'Cause I'm the Momma

Autumn Traditions

2011-10-19T21:15:00.000-04:00

There are certain activities we do every year, without fail, as a family. My children come to expect these activities, look forward to these special days, and remember years past with fondness ~ thus our family traditions are born!

One of these is the annual apple orchard visit. We live in Michigan, for goodness' sake! And lucky for us, we just found a small, family run, sweet apple orchard only a few miles from our home. Less on gas, more on fun!

Here's some pics of this year's fun times:

Sitting on the front porch, ready to eat his lunch!

Tali would never miss an opportunity to eat some yummy food ~ smart girl!

He wouldn't smile - but he sure was enjoyin' those homemade, cider doughnuts!

There was free (well, donation-based) face painting ~ or arm-painting if you're Elijah.

And huge hay bales to jump around on!

Mema & Papa were able to join us ~ even better!

Selah had fun jumping from bale to bale!

Papa got hit with the hay ~ way to go, Micah!

Waiting for the hay ride to start ~ I do *believe* they were having a good time....

If you picked the right side of the hay ride, you got free apples within reach!

LOVED these old, metal wagons we got to take into the actual orchard!
These were seriously one of my favorite parts of the day~

Look out, Isaac.....;)

Some of trees had so many apples, the branches hung down so even Micah could pick the apples with ease!

Again. Food. Tali. It's true love!

Some of our spoils~

This is what happens when a 2yob doesn't listen when we say it's time to go.....
He gets left behind (well......not really, but HE didn't know that!).

Ready for applesauce, apple butter, apple slices, apple cookies........

Now that it's even cooler, this particular orchard (Speaker Lone Oak Orchard, Melvin, MI) will be serving FireSide Coffees & warm, mulled cider! I think it's time for a *Momma* trip to the orchard. They've got a great lil' shop with a fireplace, lots of handmade goodies to check out & delicious baked goods ~ oh ya!! Any other Mommas out there ready to join me??

Cause I’m the Momma,

~Lori

the little things.

2011-10-06T23:39:00.002-04:00

I know it's cliche, but sometimes it really *is* the little things in life that make me happy.

Like dishcloths. Pretty ones. Brightly colored and cool textured ones.

Like these!

I had a bit of leftover cotton yarn from a previous project, just waiting to be turned into something *fabulous* (cotton is my new favorite yarn!).

Honestly, I thought dishcloths were *way* too boring for this great cotton yarn.

I was wrong.

I luv 'em!

So now, when I HAVE to do the dishes (which is my most detested job of each day), at least I can smile a bit looking at my colorful, soft & just-darn-awesome crocheted dishcloths.

And they really work the best too.
Just so you know :)

‘Cause I’m the Momma,

~Lori

Big Brother, Little Brother

2011-09-30T15:33:00.002-04:00

Wow ~ I am amazed at how much Lil' Brother imitates Big Brother around this house!

Whether it's good, whether it's bad, whether it's dangerous.....if Elijah does it, Micah will try it too.

It's cute when Micah is following Elijah around, trying to put on his shoes all by himself "just like 'Lijah". Or when he wants his sandwich made *exactly* "like 'Lijah". Or when Micah follows Elijah's lead in making the Bestest-Fort-Ever!

Of course, it's a bit less amusing when it involves tomato sauce, markers, the banister, ice cubes, scissors, peanut butter and/or the toilet.

No, seriously.

So we have "The Talk" with Elijah. About being a good example. About how God created him to be Micah's big brother ~ how much fun that is, yet how much responsibility that is as well. Elijah kinda smiles, nods, sometimes gets a sorta-sneaky look on his face....as if he's thinking about ways he could possibly use this to his advantage.....hey, he's four!

Isaac is the oldest, followed by two sisters. Both little boys adore Isaac, yet their relationship is different. Elijah & Micah are my first experience with brothers so close in age. New experiences, new challenges, new joys! Again I say, Wow...

God Bless my lil' boys~
(and grant me the patience of that saint people are always telling me I must be....*sigh* ;)

‘Cause I’m the Momma,

~Lori

Keepin' my tooties warm!

2011-09-29T00:12:00.000-04:00

I've been looking for a good pattern for crocheted slippers....that didn't make me look like an ol' grannie!
(I like grannies. I want to be one someday. Yet that day is not today.)

So I found one!

I made a ga-gillion mistakes with this one, although I don't necessarily blame the pattern. I was trying to crochet during the day, when I have five small children running around the house, who need my attention. More attention than crochet a new pattern allows.

Let's just say I've crocheted these two slippers about five time now, give or take half a slipper. Ugh.

Yet they *are* very cute!

I'm going to have to tweak the pattern a bit if I want them to be super-comfortable. Right now they are cute, yet they slip off my feet quite a bit. Not when walking though, it's usually when I'm sitting curled up on the couch. Too small? Too big? Too long? Too wide? I might have to decrease around the ankle a bit more....I need a more snug fit.

It really is a tweak-as-you-go pattern, designed to be individually crocheted to your specific foot. This makes it kinda hard to crochet them for my etsy site. I'm going to try one more pair for my own feet and see if I can't get a better "one size fits most" type of pattern out of it.

In the mean time, I am enjoying how cute my feet look when I go to our lower level to visit my folks! Until we can get a fireplace installed in our living room, I think I'm gonna need these slippers for our cold, Michigan winter.

Which is coming all too fast ~ slow down, Time, I'm can't catch up!!

‘Cause I’m the Momma,

~Lori

Orange & Brown & Red....oh my!

2011-09-26T22:09:00.001-04:00

It's been a rainy, HUMID day around here.

And I finally got around to decorating for autumn, my favorite season by far!

I love candles in my decorating!
*my children are used to it

Elijah helped me decorate this lil' corner.
He did a great job!

I love little spaces of "pretty".

Even the kids' library book area gets some seasonal flair!

Whew...look at that lighting...eek!
I do love me some oranges, browns, reds....:)

front door ~ Welcome!

Ahhhh.....I feel better...

Next it will be apple picking & all the yummy goodness that goes along with that....Mmmm!!

Enjoy your day~

‘Cause I’m the Momma,

~Lori

God knows what He's doing!

2011-09-15T09:30:00.000-04:00

Did you hear that Razor was struck by a car & killed? It was simply awful. Isaac & I cried about it again tonight, just a little cry....

Then we decided it was a good time to go visit Kit-Kat's new litter of kittens!

Yup, you read that correctly! Kit-Kat, our adorable lil' barn-kitty-turned-beloved-pet had a litter of 6 cute, adorable, sweet, precious lil' kitties.

The day after Razor died.

God's timing is amazing!!

I never wanted Kit-Kat to get pregnant in the first place. I didn't want to deal with the "mess", the hassle, the finding-them-new-homes part, etc.

Yet now, my sad, sad children - who have experienced great pain from death - are now experiencing the awesomeness of God through new life! WOW!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

One more thing, Kit-Kat has amazed me with her "Momma Kat" intuition. She knows *exactly* what to do. She is nursing them like a champ! She has them on a nice lil' routine and they are getting along fabulously ~ and ya know what? I'm pretty sure lil' Kit-Kat has never ONCE read a "how-to" manual written by the latest, greatest cat-nursing expert! Nope. Not once.

God made us human Mommas with our own set of instincts & intuition to boot! He created our bodies to KNOW what to do. Now, I'm all for experts & calling out for help when we really need it ~ but in many situations, we are not accepting of the God-given abilities we already have. If we could simply trust ourselves, our bodies, our thoughts & feelings.....

Yet we live in an "expert knows best" society. How could we possibly do ANYthing on our own? We need the experts, the professors, the learned to guide us through life, right?!

HOGWASH!

You, Momma, are the BEST Momma for those babies of yours! That's why God gave them to YOU!

Love them, bless them, enjoy them!!

‘Cause I’m the Momma,

~Lori

Whatever you do...

2011-09-14T21:16:00.003-04:00

Honestly, I can only do so much.

I am reminded of this every year, as we begin a new year of school work...

educational bug homes

I am reminded of this as I struggle to fit in housework, just enough to keep it presentable...

saving some $$

I am reminded of this when dinner happens at 7pm (or later) 'cause I just couldn't fit everything in...

from-scratch meals...whew!

I am a wife, mother and I home educate my children.

1 of many chore charts

I am a musician, a crochet artist, a hobby-seamstress & would-be baker.

Coffee Cozy+

These are the things my husband & I have decided are good & right for me (with much prayer).

homemade pita pockets

It's not that other things would be *bad* for me, but for now, this is my life.

that Mennonite store

This is where God has placed me, where the choices I have made have led me.

I like to sew. Sometimes.

I could try to squeeze in more. More activities, more programs, more people, more stuff.

at least my shelves stay nice....;)

Yet something would have to give. My house, my marriage, my kids, my sanity.

crocheted, holiday trivet

So right now, this is me. It's a GOOD life. Thank you, Lord.

"And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father." ~Colossians 3:17

‘Cause I’m the Momma,

~Lori

The Battle Begins

2011-09-13T01:04:00.000-04:00

My husband made these fun, little toys for our kiddos to ~~beat each other up with~~, um, have pretend battles with outside! They're just made of PVC pipe (or a broom handle) and those pool noodles, wrapped in duct tape. Easy! He even went and bought PINK duct tape and re-wrapped the girls' "weapons" later on (they *loved* that! Every girl has to have her very own pink-duct-tape-wrapped weapon, right?)

Even lil' Micah (who was napping during this video shoot) has his own pint-sized, pool-noodle, beat-'em-up, big-boy stick!

Yes, there's been a few tears, but nothing serious.....knock on wood....there's been tons of laughter and growling and pretending, which *I* love!

So what toys do your kiddos have that really brings out their imagination?!?

Pink, Purple & Patience

2011-09-10T23:11:00.000-04:00

My daughter wanted to learn how to crochet when she was 6 years old. I really wasn't all that interested in teaching a 6yo how to crochet. It takes time. Time is a precious commodity around here. And I wasn't all that sure I would be able to successfully teach her this skill at such a young age.

I was wrong.

Selah has picked up crocheting *fabulously*! She really enjoys it ~ AND she's good at it!

Most of the items Selah has made have been scarves. She gives them away. Yet this last item was a shawl/capelet type of thing. Adorable. The only thing I helped her with was deciding where to put some ties so it would stay on her shoulders better. When she was completely finished, I asked her where she was going to wear her new shawl.

She told me, "I'm gonna put it in your crochet shop, Momma. I wanna sell it to another girl like me!"

Excellent~

So here's Selah's first item for sale in my etsy shop. She did a great job and I'm super-duper proud of her ~ way to go, Selah!! (click on any of the captions to check out her etsy listing)

she wanted to model it as well~

looks like your average shawl in the back

but it's got these cute lil' ties in the front ~ adorable!

Now, I've got to teach *patience* to my next daughter, Talitha, who is now 6 years old and learning to crochet. She doesn't quite understand why I won't LET her make the same things as Selah?? Never-no-mind she does not posses the ability yet.....*sigh*......God is working on patience with ME!

I think I've a L O N G road ahead of me....;)

‘Cause I’m the Momma,

~Lori

Caught ya'

2011-09-09T02:47:00.002-04:00

BUSTED!

Sometimes, when I "catch" my kids, they crack me up...

Caught 'em playin' in the mud boots

Caught 'em gettin' a little too close to the stromboli

Sometimes, they frustrate the heck out of me...

Tali, when she learned to open the fridge

Micah: repeat of Tali (why it is always the cheese?)

Sometimes, when I "catch" 'em, it's wonderful...

Isaac, reading through his second "Boxcar Children" mystery book

Selah, also practicing her reading skills

The thing is, I tend to "catch" my kids when they are doing something *wrong* WAY more often than when they are doing something *right*. Maybe I'm too busy to say something, or I praise my own parenting skills, or I miss it all together.

Lord, help me to "catch" my children doing what is right. Remind me to stop RIGHT THEN, give 'em a hug, and tell them how amazing they are! Let their memories show that I was a Momma of love & joy, rather than bitterness & complaint.

'Cause they really *are* great kids ~ thank you Lord!

Isaac, being the amazing big brother he really is!

‘Cause I’m the Momma,

~Lori

That kind of day...

2011-09-07T10:06:00.000-04:00

I just feel like after the excitement of the first day of school and the heartbreak of losing Razor....

Today we're just gonna relax, read a lot, maybe do some handwriting.

We're gonna make forts in our beds, rather than make 'em.

Wear our jammies all day.

And I'm gonna drink coffee & crochet.

*click on this photo to check out this etsy item*

Yup, that's about it~

*Enjoy*

‘Cause I’m the Momma,

~Lori

Goodbye Razor

2011-09-06T21:20:00.002-04:00

Razor was an amazing dog! Always running with us, part of the family, enjoying the country life.

I knew I could count on Razor ~ when my littles were outside, he was there too, playing & protecting.

He loved people. Men especially. He wanted to always be with us, following the kids around the property.

This dog did not have an aggressive bone in his body! He quickly made friends with my 5 kids, our ornery cat & my folks rat terrier ~ everyone who met him, loved him!

Never was I afraid of Razor. I wasn't worried about my babies playing with him. He was so very patient.
He was simply the best dog I have ever know!

Today, while playing with my kiddos outside, Razor ran across the road to visit a new dog at the house across the street. Razor hardly EVER went off our property. But this time, he did.

I miss him. I can't believe how much I've cried (never thought I was that emotional about animals). I'm really sad my kids had to see it. It absolutely breaks my heart to remember Isaac yelling when I had to tell the kids that Razor was dying. Thankfully, it happened quickly.

Amazingly, the passenger in the car that hit him worked in an animal hospital in Romeo. She actually works in the ER department. She was right there, telling Dean what was happening, that he was dying. She was kind & apologetic (it was no one's fault - a complete accident). She even helped Dean carry him back to the house....

Our next door neighbor used his bobcat to dig a hole. Isaac wanted him buried in our yard, rather than taken to a vet. I agree. We made & put up a marker with his name & his collar. We cried & prayed & cried. It's a difficult experience at 10yo. It's a difficult experience at 36yo.

Luv you Razor ~ you will be remembered & missed by many!!

Good-bye Razor ~ we love you!

Crazy Camping Chaos!

2011-09-05T22:48:00.000-04:00

We did manage to squeeze in a family camping trip before the end of summer. We planned a week-long trip, just up the road about a half hour, at a relatively new campground. The campground was beautiful: lake, trails, campfires, pool, bike-riding, crafts, playground, arcade, even really clean bathrooms (a must for me!). The downside: it was a NEW campground, so the trees are itty-bitty = no shade. That is the only part I really didn't like. Other than that, it was great!

Yet camping, even R.V. camping (thanks to some great newer friends who lent us their R.V.!) with five children 10 and under can be...um...chaotic. Stressful. Frustrating. L O N G....

So our week-long camping trip was more like 5 days. And that included coming home one day, taking showers & doing laundry while it stormed all afternoon. But those were five great days! I got seriously burned ('cause I made everyone else wear sunscreen except ME) and everyone's hair lightened up a shade or two with all the time we spent at the pool! I would vote for camping in Sept. rather than Aug. - for future reference. August is still too hot...ugh.

We used quarters for behavior modification (that they could use at the arcade at certain times), since we were out of our normal schedule/routine. That seemed to work very well ~ they sure didn't like to see quarters coming out of their jar!

Just a sampling of pics ~ camping was a fun, fairly cheap way for us to spend some time together as a family.

Our campsite! (see....small trees)

Our first evening: in the pool! Dean looks very excited for Isaac to be jumping in....;)

We rode our bikes everywhere and it was loads of fun!
(Can you see my sweet, blue trike w/ the basket? It was AWESOME!)

Micah did great at taking naps - he was worn out everyday!

We hit a local farmer's market one day.
(I'm gonna have to check into getting a tent at OUR local FM to sell some of my crochet stuff)

Ok, he's just cute! At the farmer's market ~ he kept saying, "Don't forget ME! Don't forget ME!"
(I don't think we've ever forgotten him, btw...not sure where that is coming from ;)

They had a yummy ice cream shop that we had to try! The S'more ice cream really was the BEST!

Tali = adorableness!!

Watching movies was a nightly occurrence until everyone fell asleep.
(Can you tell me what movie this is?? Can you??)

Um, Tali was really tired, I believe. Or really unhappy about *something*....

Micah, sleeping in the RV with "Pop".

Watching a movie in Momma & Daddy's bed - during a afternoon rain shower.

Mema & Papa even came out to visit one day!

And this is MY pot o' gold at the end of the rainbow!!
(um...Micah is right out of the picture to the left....but I love him too!)

‘Cause I’m the Momma,

~Lori

Country Cousins, City Cousins

2011-09-04T15:20:00.000-04:00

We recently had my sister & her kiddos visit for a few weeks. They are from Chicago. Well, technically, they are from a suburb of Chicago - yet I still call them the "City Cousins". That many people?! It's city to us!

The cousins always have a great time ~ here's some excerpts of their visit (I didn't get NEAR enough pictures though):

Micah doesn't really *swim* in the pond yet ~ he more or less just plays in the mud at the side of the pond!

They spent as much time as we would let 'em swimming in our pond!

Isaac really enjoyed having an older boy around - Nathan & Isaac had a great time together!

Elijah was learning from the older kids - like how to go underwater! WTG, Elijah~

If I could bottle up the energy they spent.....whoa!

Tali thinks her cousin Katie hangs the moon!

We also visited some friends of my parents ~ they have an amazing back yard! So warm & welcoming!

The ladies were chatting on the back porch ~ well, my sis was looking at her Kindle.
I'm *almost* jealous of that....yet I really do like to actually HOLD the book...

These flowering vines smelled A-MA-ZING! I can't remember what it is. Beautiful!

New versions of s'mores were tried & enjoyed...

The back woods were explored...

And the fire was thoroughly appreciated by all!

We had a great time while they were here! This has been one of the best visits, regarding the kids anyway. They got along great, played well together....well, there WAS this incident with a fish hook, my niece's foot & a trip to the emergency room....

OUCH!

Yet all is well! They went back to the city...um, I mean suburbs.

We miss them already.

And we look forward to seeing them again. Soon.

*hint, hint*

Luv you guys!!

‘Cause I’m the Momma,

~Lori

Late Night News

2011-09-04T01:15:00.002-04:00

It's been one of those Saturdays.

One of those days where you just kinda did a little of this, a little of that, nothing crazy or exciting. Next thing you know, the day is almost over and you can't really account for anything you did.

Yup, it's one of those Saturdays.

We *did* have a tornado touch down RIGHT DOWN THE ROAD this afternoon. My kids were swimming in the pond not 5 minutes prior. (I'm not sure what I was doing...see above) I heard some yelling, ran to the door and they yelled, "Hey, is it gonna storm? 'Cause we see lightning and hear thunder."

Get in the house. Duh.

And then, WHAM-OH! And this cool lil' site told me right where that lil' booger set down:

http://www.twistertracker.com (you gotta register, but it's free and literally takes 20 seconds. If that.)

It's my new favorite site. 'Cause I'm neurotic about storms.
Oh wait, you already knew that about me, huh?
;)

In other news:

*I made stromboli and brownies from scratch today.
Both were fabulous!
Both were time-consuming.
Both will end up on my thighs. (and I'm so *trying* to watch my portion sizes...ugh)

*I posted a new item at my Etsy Shop ~ Rosey Bonnet & Booties (0-3mo.)
They are sweet & adorable!
I had a friends share with me how much crocheted items are selling at boutiques & even farmers' markets.
I was shocked. (my set is a steal!)

*I'm working on a new item ~ a lil' boy sweater vest!
It's so "Lil Man" fabulous!
It's taking me FOR-E-VER.
It's blue & simply perfect (as perfect as sweater-vest can possibly be)

*I will be attending church for the first time in a LONG time tomorrow morning.
I mean, I've been to teachings, classes, studies, fellowships, you name it...but not an actual church service.
It's a family-integrated church.
I need to do laundry.

And here's some random facts that I should probably spend some time blogging about.
This blog is supposed to serve the function of memoir, journal, photo album, etc.
I better get on the blog...um, I mean ball.

Best deal for Wednesday night pizza - half-price off of delicious wonderfulness!

Our week-long....um, four day camping trip ~ It really was fun!

The slip-n-slide is still getting lots of use ~ Elijah is rockin' it, obviously!

My kids have been, well, terrific! No seriously....;)

Isaac actually let himself be completely covered in sand - I was shocked!

Then Lil' Man Micah joined in the fun - for a few seconds, anyway - 'cause he's "Big now, Momma, Me Big!!"

I can see myself in Selah. I can HEAR myself in her.
When we sing together, I can't tell which voice is mine and which is hers.
Which either means we have the same tonality of voice or.....
I sing like an 8 year old.
Let's go with tonality, okay.

Time to get some sleep.
Ok.
Not really.
You didn't believe me anyway, did you?!

I think I'll go crochet.
And desperately try to ignore the football that's been on my tv all day long.
Luv ya babe!

‘Cause I’m the Momma,

~Lori

It would take too long to explain...

2011-08-27T02:33:00.001-04:00

...why I haven't been blogging regularly. Apparently, I can only blog consistently for a few days/weeks, then I must take a blogging break. So says my track record anyways!

Out of town guests, continuous running around, getting used to Dean being at home, crocheting, getting everything ready for another year of home educating, vacation camping trip, just plain ol' enjoying what free time I have now that we are no longer a pastor's family, and the final blow: our satellite internet was struck by LIGHTNING! Can you believe it? We are still working on that one......this has all led to a lack of blogging. So sad...

I shall return, honest.
I have so much I want to share, ask, divulge, confess....
The next time I get a few hours to myself: it'll be all about the blog, baby!!

Crochet : the art

2011-08-02T08:00:00.010-04:00

I'm starting to accept the art of crochet in my life.

Not in an "I'm so awesome, look at my mad skillz" kind of way.... (ha, right)

...but more in a "This is what I love, I'm good at it, this makes me happy" kind of way.

These items take time, skill, creativity, originality, patience, determination....and when I'm done with a crocheted piece, I can sit back and say, "This is beautiful. Useful. It makes people smile." And I'm happy with my work, with myself. I am satisfied & content.

It's nice.

So when people ask about me, about Lori ~ I can tell them about being a wife, a mother, a homeschool teacher, a domestic goddess ;) ......and about how I'm a creative yarn artist. 'Cause I am. No apologies.

Wow.
That felt great!

What are YOU finally accepting in your life??

Homemade Laundry Soap: Revisited

2011-08-01T08:00:00.003-04:00

Making laundry soap is super-easy.
I did mine the other night while cleaning my kitchen.
Yes, it was bad.
I was baking, give me a break....;)

The ingredients: 1 bar Fels Naptha Soap, 1/2 c. Borax, 1 c. Washing Soda + lotsa water!

See there? I wrote the "recipe" on the box so I wouldn't forget!
Just chop up the Fels Naptha bar & melt it in some hot water.

But not TOO hot! This is what happens if it gets too hot, too fast: Bubble City!

Just a good ol' 5 gallon bucket. Nothin' fancy - just make sure you buy the lid!

While the soap is melting (and in between doing the dishes), dump the Borax & W.S. in the bucket.

Make sure all your soap is dissolved on the stove - then dump it into the powders.

I usually add some hot tap water to the powders before dumping in the melted Fels Naptha off the stove.
It's probably just a needless worry, but I'm always afraid the soap will be TOO hot and somehow damage the bucket....

You can also add in some essential oils.
I've done this twice and it never seems to make that much of a difference to me.
I'm an aroma-therapy girl, though, and I *really* like my scents. I just can't get it strong enough...oh well!

To finish, just fill up the 5-gallon bucket with hot tap water, stir & close the lid.
I left mine right there in the (clean) sink ~ I was out of laundry soap and needed to fill my containers the next morning.
*see?! Kitchen all cleaned up, dishes done & laundry soap made!

All I had to do the next morning was mix up the watery gel-like mixture, then put it in my smaller laundry soap containers (just some "ALL" laundry detergent containers I saved the last few times I actually *bought* laundry soap). I put in HALF of my concentrated laundry soap & HALF hot tap water. Then I simply shake the container like crazy and I'm done! I shake up the container each time I use it - just to get rid of any big lumps.

And there ya go ~ Now I gotta go do some more laundry....

Girl...Interrupted

2011-07-31T15:00:00.001-04:00

A girl & her daddy....so sweet...

AHHHH ~ attack of a brother!!

Another brother!! ACK ~ dog pile!!

Just a girl trying to have some daddy-time....geesh!

In the midst...

2011-07-19T15:00:00.000-04:00

In the midst of the sadness, I find comfort in my family.

My husband, who comes home each evening tired & emotionally exhausted, gives me care and comfort - allowing me to simply "be". His purposeful lack of expectations takes the pressure off. His helpfulness not only allows me to rest, it gives me glimpses into his relationship with each of our children. It is beautiful.

My children are non-judgmental & loving. Isn't that great about children? They don't care that I haven't washed my hair in three days, nor that I stayed in bed until 10:30am. As long as I hug them, love them, read with them, sing with them....they are content. They seem to understand things other adults can't. It's an amazing love.

My home. I really do love my home. These walls have surrounded us for 2 1/2 years, with many more to come. It houses my loved ones and I enjoy making this space my own. It gives me joy to make this house a home, to organize it's spaces, to bring beauty in as well as functionality. As I gather the excess clutter in certain spaces, I am also able to gather my thoughts, focusing on what is true, right & good.

All of this leads me back to my God. He is always there. Not one day has gone by that I have not felt His presence, even when I wasn't purposefully searching Him out. He stood by me nonetheless, loving me, holding me and understanding me. It's a good feeling.

Ecclesiastes 3

A Time for Everything

¹ There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a ^(A)time for every ^[a]event under heaven— ² A time to give birth and a ^(B)time to die;
A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted.
³ A ^(C)time to kill and a time to heal;
A time to tear down and a time to build up.
⁴ A time to ^(D)weep and a time to ^(E)laugh;
A time to mourn and a time to ^(F)dance.
⁵ A time to throw stones and a time to gather stones;
A time to embrace and a time to shun embracing.
⁶ A time to search and a time to give up as lost;
A time to keep and a time to throw away.
⁷ A time to tear apart and a time to sew together;
A time to ^(G)be silent and a time to speak.
⁸ A time to love and a time to ^(H)hate;
A time for war and a time for peace.

I have wept & I have laughed.
This may be a time for mourning....but I can't wait to dance~

there's a storm a rollin' in...

2011-07-18T16:39:00.002-04:00

...so I'm off to crochet and pretend I'm not scared of such things!

ya right.

....at my house!

2011-07-18T14:34:00.002-04:00

Coffee...at my house!

The Dream:
I have grand plans of rising early to freshly-brewed coffee, sipping a cup or two before the chaos begins, piping hot....ahhhh.

The Reality:
I brew said coffee and it sits there - continuing to cook - for two hours, while I desperately try to fit in a cup of (hot) coffee amidst the craziness that is my morning.

Even if I managed to stop everything & drink a cup of coffee, that all I got. One cup. Barely. I would nuke cold coffee all day long trying to have a hot cup of coffee.

It was sad, really.

Until I (accidently) discovered the *coffee carafe*! Ta-da!!

This looks a lot like my mom's carafe.

(I know. Big deal, right? Everyone knows what a coffee carafe is. What does that have to do with anything?)

I was doing the single-parent thing (just for a few nights, Dean was attending a conference, I believe), a huge storm blew in, so the kids & I spent the night downstairs at my folks place. In the morning, desperate for a cup of energy & warmth, I grabbed the carafe my mom had put the coffee in the previous evening - easily 12 hours ago. The coffee was still warm! Not just a little warm, almost my perfect piping-hot-coffee hot! I was amazed. Even after so long, it wasn't bitter!

So nowadays I brew the coffee, immediately turn OFF the coffee pot (so it stops COOKING the coffee) and pour it into my previous-warmed-up** coffee carafe. This pot of coffee can last me all day! Finally!!

Now I just need to find the perfect carafe that fits me! What do ya think??

**My mom's secret: fill the carafe with hot tap water before brewing the coffee. Then dump it out right before you fill the carafe with your fresh coffee. Your hot coffee won't have to give up any of it's heat to warm up the carafe ~ Perfect!

I'm tired.

2011-07-14T12:01:00.001-04:00

Maybe it comes with age. Maybe it happens after I've tried a million other things. Maybe other people have figured this out long ago and I'm a bit behind.

Whatever it is, I know this: I'm tired.

I'm tired of trying to be good at everything.

I see it on facebook, I see it on blogs, I see it at church. I see another mom who is really GREAT at something and think, "Man, I wish I could do *that*!". So I add it onto my already dangerously high pile of things I want to be GREAT at. Inevitably, this leads to guilt. 'Cause I can't be GREAT at everything. I just can't. I don't have the time (and I doubt I have the skill). And while I'm trying to be GREAT at something, everything else is falling apart.

Tali modeling during a fashion show she & Selah put on for us!

So instead of wanting to be great at EVERYthing, I'm gonna (once again) focus on what stage of life I'm in right now. What is my job when I wake up each day? What is going to help me best accomplish this goal? I'm a wife. I'm a momma who home educates. I'm a manager of my home. What can I do that will help me in these roles?

My Dad & my baby!

Biblical basis ~ reading & prayer: by myself, w/ hubby, w/ children, w/ missional community
Health, wellness, diet, nutrition ~ taking care of my husband, littles & myself
Home Management ~ organization, chores & training, maintaining a routine w/ flexibility, hospitality
Education ~ natural part of our day, regular book work + life as learning + loads of reading.
Creativity ~ crochet business, home decor & blessing others.

Elijah at a local festival ~ havin' fun!

This is my life right now. And I love it! I wanna wake up, fix my kiddos good food, read to them & watch them read. I wanna work in the garden with my dad and show my kids God's amazing creation. I wanna clean out the drawers & closets, get rid of all the excess and figure out how to best run my home day to day. I really want to MAKE the time to sit down and crochet every. single. day. To *enjoy* my days, instead of letting frustration & perfectionism ruin them.

~Summer living~

So (once again) I am choosing to change.
Thank you Lord, for putting up with me. For loving me.

Isaac & I experimenting with the camera outside by the fire!

A pretty sweet giveaway!

2011-06-27T22:56:00.000-04:00

Have you seen the new HS planner from wellplannedday.com?? Have you?

I *want* one!

I'm probably gonna buy one this summer (the sooner the better - the calendar begins in July!), but wouldn't it be awesome to WIN one!?!

Not only does this giveaway include the planner, but it also includes a free one year subscription to their magazine (Home Educating Family), plus two books: "A Journey Home" from Franklin Springs Media & "Beside Still Waters" by Tricia Goyer.

Home Educating Family Publishing

So go, right now, and check it out! Right now!! Go~

;)

Feast of the St. Claire

2011-06-27T13:14:00.000-04:00

We visit the Feast of the St. Claire every year ~ I love it and it seems to have rubbed off on my kids (hmmm....amazing how that happens, eh?).

This will be a simple photo-captioned blog. We have made some fantastic memories here over the past four years, and I might even consider participating in something like this in the future....maybe. Just one more day to love on my family, bond and really enjoy one another!!

Without further ado~

Tali likes to spend her given monies on pretties ~ like this wooden fan.

Micah, imitating the marching soldiers.

Elijah picked up a revolver with his money ~ BANG!!

Selah got a simple whistle.

My lil' Cherokee Indian (um, Native American)

lots of items for the kids to see & learn about

The kids look forward to this puppet show each year.

Look at 'em, sittin' so attentively.

~Some period music~

They had a fantastic "stamp" program this year ~ the kids had to find a certain "symbol", have a conversation with a
reenactor, get a stamp & once they found all the stamps, they received a pin. They loved it!!

More music & period costumes.

Learning about past professions.

Loved this gentleman ~ he actually taught my kids something before giving them their stamp!

Families, including children, participate together!

There were crafts available for the kids to complete ~ such as making candles.

Face painting.

The Battle ~ Isaac's favorite part!

Marching to battle

Well, yes, it's quite loud.

Especially these canons!

The middle kids spent much of the time in Daddy's protective arms.

Until finally the white flag was raised....

What a great time ~ I highly recommend you make the time to attend this festival if you are local! If not, find out what your area has to offer. It's educational, fun & builds some great memories with your kiddos. We're building ties to our children's hearts & we're beginning to build relationships with some of the "regular" reenactors ~ fun!

(next up, the Croswell Family Fun Fest ~ a sweet, local event for the family!)

Hope everyone is enjoying summer in your area!!
God Bless,

First Festival

2011-05-28T02:02:00.000-04:00

What a beautiful day!

(The Victorian Festival in Romeo, MI)

This year, Dean & I made an agreement to really cut back in a few areas so we could enjoy the many festivals in the "Thumb" and the "Blue Water Area". It's a great way to spend time with the family, learn a lot about your community and it's rich history, not to mention meet new people & share some moments together!

No, this wasn't the *best* festival we've ever been to - but the weather was gorgeous, we drove over an hour and gosh darnit, we were gonna have FUN!

And we did~

Tali ~ all decked out "Victorian Style"

Elijah's new photo stance.....I have no idea....but he makes me smile!

Again, not sure what he's doing, but he asked for a pic next to the fire hydrant.

Daddy & Micah Dean

Micah had a few less-than-stellar moments...

Momma in the *girly* shop!

We grabbed some lunch in the park.

There was a great train display!

A few Victorian ladies walking through the park ~ this one even showed Selah the "hoop" under her skirt!

Shops along the main road.

Waiting to ride the horse-drawn carriage.

~Playing~

There's always time for ice cream!

Whew...those cute, ice-creamy faces!

Micah figuring out he could actually EAT the cone ~ yum!

Selah - also in the *girly* shop - trying on an awesome mask!

There was face painting!

And we even caught a glimpse of Wyatt Earp......;)

(Next, we're headed to "The Feast of the St. Clair"....luv this one!)

Romeo, thanks for the memories....

Now get out there and enjoy *your* community!!

It's happening now...

2011-05-17T00:27:00.000-04:00

Hi y'all~

Sorry I've been gone so long. Due to some unfortunate issues, I have been holding off on blogging. I haven't really been out there looking at other blogs either, 'cause then I would miss my own blog all the more.

And miss it I have!

Yet as life continues, day in a day out, I remembered why I started blogging in the first place: web log, an online journal, a way to document what happens in these crazy days of 5 lil' ones. And like it or not, life *does* keep rolling along.

We've had birthdays, parties, get-togethers, meetings, events, lazy days in the yard, rainy days indoors, sad times, exciting times, anniversaries, new friends & loved ones! We've argued, smiled, laughed, kissed & yelled. Life continues on.

And I want to record it. I want more pictures to help this visual brain of mine remember. I want to write it down, so others will read it and remember. I want to have it here so my lil' ones will someday grow up and read it and remember...

Remember that time we found gobs & gobs & GOBS of toad eggs in the pond and were *sure* it was going to be a plague of Egyptian proportions!

Remember when we first began to blaze trails through the woods on our property.

Remember how I went through that stage where all I wanted were pretty, dangly earrings.

Remember how my girls would help me with my shop, wanting to learn everything I do 'cause they want to grow up to be just like me someday...oh my.

Remember the time Isaac told me he can't believe how he ended up with "the funniest, craziest brothers in the whole wide world!"

Remember when.....oh forget it. We'll never forget that!!

Remember the first time we did a home school exhibitor's event ~ and how much fun it was!

Remember how it felt to be the Momma to lil' boys ~ how they simply stole my heart right out from my chest!

Remember how FREEZING it was when we visited the alpaca farm, yet all the great new friends we met as well.

Remember how I felt watching my Daddy & my son laughing together...

Remember how I felt as I watched my kiddos grow up, slowly, yet oh-so-fast....and I how sometimes I just couldn't breathe, it was so amazing!

Remember how Dean & I have grown, as children of God, as parents, as a couple ~ and how I can't wait to see what God has in store for us in the next 12 years!!

I don't want to forget.

I recently read a heart-wrenching story of loss. I don't want to forget. I don't want to let it slip by and eventually slip away.
They're so little, right now. Yet 'right now' is passing quickly by.

So I will blog. Nothing great, nothing famous, nothing catchy or newsworthy. Just life, lived out & recorded by these two hands.

Momma's Hands~

Sick & Tired &.....Productive??

2011-04-19T14:41:00.000-04:00

I got sick.

Isn't this hilarious!? Not quite a good representation of me sick, but cute nonetheless!

We went to visit an alpaca farm as part of our home school group field trip ~ great time!

Well, it's my own fault (it usually is). I stayed up too late, had a lot going on during our school days, combined with a bit of extra energy spent on three musical performance nights and BAM! Sick.

After our alpaca field trip, we got to visit an Icelandic Sheep farm as well ~ look at those eyes!!

They had newborn lambs....so precious!

And me, in Biblical garb - well....I *had* to wear my glasses or I would not have been able to see the conductor.
Or two feet in front of my face, for that matter!!

Ugh.

On the plus side, I'm getting more crocheting done than normal!

Luv this pic of Tali's eyes ~ the hat is cute too!

On the not-so-plus side, my kids are eating cold cereal, applesauce & popcorn as their main food groups.

sweet baby bonnet

Oh well....here's hoping I can rest & recover quickly, all while taking this time to get more projects completed for my etsy shop. Silver lining and all~

Scarf of Ruffles on my Selah-belle

Spring, oh Spring, wherefore art thou Spring......

My "Sunshine" set ~ I think I'm just wishing for spring, even in my crochet work!!

Following after God amidst the chaos of life~

Community

2011-03-31T02:13:00.000-04:00

I don't really want to get into all the theological stuff about "community" tonight. Yet I've been discussing it a lot with my hubby and others.....and it's been really great to see people light up and really *want* community. They need it, I believe. That's why the Lord put it in His Word (Acts 2, 4, and more!). Fellowship!!

Ha ~ *Fellowship* of the Ring....get it?!
Ok, it's late...;)

I remember when we first moved to Michigan - over 4 years ago now (wow, I *must* be getting older 'cause time is just FLYING by!). I told myself not to fret, I would find friends, we would find community, other believers to share our lives with.

And slowly, but surely, the Lord is bringing that about. And it is an amazing blessing!

So if you wanna read a little about community between believers, check out hubby's church blog:
Anchor Children's Ministry (and go read Acts. Now read it again. See??)

And in my day to day life (I keep starting my sentences with And....sorry about that), well, it's chaos.
You're shocked, I know. Breathe.
Ok, going on...

Mostly controlled chaos. I think ;)

I've got science experiments galore throughout my house. My kids want to learn about electricity. Isn't there something about a potato and electricity? They wanna learn about wind-mills and electricity. I've got beans sprouting and I'm still desperately trying to get my sweet potato to leaf out!!

I've got my etsy shop up and mostly running - still trying to put up new stock. I'm working on a "lightbox" to get better pics. Apparently, that's really important. Too bad I'm a yarn artist (like that title, eh?) and not a photographer.....*sigh*

www.mommashands.etsy.com
my "John Deere" baby set ~ so adorable! (boy version in my shop)

~Just some "CHEBWA" ladies hangin' out~

My hs group is, well, pretty awesome. We're gonna go see alpacas soon. And I can't wait to get out to the local nature center and hike around a bit. Heck, I can't wait to hike around in our own woods, if it would ever warm up a bit and DRY up a bit!

**AND, I won a coffee from Tim Horton's!
Ahhh.
Life is complete.

p.s. and I'm headed here soon....lovely!

That Mennonite Store.....

2011-03-22T13:57:00.000-04:00

Do you remember that Mennonite Store I happen to mention here & there?? Well, it's not actually called "That Mennonite Store"....you're shocked, I know! The official name is:

Country View Bulk Foods

4635 Richards Rd.

Snover, MI 48472

989-635-3764

They just recently moved to a new, BIGGER, building. It's wonderful! The first time we visited the other, much smaller, store we brought our 5 small children. Not. Good.

Yet this time we brought the whole family, including my folks! And it was nice. Nice big aisles, with plenty of room! I loved it~

So here's some pics, with a bit of explanation. Somehow ('cause I'm a dork) I didn't get any pics of the OUTSIDE! Basically, it looks like a large steel structure, kind of like any other country store you might see out in the middle of nowhere. They have a nice parking lot, with regular ol' shopping carts. They do have a drive-up area, I'm guessing for picking up large quantities of food stuff!

Here we go....

When you first come in, this is to your right: large bags of flour, wheat berries, sugar, dog food (I think), potatoes, some fruit.....large quantities! Although smaller quantities can be found in the aisles.

Here's one of the aisles (look how big & bright!). This is beans & noodles, I believe. LOTS of beans, with bigger bags on the bottom. My kids *love* getting pasta here, 'cause they have such cool shapes!

The coffee section. Whole bean, ground, grind-your-own (there's the red grinder, to the right)

Tali wanted to be in a picture. I think that empty spot was for the peanut butter - it's FABULOUS - hence why they were low on stock....

Nice bakery shelves - a new item! They make their own doughnuts too!

Ahhh....can you smell the spices!?! They are known for their spices. They also have spice mixes, which is nice. Whole, crushed, ground....

My kiddos favorite section: the candy/chocolate. Just delish!

A nice frozen section - we picked up some veggie just for my Tali!

Dairy (with Isaac helpin' his Daddy!). I don't buy milk there (too expensive compared to Aldi's), but I picked up eggs & a LARGE sour cream! Oh, and a CASE of butter (it's not a HUGE savings, but it is cheaper - and I like feeling all prepared having that many pounds of butter in my freezer!)

Their deli area ~ to the right front is all their cheese!!

They had run out of my favorite peanut butter (with the honey already mixed in!) ~ so they made some for me. Right then and there, on the spot! Sweet~

Oh, here's the pic of the cheeses....we picked up some, but honestly, I'm not sure about prices.

They had a small book section (devotionals, Bibles, stationary, paper, etc.) right in the corner, by the end of th produce.

And lastly, *my* favorite - the snacks!! Chocolate covered pretzels, peanut butter filled pretzels, trail mix, nuts, yogurt covered pretzels, cheddar cheese pretzels (like Goldfish).......LOVE IT!!

So there ya go! Not a great "price review" ('cause I'm really bad at that kind of stuff ~ we just try to shop where it's cheaper overall, not necessarily go from store to store getting the cheapest of each item), but at least you can get an idea of what type of store this is. It looks much more like a regular, ol' grocery store now - except for all their own packaging! (I believe they buy in bulk and repackage most of it) I really enjoy making a trip out there and I hope to do it more often in the future (hint, hint hubby!).

There's also a great meat market on the way, but that's another post......;)
Have fun~

a retreat

2011-03-19T10:56:00.000-04:00

I walked around the grounds with Dean. We got to talk and laugh and hold hands.

It was nice. Really nice.

A retreat.

Yet it leaves me wanting more. Wanting to talk and laugh and hold hands more.

More.

This was a formal retreat. On paper, planned, paid for, organized.

So I'm gonna plan. I'm gonna plan on talking to him more. Laughing with him more. Definitely holding hands more....

'Cause that's the only way it's gonna happen. With lil' ones, a house, hs'ing, meetings, programs....
I'm gonna plan.

This retreat is going to continue.
Nice.
Really nice.

Birthday Season

2011-03-12T10:49:00.000-05:00

Well, half of my kiddos have moved up to the "even" years.

Elijah's new "robot" ~ actually 3 transformers! Cool!

The infamous "Robot Cake"

Elijah (now 4), Selah (now 8) & Micah (now 2).

We made our own lip gloss ~ the girls loved it!

Selah knew *exactly* what cake she wanted.
Pumpkin bundt cake w/ cream cheese frosting tinted PINK!
I made two ('cause it's oh-so yummy) and we had a number 8 cake!!

~Make a wish~

That leaves Tali (6 in May) & Isaac (10 in Aug.) to go.

He really got into presents this year!

No Butterfield child opens a present by themselves....;)

This was the 2nd cake I made that day ~ the first one got stuck in my pan beyond repair!

But oh, that chocolate cake & icing were DELISH!!

Just thought I would share some pics for those family members far away ~ we love you!!

A Beginning...

2011-03-09T19:08:00.000-05:00

Today is Micah's 2nd Birthday ~ *how* did that happen? When did he get to be 2 years old? I'm confused....

*Micah's pic that is in our church's pre-school wing ~ adorable*

After a hectic day (I had to bake a chocolate cake for Micah's birthday TWICE.....I'll explain later), I've come to realize something: it really *is* getting easier! No, really!

Now it's still hard. Certain days are really rough. Yet overall, big picture...my bigger kids are getting to be quite a big *help* actually. It's amazing! My oldest is 9 1/2 and it really is getting easier.

Yes, they still have behavior issues at times (don't we all?!). Yes, there are still days I don't think will E.V.E.R. end.

Yet my kids...they're pretty awesome. I like 'em. A lot! I enjoy our days together. Today I realized that I only have 1 child still napping regularly....and that's okay. Wow. I used to *live* for naptime.

So while we're far from perfect, I just wanna send out a quick word of encouragement:
If you are that momma with lots'o'littles ~ everyone is under 10 and you're wondering if you'll ever make it until naptime.......You will. And you'll enjoy it too!

God Bless you & all those littles~

It's happening

2011-02-25T00:16:00.000-05:00

First of all, Dean is home tomorrow. And we have no plans.

Yes. You read that correctly. We. Have. NO. Plans.

It's a plumb miracle is what it is ~ Hallelujah!

Sooooo, tomorrow Dean & I are going to work on taking pictures of my crochet work ~ soooooooo, I can then, finally, open my very own, on-line store for my handmade goods!

Isn't this exciting!?!? (ok, maybe just for me)

So now I gotta go type up our menu for the upcoming week's meals and do some laundry.

('Cause I'm not rich & famous yet, ya'know....;)

p.s. So what handmade, on-line venue do you recommend? Etsy or something else??

p.p.s. I've been so sick, hence my blog absence. Well....some of it anyway. Life is interesting, to say the very least. Luv ya~

A New Family Member...

2011-01-30T18:29:00.000-05:00

No, it's not a baby.

(just letting some people relax right off the bat.....good or bad!)

Nope, we now have a dog!

Well, we *had* a dog - Tobias, aka: Toby, who is my parents dog - but this is another dog. A much larger dog!!

Meet "Razor", our new doggie!

He's a doberman pinscher, about 5 yo, and sweet as a pussy-cat! He's huge, and well, his name *is* RAZOR - so most people are a bit taken a back at first, but really - no, *really* - he's a great dog. Even our skittish Kit-Kat warmed up to him really quickly, see.....;)

That officially makes it 9 people & 3 pets in this big ol' house! (I refuse to count the numerous "pets" my children gather during the warmer months). Oh my goodness.

Apparently, I'm insane.

Virtual Relationships?

2011-01-25T10:00:00.000-05:00

Remember using this "telephone" as a kid?

I can *so* remember connecting the string and wondering if it could maybe, just possible, work.....

Of course, we couldn't really hear each other all that well - but being lil' kiddos we just used our imaginations and POOF! ~Instant fun~

Nowadays we have much more sophisticated means of communication. I can call you on my cell phone from just about anywhere. I can text you a quick message of info. I can email you. I can facebook you (and whoever else may be reading it). I can skype and even video chat if I have the right technology. It's a brand new world of virtual communication ~ ain't it grand!?!

For the most part, yes, it is wonderful. Yet like anything else man-made, it has it's pitfalls. I *love* being able to send a pic via my phone to facebook. I can't imagine traveling these country roads with a carload of lil' kiddos without my cell phone. Texting my husband on Sunday mornings (when he can't really have his ringer on) can be a real time-saver. I'm not saying it's all evil ~ but still....virtual communication is not perfect.

Things can be taken the "wrong way". Have you ever sent a simply message to someone only to have them get offended? Or maybe they were simply confused? Maybe they thought YOU were mad, when you were actually just joking. Those cute lil' smilies can help, but ultimately emails, texts & fb messages will never be as good as face to face communication. Sure, they can be helpful, even necessary at times. Yet for real relationship building and honest communication, nothing beats a live conversation!

Now, I'm still gonna text. I'll still send a message on fb. Yet I'm learning to really guard myself (and others) with what I am typing. The Bible tells us OFTEN of the dangers of the tongue. James has a lot to say about it, as does Proverbs. It's kinda scary how easy it is for our words (even our TYPED words) to hurt others. What we do online and via our cell phones is pretty much the same thing.

So I've been second guessing my messages. I've been double-checking my wording. I've asked Dean for his opinion, as to what I should say or whether it's best to simply NOT say anything at all. His first response is usually "If there's a problem, talk to them - not fb, not text - TALK to them". That's hard. It's much easier to send a quick message. Who wants to actually *face* conflict? (not me!) This has been -and still is- a VERY difficult Biblical issue for me to deal with......

Lastly, I think of my children. I think of the generation growing up now, that will grow up with virtual communication as the norm. When I was out last-minute Christmas shopping with Dean, I was shocked at the sheer number of people staring at their little cell phone screens. Sure, they were communicating like crazy.....but is that really the communication we want our children to be focusing on? Am I just getting "old"?

I think all this technology is cool, fun, helpful and creative!! I enjoy using it. Yet I also pray I am able to control my "tongue" as I navigate through the ever-expanding virtual world.

We are a physical being created by God ~ so go hug someone, for pete's sake!

Life's Clutter

2011-01-22T10:00:00.001-05:00

I dislike clutter. Physically, the clutter around my home makes me anxious. I can't think properly. I can't focus. I can't relax. I want to see those clean lines and open spaces. I'm not obsessive about it (well, only occasionally), but overall, I am anti-clutter.

Ok, yes, I can be neurotic....

I think this is also true in my daily life. Beyond paper clutter, toy clutter, top-of-the-counter clutter.....life clutter makes me uncomfortable after a time as well.

Like now. Maybe it's the new year, yet everything I do, every activity I'm involved in, every event we attend, the choices we make....I keep asking myself "Why?". Why have I chosen to be involved here? Why do my husband and I allow this in our home? Why are my children involved there? How does this all fit into our life?

Without this active "filtering", I can easily find myself wandering through life, no real focus, no real basis for decisions - big or small. I find myself making decisions based on things like feelings, emotions, money, boredom, just-cause-everyone-else-is-doing-it. Ugh.

So there comes this time - like now - when I just want to sweep all the "clutter" away and start anew. Why do I attend church? (*gasp*...I know) Why do we homeschool? Why do we get all excited about God blessing us with another sweet child? Does this group meet a need in my life right now? What about the modesty and clothing choices for our children? Influences on our children (media, friends)? If I'm going to leave my husband and children for yet another evening, is it worth it? What am I gaining? What am I sacrificing? How am I making conscience efforts to strengthen my marriage and disciple my children??

I'm not saying I should sequester myself at home with my husband and children and avoid all society.....not at all. I love going out with my hubby and getting a break from 24/7 direct-line parenting. I enjoy outings with girl-friends. I like women's activities at church. I like movies. I like dangly earrings, lipstick and pretty outfits as much as the next gal. Yet, if I'm not careful.....I'm just doing whatever makes me happy at the moment. I'm just living in the here & now, not really giving much thought to the why. Why I'm married to Dean. Why I'm the mother to five lil' blessings.

So as I go to add an activity to my calendar, I just want to take a moment and really think: WHY am I making this decision? WHY am I giving my time to this? If God is my focus, how does this fit into my life? Have I even asked God about this? How long has it been since I've prayed about what God wants me to be doing? I have 24 hours a day.....I can honestly only fit in so much. What does GOD want me to be doing? In our home, our marriage, our children's lives, our homeschool, our social life, our community.

Am I filling my days with "fluff" and missing the opportunities God has placed before me?

~Needing prayer more every day~

New Mercies

2011-01-04T13:22:00.001-05:00

Doesn't the new year feel good?!

It feels like a fresh start to me. A second chance....or third, or fourth...;)

up in CO, by the continental divide, in the Rockies

Another day, another year, another opportunity. Maybe I can try something completely new or simply do what I've always done - but better!

my girls, on a family vacation, 2007

Au Sable Institute ~ Vacation 2007

What I sometimes forget is that God gives us second chances. His mercies are new every morning. EVERY day. Wow. In reality, I don't have to wait for the New Year in order to start anew. I can start tomorrow morning. Heck, I can start right now. Lay down my life, once again. Give Him my burdens, and pick up His yoke. His plan for my life is always so much better than anything I could come up with anyways!

our country road - right before a storm

So, no, I don't necessarily have any New Year's resolutions. Yet I am starting fresh. Every day.
Praise the Lord~

Looking at the Rockies, Longmont, CO

Thankful for...

2010-12-28T19:29:00.000-05:00

I am thankful for a week home with my family - my WHOLE family - including my hubby!

I am thankful for paper plates. (hehe)

I am thankful for the many items my Mom passes my way ('cause she always finds the coolest second-hand items ~ like these candle holders!).

I am thankful for music, creativity & beauty in unusual places.

I am thankful for clean bathrooms & long, hot baths!

I am thankful for my God, He's beyond my words...

~Merry Christmas~

2010-12-25T22:42:00.000-05:00

Our Family ~ Country Christmas Tree Farm ~ 2010

~Cute Couple~
Christmas Eve 2010

Five Adorable Christmas Babies ~ Christmas Eve 2010
Isaac(9), Selah(7), Talitha(5), Elijah(3) & Micah(1)

Merry Christmas to all ~ and to all a Good-Night!

A Country Christmas

2010-12-05T15:03:00.000-05:00

No, literally.

This year, for our annual family Christmas tree cutting tradition, we choose a local tree farm, Country Christmas Tree Farm. I *love* this place! We've been to a few places since we moved to Michigan, trying to find *just* the right "feel". Now I do believe we have found it! A nice Christian family-owned business, nice trees to choose from, a warm gift shop (fireplace included!), hot drinks & popcorn balls! A hayride picks you up once you've chosen THE perfect tree, complete with a chocolate lab to run alongside you. Then they top it off with a FREE professional photo op.

And this year my parents were able to go along with us ~ the memories being created make me feel SO happy & blessed!

Tali being cute!

Happy Isaac

Mema & Papa bought the kiddos suckers!

YUM

Micah with his favorite person!

By the fireplace w/ Papa

Mema rockin' and relaxin'

Warming up

just look at those red cheeks!

Goofy Elijah

A sticky mess!

Probably happy it's over!
(I tend to take a LONG time to pick out *just* the right tree ;)

~Silly Daddy~

Ready to let the branches down

Beautiful Christmas Tree & Family Devotions

{this moment}

2010-12-03T11:57:00.001-05:00

*pic by Isaac*

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

*from SouleMama*

new things

2010-12-03T01:41:00.000-05:00

Some new things around here:

*new background (I really like snow!)
*new header (Christmas traditions)
*new etsy shop (well, once we take some pics)
*we don't have a tree up yet (we usually do by now - so this is new for us - it's coming....)
*I bought a pair of pants (and I really like 'em - but only with tunic length tops)
*I'm playing clarinet again (for a Christmas musical - 30 piece orchestra - I'm nervous)

Can't think of anything else at the moment. I'm tired (that's nothing new) and I still need to clean up the kitchen, so I'd better go. I've got some new pics on the camera, so I'll share asap.

Luv and Christmas Cheer to all,

WHAT?!?

2010-11-12T02:10:00.001-05:00

It's a been a long time, no?

What can I say? I'm busy. I can be lazy. Things come & go.

Yet I love to blog, so I always come back. Eventually.

And YOU are still here with me, amazing!!

So, onto some very random, VERY realistic pics ~ I've got some more for tomorrow, but here's a start:

Selah loves Kit-Kat. Kit-Kat loves Selah.

Yes, that's me in the background, still making homemade laundry soap & I still think it's a great value!

Notice the fridge door hanging open....arg...

Here's Isaac working on his school work. His very first day, in fact.

Notice all the junk on the desk. I could tell you exactly what happened, but needless to say, the entire contents of my purse have been dumped on that desk.....and they are still here, as I type tonight.

This is what happens when the stay-at-home-homeschoolin' Momma of 5 doesn't enjoy the chore of dishes.

Just to put your mind at rest, yes, I DID clean up this kitchen today and we aren't normally this lax....but hey, things happen.

During a lull in the day, I wandered the house looking for my children.

(while Isaac was learning how to navigate his computer curriculum)

I found the living room a bit disheveled and thought the tv was on with no one watching it.....

Until I looked closer and found this 3yo cutie-pie!

He was surrounded by every blanket in our blankie-basket, relaxing on Momma's pillow with his lil' stuffed doggie ~ watching cartoons!

Ahhhh...the life!

(ya, what's with the dress shoe on the couch?? I have no idea. I'm guessing Micah was in the kids' closet.)

I found this handsome fella playing with "Thomas".

(What you can't tell from this photo is the time. I'd say it's about 1pm.

Yes, those are his jammies. What?!?)

Selah was breaking in the new "game computer" upstairs.

Micah was there for tech support - well....he DOES likes to push the buttons!

And Talitha was attempting to learn how to use the Game Cube - recently given to us.

(Yes, the "entertainment center" is dying a slow, painful death. Piece by piece...)

Notice how every. single. one. of my children is glued to some type of screen.

(And it was quiet in my house, for 5 minutes)

Nope, I don't really mind so much!

Selah has a solo/trio as a girl from the 40's in the upcoming Kid's Musical.

Those are her Great-GREAT-Grandmother's pearls.

~She feels like a queen~

(and she sounds awesome too!)

Isaac plays a boy named Hank from that same era.

How cute is that??

When I first made him try these short pants on, he thought I was gonna make him wear them regularly. As in, just regular ol' clothes. He told me they were "too tight right here" (the knee) and he wasn't sure they could keep his legs warm during the winter. Cute kid. He was very relieved when I explained they were part of his COSTUME for the play. Adorable.

And lastly, we carved our Jack-O-Lanterns this evening, while waiting for daddy to finish his meeting.

Yes, the date today is Nov. 11th.

What?!?

I had a lot of fun!!

Oh ya...so did my kids. ;)

Maybe I'll blog more now that the weather is cooling off.
Maybe not.

Either way, enjoy the day the Lord has given you ~ it'll be gone before you know it!
Off to bed...
*yes, it's 2am. What?!?*

school, sickness & signatures

2010-09-22T12:12:00.000-04:00

Just a quick update post:

SCHOOL: School has started (although about a week behind the public schools, but hey, that's one of the reasons we love hs'ing ~ flexibility!!). Talitha (K) is especially excited and loves to do her reading lessons each day. Isaac (3rd) had a hard time the first few days, just getting back into the routine and realizing how much was going to be expected of him each day this year. He seems to be settling in nicely now. Selah (2nd) is pretty easy-going about school. She knows what has to be done ~ some days, she does it lickity-split, other days, not so much....yet overall, she likes hs'ing and the freedom it allows her in other areas (like getting her work done quickly then playing outside for HOURS!!).

Lastly, the little boys are doing great! Elijah does his own "school" - since he's not even in pre-school yet (he's 3), I just give him some coloring pages, maybe a page emphasizing a particular letter or dot-to-dot pages. He also gets to practice cutting, pasting, stencils, etc. Fun stuff, right there!! And Micah - he's adorable! He's starting to talk up a storm (more than any of my other kiddos at this age: 18 months).

Now my kiddos want to know what day God will put another baby in my tummy......*sigh*......need prayers on that front.

SICKNESS: I'm sick. Just sinusy-grossness. In my throat, ears, face, head....yup. That's gross. I'm recovering, yet not as quickly as I would like. Another day or two and I should *finally* be good to go!

SIGNATURES: Ok, I was stretching a bit with this one...;) I just wanted to include the news that my wonderful husband is now "officially" a Pastor with the Missionary Church! (See? His *signature* has changed....get it?! Ok, I know it was a stretch....I know, I know.) I'm just so happy for him & proud of him ~ he has worked really hard, and I just really love seeing him happy!! Way to go, honey~

*on a different note, that officially makes ME a Pastor's Wife....which is weird....just not something I thought was going to happen to me. Ever. God's ways and all.....;)

p.s. I'm sitting here eating some of my homemade, chunky, cinnamon applesauce. Delish ~ and super easy! I love learning all this new stuff as a wife & momma ~ stuff I didn't even know that I wanted to learn ~ thank you God, you know me better than I do!

Isaac's 9th Birthday

2010-09-09T13:33:00.000-04:00

Yup, this is one of those "for the record" type of blog posts. One of these days, I'm gonna make this ol' blog here into a book, so a lot of the stuff I post is for memories. Yes, a book. One of these days....

Just as a preface: Isaac went rollerskating once, this past summer, for a church family outing. He *loved* it! While there, he saw a sign stating you could have your birthday party at the rink. He was sold! There was really no other option for him....lucky for us, it wasn't too expensive, as far as kid birthday parties go. Enjoy~

This is the first place I found Isaac after he put on his skates.

Really? Silly boy...

Isaac - and most of his friends - aren't all that great at skating, per se.

No seriously. We called 'em "Wall Huggers".

But they *loved* it!

We had some family from out of town.

Uncle Kenni was a great help w/ lil' Micah Man!

Yes, there was lots of falling down....

And lots of silliness....

(this wonderful friend used to be on City Counsel, he's on the local school board, he's a CM volunteer, father of 3 lil' girls ~ and wacky as all get out!!)

Games to be played....

(he *almost* won - but the sweet lil' girl behind him was just SOOOO tiny, she scooted her way into first place. Adorable!)

Food to be eaten....

Presents to be oooohhhed & aahhhhed over....

And I had to add in this pic! Here's Preston, a friend, skating happily!

Yet he had a bad fall not even halfway through the party....

And now he looks like this!! (from my friend Leanne's blog - his Momma)

Thank goodness his father had stayed to skate with him! It was a fairly bad break, I believe ~ poor Preston....

Nine years old ~ wow!

Where does the time go.....*sniff*

LOVE YOU ISAAC!!

~Autumnal Anticipation~

2010-09-04T09:25:00.001-04:00

My fall decorations were put up early this year.

"Kit-Kat" enjoying her new bed.
(actually my parent's doggie-bed that their dog won't use)

Yes, normally I have been attempting to wait until Oct. 1st for this wonderful turning of the seasons.....but this year, well, I just couldn't wait! And really, WHY wait?? I *love* fall. Beautiful colors, delicious smells, natures amazing display.....if this truly is my favorite season, why not have my decorations out for 3 months instead of 2?!

And I'm *so* very happy I did ~ pictures to come later....

Talitha *loves* her food.
So many FANTASTIC fall foods to choose from!

The kiddos & I ~ fall, a few years back!

We have also decided to hit the apple orchard/pumpkin/fall harvest farm early this year! Last year, we waited (too long) and by the time we got there, it was slim pickin's indeed. We are trying out a new farm this year, Blake Farms Cidermill. Not only do they have the orchard, the pumpkins, the cider, the doughnuts, the petting zoo, the train ride, the hayride, the corn maze, the Barnyard Funyard.....but they also have a Christmas Tree Farm located there as well! So we just might have to check back with this farm in a few more months as well ~ how exciting!!

Apple Orchard 2009

Selah, my scarecrow!

Check back later this week...I'll try to have some pics up by then. I've got to blog about Isaac skating party, the fall decorations, the baking going on around here, my homeschool preparations, my husband's pastoral journey, the current joys (& horrors) of our potty-training life, our daily schedule ideas, the fall fest.....oh, you know, tons of stuff!!

Tractor rides w/ Papa!

Micah's first Thanksgiving - 2009

You know, there are times when I'm completely overwhelmed by this whole parenting thing. I sit, I cry, I ask God how I can keep going, day after day after day. I am unable to look beyond the mess, the chaos, the bickering, the whining, the drudgery.

Yet every once in a while, God *makes* me see the other stuff: the special moments, the smells, the cute smiles, the sweet gestures, the kind moments, the loving attitudes. He allows me to see how the day to day grind really *does* make a difference (and how it doesn't HAVE to be so boring & mundane). He infuses me with JOY ~ and the more I look to Him for my joy, rather than trying to squeeze it from myself & my circumstances, the more He gives to me!

Real joy ~ the good stuff ~ His blessings!!

May you all look to God for your joy today~

I just can't do it!

2010-08-31T01:42:00.000-04:00

It's too darn hot around here. I can't even blog!

This is ridiculous.

We've had a few days of 90+ degree weather, with a few more on the way ~ it's plain ol' crazy, is what it is!

Nobody wants to go outside to play (who can blame 'em?!), the AC seems to be running constantly (who can *afford* that?!), so I feel like a prisoner in my own stuffy home!!

In other news, my folks are slowly, but surely getting their home in order! Today saw the arrival of a fridge, a stove/oven, a dryer, a microwave & a chest freezer. I'm enjoying the opportunity to go downstairs for a cup o' joe every know & again and simply spending time with them!

Also, today brought the installment of Direct TV (or was it Dish? whatever.) to our home. We have been without cable/network tv for about 2 years now - not sure how I feel about this change yet?? I'm excited for certain things (like the Thanksgiving Day parade & the Food/History/Travel channels) and dreading other things (like non-stop football & my kiddos trying to become tv zombies....ugh). Oh well, with the good, comes the bad ~ I'll have to do my best at setting limits & keeping a close eye on the little ones.

Tali & Momma

And lastly, I'm off to the VET tomorrow morning ~ yes, we have a pet! I said no animals until ALL children were potty-trained but it appears no one told the farm cat from next door about my rule. Insolent animal! ;) She's a sweetie, although I haven't completely decided on her name yet (nothing seems to feel right yet). A cute calico kitty, who thankfully had NO problems learning about the litter box when we officially brought her indoors. Now if only I could settle on a name.....ahhh, Kit-Kat, I believe! Yes, our sweet kitty-cat is named "Kit-Kat"! ~Love it~ (no one else cares, they just want me to settle on a name.....they just call her kitty)

"Kit-Kat"

So there ya go, this horrid weather has caused me to blabber-blog about randomness ~ sorry. Sometime soon I'll get on the ball and blog about some upcoming school-type stuff.....maybe. For goodness' sake, it's going to be September! It's *gotta* cool down soon, it's just GOTTA!!

Later 'gators~

101 Devotions for Homeschool Moms

2010-08-26T14:19:00.000-04:00

Ok, so Angela asked which devotional book I was working through - I thought I would just post it here for everyone! It is called "One Hundred & One Devotionals for Homeschool Moms" (I believe I got this from Leanne, along with lots of other hs'ing goodies ~ thanks Leanne!).

Click to read about this book.

The devotions are sweet & short, exactly what a busy, tired hs momma needs! She has an honest prayer & questions to read as part of each devotional. She asks the tough questions, such as how the HEARTS of your children are doing - not just their math scores. She acknowledges the hard times, focuses on the blessings & reminds us where our REAL strength comes from!

Isaac & Selah working hard on their math workbooks (date is wrong!).

Some days I don't get to it ~ some days I read four devotions at once. No, it's not destined to be a classic, yet for this season of life I am in, it's just what I need! Thank you Lord~

Learning along the way

2010-08-23T16:08:00.003-04:00

Normally, I don't mind Mondays all that much. The weekend is FINALLY over (if you're a Pastor's family, you understand this), I don't have to go anywhere & we can ease our way back into our normal routines.

Not so much today.

Today started off okay, breakfast was taken care of, morning routines were started (bed, teeth, dressed, rooms, chores) and the whining was minimal. I had a bit of a headache, but not too bad ~ a lot to catch up on from the weekend, yet not overwhelmingly so.

Then the arguing started:

"He threw a toy at me!"
"She won't give me my game back!"
"He hurt me!"

Ugh.

Finally, Elijah comes downstairs to - so I assume - add to the list of tattling and whining.

"Selah threw a toy at me and hit the light and it broke into a lot of pieces."

Hoping & praying I asked him if the TOY broke into a lot of pieces. Nope. It was the light.

I ran upstairs, knowing the baby was playing up there too. Sure enough, TWO fluorescent bulbs had been busted in the boys' room. And sure enough, the baby had walked through the mess and cut his precious lil' baby foot.....ouch!

Amazingly though, I did not scream. I did not yell. I sent everyone out of the room and made sure the baby was okay (he's fine although we're keeping an eye out for any signs he might have a sliver of glass still in his foot - it looks good actually, but we'll keep checking it). I began the clean-up process and directed the children with other chores. The upstairs was soon spic-n-span!! Later, everyone headed to their rooms which gave me a chance to catch up with the rest of the house (dishes, laundry, etc.).

See, I had *just* read a devotional for homeschooling momma's. It talked about how we can get easily frustrated with our children when the do not display good character qualities on a consistent basis. Why, oh why, do my children *still* argue with one another? Why haven't they learned to be kind to their siblings? Why can't they play nicely and NOT throw their toys at one another?

Thank the Lord, He has more patience than you or I. He deals with us in such a loving, kind, patient manner - even as He must teach us things over & over & over again.

So this morning, as I looked at the ga-gillion tiny pieces of glass, I thought of the Lord. How does He react when I fail? How does He treat me when still haven't learned the lesson He knows I need to grasp? I tried to remember what a blessing these babies are, and how blessed I am to have the opportunity to teach & train them ~ instead of reacting in anger & frustration at their poor choices. This is my job, my responsibility, my gift from the Lord....and here was another chance to show them God's love through my actions & words!

Now I'm off to tackle more housekeeping chores, wrangle the older children inside for a bit of homeschooling....all the while trying to remember my children are still a work in progress & are not through learning.

And neither am I.

God Bless You & Yours today~

Isaac's Pancake Cake

2010-08-21T02:19:00.000-04:00

Ever since I first read "Big Rabbit's Bad Mood" to my kiddos, I've thought of making a pancake-cake for Isaac. He *loves* pancakes! I'm not sure where that kid puts 'em all, but he can INHALE 6 of my homemade chocolate chip pancakes in no time!

So now, with Isaac's birthday this weekend, and also some family in from out of town, it was time for the first pancake-cake attempt!

He's wishing *so* hard ~ looks like Talitha is too!

I was thinking it was going to be taller, so maybe I made 'em too big......but no, really, once we sliced it - the pieces were the perfect size.

The best part was when Isaac finally realized it was "just like Big Rabbit's Momma making a cake made out of pancakes, Momma!!". Yes I know, son. ;) I'm so glad you liked it~

Student Photo Week

2010-08-18T01:14:00.002-04:00

Yes, I missed a week.

I know you're all shocked.

Actually, we are working on a few different schooling "spaces", seeing as how we don't have a dedicated school ROOM. I'll try to get some pics up of those spaces as we get them put together.....some day...;)

Yet for *this* week, the Not Back To School Blog Hop (@ Heart of the Matter) is focused on Student Photos. Those I got! Here's some pics of my crew:

Isaac: almost 9yob, 3rd grade

determined, innocent, people-pleaser, structured, very sweet, black-n-white kind of kid

Isaac & Momma: Summer 2010

Isaac trying to roast a weiner....trying.

Isaac driving a couple of his siblings & a cousin around the yard.

Selah: 7yog, 2nd grade

Emotional, stubborn...um...determined, loving, maternal, musical, funny, extremely helpful, alpha girl

climbing trees in our yard

at a local history fair

a girly-girl through & through

Talitha: 5yog, Kindergarten

all-grown up ~ yet thumb-suckin'/hair-twirlin', no-fear, creative, imaginative, musical & stu-u-ub-born!!

Daddy's lil' girl

always ready to tackle a problem

5th b-day ~ such a sweetheart!

Elijah: 3yob, pre-school

100% all-boy! Yet oh-so-sweet to his Momma ~ dirty, independent, tough & stubborn

(I'm noticing a trend here.....)

Yup, he's dirty.

REALLY dirty!

From time to time he's washed up - but it never lasts...

Micah: 1yob (almost 18mo)

Loves his family, trying to keep up with his siblings, always laughing ~except when he's crying!

My sweet, huggy, and yes, STUBBORN, lil' man!

just getting old enough to really start liking the outdoors

can sometimes be a bit shy....and *adorable*

always ready to share a smile!

THE BOYS

THE GIRLS

~The CRAZY Crew~

Pita Pockets @ Home

2010-08-17T23:47:00.001-04:00

So. The other day I stood around thinking, "What's next?". You know, the ol' standby for us mommas - Do The Next Thing! The washing machine was chugging along, the dishwasher was humming, the babies were napping....what was next?

Ah, the bread machine. I hadn't made any bread that day, and I had no concrete plans for dinner. What's a girl to do??

~how to prepare and bake the perfect loaf~

I have been slowly making my way through this fabulous book (of my mom's). Yes, I have my favorite bread recipe, but I like finding something new, something *different*, every once in a while.

I decided on Pita Bread. They looked easy & fairly quick (I needed dinner for that night!).

The Ingredients

1 c. warm water

1 Tb. olive oil

3 c. unbleached white bread flour (I used all-purpose)

1 1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. granulated sugar

1 tsp. rapid-rise active dry yeast (um, I used my regular ol' dry yeast)

Basically, you just put it all in, let the dough cycle run, pull out the dough onto a floured surface & separate it into 6-10 pieces (depending on how big you want your pitas - we did 8 pieces and it seemed a good size).

Roll each piece into a ball -then cover it with oiled plastic wrap, letting it rest for 10 min.

Preheat oven to 450, preheat pans in oven (I forgot to preheat my pans - it still worked fine).

Roll each piece (round or oval) to 1/4in. thick, sprinkle with flour, cover with oiled plastic wrap, rest for 10 min.

Place pitas on pans & bake for 5-6 min, 'till puffed up & lightly browned. Transfer to wire rack to cool.

Serve w/ dips or soup ~ or split them in half and stuff the pockets with veggies, meat and/or cheese filling!!

**Like I said, I forgot to preheat my pans. Once I shaped & floured each one, I placed them on the baking sheets and let them rest for 10 min - they rose a bit right there on the pan. If I would have transfered the pitas after that last 10 min. rest, it would have deflated them a bit. Next time I'll try it like the directions say (novel concept, I know).

Eight pitas was just enough for Dean & I, our five lil' ones & my mom. Next time, I'll make more for leftovers. They were soft, slightly sweet & oh, so delicious! I ate a whole pita with egg salad - but that turned out to be too much for my new eating plan - so in the future, a half a pita is plenty.

The kiddos ate all of theirs though - they loved 'em! My 2 picky eaters had pb&j, while Tali & Elijah ate up some "Tomato Salad" (um, just garden tomatoes, S&P, plus spinach). Micah ate a lil' of each. Dean ate his with deli meat & cheese and agreed this recipe was a keeper!

They were easy & yummy ~ give it a try!

And......

2010-08-07T02:07:00.000-04:00

....he's back!!

*sportin' some Kenni-shorts ~ Hey, Kenni!!"

Life is good~

What curriculum did YOU choose?

2010-08-03T15:12:00.001-04:00

I've never had my children in a public/private school.....so I'm not sure how much time y'all spend on looking at the chosen curriculum of your child's school. For a hs momma, this is a *huge* deal! What is best for my child? What works with our family's daily life? What can we afford? Which curriculum supports our beliefs, our goals for our children academically & spiritually? What is realistic for this crazy family of 7??

ACK!?!

So, that's why I can get excited about sharing our curriculum choices. That's why you'll often hear hs momma's talking extensively about their choices, their reasons, their failures & successes.

It's a big deal.

And it's Curriculum Week over at Heart of the Matter's "Not Back to School" Blog Hop ~ so I'm gonna join the masses and share our choices for this upcoming school year. To set the stage, I've got a 3rd grader (boy), 2nd grader (girl) & new Kindergarten student (girl), plus a pre-schooler (3yob) & toddler (1yob). Ya, this should be interesting...;)

~we're big fans of AO~

3rd grade: Isaac, 9yob

We will be using Switched on Schoolhouse: a five core subject, computer-based curriculum (Bible, History & Geography, Language Arts, Math, and Science). He's a computer freak, a great reader and quite independent in his studies. This sounds perfect for him, although he'll need to gain some typing skills - still checking into a typing program appropriate for his age. He will also be working on handwriting (don't wanna lose that skill) with Horizon's Penmanship books for 3rd grade. Beyond that, we will do Piano Lessons weekly, with Music Theory pages in between. I'm sure we'll fit in some art, PE, health, and loads of other stuff just with daily living & free stuff online!

~click on the above pic to view the "features" of SOS~

**With my two girls (below: 2nd grade & K), I will be trying the "workbox method" this year, in some variation or another....check out these sites for more info & different ways of accomplishing this method:

Heart of the Matter Online: Thinking INSIDE the box!

Joyful Mother of 6: Lots of bins!

Ruby Slippers School: Using Hanging File Folders

2nd Grade: Selah, 7yog

Ok, since my plan is to have all the kiddos go to SOS in the 3rd grade - before that time, I just want to make sure they really enjoy reading, keep on track with Math and in general, learn to LOVE learning! Along that line, I have Selah working through Alpha Omega's LIFEPAC's ~ they follow the same scope & sequence that SOS continues in the 3rd grade. This year Selah will be doing Math, Language Arts & Science. We will continue on with handwriting & cursive with Horizon's Penmanship books for 2nd grade. If we need a bit more phonics help this year, I'm gonna try Horizon's Phonics student books and see if that works (I just looked again at the sample page - I think I'll definitely order this - looks great!).
Selah will also have weekly piano lessons & music theory worksheets. And of course, we'll explore any topic she shows interest in via nature, online, books, field trips, crafts, etc. She loves the hands-on stuff!

~click the above pic for an "overview" of AO's LIFEPACs~

Kindergarten: Talitha, 5yog
And my sweet Tali ~ I can't believe she's "officially" starting school!? Wow....when did she get so big?
Anyway....she will also be on the LIFEPAC track: using the Kindergarten 2-subject set of Math & Language Arts. She really wants to be "writing" like her siblings, so I might pick her up a Kindergarten Manuscript Tablet from A BEKA. Writing is included in her LA books, so she might not need any more practice. We will start "Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons" with Tali this year as well, plus start piano lessons w/ some basic music theory stuff (this is a staff. this is a treble cleff. these are the woodwind instruments. etc).

~click on the above photo for an "overview" of AO's Horizons~

So there ya go ~ our curriculum choices for 2010-11. As for the preschooler & toddler, well, I'm gonna get a tub for each of them, with age-appropriate games/activities/toys that will *only* be used during school times - times when Momma is busy and they still want to be involved. Here's hoping that helps....*crosses fingers*

~my lil' men~

NOW, head on over to Heart of the Matter and check out other HS Momma blogs to see what else families are choosing for the upcoming school year!~

One good thing in August...

2010-08-03T01:15:00.002-04:00

I am *not* a summer gal.

I know, you're shocked, right?!
Well, it's true ~ it's hot, sticky & muggy. August....ugh.

Yet this year, with a garden, I'm getting lots of tomatoes. So I guess that's one good thing in August.
But just one.

This year I'm gonna try to participate in the NOT Back to School Hop @ Heart of the Matter. It's for all you hs'ers out there to share a bit about how you are preparing to start up school again (or, if you school all year round, just a bit of where you are right now - just a time to share).

Seeing as how I'm still waiting to purchase some of our curriculum, and I've got one last minute decision to make regarding the kids handwriting/spelling/phonics stuff....well, we'll see how this goes....;)

So if you have a garden ~ enjoy those tomatoes. If not, I'm sorry. Hopefully August will pass incredibly quickly....with lots of A/C!!

My Reflection

2010-07-28T10:29:00.001-04:00

I can see myself....

...in the way Elijah screams when he's frustrated.

...in the stubborn look Selah gives when things don't go her way.

...in Isaac's desire to please and be "a good boy".

...in the defiance that rises up in Talitha when faced with restrictions.

...yes, even in Micah's complete focus on his baby-desires.

It's a warped version, but it's undeniable. That's me....*my* stubborness, *my* selfishness, *my* defiance and even my desire to appear like I've got it all together. Ugh. It's NOT a pretty picture.

Yet what a blessing! If I see these things in my children, if it's ME reflected in them, there's an easy way to deal with it: change. I don't have to change them, change others, change the world. I have to change me! At least that's something I can actually do ~ with the mighty power of my God, that is!

So the next time your children are defiant, stubborn, obnoxious, unkind, lazy or selfish.....ask yourself if you can see your reflection. Then ask God to help YOU!

'Cause I'm the Momma

Autumn Traditions

the little things.

Big Brother, Little Brother

Keepin' my tooties warm!

Orange & Brown & Red....oh my!

God knows what He's doing!

Whatever you do...

The Battle Begins

Pink, Purple & Patience

Caught ya'

That kind of day...

Goodbye Razor

Crazy Camping Chaos!

Country Cousins, City Cousins

Late Night News

It would take too long to explain...

Crochet : the art

Homemade Laundry Soap: Revisited

Girl...Interrupted

In the midst...

Ecclesiastes 3

A Time for Everything

there's a storm a rollin' in...

....at my house!

I'm tired.

A pretty sweet giveaway!

Feast of the St. Claire

First Festival

It's happening now...

Sick & Tired &.....Productive??

Community

That Mennonite Store.....

a retreat

Birthday Season

A Beginning...

It's happening

A New Family Member...

Virtual Relationships?

Life's Clutter

New Mercies

Thankful for...

~Merry Christmas~

*A Country Christmas*

{this moment}

new things

WHAT?!?

school, sickness & signatures

Isaac's 9th Birthday

~Autumnal Anticipation~

I just can't do it!

101 Devotions for Homeschool Moms

Learning along the way

Isaac's Pancake Cake

Student Photo Week

Pita Pockets @ Home

And......

What curriculum did YOU choose?

One good thing in August...

My Reflection

A Country Christmas