Desiring to be proverbs31woman

Like his dad he has many talents...

2009-06-14T17:33:00.001-07:00

Today Ryan had his first piano recital and it was GREAT! We are so proud of him.

He decided on his own that he wanted to wear a "suit". I was shocked and very pleased at the same time. He looked really handsome, like his father.

No longer missing in action....

2009-06-09T20:19:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since I've posted on here..sorry!

Having a toddler in the home again is a joy that keeps me very busy.

Things that I've been thinking about lately....

** If you are thinking of way's to cut cost with groceries I want to invite you to visit this web-site

http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com/

** Thinking of what "cost free" things to do with the children this summer?

-Going to the library is a good time. If you have younger children, story time is fun. Participating in the summer reading program is also nice to gain free prizes. Check your local library.

-Another freebie...see if your city and state are listed.
http://www.kidsbowlfree.com/

-Having a weekly picnic with another family at a local park or alternating each other's home.

Little helper

2009-04-29T19:54:00.001-07:00

Chris loves to help with outside chores... and if he sees water of ANY sort he will make it his mission to just....touch it.

Strawberry pickin..

2009-04-29T19:27:00.001-07:00

This was our first time taking Chris strawberry picking with us. He had fun and he was in strawberry heaven. Chris loves fruit. Actually, I don't think there is a fruit that he won't eat.

UPDATE ON THE BABY BIRDS....

2009-04-29T19:24:00.000-07:00

Within 2 weeks after the boot incident, they flew the coop. I peeked in on them several times and meanwhile I planned on getting another snap shot of the birds. I was to late. All but one egg didn't hatch.
While this was going on we had another bird family nesting on the front porch. Exciting isn't it? I love new life. God is gracious to us all.

Momma taking care of her young....

2009-04-14T19:52:00.000-07:00

My dear husband pulled his boot off of the shelf to put on and low and behold there were baby birds....some hatched....some trying to hatch and others not yet hatched.

I was very emotional, because if the momma bird smelt any human touch to these babies she wouldn't take care of them so with extreme care the babies were put back in to the boot and soon after we saw momma back in the shoe taking care of the young...

Honestly, I cried and was so upset over the possibility of them dieing. I turned to my hubby and laid my head on his shoulder's. One might think that I am just a lover of all living thing's. I wouldn't go that far, definitely not a "hater", but I can't stand to see anything living-hurting. Those bird's were just hatched and still hatching and they were moving all around so they weren't hurt by the boot falling to the ground. As a matter of fact, as DH took the book off of the shelf the momma flew out, so I imagine that is why the boot hit the ground. :) As it stands now all is well and we are hoping to get some really good picture's of the bird's again really soon. After all the anxiety it felt like had just worked out on the treadmill. I'm grateful they are alright. Every spring since moving here, three years ago we have been priviledged to see new baby bird's.

Cake box cookies

2009-04-03T16:17:00.000-07:00

I learned this easy recipe from a dear friend. My boy's love to make them and it's so easy!

1 box of any cake mix of your choice (I get on sale or cheap ones)

2 eggs

1/2 cup of oil (we use coconut or grapeseed oil for most cooking)

Bake on 350 for 10-15 minute's (depending on your stove)

EASY, EASY and they stay moist in a plastic bowl with lid.

Enjoy!

Rising chef

2009-03-31T18:02:00.000-07:00

This cookbook is really good it covers safety, how and where to hold the food when using a sharp knife. It talks about organic foods and what it means. Making various stocks from scratch. We are going to work on that this weekend. I can't wait to see what he decides to cook next. I am so proud of my son. Who knows we may have a chef on our hands or he may just be an excellent help to his wife and cook for her often.

Since Ryan loves to cook I decided I would nurture this ambition in him. With that do some teaching about making healthy food choices...etc. We borrowed a "International children's cook book" from the library. He was so excited and eagerly searched for something to make for the family. He decided on "Hot and sour soup", chinese recipe. He knows that is my all time favorite so we purchased ingredient's and came home and cooked. I know it won't be long before he will be able to be turned completely loose in the kitchen. Enjoy the picture's..

This soup wasn't as dark as the picture, but boy was it good. We enjoyed it so much.

Ingredient's were: tofu (first time we used this), pork loin, mushrooms, chicken stock, peas, corn starch, green onion, soy sauce, vinegar,cornstarch, egg. We substituted several ingredients with heathier choices.

Cherry blossom festival...fun

2009-03-28T18:00:00.000-07:00

Chris enjoying ice cream at the festival.

The driver was really nice and this horse belonged to him. He offered these rides for "free". It was a pleasant and fun ride.

Horse drawn carriage ride was the best. We all enjoyed it so much. Made me want to learn more about horses.

The pink poodle.. was really friendly, not sure she enjoyed the pink dye though. :)

This is Buddy who is up for adoption, look at his face. How cute is he. He was so sweet and all of us wanted to bring him home that day. Notice his "pink" bandana around his neck.

Even the dog's get dressed up in cherry blossom "pink".

We really enjoyed seeing the dog show, the sea lion's and listening to christian music in the park on one day.

The next we had the opportunity to listen to high school boy's play instrumental music, they were really good, take a carriage ride and enjoy ice cream. It was worth our time.

Up early today...

2009-03-21T03:54:00.000-07:00

I woke up at 4:30 this morning and I sure does feel GREAT to be up before my DH who is the early bird in the family. He has good reason to sleep in this morning, though because he worked late into the night as a matter of fact I don't know when came to bed.

I completed, finally, my day 3 of "Setting captives free". It is best to do this in the AM as it does put the mind in the proper place seeking the Father's guidance.

Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in him! PSALM 34:8

...a scripture to ponder today as I eat when I have been signaled by the Lord to do so.

Thankful for this ministry. It is so much more than for those of us who need guidance with our eating. Check it out there are many other topic's to choose from.

Sharing....

2009-03-17T20:45:00.000-07:00

This is from www.settingcaptivesfree.com. To my friend's who may be blessed by this prayer AMEN!

NO FOOD WILL SATISFY MY HEART OR FILL THE EMPINESS IN MY SOUL. JESUS CHRIST IS "REAL MEAT" AND THE BREAD OF LIFE, AND I AM TO FEED ON HIM.

Random Updates

2009-03-15T18:52:00.000-07:00

The old computer that I shared with the children had issues and we lost many old picture's. I'm so heart broken by this.

Good news is my sweet hubby brought me a lap top.

God is working on my heart as it relates to "eating" righteously. I am trying to focus on eating only when his signal alarms me that I am hungry. Desperately, trying to follow "settingcaptivesfree.com" I want to honor God in every way of my life and this is one that I've held on for to long.

We are transforming our once carport into a game room. We enclosed it over a year ago. It was a storage room and now that DH has built the shed we are free to fix it up. So far we've painted the walls all white. I need color though. We are working on the floor and once that is accomplished we will set it up with a pool table and T.V. I'm looking forward to learning how to play pool with my hubby.

Once I have learned how to download picture's onto this new lap top I will share the snow picture's that we took a few weeks a go. Boy did we have a blast!

The snow bringing back memories....of home.

2009-03-02T09:57:00.000-08:00

It started coming down so quickly.....

Everywhere I looked it was just worthy of a picture...

My boy loving the snow...

It just looked so beautiful..

I hope these bushes will be alright..

The back yard/deck was just getting covered and it looked so beautiful...

INTRODUCING THE "THING"....

The "THING".

Mr. and Mrs. Snowman together.

Mrs. Snowman , Ryan is so proud that he built them all by himself!

Convicted....

2009-02-21T19:23:00.000-08:00

Romans 5:3-4

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces persverance; perseverance, character; and charcter, hope.

I have recently participated in a local "The Biggest Looser" contest and we just finished our second week.

The first week, I lost a little and this week I gained. I have exercised more than ever, but wasn't really watching my diet as closely as I should have. I'm seriously convicted like never before. I joined as a way to "motivate" myself. God is showing me that a contest is fine but not HIM, or his way. I must lean on his strength, and word to defeat this horrible "sin" in my life. Ouch, that hurts even as I type it.

I read in the word today, "If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, Heb 10:26 NIV

I believe that I have the knowledge to do this but I am lacking the faith, confidence in the Lord that he will do this through me. I am STILL leaning on myself...sadly I admit.

It is EXTREMELY difficult for me to admit publically but necessary.

My plan is to first "pray". I hope to post other revelation's as he gives them to me.

Thanks for reading.... :)

Learning to play the piano....

2009-02-18T20:44:00.001-08:00

I have recently began taking group, piano lesson's. Its for adult's and the price is unbelievably right.
I am so excited that now, I can understand how to help my son better with his piano lesson's or he can help me..ha,ha.
I've always wanted to learn to play an instrument.

If I had my choice I would learn to play the drums.

So far I am enjoying my learning its fast paste, but I like it.

For our family to learn to play instrument's was truly a wish of mine and for it to be happening now is a real blessing for me. Praise God!

Roman shade complete

2009-02-14T19:37:00.000-08:00

Thanks to a dear friend who lent me a sewing book called "Sewing for the Home" by Singer, that is actually a really good book! It has full color picture's of actual project's with very good explanation's.

So much so, that I am planning to try to find this book for future project's.

Thanks to my dear hubby who helped me with the installation and other aspect's of making sure this project was successful.

Although it isn't perfect I am proud of it and don't feel like it was difficult at all, so I am planning on making more of them.

*** I LOVE A BARGAIN***

I found the fabric at Good Will, one of my favorite places to shop. It only cost me $2.90. I made the shade, 2 pillows for the couch and I have enough fabric to cover 4 of the cushioned chair's around my dining room table. I still haven't decided if I am going to cover them though.

Thank you LORD!

We really don't have a clue......

2009-02-11T07:19:00.000-08:00

The worldly power's that be are always up to something. This actually has been organized while the Bush administration was in office.

Even if we don't know, God certainly does. What does it mean? Why am I posting it? It means that there are so many things going on even as I type this little message that we aren't aware of as the American people. Just passing information on to anyone interested.

Please listen to the clip below by clicking on the link. If for no other reason than to be informed.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAs7XZVgKhI&feature=related

Helping friends...does the heart good!

2009-02-09T07:05:00.001-08:00

This weekend we helped dear friend's of ours move. There was a double bonus in it for me. A few months ago they had twin boy's and this brought them to 8 children with 7 of them being all boy's. It was such a wonderful, short time we spent but never-the-less we enjoyed one another. I certainly loved loving on those babies!!!! Double the hug's - double the kisses!!!mmmm so sweet!

Ryan can cook!!!!

2009-02-02T15:56:00.000-08:00

Ryan had to take a picture with Chris, he was so excited about his making pizza experience!

That yummy home made pizza. CHEF RYAN

Today Ryan learned to make home made pizza and he did a GREAT job. It was delicious!

Friday night...is present your report!

2009-01-30T19:12:00.000-08:00

All week long the children are learning about a different state of their choice. They prepare a report to read out to Dad after dinner and after Chris has gone to bed (grin).

Tonight was really sweet because Ryan did his report on New York and he discovered that Ben and Jerry from that really great tasting ice cream (one of his favorite thing's to eat) were from New York. He has NEVER had their ice cream before (I know shame on me) so one of his motivation's was that if he did really well on his report, that his treat would be ice cream, of course! The cinnamon bun flavor was very tasty he said. He did very well and I am so proud of him.

Really, I am proud of all of the children as they did well. Ryan is also quite the cook he loves to try new thing's so he also made the "OFFICIAL NEW YORK APPLE MUFFINS"
Since the apple is the state fruit. They were really good as well, but required more ingredient's than any muffin should.

RJ's report was on Georgia and I can tell you that this week I really do have a few State Park's that I would love to see after tonight. His confidence is boosting with reading out loud (as loud as he physically can). He has really come a long way.

Ross is always a ham and ready to perform! His report was sweet and short...I think its a teenage (boy) thing. He reported on Vermont (we have friend's that live there). Get right to the point and be done with it. Full of fact's (like his DAD). He is very independent and for that I am grateful although at times it seems bitter/sweet. Surely, you moms understand and can relate to me???

This has really been fun and we are off to the next state and eventually countries!

Hey wouldn't it be neat to be one of those traveling/teaching families...just sale everything and live out of an RV and just do hands on school. Is that unschooling? Boy is that appealing .... after all this time of homeschooling I could go for that.

Feeling big....

2009-01-28T21:16:00.000-08:00

The winning smile!

Chris is determined to be a "BI BO" as he calls it.. He loves to feed him self with or without the spoon..eating sweet potatoes tonight.

Sweet fellowship among friend's

2009-01-25T21:06:00.000-08:00

We had sweet fellowship with longtime friend's tonight. It wasn't planned and they just happened to be coming in just when we were about to sit down to eat dinner. Which consisted of left over's. Since we eat at Church for fellowship meals every Sunday (pot luck style) I try to take it easy on Sunday evening dinner's. Anyway, I "insisted" they stay and eat with us. I added a few more dishes and we had the best time of laughing, talking and eating. They enjoyed the food and isn't that the way, I couldn't have planned it to be better. It really does warm my heart to have people sit and eat around the table with us.

I am thankful for friend's and especially for God that he has changed my heart and is molding me into the woman that he has planned for me to be. I also thank him for teaching me to listen to him. I am blessed beyond measure.

It is my prayer that I will alway's have an open heart to welcome other's into my home to break bread together, especially when it is unplanned.

"They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Acts 2: 42

VS 44 says... All the believers were together and had everything in common.

Save a life march/walk

2009-01-23T20:05:00.000-08:00

This was our first year participating in this wonderful event. We to love what the Lord loves and hate what he hates, and I believe he loves "life" for all and so to be a part of this event was a true blessing.

My son found a clip of this event and I hope you can see it to. If the Lord is willing we will be there participating again and again as he see fit.

CLICK ON THE TITLE...AND IT SHOULD COME RIGHT UP.

Another home remodeling

2009-01-19T18:03:00.000-08:00

This is our shed that we (Randy) are building. The boy's have helped him a lot and are in the building/learning process. I am so proud of my hubby!!!

Soon we can check off another project from the list.

I did the holy dance today

2009-01-19T11:25:00.000-08:00

While looking for my shoe....I found my camera! The new one that I had just got for Christmas (before) anyway it was behind the sofa.

Guess who could have thrown it back there? If you guessed Chris, I'll say you are right. He is quick and really did miss seeing him with it.

Oh, well I am so happy and praised the LORD. If you only knew how many time's I've lost a previous camera.

So sincerely grateful!

PRAISE THE LORD.
How good it is to sing praises to our God,
how pleasant and fitting to praise him?

PSALMS 147:1

I believe in EVERYTHING even the "small" stuff. The hard stuff and the tough stuff.

Psalms Sunday.....

2009-01-17T22:21:00.000-08:00

Psalms 100

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
Worship the Lord with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the Lord is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, the sheep of his
pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.

* His faithfulness doesn't end*

How awesome is that!

Reflecting....

2009-01-14T18:18:00.000-08:00

-Reflecting on life itself. How short it is and how we don't know from one moment to the next what is going to happen.
*I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.
Psalm 4:8

-Reflecting on how I don't think to say "If the Lord is willing" enough.
*Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that." James 4:15

-Reflecting on how the children are growing up so quickly.
*Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

-Reflecting on "love" -ing, everyone. What that truly means...
*The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love.
Psalms 33:5

-Reflecting on being joyful always.
*Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1Thessalonians 5:16-18

...PRAYING FOR MY DEAR 82 YEAR OLD FRIEND WHO, IS CURRENTLY IN THE HOSPITAL...PRAYING FOR A SPEEDY RECOVERY.

*"Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the Lord. Leviticus 19:32

Happy Birthday to my 10 year old!

2009-01-13T19:40:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it has been 10 years. It is truely bitter sweet. Watching children grow up is such a blessing. While I call him my "baby" opps did I say that?? I mean "big boy", I look into his eye's and I see that once adorable little one cooing at me....and then he speaks and I realize I was day dreaming. He had a good day today and for that I am happy. One of my favorite picture's.
With our dog "Missy".
He loves kitten's.
"BUZZ RYAN LIGHT YEAR" to the rescue. He use to LOVE dressing up in his favorite character's.

He wouldn't allow me to cheer him on while he was swimming it distracted him, he said. :) I was allowed to take a picture though.

If you look closely (second one in from the front) you will see him about to dive in and compete in the free style. He was just 5 year's old here and I couldn't believe how great he could swim.

Love my elder's

2009-01-12T19:22:00.000-08:00

I have a DEAR friend who is 82 year's of age and I appreciate her friendship as a matter of fact our whole family just loves her dearly. We had her over for dinner tonight and she loves to play with the children. She brought over an old fashioned game called "pick up sticks" and "jacks" it was cute. I remembered those games. My younger son didn't exactly want to play jacks the right way he preferred to spin the jacks in stead of pick them up. :)

Later as he played with his little action figure "men"(armored), it was so innocent she looked at him and said he's in the bible! Randy helped her figure out which scripture she was recalling and it goes like this...

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against the flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Ephesians 6:10-16

As she read...it dawned on me that this scripture was surely for me! I had one of those day's today, actually it started last night and hung on all morning long! My heart was cut and wide open for the Lord's word. I have to remember who I belong to and who I do everything that I do "for".

What a blessing this evening has been.

Looking for community service opportunities?

2009-01-12T18:59:00.000-08:00

I am always looking for ways of serving/volunteering the community as a family and I came across this site:

www.usaservice.org

You just input your zip code and it will show you what is going on in your area. Or if you would like to start a group just go to that web-site.

Have you heard?

2009-01-10T17:24:00.000-08:00

I just read on another blog that it will soon be illegal to buy used children's clothes and toy's etc.

Check out the link.

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-thrift2-2009jan02,0,2083247.story

I really hope this doesn't really apply to thrift or second hand stores.

Could this really be?

I really don't like the indication's of this and how awful it will be for the Goodwill who hire people that are in need of a second chance.

Thankful for having a tender heart

2009-01-06T17:41:00.000-08:00

I've recently learned about a little 7 year old Russian girl in need of a family. Apparently her mother passed away. She is currently in Atlanta and has 2 weeks left here in the states,to get adopted.

....My heart wants to save her! To give her a family that she can call her own. And I can have my daughter. I wish it were that simple,but it isn't. If I always listened to my heart as I am so lead to do I would react simply on emotion's and not wisdom from the Holy Spirit!

I am thankful for having a heart that cries out for children and people. I use to fight being so sensitive, but I've learned to appreciate how God has made me and I realize that there is a time and a place for my "gift". :)

So happy to have a heavenly father that I can call on anytime, anywhere and for any reason!

What am I to do?

2009-01-05T18:02:00.000-08:00

Lil Chris is such a sweet addition to our family and we love him sooooo much.

Currently, I am trying to "remember" what it was like to have a toddler in the home. This guy is VERY busy~ Active~ Verbal~ and fun,happy and dare I say LOUD!

He is determined to be in the spot light no matter what (ha,ha,ha). I can see him now up on the stage performing a Christmas play or singing, or even PREACHING! I don't know what the Lord's plans are for him but he is obviously going to "SPEAK" in some capacity. The child talks.....A L L D A Y .....
I am serious, I know it doesn't seem possible for a 1 year old to do that but he does! He is constantly talking to all of us,now that he can say our names...I'm Ma or MOM, RJ is r-da, Ross is Ra,Ra, Ryan is Ian and of course Randy is DA or DA,DA.

Today, he said Mom ju (juice) out, and handed me his cup! I about fell out of my seat! He is putting sentences together. I love that he is learning to say words.

He is special and we have the privilege to be his immediate family.

I am challenged right now as to what to do with him and I keep thinking he needs a play mate (am I crazy?). He does so well with other children around, yeah, my boy's are around but they have school work to do and honestly they get him all hyped up and there is no settling him down after they all play together. Y'all pray for me in this house of all "men". My youngest reminded me of that at the dinner table. I told him that I was WELL aware that I've long ago been out numbered.

...I guess I could count the 3 hens, and 1 dog that are female with me that totals 5. They can't talk to me though.. There's the 1 rooster and 5 men! Still out numbered! :)

I love my house of men and they love me too! I wouldn't trade them for the world and we are having fun. Actually, the Lord is teaching me how to have fun through them. I'm still praying for direction as how to "do" school effectively with a toddler in the house.

Taking picture's is hard to do sometimes.....Picture Blooper's

2008-12-23T19:18:00.000-08:00

Dating myself

2008-12-15T21:08:00.001-08:00

Did you see the PAC MAN game on the right? Yes, that is my one and only favorite game to play, if I have to play games. It can relieve some stress..go ahead and try it. Let me know what your high score is.

Book recommendation...

2008-12-14T21:36:00.000-08:00

In my effort's to LEARN more about what it means to be a "proverbs 31 woman" I am seeking help through reading various books.
This book seems to flow nicely with Proverbs 31:10-12....
"FASCINATING WOMANHOOD" By Helen B. Andelin, while I don't agree with everything I have greatly benefited from many suggestion's in her book. In my humble opinion its worthy of reading.

These topic's may be of some interest to you:

Introduction, What this book can do for you

Part I: Then angelic qualities
Accept a man at face value
Admiration
His sensitive pride
Sympathetic understanding
Make him No.1
Man's role in life
Man, the protector
...just to name a few

Part II: The human qualities
Femininity
The feminine manner
Radiant Happiness
Fresh Radiant Health
Child likeness
....and more

The philosophy of Fascinating Womanhood grew out of Helen Andelin's dissatisfaction with her own marriage. Feeling loved but not cherished, cared for but not treasured, Mrs. Andelin turned to the marriage books in her library for guidance. The answers weren't there. Searching further, finding fragments of information in a variety of sources Helen Andelin finally discovered the essential elements for a successful marriage. Putting her new found knowledge into practice, she watched her marriage change dramatically for the better.
It goes on to say that she began talking to woman in small groups and out of that grew this book, written in 1965.

Reading her book has enlightened me and put many of my concerns in the proper perspective. As a result of changing the way that I think I have been blessed by the fruit of it in my marriage.

Emotional weekend...

2008-12-14T19:22:00.000-08:00

It doesn't take much for me to cry and from what one of my aunts shared with me I've always been this way. My aunt Jeannie reminded me of a time when I was young and her younger 3 children were 7+ year's younger than me so they were like my little brother's and sister's. She said she remembered a time when they would get in trouble and I knew they were about to get a spanking so I started crying for them. I laughed and vaguely remember that, but she told me that I've always been emotional.
I am thankful for the ability to "cry" and "feel". Although, at the time I am not focused on that, it is only now that I can think clearly after the rain. Can you imagine being addicted to a substance that doesn't allow "you" to feel? Or having the desire not to feel, because the pain is unbearable?

I can't imagine that, although I would prefer to "feel" happy rather than sad or heart broken or anything hard. I thank God for giving me his strength. Hey, I'm just thankful for having GOD in my life, I don't want to know where I'd be without him.

I am thankful for the body of Christ and how God uses others to help us remember to praise him through our circumstances. Being genitally reminded of this was just what I needed at the time.
Again..I am thankful for God's grace and that he knows my heart and that he loves me.

Truly, living without God isn't living at all and we need to remember that Satan is prowling around trying desperately to take our minds and hearts away from the Father. I say flee from me evil one!

We made it through

2008-12-06T07:46:00.000-08:00

Praise God he carried me through this race today! It was incredible. There just isn't any denying that there is just a community among runner's and how fun these races really are.
It was cold,but I layered up good and it really wasn't bad.
I listened to praise and worship and with raised hands periodically as I "jogged" up and down hills I thanked my heavenly father for everything. What a blessed time this was for me. I praise the Lord for it.
I did not beat my last time I actually went over by 2 minute's but I am not discouraged because I've been blessed. I met a lady who had preemie twins at the children's hospital last year and I got to share with her about my preemie son who is almost 16 year's old...wow did I say that! It sure does sound like I must be old...ha! I also met two cute lil college student's, girls who finished the race in about 20 minute's, they had previously did a half marathon..it was so cool just meeting so many people and generally most are very friendly.

2008-12-02T16:24:00.001-08:00

The many faces of the Chris man.....It is becoming harder to get snap shot's of him lately.
This look is as though he is thinking do I have to stop to take a picture?
The red in this picture on his face is from the camera..MY NEW ONE! I haven't figured it out yet, but I will.

Chris said grace tonight. He is talking up a storm and he repeated everything that I told him. It was the cutest thing tonight. We all clapped for him and was very blessed by it. He is a very social little boy and he never ceases to surprise me. I am so thankful that God has placed him in our lives. It is difficult not knowing what the end result will be but I am learning to be content in whatever situation that God blesses us with.

DIY Junkie!

2008-11-24T07:18:00.000-08:00

I think that I am becoming a DIY junkie! We (Randy) made our oldest son a bed, with under bed storage. I am so excited. My job is to paint it. The bed is looking good. Our son even commented on how nice it looks. I recently painted their room and I can't wait to get this bed finished.

I love home decorating...it is so much fun. I am an artist by nature and I don't get to display that side of myself much anymore. It has been year's since I've painted, or drawn ANYTHING! I do miss it, and someday I plan to pick it back up again. Right now I'll continue to dabble in "creating" our home into a place that feels just like that...HOME!

I'll post picture's as soon as I am done.

The State of the U.S.A.

2008-11-23T20:10:00.000-08:00

I was listening to one of my favorite christian radio station's this evening and there was a section where they reported the news. I am so disturbed at what I learned today. I was completely floored to hear that there is human trafficking in AMERICA, yes right here in the good ole' USA. They named states like Oklahoma, Kansas, certain parts of FLORIDA. This is so huge that these people are taking children right off of the streets, traumatizing them so much so that they won't try to run away. They even change their names.

...A brief story was told of a young girl 12 year's old who went to a "higher level" educated school that she had to walk some distance to get to. She was a great student and primarily good child. She was kidnapped by a pimp because the money is so GREAT they will go to major lengths to get these children. He changed her name, controlled her to a point that she was terrified of him. She was arrested 17 times in one year for "PROSTITUTION" if you can believe that! She has a record. No one checked to see who her parent's were. They allowed anyone to pick her up once she served her time. She was greatly terrified of her pimp and wouldn't turn him in. After realizing that her pimp and the men who were "buying" her didn't do any jail time she finally she got the strength to get out of this situation when she was "16"! This is mind blowing. Her pimp ended up in prison for a very long time.
These children aren't poverty stricken, there aren't any specifics as to who gets chosen as it relates to economic status or race.
There is BIG money (approximately 1,000.00 or so a day) to be made in this horrific "business" if you will, and "greed" is the main reason for this outrageous crime.

This news saddens me greatly and leaves me heart broken for all of these children and wondering "why" and "how"? It truly is beyond my level of comprehension. This is something that goes on in third world countries...are we becoming one ourselves? Not that is ok to be going on there either.What is it that we truly care about in AMERICA? Is there a New World Order? These are all question's that in my humble opinion are worth pondering over. These and many other happening's could be sign's of the end times for sure. As a Christian, I know one thing for sure I have J E S U S! No matter, what happens in this world, it is NOT my home. For that I am thankful.
Please join me in praying for all of these children who's parent's must think that they are in the bottom of an ocean somewhere...while we are at it lets pray for their parent's too!

Delicious and easy apple pie

2008-11-19T18:39:00.000-08:00

I made apple pie last night. My children have asked me for year's to make apple pie. I finally got my nerves up to "try". I found a recipe and it was very easy and I couldn't believe how good it was. If my hubby comments on how good something taste, than I know it is good.

I used fresh granny smith apples (peeling is time consuming), flour,butter,baking powder,sucanat sugar (called for white sugar) and brown sugar. I purchased already made pie crust which came two in a package. I used one for the topping crust of one pie. I had enough filling for 2 more pies so I had to make a top crust out of the flour that I had. I used a mixture of wheat flour being hard white and red, a little bran flour and made a biscuit dough for the topping of the other two pies. I couldn't have planned it to come out tasting so good. I couldn't believe it, in my Home Comfort's book the author says that a woman should be able to cook without using a cookbook through experiment's etc. When I first read that I didn't agree totally, but now I do think that there are some advantages to being "able" to cook without using "recipe's" all of the time. My mother didn't even own any recipe books and we loved her made up dishes. I guess you can say that I am a little proud of myself for giving up fear of making apple pie.

Gearing up for another race

2008-11-13T09:03:00.000-08:00

Yes, I have decided to participate in another race. My husband is so good to me he got me a treadmill so I've been trying to build my endurance for this next race. It will be the first week of December. I am excited that another friend of mine is going to do the race with me. My goal is always to try to beat my previous time. Pray for us to do well and our safety. As I age...not that I am old or anything :) but I have a fear of falling..ha!

Life..

2008-11-10T20:48:00.000-08:00

I just attended a banquet for a local adoption angency in out town. What stands out the most to me is about a woman who had 7 children (single mom) traveled from the state of Illinois to Georgia to start a new life. She lived in a few shelter's and ultimately got on her feet by findind a job and a place for her chilren to live. She didn't know anyone here and to her surprise she was pregnant with her 8th child. She knew she couldn't afford to take care of another child so she made the decision to put it up for adoption. I think of how hard that must have been for that mother to already have childrena and not be able to keep this one. Ultimately the child was adopted into a wonderful family and is fine. What a huge sacrifice this woman made. I can't imagine ever doing that and I know this woman must have felt GREAT pain in making this desicion, but I thank God that she made the decision.
...Another story about a older child between the age of 7-9 I really don't remember, because I had Chris with me (smile) anyway the agency got a call that this biological child's parent wanted to put "her" up for adoption, I kept thinking "really" after all of this time. They didn't go into details as to why but that they had to really pray for this situation because they don't usually take older children. Her point was if we don't say "yes" to a child who will? That hit hard! Who will take a child into their home to love and train up in the LORD? Who will? They said yes and they PRAYED specific's for this child and the adoptive parent's and GOD answered not one, not two but ALL of their prayer's and this child is happy now with new parent's.

I don't know why people make the decision's that they make but I am so glad that there are agencies like this one to be there for the new born child or older one. I am so thankful for these families as well. My heart aches for the innocent child who needs a home. As a little girl I always wanted to adopt a child from every country. I don't know if the Lord has that plan for my life, but I do think that more children are in his plans for our family.

One baby..??? NO two babies!!!!

2008-11-10T20:32:00.000-08:00

My dear sweet friend Mrs. B was pregnant with her 7th child. Two weeks before she was due she found out that there were two..instead of one. She now has 7 son's and 1 daughter. How sweet they are.... Julian and Jackson

Did you vote?

2008-11-04T12:38:00.000-08:00

I for one am so happy that this day has come and is almost gone. I have thought about voting vs. not voting. I have had numerous conversation's with many people on this issue. Ultimately, I decided to vote. It wasn't easy for me because I did not want to choose either candidate and that included Bob Barr. Frankly, I can see the end times approaching and faster than we may realize. I have prayed and I have prayed to our Heavenly Father who should I vote for and without getting a clear answer on that issue specifically. He whispered to me to "ask" my husband. So, I did and I went solely on his advice. It amazed me at how quickly the anxiety left my body after doing what the Lord told me to do. I am content with it and so we move on to see who our new president will be. Either way it goes I believe that God will have his way and his will be done.

I am learning to be the woman that God has called me to be and it just feels GREAT! It never fails that when I make decision's from acting in obedience to him he always blesses me. What faithfulness to an undeserving woman like me.

Race for a cure...

2008-11-01T18:51:00.000-07:00

I participated in another 5K today. This race was to help children who have cancer and their families. Just racing for that fact alone was the ultimate reason I did it. It was cold this morning at 8 a.m. I don't think I warmed up until well after noon. :)
It was really encouraging to see all of the children taking part in such a great cause today.
I met my goal and that was to beat my last time, which I did by 4 minutes and approximately 40 seconds. I was excited! There is a jingle bell race next month that I can't believe that I am honestly considering. I don't think that I can talk my friend into doing that one too! I may be alone on that one.
Overall I felt really blessed to have taken place in this race and for a friend who agreed to do it with me.

Great buy, home made and home improvement's...

2008-10-20T19:24:00.000-07:00

This is the most recent thing that my dear husband has made. We needed more hanging space in our tiny closet since we have to share, so he designed this system, made it and stained it to match our bed. The really neat thing is that he can take the system out, it isn't nailed to the wall. Traditionally, a closet system would provide one side with just one pole and the opposite has two poles, but since I don't really have many dresses I requested two poles for hanging on my side as well. I really admire my hubby. When he gets a vision for something there is no stopping him. Things have really turned out GREAT!
I went "Antique" shopping a few weeks ago and after getting over the ticket "shock" I realized that our budget won't allow for a REAL antique at the time, I'd better fall back on plan #2! Randy allowed me to have a little time alone this past weekend and I went to an antique mall, now they have many vendor's and not everything is antique, but this dresser ( I desperately needed was a true bargain and not an antique.) It was under $200.00 bucks and what a find. It has some flaws but nothing that concerned me what-so-ever. We knew we couldn't make a dresser for this price so we got it. I just love it! Notice the hardwood floor's in this picture is more accurate of the color of the hard wood floor's.
This is a picture of the bed that we made, it has huge under bed storage and I especially love the simple headboard with fabric that makes it interesting to look at. Sorry my camera is really old and I have asked for another for Christmas.. We'll see if my wish comes true.

When we purchased our house 2 1/2 years a go we did so with a lot of "vision". It being older and smaller and not updated at all since it was built in the "80's". The largest undertaking has been the hard wood floor's that we've (my husband) has installed throughout the entire house minus bathrooms and kitchen. WE ARE FINALLY FINISHED! We started about this time last year and finished up in late August. This has really been GREAT progress since my husband has done the remainder of it with a "broken" knee cap, and fostering a baby around the same time he had his injury. God is good we've made it this far. I wanted to take a few picture's to show what we've done and we are so proud. The floors aren't as dark as they seem on this picture either, so again my camera is very old. These are a few thing's that we've really come to LOVE doing. There are many more project's to come, we don't run short of doing them, but the hardest decision is "what" to do next.

Emotional Sunday

2008-10-05T13:46:00.000-07:00

Today I had the GREAT opportunity to see of my dear Aunt Juanita, one whom I haven't seen or spent any real time with since my mother passed away 16 year's ago.

She doesn't look any older. She looks real GOOD for "75". She was always one who kept her self up nicely. She is very petite was sporting 2 to 3 inch high heels. Not a problem for her at all. I would have been tripping all over myself in heels. I've never been one to wear high heels. Growing up in Ohio, we spent a lot of time with her family. She had three children 2 boy's and one daughter. Her oldest son passed away some time back with lukemia, Larry was smart, strong and very handsome. When he got sick he tried his best to stay strong. He use to tell me I looked like Stacy Lattisaw, in our time she was young singer. We spent many summer's at their house playing and having fun as children. The short visit went well today and we had a really good time just talking for that short while. But seeing her made me think of my mother. I am actually very emotional , just wishing I could hug my mom and she could see the "woman" I have turned out to be with the help of the Lord. Hoping she would be proud of me and how we are raising her grandson's. Which she has never seen, she passed away before they were born. She would love them dearly. My youngest told me that I look like her today. I thought that was a special "kiss" from the Lord.
There are only 5 children left of my mother's siblings...from 16! It is said that two sets were twins and died at birth. My mother's birth certificate said she was a multiple and the sister right before her has twin checked on her birth certificate. They grew up with 12, 9 were girl's and the rest boy's. Talking about a large family, I come from one. Someday real soon I'd love to do a family tree and present it to the remaining sister's.

Hearty chicken noodle soup

2008-10-01T19:17:00.000-07:00

Dear sweet husband wanted to "taste" his chicken's so he requested chicken noodle soup for dinner today. If left up to me they would have stayed in the freezer almost indefinitely.. LOL

Nevertheless it was good. I kept telling myself not to think about it, just eat it. I got through it and I think the next time we get chicken's we will make sure to order "meat" bird's as well. If he can process, I will cook...hey and actually eat. I just had to get it over with...you know for the children's sake. :)

Random picture's from vacation

2008-09-30T18:51:00.000-07:00

We always go to the book store on vacation (family tradition)
Chris and Seth trying to get out on the patio..

Sweet picture..

Meeting baby Jay..

2008-09-30T18:35:00.000-07:00

Baby Jay with Mom and Dad
Baby Jay eating birthday cake with mommy, we got to celebrate his 1st birthday with him. It was touching to hear his dad praying that they didn't know if they would ever see this day.

Baby Jay is doing well and NOT missing any meal's.

Vacation picture's...Panama City Beach, Florida

2008-09-30T18:24:00.000-07:00

Sunrise...
Chris really took to Aunt Jo..
Cam caught a crab, he caught the first one, 3 were caught in all and all were thrown back into the water.
Cute picture with daddy..
Cousins having fun in the ocean
Ross crab hunting...
Making sand castles..
Beautiful ocean....

Beautiful sunset...

YAHOO!!! VACATION TIME!!!

2008-09-19T20:48:00.000-07:00

We are off to the beach, Lord willing tomorrow. We can't wait to feel that warm sand on our feet. We have waited all summer to go on vacation. Generally, we plan to go during most of the off season because we prefer "not" to be in crowd's. One of the blessing's of HOMESCHOOLING.

My sister-in-law is going with us this year, which is also a blessing and we are glad that she can join us. We also have Chris this year and we can't wait to see how he'll react to the ocean. He loves water so he should love the ocean.

The resort that we will be staying at is directly on the water so hopefully it will be a blessing. All of the balcony's are facing the ocean so I can't wait to get out there and be with God in the early morning.

Pray for us as we travel.

I plan to post picture's when we return.

Having fun with the boy's

2008-09-17T20:22:00.002-07:00

CHICKEN ANY ONE????

2008-09-17T20:22:00.001-07:00

Do you remember the 6 Rooster's and 3 Hen's that we have? Five lucky Rooster's are now in our freezer.

A really nice man came over to our house from Church to help my husband PROCESS them. I proudly walked down to the area in which they were setting up with Chris on one side and the other was the camera. As I watched them carry the bird's up one at a time from the pen, I just couldn't stay. I turned the camera over to my son and walked back into the house. Temptation got the best of me so I looked out of the window of the HOUSE of course and I saw the headless bird wiggling! That was enough for me. Needless to say the job is done and the bird's were actually a really good size. The very last thing to do was to wash them and prepare them for the freezer. I had the hardest time touching them, even though the looked just like a bird that had been purchased at the grocery store! I just couldn't hardly stand it so my friend helped me wash,o.k. she washed them!!! I held the bag open. I am such a, dare I say " C H I C K E N".!!!
I guess one day I will proudly say....I helped in processing the bird's. I can see purchasing bird's, raising them up for meat and egg's but processing and actually eating them is another story. I can even cook them for the family to eat, but the true test will be if I EAT THEM!

Having fun with Chris....

2008-09-17T20:22:00.000-07:00

I had fun taking these picture's of Chris the other night. He had fun too!

Visit from DFCS

2008-09-12T23:57:00.001-07:00

We had our quarterly visit for the Social Worker today. It went well, and nothing specific happened.

Initially Chris was hesitant to go close to her and clung to me. For a moment I wondered if he "remembered" her taking him from his previous foster mom and bringing him here. He reacted like he thought something was going to happen. It took him a long time to warm up. Surely, he is to young to remember all of that?

Later in the visit he returned to being himself, but it was odd for him because he is generally a PEOPLE PERSON.

He's the baby that screams across the department floor at "anyone" who will give him eye contact and tries to get their attention. I thought that was really odd for him to react so shyly today.

Sometime's I wonder if I like punishment. Why? I am up way to late AGAIN it is 3:01 a.m. and I should be resting right now. So, good night!

Thankful for my husband

2008-09-12T05:32:00.000-07:00

Always thankful for my husband's calm heart. I tend to get overly concerned about things that are out of my control.
Lately, it has been concerning the future of our "foster son" Chris. I've felt so torn between what to do and what not to do, if you will. As, I shared this with my husband he reminded me that I don't have to be concerned about something that I don't have control over and espeically not right now because there is still plenty of time left to pray.

It felt like the pressure just left my shoulder's with his words.
God never cease to amaze me, in how he knows just what I need and when I need it. I am thankful for my husband because he is the "calm" and level head in our lives.

First steps...

2008-09-10T22:05:00.000-07:00

Chris took his first steps today without holding on to anything. Of course he did this for Randy...It was so awesome. He was a little stinker today, but everything that wasn't so "good" got erased today when he took his first steps. He is turning into a TODDLER for sure. He is busy, busy, busy! I am up late and totally enjoying the "sound" of NOTHING! Well, maybe my typing on the keyboard but not a voice in the back ground. This is nice but morning comes fast so I shall retire.

What is interval training?

2008-09-09T18:34:00.000-07:00

I found out tonight! We are considering joining this running club to stay motivated and get in shape as a family.

Let me tell you that interval training was for ME, VERY difficult! They ran "sprint's", at the 100, 200 and 300. They walked the 400. I did my very best which meant I was left in the dust, but hey I'm not sad about it, I have a goal! "To just be able to keep up with the group". It may take me until next year or later, but that is alright I feel really good tonight and I should sleep good as well.

All of us tried our very best and I am so proud of my family for supporting me in my effort's to get back in shape. Even little Chris was standing at the gate cheering me on.
Thanks you Lord for such a blessed day. I love it when the whole family is together doing something that we can all get into. Please pray for Randy as he continues to challenge himself and get his knee back in full swing.

A really good book called Home comforts By Cheryl Mendelson

2008-09-03T19:22:00.000-07:00

I checked this book out from the library and knew that I needed to have it in my library. It is a really huge book with approximately 900 pages of GREAT information. A very good reference book to go to when you are ready to learn to do something the correct way as it relates to keeping the home. An all around great book for the beginner house wife or veteran could definitely benefit from this book. I decided to purchase it and I can't wait for my copy to come in the mail.

What does BEING A PROVERBS 31 WOMAN MEAN?

2008-09-03T18:54:00.000-07:00

The bible tells us what a Proverbs 31 woman is/ does,but I need it broken down even further. I've been searching and I found this link. It is interesting.. check it out and let me know what you think. I will break down my thought's later.
http://www.wcg.org/lit/bible/poet/prov31.htm

Created for work....

2008-09-02T18:36:00.000-07:00

Yes, young men are created for HARD work. This book has been a blessing to our family in that they are taking it to heart. Today we discussed how "MAINTENANCE" and how if we don't keep our belongings maintained they wear out and age quicker.

How acquiring is easy, and how if we continue to do that we aren't improving the earth that God created for us but polluting it. How costly it can be to keep repurchasing things.
A quote from the book: "Whether you consider a business, a home, or a fruit tree, each will fall like the sluggard's rock wall without regular maintenance."

Another quote from the book that shed a ton of light for me personally " The Bible says that Jesus created the world and currently maintains it (Colossians 1:15,16) Imagine what it takes to maintain a water system that feeds every living plant and animal on the planet." Think of the challenges to provide continual oxygen, heating, and cooling for a whole world. He's a maintainer and He created us in His image! Those who accept this role prosper in His kingdom. Those who won't adopt maintenance mentality, suffer consequences.
As parent's we do understand this and try to teach it to our children, but is so nice to have read it in his book to our young men tonight.

I'll end with this scripture: Proverbs 4:23 - Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

Picture's of Chris...

2008-09-01T18:39:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ONE SPECIAL LIL' GUY!

2008-09-01T18:35:00.000-07:00

We've had you for 3 month's now and we are all so in love with you. It was such a pleasure watching you eat your "whole" cup cake! I can't believe it. You know I NEVER gave my older 3 children a whole cup cake at 1 year's old. I'm getting weak, ha,ha,ha! What a hoot to see him enjoy it so much.

I FINISHED THE RACE!!! YAHOO!!!

2008-09-01T18:28:00.000-07:00

I actually finished the road race in a decent amount of time considering I haven't done this type of thing in a while. I believe I averaged approximately 15 to 16 minute's per mile. Which is very SLOW, but I am still encouraged and proud. My journey continues on with participating in races and exercising, controlling my eating and finally loosing this unwanted weight.

I am also thankful for my dear friend's who participated in the race with me Mrs. M and Mrs. J. It was truly a blessing to me! Thanks again!

PREPARING FOR THE 5K

2008-08-30T11:39:00.000-07:00

As I think about how long it has been since I've participated in any type of "group" exercise, well let's just say that I don't really remember the exact year! I can't locate my T-shirt either to jog my memory.

The last race was a 6 mile race. Now this didn't include the distance that I had to walk to get to the starting point, that must have been about 3 miles by itself and the same distance back to where my vehicle was parked.

Monday is the big day and I've been walking and the last couple of weeks I've been doing some weight training.

Today, I tried jogging/walking and it actually felt good so much so that I had to come home and take a nap.

I was nervous about it at first, but honestly now I am so excited and the best part is the reward the T-Shirt!!! :) Honestly, some might think how silly, but I absolutely love the T-Shirt's.

Jogging/running has always been my exercise of choice, I'm not much of a step climber or a bike rider, although I do try those things at times but jogging and participating in road races are fun. I only try to compete against myself and see if I can do better than the time before.

Think of me on Monday and wish me well. :)

HOME REMODELING PROJECT'S

2008-08-27T20:28:00.000-07:00

We are almost finished with one of our many, project's. Getting rid of all of the carpet! Yes, we are so excited. We are down to our bedroom where half of the room is hard wood and the other side is nasty carpet.

On our list of project's inside are as follows....

1) Completely gut and remodel both bathrooms. I am planning on posting before and after picture's.

2) The kitchen,now this will be my personal favorite.

3) Move our laundry area back into our walk in pantry and turn that old space (laundry area) into a 1/2 bath.

4) Turn the enclosed garage into a "game room".

This doesn't look like a lot but it will take a whole lot of time. Because I am the type that has to plan way in advance...mentally! I am do it NOW and it is working out for me.

Living through a remodel isn't the easiest thing to do, but we are doing it. Our children are learning a ton from it as well. They are gaining skills that even grown men aren't equipped with so it is truly a blessing to me.

Visiting mom...

2008-08-27T20:18:00.001-07:00

Chris may get to see his mom next week. I was actually excited that she made the call and requested a visit. This is really good because I have been praying for her and I really do hope that she will give her life to the Lord. She is so young and so lost. She is missing out on so much not being in his life. With that said, I am thankful to the Lord that he has given "us" this opportunity to love him and raise him up to know the Lord.

Chris is such a lovely baby who will be a year old on the first of September. I am looking forward to his birth day and see what he decides to do with a birthday cake when placed right in front of him.

2008-08-25T19:15:00.000-07:00

Fun in the sand..

2008-08-15T17:46:00.001-07:00

Fun filled day

2008-08-15T17:39:00.001-07:00

Chris loves being outside and he was happy, happy, happy. He loved the swing today and looked like a big boy with the older boys.

Finishing up the HARDWOOD Floor's

2008-08-09T11:53:00.001-07:00

RJ learning to use the nail gun today was so exciting for him. Now we have both older boy's in training. This really does my heart good. RJ is so proud, that he had his opportunity at the nail gun.

We have EGGS!!!!!

2008-08-05T10:22:00.000-07:00

We went out to check on the chicken's today and low and behold...Ross stuck is head in the nesting boxes and there were "2" egg's!!!!

I had to take picture's of them, being the first eggs and all. How excited we are today!

Excited...Frightened...OH MY!

2008-08-03T22:37:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that I am actually going to do it! Randy and I usually do these types of things together, but since he hurt his knee he won't be able to walk/jog for a while.
I asked a friend from Church if she would do it with me and she said YES! I am excited because I so need this to jump start my consistent exercising plan.

The exercising that I am doing right now is a combination of riding bikes with Randy and walking with Chris and Ryan.

Please pray for me especially that I won't get any cramps and that I finish, but not be the last one to cross. :) That is my only goal this time around!

Here is a link to my Labor Day plans: http://www.macontracks.org/LDRR-2008.htm

What an amazing God I serve!

2008-08-03T20:51:00.000-07:00

A few days ago we accidentally locked "Chris" in the vehicle.... let me explain!

My youngest son is really a GREAT helper, he carries my purse and Chris' diaper bag for me to the vehicle, while I carry "Chris" who isn't light weight..ha!

Anyway, my son was trying to get a ride in the front seat, when I was buckling

Chris in. I noticed that he was trying to ride in the front seat :) so I reminded

him that he had to get into the back seat, so he did but somehow when he got out,

the doors locked! I didn't notice it right off because I was just trying to get

going. He closed the front passenger door and I closed the back one where the

baby was buckled in at. He walked over to the other side of the vehicle and said,

hey, mom I can't get in. I couldn't believe it, I was starring my keys right in the

eye's and I couldn't get to them!!!! Initially I didn't panic because I just knew

that "my DH" had a spare set in the house. WE HAVE ALWAYS had a

spare....since FOREVER! I couldn't find them nor could I get my DH on the

phone to find out where they were! I started to panic!!! I sent one of the boy's

over to a neighbor's to see what he could do to help direct my next move. Before

he came out I decided (I couldn't wait) to call 911- Long story short "they don't

do anything but ask a ton of question's and offered to call a lock smith for me!"

When I was told that, I decided to call one myself. So, I thanked the 911

operator and called a locksmith myself. Now, all of this felt like it took hours

when actually it was minutes! THANK the LORD that he provided one that was

really close by in a neighborhood that I was familiar with and I gave him

direction's to our house. He was there for maybe 5 minute's and had the door

unlocked to the tune of $50.00 buck's. My son, said he really wanted to say out

loud "that was cool" ...ha! But he didn't...He later told his dad and I that he

may have found out what he would like to do in life..as a career! :)

Chris was just fine and I was so happy to hold him in my arms again! Boy that

was really nice. I was a WRECK and one of my children told me that I was

acting a little illiterate, because I couldn't open the door after the locksmith

clearly unlocked it, he had to jump in and open the door for me. What an

ordeal, I can honestly say that I haven't or I truly don't remember doing that

with the other 3 boy's when they were babies..but I did lock the key's in the

vehicle with it running when I was pregnant a couple of time's. I wasn't 42 then

either...ha,ha,ha!!!

God is gracious- means, an undeserved favor or gift; the undeserved forgiveness, kindness and mercy that God gives us.

While, I know that I am saved by his grace alone, I can not tell you enough how

helpless I felt right in the middle of this ordeal, but I surely FELT Gods

GRACE upon me this day. I was "in tune" to it and blessed by it! Right after we

were all in the house making sure that Christ was fine, I felt an over whelming

desire to in some way praise God for bringing us out of this situation and the

DOXOLOGY just came to my mind, so I asked the boy's if we could sing it and so

we did. All of the tremble left my body and what remained was just the after "shock".

2 Corinthians 12:9
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weakness, so that Christ's power may rest on me.

PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW...PRAISE HIM ALL CREATURE'S HERE BELOW, PRAISE HIM ABOVE YE HEAVENLY HOST...PRAISE FATHER SON AND HOLY GHOST! Amen.

Fruit flies....

2008-07-25T08:19:00.000-07:00

A cheap, natural way to get rid of those fruit flies....see video below.

1. Get a small jar that you may have around the house. 2. Place small pieces of banana and or apple in the jar. 3. place a small piece of plastic wrap over the top. 4. Poke a few small whole's in the top with a "sharp" pencil.

Within hour's they will fly in and not fly out. Make sure the wholes aren't too big.

Thanks to my son Ross who researched it out for me and set it up.

This works great! Oh, yeah, place the jar in the area in which you have the fruit flies flying around.

Viewer BEWARE....SKINNING A HOG FOR THE FIRST TIME!!!

2008-07-22T19:41:00.000-07:00

Ross, looking like he's done it before. He is ready to hunt...YIPPEE! We can go for some FREE meat too!!! SCROLL DOWN TO SEE THE BEGINNING. I HAVEN'T FIGURED OUT HOW TO DO THAT YET, SORRY! THIS WAS A GREAT EXPERIENCE FOR OUR YOUNG MEN. IT WAS GREAT BECAUSE AFTERWARDS, THEY FRIED UP STEAK FOR US TO TRY AND IT WAS WONDERFUL, SO I WAS TOLD BY MY CHILDREN SINCE I WASN'T EATING MEAT. :)

RJ trying it out. It wasn't to bad he said. He had no problem trying that meat out.

The professional's at work. They take pride in saving their DAD money on MEAT! I am proud of them and I am just a friend. :)

I found this interesting because I "assumed" it would start dripping with "the red stuff" at this point.

Look closely at the ankles of the HOG if you call that part "ankles". :)

This was weird to me seeing this for the first time, but I quickly got over it.

VIEWER BEWARE

2008-07-22T19:37:00.000-07:00

My sons have been getting interested in "hunting" and reading about it books. Thanks to some dear friend's of ours we were able to watch them process a HOG that they killed. I even watched and it didn't really bother me as bad as I thought it would.

Store bought finds....

2008-07-21T05:29:00.000-07:00

With several companies getting on the green train, I found a couple of great buys and they work well.

The dishwasher detergent I found at Wal-mart, I don't remember the cost, but under $4.00.

The laundry detergent I found at SAM'S club for about $12.00. I consider that a good price for what I am getting and our clothes came out clean. I haven't given up making my laundry detergent, but I decided that it would be worth it to try this one. The lavender smell is nice and it is ORGANIC, hold your horses not the whole product just the lavender (certified essential oil). It makes 210 HE loads/105 standard, ideal for high efficiency front & top loading washers. An earth friendly product that is 100% natural, with soy based fabric softener.

FREE OF PHOSPHATE,FORMALDEHYDE AND PETROCHEMICAL.

Safe in all temperatures, kind to sensitive skin. If you are like us we need it to be safe for the septic tank and it is.

TO MOTHER'S

2008-07-20T20:51:00.000-07:00

Whether you homeschool or not this is for you mom.

We need to be patient with our children in the same way God is patient with us.
Renee Jordan

The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression. Proverbs 19:11

*************************************************************
Our children are watching us live, and what we are shouts louder than anything we can say. Wilferd A. Peterson

In everything set them an example by doing what is good.

Titus 2:7 NIV

When I worry..

2008-07-20T20:16:00.000-07:00

This is a sweet little collection of simple, humorous, and inspirational sayings to refresh you throughout your busy day and are accompanied by "scripture" that relates to the saying in some way.

A child is a gift whose worth cannot be measured except by the heart. By Teresa Ann Hunt

"Behold, children are a gift of the Lord; The fruit of the womb is a reward." Psalm 127:3 NAS

I find myself worrying about those things that are completely out of my control, today I decided to pick up my little "instruction" book, if you will for a little reminder.....

What a reward it is to serve the LORD with loving and serving our families. I am so amazed at how our "lives" have changed after Chris has come to our home. Our situation is different in that we are related to this precious child so that makes it hard in some ways on his immediate family.

Although, I know that God placed him in our home for a reason. One which I know will be spoken out loud "SOME DAY" in God's time. When I feel weiry I just stop and think that "I cannot, please PEOPLE," whether that be family or not. I am SERVING the LORD!

When I contemplate whether Chris will stay with us and live as our son or not, I immediately "stop" myself and God remind's me that it isn't about ME! It is all about what his will is and what he will have me to do for him and his GLORY!

I love God and how that way of thinking, which I know is right, is from him and how it takes the pressure off of me! I don't have to worry, I don't have to concern myself with those thought's that aren't within my control. Right now, all that I have to do is "Gods will". Amen and Thank You God for loving me and blessing us with the honor of caring for this little "reward" from you!

Happy Birthday to me!!

2008-07-19T18:44:00.000-07:00

I am 42 today and I view it as a blessing! I slept in a little and enjoyed the peace and quiet. RJ fixed me breakfast, Ross made me a cake and Ryan iced it. Randy and Chris took me out to buy waffle iron. I've been wanting one that detaches for easy cleaning for quite some time. It is really nice because it is a sandwich maker and a grill. I also got a new stainless steel cookware set. This is something else that I have been wanting for quite some time. As our children are growing we need additional cookware.

I have an 81 year old,dear friend who gave me a bike a few weeks ago. While it is in really good condition, I requested that for my birthday it get a good cleaning and addition's like a really comfortable seat, new paddles. We are still working on the basket, horn and streamers! Yes, you heard me right. I can't wait to show it off when it's finished! Once it is done I will take a really nice picture of it and show you all how beautiful it is. :)

Thanks to my family for such a terrific day! The cup cakes in the picture came from another friend of ours, how sweet. Thanks...Shannon they area mmm mmmm Good!

...MMMMM Fried chicken...

2008-07-12T20:07:00.001-07:00

Friday night we had a "family-night" bring dinner to eat picnic style at Church. It was a blast! I didn't cook, we picked up Publix fried chicken, macaroni salad and rolls. It was good. Now, I haven't eaten meat for 10 day's, but I did that night.

It was really tasty, yet I noticed something different this time with me not eating meat for a while and then going back to eating meat. It wasn't as big of a deal as it was in previous times.
I feel guilty because I didn't seek the Lord for his strength to not eat it as I've been doing before. Why? Because I wanted to eat that meat. My flesh ruled. With that said I didn't want an abundance of meat though, as I've done in the past. My stomach did ache the next day and my body rejected it and detoxed itself. That was "interesting" to me. Nevertheless, I am back to NOT eating meat for the remainder of July. I don't feel any pressure from making this decision and I owe it all to God, he is changing how I view food. That is my prayer. I am reminded of the scripture that is posted on the wall in my kitchen, right in front of the sink..."or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price, therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's. 1 Cor 6:19-20

This scripture has so much more meaning to me than it EVER has! It is touching me on a emotional level, which I have never experienced before. For me it isn't only about the "weight-loss" but so much more about being discipline to the LORD even in this. This is really DEEP, "The HOLY SPIRIT" IS IN ME....AND "MY" BODY IS THE TEMPLE in which it lives???.

-Question's to myself: "How am I treating this temple?"

Answer: For the past 10 + year's I can say, that it hasn't been the best that I can do. This is purely unexceptable in my heart, as I am not giving God my best in this area of my life. It just doesn't sit well with me.

Praise the LORD, that he will be faithful to me in this area that I am seeking to completely turn over to him. I know that he is with me and will never leave me even in this...I pray that I will continue to seek him for strength. Common sense tells me that it shouldn't this difficult! My action's have said otherwise.

Please pray with me for the Lord's strength.

Guy's in CAMO

2008-07-10T18:02:00.000-07:00

I thought they looked so cute dressed alike today. We went to a play date/fellowship for me time with friend's from Church today. It was a GREAT time today.

10 day's down

2008-07-10T17:46:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that I haven't eaten MEAT for 10 day's straight. It has been difficult along the way just because I can't have it. I'm not really a huge meat eater, but whenever I decide to make a change in my diet for some STRANGE reason, I want that exact thing that I can't have!

Oh, well nothing that I have done, but all of this has been the Lord giving me his strength. On my own, I am WEAK and his strength has and continues to make me strong. Thank You God!

....How am I feeling? I feel GREAT. I don't feel weighed down from eating meat like I usually do after eating it. Don't worry I am getting my protein since I am not eating meat. Prayerfully, I will be able to take out sugar next and on to "reducing" my carbohydrate intake.

Back to work

2008-07-07T04:36:00.000-07:00

My hubby went back to work this morning. I can't believe it has been 6 weeks already since his knee surgery. It actually feel a little weird around here this morning...

Yesterday, we went to eat out after Church and it was nice just to be together. We had a good time, and Chris is so social that he had "EVERYONE" talking to him. He kept trying to get the attention of EVERYONE that sat near us. We couldn't believe it. He is a little natural "flirt".
However, EVERY time that we eat out, we always say "why did we do that?"
It wasn't like the food was that GREAT for the money that we spent. LOL can anyone relate to us?

I really struggled yesterday, because I wanted to eat "meat" which I have not done since the first of July. I am slowly making my way back to the pH balancing program that I've been so intrigued with ever since I read about it. This time around, I decided to take out one thing at a time and honestly, I've been praying when I am struggling because I know that God will make a way for me to get out. Yesterday, wasn't as difficult as it seemed because after I just said "I am struggling" out loud to my husband the temptation/desire to eat meat was gone. It was almost like the Lord wanted me to confess my struggle out loud before he took it away.

I am so grateful to the LORD for his faithfulness.

6 hour drive, 45 minute meeting....

2008-07-03T12:09:00.000-07:00

I praise God for such a short and easy meeting for Chris yesterday. I also thank God for my very helpful son Rosston who helped me the whole time with Chris. I was so blessed.

It was a 3 hour drive up to Rome and a 3 hour drive back home.

I didn't know what to expect and it wasn't difficult at all! The only thing difficult was the driving by myself.

I know since we've had Chris it has been different in our home, but honestly all "three" boy's have done extremely well with him and they do love him and take ownership in helping out.

God is so amazing how he has "planned" this whole adventurous time in our lives.

I have four boy's in the house y'all!!!! Praying for 2 to 3 girls! ;)

I'm tired, but I'm loving it!

Hard veggies as teething soother's???

2008-07-01T17:57:00.000-07:00

Me and my raw vegetable eating son were eating and Chris wanted some so I gave him a carrot stick to see what he would do and it soothed his gums so that it kept him quite for at least 20 minutes. He enjoyed that hard carrot. :)

Those mean Rooster's!!!

2008-06-29T16:36:00.000-07:00

That mean Rooster bit my son today, but before this we told him that the rooster's were MEAT bird's and he did not agree. Now his tune has changed since the largest one attacked him. He is ready to KILL the rooster now. ha,ha,ha!! He can't wait to get revenge on that bird.

Chris at the library

2008-06-28T20:02:00.000-07:00

We had a fun time on Wednesday at the library. Chris loves books and loves being read to.

2008-06-28T19:59:00.000-07:00

RJ, Ross, Cameron, Micheala, Ryan having fun...playing games and watching t.v.

Kym's oldest son Cameron Ryan and Monique

2008-06-28T19:57:00.000-07:00

Saying good bye...is always hard to do. Monique is the youngest girl. So sweet.

Randy, Kym and Jo

2008-06-28T19:55:00.000-07:00

Blessed weekend

2008-06-28T19:44:00.000-07:00

Our niece stopped by to visit us with her 6 children and mom. It was a really nice visit. Her youngest son Seth is 14 month's and this was our first time seeing him. They live in Florida and we don't see them very often. It was a pleasure. God has really lifted them up to do great things for him. Three of the six children are there nieces that they are taking care of. It was our first time meeting them as well and they were very sweet. I can't wait to visit them in September. The true blessing was when my sister-in-law had a mini bible study with the two of us last night. I love it when a godly woman will teach younger women. I was truly blessed. Now I am off to study some more as she left several pamphlets for me to use.

2008-06-26T13:35:00.000-07:00

Ross getting a little practice in while Dad looks on.

Can you count the ROOSTER'S???

2008-06-26T13:32:00.000-07:00

God provided us with some MEAT too!

Yes, we were told that they were all HEN'S, but look at them they don't look like it to me..LOL

Having fun with a baby in the house

2008-06-26T13:27:00.000-07:00

Every body loves....Chris...

Garden Update

2008-06-24T10:33:00.001-07:00

Beets...