Posted in Daughters
Before our little man was born, our three middle girls had their ballet and tap recitals. They worked so hard all year long on their routines to be able to present them to friends and family one magical night. Each girl performed her very best and they sure entertained all of us who watched them. They were extremely glad that their brother arrived with the best of timing because momma got to see all the recitals!
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Posted in Daughters
Little Woman turned 19 today. It's hard to believe that she's that old. I still see her as that little girl who would scream everyday at nap time, "Eyes not tie-red." Our second event that we made it through before our little boy was born was her graduation from high school. Our homeschool group put together a beautiful ceremony for the 11 graduates of our group. It was quite a production and I'm sure it shocked a good number of our doubting Thomas relatives. It had to have made them think twice about home schooling being a lackidasical pasttime we participate in. They walked in with their gowns and were presented to the audience. She impressed her grandparents by playing a piano piece that she had been working on for the last year. She's only been taking lessons for the last year and a half. Then the parents were allowed to present their graduates with their diplomas and then the graduates turned their tassles to the other side of their cap. In a brief moment she went from being a high school student to being graduated!
Happy Birthday Sweetheart! |
Posted in Family Life
Our Baby Boy was born on Tuesday morning, June 2nd at 10:23 a.m. after an evening of labor. He weighed in at 8 lbs. 7 ozs. and was 20.5 inches long.
Labor went fairly smoothly, but labor is still labor for a reason! My stay in the hospital went by quickly this time as he passed all of his tests with flying colors. They were full at the hospital so I believe they simply needed the room. I was home by Wednesday evening, and everyone was glad to see momma and baby.
The girls have been enjoying their brother with only mild bickering as to who gets to hold him and for how long. They have all had time holding, kissing, and snuggling with him. Funny, no one has volunteered to change his diaper though?? He slept great the first night home, but has not done that since. Last night I figured out he really likes sleeping on my chest after he spends his sweet time nestled next to me feeding. There is nothing like a baby nursing in the quiet still of the night.
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Posted in Daughters
Little Woman and Juggler had their piano recital Friday night. We began the school year with a new piano teacher and she knocked the girl's socks off with how much she could teach them. They in turned took her by surprise when they learned what she taught them and more over the school year. They each played two songs, and both were also accompanied by Mrs. Dampier, their teacher. Their songs were wonderful and if they missed a note, nobody could tell but them.
Grandma and Poppa got to enjoy their first recital, while they were out visiting. Grandma had Rubber attached to her lap the entire recital. Grandma is the best back tickler and everyone of the girls has enjoyed her finger tickling at some point.
Little Bear decided that she also needed to show off her piano skills by trying to take over the piano while Juggler was trying to practice her song. She is growing up so fast. She loves to play at home during her sister's practice time. I love listening to the joyful noise that she makes for the Lord and anyone else who happens to be listening to her. If you can't tell, she loves being the center of attention. I wonder how she'll react to her little brother taking over this position shortly??
It was truly a blessed evening out and we were so thankful that Grandma and Poppa could share in the girl's extra curricular activities with us. So often we feel such sadness when we realize that being so far away from family doesn't allow them to be included in so many wonderful activities that the girl's participate in. Once Dad retires in September, we hope to rectify this situation so that more family can participate in their creative outlets! |
Posted in Daughters
This last weekend the Juggler and I attended our Mother Daughter Tea, held at Henderson Village in Perry, Georgia. The WIC (Women in the Church) group for our church put the event on. Henderson Village is nestled out in the countryside, situated on several acres of an old plantation. It is now used as a Bed and Breakfast Inn and Dining facilities. Many weddings are also held here. The beautiful gardens and grounds lend itself to an amazing backdrop for outdoor weddings and receptions. While sipping on sweet Georgia tea, we ate an incredible lunch of mixed salad greens and sizzling steak sandwiches, smothered in blue cheese, along with a scrumptious chocolate genache cake for dessert. Okay, truth be told - I don't like sweet tea, so I sipped on Diet Coke - not the most vivid image of the south one might say, and Anne had mini-pizzas rather than the awesome steak sandwich! Several of the ladies shared about their mothers and what they have meant to them over the years. We ended the afternoon with a walk around the grounds so that Anne could see the old slave cabins they moved onto the plantation to use as private cabins. They look like an image from Country Living Magazine. Driving home with a full belly of food proved challenging, but once home a nap was in order. AAAAHH the perfect ending to a nice afternoon. |
Posted in Daughters
Juggler turns 11 today! Happy Birthday Sweetheart!
She is our spunky, fast approaching pre-teen. Last year I shared 10 things that many would not know about her, so this year I thought I'd share 11 things that she loves and is passionate about:
Have a wonderful day! We love you. |
Posted in Baby
Thirty-four weeks and counting. . . . The ladies planned and prepared a wonderful baby shower for this new litlle addition to our family. The room was sweetly decorated around the John Deere theme we have chosen for this sweet little boy. One of the ladies had made an incredible cake with a sleeping buttercream baby on top and green tractors surrounding the outside of the cake. That and the food was so delicious, I wish my heartburn hadn't stopped me from eating!
The girls took over opening the gifts for me. They were in awe of all the "blue" that they were looking at, and we even got some trucks and a book on trucks and cars. He is going to appreciate that amongst all of the Polly Pockets and Barbie dolls in this house!
The ladies of our church that have blessed our family immensely!
My favorite gift was the baby co-sleeper - I can't wait for him to use it. I'm hopeful that it will fit in our trailer this September when we take our retirement trip back home to California. I also enjoyed seeing "My Breast Friend," which was highly recommended by Michelle Duggar and customer reviews. My babies always want to nurse every hour or so, which makes it very difficult to go anywhere after they are born without having to find a spot to nurse. This special pillow will allow me to walk and nurse at the same time. I'm anxious to see if it works well!
The little ones went to the nursery until it was time to open presents!
Little Bear just couldn't handle all of the excitement. She has NO IDEA what she's in for when this little one is born. She fell asleep during all of the presents being opened, so she got a special looksie through the bags when we returned home.
My favorite present of all though had to be to my right. Doodler decided to pop herself into an empty box and proceed to jump out - all grins of course. She was the life of the party. There is always one in every family!
I feel so blessed to have such a wonderful church family. Being away from both sets of our families for the last 15 years, our church family takes on a special role for us and for our children. The nurture and admonition that everyone provides for our girls has blessed us ten fold. God has been gracious in guiding us to absolutely godly churches where we feel right at home amongst our brothers and sisters in Christ. What a blessing this shower was to us. Now, I feel comfortable saying that this little boy will be the best dressed boy in our house!
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Posted in Curriculum Review
With the current economic situation, many one-income families may find themselves faced with having to become a dual-income family. How does the family who has committed to homeschooling their children and following God's desire of the wife being a "keeper of her home" manage to recitify this problem? The Old Schoolhouse has published an e-book, entitled, "Homework -Juggling Home, Work and School Without Losing Your Balance," in which it describes several homeschooling families that have begun home-based businesses, which in some cases help alleviate the stress of the current economy. I struggled with reading this book because I disagree with women trying to juggle work, raise a family and homeschool their children. I don't feel that women need to have an outside career, but that their focus should remain on their family and ways to support their husband's career. They can do this through being "a keeper and manager of their home" as God desires. Titus 2:5 . . . . .to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the Word of God be not blasphemed. I did find the book comforting in that none of the stories expressed a desire on the wife's part that they were working to fill some void in their life, or that their children drove them crazy to the point that they needed to "get out" and work. Quite to the contrary, they all expressed how God had been an integral part in their plans for the business. They also showed specifically how they incorporate the business into their daily family lives. Each of the stories showed how they also included the entire family into the business, in some cases, the children learned and acquired a skill they might never have been exposed to. The book ends by citing specific techniques to stay organized once beginning the home-based business.
When I began our homeschool journey 6 years ago, I brought school home for the girls. They were so miserable and I felt so overworked to try and learn every lesson that needed to be taught. Since that day, my homeschooling style has evolved into a more Charlotte Mason classical education (I'm not thoroughly there yet, but am still striving to reach that goal) I am looking forward to utilizing some of her suggested books in our homeschool schedule next fall.
This is a great idea, one in which I may employ later on when all of my children get to be a little older. It would help to provide motivation, alternative ideas, as well as spark constructive critiques from other peers. |
Posted in Family Life
My dear hubby and the Juggler cooked the rest of us an amazing breakfast of scrambled eggs, french toast, bacon, sausage and a fresh fruit salad. The Doodler was even full before finishing all of her meal, which never happens! The only downfall of a wonderful breakfast is the fact that it causes one to be sleepy at the worst possible moment - during the middle of church service.
As I gaze upon this picture I'm in awe of the wonder in that this will be the last year that just the girls will be in this picture. Next Easter, and all future holidays will have our sweet BOY, dressed in a neat suit or matching outfit like his father, in the arms of one of his sisters. How blessed our family is. I'm so thankful we decided to leave our family size up to God. May he continue to grant us more beautiful blessings. We celebrated Christ's resurrection with our church family. We have several musically inclined families within our church and it's such a blessing when they bless us with their talents. Pastor's message was uplifting. Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! It's all about Jesus, and it's all for His glory and honor! We returned home and spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing and enjoying the spring sunshine and warm weather. The girls got out and rode their scooters and bicycles. When the sun began to set, you could find them on the trampoline, or if you were Little Bear, you would be splashing in two small buckets of water. I believe her favorite part of the day came when we gave her the chocolate bunny. You can see first hand how much her whole body enjoyed the chocolate. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Many blessings from our house to yours! |
Posted in Family Life
In every good marriage, either the husband, the wife or both always highly recommend a "date night" with each other. Now, some will say that once a week is necessary to reconnect and spend some quality time together, while others might disagree that this just isn't feasible for their particular situation. Hubby and I have not been able to get away every Friday night, but when we do, it makes the time so much sweeter. Tonight, hubby and I did get to get away for a few hours. You know that you've been married for many years when you realize that your "date night" has suddenly become a walk through a Bed, Bath and Beyond and the local grocery store to pick up the necessary grocery items for the next morning men's breakfast at church. Now, some may scoff at this and say it wasn't a real "date", but the way I look at it, the following happened during our time together, which to me classifies it as a date - just like before we had children:
I know that even though we didn't spend an exorbitant amount of money . . . .well, ok - the Topsy thing was $10 and an unnecessary purchase. . . . God blessed our time together and will use it to grow us closer together. I hope we have many more "date nights" just like this one - they are much more fun than a night in a crowded restaurant or movie theater.
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Posted in Family Life
I realize without a doubt that I should be rejoicing in the fact that the Lord has allowed me to live another day to celebrate another birthday, but for some reason this birthday is harder to swallow than others - Why do they have to call it "The Big 40?" Couldn't everyone just downplay the fact that yes, I'm getting older, and that women struggle through the changes that begin to occur at this age. My sweet daughters made me leave the house tonight around 5:30 p.m., under the prentense that I wasn't to return home anytime too soon - that I should take extra time getting the groceries that I needed. They were in the middle of a top secret mission to clean the house and put up their handmade signs.
In the midst of their frenzy a box arrived from my sister via UPS (or the NTY man as the Doodler calls him - you know how 4 year olds spell!). It was a flower arrangement of the best kind - sugar cookies. . . . . .which happens to be my weakness this pregnancy! It has all the obnoxious sayings that someone created to torture those of us who have turned 40. But, I will enjoy eating them!
The girls and I enjoyed their favorite meal for dinner - pizza and what else for dessert but SUGAR COOKIES! They've been telling me for several weeks now that they weren't going to let me forget my birthday and true to their word they didn't - but how they do my heart good - how sweet they are. I'm so blessed! Proverbs 31:28 Her children rise up and call her blessed;her husband also, and he praises her: |
Posted in Family Life
Today our Rubber celebrated her 6th birthday. Her sisters awoke her to a hidden treasure hunt in which they had made up clues and a treasure map to follow. I think she unearthed one of her baby dolls as "treasure," but it was the thought that counts. She couldn't wait until Little Woman created her next masterpiece cake for our journey later this evening to church to celebrate with our family there.
Momma and her birthday girl
Happy Birthday to our sweet Rubber - may God bless you with so many more to come!
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Posted in Daughters
Our Doodler turned four today. What a wonderful day it was for her. Her first words upon waking up were, "Momma, is today my birthday?" She was surprised by Juggler and Rubber with a HUGE "Happy Birthday!" I asked her if she felt older and she said, "yes." She said it felt good to be 4. Later in the evening her Grandpa surprised her with a phone call wishing her a "Happy Birthday."
Little Woman got another opportunity to practice her cake decorating skills when I asked her to make Doodler's cake. We originally wanted a Strawberry Shortcake pan, but the craft store could only offer us this ladybug cake form. Didn't it turn out so precious!
Happy Birthday Doodler! |
Posted in Family Life
Snow in Middle Georgia??? While the snow didn't stick for long because we had just had 70 degree weather the day before, it was amazing how fast the winter coats, gloves, mittens and scarves flew out of the closet for an afternoon of fun. They were able to make snow angels in 1/2 inch of snow. . . . yes, I did say INCH. . . Little Bear did get to enjoy her first look at snow from inside the house. She wanted to go outside, but once the door was opened, she retreated in the other direction. Soon after a cup of hot chocolate to warm their hands and insides, the snow began to melt and by evening we were back to rain. What a pleasant surprise for a state that doesn't see this form of God's beauty very often! |
Posted in Biblical Thoughts
I am in the process of reading a wonderfully, uplifting book entitled, Home-Making by J.R. Miller. It was a book that caught my eye when I noticed another blogger was reading it. In homemaking, each member of the family plays an important role to achieve the fullest happiness and blessedness of the home. This book goes intricately through each person's role within the family. I've been so blessed by reading it that I thought I'd share a few passages that meant the most to me and the vision that I have for our family. "Where selfishness prevails there can be no real happiness. Indeed there is no deep, true and holy love where selfishness rules. As love grows, selfishness dies out in the heart. Love is always ready to deny itself, to give, to sacrifice, just in the measure of its sincerity and intensity. Perfect love is perfect self-forgetfulness. Hence, where there is love in a home, unselfishness is the law. Each forgets self and lives for the others. But when there is selfishness it mars the joy. One selfish soul will destroy the sweetness of the life of any home. It is like an ugly thorn-bush in the midst of a garden of flowers." It doesn't seem to matter what the topic is, selfishness always seems to be an underflying current in many conversations today. Some women claim they can't homeschool because it would take too much time (in otherwords, it would cut into personal free time). Some women could never be at home with their children all day - they would drive them nuts ( in otherwords, it would cut into personal free time). How about the question asked of families with many children, "If you keep on having children when do you get time to yourself? Miller goes on to say, "It was selfishness that destroyed the first home and blighted all the loveliness of Paradise; and it has been blighting lovely things in earth's homes ever since. We need to guard against this spirit. Seflishness in parents will spread the same unhappy spirit through all the household life." For myself, selfishness has always been a strong struggle. There are days that I would love nothing more than to be able to sew from sunrise to sunset, without an interruption inbetween. Is that possible in a house with 5 children, soon to be 6- nay I say not! I've learned that to overcome this selfishness, I need to include my children in all that I do - sometimes it goes smoothly, other times it's not so smooth - like when I have a 16 month old on my lap while I'm trying to sew and she wants to keep sticking her finger under the needle, or presses every button on the machine in the middle of stitching. But, I'm learning patience during all of this, she is learning to listen to momma's instructions and OBEY and my sewing is eventually getting done - all in God's timing - not on my own accord. You see, God has a time frame that He already has orchestrated and unbeknownst to me, it flows perfectly according to His will. Does it flow according to mine - NO - Never. But, rather than destroy my home, the spirit of my home and my children's spirit, I chose to work within His parameters which allows my selfishness to dissolve. I pray that others would see the destruction that selfishness does on their own spirit as well as the spirit of their homes; repent and turn away from these selfish desires. They must live the lessons that they wish to teach. |
Posted in Family Life
Our trip to Monticello, Florida was so peaceful. It was so wonderful being surrounded by another family that shares our same vision in life. The ride down there even went smoother than expected with the three littles and my Juggler to help (and she was a big help). We arrived shortly after lunch and it was like bugs scattering when the lights flicker on - ZOOM - they all disappeared to play with the other children. Even Little Bear found the playroom outside and enjoyed some quiet play at the kitchen set (anything probably would've been better than being cooped up in the car). AnneMarie and I spent the afternoon just a jibber - jabbing away about life, our concerns and fears for our world, and God's will for our lives.
After dinner, we had a beautiful walk for some, bike ride for others, around their neighborhood, which completes a 2 mile circle. They have retired from the military and settled on a marvelous piece of property outside of town. They have big dreams for a barn, horses, a garden and a screened in pool! OOOH what luxuries! Even though we didn't go anywhere or really do anything different than our normal routines, (dinner, baths, quiet movie time, etc.) the night ended so smoothly, no whining or complaining about having to go to bed. Everyone was thoroughly exhausted. We awoke the next morning to a hearty breakfast of pancakes and brown sugar apple topping. YUM! The kids played until around lunchtime when we were ready to take off on our 3 hour trek home. We had to get in a picture of all the kids before we left. It took awhile, but they finally all cooperated!
ONE MORE TRY!
MUCH BETTER! The car started making funny noises as we pulled out of the driveway and all the girls thought we would have to spend the rest of the weekend there. After several urgent prayers to God, the car settled down and made it home in one piece. Now, they want to know when we are going back! The bliss of being children and having no other cares in the world. I love it, but I told them Mom needed to recoup before we tried this journey again. Perhaps another weekend soon, but definitely, NOT this weekend.
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Posted in Family Life
If all goes well, in about an hour, the four youngest maidens and I set off for Monticello, Florida to visit some old friends. Their dad retired from the Air Force last year and they settled down in the country, but are still an hour away from Tallahassee. They have the best of both worlds. One of their daughters, and our sweet Rubber are like peas in a pod together, never leaving each others side. When they are together, I'm not sure if they can actually decide what they want to play, but it is so fun to watch them go from playing Barbies, to dress-up, to house and then to start the process all over again. Rubber specifically asks, "How much time do I have with Carolyn? An hour. . . two. . . or more." Can you imagine the excitement in her eyes when I tell her she has all day and all night and then half of the next day! We'll have pictures to post of the wonderful weekend together when we return. My little Doodler has been learning a wonderful verse for Sunday school and I thought I'd share it with you. . . . . 1 John 4:19 We love because He first loved us. How appropriate for Valentine's Day tomorrow! I hope your weekend is filled with the love, peace and joy of our Lord and Savior. And this picture is for my Juggler who LOVES monkeys.
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Posted in Show and Tell
Last Christmas I began working on a quilt that I could use as a wall hanging for my country Christmas theme. I just love the rustic look of a country home decorated at Christmas time. Everything is so simple - the overall calmness of the rooms entice me to want to settle down in front of a warm, cozy fire and sip hot apple cider, while curled up reading a good book. With five busy daughters and a husband to take care of, quilting happens very late at night over a dim light in the dining room. Slowly, I began to see the quilt take shape and form, the colors blending together into an intricate design. Oh, isn't that just like Our Maker created us, "Psalm 139:13-15: For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you,when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth." Even though, this quilt took over a year to complete, it was such a wonder to see it finally finished. Even though it didn't grace my walls this Christmas, next year in our new home, I will be able to find a special place for my new quilt to be displayed and I will remember the countless hours of time spent creating this work of beauty with my own hands, just as God created and molded me! The pattern I used is a free online pattern at McCall's Quick Quilts. They have beautiful quilt patterns and my next project is also from this site - it's for a baby BOY quilt!
Visit Kelli, over at There is no place like home, who hosts a Show and Tell Friday for more great ideas. |
Posted in Sewing
My girls love their skirts. They are so comfortable and easy to throw on and everywhere we go we always get compliments as to how "feminine" and "precious" they are and just how nice it is to see a girl dressed in a skirt. There is something about a skirt and what it does to a woman or a young lady. It just makes us feel and act more like a lady or a young maiden. We've also noticed that when we are out shopping or running errands, men display more chivalry when we are all wearing our skirts. The other thing we love is hand-me-downs! We get an abundance of them too, which is such a blessing from God. We have over 20 rubbermaids filled to the brim in our garage (Dad is so But, what to do we do with all of the jeans that cross our path, you might ask? Juggler is the only one who enjoys wearing her jeans every now and again. I don't like to waste things that have been gifted to us, so the next best thing is to repurpose them. This just happens to be a creation from a pair of jeans with holes in the knees that Juggler passed down to Rubber. She didn't want them as jeans, so Voila! they are now a beautiful new prairie skirt. The pattern for the skirt came from this idea over at Simplicity.
Visit Kelli, over at There is no place like home, who hosts a Show and Tell Friday for more great ideas.
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