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We have had warmer weather and the kids have enjoyed it. They spend their days outside and can hardly believe that I would ask them to come in. Our backyard gets quite a bit of shade and this helps them to enjoy their play time. Our trampoline broke, so they have ventured into the land of roller-skates, creating gardens for me, and squirt guns. They planted a flat of pansies for me underneath our pine tree. It was supposed to be a surprise, but then they got distracted and forgot to tell me. So, I had to peek so I could water them. I appreciate the thought. I just hope that the flowers flourish. It will be lovely to have pansies growing in a patch of dirt that is barren of any life due to being under a huge tree. We'll pray that the Lord blesses their efforts. We went camping this weekend. We got to the campground late Wed. evening just as the sun was setting. The people kept coming and the campground was almost full by Thurs. morning. If we had waited until Thurs. as we had planned, I don't think we would have gotten a spot. The kids loved being next to a shallow creek. It was quite hot, so we spent quite a bit of time splashing around. Even Gideon got in on the act. He loves getting wet and didn't hesitate to imitate his older siblings by sitting in the cold mountain water. We had some "how long" competitions for who could sit in the water the longest. Jael demolished Keren's record by sheer will power while sitting in the icy cold water. Of course, the oldest can not handle defeat, so she too had to try and set a new record. We shared our campsite with a mouse and a rabbit. The mouse was quite brave and would come out and scour our campsite as soon as the children were tucked away for the night. We did pack it in a bit early though and decided to come home and enjoy the 4th at home where it wasn't quite so hot. Hubby is already planning another trip in two weeks. Already starting to plan for school next year. The younger kids are really looking forward to starting up again. I look forward to seeing their growth and hope that their excitement continues. No fancy firework displays near our town or closest city, so we will be spending a quite evening at home watching a movie with the kids. Quiet is of course a relative term on the fourth because many of our neighbors have backyard fireworks. The kids are excited about what they might see. Maybe next year we can plan to travel to some place that has a display. I think , no I know, the kids would enjoy it. I'm starting to look at paint chips for the different rooms in the house. I need to take advantage of the warmer weather because fall will set in before we know it. I look forward to refreshing the rooms. We continue to enjoy going to our new church. They have been extremely friendly and the kids are enjoying their time there. The messages have been sound and biblical and the pastor has a sense of humor, which we enjoy. They have many ministries that we can get involved in, even a quilting one. So, we are hopeful that we have finally found our church home. The chickens continue to grow and we all enjoy watching them. I chuckle when they try to jump over the few blades of grass left in their yard. We are looking forward to their laying eggs, even though it is quite a ways off. Have a blessed day and enjoy this special time with family and friends. God bless, Denisa |
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The kids and the chicks, that is. I must say that chickens are never boring. Today, three flew the coop. We had put up a gate to keep them in the hen house with the door open so they could get enough sunshine when they were inside the coop. They were so young that we didn't want to leave them outside all day, especially with the cooler weather we have been experiencing. Well, a few of them "believed they could fly and tried to touch the sky" and almost succeeded. So, the big door is to remain closed and they are restricted to using their own on suite door. They are able to go in and out on their own now, so they can seek shelter or food and water as they so desire. We are really looking forward to having some eggs. Gideon finally did it. This morning, he was overcome with moosh love and was not able to control himself. He was sitting on my lap and said "Mamamamamamamamamam" as he gave me kisses. Oh, what a sweet moment. I shall never forget it. He still tries to be coy, but today seemed to be a break through for him and it was unsolicited, which makes it even sweeter. We finally had a full day of sunshine and it was really nice. We had gone camping this last weekend, but came home early because we were soaked. The heavens opened up Fri, night and didn't stop. It is nearly impossible to keep children dry and we were out of dry clothes for them with no sunshine to dry them out. Mommy was also tired of freezing at night. So, we came home early and will try again really soon. Keren, Gabe and Lydia are at art camp this week. In three weeks, Keren and Makayla will go to a water fun camp. Of course the younger kids are a bit bummed, but they will get their turn soon enough. We have finally found a church that we really like and the kids seem to like it too. We have only gone a couple of times but our desire is to continue going. There are lots of opportunities for our family to fellowship and we are looking forward to hopefully making some friends. Hubby had a Tim Taylor moment last night. Our gutter was clogged with pine needles and the ground was puddling right outside one of the windows. We needed to do something fast. So, he unscrews the elbow on the downspout to try and remove it in order to clean it. Did I mention that he is afraid of being on a ladder? Well, the clog dislodged and a huge waterfall cascaded down my husband. I couldn't help but laugh. The water was cold too and he had to keep standing underneath it in order to keep working on the clog. Of course, his fear got the best of him when he had to replace the screws because he wouldn't climb high enough on the ladder to see where the holes were. So, Dear and Devoted Wife had to finish the job. I'm sure we were a site to be seen but at least the gutter is clean. Have a blessed day, Denisa |
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I chuckle when I say that, but hey, 20 chickens have to count for something. Our chicken coop is finished and their yard is fenced in. The little chicks were in my craft room but had decided to try and venture out of their box, so finishing the coop was put high on the priority list. They are now safe and sound in their own Home Sweet Home and seem to be loving it. They enjoy their yard and are growing quite fast. When I close their coop door at night, they begin chirping quite loudly in protest, but I have to keep them safe and sound since they are still quite small. We have yet to put in windows, so it is quite dark when I close the main door. I find them huddled by their little door, seeking out the light that comes through the cracks as night falls. They seem to be afraid of the dark. We enjoy them so much and are looking forward to having eggs. We so appreciate Papa LeRoy putting together such a fine chicken mansion. He is amazing when it comes to building stuff. The kids are doing great. We are going camping this weekend and they are very excited. There is rain in the forecast, but we decided to not let it stop us because lately, all we get is rain. We won't be able to go much in Aug. because Hubby will be away for two weeks. So, we are taking advantage of the slightly warmer weather. The kids are loving the reading program at the library and venture there every day. Lydia, Gabe,and Keren are taking a week long art class. A couple of weeks later, Keren and Makayla will be playing water games for the week. We're wanting to put the kids in swimming lessons but they are going to have to do it one at a time because they are 30 bucks a kid. Yikes. Those better be great instructors. Hopefully we can work out the finances. Gideon refuses to say Mommy. He is 18 months old and he won't say it. He can say "Uh Oh" but he won't say Mommy. It isn't that he can't. He just won't. When we ask him to say it, he just looks at me and gives a little chuckle. He can say it. The kids have heard him say it when he goes tearing through the house to tell on them. However, he refuses to send my heart soaring. The little bug. One day it is going to slip out. I know it. He thinks he can hold out forever, but one day my ears will tingle with the sound of my name on his lips. We are off to do some camping shopping. Have a wonderful day. Thanks for stopping by. God's blessings, Denisa |
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Our hen house is almost built and it is looking quite wonderful. We were going to paint it red, but decided on a light green with a bright yellow trim. The coop is underneath a huge tree and now it blends quite nicely into the background. Of course, the kids and I want to give it more pizazz. I'm thinking up ideas. Any suggestions? I'd love to hear them. I'll keep you posted on what we decide to do. I was thinking of painting some flowers and adding the kids' hand prints. We need some bling though. The chicks are growing really fast. They seem to be growing long. They are losing their cute, fluffy, ballness. The kids still love to hold them even though they have to catch them. Our pool finally opened, but the weather has been in the 60's. Hubby had lots of snow in the city yesterday. We only got some rain. The kids enjoy the cooler weather, but my tomatoes do not. We planted some rose bushes and I love them. I need to start planning for school next year. This last year went by so quickly. The kids have grown in so many ways. My days are never boring. Lydia and Makayla have finally stopped pretending that they can't read. The summer reading program started and in order to win prizes, you have to read books. Amazingly, they are now able to read those books I've been working with them on all year. Little Rascals. The library has been great with my 3 year old. They let her participate if we read to her. Some of her siblings have helped me out by reading to her as well and she is able to mark of her time. Every day they march or run the two blocks to the library and usually come home with some goodies. It is great fun for them and for me. I am a lover of good books and I am so thankful that my kids enjoy reading as well. Yes, some of them are very motivated by the prizes, but a couple of them read no matter what. Love it!! I'm thankful that so far today, I have only reasons to sing God's praises. Life can change in an instant, but God does not. He loves us so deeply and completely, no matter our circumstances. May you feel His love and comfort as you walk through your day. God bless. |
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I'm sad to say that our May had to come to an end. We had so much fun having family visit. My mom came for a week and we all enjoyed spending time with her. We hadn't seen her in three years, so this was her first time meeting Gideon. He was very shy and had a hard time with direct eye contact. The kids were so excited to show her all of their stunts, like climbing the door frames and had so many stories to tell her. I think we wore her out. By the end of the week she was ready to go home. We look forward to her coming for another visit next year. A day and a half later, Uncle Mark and Aunt Kristin knocked on our door for a week's stay. It was a week of games, laughter, yummy food and running to the bathroom. We were visited upon by a yucky bug. Thankfully, we were able to still enjoy our time together. We painted Keren, Lydia and Gengie's room with polka dots. It turned out really cute. We had a Rumikub marathon. Lydia loves games and was ready every morning at 6:30 when Aunt Kristin got up. Oh, I can still hear those tiles hitting the table bright and early. Some evenings it was the last sound we heard before we headed off to bed. We enjoyed their visit so much and look forward to seeing family in Nov. We didn't rest for long though. Life continued full blast into June. We've added several rose bushes, replanted cucumbers, finished preparing for our chickens, (The coop will be finished this weekend), had tent sleepovers, and joined the summer reading program and the kids go over to the library every day to report their reading times and to try and win a prize. The library is a little over 2 blocks away, so the lure is very strong. I am happy to say that we are now the proud owners of 20 little Cheep, Cheeps. We have some Long Island Reds and some Black and Gold Sex-links. We went to get them at 8 this morning. They are so darn cute, even though they are very messy. We started with them in the garage, but it was just too cold for them. So, we moved them into my craft room and have a small heater running for them. It is very hot to us, but they are quite happy and noisy now. The kids have spent most of their day in to room with them. I am impressed with how caring and gentle the kids have been. A couple have taken a tumble and a few kids have ewwwwwed over being pooped on, but everyone has taken to them. We are looking forward to Daddy coming home and seeing how his family has grown. I can hardly believe that this city girl is now a mini farmer. I chuckle. I guess I'm not really a city girl any more. I'm proud to be an almost country girl. The Lord has continued to bless us and shine His face upon us. Makayla had to have some cavities filled, but over all her teeth are doing well. Both she and Jael lost two teeth just days apart from each other. Jael pulled both of hers. You can imagine how proud she was since she watched her brother scream and cry a couple of months ago. Our garden is surviving. I am embarking on selling Avon and am praying mightily that the Lord will bless this endeavor. Gabe's nose wasn't broken when Keren accidentally hit him in the nose with the bat. Lydia has blessed us with individual love notes. Keren has found a really great couple of friends. We are sending the kids to a bike rodeo in July for some serious safety training. God has managed to keep them from getting hurt. We're hoping that bringing in the "Big Guns" will help them to realize just how serious we are about bike safety. I sing God's praises every day for His presence in our lives and for His unending mercy and love. Be blessed. |
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We have been enjoyably busy the last few weeks. We have been updating our yard: pulling out bushes, planting the garden and flowers. The kids have been by my side the whole time. They enjoy helping me, whatever it is that I may be doing. We planted for 3 hours and no one complained. Yes, a few of them wandered off to play, but the rest stuck it out and we were able to transform our flowerbeds. We have the skeleton for our chicken coop. Oh, we are really getting excited to have our chickens delivered. The kids are going to fall in love with the chicks. Hopefully, this love will be strong enough to keep them going when we have to clean out the coop. My mother came for a visit this last week. We hadn't been together for 3 years, so we tried to soak up every moment. We went sight seeing and ate yummy food and played games. It was a wonderful visit and the kids really enjoyed their time with her. We are planning on another visit next year, even though Grandma says it will be 7 years before we see her again. I know she is teasing, but the kids give her strange looks because they aren't quite sure if they should believe her or not. She left this morning and we are expecting an Aunt and Uncle tomorrow for a week long visit. We have been busy this morning preparing the house, As many of you know though, if you have small children, we'll be cleaning it up again before they get here. We know we have a wonderful week ahead of us. So many memories to make. I have begun selling AVON and am really excited. We can always use the extra cash and the older kids have been extremely interested in learning about a home business and with helping me out. We are praying that our endeavors will be successful. Learning to run a home business will really benefit the kids when they are older. We are trusting God to bless this business. God continues to be gracious and generous. Every day we each struggle under the weight of sin and living in a fallen and struggling world. Daily I am reminded of a verse from a song in Madame Blueberry (Veggie Tales): "A thankful heart is a happy heart." I am willing to put my family in the way of God's blessings and we can only do this if we are looking for God in our daily walks. Seek Him and you will find Him. He loves each of us. Hold on to that love. He will not disappoint. Have a blessed day. |
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Tuesday proved to be a very exciting day for us. Several of the children and I dug a fire pit in the back yard. We worked really hard and I thought we could do something fun when Daddy got off work. I called him up and asked him if he would pick up some fast food and join us at a camp ground/park/fishing pond near our home. We had yet to explore it and it was warm and sunny and seemed like the perfect day for a spontaneous outing. God did not disappoint. When we got there, a woman walked up to me and asked if she could tell me something. I said sure. I never know what people are going to say when they approach me. Usually it is a comment about the size of our family. Thankfully, most of those comments are positive. Well, she proceeded to tell me that it is Garter snake mating season and that there were tons of snakes hiding out and mating at the edge of the woods. Sure enough, there were snakes everywhere. When we first stepped into the woods, we couldn't see anything, but you could hear them. The air was alive with rustling sounds as they slithered here and there. As we stood still, our eyes adjusted to the surroundings and BAM, snakes were everywhere. The kids were calling out and pointing and we were even able to locate a couple of their mating balls. We crept as close as we could without disturbing them and even where we stood, snakes would slither around our feet. It was awesome. And to think we would have missed out on this opportunity if I hadn't stepped outside of our predictable routine. God really blessed us. Then we went for a walk around the fishing pond and saw many turtles sunning themselves and even got to watch one swim near us. Ironically, the thing that the youngest children seem to remember most is seeing someones discarded dirty socks. We had a great time and plan on going back to fish. You have to be 14 or under to fish and can only take 5 fish with you. That is more action than we have ever had, so the kids are really excited. Have a wonderful day. Be blessed. |
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We had a wonderful Easter. We were invited to a church that had egg hunts for different age groups, then a brunch and then a lovely service. Gideon got the hang of picking up the eggs and putting them in his bag very quickly. He was very focused. Jael freaked out during her egg hunt because the other kids went crazy. I tried to warn them that it would be a mad and crazy dash for eggs, but she got scared and started screaming and crying. Oh, what a scene she caused. If you have heard Jael scream, then you know how loud she can be. However, she was given another chance with the older kids and she was much more successful. Ironically, the older kids were much calmer. The kids loved the brunch. We had no idea that there would be such a bounty. Makayla's eyes were bigger than her stomach though. Her plate was loaded. Since we are still trying to find a church, we decided to try this one again. The people were very friendly and we felt quite welcome. The kids love the warmer weather. Keeping them inside for school is proving to be harder and harder. We only have 4 more weeks though, so they'll make it. We are looking forward to the leaves showing up on all of our trees. Since we just moved into our home in Jan., we are looking forward to seeing what the yard looks like when it is green and full of life. We are looking forward to our chickens as well. Jael has two loose teeth. She is really wanting me to pull them, even though they aren't ready. We had dinner guests on Sat. It was a lovely evening. They have 3 young children and they easily blended into every eager and friendly family. Keren has begun making friends. It is great to hear her laughing with the neighbor girl. They seem to get along really well. The kids have slowly begun to memorize songs from The Sound of Music. It is funny to hear the verses they come up with. Ra-- a drop of chocolate sun. Ti--Let's drink tea. They are wanting to perform for their Aunt and Uncle when they visit next month. Hmmm, would a whistle work for me? Paul is starting to get the camping itch. I'm wanting to wait until it's a bit warmer though. I do freeze at night. May will be a fun filled month with two sets of visitors coming. We are looking forward to the special activities. Oh, the places we'll go. Have a blessed week. |
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I can hardly believe that a month has passed since my last entry. Where do I begin? The weather has been beautiful the last couple of days, so the kids have been outside playing quite a bit. There are little unknown flowers popping up in the flower bed and we have pansies growing from seed on our kitchen table. The kids were amazed that the seedlings had to be kept in the dark while they germinated. We put them in a drawer and every day they would faithfully check to see if anything was growing. They are looking forward to being able to plant them outside, but that won't be for a couple of weeks yet. We have begun pulling out some icky bushes out front and I am looking forward to putting roses there. We are beginning to plan for a small garden this year. The kids have a long list of things for me to do that will keep me busy throughout the warm seasons: a garden, chickens, painting their rooms, finishing up the school year, fishing, camping and all the other things that a mother has to get done. When do we tragically stop seeing our mothers as Wonder Woman? I hope they can see me as Super Mom for a couple more years at least. I am happy to announce that in early June we will be the proud parents of 18 baby chickens. We are very excited. They will only be a couple of days old when we get them, so we will have to keep them safe and warm in the garage for about 6 weeks. Then, they will be old enough to move to their coop and start earning their way around here. We want those eggs. We are learning so much about chickens and coops and eggs. Did you know that in a dry, cool place, fresh eggs can last for up to 4 months. Wow. However, my kids can devour between 18-24 eggs for breakfast. So, we may not have many eggs floating around. We also learned that we can have ducks as well, so maybe next year we'll add some of those to our feathery flock. A good friend is building our coop and hopefully we will enjoy this venture into the bird world. Keep your feathers crossed. I went to a quilt show last weekend and enjoyed walking around and viewing the 300+ quilts on display. Some of them were quite amazing. I about choked at some of their prices, but I can understand why they ask so much for them. It can take a really long time to finish a quilt. I hope they get what they are asking for. I was encouraged and inspired and have been doing quite a bit of quilting of my own these last few months. It leaves me with plenty of time to have long conversations with God and to really reflect upon what is going on in my head and heart. I'm thankful that my husband is so willing to let me have the time in the early evenings to quilt and nap time is a great time for it too. We are becoming friends with another family that homeschools and has 7 children. They live a hop away from us and my oldest daughter seems to be forging a friendship with their 11 year old. We are going to go watch some sheep shearing with them this week if the weather holds out. The kids will be able to help corral the sheep as well. It will be a fun day. We had a wonderful couple with three kids of their own volunteer to watch the kids so hubby and I could go out on a date. We haven't been on a date in at least 2 years. It was so nice. They weren't scared away and will be joining us for dinner in a couple of weeks. They were so nice and friendly and the kids all had a great time. She even had a chocolate fountain running so the kids could dip fruit in it. Wow, She reminded me of Aunt Kristin. Hubby is enjoying his new job. Hanging with the brainiacs is quite exciting for him. He fits right in. We added another kitty to the family. Her name is Taxi and she fits right in. She is loving and affectionate and is quite laid back for being one year old. She handled our other lady cat, Zena, hissing at her for a couple of weeks with such calm and poise that they are now fast friends. We didn't name her. It was the name the Humane Society gave her. We thought it was cute and the kids latched on to it and it stuck. The kids are healthy and full of energy and won't stop growing. We are enjoying the new season of sunshine and try to keep up with their growth spurts. We are looking forward to visitors next month and hope that others will soon follow. We have plenty of room in our new home and look forward to the Lord bringing loved ones to our door. Have a wonderful Easter. He Is Risen. He Is Risen, Indeed!! |
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I'm so thankful that it is genuinely snowing today. It has been for hours and I am enjoying watching it fall. The kids are scattered throughout the house playing, doing school and avoiding doing school. I'm thankful for the times when they all are getting along. Psalm 133:1 says "How good and pleasant it is when brothers live in unity." I cherish those moments when my children are living in unity and enjoying each other. Some days it feels like the bickering will never end, but today has started with a much more peaceful note. Like always, I am behind on laundry, but at least the floors are clean. I'm never one to do major chores when it is snowing. I'm too distracted by the beauty of the falling snowflakes. I also tend to pray for lots of snow so hubby can come home from work early. The kids and I are always thankful when Friday comes around because we get to spend time with Daddy for two whole days. j I've cut back on my news watching time. I try and keep abreast of what is going on but find that I'm usually disheartened after watching the news for any length of time. My husband can keep me updated and I'm trying to do the barest minimum for awhile. I'm taking a quilting class tomorrow. I'm hoping to make some new friends. Being new to our town, I thought this would be a great way to meet a couple of people that share an interest with me. Making friends and doing something that I love is a pretty good way to spend my day. Daddy and the kids haven't had an extended period of time without me around for a really long time, so I think this will be good for them as well. Math, math, math. All they want to do is math. We got new math books last week and they are super focused on math now. It's amazing. I'm not a big math person, so they get this from their father. I hope they keep this drive when they finally get into the higher levels of math. Everyone is healthy and doing well. Gideon has a serious shiner. He has quite a few bruises on his head from falling. Learning to walk is really hard on the noggin. He was in his room playing with his siblings when he got the black eye. All they can tell me is that he fell. Thanks for stating the obvious. It hasn't slowed him down one bit though. Have a wonderful day and be blessed. |
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What an exciting two months my family has had. We moved into our new home on Jan. 8 and everyone has settled in nicely. On the same day that we purchased our new home, our good Lord saw fit to bless my husband with a new job. What an exciting day, full of many praises and much wonder. Moving 9 people went quite smoothly even though I fell and broke my tailbone. Oh, was that painful. A dear friend came running to my side after I fell backwards off the garage steps, hitting the back of my head on the wall and hurting my tailbone, and I can only remember crying to her that I had so much to do. Thankfully I had my hair in a bun and that kept my skull from hitting the wall. Sitting was extremely painful for about a month and ironically this worked in my favor. We got tons of unpacking done. Breaking my neck or breaking my tailbone? Despite the pain, I pick the tailbone. The kids are happy to be settled and have transitioned quite smoothly. They are sleeping well, playing hard, making messes and getting into trouble and I see these as signs of happy and healthy kids. We have started school too. Paul is looking forward to starting his new job on Mon. He had to postpone starting because funding for his position had to be approved. We are feeling truly blessed by God's provision and blessing in our lives. Paul says that he told me that there would be travel required with this new job, but I don't think he did. The kids and I aren't looking forward to his being away at certain times, but that doesn't outweigh our thankfulness for his new job and the possibilities it provides for the future. I'm trying to figure out how to put photos onto my blog with our new computer. I can't figure out how to reduce the pixel size yet with the new programs. So, please bear with me as I figure it out. I know this is hard for you, Aunt Kristin, but it gives you something to look forward to. A brief update on the little lights of my life: Gideon is walking and is the King of Temper Tantrums. Oh, the drama he can incite from his little body is amazing. He's even willing to hit his head on the floor after he has flung himself passionately to the floor. He's my first out of seven to bring temper tantrums to this level. His siblings look at me like crazy when I tell them it is okay for him to cry. They want to pick him up and give him whatever he wants. They don't quite understand that they are a huge part of his problem. Gengie turned 3 the day after we moved in. She is still a pixie but often shares her dreams of being "big up to here and strong." She locks her tickle spot in her brain so that Daddy can't tickle her. She has no problem communicating and is still my snuggle bunny. Jael is so excited because she can now write her letters and numbers. She is full of energy and loud. She loves to primp and usually completes her outfit with a scarf and purse, just like her grandmother. Makayla is growing tall and is a very patient person. She rarely loses her cool. However, when she does, the whole house hears about it. Gabe is reading, reading, reading. He enjoys sharing his room with Gideon too. He is super emotional, but I've been told repeatedly that boys can be. He also bested his oldest sister's sit up record yesterday by doing 100 of them. Oh, to be young again. Lydia is my constant. She is doing well in school and is a budding artist. Truly an artist. She is able to draw with a natural ease and whatever is in her head ends up on the paper. Keren is almost as tall as me and never lets me forget it. She is passionate about reading and has now started writing a story. She is a whiz on the computer and has a knack for knowing how to do something that her father or I just spent hours trying to figure out. We're starting to ask her first and save ourselves a lot of time. I'm so thankful for the joy of the Lord in my life and his many blessings. He alone is worthy of our praises. He has recently brought us out of a wilderness time and I'm rejoicing. May you all be blessed as you encounter God in your day. |
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I hope that everyone had a lovely and Spirit filled Christmas. Our family enjoyed the holiday season and we were blessed to spend it with family and friends. We enjoy old family traditions and making new ones. The kids loved helping me bake and were overjoyed when opening their presents. Our Lord says that it is better to give than to receive and for me it was true. I felt so blessed when I saw their eyes light up in surprise as they opened their gifts. Jael was so excited that her joy overflowed into shouts and screams as each kids opened a present. She wasn't just excited about what she received. She rejoiced for each of her siblings. It was amazing to watch her 5 year old heart expand with love and joy. I am so thankful that we will begin our New Year with our own home. This truly is a gift and I'm so thankful. We moved our move in date up by two days. So, I only have a week and half to pack everything. The part that is stressing me is getting a handle on the clothes. It is amazing how many clothes a family of nine can accumulate. However, I'm thankful that we are so richly blessed that we don't have a clothes shortage. I am so thankful for the joy and entertainment my children bring into my life. They are proof that God has a sense of humor and likes a good laugh. I can't imagine Him not laughing at some of the things they say and do and imagine. I'm feeling very blessed and loved by my Heavenly Father and it's evidenced in my children and loving husband. I can only lift my hands and heart and praise my Abba Father. God bless you and have a wonderful New Year. |
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"And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ." Col 3:23-24 The Lord placed this verse before me today during my devotional time and I was so thankful for the reminder. As I face mounds of laundry, cleaning, a broken dishwasher, packing and homeschool and everything else that being wife and mother entails, I find myself at times feeling a bit overwhelmed. I have to even admit that I can be downright cranky and obstinate about getting stuff done when I can't see an end in sight. But, this verse was a gentle and encouraging reminder for me as walk, crawl, sprint and stumble through my day. Keeping my eyes on Christ does lift some of the burden off of my shoulders and puts a new song into my heart. I'm also reminded that I'm teaching my children at every turn, even if it isn't intentional. I'm serving Christ and through that, I'm able to serve others without complaining and grumbling (much) and we all have a more peaceful and joyful day. It will all get done and if it doesn't well, I'll just throw it into a box and deal with it at the new house. I want this season of change and rebirth during the holidays to be one of joy and thankfulness within our current circumstances. I desire for our lives to be a reflection of Christ. We all enjoyed our day today and I'm looking forward to another joyful day tomorrow and I will reflect on this verse and as many others as I may need in order to be a conduit for joy and peace and a job well done because we are doing it for our Lord and that in and of itself is enough of a reason to rejoice. Take heart dear ones. Jesus is watching and knows what plagues and burdens your hearts. Keep your eyes on Him and trust that He will transform your heart, if not your circumstances. God notices what you are doing, even if your husband and children miss what is going on behind the scenes. They'll be thankful when there is clean underwear in their drawer in the morning, they just don't know it yet. |
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Praise God and Yea!!!! We bought a house and are so thankful and excited!!!! We lost our house several years ago due to a crook stealing all of our money out of a trust fund. (He is serving 5 years in jail for what he did to us and others as well) The world's system has repeatedly held us down and told us that owning a new home was not possible at this time or any time in the near future. Well, God had other plans and has answered our prayers. We have begun packing and will be moving right after the New Year. The kids have been so helpful and somehow find the energy to keep up with me. Or maybe I'm miraculously finding the energy to keep up with them. We make progress every day and I'm trying to make it so that we can relax over the holidays. It has been really cold here and the kids have been amazed by how quickly things freeze. Earlier, Keren and Lydia poured cleaning solution into the trash can and set it on the deck. Within 15 min. or so, it was frozen and they were shocked. I had tried to warn them, but they had to see it for themselves. Keren just went in to change out the laundry she had started. She had forgotten to start the dryer and all the towels were frozen. She looked at me with shock and said, "What do I do?" I told her to start the dryer and then chuckled. We have been very thankful for our warm abode during this cold snap and our packing, cleaning, school, and playing has kept us from getting cabin fever. (So far that is) My youngest girl, Gengie, put her coat on the other day and said, "I'm not taking it off until we move to our new house." I tried to explain to her that it would be many days, but she was determined. She wore it until bedtime, even through her meals. This stand only lasted the one day. It will be interesting to see if she comes up with any more ideas. Gabe lost his first tooth last night. His new tooth had begun to grow up behind the baby tooth, so I told him it was time to pull it. I tried a string, per his request, but the tooth was just too small to tie off. So, I grabbed it and started pulling. Of course the tears fell and he squealed and yelled at the IMENSE pain he was in. Hubby and I rolled our eyes at the dramatics. Pop, out came the tooth and at that same time, Gabe said, "Momma, I want you to use the string to pull it, not your hand." So I sat him up and we discussed the approach he wanted, while he cried and kept telling me about how much it was going to hurt it I pulled it out with my hand. With a grin and chuckle, I told him that he had a great idea, but that it wasn't going to work. "Why?" I opened my hand and showed him the tooth. The tears promptly stopped and a grin spread across his face while he poked his tongue into the hole. Off he ran to look in the mirror. After 10 minutes or so of gazing at his new mouth, he walked passed me, smiled and simply said, "Thanks, Momma," and kept walking. My heart smiled. He was especially excited to join his sisters in the race to see who loses their teeth the fastest. He was about 6 months behind them and feared that it would never happen for him. Growing up can be so stressful. Have a blessed day!!!
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Here we go AGAIN!!!!! We are in a rental and have had so many water problems in the last year. Only a month or two ago we were having to have our carpet treated and mold killed and drywall repaired due to a leak. We couldn't find the source of the leak and I've been hyperviligent about watching for another leak. Well, this evening I could hear a drip. And sure enough there a huge water leak in a closet that we don't use. It has a huge black tank in it and it is overflowing. It smells bad too, so I can only imagine what is in the water. Of course, this is the same area that the last leak was in too. The carpet is wet and if I hadn't been sitting at the computer while it was quiet, I probably wouldn't have heard the dripping for some time and the mess would have been even bigger. I just talked to someone on the phone and it is the septic tank in the house that is backed up. Yuck. I waded through the icky water to follow his instructions for bypassing and restarting the pump. Thankfully that worked and we can now wait until tomorrow to have someone come out and service the machine. We are going to try and not use certain bathrooms and laundry is out of the question for right now. Water I can handle. Icky water I have a problem with. I told the man on the phone that I don't know how he does this kind of stuff every day. I'm thankful that there are people like him who are there to do that kind of thing and know how to fix our problems. VERY, VERY thankful!!!! We are in the final days of negotiating the purchase of a house. I'm really looking forward to this part of the transaction being over. We believe that God led us to this house and this opportunity but it has been a long process and at times a bit odd and shaky. We have been praying for a home for some time now and I'm excited about this new journey in our lives. I'm trying to not lose hope when the owner waivers and changes things. I'm trying to rest peacefully in the Lord's hands, despite what the humans are doing. However, there are days when this has been really hard. I've been losing sleep and worrying and trying to pack even when the future of the deal has seemed uncertain. Things have continued to sort themselves out and I'm trying really hard to be positive. I know it is just a house and we can lose it. We've already been through that before. It's the human factor that I'm struggling with. The double minded tendencies and the wheeling and dealing. My husband says that I have nothing to worry about and that negotiations can be this way. I have discovered that I'm not one for the roller coaster ride of making and striking deals. Just show me where to sign and when to show up. The kids and I have enjoyed making plans for the new home. The plan is to move on the 10 of Jan. They have plans for painting their rooms and being able to unpack all of their stuff. This is a good thing for our family. See, me being positive. I want to thank all of you that responded to my last blog. I really appreciated the risk some of you took by being so open with me about your feelings and some of your experiences. I also understand that this is a public forum and it isn't necessarily wise to treat it as a Dear Diary scenario. However, I do believe that there is a healthy medium where everyone can feel comfortable and not feel attacked for being more open about the life they lead and the struggles they have. Oh, what an amazing opportunity we have to offer grace, mercy, love and encouragement. Thanks again to those of you who took the time to respond. God bless all of you. May your evening be dry. |
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I've been posting here for several months and have been blessed in so many ways. I have encountered many other blogs with inspiring and uplifting messages and have had many loving responses to my blog. However, as time goes on, I've really started to wonder if many of the women are real. We can all present a certain persona of being strong, wise, selfless, the mother of perfect children, spiritual giants and married to the perfect man. But, are there any woman out there that struggle and stumble and sin and don't gush over their children all the time and don't even like their husband all the time? Or like him some of the time? I know we are called to seek after the Lord and to set ourselves apart, but how many woman are we pushing away by not letting our not so perfect selves shine through? I've had several people comment on the pristine image that quite a few homesteaders portray and that they don't walk away feeling encouraged but discouraged. How can they live up to what they are reading about? Do we dab at our tears with a monogrammed hankie that has creases from our ironing them? Or do we cry with mascara running down our faces and leave traces of our runny noses upon those who have been near enough to hold us? Or, what about the women that cry themselves to sleep at night because they are alone and feeling lost? Are there any moms out there that lose their temper with their kids and have to repent? Are there any moms that stay in their jammies all day? What about you moms that have hubby bring home some fast food for dinner because you are just too tired to even think about cooking? Or, you just want to be selfish and not be responsible for the evening meal? Or what about you moms that are scared about where your next meal is coming from because your husband has lost his job and you just want to scream at people who tell you that now is the time to learn how to be frugal? Frugal only works when you actually have money to be frugal with. Right? What about you women that can't stand their mother in law and have struggled for years with being friends with her even though you know it is "the right thing to do"? What about those women that don't have the perfect house or the perfect life? What about the women crying out to God and are feeling like He just isn't listening? I know you are out there. I personally would like to see more of you. I wouldn't feel so all alone then. I can only speak for myself, but I'm one of those Christian women that stumbles and has to ask for forgiveness. I'm striving to grow and become stronger in my walk with God and my children and husband. But there are days when my husband and I do fight, my kids drive me crazy, my friends frustrate and hurt me, my parents and in laws drive me nuts, my pajamas stay on and dinner is not going to be simmering on the stove when Dear Husband comes home. I'm free and forgiven. I am not perfect and pray that there are other women out there that will take comfort in knowing that I'm floating around in cyberspace and that they are not alone. I want my blog to be an encouragement to others and for those weary and beaten travellers along life's road to not feel like they don't belong because they aren't completely refined yet. I'm hopeful, I'm growing, I'm free in the Lord and I'm not perfect. Please feel free to come and sit with me for awhile, I'd love to share your journey with you, whether it truly is smooth or rocky and an uphill battle. We are all sisters in Christ and I know that there are women out there that will find hope in knowing that they are not alone. |
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY KEREN!!!! I can hardly believe that my oldest is 11 today. Time truly does fly when you are having fun. I'm so thankful to God for my daughter. She truly is a blessing and a light in our lives. I hope you have a wonderful day, baby girl. |
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We are at the beginning of our journey into our new home. I am so excited. I have many boxes to pack and reseal, but this isn't dampening my joy. I am really looking forward to turning a house into a home for my family. We are truly thankful for the house that we have been renting for the last year. The Lord brought us to a beautiful spot for rest and rejuvenation. I have really loved being near a lake and the views are inspirational. I believe that we were brought here for a time of healing. I am also really thankful for our new house and the opportunity to have a home again. My children have continued to grow and blossom wherever the Lord has planted us and I'm so thankful for their joy and health and resilience. I'm just so thankful that the Lord has finally seen fit to plant us in a more permanent earthly home. This is an amazing opportunity for us and I want to shout my thanks to the heavens above. My heart if overflowing right now with joy and gratitude and excitement. Not just because of the house, but because I know and trust with every fiber of my being that God is love and is awesome and that HE is with me and my children always. Even when I have been of crushed spirit, HE has never left me. Even when I felt the sting of rejection from family and friends, HE has never left me. Even when others have found me unworthy of their love, HE has always loved me. HE says that the righteous shall never beg for bread, and for our family, this has remained true. Even when we were looking homelessness head on, HE showed us HIS way and HE provided us with a home to rest in. These last years have been filled with great uncertainty and hardship, but my Abba Father has been there and I am overflowing because of HIS continual presence in my life. Yes, dear friends, HE may tell us no. HE may allow for us to face hardships and pain. HE will never forsake us. HE will gather our tears and transform us through the pain. We may never have all the answers we seek, but we can trust HIM, even when we are walking through the Valley of the Shadow of Death. Rejoice, and again I say rejoice. The kids are scurrying around upstairs after lunch. They have been well behaved today and a joy to be around. It is quite cold outside and so we are staying in and staying warm. We are going to pack some boxes this afternoon and do some more school stuff. They are working on their penmanship and reading skills. Keren is learning about purifying the spoils of war and obeying God and not stealing. She is telling me about it right now. She is giving me EVERY detail. At least I know that she is understanding what she is reading. And while I listen to her, the other children are running up to me so I can hear the Pop Rocks popping in their mouths. Very funny. Have a blessed day. |
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Today has been a day of mixed and mottled emotions. I have found myself swinging from joy to trepidation about the future. I've struggled with resting in God's having control of the future, even the good stuff. I have gotten so used to expecting the other shoe to fall, and so often it has lately, that I'm now struggling with holding on to my joy when things are going in a more positive direction. I know that God is wanting me to rejoice and to not worry. I found comfort in the following quotes as I pondered the development of my own character. I hope that they encourage and inspire you. "PERFECT THROUGH SUFFERING" Heb. 2:10 Steel is iron plus fire. Soil is rock, plus heat or glacier crushing. Linen is flax plus the bath that cleans, the comb that separates, and the flail that pounds and the shuttle that weaves. Human character must have a plus attached to it. The world does not forget great characters. But great characters are not made of luxuries, they are made by suffering. I heard of a mother who brought into her home as a companion to her own son, a crippled boy who was also a hunchback. She had warned her boy to be very careful in his relations to him, and not to touch the sensitive part of his life but go on playing with him as if sh were an ordinary boy. She listened to her son as they were playing; and after a few minutes he said to his companion: "Do you know what you have got on your back?" The little hunchback was embarrassed and he hesitated a moment. The boy said: It is the box in which your wings are and someday God is going to cut it open and then you will fly away and be an angel." Someday, God is going to reveal the fact to every Christian, that the very principles they now rebel against have been the instruments which He used in perfecting their characters and molding them into perfection, polished stones for His great building yonder. Cortland Myers "Suffering is a wonderful fertilizer to the roots of character. The great object of this life is character. This is the only thing we can carry with us into eternity... To gain the most of it and the best of it is the object of probation." Austen Phelps probation: n. the testing or trial of a person's conduct, character, qualifications or the like. I hope that these words and an encouragement to you. They sure were to me. I'm encouraged and thankful to be reminded that our suffering is being used by God to make us perfect. I'm also encouraged to remember that suffering isn't caused by God, but used by God. The enemy is truly powerless in the presence of our all powerful and living God. Have a blessed evening.
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I pray that all of you had a yummy Thanksgiving as well as a day that was full of remembrances of things and people to be thankful for. As I reflect upon this last year and begin to prepare for the new year, I am humbled by the many things I have to be thankful for. I could bore you with my list, but instead I want to encourage you to think about your own list. God wants us to see Him present in our lives everyday. We tend to rush through life, not bothering to look around to see Him very often. We also tend to get bogged down in our own personal struggles and convince ourselves that He isn't there for us. He is there, ever present and ever loving. He may not manifest Himself in our lives the way we want him to, but He is there none the less. He may show up in the sunset, in our child's laughter, in the smile of a stranger, in an unexpected phone call, in a simple thank you, in a warm embrace, in a dream come true and in an eternity spent with Him. My husband, children and I have experienced so much loss in the last 5-7 years. Whether it is the loss of loved ones, children, a home, our financial stability, a familiar community, or a friend, the pain is heart's core deep and sticks with you the rest of your life. However, I won't hide my joy and excitement over the things that the Lord has chosen to turn around in our lives. I am so thankful every time I look into the face of one of my 7 children, to know that God loves them and has plans for them. I'm thankful that God is finally beginning to walk us down the road of financial recovery. It has been a long and scary road for us, but God will be victorious in the end. I am so thankful for our being able to purchase a home while the world tries to convince us that it's impossible. I'm thankful for the love of family and friends and the people the are committed to being in our lives despite distance and life's circumstances. I am thankful that God is stronger that he that is in the world. I'm thankful that in submission to God, I have found true freedom. We are safely home from our journey and I have much to reflect upon. The snow is falling, most of the children are napping and we are warm and together. I"m thankful that my husband has a job and is beginning to be truly hopeful about our future. Seeing my old friends warmed my heart. I miss them so much, but am thankful that our relationships are weathering the test of distance. I enjoyed seeing family and pray that the broken relationships begin to mend and thrive. After a slippery and scary start, our journey home was filled with sunshine and happy kids. However, Satan was willing to try and steal our joy and hubby and I ended up having a stupid argument part of the way home. Our lives are far from perfect. We are far from perfect, but we are forgiven. Jesus' gift has given us so much freedom in Him and I'm thankful for my learning to be free. As I've gotten older, I begun to realize that so much time is wasted in our struggle to be perfect and have perfect lives. Our focus needs to be on what God is wanting our lives to look like and who He is wanting us to become. We need to let go of the wheel and let Jesus drive. Then we can enjoy the ride and He gets the glory. That is freedom to me. I want to thank those of you who have been praying for us. I also want to thank those whom have always believed in us, in God in us and who have loved us without ceasing. Our lives are truly richer because of you. God bless all of you. I'm off to start packing---I think. I could possibly get sidetracked with a cup of coffee, a book and a blanket. Hmmm. That sounds pretty good. |