Homestead Haven Beginnings

Happy Birthday Isabelle!

Well, with Ezra's surgery, life has been interresting!!  Even though I haven't had too much time for blogging, I had to post a Happy Birthday to my baby Isabelle!

Isabelle Pearl

On January 28th, 2005, we gave birth to a beautiful 5lb. 9oz. baby girl.  She was welcomed into this world by lots of special friends and family members.  One of those was her big sister Gabrielle, age 6 at the time.  Isabelle was in the NICU for 2 weeks, and the nurses there didn't go by her givin name, they called her "Little Perfect" because that is exactly what she was!  She had (and to this day has) such a sweet spirit, and the cutest bowtie lips!  She loves purses, pockets, baby dolls and waits by the door every morning to tell her daddy "I wuv you...see you waiter daddy!"  She is the first to appear when someone in the family is crying to ask, "Okay?...I kiss better?"  We have been so blessed by her, and needless to say, it is bitter/sweet to see her growing!!

Happy Birthday baby girl!!

Various trials...

I was just pondering something...the question of "Why Lord?" is often times on my lips.  I somehow am a magnet of trials, or am I?  I finally realized, I am like a rebellious child.  For some children, obedience comes naturally, and for others, they need extra discipline and trials to get them to learn their lesson and to go in a direction that is safe and Godly.  I am afraid that I am one that obedience does not come naturally, and that these extra various trials are givin to me for my own good.  I am thinking back and as a child I had a very hard time with obedience, and even now, I see that I am one that doesn't just naturally grow and mature on my own in the spiritual sense.  I must "beat my flesh into submission" some days just to sit down and do my devotions and spend time with the Lord.  The trials I have gone through and continue to go through are causing me to grow and mature into the woman, mother, wife and child of our Living Father that He has called me to be.  Without them (trials), I would be, well, for lack of a better word, dead.  I am so thankful that I serve a God who causes "ALL things to work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose."  Even those bad choices I have made and trials I have gotten myself into, He is so creative and merciful, and is able to use them to mold me.  I am but a stubborn fool!

"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.  But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing."  James 1:2

There are some trials that are utterly life changing, and in these too God has a purpose, and uses them to do something.   The trials I am talking of are the ones that I often times bring upon myself, and even in these my God is so loving and kind and doesn't seek to make me miserable, but to cause me to learn and grow and gradually be molded into an image more like him.

Just thinking out loud!

Blessings, Rossie

Papa!

This is "Papa" in our family.  We have had the pleasure of having him live with us for 8 months.  He was diagnosed with 4 types of cancer, and was unable to live alone.  When he first came to stay I was nervous because I have 4 children, one still nursing and one just home after a 1 month stay in the hospital.  Jean, my FIL had a large tumor removed in which I, the queasy, dizzy, fainting lady, would have to undress, flush, and redress the gaping 8x4 inch hole all by myself...everyday!!  On top of that I had to give him shots in his stomach for a blood clot he developed (gagging).   Okay, now that I look at it...seriously, it was totally God, I would never in my right mind ever agree to all of this!  But, we made a great team, and I was unexpectedly blessed beyond measure!

Well, after 8 months of intense chemo and radiation...he did not lose one of the few hairs left on his head!!!  He is now CANCER FREE!!!!  God is sooo good, and what I thought would be a burden was a blessing.  We all cried the day he moved back in to his little house.

God is so good, and is still in the business of miracles!  This one is for you Jean.

This is Jean and my baby Isabelle, they formed a very special bond while he was was with us!

I'm home!

Yeah...I am home!!  We all had a good and very busy week and a half in San Francisco, but I am glad to be home.

I have to tell you all what amazing in-laws I have.  First my SIL and BIL had us stay with them in their home.  I have my 4 children, they have their 4 children and an foreign exchange student from Germany.  It was a full house, but the excitement was refreshing (most times).  I always learn so much from my SIL about being flexible and she just moves where the Lord leads, no questions asked.  She is so busy with her children, she has reciently started teaching at the Christian Academy, but just has the most wonderful attitude!

Then my MIL and FIL, they have 3 homes they could live in, but they have givin up those homes for others and have chosen to live at the Rescue mission.  They are willing to sacrifice everything so that one person might come to salvation.  They live, breath, and ooze Jesus.  I went to try to bless them by helping, but once again, I am the one who has been blessed! 

I am telling you though, that God has certianly givin them a supernatural ability to get up every morning and to serve the way they do...me on the other hand collapsed into bed as soon as I walked through my bedroom door yesterday, and the kids have been on "fend for themselves" duty, which I am paying for today!!!

Well, I have so much more to say about my trip, but my computer time for this morning is up.  Tomorrow, I will tell you all about my summer school teaching expierence, so, to be continued...

Blessings, Rossie

My Mama and Me!

Roses for MAMA!

It's my mama's birthday tomorrow...June 17th (I'll not divulge the year)  One of my favorite books awhile back was Roses for Mama by Jeanette Oke.  I am far away from my mom, (she left me for Michigan ) and I wanted to do something special for her, so I'm writing her a letter for all to see.

Roses For Mama

If I could list the times I should have givin you a rose, it would go something like this:

A rose for every time I felt discouraged, you were always there for me, your encouragement still echos in my ears. 

A rose for when I was excited because you were excited too.

A rose for every tear you wiped away as one slipped down your cheek because you were hurting for me.

A rose for all the winks you gave me before any performance or concert.  Every time you did that I forgot my fears if even for a moment.

A rose for all the James Dobson letters you read to us.

A rose for all the times you invited someone over for dinner when we barely had enough to feed ourselves, showing me that hospitality is next to Godliness.

A rose for all the times you had us sacrifice something in order to bless someones else.  And for all the times you were the one to lead by that example.

A rose for every homeschool day.  And for every day I told you I would never put my kids through this homeschooling.  How did you know I would end up homeschooling??

A rose for all the times you prayed I would, "get caught" and I would even go so far at to give you a rose for every time I was caught!

A rose for everytime you laughed at yourself when you did something a little "blonde" reminding me that we are not all perfect, and there is humor in that fact.

A rose for every note in every lunch box.

A rose for every time you disciplined me, teaching me that parenting is taking time to correct.

A rose for the time you laid down in the middle of the mall physically showing me that when you said,"we need to go", you meant "we need to go" I fully understand that concept now that I am a Mama!

A rose for every time you sacrificed yourself for your children.

A rose for all the Christmas memories.

A rose for every time I said I didn't like you.   Now I stick my foot in my mouth because I am just like you!!  That is something I am thankful for.

A rose for every time I never said thankyou.

 I know God sent an angel here just for me when He sent you.  I wasn't able to send you flowers on your special day, but I know Our Precious Savior is collecting all my

Roses For Mama.

Happy Birthday

I love you

Flickr photos!

I'm not sure yet how to put anything in my right hand column, but when I do, I will put a grafic there for these photos.  For now if you want to take a look at some fun pictures of my family...click on http://www.flickr.com/photos/happymama/

Enjoy getting to know our family a little more!!

Blessings, Rossie

Thursday Threesome

I am seeing...

Hummingbirds tickle my cypress trees as I hang the clothes on the line.  The sun peaking through my front window begging me to draw open the blinds.  Munchkins emerge from their bedrooms with sleep fresh from the sandman and thumbs still tasting good. 

I am smelling...

The jasmine vine that has been wrapping itself around my birdfeeder right out side my front door.  Fresh cut grass from yesterday's late mow.  A fruity candle that is lit every morning.

I am hearing...

The bird's talking to each other in the white oleander tree.  Water from DH's shower.  My children's husky's voices still heavy from slumber.  My sausage sizzling....reminding me that breakfast is ready!

Have a blessed day!

Rossie

A busy week!

We have a busy week, but I love these ones as I work best under pressure!  It's funny how that works, when things are not so busy it seems I am less patient, and less wanting to do too much.

My DH has his friend from Bend, Orgeon helping him in the shop for the next few weeks.  We have a 1000sf home, but the more the merrier!  I should add that if I could do anything, I would have a Bed&Breakfast, I love having people over and cooking for them!  My mom and I for awhile were plotting to open our own, but seeing how we are both extreemists (is that a word?), it started with a bang and ended in a THUD!  I love you mom!!  Actually it works quite well.  The only part that gets a little frustrating is that my 3 oldest share a room and bedtime can sometimes be tricky, but they are getting it down.  We have the baby in with us, and my FIL (who is living with us due to cancer) has the 3rd bedroom.  Paul (DH's friend)  is sleeping on the pullout couch.  But that couch has been such a blessing!  Someone gave it to us when my FIL came to live with us because at first we gave him our room, the girls had their room and the boys had theirs.  DH and I slept on the couch!!!!  To add to the excitement, my friend is having surgery on Wednesday and is bringing her 4 kiddos over for a night...I think I will pitch a tent!

The dinner menu for this week is:

Monday:        BBQ hamburgers

                      corn on the cob

                      garlic potatoes

                      fruit smoothies (the fruit is awsome here in CA this time of year)

Tuesday:        Crock pot chicken

                      carrots and potatoes

                      Salad

Wednesday:   Salsa Chicken (my friend has the best salsa recipe, I will ask her if I can post it)

                      Tomatoes and bell pepper in vinegrette sauce

                       Rice

Thursday:       Tacos

                      Spanish rice

                      Cole slaw

Friday:           Pulled pork sandwiches

                     Carrots

                     Mashed potatoes/gravy

I just started to shop every 2 weeks vs. every week and this is the 2nd week of my shopping.  So far it is working.  I was afraid to before because the kids hardly ate anything so I couldn't really buy in bulk, but now that they are bigger they are eating more. I just need to buy a deep freezer!

Thanks for reading, have a great day!

Rossie

The bubble bath that saved my life!

I have always been one to believe that baths were overrated.  I am here to say...I was wrong!  A few nights ago, after "One of those days", when my DH came home, I decided to take a bubble bath.  For all modesty purposes, I am going to say I was wearing my bathing suit.  I made sure to put an extra amount of bubbles, and I lit a candel and placed it right next to my feet.  I read a chapter from my book, "How to make children mind without losing yours" by Norm Wright.  I prayed (Hopefully God doesn't mind bathtub prayers!)  And I fell asleep!!

When I pulled that plug, being sucked down the drain was not only the dirty water from poop, spit up and maple syrup, it was the knots in my shoulders from carrrying the kiddos, the worry of, "are my kids gonna remember all the not so great mothering moments?", the stress of juggling all the household tasks, the inadequacy I feel as a wife, and all the burdens I laid down at the foot of the cross.  I had been baptized in the tub!!!!

God bless whomever invented the bubble bath...It saved my life!

CALM park pictures!

My CALM park pictures:

The bears are always the favorite!

You can see my DS3 thought these coyotes were cute enough to touch, I was too busy taking the picture to notice until one of the other moms stated," It's going to bite him!"  AAAHHHH, he was there with his fingers through the fence!!

Every once in a while you catch one of the keepers walking around with one of the animals.  Here are one of the Owls.  DS5 is front and center!

They have a great big picnic area with all the play equipment!  What a day!!

CALM Park

Today will be a fun day!  We are going to CALM park, which is a wildlife refuge.  Home to all the local animals that have been injured or are too old to survive in the wild.  This includes a Grizzly Bear, Deer, Fox and all the others that we don't get a chance to see living in the city.  My kiddos love this, and last time I decided to do a study on owls since there are quite a few at the park.  One little detail I decided to do with them is not shined upon by most, but I think it is fascinating!  Owl pellets!!!!!  Have you heard of owl pellets???  The furry balls of regurgitation from the owl that is filled with the treasure of bones from their prey?  I know, a little gross, but such fun!  If anyone is interrested, I have a website where you can order them.  You can find them anywhere there are owls, but then you have to bake them to sanitize them.  If you order them from www.insectlore.com they are already sanitized and indivitually wrapped in foil.    I even ordered one for myself!!

Yesterday I lied, I didn't make Spagetti for dinner.  I ordered Chinese Food and went to eat at Dh's Automotive shop.  I am slapping my hand as I speak!  We don't see him too often.  He opened his own automotive shop 2 years ago and is very busy, so I decided it would be great for us to have dinner with him.  I am fully aware that spagetti could have been brought to his shop, but to be honest, I was being outright lazy.  So this morning before I go to the park, I will get my dough ready, and Spagetti will be tonight!

Hope everyone has a great day.  I will post pictures of CALM park mabey tomorrow!

Rossie

The handsome picture above my profile

My very first day!

I am just loving all this blogging.  I am terrible at journaling, and I thought this would be a great creative way to write about my life, as a wife, a mom, and a wanna-be-homesteader!  So if anyone really reads parts of this blog, be patient with me, I'm just learning!!  These are my

beautiful babies!!