in. We had 75 kids! That was the most they had ever had at any event in that community before. We were extatic, exhuberant, and by the days' end, exhausted. We really didn't have the manpower to handle that many! So we rearranged a few things and worked out a few kinks, and the rest of the week we averaged about 40 kids.

I was so tired after Monday's Sports Camp that I slept 12 hours!! It was emotionally draining! Being in another culture is mentally exhausting. (It was worth every minute!)

Oh, I don't think I told you, yet . . . I was a basketball coach at the MEGA SPORTS CAMP!!! If you know me you are rolling on the floor laughing right now! I am super athletically challeneged and God has a real sense of humor! He definatley had me "outside my comfort zone!!!" That is what you are supposed to do on Missions Trips, right . . . be flexible! Do what needs to be done!! I can laugh about it now, but at the time I was almost in tears! God was my strength because, He knows that is the only way I could have made it through that . . . sports camp!

Tuesday we went to the Tribal Office and got a great tour and had lots of questions. One day we went to the Wildlife center, where they have lots of animals that were once real and are now stuffed. They had so much info about the local wildlife! We also went to the local Popcorn Factory. It was in a little warehouse. The Tribe is one of the largest suppliers of popcorn in the world! They sell to Orville Reddenbacher, ship it all over the world, and all the proceeds go to the tribe. We also did a hike up some AMAZING hills. We saw a rattlesnake and a BIG, FAT wolf spider. (There was so much neat wildlife there that we don't have in FL!)

On Friday after all the Sports Camp events were over, we went to the POW WOW! The people wore their native clothes and did traditional dances. It was an AWESOME cultural experience. I took lots of pics and videos.

Then early Saturday morning we left Lower Brule and headed back to Rapid City. Another 3 hour trek. This time we stopped on the way at The Badlands National Park. It was one of the most beautiful sights to behold. God used His exclusive paintbrush that has colors that you can't find anywhere else on this planet. His majesty revealed!

Then it was a long stop at Wall Drug! The world's biggest Drug Store, where you can get cold water for FREE!!!!! (IT's an inside joke!!)

When we got back to Rapid City, we had made reservations at this lowly motel that seemed like such a good deal!! (only $54 per night! Thanks Angel!) The shock of the motel, made my mind spin . . . be FLEXIBLE, JAMIE!!

We went to a cowboy dinner show for our meal that night. Then we heard about the evening illumination and show at Mt Rushmore and so we went to experience that. Do you know how COLD it gets in SD when the sun goes down? Like 50!! We were freezing!

The day we went to eat breakfast for $.99 at the place where they filmed Dances with Wolves. That was cool! Then we walked around a little craft fair to pass our time.

Then it was time to go to the airport. We made it home at about midnight! I was just happy to give/get hugs and kisses to my family! I missed them like crazy!

More about what God did in me . . . later

What an AWESOME trip!!

2008-06-16T14:35:00.003-04:00

We did so many amazing things and God worked in so many ways!! I have so much to share that I don't know where to start!!
. . . I should start with the laundry . . . so I'll write more later!! I can't wait to share!!

I'm in South Dakota

2008-06-07T10:23:00.002-04:00

Hi all! We arrived safely and we are exploring like crazy!! This is a beautiful part of God's creation! We feel so blessed to be here! Today we will do some sight seeing at Mt Rushmore. Then we will drive 3 hours to the town in which we will be doing our VBS!! It will be an awesome time of serving God in practical ways! PLease continue to pray for our safety and our ministry!! (And you may want to whisper a prayer for the rest of the family left in FL. There is a lot to keep Shannon busy with to very active little boys!)

Help out a friend!

2008-06-04T16:11:00.003-04:00

"Blessed with Olive Plants" son is in this group and raising funds!! Do what you can to help him out!!

Teen Bible Quiz Nationals competition

Breakfast Fundraiser

Victorious Life Church FIRST Teen Bible Quiz team trip to NATIONALS competition. Our competition takes place in Green Bay, Wisconsin! We need your help to get there!

Breakfast ($6)
Home fries, scrambled eggs and sausage or ham. New York Style!

When? Saturday, June 7th
8 to 10 am.

Call to place your order. Please tell your neighbors and family. We will deliver in the New Tampa area or call me if you like to pick up. Thanks so much! = ]

Monica
(813) 394 7456

Serving Christ Across Cultural Barriers

2008-06-04T13:28:00.003-04:00

I am so excited to share that Carley and I will be going to SD to an Indian Reservation. We will be doing a Vacation Bible School for the local children. I am looking forward to seeing God bless my daughter in a special way. We have been preparing for this for quite some time and now we are ready for whatever the Lord has for us!! We leave on Friday and we will be gone for 10 days! We will be in Lower Brule, SD which has a population of 599 people. The closest Walmart is 1 hour away. We will be in a different culture serving people that are very different from ourselves. The Sioux Tribe is the primary group of indians. The reservation where we will be staying has 1300 people on it. Carley has been fascinated with Native Americans for a few years now and she is so excited to be able to minister to them in this way!! Please pray for us as we minister and as we leave behind part of our family. It will be different for all of us.

PRAISE: We sent out letters asking for support. Many of you so graciously donated to our cause and we raised ALL of the money we needed in order to make the trip!! Now that is God's blessing!! Thank you Jesus for making this trip possible! All the glory goes to YOU!!!

What I'm reading . . .

2008-06-03T12:28:00.001-04:00

I am thrilled to be introduced to classical education. This is so much fun!! Can't wait to get started on Latin!! I already ordered the stuff and my munchkins are pumped!!

a selfish act

2008-06-02T20:33:00.003-04:00

I was recently out to eat with a large group of people. The group was people from all different avenues and walks of life and we were all brought together by the sports team that our kids shared. I was mingling around the group, talking to all the moms. (I have little in common with most of them!!) I finally found a comfy spot next to a mom that had a six week old infant. I just love babies!!

Let me start by saying that I don't judge people who don't "do life" like I "do life!" If you are a "send your kids to school" mom, a "working" mom, a "work at home" mom, etc, I am fully accepting of that!! You have the freedom to choose what works best for your family. Sometimes these decisions are made without thinking past "the NOW!" "I have to work!" she may say. "I don't have the patience to homeschool!" she may say!! OR she might not say anything at all!! I have meet so many people that are on the defense and wish they would have just made the sacrifice. It happens all the time!!

. . . now back to my story. . . . this mom with the baby is a career mom!! She has her baby in daycare and she goes out and works all day!!! Well, this baby started crying. She gave him a bottle but that didn't soothe him. She told me he wanted to be nursed, but he is just going to have to get used to the bottle because at daycare they can't nurse him. So consequently he proceeded to cry . . . a lot!!

My heart was just broken!! Her baby wanted the soothing comfort that only she could give and she refused to comfort him. She is a modern woman and didn't want to be tied down by breast feeding. God designed woman to be nurturing and sensitive to the needs of her children. When she ignores that sense in order to satisfy her OWN needs, I think that God is sad!! It is simply a selfish act.

I was sad!!

GIVE ME JESUS!!

2008-05-31T11:26:00.004-04:00

This song is so AWESOME!!! I just keep listening to it over and over and over!!! (I wish I could figure out how to put a playlist on here!!) I want to praise Him "from the rising of the sun to the place where it sets" Ps 113:3. He has given me "immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us," Eph 3:20. I know I don't deserve it, but because He loves me, He blesses me!! I just want Him to know that in all things famine or FEAST, I will praise Him!!

I have had such a reputation for seeking, praising, and praying more during the famine!! I want him to know that, while life is good and there are no imminent valleys of tribulation, I WANT JESUS!!!! My heart aches for Him! "You can have all this world, Just give me JESUS!!!"

GIVE ME JESUS
by Jeremy Camp
In the morning, when I rise
In the morning, when I rise
In the morning, when I rise

Give me Jesus.
Give me Jesus,
Give me Jesus.
You can have all this world,
Just give me Jesus.

When I am alone,
When I am alone,
When I am alone,
Give me Jesus.

Give me Jesus,
Give me Jesus,
Give me Jesus.
You can have all this world,
Just give me Jesus.

When I come to die,
When I come to die,
When I come to die,
Give me Jesus.

Give me Jesus.
Give me Jesus,
Give me Jesus.
You can have all this world,
Just give me Jesus.

Give me Jesus.
Give me Jesus,
Give me Jesus.
You can have all this world,
You can have all this world,
You can have all this world,
Just give me Jesus.

Jesus,
You are my Redeemer and Friend! I just want to give you all the praise you deserve!! Thank you for your blessings!! Thank you for famine and feast. No matter what comes my way today, Lord, give me JESUS!!!!

I just love US . . .

2008-05-29T23:56:00.003-04:00

This is my Hunny!! He is my best friend! I love the way he makes me laugh, makes me cry, tells me he loves me, writes me love notes, shares his struggles, opens his arms to those who don't deserve it, gives out of his weaknesses, leans on Jesus, loves to learn, accepts a challenge, . . . . I could go on and on!! But most of all I love the way he serves Jesus!! He is my greatest example of the love of an earthly father. I know that because he loves the Lord, our home will be blessed!!

Thank you, Lord for giving me a man of Strength and Honor!!

I love you, Hunny!

these are beautiful faces . . .

2008-05-29T23:53:00.004-04:00

I just think they are beautiful blessings from Heaven!! I want the world to know how awesome they are and how much I love them!! They have taught me so much!!! I love you!!

Homemade Cereal

2008-05-28T11:09:00.002-04:00

This is a great alternative to the store bought cereals that I posted about a while back. My family loves this recipe!!

8c rolled oats
1/2c melter butter
1/2c melted coconut oil
1 1/2c whole milk yogurt, plain
2c water

1/2 raw honey or maple syrup
1 t sea salt
1 t ground cinnamon

Mix first 5 ingredients in a large bowl. Pat down and cover. Let stand on the counter for 48 hrs. (This neutralizes the oats and makes them easier to digest.)

After that 48 hrs add honey, salt, and cinnamon and mix thoroughly. Then set your oven for 170 and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper. Spread mixture out and place in oven to dry out completely. (Usually takes several hours or all night)

I love to do the drying in the oven over night b/c when we wake up in the AM we have warm cereal and it tastes just like grape nuts brand. We add raisins and milk!! YUM!!

If you try the recipe, you have to post and tell me how it turned out!!

Camping anyone?

2008-05-26T20:40:00.002-04:00

Since it was Memorial Day weekend, my Hunny had a GREAT idea!! "Let's go camping!" he said. We have been talking about it for years and it seems that something has always held us back!!! Well this weekend we decided to go for it!! We packed up the mini van for a night (yes . . . that is ONE night) of Hogan-filled fun!! The kids were thrilled!!!

Our time at the park was fun . . . . DIRTY . . . but fun!! We made memories with the kids!! They learned how to fish and steer a canoe!! (one of life's very important lessons!) My sister's family came with us too! We did have fun along with a few mishaps mixed in!! What more could you ask for in a Memorial Day weekend than memories???

The Chapman Family Tragedy

2008-05-22T23:13:00.005-04:00

Today I learned of some very sad news. The youngest daughter of the popular Christian singer, Steven Curtis Chapman, died yesterday. You can read the story here. http://chapmanchannel.typepad.com/inmemoryofmaria/

She was a happy, fun loving 5 year old. No doubt, she woke up that morning with great things to do. There was lots of excitement going on in the family and I am sure that little Maria Sue was in the middle of it all!!! I was in tears as I read the story of her death and it's surrounding circumstances.

I have a 6 year old!! He brings so much life to our family. He is the one that makes us all laugh and the one that gives hugs and kisses undeservingly. When I think of the pain these parents must be facing, I want to always remember to make sure my munchkins know how much I love them. I want them to be able to say, "I know that my mom would do anything for me. She showed me her love daily!!"

Life is so precious and sometimes too short!! God is sovereign and He will give them the strength they need to get through such a difficult tragedy!! But in the moment of hurt and pain, those words can seem so cliche'. I will be praying a special prayer for the Chapman family and I will be giving my munchkins extra kisses tonight!!!

"kids" toys??

2008-05-20T09:49:00.004-04:00

Camden turned 6 on Sat!! It was a great day for him! All his friends went swimming and played all evening! He was so excited this year for his birthday to come! I don't know if it is his age!?? He has been counting down for days!! Well, when it was all said and done, he had a blast!!

Now . . . the gifts!! Most of them are great!! Open the box . . . and dig in!!! Well this one toy . . . "The Dinosaur Curator Set" is . . . let's just say, difficult! The box clearly says that the "toy" is for children "5+." I thought that meant that the kids could do the "project" without help!! WOW!! Was I wrong!! It is an "adult toy!!" I had to pretty much do the entire project!!!!!!! Since that was the case we had to put it away b/c our littlest Munchkin needed attention!! UGH! What are people thinking?? I felt bad because the kids really wanted to do something fun, but what a mess!!!

When we actually do it, I'll let you now if it was worth it!!

boxed cereals

2008-05-12T20:39:00.002-04:00

This was taken from another post and many of you have asked WHY I don't give my baby Cheerios (or any cereal). Here is the short version!!

"The problem with Cheerios, and actually ANY boxed cereal for that
matter (organic ones are the worst, shockingly enough) is the
processing. In order to make those little cereal shapes, puffs,
flakes, etc, the grain is extruded in the factory, which means that
the temperature and heat applied to the grain is so great that the
grain is liquified into a slurry in order to facilitate the shape
making process. This process is called extruding the grain. This
very violent processing of the grain renders the protein in the grains
completely toxic. Organic boxed cereal is the most toxic of all
because whole grains are used which are higher in protein!! Rats fed
this type of food die very quickly. Boxed cereal is about the worst
food you can possibly feed a child. "

A GREAT Mothers Day!

2008-05-12T10:29:00.003-04:00

I had a wonderful Mother's Day!! My Hunny did all the cooking and dishes!! He even put in a few loads of laundry!! It was awesome!! I have the best family in the world and I feel so blessed to actually be able to say that they are MY FAMILY!!! God has blessed far beyond what I ever could have asked and I am so happy!! Thank you Jesus for Your blessings!! I have so many reasons to thank you!!!!

Potty Training 101

2008-05-09T00:49:00.003-04:00

It's a topic that all mom's dread!! The potty training years!!! It is inevitable, yet many of us push it off as long as possible. My very WISE Aunt had 4 Munchkins and she said that it is hard if you wait till they are 2 and it is hard if you start at 18m. So, I decided to try it earlier and save myself some cash!! Diapers are expensive.

I have had a lot of people ask me about my potty training (PT) techniques and methods lately, so I thought I would try to put some of them down. It's true that I do potty train early. I do it because I know that most of that "potty training" is more like "Mommy training!!" It is really about us preparing for the task!! Each of my three PT experiences have been very different because each of my munchkins are different. But overall my theory has proved to be true for all three!!

My philosophey is that if you start them early, they won't have the vocabulary or the will to tell you NO! They may resist a little but overall, I have found that I am much stronger willed than they are!!! If they are 2 or pushing 3, they know how to tell you off and rebel!!! That is WHY I start early!!

First of all I start getting them to poop in the potty at about 15m. That was the case with all three of mine. Since I am home with them all day, I can read them and I know when they are about to go. The first time I just dump the poop from the diaper into the potty and tell him where the poop is supposed to go!! After that I try to catch him in the process and try to let him finish what he started in the toilet. (I use the potty seat because I don't like to clean up a mess of a potty chair!!) Then I just stay alert and keep my nose and ears peeled for smells and sounds that usually precede a bowl movement. When they are gassy I take then to the potty. They resist me at first, but we try to get them distracted with books or snacks or songs. (We spend lots of time in the bathroom, so I try to make it fun and exciting!! I always reward them with lots of hugs and kisses and praise. (I never use food or candy!) We do the "poo-poo dance" and have a "poo-poo party!!!" Eventually, they just get it!!!

At this point with they all 3 did different things that made me realize they were ready for pee-pee training. One of them said poo-poo BEFORE he had to go (he was 18m) and I realized if he can learn to go poop in the toilet he can go pee!! And he did!!

When it's time for pee-pee training, I decide to NOT turn back!!! Once I start, I can't stop!! No matter how difficult it may be!! Trust me, this last toddler has been VERY difficult!!! So when you finally decide to start, you need to plan to be home for about a week. I even stay home from church. I buy the plastic covered potty training pants at WalMart and several think training pants to start off with!! I take them pee every hour. If they don't go (which they won't at first), I take then every 15-20 min after the first hour. (especially if you are giving them lots to drink.) When they have an accident, I take them an hour from when they went. I try to get on a routine of going at scheduled intervals. If your go every hour and a half, there is no sense putting him on the potty every 20 min. I find that this just makes them frustrated and mad!! It usually takes about a week for them to "get it!!"

The bed time thing has been different for all 3!! The oldest pretty much went straight into underwear at bedtime. The second wore diapers for a few weeks, then to underwear, my third WILL NOT wake up enough to go potty in the night! He still wears pull ups at night at 2!! So that is it in a nutshell!!

Not the most exciting post, but a lot of info!! Let me know if it works for you!!!!

Thanks for Your Prayers and Kind Words!!

2008-05-06T22:46:00.002-04:00

Thanks so much for your prayers!! God is good and through this experience of having a miscarriage, I have learned some things!!

1. God is faithful - He prepared me for this. It may sound weird, but I had a feeling something wasn't right!!! It was just something He put in my heart and I voiced my concern to my Beloved and he tried to be positive for me!! (I love him for that!!) He always seems to prepare my heart for trying situations such as this!!! Thank you, Lord!!
2. God is sovereign - He holds the whole world in the palm of his hand!! He told the stars where to hang and the oceans where to stop. I know He also holds my future.
3. The Future is His but TODAY I will praise Him!!! - All we have is today!! We are not promised tomorrow!! We think we know what we will be doing tomorrow, but really . . . we don't!!!! Today I stand with my heart open and give Him all of me!!!

Romans 8:26-28 (The Message) Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.

I love the way this is worded because it seemed to describe my state perfectly!!! There were times when I didn't know what to say or how to feel!!! My "wordless sighs and aching groans" were heard my Him. I am thankful to Him because while I was a worthless sinner, He died on the cross to save me and give me the gift of eternal life!!!! I love Him more now than ever!!

Sad News to share!!

2008-05-02T15:32:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone!! I know that recently we announced that baby #4 was on it's way into the world!! We were all very excited about the prospect of a full house. We learned today, that the baby was not strong enough to make it to full term, so I had a "miscarriage". We all know that God is still on the throne and whatever happens does so for a reason. Our family really appreciates all the prayers and kind words that you have shared with us.

I will be glad and rejoice in your love,
for you saw my affliction
and knew the anguish of my soul. Psalm 31:7

EXPELLED

2008-04-19T23:40:00.006-04:00

http://www.expelledthemovie.com/playground.php

I don't know if you have heard of this movie or not, but it is awesome!!

Ben Stein challenges the great thinkers of academia and asks them how life was created!! Most scientists believe we were formed from molecules and that from then there was evolution. But there have been many scientists that have questioned their own beliefs and they have been ridiculed for it. In fact they have been essentially, EXPELLED from academia because of their mention that perhaps an Intelligent Creator had something to do with the whole process.

There are so many amazing facets of the movie. Ben Stein simply asks the questions!! He goes all over the world to ask what people think and how they come to their conclusions.

You have to go see it!!! Support the voice that is speaking so loudly for a cause so worthy!!! If you have older kids take them too! It's very funny and extremely engaging!

Check out the website and the trailor. It's playing a several theater's but not all. Even if you have to drive it's worth the distance!! Just do it!!

Quirky Kids

2008-04-17T09:31:00.003-04:00

I have three awesome kids and I have been thinking about the weird things that they have eaten as babies!! Is it me??

When Carley was a young toddler she would suck on baby wipes! My mom thought she was gonna get diarrhea! People would stop me in the store and say, "Ma'am, your baby is eating something!!" I hated to fight with her over it, so I didn't!! (She doesn't do it anymore, thank goodness!)

Camden never ate anything as a toddler, but he sucked his thumb. When I would get groceries I would find him rubbing the plastic bags while vigorously sucking!! He like the way the plastic bags felt!! (Now that is quirky!!)

Now Carter . . . . yes the cute little toddler that runs wild in our home . . . he loves to shave when Daddy shaves!! The only problem is that he eats the shaving cream!!! He sort of does it secretly because he knows I don't like him to eat it!! He is a pretty smart munchkin!

Maybe it's ME!! No . . . I know where it came from!!! My sister . . . she is the quirkiest person I know!! It must be genetic!!

As Time Goes By . . . .

2008-04-11T22:54:00.003-04:00

We are spending the next 2 weeks in VA with the grandparents and while there, the great-grandparents will be staying too! So we get to hang out Grandma & Grandpa Great! They tell awesome stories about life 70-80 years ago. The kids are in awe!!

I am so thankful for the opportunity that we have to share these moments with them. It seems like we have been saying it for a while now, but Grandma is 78 and Grandpa is 82, and they won't be around forever. What an awesome thing to be able to build relationships with these amazing folks.

They are the pillars of the family and the Faith. They have always prayed for all of us, even before we knew each other, she was praying for the spouses of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. We all know that if there is a prayer need, we can ask Grandma and she will be the one to break through!

I am just so thankful for this time that we have with them. It is precious and short! I want to be just like great Grandma when I am 78!! (Ok, so maybe I won't EVER be a clean freak like she is, but I want my faith to be as BIG as hers!!)

The Blessed Event

2008-04-07T22:15:00.003-04:00

It's finally over!! It seemed like it would never happen! The weight of the world is lifted off my shoulders!!

Thursday
We had final dress fittings, shoe shopping, and picking up friends from the airport (and calming Shannon down too). In between all that I had a 4 hour dental appointment!! That was . . . annoying!

Friday
We had more dress fittings, nails, calm, Shannon down, rehersal, dinner, the bachlorette party (check out her myspace soon for a video that will make you laugh your head off!), calm Shannon down, driving to and from Clearwater several times . . . what a mess that was!

Saturday
Hair, calm Shannon down, pick the rental car, make up, calm Shannon down, put out fires, calm Shannon down, redo hair, figure what to do with the flower petals that were to cover the beach (the wind was appx 20mph), calm Shannon down, lost the rings in the sand, and calm Shannon down!

This is the short list! There are many more items, events and disasters that filled our weekend!! All in all it was a beautiful day! BUT to say it was a smooth running show . . . it was NOT!! But at the end of the day, Shannon & Boe were married! That is what it was all about!

I am so happy for my sis! She deserves all the happiness that life has to offer. I know that I have personally prayed that she would find the love and happiness that true love and companionship bring. There will be lots of challenges ahead but each day, the decision has to made to love! When God has joined to lives, He finds a way to bring those lives into amazing fulfillment! Thank you, Lord, for your provision in all things!

Love you, Sis!

Happy April Fool's Day!!

2008-04-01T22:50:00.003-04:00

When my children realized it was April Fool's Day this morning they immediately set out to "trick" each other and everyone else in the house!! It was really cute!! One of them would say, "Mom, there's a bug on you!!" Then the other would say "Look at that!!" It was pretty much all day long!! They thought they were sooooo good at "fooling" when they would get Carter to fall for a trick!! They didn't realize that he did it b/c he's 2!! They tried SOOO hard to think of a way to "get Daddy" when he got home, but then they forgot and Daddy got them!! When he came home he told Camden he bought a brand new motorcycle!! He's 5, and believes every word his Dad says, so of course today was no different!! He ran so fast out the door to check!! He laughed at himself for falling for the trick!!! It was a fun day . . . . but hopefully tomorrow I won't have to fake being "fooled" all day long!!! LOL