Schulz Family Snippets

Beginning Again

We are slowly beginning the process of looking for a new home.  I am really excited at the prospect of being able to have a "home" again.  A place where we can fully unpack and decorate and garden too.  We have been living our of boxes for  a year now and I'm finding myself longing to be able to nest.   I think this is a good sign because for so long I didn't care where we lived or if we were living out of boxes.  But, I'm missing the comfort of familiar surrounding and memories.  All of our family pictures are packed away and I'm looking forward to one day, hopefully soon, being able to pull them out.  The kids have discovered their toy and room boxes and have begun slowly pulling their stuff inside.  I don't blame them.  Yes, it gives me more to pack when we eventually find a home, but it brings them comfort and I completely understand.  When my in laws visited last summer, my sister in law noted that there wasn't "me" in the house because everything is packed away.  So true.  Hubby has had a hard time coming to the place of wanting to stay here, even though we agree that God brought us here, so we haven't settled in to our new city.  However, he is warming up to being here and this opens up the door for us to start looking for a home.  I'm feeling ready emotionally and physically.  I want to make curtains and paint walls and decorate and plant  a garden.  The home we are renting has been wonderful and we have enjoyed its location immensely, but I believe the Lord is prompting us to begin our journey again to find our earthly homestead.   I never knew I would care so much about having an earthly home, but I do.  

 I know that a large part of my spiritual journey these past years was to learn to surrender all things to God.  This was a doozy for me in many areas.  I had to grieve the loss of 5 of my precious babies, the death of loved ones, the ending of familial and friendly relations, the loss of my home and even leaving the state I was born in.  There were many other things I had to lay upon the alter as well.  Ironically, as only God can do it, I was learning to be the mom of a large family.  He has blessed me so richly with and through my 7 living children.  I learned peace and contentment through this process.  I'm human  and stumble with fleshly desires, but God continued to be gracious and has also helped me to embrace certain things about myself and the unique person that He created me to be.  I've become much more comfortable in my own skin.  I've come to a place of identifying myself in Christ alone.  When I get side tracked, I've become much more in tune to God's pulling me back on course.  I feel peace and am ready for the next journey in our lives.   This last year has been so hard in so many ways, but God is ever faithful and He blessed my isolation with His intimacy.  I'm so thankful for His gentle and unending love.  I'm so grateful for His grace and mercy and the hope that He kindles within me.  Thank you, Abba Father, for everything.

A New Season for Our Country

A new season for our country has begun.  May we enter into this time with much prayer and thoughtful consideration for the country our children will inherit.

We had a great time trick or treating.  The kids brought home 4 huge bowls of treats and the older ones enjoyed traipsing from house to house.  We picked a neighborhood that didn't seem to have much foot traffic, but many homes for them to stop at.  It was an enjoyable experience.

We are beginning the final countdown until we return to our old home state to visit family and friends.  I can hardly believe that it has been a year since we were last there.   Our week is jam packed with plans and we are really looking forward to seeing everyone.   We left with 6 children (#7 on the way) and are returning with 7.  Gideon will be meeting his Grandma for the first time.  We are really looking forward to this reunion.  I'm sure it will be filled with love and tears and many wonderful memories.  I can only imagine the photos we will get to sift through and lovingly add to our albums. 

Our weather seems to have shifted from Indian Summer into full blown fall with touches of winter.   The kids are still willing to brave the elements, but they spend much more time preparing for their excursions.  It's hard to believe that at any point now it will be bone chilling cold outside.  I have to admit that I don't mind the cold and the snow, especially when we are tucked away inside the warmth of our home.  When we venture out into the cold, I don't mind it too much either.  I am always thankful when the roads are safe, but I don't mind bundling up and breathing the clean air.  However, the negative numbers will keep me inside.  I'm not crazy.   I have enjoyed being in a cooler climate.  I know that there aren't many of us out there, but we do exist. 

The kids surprised me with breakfast this morning.  I usually hear them when they are up to something, but today I was pleasantly surprised.   Yummy eggs and homemade bread (that Mommy had made earlier in the week).   And I didn't have to clean up the mess.  Tonight we are going to make pizza.  The kids are really excited.

Gideon is beginning to turn into a toddler.  He walked while pushing a toy cart.  My emotions were very mixed.  I'm so thankful that he is strong and healthy, but my baby boy is growing so quickly.  He seems determined to catch up with his siblings.  I thought the youngest was supposed to enjoy being the baby.  Not in my family.  They are born ready to go. 

"...No one having put his hand to the plow and looking back is fit for the kingdom of God."  Luke 9:62  

We must be willing to let go of the ties that bind us to the past.  We must be willing to keep our eyes on Jesus.   When we repent, we are forgiven for the past.  When we follow after Jesus, we cannot maintain a grasp on the things that pull us into our past lives.  We need to be willing to throw off the chains of loss and regret and pain and let our souls take flight, powered by the Holy Spirit.  So often we set conditions for if and when we will follow after Jesus.  This hinders our relationship with Him.  God tells us that He is the Great I AM.  Not I WAS.  We need to look forward and embrace the life that God has set before us.  Trust God to tie up the loose ends and to resolve everything that lies behind us.  He will let us know what needs to be done, but we can only hear Him if we are seeking Him.   Trust in Him, Beloved.  Follow Him, Beloved.  He will lead you.  He will always love you.

Be Off With You, Mouse

I don't mind this kind of mouse. 

This last week has been full of activity.  We were able to scare our mouse away.  We started a routine of banging on the wall and yelling every time we heard the mouse chomping away in the wall.  After 3 or 4 days it must have decided that we were way too noisy and packed its bags and left--never to return. 

We made carmel covered apples and the kids went bonkers over them.  It was fun and easy and I enjoyed their excitement. 

We also went to visit friends that we hadn't seen in quite a few months.  We enjoyed our time of fellowship with them and are hoping to see them again really soon.  During the visit, Hubby went on his first hunting trip.   He went as an observor because he is trying to decide if it is something he is interested in.  Unfortunately, my daughter Lydia and I saw more wildlife at Sportsman's Warehouse than the guys did. 

We are only a couple of weeks away from our visit to Colorado.  We are looking forward to seeing family and friends after being away for a year.  It will be a time of fellowship and memory making.  I can hardly believe that it has already been a year.

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  Phil 4: 6-7

We hear this verse so often that we tend to tune it out.  However, our ability to tune out God's word does not remove its vital and life saving message.  We need to take the overfamiliar and relearn it.  We need to be willing to focus again on the core words that God has given us in His word and reapply them, search them, identify with them anew.  Our lives are continually changing, but God's word is ever relevant to us.  Are we being anxious for nothing?  Do we trust God to take care of our immediate needs?  Do we trust in His love enough for us to even share our dreams with Him?  Yes, He already knows them, but the intimacy is greater if we are willing to tell Him ourselves.  The peace that surpasses all understanding is a gift that we have to open our hearts to recieve.  This peace stems from trusting Him, even when the world is pulling us apart.  First comes the trust that blossoms from not being anxious.  We cannot have trust if we are riddled with anxiety.  Once we have come to a place of trust, our prayers become intimate and thankful.   The intimacy serves as a conduit for God's peace to flow within us.    Amazingly,  God doesn't stop there.  His word tells us that the peace He offers will guard our hearts and minds.  There is freedom in that.  The world bombards us with messages that shake us and feed our doubts.  However, God is the source we need to tap into in order to be free from anxiety and doubt and the messages that plague us from the enemy.  We are not alone and we are not without hope and we can also have peace.  God's peace.  Beloved, reach out to your Abba Father and recieve all that He has for you.  We may not always understand, but we can trust Him.  He is the only One worthy of our unwavering trust. 

Fulfilled

We had a wonderful weekend.  We always enjoy having Daddy home for two days.  We went to a Fall Fest behind the library.  The kids made napkin holders out of three pieces of wood that they hammered together.  I now have 6 of them.  They also got realistic looking bug tattoos.  We then went to an ice cream parlor and they rode a carousel.  On Sunday we took advantage of the clear skies and drove to another city to do our weekly shopping.  We enjoy driving through the mountains and the kids had a great time. 

Now that Spider Season is coming to a close, I have found my own Mouse Season following at it's heels.  We have a mouse that has taken up residence in our bedroom wall.  I cannot figure out how it gets in there.  One of our indoor cats is a mouser, so I don't think it is getting in from inside.  However, I can't find the hole outside and it is driving me nuts to hear it chewing when I'm trying to sleep or read and I hate to think about the mess we'll have if it has babies.  We're trying to make a ton of noise whenever we hear it, hoping that it will decide we are just too noisy to live with.  I'm also considering unscrewing the electric outlet and dropping in some poison.  It sits and chews near the outlet.  I just don't want it to die in the wall.  Ugh, I can only imagine the Snake Season we'll have if the Mouse Season produces offspring. 

Even though the wildlife seems to run amuck, we do enjoy living out here in the country.  It is so nice to hear the birds and to not worry about traffic.  We also enjoy the local herd of deer that stops by to eat in our front and back yard almost every day.  There are about 7 of them and we love to stand at the window and watch them.  They'll stand and watch us too, especially if the kids are being noisy.

We are trying new slow cooker recipes this week.  My husband is a fan of eating the same few recipes over and over again, but I'm going to try stretching him  a bit.  We are going to have chicken and dumplings tonight.  The kids are excited.  They say that it smells yummy.  I am a huge fan of slow cooking.  I'm hoping that it tastes as yummy as it smells.

Red letter words of Jesus.  "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He anointed Me to preach the Gospel to the poor.  He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are downtrodden, to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord."..."Today the Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing."  Luke 4:18-21

Are we living as if this scripture has been fulfilled?  Jesus says that it has been fulfilled, but do we believe Him?  Do the truths spoken by these few short sentences permeate our lives and thoughts?  I know that I struggle with feeling set free.  But, are my feelings a true representation of my reality in Christ?  No, they are not.  So often our feelings and fears are in contradiction to Scripture.  We need to be living our lives based on what the Word says and not how we feel or even by what we are seeing.   I want to encourage you to seek out the truths from the Scriptures that apply directly and most closely to your areas of doubt and uncertainty and proclaim them over your lives.  Proclaim them loudly and with confidence and then wait to see what transpires.  We cannot let our present circumstances darken our minds to the truth.   We are victorious in Christ.  Hang in there and believe in the power of your most awesome and mighty God.   The Enemy wants to side track us by focusing on what we don't have or see in our lives.  Don't let him distract you from God's blessings and provisions.  I personally am looking forward to a favorable year from the Lord full of freedom.  How about you?

Lover Of Our Souls

We went to the lake 5 miles from the house to enjoy a nice fall evening.  The kids had a great time hiking and climbing the trees.  They truly enjoy being outdoors and exploring.  As they have gotten older, they have become braver and more curious.   Daddy and I are usually trying to keep up.  They are a delightful little gang. 

We have had our first snow of the season.  The kids were so excited to put on their boots and build a snowman.  We had snow in our yard for 2 days and then it melted away.  The mountains surrounding our valley still have snow on them and probably will until early summer.  We had snow on certain peaks until mid June this year.   It was a bit warmer this week so the kids spent more time outside.  Not living on a busy street has been wonderful and the kids enjoy the freedom to ride their bikes.  Our neighbors have enjoyed having kids in the neighborhood again. 

Our water heater gave out last week.  We live in an area that has really hard water and the heaters only last about 6 or 7 years.  It took about a week for us to get a new one.  Thankfully I was able to manually restart the heater each time it went out, but it was a constant guessing game and often we were out of hot water.  Needless to say, I'm still trying to catch up on laundry. 

Keren and I talked about her being a mentor to her younger siblings.  She likes the idea of being able to have large amounts of influence on her siblings.  I talked to her about being aware of what she is teaching them in regards to beliefs, behaviors, thoughts, words etc.  I'm hoping that this will drain away some of her impatience when they are wanting to be with her so much of the time.  I'm also hoping that she will also start being more reflective of her own behaviour, especially when she realizes how it impacts others.  What an exciting time of life between childhood and adulthood. 

God placed this verse in front of  me this week:  "That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him.  I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know what is the hope of HIs calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe."  Eph 1:17-19

We can know God's will for our lives.  We can have an intimate relationship with the lover of our souls.  We need to ask that he opens the eyes of our heart and pours in wisdom, knowledge, and understanding of Himself.  We also need to be in His word, seeking to know Him and open to receiving whatever it is that He is wanting to teach us.  Seek, seek, seek.  It isn't easy.  He expects us to be devoted and discerning and committed.  He will not leave us empty.  He will reward our diligence.  He loves us and wants to be intimately close to us.  We have to decide how committed we are to our relationship with him.  His commitment to us was decided on the cross.  We never have to doubt.  He asks us to wait and to trust.  He will not disappoint.  He will renew us, change us, give us new life.  We have to decide if we are willing to not only receive what He is offering, but if we are willing to walk through the Valley of the Shadow of Death if He requires it of us.  How precious is getting and having knowledge of Him to each of us?  Only we can decide if we are willing to count the costs.   Oh, beloved, He is worth it.  He loves you and will never forsake you.  He desires your freedom from the chains that bind you.  He desires you to sore in the knowledge of Him, never again being burdoned by doubt of who He is and if He loves you.  Seek Him, beloved.  Seek Him.  God bless. 

A Twist on Modern Technology

What a cutie patootie.  I love this photo that we recently took of my youngest.  While eating his bedtime snack, he reached out and grabbed the remote control.  He was quite proud of this feat and was going to hold on for as long as possible.  We couldn't resist taking a picture.  Quite a clever boy. 

Aunt Kristin sent a box of treats and crafts for the kids.  They had a great time putting this candy creation together.  When it was time to eat it, they devoured the roof and all the candy and left most of the walls behind.  Thank you, Auntie Dear.

When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant, I could hardly stand to have the old man around.  But when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in 7 years.                Mark Twain

I chuckled when I saw this quote.  I know that anyone who has a teenager, or remembers being a teenager, can relate.  Take heart.  They eventually grow up. 

The economic upheaval that our country is facing has left many of us feeling uncertain and a bit shaky.  We can debate about what has caused the problems and argue over how to fix them, but often we are left feeling worse.  I want to encourage each of us to turn to God during this time of uncertainty.  We can't know what the future holds, but we can know the character of our Heavenly Father.  He will not forsake us.  We need to seek Him and trust Him, even when things seem so bleak.  My husband was recently unemployed and we are still trying to dig ourselves out of a financial mess.  However, God was and has been faithful.  No, there isn't a lot of money for us each month, but we are learning to make every penny stretch until it screams, especially with seven kids.  We need to be praying and in the Word daily.  We also need to encourage and lift each other up.  I know that the uncertainty can be overwhelming and that fear grips our hearts and the end seems nowhere in sight.  The only way to combat this is through the Word and our trusting in our Heavenly Father to see it through.  Often times it can be so hard to understand why He lets certain trials into our lives, but we are called to have faith in Him regardless of our circumstances.  Our circumstances will change, He won't.   Our faith doesn't come from our minds, it is in the heart.  So often we let our minds dictate if and how much faith we will have in any given situation.  Faith is a heart's core decision.   Pain is inevitable when we follow Christ, but misery is optional.  Hang in there.  God is in control and He is greater that what is happening in the world.  He loves us and so deeply wants us to love Him.

"For I know the plans that I have for you,"  declares the Lord,  "plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope."  Jeremiah 29:11

Off to the Playground

We are expecting snow on Friday and Saturday, so we suspended formal studies this morning and went to a local playground.  It was our first time to the park and we had a wonderful time.  It was a fenced in play land and the kids went crazy for an hour. 

Gideon enjoyed swinging.  He smiled the whole time and almost fell asleep near the end. 

Gabriel was all over everything and ironically was the last one up from naps.

Lydia helped push Gideon while Mommy spun Keren, Gabe and Jael on the tire swing.  She also enjoyed the slides.  Keren ended up not feeling well from the spinning, so there are not any photos of her.  She felt better after eating lunch.

Makayla helped push and enjoyed the slides and climbing around on the high stuff.  She is a pro climber.

Jael was all over everything, whooping her cry of joy and having a great time. 

Genavieve enjoyed the swings and the bumpy slide.  She would have nothing to do with the covered slide.  She also enjoyed the red lounge chair swing.

My ACTION photo.  Too funny.  Those are Genavieve's feet.  We had so much fun and plan on taking Daddy back at some point.  We'll have to see what the weather does over the next few weekends or he may have to wait until next spring.

Educate your children to self control, to the habit of holding passion and prejudice and evil tendencies subject to an upright and reasoning will, and you have done much to abolish misery from their future and crimes from society.          Ben Franklin

And you shall love the Lord you God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.  And these words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart; and you shall teach them diligently to  your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way  and when you lie down and when you rise up.  And you shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals on your forehead and you sahll write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.     Deut 6:5-9 

Thank you God for a fantastic day full of fun and sun.  We are truly blessed.  I'm so thankful for each day I spend with my children.  Their love is precious to me and I have changed for the better because of them. 

Fall Begins

"It is almost a miracle that modern teaching has not yet entirely strangled the holy curiosity of inquiry; for what this delicate little plant needs more than anything, besides stimulation, is freedom."  Albert Einstein

I chuckled when I read this quote because I had been recently thinking about what a parent would do if they were homeschooling a child that excelled like Einstein.  The question of, "wouldn't he or she be better of in a public or private school?" had been posed.    The answer is no.  If Einstein himself questioned what he saw happening in the school system, then homeschoolers should be encouraged in their endeavors.  God has given us parents the creativity and wisdom to meet any and all situations that we encounter with our children head on.  Take heart and rejoice and enjoy. 

We had a great time posing Gideon for photos.  He was an agreeable subject.  The kids enjoyed trying to get him to smile for Mommy.

The trees are turning and the air is crisp.  We have enjoyed the change in seasons.  We went up to a lake that is near our home and the kids enjoyed running around and being crazy.  It was quiet because the campers have gone home (only one love camper there) and the boats are off the water (only a random devoted fisherman motoring by).  The sunset was beautiful and the children's laughter and energy were refreshing.  It's amazing to think that the summer has already passed by.  I can especially see the passage of time in the children.  They grow so quickly, discover new ways of expressing themselves and become more and more unique individuals with each passing season.  My youngest is swiftly approaching one and it seems like only yesterday that I have birth to him.  My oldest is on the verge of eleven and even though I can feel the passage of time with her more heavily, it still has happened too quickly. 

We are still plugging away with school.  We are also making plans for our vacation in 7 weeks.  We are so thankful that the price for gas has been going down.  The kids would love to begin packing and the younger ones always want to know if  today is the day.  Oh, how that week will fly once it is here and we are amidst our loved ones. 

I pulled our some of my old cookbooks and am looking forward to trying some new recipes over the next weeks.  The kids are supportive of this attempt to extend our menu.  Their dad has his few favorites and he would prefer if I just alternated through the three recipes.  I'm hoping to add a few more to his list. 

The kids built a church in the back yard.  They used fallen branches to out line the walls and pulled all the lawn chairs into the  center.  They even mapped out a prayer closet.  They have spent quite a bit of time out there improving it and reading their bibles and letting their older sister teach them.  Mommy and Daddy have even been invited as guest speakers.  It is encouraging and inspirational to see.  I am so thankful for their love of their Lord.  I pray that this passion sustains them throughout their lives.

Wherever God has put you, that is your vocation.  It is not what we do, but how much love we put into it.     

                                                                                                                                                          Mother Theresa

Breakfast Cookies and Spiders

Whew!!!  It's been a crazy 24 hours, but things have finally settled down.  I had wanted to share my Breakfast Cookie recipe yesterday, but I couldn't find it.  My children had put it away and, or course, they couldn't remember where "away" was.  Thankfully, I found it this morning.  Here it is:

Breakfast Cookies

1C butter, at room temperature                                                                      

1C sugar

1C brown sugar (I used light brown)

2 eggs

1tsp vanilla

2C flour

1tsp baking soda

1tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

2C instant rolled oats

1C Grape Nuts cereal

1C shredded coconut

1/2C raisins

1/2C chopped pecans or other nuts

~~beat together butter and sugars until fluffy

~~add eggs and beat again

~~stir together flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt.  Add to mixture.

~~add remaining ingredients

~~drop big spoonfuls onto greased baking pans

350 degrees for 10-12 min. or until golden brown

yields:12

Because of the size of my crew, I trippled the mixture and froze the extra cookies.  They were very yummy and I'm sure you can get creative with the ingredients.  They are huge and we served them with a glass of milk.  Enjoy.

Later in the day, as the sun was setting, I was outside under the deck by our front door finishing a project.  I stood up and what was in front of me?  You've got it:  a spider dangling from her web.  I yelped and glanced at my husband.  What was hanging between us?  Yep, another spider.  They weren't huge, maybe a little smaller than a penny.  However, they've got to go.  While hubby was getting the broom, I began searching the boards overhead and couldn't believe what I saw.  Three of the biggest spiders I have ever seen.  They made all my previous encounters pale by comparison.  They were probably the size of a half dollar give or take.   The kids got a kick out of them and then squish. 

I came inside and searched the web to find out what in the world they were.  I've never seen anything like them.  Thankfully, they don't appear to be dangerous to humans and are either an orb spider or a crab spider.  I'm not sure.  I did find out that there is a Spider Season in MT from Aug. to Nov.  We missed it last year.  But, there have been many more spiders that usual.   They may not have been poisonous, but their size made them nightmare worthy.  Yuck.   The Good Lord seems to be breaking me in as a country girl in a big way lately.  I'm sure I give Him much to laugh about.

It is funny to hear stories of the words that children substitute into songs that they are learning.   Like the one where the dad walks by his son's room while he is saying his evening prayer and hears, "Dear Howard"  The father walks into the room when his son is finished and says asks why the boy calls God Howard.  The son replies, "Well, we always say: 'Our Father, who is in heaven, Howard be Thy name.'"   That one always makes me chuckle.  Well, my 2 year old, Genavieve, was singing "This Little Light of Mine" yesterday and this is what I heard:  "This little NEVER MIND, I'm gonna let it shine.  This little NEVER MIND, I'm gonna let it shine..."  Oh, it was so cute.  I couldn't help but to give her a squeeze as I giggled.  No, I didn't correct her.  It will only be a matter of time before she is saying it correctly and I will miss her sweet interpretation.

"If you can't be a good example, then you'll just have to be a horrible warning."  Catherine Aird

Photos

Okay Auntie Dear!!! Here are the photos you requested.  I KNOW the one in the bathtub will make you chuckle.  Especially after your comments about the kids following me in there.  Chose any of the group photos you want.  I added the more formal ones just in case.   I look forward to seeing the finished product.

From the Great Outdoors to Spiky Hair

It has been a little while since my last entry.  Our days have been a bit more full this last week.  School is going great.  I'm finally adjusting to each of the children being on their own page academically.  The day goes quite a bit smoother when they keep track of their own school stuff, but every day we are in search of something for one or more of them.  They have their own storage but are struggling with using it.  I know it comes with their ages and will probably last until they one day move out to start their own homes.  Lydia is officially a reader.  It was a long battle because she didn't much care for the longest time, but she finally gave in and is now quite proud of herself.  Now, I'm on to conquer my next "I could care less" reader.  Summer has been hanging on these last two weeks.  Dear hubby is going to have to mow the lawn again, which is something he was hoping to avoid. 

Lydia and Keren decided to be nature photographers one afternoon.  These are a few of their photos.

I came upon this poem on another blog and it fits my current mood perfectly, so I thought I would share it with all of you.

Beautiful Christian Sister

                        Maya Angelou

A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ that a man should have to seek Him first to find her.

When I say..."I'm a Christian", I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin", I"m whispering "I was lost, now I'm found and forgiven"

When I say..."I'm a Christian", I don't speak of this with pride.  I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.

When I say "I'm Christian", I'm not trying to be strong.  I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on.

When I say... "I'm a Christian" I'm not bragging of success.  I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.

When I say..."I'm a Christian", I'm not claiming to be perfect.   My flaws are far too visible, but God believes I'm worth it.

When I say..."I'm a Christian", I still feel the sting of pain... I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.

When I say..."I'm a Christian", I'm not holier than thou, I'm just a simple sinner who received God's good grace, somehow.

I have been informed that there is a similar poem by someone else and I will include hers in a future blog. 

I have been hunting mice in our garage.  It explains the snakes.  Yes, we have come across another one, but thankfully it was outside.  The kids are learning about the hunter and hunted.  They didn't understand why I'm okay with the snakes but I explained that they will eat the mice and will then go away.  As Martha Stewart would say, "It's a good thing."

Art class in the great outdoors.  I'm so very thankful to be homeschooling.  I hate to think what I would miss if i had to put my kids on a bus and send them off everyday.   Our lives are richer for it. 

This is one of my new favorite photos.  Gabe loves for me to spike his hair and he was particularly proud of the height we achieved on this day.  We were on our way to church.  I think he is incredibly handsome.

Well, I'm off to eat dinner with the family.  God bless all of you.  I truly enjoy our time together.

SNAKES

A SNAKE in my house!!!  This is a tale of a cat as well as a snake.  We have a female cat named Zena.  Well, on Monday evening, she lived up to her name as a warrior princess.  She is very devoted to my husband and every day she hunts for him by killing socks in the laundry room and then drops them at his feet.

Playing possum.  The snake knew it was in trouble and truly looked dead.

  On Monday, Paul came home from work and then quickly went outside to BBQ hot dogs.  Zena was not happy and showed up in our bedroom sounding her special meow that announces her having killed a sock.  Since I knew the kill wasn't for me, I ignored her.  Twenty minutes later, Paul comes in and says "Oh my goodness.  Zena killed a snake."  I freaked.  You all know how I feel about spiders and I'm not particularly fond of snakes either.  Especially when they are in my house.   Outside is okay.  In my house is not an option.  I did take the time to grab the camera though.  I am a scrapbooker and couldn't allow this opportunity to pass by.  It was about 12 inches long but I don't know what kind of snake it is.  The kids all came in to see it and then Paul took it outside.  He checked on it later and it had moved, so we know it wasn't dead.  Thankfully it was pretending to be dead and I'm really hoping that it wasn't  poisonous.   I hate to think of how long it may have been slithering around my house.  I am very thankful for my Zena the Brave.   Her love and devotion makes her a priceless addition to our family.   

I really want to be a mountain/country girl.  But I have to laugh when the "city girl" part of myself comes screaming to the surface.  I spent 34 years in the city.  I have been in the mountains for only 10 months, so I'm not beating myself up too badly.     However, I'm praying that I never have a snake in my house again.   Ewwww.  That is the stuff that bad dreams are made of. 

Growing In God

Fall is here.  The leaves are changing and falling.  There is a crispness in the air.  The children want their jackets on when they are outside at play.  I love the fall.  It is one of my favorite times of the year.  These past months have found us in a time of transition as a family.  We have been removed from extended family and friends, but we have grown closer as a family unit.  I am reminded of Galatians 6:1-10 as I reflect upon these times.  We are to bear one another's burdens.  We are to be mindful that we reap what we sow.  We are not to lose heart in doing good.  As a family, these lessons are being imprinted on our hearts.  Even though my children are young, I witness the fruits of God's presence in our home every day.  The kids are learning to consider others as better than themselves (Phil 2:3)  Yes, they have moments of disagreement and selfishness rears its ugly head throughout the day, but they are learning.  We are learning.  I think this is one of the richer blessings of having a larger family:  we are constantly having to learn selflessness and how to love each other in a way that is honoring to God.  Can you imagine the chaos that would ensue if we sought after only ourselves?  I would definitely run screaming from the house.  Today, they helped each other carry the burden of laundry.  They sowed seeds of kindness by making their sister surprise birthday presents (even though her birthday is two months away).   They did not grow weary of doing good by praying together, learning and encouraging each other in the gift of tongues and by helping each other with their lessons.  I am encouraged by today.  I've had to discipline at times, but today was a good day for my family.  God is present and I am very thankful that He does not get tired or cranky and that His love covers over a multitude of sins.

We are excited to be planning our trip to Colorado in a couple of months.  It will be our first time back in a year.  How much fun stuff can we cram into a week?  

Our weekend was full of Yahtzee and cross stitching and movies.  We always enjoy having Daddy home for a couple of days.  He enjoys getting up early with Gideon and snuggling in our big green chair before the other kids wake up.  Gideon looks forward to it too.  Once he has finished eating his early breakfast, he raises his head and looks at his sleeping father with a smile.  It is sweet and a memory that I know both of them will cherish.  

I encourage you to seek God as you journey through your week.  Oh, the cup of His salvation is truly sweet.  God bless.  

Planting Seeds for the Lord

The other day the kids all came running into my bedroom telling me that they had a surprise.  They had prayed with Genavieve to accept Jesus into her heart.  Genavieve was walking around cheering, "I'm a Christian.  I'm a Christian"  (It sounds a bit like I'm Aunt Kristin)  Even though she's only 2 and a half, she understands going to heaven and Jesus being in her heart and our asking for forgiveness.  So, I'm going to believe it, by faith.  We enjoy asking her "What are you"  and she still says "I'm a Christian. "  Oh, these moments are sweet and I'm thankful that her siblings are ever vigilant with each other about our believing in Jesus.  I'm encouraged that the seeds Daddy and I are planting are being brought towards harvest by God.   I'm learning to never underestimate the power of the Holy Spirit.  We aren't a perfect family.  We have so much growing to do, yet God still uses us.  It is exciting to see His work in my children.  Oh, what a mighty army.   Especially if I can keep them from killing each other.  Gabe and Lydia did a bang up job cleaning the kitchen and front room today.   They cleaned it Mommy style and I am really proud of them.  Their motives weren't totally pure because they didn't want to have to lay down for "nap" time but they sure worked hard and were rewarded for their effort.  They also took the initiative (a character trait we have been learning recently).  Lydia understands it the best and is usually looking for things to initiate.  Her siblings don't appreciate this, but Mommy sure does.  Chunky Monkey is also Bruise Boy.  He is learning the hard way to be careful about where he stands.  The bookshelves are his biggest struggle right now.  He loves to stand up and remove the books, but usually ends up bumping his head on the way down.  He also uses his head to try and push things out of his way while crawling.  This has proved painful too.  I know he'll learn soon enough, but for now he usually has several bruises on his forehead.  Tent building has been the activity of the day.  They have built one in their room and are hoping to sleep in it tonight.  They have worked really hard and have kept at it even when it insists on falling.  (usually due to contact with a body) Off to fix dinner.  Be blessed.

Surfing Around

Spider Killing

Genavieve, Abbie and Joel having fun together.  Summer fun leaves us really tuckered out.  Sweet dreams.

  Near Livingston

Our day has been filled with cleaning, drawing and spider killing.   I try to be a spider lover or even a spider liker, but alas, it is hopeless.  Thankfully, Lydia the Brave was up to killing the spiders that decided to hitch hike into the house on our plastic picnic table.  They were a hardy bunch because they evaded my cleaning the table with water and detergent.  But,  I have a firm policy of no spiders allowed in the house. 

The kids are now scattered throughout the house and several of them are making jewelry.  My youngest girt, Genavieve, is in her kitchen making some food.  She is removing something from the oven, so she has placed a purse on her hand to be her oven mitt.  She just caught me looking at her and told me that she is cutting my strawberry pie for lunch and that it smells really good.  Now she's offering me coffee.  Oh, how I cherish these moments.  They are so fleeting.  I can hardly believe that Genavieve is going to be three in a few short months.  Since my hands are busy typing, Genavieve is feeding me herself.  Can I coax out this servant's heart when she is a teenager?  I hope so. 

Well, I'm off to fix dinner and nurse the baby.  Blessings to all of you. 

Love, Peace and Joy

The kids received a package of goodies from New York today.  They have a wonderful aunt and uncle that think of them often.  The girls divied up the lipstick pens and "pretties" for their hair.  Gabe loved the big shell necklace and Keren promptly put in the guitar pick earrings.   With a chuckle they handed their mom the MaMa Bee hand cream and the pretty plaque.  Genavieve has the magnifying glass and currently they are outside looking for rolly pollies to put into the bug dome.  I had to run out to have them shut off the water.  They have decided to dig for bugs and thought that wet dirt is easier to dig in.  It may be, but to mom, it is no longer dirt.  It is MUD.  They'll have to get more creative than that.   Thank you Aunt Kristin and Uncle Mark.   Well, Gabe just ran in to tell me that they found a dead bird instead of a bug.  Ewwww. 

Keren and I are reading through Beautiful Girlhood together.  I wish I had been given this book as a young girl, turning into a lady.  It is very insightful, encouraging and inspiring, even for an old lady like me.   I'm hoping that Keren's heart will be open toward this guidance, especially because it isn't coming directly from her mother.   She has heard it all before, but simply shrugs it off.  The book even talks about one's attitude towards mother.  I like that the book is older than the both of us and still applies today.  I highly recommend the book to any budding young lady and her mother. 

I am feeling blessed yet again today by the love and encouragement I recieve through my children.  We are still struggling to put food on the table, so I made a decision to sell many of my antique quilts.  My spirit is willing but sometimes my flesh gets in the way.  My oldest knew I was hurting a bit inside because of the burden to find a way to provide for the children and she responded with gentleness.  I was able to reassure her that I was willing to sell anything for my children and that I was okay with the decision.   She brightly piped in the suggestion that when I have more money, I should buy a quilt.  I  appreciate her hopefulness.  I am thankful for the Lord's provision and I'm thankful for the love He surrounds me with every  day.  Yes, amidst the dirty dishes, dirty clothes, dirty floors, dirty diapers, dirty noses and dirty faces I have found love and joy.  He created my children and gifted them to me.   I am so thankful for the peace and joy that God has placed within me.  It is a joy and peace that cannot come from the efforts of a human.  It is supernatural.   "Shout joyfully to God, all the earth; sing the glory of His name; Make His praise glorious.  Say to God, 'How awesome are Thy works!" Psalm 66:1-3  I have been given a commission for a mighty mission:  to raise my children to become Godly adults that love their Lord.  I humbly accept and offer my life up with prayer because I cannot do it without Godly instruction.   What an awesome opportunity.

Update

Even on cloudy days, a child's smile can add sunshine.  Gideon was very happy sitting on his car.  He isn't able to push himself yet and he tends to slide off.  His sisters devised a seatbelt for him to help him stay put.  Thankfully he doesn't tip often because he now takes the car with him.  Mommy tries not to say anything because I don't want to discourage their creativity and the car is only plastic.  Gideon can push it ahead of himself as he crawls around, so it isn't heavy.  We started our 6th week of school this week.  Keren really enjoys doing science experiments.  Today she is learning about saturations points and making crystals out of dish detergent and water.  The girls are finally moving forward with their reading.  Gabe is reading everything now and is doing well with math.  I'm getting ready to advance him a level with his math.  He is extremely motivated.   Gevavieve is excited to be able to count to 11 and we are still trying to potty train her.  The kids are really wanting a real microscope.  The one we have isn't up to par and we are needing the tools that go with it.  They have loved finding things to look at, but the cheap scope really doesn't work well.  So, it is up high on our wish list.  We are having Daddy's favorite meal tonight:  Taco Soup.  Today has been cloudy and cooler.  No rain yet, but it seems like a possibility.   Keren is starting Charlotte's Web this week.  We are going to be doing a more "grown up" study of the book this time.  It is one of my favorites and I know that she will enjoy it once we get started.  My laundry soap works well.  The only problem I run into with the colder weather is that the water is so cold that it clumps the detergent.  I have to pour warm water in with the detergent to disolve it and then  start the machine.  I'm not complaining though because I am every thankful for my washer and dryer.  I couldn't imagine washing so much laundry by hand.  I guess I have two servants:  Mr. Washer and Mrs. Dryer and let's not forget the dishwasher.  However, I'm not on very good terms with the dishwasher.  It is quite upity and doesn't always do it's job very well.  But, we are thankful when it is working correctly.  There have been times when we were washing by hand and the kids really began to appreciate what the dishwasher offers.  Everyone be blessed.

A Sad Day

Today is a sad day for our family and friends.  We lost someone near and dear to our hearts to our Heavenly Home.  He was only 30 and had two children that he had to leave behind.  It is so hard to understand what God is doing sometimes with our limited perspective.  At times like these, we need to place our hearts in His hands and trust Him.  Words are inadequate at times like these and only God can heal the grieving heart.  I encourage each of us to love a little stronger and longer.  We are not promised tomorrow.  Take advantage of the moments we have been given today.  Life is so fleeting and so fragile.  Ask God to renew your spirit, heart and mind and body so that you can live each day to the fullest, bringing God glory.  Honor each other and treat each other as better than yourself.   Remember that love covers over a multitude of sins and that grace is a life changer.  Sing God's praises, even when it hurts, for He alone is worthy.  To our family and friends (new and old) that stop by our blog:  Know that we love you and thank God for you.  We pray for your strength in spirit and body.  You are precious gifts and without you, our lives would be lacking in so many ways.  We don't take you for granted.  God bless you and your families always.  May God's love be a healing balm for your aching and grieving hearts during this time of loss. 

"for the Lamb in the center of the throne shall be their shepherd, and shall guide them to springs of the water of life, and God shall wipe every tear from their eyes."

Rev 7:17

His Word

These are mushrooms we discovered on one of our hikes while camping.  They were growing from the base of a log.  The kids and I imagined little fairies calling them home.

When one's heart is heavy, go to the Word.  When one's heart aches, go to the Word.  When tears are frequent, go to the Word.  When life leaves you raw with pain, go to the Word.  God wants to comfort us and His Word is a soothing balm to our souls.  He wants to dry our tears and His Word is a reminder of His compassion and love.  He wants to encourage and uplift us and His Word makes us whole.  We may never have all the answers and we may never completely understand, but we do have His promises and can rest safely in them.    "It is good to give thanks to the Lord, and to sing praises to Thy name, O Most High; to declare Thy lovingkindness in the morning, and Thy faithfulness by night"              Psalm 92:1-2 This verse offered me much encouragement this morning and I wouldn't have found it if I hadn't been seeking Him.  Mornings are when I really struggle with coming against spiritual attacks from the enemy and I have to be diligent to seek my time with God or  my day can fall to pieces.  God is loving and kind and faithful and I never fear that I am alone because my dear Jesus is with me.  This is a season of sifting for my husband and I.  We have some huge decisions facing us and the way we handle them will have long term impacts on our family.  I'm laying my life and my heart's desires at the foot of the cross.  I'm wanting so deeply for God to be our guide as we have to make these decisions.  I pray that my husband and I are able to work through this together and with the same commitment to the Lord's will being done.  I'm on my face before God emotionally and spiritually.  I guess there isn't a better place to be.    "Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name.  He will call upon Me and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him.  With a long life I will satisfy him and let him behold My salvation."    Psalm 91:14-16