Blessed Mommy

Praying for my children....EVERY day....with PURPOSE!

2011-06-09T22:57:00.000-07:00

It is becoming more and more apparent to me that I need to pray specifically and with purpose for my husband and children EVERY day.

Today I'll be sharing my Kids' Prayer List -

1 - Salvation for them....the fear of the Lord.

2 - Growth in grace.

3 - Love...God's love.

4 - Honesty and integrity.

5 - Self Control.

6 - A love and hunger for God's Word.

7 -Justice–noun: the quality of being just; righteousness, equitableness, or moral rightness

8 - To be merciful.

9 - Respect - for God, others, and themselves.

10 - Biblical Self Esteem

11 - Faithful...in all the areas of spiritual and earthly life.

12 - Courageous

13 - Purity

14 - Kindness

15 - Generosity

16 - Peace loving...peace

17 - Joyful

18 - Perseverance

19 - Humility

20 - Compassionate

21 - Responsible

22 - Contentment

23 - Have faith

24 - Have a servant's heart

25 - Hopeful

26 - A willingness to work hard

27 - A passion for God and the great commission

28 - Protection

29 - Good time management skills

30 - Spiritual hunger...desire to be a disciple of Christ...always learning.

31 - Trust in God completely

Filling my home with beautiful Scripture

2011-03-22T09:52:00.000-07:00

I L.O.V.E. wall sticker art. I wish I had more of it but I simply do not have wall space. I have several little ones over doorways and such, but no big ones. I found a fabulous online resource though for anyone looking to purchase vinyl wall art.

www.agreatimpression.com

They are a Christian company and have tons of great products.

2011-01-11T11:24:00.000-08:00

"He tends his flock like a shepherd:

He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart;

he gently leads those that have young."

-Isaiah 40:11

Santa's Rules

2010-12-02T11:38:00.000-08:00

It seems that even Santa needs some basic rules by which to conduct himself.

Jenny Zinc, an employee for a U.S. temping agency that has trained and supplied

Santas to department stores for more than 30 years, sums up the most important

tenets of Santa etiquette as follows:

Santa is even-tempered
Santa does not hit children over the head who kick him.
Santa uses the term "folks" rather than "Mommy and Daddy" because of all the broken homes.
Santa does not borrow money from store employees.
Santa wears a good deodorant.

All pretty good advice I'd say....:-)

Motherhood

2010-10-05T09:58:00.000-07:00

Lord, forgive me that I have so little time to spend on my knees.

Raising children and running a busy home,

I have to do most of my praying

"on the hoof" as it were.

But, Lord, You know my heart is kneeling.

Ruth Bell Graham

"Let your father and mother be glad,

and let her who bore you rejoice."

Proverbs 23:25

Home

2010-10-01T12:52:00.001-07:00

www.rhythmofthehome.com

What a great resource!

Vacation Bible Adventure

2010-08-10T15:49:00.000-07:00

This year's Vacation Bible Adventure was another success thanks to a fabulous group of people that use their talents for the Lord each year. I'm so blessed to have a family that helps so much as well. My mom does all the recruiting of volunteers, Josh is the game guy, Courtney is the music girl, and Cassidy was Reagan's preschool crew leader. There are many, many other people who give of themselves all week long, but it's so nice to do ministry with my family.

This is me getting gacked! It had been a while so I had it coming!!! :-)

I'm not sure why my picture format is being soooo weird. I can't get the pics to go in any order, same size, etc. Oh well....here's Reagan in craft time with Teacher Janell and there's also a pic of the whole gang!

Kent Cornucopia Days

2010-07-08T23:24:00.000-07:00

Summer is here! I know...I know....for most of you summer has been here for a long time, but not for us in the Pacific NW. Summer never begins until after the 4th of July weekend. We left right after church to go camping Sunday and it was thankfully dry while we put up our tent and cooked dinner but it rained all night making it very chilly. It sprinkled a bit on Monday and then Tuesday the sun came out and I was able to shed my top layer. :-)

I'm enjoying the calm before the storm tonight.....tomorrow morning begins the adventures of Kent Cornucopia Days. Which means long, hot days. But it's always great to have the opportunity to meet new people in our community and invite their children to our Vacation Bible Adventure. Praying for a great response to our invites!

Seriously, I should be sleeping but I have way too many things running through my head....I believe I have everything done that can be done for KCD until I get to church in the morning. I should be able to shut my brain off right?! But no, I'm wide awake. Part of it is because it's so in our bedroom. Living in the PNW does not usually mean heat so I'm not complaining about the daytime heat it's just that the attic gets sooooo hot during the day then it's hard to sleep at night. Isn't it funny how we complain about the rain and then get a few days of heat and think we're gonna die?! I'm very grateful for the sun!!!! Don't get me wrong....just making excuses for way I'm not sleeping when I should be. :-)

Interesting things about today:

2010-01-09T18:52:00.000-08:00

Word of the day: Ebullience
What does it mean?

"Noise is an imposition on sanity, and we live in very noisy times." Joan Baez

I will say that my house always has noise. :-) Probably like most of your homes. :-) Josh loves to have music on all the time and Reagan follows closly in her father's footsteps. She HAS TO have her music on when going to bed. And she likes it LOUD! I like to have worship music playing when I'm doing things around the house and even when we're doing our schoolwork about 50% of the time. Do you have music on at your home? If so, what kind?

On this day in 1493: Christopher Columbas, sailing off the coast of the Dominican Republic, reported that he had sighted three mermaids and that they were "not as beautiful as they had been painted." Later he realized that he had seen these creatures before and that they were manatees.

Quick Tip:
Make the most out of every trip. My mom calls it the "anywhere you go game". I used to hate playing this game and it wasn't until recent years that I have accepted it back into my life! However, I do realize the value that this game holds. If you're going to the kitchen, take the dishes. If you're headed to your room, take the toys. It really does work. Why pass it by? Stop, pick it up, and put it away!!!!

Ebullience means the quality of lively or enthusiastic expression

Interesting Facts for the day:

2010-01-08T11:15:00.000-08:00

Today's Word: Sardonic
What does it mean?

"You know the best way to double your money? Fold it and put it in your pocket." Phyllis Diller

On this day in 1997: The principality of Monaco began a yearlong celebration in honor of the 700th anniversary of the rule of the Grimaldi family, who seized power in 1297 and gained firm possession of Monaco in 1419. Wow, that's a long family rule!

Born Today:
Elvis Presley

Take a minute today to sit down with a cup of tea and put some soothing music on for 15 minutes! You deserve it.

I will have to admit that things have been crazy hectic in our family for months now. It just feels like we never get breathing room especially around the holidays. Church is busy, family stuff gets put on the calendar, our trip to CA, the Christmas program, this year we've also had a litter of puppies to add to the whole commotion. I was very excited to start school this week and get back on our schedule, but it hasn't been quite as scheduled as I'd have liked. We're having a week of prayer at church so that has added to the schedule differences. Javon has had a week of testing me and using his strong-will about getting back into the school groove. I understand that we are all different. I'm constantly trying to come up with new ways to make school enjoyable for him. He can do the work so quickly if I can get him focused on it. Yesterday we did his math verbally and then he wrote it down. It's funny how it's the same thing but he likes having me ask him the problems out loud. Well, praying your week is going great. I think tonight we're going to get "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" and just chill. :-)

Sardonic: disdainfully or skeptically humorous

Interesting things about today:

2010-01-07T11:42:00.000-08:00

Word of the Day: Euphony
What does it mean?

Today in 1959: The U.S. recognized the new Cuban government under Fidel Castro. In 1961, the U.S. Air Force would support Cuban exiles in the failed Bay of Pigs invasion of Cuba.

Born Today:
Zora Neale Hurston
Katie Couric
Nicolas Cage

"My favorite thing is to go where I've never been." Diane Arbus

Quick Tip:
Identify time-zappers. For one week, take note of when you're wasting time, then go back and think about how to imporve your time-management. Do you spend precious time in the morning hunting for your keys? Put a small basket or box by the front door. Do you get sidetracked by emails every few minutes? Limit yourself to checking facebook, blogs, and emails.

My time zapper is TV in the evenings after I put the kids to bed. Last year I commited to the Lord to watch only 1 hour total of TV per day. I did really good for a long time but there were days that I watched 2 shows instead of one and thought well yesterday I didn't watch anything so I get 2 hours today....right? Well, it isn't really about the amount as much as the commitment that I made to the Lord.
So this year I'm back to 1 hour of TV per evening. It allows me to read more and spend time on things that are more important. What are your time zappers?

Interestings things for today....

2010-01-06T10:20:00.000-08:00

Well, I've been terrible at posting although I love going and seeing other peoples blogs. There are so many encouraging thoughts and ideas that you are sharing. Thank you! I don't want to be stingy and never share anything for you to look at so I decided to share some interesting things for the day from a new calendar that I received for Christmas. Enjoy!

New Word: Kerfuffle
What does it mean?

On this day in 1838: Samuel Morse's telegraph system was first demonstrated. Because Western Union charged by the word, the telegram became known for its succinct prose. And because there was no charge for the word "stop," it became the most frequently used word of the times.

Born Today:
E.L. Doctorow
Gabrielle Reece
Earl Scruggs
(I'm not sure who any of these people are???? So I think that later today we will look them up. :-) Isn't the internet wonderful!?)

"The greatest part of our happiness or misery depends on our disposition and not on our circumstances." Martha Washington

Wow, what a great quote! I've already allowed my stress level to enter my voice this morning with the kids. :-( I am very excited and happy to get back to school and our schedule, but the kids don't seem so excited about the whole thing! I had to take a minute prayer break and try to see things from their eyes. They've had 3 weeks of no school with lots of variations in our schedule. So I'm sure it's difficult jumping right back into school. It's been on mind for a week, but not in their little minds. How has your return to school been this week?

Kerfuffle: a commotion

Merry Christmas!

2009-11-17T08:56:00.001-08:00

Twas the month before Christmas*
*When all through our land,*
*Not a Christian was praying*
*Nor taking a stand.*
*See the PC Police had taken away,*
*The reason for Christmas - no one could say.*
*The children were told by their schools not to sing,*
*About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.*
*It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say*
* December 25th is just a ' Holiday '.*
*Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit*
*Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!*
*CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod*
*Something was changing, something quite odd! *
*Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa*
*In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.*
*As Targets were hanging their trees upside down*
* At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found.*
*At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears*
*You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.*
*Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty*
*Are words that were used to intimidate me.*
*Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen*
*On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton !*
*At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter*
*To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.*
*And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith*
* Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace*
*The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded*
*The reason for the season, stopped before it started.*
*So as you celebrate 'Winter Break' under your 'Dream Tree'*
*Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.*
*Choose your words carefully, choose what you say*
*Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS ,
not Happy Holiday !*
Please, all Christians join together and
wish everyone you meet during the
holidays a
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Christ is The Reason¢ for the Christ-mas Season!

Great teaching videos

2009-11-10T09:58:00.000-08:00

I just found a FABULOUS video website thanks to homeschoolfreebieoftheday.com newsletter! It is www.neok12.com.

There are a TON of educational videos that are really amazing. Everything from learning your numbers for preschoolers to learning about atoms, the earth, your body....the list goes on and on. I'm not sure about the Christian content of all of the videos (evolutionary thoughts, etc.) but what I've seen has been very good.

I especially like the animal science portion! I'm looking forward to sharing this with my kids. Hope you enjoy as well!

Javon's 7th Birthday Party

2009-10-31T20:59:00.000-07:00

Javon: My birthday was great! I played lots of games. I got lots of toys. Well also I swam and stuff like that. The favorite thing of my pirate party was eating icecream and cupcakes. My outfit was cool. The best part of my day was finishing the day playing my new Wii Nerf Game.

October 2009

2009-10-29T18:47:00.000-07:00

Wow, I can't believe it's been a month since I've posted. We've just been super busy this fall. Lots of learning going on around here. I'm very happy to report that school is going much better than expected with Javon and Reagan together. I was a bit worried about the timing of it all since Javon still needs attention and Reagan is in preschool but I wanted to be more formal this year since she'll be in Kindergarten next year. Javon is a hands-on learner so we didn't follow a strick preschool program with him...more random learning. However, Reagan is an auditory learner and loves to hear books and do pages. So it's been very easy to read lots of library books and do lots of workpages.

Here's a few pics from our October:
Coop
This is Javon's 3rd year in PATH coop and Reagan's and my first year. We go every Monday and it has been a really great addition to our homeschooling. Reagan takes 2 preschool classes that focus on learning a letter of the alphabet every week. Javon has Beginning Science, Hands on Science, Music`Movement`and Skits, and Creative Builders. They both really love to go.

Praying that your school year is going as great as ours!

CA Lapbook

2009-09-30T11:00:00.000-07:00

We had a great time learning about CA. I grew up in Northern CA but the state is so large and diverse it was fun learning more about it. I have been to many CA cities and driven from north to south many times, but there are far too many things to take in than I can even imagine.

One of the fun things we learned was that it is ILLEGAL to eat oranges in a bathtub in CA! The kids thought that was really funny. We also studied a bit about Ronald Reagan who was a movie star prior to serving two terms as CA governor and then becoming President of the U.S. Reagan thought it was really neat learning about someone with the same name.

Some things Javon put in his lapbook -
California - 1850 - The Golden State - Eureka - 31st State
~ Prior to European control, CA was inhabited by many differnt Indian tribes. Javon drew a really great Indian.
~ When Mexico lost the Mexican War to the U.S. in 1848, the U.S. gained control and two years later, CA was admitted to the Union.
~ CA Gold Rush - James Marshall and his crew discovered gold near Sacramento in the spring of 1848. By 1849, much of the world knew of CA gold. People that come to mind gold were known as "49ers".
~ CA is one of the most important farming state in the US.Some fruits and Javon picked to put in his lapbook were: Avocados, Apples, Pumpkins, Almonds, Grapes, Pears, Oranges, and Garlic.
~ Some of our CA family includes all of their great-grandparents and one grandma. Granny and Pops, Momo, and Maga. (What are some of your unusual grandparent names?)
~ San Fran has the largest Chinese population for any city in the US. Most of the railroads in CA were made by Chinese workers.
~ CA far exceeds other states populations. Los Angeles is the second most populous city in the nation.
~ CA has THOUSANDS of small earthquakes each year. In 1906, San Fran suffered a terrible earthquake.
~ The Golden Gate Bridge is actually painted RED.
~ Geography - CA has the highest and lowest points in the continental US. Mt. Whitney is 14,495 feet and Death Valley is 282 feet below sea level. The two sites are only 100 miles apart!
~ Death Valley has the highest recorded temp in the US - 134 degrees!

State Flower: Golden Poppy
Capital City: Sacramento
State Bird: California Quail
State Insect: Dogface Butterfly
State Tree: CA Redwood
State Animal: Grizzly Bear
State Mammal: Grey Whale
State Mineral: Gold

Coupons

2009-09-24T23:51:00.000-07:00

I just got my grocery shopping high as I watched my total start at $97 and drop down to $42!!! I'm not a total die hard couponer but I do pretty good I think. Here's a few things that I've learned over the past year that fit my life:

1) I usually only shop at one grocery store unless there is an absolute blowout deal. I tried out the multiple store thing, but usually ended up spending a bit more as well as the time just wasn't worth it.

2) I plan my meals based on the weekly adds. I always get whatever meat is on sale and then go through my coupons. I try to only buy items that are on sale plus that I have a coupon for. Some weeks I get a ton of stuff and other weeks not so much.

3) I "large" grocery shop every other week and "small" grocery shop every week. This helps me to really sort out my coupons on my "large" shopping week and just focus more on the store coupons on my "small" week.

4) I very, very, very rarely take my kids grocery shopping!!! Not just because I tend to get things that I normally wouldn't get without them, but it is "my time" and I love to not be distracted. Some people get pedicures, I use coupons....go figure. In mind it's spending vs saving!

5) Buy one get one free items are fabulous if you have 2 coupons. Tonight I got two Glade autospray scent things that are origially 12.99 a piece for $2.99. They were marked down from $12.99 to $10.99 then they were buy 1; get 1 free plus I have two $4 off coupons. Thus I got what some would potentially have paid $25.98 for $2.99.

6) I love to check out the clearance bin at the grocery store because it's usually marked way down plus you can use a manuf. coupon on top of the clearance price! Tonight I got a box of haircolor with the base color plus highlights that normally sells for $19.99 a box for $4.00. It was in the clearance bin for $7.00 plus I had a $4.00 off coupon. Some spend $100 on color and highlights....I spend $4. To me that's WAY cool! I can still look good and do some of the things that make me feel pretty yet do it in a way that doesn't make my family suffer.

7) I usually go late at night after I've put the kids to bed so that way the store is not crowded.

Tonight there was a couple behind me and I apologized ahead of time saying that I had coupons and it might take a few extra minutes. They were great about it and starting commenting on how much I was saving. It was so funny. The husband was in shock and told his wife it was time they start using coupons (in a nice way) and she was totally amazed that I saved over $50. He kept saying, "It's like you've hit the lottery. How did you do that?" I told him to pick up a Sunday paper and simply plan a little and they could do it too. It was fun. I came home and told Josh all about it because it really does make me feel good when I know that I've done something to help out my family.

Are you an artist?

2009-09-23T21:55:00.001-07:00

Are you an artist? I am soooooo not! I've always wanted to be able to draw or at least doodle, but it simply doesn't come natural to me. I have one smiley face and one flower that I draw well and that's it!!!

Aaawwwhhhh, the beauty of homeschooling is that you can explore not only your child's interests but yours as well. :-) Since Javon was little I have been working with Javon on various drawing lessons off and on. Reagan, however, has a natural talent at art. It's amazing. At 4 years old she can draw better than I can. Not in a technical sense but in an imaginative sense. Javon can look at something and copy what he sees very well. Reagan on the other hand had a variety of different people that she makes. Some square, some alien, some with curly hair, some with no hair.....all different and dependant on her mood I suppose. Here are a few of the things they did today.

Javon = awesome orange tree and rose for Nana
Reagan = pics of people; the one with the tamborine is me that she drew in like 30 seconds while playing Bible pictionary. She got the word tamborine and drew that super fast.

Non-Scary Pumpkin Carving

2009-09-18T14:26:00.000-07:00

This is a cute fall project! Go to www.bhg.com/dogstencils.
There are 13 different breed stencils available.
Fun!

The Set Game

2009-09-13T15:58:00.000-07:00

I found a really great website at www.setgame.com. It helps kids understand that a SET is a group of elements with common properties (of size, shape, color, etc.) and should be able to identify elements in sets that don't belong. Ages 5 and up. It's tricky, fun, and mathemathically mind-expanding. There is a new game each day.

Camping

2009-09-08T20:28:00.000-07:00

We had a great time camping this weekend! This is family camping trip #3 that it has rained on us. We've went in June, August, and September and every single time it's rained HARD! So, if you plan to camp in the Northwest make sure that the Boggs family does not have a reservation at a state park prior to finalizing your plans. :-) Here's a few things that were memorable or I learned this weekend:

1) That even when everyone at church says you're crazy for going camping when it's POURING rain and lighting/thundering that you'll still make memories and have fun...so just go! :-)
2) Setting up a tent in the rain is much easier when it's not raining.
3) You can survive w/o a ton of stuff. I'm not into the packing enough to cross the Oregon trail kind of camping. Less is more.
4) Speaking of Oregon Trail...I did thank the Lord that I wasn't born a 100 earlier and have to cross the Oregon Trail as I was freezing from the rain and lack of fire.
5) My daughter, who is a total girly-girl, loves to dig and play in the dirt.
6) State camp bathrooms are not the most pleasant. And why don't they have soap? But at least they have bathrooms, so no more complaining. :-)
7) The stars are amazing to look at when you get just a little ways out of the city.
8) The NW is an amazing place to live. We live 20 minutes from Seattle and 20 minutes from an amazing beach that has amazing views.
9) Reading Charlottes Web is even better when done around a campfire!
10) Slugs are fun to look at.
11) Javon loves to find trails that he doesn't know where they will end up. Reagan, not so much!
12) Friends are great things to have.
13) Having a pastor that will come visit you while camping and bring your kids a TON of glow items is pretty cool. Plus other friends who come and bring SMORES stuff!
14) My face feels dried up after 3 days with no makeup. :-)
15) Hearing the birds chirp in the morning is really neat while laying in bed with your family.
16) A thermal shirt, Columbia jacket, plus hoodie does keep you warm in below 50 sleeping weather. :-)
17) Josh is a great dad that worked really, really hard to make sure we all had a great time.
18) Turkey bacon cooks much quicker on a campfire than regular bacon.
19) I am so blessed. People spend thousands of dollars to go on vacations where they are going, going, going the whole time and not really spending a lot of time just "being together". I spend $50 and had a wonderful time with my family!
20) As I watched my kids brushing their teeth this morning with their crazy morning hair and jammies on, I was filled with gratitude that God would entrust them to my care! What a huge responsiblity and wonderful task this is!

Tomorrow, back to school! But that was well worth a few missed days of school to spend time together!!!

Schedule '09-'10

2009-09-04T20:03:00.000-07:00

Well, one week of school successfully completed! Here's our schedule and it worked out beautifully last week. Hoping to keep on throughout the year as much as possible.

6:45 AM - Wake up and pray while laying in bed :-)
7:00 AM - Read Bible
7:30 AM - Exercise (Mommy) Kids (Get up, dressed, potty, etc.)
8:00 AM - Breakfast then chores - Mommy: breakfast dishes & counters Javon: tidy entry way and put away shoes Reagan: put away clean silverwear and dust
8:30 AM - Opening Activities: Pledges, Songs, Prayer, Memory Verse, Weather
9:00 AM - Reagan: Preschool with Mommy Javon: Computer Time - Typing & Spelling
10:00 AM - Fruit Break
10:30 AM - Reagan: Preschool Javon: Math
11:00 AM - Reagan: Tactical Activity/Physical Activity
11:30 AM - Daily Project - Art or State Studies
12:00 PM - Lunch
12:30 PM - Reagan: Toys Javon: Piano
1:00 PM - Reagan: Books Javon: English
1:30 PM - Reagan: Nap Javon: Lit. & Creative Writing
2:00 PM - Reagan: Nap Javon: Social Studies
2:30 PM - Reagan: Nap Javon: Science
3:00 PM - Reagan: Help Mommy clean up Javon: Chapter Book then Nap
4:00 PM - Both: Veggie Break and Word Girl/Curious George on PBS
5:00 PM - Everyone: Quick Clean
5:30 PM - Mommy: Start Dinner Kids: Outside Play (when not raining!)
6:00 PM - Dinner
6:30 PM - Mommy: Cleanup Kids & Daddy: Play together
7:00 PM - Family Board Game
7:45 PM - Devotions
8:15 PM - Get Ready for Bed
8:30 PM - Bedtime

Well, there it is. Now for some of you that looks crazy and to others it look like pure sanity. :-) PTL we're all different! My mom has graciously agreed to adhear to my school schedule on her days of teaching with a few minor tweeks. (Thanks Mom for being the best co-teacher in the world!!!)

Do you follow a schedule or go with what the day throws at you? No judging here! Just wondering. :-)

Preschool

2009-09-02T22:38:00.001-07:00

I shared this with a friend and thought I'd post it if anyone was wondering about other preschool schedules.

The website that I really like to use to help me with themes for preschool is at www.pammshouse.com/toddler. It says it's for 2 year olds, but I use it to base my week on and then add extra things as needed. I just make sure that each week we have a theme, letter, color, shape, and tactile activity like counting beans, playing with rice, throwing bean bags in a pan, etc. that we do all week long. Plus I have Reagan do a few "pages" a day from a preschool book that you can buy at Sams for like $8.
I also use the library like a crazy person. :-) But I do it ALL online that way I just run in and pick it up. So this weeks theme is grandparents so I would get like 10 kids books that have something to do with grandparents.....perhaps make a family tree....call a grandparent that the kids haven't spoken with in a while, make a card or craft for a grandparent, etc. For me and Reagan, an hour and a half seems to be a good time span for us. I do 1 full hour, take a fruit break for 1/2 hour, and then do another 1/2 hour to finish up. Then we read books and do other things throughout the day. I'm more structured with her simply because of Javon's schedule. It works fine with her personality though. Hope this helps some. Feel free to ask questions as you think of them.

Twelve rules for raising delinquent children

2009-08-25T13:24:00.000-07:00

by Robby Robinson

Being with infancy to give your child everything they want. They will then grow up to believe the world owes them a living.

When they pick up bad words, laugh. This will make them think they are cute. It will also encourage them to pick up cuter phrases that will make you blow your top off later.

Never give them any religious training. Wait until they are 21 and then let them decide for themselves. Don't be surprised if they decide to be nothing.

Avoid using the word "wrong." They might develop a guilt complex. This will condition them to believe later, when they are arrested for shoplifting or stealing a car, that society is against them and they are being persecuted.

Pick up everything they leave lying around - books, shoes and clothing. Do everything for them so they will become experienced in throwing all responsibility on others.

Let them read any printed matter they can lay their hands on. Make sure the silverware and glasses are sterilized but allow their little minds to feast on garbage.

Have plenty of knockdown drag-out fights in the presence of you children. Then, after you are divorced, they won't be surprised.

Give your children all the spending money they want. Never let them earn their own. Why should they have things as tough as you had them?

Satisfy their every craving for food, drink and comfort. See to it that every sensual desire is gratified. Childhood should be fun. Denial may lead to harmful frustration.

Always take their side against neighbors, playmate, friends, teachers and policemen. They are all prejudiced against your child.

When they get into real trouble apologize by saying, "I never could do a thing with them."

Prepare yourself for a life of grief. You are apt to have it.

:-)

A miracle 12 years in the making!

2009-08-23T15:45:00.000-07:00

Just a little (HUGE) encourager for all those in need of a miracle....

This morning my friends, Victor and Ivania, gave birth to a beautiful baby boy named Asah. He is truly a miracle. They have been trying to get pregnant for 12 years! At one point they decided to start fertility treatments and Ivania very quickly into the process felt the Lord say to her, "Why are you trying to help me?" So they stopped the treatments. That was several years ago. The miracle of a baby seemed impossible after 12 years. But today, August 23rd, 2009 God answered their cry for a child!

He is a beautiful, healthy, miracle baby! God knew all this time as they prayed, mourned, wept, feared, hoped, and prayed some more that today was the day. Isn't that amazing that He knew all along! Wow, if we could only understand how much He loves us and cares and has everything planned out in His PERFECT timing!

So, if you're praying for a miracle and it's been 12 days, or 12 weeks, or 12 months, or even 12 years.....don't give up hope! Trust Him!!! He IS a miracle working God!

1 hour challenge

2009-08-19T00:11:00.001-07:00

I am very proud of myself so I thought I'd post about my accomplishment. :-)

About a year ago or so I discovered flylady.com. I really enjoy her website and implemented a lot of her cleaning tips. Then I got a book at the library called "A house that cleans itself" and I really, really enjoyed it. I felt like it was the missing link for me. I liked flylady's tips but I didn't feel like I was on top everything all at once. I always felt like there was a room or area or spot that was not done. "A house that cleans itself" really focuses on getting each room of your home decluttered, cleaned, organized, etc. and THEN do your daily routine. I like how flylady has you work on your entire house each month, but I always felt behind with it. I felt like I hadn't really accomplished everything I wanted to get done in one room when it was time to move on to another room.

So I've done two things:
1) I made a weekly chore sheet with my daily tasks and LAMINATED it! That made it more permanent and real. Then I put it on my fridge. I simply put a little dot w/ a dry erase marker by each task as I complete it. This list covers ALL my basic weekly chores like dishes, floors, bathroom, kids' rooms, trash, etc. Then on Wednesday I focus on paperwork first and foremost before anything else and Thursday is laundry day. I do loads throughout the week, but Thursday is the BIG day that everything has to be washed, folded, and put away. Every Monday I have a different "monthly" task like clean out the fridge, clean the carpets, etc.

2) I broke my house down room by room and focus on just ONE room per week. This is where I veered off of the flylady schedule although I still love her lists and helps. Trying to get my whole house deepcleaned in a month wasn't working, but I can focus on one room per week. It only takes about 3 months to get everything done then I can rotate through again. I just officially started this process although I've been kindof doing it for a few months now. My goal is to simply start at one end of the house and work my way to the other end. I want to treat each room with love and respect on it's week. :-) If something needs a repair, I want to tend to it. If pans need organized, I'm going to organize them. (etc.)Here's my areas:
1) Laundry Room
2) Kitchen
3) Dining Room (school area)
4) Living Room and Entry
5) Javon's Room
6) Bathroom
7) Reagan's Room
8) Hall closet - This is where I keep all my Christmas/bday gifts I've accumulated. So on this week, I want to organize it, write down the new gifts I've purchased in my "gift" notebook, and then with the extra time work on a Christmas craft project with the kids.
9) Office and Den
10) Backyard
11) Front Porch Area

I used to not be as organized and I'm still not as wonderful as my mother at it :-) however I'm learning what a blessing it is not only for me but for the kids and Josh to simply be organized. I used to feel like I didn't have time to get everything done due to working part time, homeschooling my kids, being a pastor's wife, directing children's ministries at our church, and just being a fun mom but now I'm really understanding that I can't NOT stay on top of things.

Anyways, back to my accomplishment. I wanted to be able to clean my ENTIRE house in under 1 hour at ANY given moment (sweep, mom, the kids' rooms, dishes, etc.) and I did it. This Monday I was hosting our monthly Girls' Bible Study and the house was really good so I was doing other things all day. Including taking a meal to a friend who is on bedrest with her pregnancy. Well, I made a bigger mess than I wanted while cooking and stayed longer than I had planned to at her house so as I was driving home I felt my stress starting to rise as I realized that I hadn't really done much in the way of cleaning during the day because I was on top of things. But now I only had 1 hour to actually clean. And I did it! The floors swept, mopped, vacuumed. Bathroom done. Nothing just thrown in closets. But I will have to admit that the dishes where still drying on the counter because I've been trying not to use my dishwasher. AND Reagan had a few articles of clothes on her bed because I'm trying to teach her to clean up and we didn't quite get in there, but after the party we finished up. I hung up her clothes and finished up the last few little things before bed and she dusted, straightened, etc. and felt so good about herself. There is such a peaceful feeling that comes when everything is in it's place.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not Martha Stewart by any means. We live in a fixer-upper that will probably have a project until the day I die, but I'm learning to do what I can to provide a warm and welcoming environment for my family and friends. There may be dry wall in my hall but it is a neatly stacked pile of drywall. :-) I want to make memories of people laughing and loving in my home and this is a way for me to find that road.

Have you found a system that works for you?

Happy cleaning to all you busy moms out there just trying to keep all the balls in the air!!!

Music

2009-08-17T23:13:00.000-07:00

There is something so healing, encouraging, calming, powerful, amazing, humbling, emotional......about worshipping Jesus through music. I am so very grateful to the Lord for creating music and giving it to us as a gift. It is a gift that I want to pass down to my children and I pray that they will pass it down to their children.

I am not the most gifted pianist by any means. All my high school friends will atest to that. :-) But I have learned over the past 10 years that my gift isn't necessarily in playing written music, but rather chording and being free to flow with the music that I'm singing. For me, the piano is a means of expression and singing is very connected to the playing for me. I rarely play without singing as well.

I'm not sure if even my family (mom, sister, etc.) know just how much ruckus I make around our house playing the piano. Especially late into the night. The kids have grown up with me playing after they go to bed. They don't even budge.:-) I'm probably ruining them for later on in life because I've turned them into such sound sleepers! But I also hope that they remember a home that was filled with music! Javon already plays the piano very well for 6. He loves to memorize things (which I hated!) and after he's mastered a song wants to quickly move on to the next.
Reagan is my singer. She loves to pretend to play the piano and sing whatever I'm singing.

A piano-What a wonderful gift that my grandma got me many years ago. It used to be a burden. I hated lessons (although Mrs. Mickey was a fabulous teacher :-) ) and I don't play by ear. But I honestly believe that over the years the Lord has gifted me in a different area and that is simply "being in the moment" when I worship Him on the piano. I can't explain it except to say, "Thank you Lord for the gift of music."

Psalm 7:17 (New International Version)

17 I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness
and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High.
Psalm 9:2
I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.
Psalm 13:6
I will sing to the LORD, for he has been good to me.
Psalm 30:12
that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever.
Psalm 33:1
Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him.
76.Psalm 33:3
Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.

Marriage

2009-08-16T22:39:00.000-07:00

Here's a shocker...I haven't always been the best wife! Yes, it is true. :-) Josh and I just celebrated our 10th anniversary with a wonderful cruise to Alaska that I never thought we'd be able to afford but God opened up an amazing deal for us. It was unbelievably nice to get away with just Josh.

Last year at the annual homeschool convention I picked up a book called "His Help Meet" and spent several month reading through it. While I don't totally agree with everything in the book I do have to admit that I fell short in many, many areas when it came to being a good helpmeet. Yes, I could argue that I do a LOT around the house, in both mine and Josh's ministries, homeschool our children, pay the bills, tend to...........and the list could go on and on, but I have not always done it with a submissive and servant filled heart. I have to admit that I tend to "keep score" a lot of times. Not on paper and not even on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis but subcontiously and then about 2 days before I start my period I like to bring random things up.

Over the past year, but especially in the months following our anniversary I have really been trying to see my primary goal as "keeper of my home" and "helpmate". Since the book I got last year was so good I decided to make it a tradition to pick up a new "learning to be a better wife" book each year at the homeschool convention. This year I picked up Excellent Wife. It has been really good.

The thing that I struggled with for many of the first years of my marriage was being a "strong" woman yet still having a gentle spirit. I am by nature a "go-getter", a slight loud-mouth :-), stong-willed, determined, a people pleaser, and have watched my mom do whatever she set her mind to. So I thought that when the Bible said that I was supposed to have a gentle and quiet spirit I thought God must not have been speaking to me because He designed me how I am, right? He made me outgoing, loud, fun, determined, etc., right? My personality and that verse never seemed to mesh, but the older I get and the longer I've been married I am coming to a new understanding of that verse. It doesn't mean that I have to change who God made me to be, but it does mean that I am to have a servant's heart and ATTITUDE in everything I do. In my home, in my marriage, with my family, in ministry.....

I will fail. I know that for a fact, but I am trying. I am trying to be a "helper" for Josh that is suitable for him. Someone that lifts up and NEVER tears down, someone that seems the good not the evil, someone that encouages not nags, someone that always believes, always hopes, always loves. My period will come around next month and I will have the urge to vere away from my naturally happy nature for a brief 24 time stent, but I will CHOSE to not give into my flesh. I will CHOSE to be Christ-like, I will CHOSE to be content, I will CHOSE to be happy, I will CHOSE to be encouraging, I will CHOSE to be a servant, and I will do it with a happy heart because I love Jesus and that's what he's called me to do.

Thank you Lord for a wonderful husband who has chosen to serve you, love you, and raise his family for you. I am very blessed! Help me to always look for the good. You are amazing and so is the family you gave me!!!

Crocodile Dock

2009-08-16T22:00:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things each summer is directing Vacation Bible Adventure. Is it a ton of work? Absolutetly! Can is be stressful at times? Most definently! Do I love seeing the kids learning about Jesus and having fun while doing so? Yes! Is it always easy working with 50 helpers? No, but I love seeing us work together as a body of Christ! Is it worth it? Totally!

We did Crocodile Dock and had 107 kids 3 days, but 120+ actually walked through out doors. Of course, some of those already have a church home, but some do not. Even if only one child didn't know about Jesus and left with a new found knowledge of Him then it was totally worth it. The reality is that some of those kids will grow up and not serve Jesus, but they will look back and remember things that have been spoken into their life by a VBA teacher. I am absolutely sure of it. My mom does the Bible Lesson and there is no doubt that each child leaves hearing about how much Jesus loves and cares for them and wants a relationship with them.

My other favorite part is seeing all the teens help out. Without our teenagers we couldn't run a program. They are such a huge help. Most of them have all grown up in VBA and now have the opportunity to give back. There were a few years in ministry that I was pretty discouraged thinking that all the time, energy, training, and love that we put into these kids didn't really make a difference, but I now know better. Even if some of them walk away from the Lord I know that the words, actions, love, and Word of God that we have put into them will not return void. They all have decisions to make regarding their future. I cannot make it for them. Neither can Josh, Pastor, or their parents. What we can do though is continue to pray for them, love on them, and have open arms for them.

It is so neat to see those who are faithfully serving Jesus though! Wow, how cool to see these kids serving Jesus. By "kids" I mean Jr. Highers on up to High School graduates who still seem like they should be in my kids' church. Where has the time gone? Honestly, they were all just little kids!!!

Thank you Lord that You have allowed me the honor and priviledge of serving You and others. May I never take it lightly or for granted or begrudgingly!

I only want to please You, Lord
I only want to make You smile
I only want to live my life for You
'cause You deserve it all!

Mrs. Alphabet

2009-08-15T20:58:00.000-07:00

I came across another website that has a lot of links to alphabet helps.

www.mrsalphabet.com

Happy school planning!

www.funbrain.com

2009-08-15T12:54:00.001-07:00

I just came across a GREAT website for kids. It's called funbrain.com and it has a ton of great resources. Go check it out!

Grateful

2009-08-14T22:09:00.000-07:00

I absolutetly can't believe that summer is almost over! Well, when you live in the Seattle area summer doesn't last very long. I couldn't believe when people complained and complained and complained about the hot weather that we had for 3 days! Are you kidding me? We have rain and clouds the majority of the year and you are going to complain about a little heat!

I'm really trying to live a complaint free life. Of course that doesn't always happen, but I find that not only does it affect others for the better but I live a much happier life I focus on the good. I've always been an upbeat, happy person, but the reality is that sometimes life can get a bit frustrating and it gets easier and easier to focus on the things that aren't going right.

I have really been trying this year especially to focus on how good that I do have it. Yes, it would be nice to make a bit more, or not be so busy, or have a house and car that didn't need constant repair.....but then I remember how blessed I am to even have a house and car and ministry that keeps me busy and kids that I can train and good health and friends that are there for me and a family that loves me even when I fuss at them and a Safeway right down the street if I need something in the middle of the night and a library that carries an endless supply of books that I can use for FREE and amazing garage sales and dogs that have babies for a little extra cash and a piano that I can play late into the night and a voice that loves to worship Jesus and a grandma that paid for me to have lasic eye surgery so I can actually see the alarm clock and a church full of people who love my kids and $1 Saturdays at the swimming pool and Taco Bell and a husband who loves me even when I'm not lovable and a mom who supports every single thing that I do and sisters who are turning into my best friends the older we get and the privilage I have as an American to homeschool my children and the fact that we have a church building that is paid for and food to eat every single day and green grass 9 monthes out of the year and a neighborhood I can take walks in and family campouts with friends and teenagers who ask me to pray with them because they can trust me and a son who gives me foot massages and tells me I'm the best mom in the whole world and a little girl who has curly hair and a very kind heart..............

Yeah, I'd say that there are a lot more things in my life to be grateful for than grumble about. What are you grateful for today?

Summer '09

2009-07-15T17:26:00.000-07:00

Some would look at my life and say that I'm crazy busy....others would look at it and say that I'm just plain crazy! :-) But I love my crazy busy life.

I have had the wonderful priviledge of going on a Disney Cruise in May with my Granny and two amazing sisters. It was fabulous. The first trip that I've really just let myself relax, leave work/church and my cares behind and have a great time not having responsibilites. Courtney and Cassidy are old enough now to not have a second mother and it was fun to see them having fun. My mom has a hard time swallowing the amount of money that Granny spends on our every other year vacation but let me say that the memories I have from all of them are truly priceless!

Then 2 weeks later I was able to celebrate my 10 year anniversary the way Josh and I had dreamt of 10 years ago! We went on a cruise to Alaska and enjoyed EVERY minute of it!!! We never thought that we could go, but God saw the desire of our heart and opened up a door. We got tickets for $314 each for a 7 day cruise!!! We'll never find a deal like that again. I really struggled with spending the money because we are so tight right now and could have used it on a million other things, but now I am very thankful that we went. Josh and I really needed it! We needed the time away from church, kids, dogs, chores, problems, responsibility, etc. I wish we could get away for a week somewhere every year, but we'll just shoot for our 15 year anniversary.

Then we had lots of other church events plus finishing up school and moving into summer school stuff in June. The end of June my other grandma (Momo) came up and spent two weeks. It was really nice. She is 81 and I pray that I look as great and get around as good as her when I'm that age. It's amazing when you think that most people are dead at that age and she's still truckin'! We went to the Auburn 4th of July celebration and it was really neat. We all had a great time and then went over to Mom and Gar's for dinner and fireworks.

Josh did the Seattle to Portland bike ride that past weekend for Speed the Light...our youth missions program. He loves cycling now. It's really neat to watch him on his bike because he really does love to ride.

I spent this past weekend working down at Kent Cornucopia Days advertising for our upcoming Vacation Bible Adventure. It's always a lot of work, but hopefully some from the community will join us!

This week Josh is at Jr. High camp and I'm home with the kids and dogs getting ready to go to our church family campout this Friday. That means I have to get everything ready on my own, but that's okay. It's actually less stressful because I can take whatever I want and not debate whether or not we "really" need it or not! :-) I'm actually a very light packer. I don't think you have to take the kitchen sink to have a good time. If I need something that I didn't take, I figure we can live without it for 3 days! :-)

I actually have to pack for two camping trips because right after our church campout gets over we are heading straight to Sr. High camp with a van load of kids. It's going to be a great week. There are lots of kids going!

Again....I love my crazy busy life and couldn't imagine it any other way!

Broken Nose?

2009-06-04T21:44:00.000-07:00

I think I might have broken my own nose yesterday!? Yeah, strange I know. I was trying to open a magazine that was inside of a plastic wrapper and when it finally opened the edge of the magazine (actually more of a large booklet type thing) jammed me really hard in the nose. It immediately started bleeding very badly and I never get bloody noses. I took a few deep breaths. Got the bleeding stopped. Put some ice on it for a minute and then moved on with my day. But today it has actually bothered me quite a bit. It's red in the spot where I hit it and now is VERY tender.

I've never had a broken nose so I'm not sure what one feels like. I went online and looked it up and I think it might be a small fracture which should heal itself in about a month. I put more ice on it tonight so hopefully that will help. It has a bump though off to the side and that's not cool. I don't want a bump on my nose forever. But I also don't want to pay to go to the doctor because I'm sure they'll want to xray it. So I'll just pray and wait. :-)

It is funny how fast things like that happen. You just never know what a day's going to hold!

Ramblings

2009-06-02T21:11:00.000-07:00

It's been a long time...I won't even try to catch up from where I was in April to now. I simply want to write about this, that, and a bit of nothing. :-)

Upon leaving for a week long Disney Cruise with my Granny and two sisters I wasn't sure that my children would be happy while I was away. After all, I am the one that they run to when their knee is scratched or they need their bottom wiped or they need milk out of the fridge....but to my delight they had a fabulous week with their dad! I knew they would. I knew that Josh was more than capable, but they simply haven't been away from me for an entire 8 days. Now, some that know me may say, but they've been away from you for 5 days each summer during youth camps. Yes, that is true. But they were with Nana. Which is in essence their second home. They are completely comfortable with Nana and the life that they have at her house. I can't imagine my life nor the children's lives away from my mom because it simply always has been. Now, to some of you out there it may be that you would say, "No one should be dependent on their mother when they are 30." And to that I would agree. But I would also say to you naysayers, "Why not have all the love and support for your children possible?" Josh is very understanding about my closeness to my family. It was difficult at times at first because he didn't come from a close family but now he values their help, time, and love.

Josh did a great job with the kids though. He took them to the beach. Went bowling. Took them to movies. Filled them up with more junk food than I care to even know about. :-) Gave them showers and even combed Reagan's hair. Which is a task - especially for a dad. I was very proud of him. I have often thought I didn't know how they would survive if I were to ever die but I can honestly say that I know now that Josh would make an amazing dad even if I weren't around. Morbid? Yes, but it's still a nice thought that they would be totally taken care of. I have never doubted Josh's love and devotion to the kids - he is a great dad that does WAY more than most dads I grew up around. (Didn't really have one of my own.)

So, from me to you Babe - You're amazing!

Great Library Find!

2009-04-02T12:01:00.000-07:00

Although I use a curriculum that we stick to, I also enjoy coming up with lots of great library books to work along side whatever we're studying that week. I also love finding great preschool resources for Reagan. I found a fabulous book and thought I'd share!

It's called Home Learning Year by Year: How to design a homeschool curriculum from preschool through high school by Rebecca Rupp

I got mine from the library, but Amazon also has it for $10.42.

There are a TON of great resources! It has some great ideas plus the best book list I've ever seen to walk you through a year of schooling using books that can almost all be picked up at the library. I still am a believer in curriculum, but this is a fabulous resource. I've said that already haven't I. :-)

I really had a fun time putting dozens of books on hold today for Reagan.

Another good series that I found was the Henry Pluckrose Series - There are 62 books in our library system that cover everything from letters and number to building a bridge, cooking, etc. They are "how to" books for kids.

Reagan's Week

2009-03-30T21:42:00.000-07:00

My two kids have been very different in their learning styles. Javon is extremely smart since he was very young. He could write his name perfectly at 3 1/2, does math like no ones business, and picks up on things very easily. Reagan is very smart. Her strengths though have not been in writing. She just turned 4 and her name consists of "ololololo". :-) She signs everything that way and wants nothing to do with spelling "Reagan". She says that "ololololol" is how you spell Reagan. However, the girl has the memory of an elephant. She can seriously remember thinks that the average adult wouldn't even remember. And she does VERY good at concept things like "what three pictures go together" kind of thing.

It has been really fun watching her learn because it has been different than the way Javon learns. I'm having fun with her. Today we did her preschool work and she did sooooo good. She really has started loving doing her "pages" over the past few months. Today we worked on colors and numbers and the letter "T" which she did fabulous at writing a big T and little t without any help.
She had her 4 year checkup today and the Dr. asked if she was attending preschool and I said that we homeschooled. She asked what we were doing and I gave her a brief rundown, but she said that Reagan was very articulate for her age. Both of the kids have spoken very well from a really early age. She is just more selective with whom she speaks than Javon. He'll speak to a board...Reagan has to warm up a bit first.

Next week we'll be working on PIZZA. It should be fun. Then we'll end it with pizza and a movie on Friday night. I get ideas from a great website www.pammshouse.com. It has a year's worth of toddler lessons. They are a bit too simple now, but they're a great springboard for weekly ideas.

Tuesday - Nana Day! Yeah....the kids LOVE Nana days.
Math: Number Recognition
English: 4 books
Penmanship: Trace "Reagan" 4 times
Bible: Memory verse from Sunday School
4 pages of concept work
Game: Toss items into a PIZZA box (of onto a frozen pizza box) :-)
Craft: Paint a paper plate with red paint, sprinkle with cornmeal (cheese), onion flakes, other spices.

Wednesday -
Math: Cut out pepperoni circles and count them (Shape - Circle)
English: 4 books
Penmanship: Trace "Reagan" 4 times
Bible: Sunday School page
4 pages in preschool book
Game: Patti Cake Pizza Man style
Craft: Look through magazines and find pictures of pizza or pizza toppings, cut out and glue on a paper pizza

Thursday -
Math, English, Penmanship, Bible, Preschool Pages (same as above)
Game: Toss items into a pizza box
Craft: Make pizza counting game/Make Playdo pizzas

Friday - Math, English, Penmanship, Bible, Preschool Pages (same as above)
Game: Not sure yet?
Craft: Not sure yet?

Any ideas?

Just starting again today....

2009-03-28T19:37:00.001-07:00

So I've been horrible at blogging which is not necessarily a bad thing because I simply haven't had time to. When I do go to blog I think of all the things that I have done since my last post and then I think....should I go back to those events? So today I decided to just start where I am right now...today!

Today I was at church for our Annual Church Workday. I never mind going because I get my kids' supplies organized and ready for another season. This year was by FAR the best that the supply room has ever stayed. I've been much better at putting my kids' church stuff away after every Sunday and the teachers of the younger classes have been much better about not just "dumping" things on the ground. It was nice to get things tended to.

My sister, Courtney, was a huge help and emptied all of the cabinets in the classrooms and reorganized it all. Debbie, our associate pastors wife, worked in one of the rooms and they traded stuff back and forth and made sure all the rooms had adequate crafts, snacks, and supplies. I honestly can't say what I'd do without Courtney helping me organize things. She is gifted in organizing. I hate taking everything out and putting it on a table. It's overwhelming to look at it all. Cover your eyes for a minute crafters - I do NOT enjoy crafting! Yes, I know it's one of those things that I think is supposed to come natural for someone who works with kids. I don't mind if it comes in a nice little bag from Oriental Trading Company :-) but just looking at a pile of junk and coming up with an amazing craft like some of you is not my thing. Anyways, Courtney worked hard organizing the crafts and cabinets. Thanks Sis.

THEN I went into the dreaded prop room! It's much better than it used to be, but every year after Christmas it is a task to organize all the props and costumes. I have worked on the items that I personally used in the past, but today I dove into the depths/underbelly of the beast and pulled stuff out from the '70's. Not kidding! Yeah, angel costumes where golden instead of white after that long in a box. It sounds worse than it really was because these items were for the most part neatly shoved under shelves in boxes. That is why it took me TEN YEARS to actually pull then out. For many years, I have acted like I simply didn't want to throw away someone else's things, but today it hit me that no one else EVER goes in that room except me :-) and it was time to toss stuff. Other people do actually go in the room but not for the props or costumes. It sure felt good to get things purged.

So let me ask you a question....if you had a box with 40 pairs of sandels in the prop room what would you do? Most people have their own sandels that they would prefer to wear in a play. Right? And then the question poses itself "When was the last time that we had a play that needed 40 pairs of sandels?" Not in the 10 years that I've been hear. BUT someone went to a lot of work finding all those sandels and then what happens next year when we decide to do a play that involved 40 people wearing sandels? What then? So to keep the sandels or not keep the sandels is the question..........

Oh and I won't even ask about the 150 shepherd costumes hanging up! Were there even a 150 shepherds in the whole town of Bethlehem on the night Jesus was born? Have we ever had more that 5 shepherds in any Christmas play throughout America? Oh, I said I wasn't going there. :-) But I simply can't seem to part with the costumes.

Okay, so I've posted. Not that it has any relevance to anyone's life out there in cyberspace. But still, I blogged. :-)

A fun night about aprons

2009-02-20T15:44:00.001-08:00

Yes, I agree. Lord, help me to teach our children and youth these truths!

2009-02-18T21:32:00.000-08:00

1. Worship Creates Hunger “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?” (Psalm 42:1-2).

When is the last time you heard a teen say, “When can I go and meet with God?” When you hear that phrase you know you’ve met a worshiper. Entering the Lord’s presence through worship creates satisfaction and hunger simultaneously.

2. Raise Your Praise. “Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy. How awesome is the LORD Most High, the great King over all the earth!” (Psalm 47:1).

In the blank provided write the name of the last professional football event that you attended that was quiet: __________________________. Is the blank still blank? Do you know why? Because the people in the stands are worshipping what’s happening on the field (at least one group of fans). When God is active in our field of life we respond with praise.

3. Let God Find You. “Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks” (John 4:23).

God is looking for us. He is seeking us. Will He find us? If we had a special pair of glasses that revealed true worshipers, how many people would be in the pews Sunday morning? How many would God find?

Zone Members: Read the complete article of "10 Tips for Teaching Teens to Worship"

Your Partners in Ministry,

Paul & Al

Some thoughts....

2009-02-09T22:03:00.001-08:00

I was going through my 2008 day planner and thought I'd take a minute to write down a few things that I wrote down last year and want to take with me into 2009.

These are random thoughts from me personally and also out of various books, sermons, and conferences.

*Do you have the COURAGE to walk through a season of disfavor, knowing that it will lead to a greater manifestation of God's favor in your life? (Mary had favor with God, but not with man!)

*I want to be more patient, present, and imaginative with the kids!

*Destress, destress, destress.....NO yelling!

*Read more books to the kids. Play one board game a day.

*Childhood Matters: Everything we do deposits something into our children! Our words, our actions, and our tone of voice.

* Invite wisdom....even if difficult.

*Faith - without it it is IMPOSSIBLE to please God!

*We create our world with our words.

*Jeremiah 29:11 - God has a plan for our lives Psalm 139 - I am fearfully and wonderfully made If we can get these two things verses into our children's spirits they will know that God has made them special and has a marvelous plan for their lives.

* Every time you touch a child out of kindness you impart a blessing - Touch heals.

* The Five Love Languages of Kids - Read it!

These are all things that I worked on last year and am trying to work on again this year. I have more that I'll post later. I think this is enough to ponder on. :-)

A good life!

2009-02-03T09:31:00.001-08:00

Yesterday was a great day! I have been trying really hard to keep up on my schedule, housework, school, church, and life in general. I've been reading a lot of great books lately on marriage, parenting, ministry, etc. and they are a great reminder of what the important things in life are. A few that I'd recommend highly are:

Raising Godly Tomatoes by L. Elizabeth Krueger
It is mostly for parents of younger children. It talks about how important it is to keep young children by you while you train them in the ways of the Lord. There is a lot of great tools in this book. www.raisinggodlytomatoes.com

Help Mate by Debbie Pearl
Wow, what a powerful message to women about how to be a godly wife! All I can say is READ IT. :-)

My crazy imperfect Christian family: living out your faith with those who know you best by Glenn Stanton
I've really enjoyed this book. It covers a broad range of topics from forgiveness, raising godly kids, getting along with your spouse even in the rough times, and more. Glenn works for focus on the family and is very candid about his families imperfections but also about the hope that comes through Jesus to raise our kids up in a solid Christian home.

Just a few of the books that I'm reading and enjoying right now.

Kids Routines from flylady.net

2009-01-30T10:56:00.000-08:00

Since I wrote about MY routine that I really enjoy based off of flylady.net, I thought I'd share some of their kids' routines.

They actually have a new section for kids called Riley's Challenge. Each day it has one little task for the kids to do which usually takes about 5 minutes. (Put away crayons, organize books, straighten sock drawer, etc.)

They also have a Student Journal that helps teens start to get their lives organized. It has a morning and evening routine plus a daily cleaning schedule for their bedroom. I printed it off for my sisters and thought I'd share it really quick.

Monday - Your Bed: Straighten your bed. Clean your nightstand. Get rid of all trash in bedroom.

Tuesday - Your Closet: Hang up all clothes. Put all dirty clothes in hamper/put away all clean clothes. (Do laundry if that is part of household responsibilities)

Wednesday - Your Floor: Pick up all the clothes and trash up off of the floor. Vacuum - without being told to!

Thursday - Your Desk: Throw away all of the trash and junk papers on your desk. Put important papers in drawers. Take all dishes to the kitchen. Clean out all desk drawers that last Thursday of each month.

Friday - Your Bathroom: Once a week, clean the shower while you are in there. Throw away old bottles of stuff and old razers you don't use. Wipe down the sink, toilet, and then floor with your wet towel. Empty laundry basket.

Without even realizing it, your kids will have a clean room every day! No more spending hours on a Saturday. Just 5-10 minutes per day.

Daily Routine

2009-01-29T22:00:00.000-08:00

To my blogging followers (my mom), sorry that I've been absent. I can't promise it will get much better. I've found that I really enjoy looking at other peoples' blogs more than I enjoy typing on my own. But it does seem like one of that give and take relationships in the blogging world where I would be selfish to only take from others and never give anything, so here's my gift to the world. :-)

In the middle of last year I found Flylady.net and it has been a great tool for me! I really love it. It breaks your house down into different zones to work on each week. It also encourages you to do certain daily tasks to help keep life more organized. During the holidays I slipped a bit on my daily routine, but I've been trying VERY hard to maintain it so that my house stays pretty decent at all times.

Here's my AM routine (except Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays):
-Brush teeth, go potty, weigh (too detailed?)
-Make hair and face look somewhat presentable if someone drops by or the I see a neighbor, but I do stay in sweats or PJ's when I'm at home because I dress up for church and work.
-Swish and Swipe the bathroom....clean the toilet and wipe down the counter after putting everything away. This has been a new one in 2009. I didn't do it last year, but have been trying to keep up with it every day this year.
- Start 1 load of laundry. This is also new for 2009. Last year I saved all my laundry and did it all on Thursdays, but I thought I'd give it a try and I've actually liked it. Somedays I just do my one load and other days I just work on it all day and get it done for the week. Thursdays are still my "have to have it done" day though.
- Get the kids' breakfast.
- Put away dishes that I washed the night before while the kids eat breakfast.
- Lay out dinner for that night.
- Take vitamins and get a glass of water.

PM Routine -
- Pick up entry way.
- Wash the dishes and clean the counters. (I hardly use my dishwasher anymore now that I do this.)
- Clean desk area while shutting down computer for the night.
- Do a quick runthrough of the house and pick random things up.
- Brush teeth, floss (I try to remember!), and wash face or take shower
- Kiss Josh (He always stays up later than me!) Night owls.....
- Read my Bible (I love my Daily Bible that has Old, New, Psalms, Proverbs)
- Write in my journal
- Lights out by 11 PM on weekdays; 12 AM on weekends

Kids Chores -
I've started having the kids do some specific chores every day before we start school just so they get used to the routine of it. It's been working very well. They both put their shoes away that are in the entry way, make their beds, tidy their rooms, and then Javon takes the recycle out while Reagan puts the silverware away. They usually make a race out of it and it only takes like 15 minutes.

My mom has always been great about keeping everything picked up! I never remember our house being messy as a kid. I wish my kids could say that! :-) But I'm really working on it!!! I want to be organized and clutter free. I've been letting go of things and learning to keep on top of this routine so that things stay within my control. It all about self-discipline. Yeah, I'd rather not do the dishes before bed, but then I wake up and feel yucky seeing them in the morning. So that's what I've been working on in 2009!

2009-01-02T17:49:00.001-08:00

2009-01-02T17:48:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T00:03:00.000-08:00

A smile sits on my face and I'm not quite sure why except that with the stroke of the clock comes a fresh sense of DAY 1.... I am not in New York City or even surrounded by friends or most of my family, but I am completely aware that my FATHER loves me and has a plan for my life, Josh's life, and my kids' lives.

There are small fireworks displays going off throughout my neighborhood; reminders that most of us don't have a lot of financial wealth but we do have more than so many others around the world. Our home may not be show quality or our cars built in the last decade, but what we do have is more than enough.

I don't have my husband to kiss tonight, but I know that he is right were he should be....praying with and having fun with our church kids. My kids aren't awake to "ring in the new year" with me, but they are cuddled up in blankets laying at my feet. That's pretty special if you ask me.

There was no party to attend and no reason to even take a shower for that matter today, however, I accomplished a lot around the house and with the kids in school and that's more rewarding than getting all dolled up to have a night on the town. Not that I even know what that is considering I've only stayed up past 1 AM a handful of times in my life. :-)

I have $12 in my checking account but my bills are paid and I the promise of another check coming this Friday; but if it didn't come I know that my heavenly Father would take care of me. There have been times that I have stressed about money, but I've come to the realization that having little or much doesn't change your worth.

There hasn't been anything "BIG" that has happened in 2008 per say. No babies or buying a home or finding out that someone you love has a disease you have no idea how to manage....no ministry changes, no death or lose, no great victories to speak of.....but what I can say is that my babies are healthy and growing up every day and that at least I have a home when so many are losing theirs and that my husband has felt better than he has in 5 years and I feel like I have the man I married back again after an absence due to fear and side effects of medication. I can say that although our church hasn't grown by much, I know that there are little boys and girls that will always remember that I took time to care for them and teach them about Jesus. Hopefully someday they'll do the same for others. I can say that there are teenagers who know Josh believes in them when most other people don't. I can say that I have sisters who I love and I believe are realizing God's will for their lives although they may not say it to others. I have a mom and dad that support me and love me and are always there for me. I have friends that God has put in my life that "stick closer that a brother".

Is everything perfect? No, nothing ever is, but that doesn't mean it's not good. I have yelled at my children this year when they didn't listen for the 10th time. I have been frustrated and treated my husband poorly when I shouldn't have. I haven't told my sisters enough that I love them and can't imagine how boring life would have been without them. I haven't spend quality time EVERY day with my Savior and Lord...the One who died to take away all my wrongs and offer my eternal life. But for all the wrongs and all the mishaps, there is one promise - tomorrow will come - tomorrow is here. 2009 will be what I make it! Whether the economy is good or bad, gas prices rise or fall, or God forbid a tragity comes across my path, I will say, "That whatsoever state I am in I (am learning) to be content."

Hug those you love tighter today, smile wider, teach more passionately, share more openly, love deeper, pray longer, sing louder, dream bigger, speak softer, cherish everything....may God bless us all as we seek and serve Him in 2009!

2008-12-30T12:37:00.000-08:00

2008-12-26T11:50:00.001-08:00

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The Christmas County Spelling Bee

2008-12-24T10:09:00.000-08:00

Wow, I have sooooo much to catch up on! This month has just flown by! Here's a few pics from the Christmas program that I directed and the kids did on Dec. 13 & 14. We started practice in September and the kids put so much time and effort into it. If you've ever been a part of a kids' Christmas program you know the immense amount of time and patience that goes into it, but it's all worth it when you see the kids share their talents with their family and friends! I won't use the kids' names because I don't have their parents' permission but I was SOOOOOO proud of them. We had 3 year olds through 6th grade in the choir and then I got to use the Jr. Highers as the actors which is always fun because all of them have been my "kids" in the plays over the years.

Javon and Reagan both did solos and I was very proud of them. Reagan LOVES to sing, but I wasn't sure if she'd actually do it when she saw all the people. Her and one of her little friends did a fabulous job singing! I was very proud of them.

It's hard to explain how you can be so proud of kids that aren't your own, but I was just of proud of all the other kids that I knew had worked so hard to make this possible. They gave their all and the show went off great! Although we did have snow in Seattle on Sunday morning of the performance, a lot of people still came out to see the program. That was just the beginning of our SNOWY days in Seattle. It is a winter wonderland right now. We've been in CA with my grandparents and traveled through lots and lots and lots of snow. We are happy to be home now and spend a pretty quite Christmas with family.

Lots of love to all my friends! You make my life full......

Life Rules

2008-12-04T19:32:00.000-08:00

A fellow blogging mom (urbanfunnyfarm.blogspot.com) had these LIFE RULES on her blog and I loved them. They were written by George Washington Carver for his classroom of students who he treated as his own children and wanted to build their character as well as their intellect. Thanks for sharing Charissa!

1. Be clean both inside and out.

2. Neither look up to the rich or down on the poor.
3. Lose, if need be, without squealing.
4. Win without bragging.
5. Always be considerate of women, children, and older people.
6. Be too brave to lie.
7. Be too generous to cheat.
8. Take your share of the world and let others take theirs.

We're decorated for Christmas!

2008-12-03T17:11:00.000-08:00

Hoping you and your families have a wonderful and blessed Christmas season celebrating Jesus!

I am thankful for my family!

2008-11-29T20:38:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving and cornbread dressing

2008-11-29T20:15:00.000-08:00

I know there are thousands of dressing/stuffing recipes out there, but all I have ever grown up with is cornbread/sage dressing that's what we make. None of that apple, nut, fruity stuff for us!!!! :-) Both of my grandma's make the exact same dressing which is interesting since not many people make it on the west coast (I don't think...). One grandma is from Arkansas and the other from Texas.

Step 1: Make cornbread - not that sweet kind!

3 cups white corn meal

1 cup flour

2 eggs

1 tsp salt

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

2 1/2 cups milk or buttermilk (if using buttermilk add 1 tsp baking soda)

Step 2: Make biscuits (most any kind will do...Granny makes them from scratch and Momo used canned)

Step 3: Let them dry out (2 or 3 days) then crumble

Step 4: Make dressing

1-Saute up one large onion and lots of garlic cloves (actually my grandma's both put the onions in raw and do not use garlic...that is my little twist :-)

2-Hard boil a dozen eggs and dice finely

3-Add cornbread and biscuits

4-Add sage, salt, and pepper to taste (LOTS!)

5 - Add 5 cans of chicken stock plus several spoons of turkey drippings

6- Cook at 350 for 40-45 minutes until top is brown and crispy! Yum, yum!

Okay, let me hear from all you "fruity" dressing people why yours is better. Not that I'll believe you!!!!!!!!! :-)

Veterans Day Parade

2008-11-25T09:18:00.000-08:00

The kids and I went to our towns Veteran's Day Parade and had a great time. It is the largest in the state of Washington. There were sooooo many school marching bands from all over the state. I was amazed at the distances that some of them travel.

I was especially moved by the elderly veterans in the parade. They were so proud and it was an honor to see them! I became emotional several times throughout the parade thinking of how much they gave for our freedom.

There was a group of veteran bikers all decked out in their leather and bald heads and cheering, saluting, and thanking every veteran that passed. It was VERY cool to be standing by them.

The saddest part of the day was when the family members of those lost in the current war walked by holding large banners with their pictures of their lost brothers, sisters, daughters, sons, husbands, wives, etc. It was so sad and the reality of loss so vivid.

I talked to the kids about what it was all about. I'm not sure how much they understand, but by simply exposing them to veterans and the reality of what our freedom costs hopefully they will appreciate it more. When we got home from the parade we called my grandpa and said thank you for serving!

Thank you veterans!

2008-11-20T11:12:00.000-08:00

I've been trying really hard to work on crafty stuff with Reagan more. She LOVES it! Javon was more into bookwork type things where Reagan loves to draw, paint, glue, glitter, bead, cut, basically the messier the better!

Here's our attempt at a straw skill. I drew lines on straws for Reagan to cut and then she was supposed to put them smallest to largest. Well, she didn't think that would 'look' good so she decided to do it HER way instead. I was trying to talk her into placing them in size order but she seemed to be placing them in random order.

It is hard for me to BALANCE creative play with constructive school skills. I know that there are MANY different ideas about the BEST way, but I can only do what I feel is best for us. I tend to be more 'this is the way it's supposed to be' kind of person.

Anyways, I thought she was placing the straws in total random order and not 'getting' what I was trying to teach her. BUT then she raised her hands up in triumph and said, "Look I made a house Mom!" I was very proud of her and her imagination! Wow, I have to remember that we all think differently. She looked at those straws and thought to MAKE something. I was just looking at it totally black and white and she was using her imagination! What a smart girl!!!

2008-11-16T20:51:00.000-08:00

To my faithful few followers - Sorry that I've lapsed on my blogging. I've been trying to prioritize my time better and watch less TV and have less computer time. I feel like everyday is so jammed packed!

Here's what I've been up to the past two weeks:

1) Cleaning out our attic/bedroom! We have our bed at one end and storage at the other because we don't have a garage. There were boxes of stuff that we haven't used in the three years we've lived here and I decided it was time to get rid of "stuff". I worked for a week on it and feel SOOOOOOOOO great! I get emotionally attached to things and find it hard to get rid of them, but I figured I hadn't seen it in years anyways and wouldn't miss it. Although I did have to take it to my mom's house and haver HER take it to Goodwill because I just couldn't do it. :-) I could have saved it until summer and had a yard sale but then I would have been in the same boat of having it in my attic for the entire winter/spring. I LET IT GO! Plus Josh had a lot of clothes that don't fit him anymore since he's lost 75 pounds. He hardly has any clothes left, but he wears the same things over and over anyways. If he has a couple of work shirts, a couple of church shirts, and a couple of church shirts he's happy. I also went through my closet and got rid of stuff that I've had forever and haven't worn. Again the emotional attachment thing. I don't know why I'm like that (remember the thing about not using the Strawberry Shortcake bandaids?!). So anyways, I feel such an overwhelming since of accomplishment! We have spent the past week upstairs doing school. I took a small desk upstairs for Javon and we LOVE it.

2) Learning the songs/motions for our Christmas play. I can't believe how much work goes into a kids' Christmas play!

3) Going through our Christmas closet and organizing it.

4) Painting and redecorating the downstairs of the church for our new SuperKids room. It's been a lot of work but the kids and teachers really like it.

5) And then there's the normal things like school, work, wrestling, laundry, cooking, cleaning, kids, etc.

My goal for this holiday season is to be prepared early, not spend much money, and keep on top of things EVERY day to eliminate stress of things adding up. Help me Jesus!

Tons of love and prayers..............

Javon's turning 6!

2008-10-30T20:58:00.000-07:00

To my little man and super cool kid - Javon:

Mommy is having a hard time believing that you are about to turn 6 years old! I thought that 5 was strange, but 6 is even weirder for me. You have changed and grown so much in this past year. I am so very proud of the little boy that you are becoming.

The day you were born I vividly remember thinking that you looked nothing like I expected and wondered how I was going to raise this little creature that I had no clue about. Within minutes I was convinced we could make it and no matter what came our way, Daddy and I would love you.

The night I brought you home from the hospital I laid you on my tummy and sang you "our" song: Javon, Javon, Mama's little Javon. Javon, Javon, Mommy loves you. I love you in the morning and in the afternoon, I love you in the evening, and underneath the moon. Oh, scinamarinky dee scinamarinky doo - I LOVE YOU.

I sang it to you every single night and sometimes when you were being really fussy in the middle of the night I would sing the "and underneath the moon" part over and over just to remind myself that it was all worth it. :-) You and I have had a special bond since the day you were born. I had always wanted a little boy because it was new territory and I thought I'd be a better boy mommy than girl mommy. Once you were born, I wasn't so sure. :-) All I knew about was girls. I am so grateful to God that He blessed me with a little boy to love and train.

This past year began our journey of homeschooling. You were still 4 years old when we started Kindergarten. If you had gone to public school you wouldn't have been able to start because of your November bday. I wasn't sure how it would all work out, but I was so excited to teach you. There was no doubt you were ready. You picked up on your letters, numbers, shapes, Bible verse, etc. very quickly. Our routine was the hardest part at first because it took every moment of Mommy's day, but I've learned over the past year how to juggle better. :-) By the time Christmas had rolled around you were almost done with Kindergarten. Not just random anything work, but all the curriculum and you were reading. Wow, this was a great choice for our family. Every day has not been easy on any of us, but the easiest road is not always the right one. Seeing your face light up as you read your first words or added 2+2 means far more than anything else I could ever imagine. Oh, and I almost forgot that you learned to play the piano. No, I mean really! It's amazing. I am soooo proud of you.

You have lost 6 teeth this year, grown tall and lanky, given mom foot rubs, still refuse to eat meat, love to have mom tuck you in and rub your back. You still don't like to pick out your own clothes, you are turning into a fantastic little wrestler, you have beaten a Mario game that mom worked on beating in high school for years, you love to hang out with dad, you can beat most of the youth guys at any XBox game, you and your sister argue at times but love each other to death, Nana's house is your favorite place to go because she is so soft on you and loves you very much, you make mom crazy frustrated sometimes but I always love you, and most of all you love Jesus and pray every night with passion as you tell Jesus that He is #1 in your heart and always will be!

I am amazed at the amount of Christians being deceived!

2008-10-30T19:37:00.001-07:00

2008-10-30T09:50:00.000-07:00

My normal crazy day today....

Phone call by April saying she was coming over to show me her new Suburban.

Checked my new facebook.

Got a phone call from Mellisa saying that Meagan is having her baby. We'll be at Auburn Hospital tonight or tomorrow seeing a new baby.

School - Journal and Weather Book
Game - Chrono Blocks
Another phone call about kids ministry stuff.
Reagan's getting irritated because she's been asking for juice and I haven't gotten it!
Science Project in the dark bathroom with a globe and flashlight! How fun......
Javon - Right a paragraph in his Science PACE about how the earth turns around the sun.
Reagan - Stamping Fun
Moved to the back room - Super cold today! Those of you still having 80 degree weather should be super thankful!
Javon - Writing out spelling words and then went to SpellingCity.com for review/lesson.
Now it's lunch time! Yummy chicken nuggets and apple sauce.
Back from lunch and cuddled up by the heater reading a book with Reagan. Javon is working on his Math PACE. A page with mixed up addition and subtraction - getting him to observe what sign is there as to whether he should add or subtract.
Reagan is coloring paper doll clothes and then we'll cut them out to play with.
Nap time-Kids; Clean house-Me
Reagan stayed up a little past Javon because I wanted to work on her computer mouse skills. We went on PBSkids.org and worked on her clicking on things and using the computer.
Naps over - Turtle magazine activities with Reagan. Javon finished up Math, Social Studies, and English.
Get ready to cook dinner then Josh and Javon are off to wrestling.

Missing my mom...

2008-10-29T16:50:00.000-07:00

My mom is doing a medical study for 12 days and it's really strange not being able to pick up the phone and call her. Or should I say pick up the phone to answer her calls. :-)

The kids miss her as well. Reagan keeps asking when it's Nana day.

I see her pretty much every day but Saturdays.

I should tell her WAY more often how much I appreciate her. :-)

I know that I COULD do it without my mom around but I wouldn't WANT to! :-) Love ya Mom...come back soon.

Do you live by your mom? If so, how often do you see each other.

The move to the family room!

2008-10-24T20:39:00.000-07:00

Our normal school day happens at the dining room table everyday. Somedays I feel as if my rear end has left an indention on the chair because I've sat there all day. Especially on Wednesdays because that's my paperwork days so even when the kids get up to have break and do other things I tend to stay at the table working. Well, it is getting cold in the Seattle area (I'm jealous of those of you who are still enjoying sunshine and gardening!) so we made the big move to the back family room. It is easier to heat and I hate being cold! Last year it didn't work out so well. Javon had a hard time focusing without the table and Reagan wanted the TV on.

When we are at the table the TV never goes on during the day but in the back room they are used to it being on in the late afternoon for a show after nap so Reagan still wanted it on. I didn't want to get that started at all so I made sure to have her colors out and other things she could play with.

Javon actually did great in the back room this year. It was warm and cozy and he really enjoyed standing up at his "table" to do his schoolwork. Reagan poured beans for a good hour and then we worked on number cards. She didn't want to place the right number of beans on the cards though. She wanted to completely cover the card in beans. Yeah, I had a bit of a bean mess to clean up but it was an easy task and she really enjoyed it today.

Reagan also worked on her TURTLE magazine which she loves. We try to do about four or so pages a day. Usually a story, a couple of work pages, and then a project. Some friends gave us their TURTLE magazines and Reagan has really enjoyed them. (Thanks Mechelle!) Today we did a science project with eggs. We hard boiled eggs and then cracked the shells and placed them in a cup of tea. They sat until dinner and then we cracked them open to reveal a maze of brown lines that the tea had made. It was a simple, fun science project.

Does anyone else move school in the cold weather? It can actually break things up and give you a new exciting adventure. You might just want to give it a try. :-)

Using the things I have......

2008-10-23T09:11:00.000-07:00

Matthew 6:20-21 NIV But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Over the past year I have cut way back on even going to the store. Not even going in to 'look' because there is always something on SALE that I have to pick up and in the end it costs money I didn't need to spend. I am learning more and more that if I don't see it then I don't even think about it and ultimately didn't need it in the first place. I tend to be a "saver" - thinking someday I'll use it. As a kid I wouldn't use things because then they'd be gone. Things like BANDAIDS. Yes, even bandaids. I remember getting a box of Strawberry Shortcake bandaids as a kid and never using them because if I used them then I wouldn't have them anymore. Having a single mom until I was 12 helped me learned the value of being frugal.

Right now my new goal is to USE things up before I purchase more. Things like makeup and lotion just accumulate!

What about you? Do you have a bathroom cabinet filled with half-used hair products and lotions? Lets use them!!!!!! :-)

Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-19T17:03:00.001-07:00

Random Summer Photos

2008-10-16T14:53:00.000-07:00

I just found Slide.com and got it to work so I am very excited about my two slideshows. :-) Even if no one else cares to look, I love to click on and see my wonderful family smiling and having a great time together. This summer was SOOOOOOOOOOOO jam packed with camps, VBA, missions trips, and more that I just now feel like I'm getting caught up on everything. When school started I dove headfirst into that and had to let other things like blogging take a backseat. But now I feel like I'm getting caught up and can breath and do a few extra things. Anyways, hope you enjoy your day!

Youth Conference 08

2008-10-16T12:32:00.000-07:00

ABC's of me

2008-10-04T01:37:00.000-07:00

Aprons–y/n If y, what does your fave look like? No, but I asked my mom for one for my 30th birthday next week. It's a very simple red/white fabric.

Baking - I like to bake banana bread/pumpkin bread the most because I like to eat them the most!

Clothes line? No - I like fluffy clothes out of the dryer.

Donuts–Have you ever made them? Never! All that grease!!!!!!

Everyday–One homemaking thing you do every day? Pick up the entry and living room. Lately though I've really been working on making sure there is NO dishes in the sink before I go to bed and having the kids clean their room before nap time EVERY day so it doesn't get catotic. It doesn't always happen but we're trying.

Freezer–Do you have a separate deep freeze? No

Garbage Disposer? No

Handbook–What is your favorite homemaking resource? Flylady.com!

Ironing–Love it or Hate it? Neutral. I just never set up the ironing board. The dryer works fine.

Junk Drawer–y/n? Uh Yeah! Doesn't everyone!

Kitchen–color and decorating scheme - My mom and dad just refinished my cabinets for me while I was on a missions trip and I love them. They are cream with bead board. I am going with the deep red and mustardy colors. French Country w/ understated hints of roosters. I really like how it's coming out.

Love–what is your favorite part of homemaking? homeschooling!

Mop–y/n? Yes - I'm not a swiffer fan

Nylons, machine or hand wash? Through 'em in the wash baby!

Oven–do you use the window or open the oven to check?I open it.

Pizza–Most Friday Nights - Kids like Pepporoni, Josh likes various greasy meats, and I like combo with lots of veggies.

Quiet– What's that? Actually, the kids are going in their rooms a lot more now that they're getting older.

Recipe Card Box–y/n? No - Recipe Books and random cards from my grandmas usually used as placemarks in my books.

Style of house–What style is your house? 1921 Craftsman

Tablecloths or Placemats? Usually neither, but the kids have character placemats they use.

Under the kitchen sink–organized or toxic wasteland? on my to do list!

Vacuum–How many times per week? Usually Monday, Wednesday, Saturday

Wash–How many loads of laundry do you do per week? 2 loads for Reagan and Josh! 1 each for Javon and myself...2 loads of towels...1 load of whites...1 load of reds....1 load of delicates....grand total = 11 loads

X’s–Do you keep a daily list of things to do that you cross off? Schoolwork YES! Other stuff I'm on and off about using my dayplanner.

Yard–y/n? Who does what? Josh mowes and weedeats - I pull weeds.

ZZZ’s–What do you do before bed? Read the Bible and watch 1 show.

2008-10-04T01:15:00.000-07:00

Love ya Sis'!

A few ways Cass and I are alike: At first meeting you wouldn't think we're much alike however deep down we really are. We are both people pleasers. We both bottle up our emotions...sometimes to appear stronger than we really are....sometimes simply because we push them down for no apparent reason but it's our nature. We love our families and try to take care of them. She's an introvert and I'm an extrovert but deep down we are very similar and I'm thankful she's my sis.

Love you too Courtie....

For the first time

2008-10-04T01:01:00.001-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDRfP-TzQwg

Someone help me on how to get the actual youtube video to post....I'm having trouble. :-)

Anyways, I was feeling nostalgic tonight and I looked up this song. One Fine Day the movie had come out while Josh and I were dating and I played it over and over. We played several of the songs off of the soundtrack throughout our wedding. It just took me back and helped me remember all the great reasons I fell in love with my Josh.

My girl!

2008-09-21T20:45:00.000-07:00

We had a really good day today. It was mom's turn to teach Impact Kids which was a nice break. I very rarely sit through a sermon on Sunday. He talked about how the attacks on Sarah Palin are demonic and straight from hell. It is amazing at the things that people will say about other people to put them down or discredit them simply because they do not know the Lord. Anyways, then we had two girls from church come over to hang out and J. and R. LOVED every minute of it! They had a blast. It was so funny because Reagan is soooo quiet and shy most of the time at church is not like that at all at home. She didn't stop talking the entire day. She ask the girls to dress up with her in like 15 different outfits, go on a walk, play, watch a movie, and the list went on and on. She was actually being bossy which is not normally like her. It was fun to see her having so much fun though. Javon has a great time as well. It is great to have friends that love Jesus as well and that I feel comfortable with our kids playing with them and not being worried about what they will hear or say. It was nice because one of the girls is in 6th grade this year and acting more grown up at church, but once she got with Reagan she had a great day letting down her guard and just being a kid! It was nice. Hopefully you had a great day as well!

How did you invest your 86,400?

2008-09-20T22:17:00.000-07:00

"Imagine for a moment that your bank suddenly announced this new policy: Every morning your account will be credited with $86,400. You can carry no balance from day to day. Every evening, your account will be canceled and whatever money you have failed to use during the day will be returned to the bank. What would you do? Why you'd draw out every cent of the $86,400 each day and spend it, save it, or invest it. Before long, you could be a very wealthy person!

Actually, you have a bank balance with a similar policy. It is called "time". Every morning you are given the prospect of 86,400 seconds. At the close of that 24 hour period, the moments you have failed to withdraw and invest to good purpose are ruled off the ledger. Time carries no balance from day to day. It allows no overdrafts. Each day, a new account is opened to you. If you fail to withdraw and use the day's deposit, it's your loss.

Those who truly love life use time to the maximum. Make your days count rather than counting your days!"

This was in my devotional Bible yesterday and I really liked it. I feel so busy all the time but the truth is that there are a lot of wasted seconds throughout my day. Whether it be little moments that I could have put a load of dishes in or spent a little more time to do a craft with Reagan. I do great at never turning the TV on during the day, but in the evening I find myself randomly watching things that don't even interest me or matter. I just sit down and veg after the day.

Not only does time wasted fall under the category of TV or internet, but I also want to remember that sometimes I just need to be present with the kids in playtime and not be busy cleaning the house or doing something that NEEDS to get done. Those times can also be a lose moment of sharing something with the kids. Anyways, that made me think. I have really been trying to make the most out of my day and juggle everything more efficently, but I know there are things that I can improve on and really want to try.

Lord, help me to wake up each day ready to face whatever comes me way with a smile and determination. Help me be productive in all that I do and remember that You are pleased with me when I use my time wisely.

So worth it....

2008-09-08T22:21:00.000-07:00

So during the school year last year I subbed for our school district on Monday's while Javon was at co-op. Co-op hasn't started yet, so I decided to not start subbing on Monday's until it does. well, this morning I did give it a thought because $100 sounded pretty good. I didn't though and we had a great day that was far more valuable than the money!

School has been going wonderful thanks to a $1.34 tub of erasers!!!! Javon and Reagan would both jump over the moon right now to earn erasers! Sounds crazy I know, but it's working. For how long...I don't know? However, I'm riding this wave for as long as I can. For every page of school work he does without complaint and in 10 min. he earns 1 eraser. If he can get it done in 5 minutes he earns 2 erasers. It is amazing how much time we have shaved off of school simply to earn erasers! He gets a 10 minute break after every subject. But when he earns 10 erasers he can turn them in for 30 min. of XBox time. His work is getting done efficiently, neatly, and without complaint. What a great blessing. Some may argue that it's not a good system because he isn't doing the work to actually learn but rather to gain XBox time, however I would have to cordually disagree. :-) The power of a positive attitude has greatly increased the quality of learning. The first few days of the school year where filled with whines and complaints and the past 3 have been filled with fun, laughter, and an overall great time.

Then Mom came over and visited after their 2 week trip to Wisconsin. It is great to have my family home! Then we went on a 18 mile family bike ride. I'm not very fast at all compared to Josh. He coasts most of the way and I feel like I'm pedaling my rear off, but he likes to share his love of biking (cycling) with us. A friend found us a bike trainer (Thanks April!) at a yard sale and this was Javon's longest ride. He was a trooper. That's a long ride for a 5 year old! I was pulling Reagan in our bike trailer, so we looked like quite the little clan of riders. Reagan sang to me most of the way and looked at a book! It was so cute. We got a Jamba Juice and then headed home. Along the way we stopped and picked wild blackberry's for a cobbler.

Yeah, that was better than a $100!

2008-09-06T15:54:00.000-07:00

So today as I was running around doing errands and hitting a few yard sales along the way, I was thinking how different Josh and my relationship is in some ways from when we first got married. When we first got married we did everything together. I love to go yard saling so every Saturday morning I would wake him up at like 7:30 AM and beg him to go with me. He loves to sleep in on the weekends. I can't! 8:00 AM is sleeping in for me. I'm not an early bird, my body clock just doesn't sleep past 8 AM.

So he would reluctantly roll out of bed and go with me to do something that he really didn't enjoy but didn't we HAVE to do everything together? No :-) Over the years I've learned to appreciate the times that it's just me and understand that he enjoys sleeping in on Saturdays. Then when I get home from my errands, he's up and ready for the day. That is of course on the few Saturday's a month that we don't have something already going on. :-)

Just kind of a random thought that was going through my head today as I enjoyed "my time" at the yard sales. :-)

2008-09-04T15:37:00.000-07:00

A few more Mexico pics of my two guys!

Javon and Julio were buds all week long in Mexico. It didn't matter that

their lives are totally different, they simply knew they liked to hang out.

They played, hung out, talked, and had a fun time.

1st day of school!

2008-09-01T20:27:00.000-07:00

Yes, I'm a terrible mother for making my kids start school on Labor Day! But it is "labor" day right. It just seemed like a great day to kick everything off so we went for it. Washington State has one of the later school start dates...most states all start the end of August. Not that our schedule is determined by that, but it worked out to be a great start time. I'm thankful that I had already gotten all of my curriculum lined up and school area organized back in July. This summer has been sooooo busy. Camps, Vacation Bible Adventure, Missions Trips, teaching on Wednesday nights, Impact Kids on Sundays, and on and on it feels like. I can't even believe that it's September!!!

We had a bit of a rough start this morning getting back into the groove, but ended up getting a lot accomplished and went out for a milk-shake when school was done. I planned to be done by around 2 pm, but we ended up going from 8:30-3:30. We started with our song for the month "Trust in the Lord" and then did some dancing which got Javon in a bad mood. He isn't one prone to dancing. You'd think so because of his outgoing (slightly hyper!) personality, but he has never enjoyed dancing around with me to music. Reagan on the other hand would dance with me all day. After that we worked on our weather cart which I was very excited about starting and went and checked out what kind of clouds there were....overcast! Surprise, surprise! It's Seattle. The chart took a bit longer than expected because of having to get it all set up for the month.

I use ACE curriculum so then we dove into our PACE work.

Math - Money and Time

English - Review of the alphabet. Writing upper and lower case letters and going over the vowels and consonants.

Social Studies - Reading and questions about Jesus saving us from sin.

Science - Creation Days

Word Building - Review of a list of new spelling words, drawing shape patters, and writing some of the new spelling words.

He also did his typing and then art with dad.

We didn't get around to health (once a week) and piano, but we'll shoot for tomorrow. I didn't want to push anymore. He worked really hard and I was very proud of him. Although there were times during the day I thought this is the HARDEST job anyone could ever have. The patience required during these young years is pretty intense. I can see why some moms feel like they can't do it. It has to be a passion/conviction or there's no way you could pull it off.

In the middle of all that, Reagan did real preschool for the first day. Last year she pretty much did a portion of what Javon was doing in Kindergarten, but his year he has much more written work so I had to work with her separate on some preschool activities. She really enjoyed all the attention!

We read 5 books about the zoo.

Worked on counting to 20.

Found things the color blue.

Watercolor painted a picture.

Colored a picture with crayons.

Worked on a memory verse.

Danced and sang and played dress up.

Anyways, it was a VERY long, but rewarding day. Even if no one else ever sees or understands why I'm doing this, my kids will reap the benefits and I also know that God is watching and cheering me on. Praise the Lord for His grace, provision, and never-failing love.

Tomorrow is a new day that will present new challenges and I will try to figure out some new positive ways to teach and continue reinforcing things I'm already doing. Oh, and then there's church and the house and all the things that come with them, but for today I'm just "Mama" teaching my children to the best of my ability how to love God, respect others, and be the smart little people I know they are!

Blessing to you as you begin your '08-'09 journey!

I'm back!

2008-08-28T21:42:00.000-07:00

Wow, what an amazingly difficult, rewarding, and amazing 10 days!!!! We left Thursday morning and drove and drove and drove. Our trailer tire blew out while I was driving but praise the Lord we were only a mile away from an exit where we could get it repaired. We drove to Riverbank, CA until 1 AM and then slept at a church. I was messing around and went to fake kick Abel and fell flat on my back. It knocked the wind out of me and hurt really bad but was pretty funny. That was until my tailbone was bruised for the next few days. :-) We got up and left for Mexico early the next morning. I had the privilege of driving through L.A. this year which took FOREVER! We went like 33 miles in 3 hours. It was ridiculous. When we finally saw the Mexico border sign we were all excited. Once we crossed the border, the exit we needed to go to Ensenada was closed. We pulled over and asked for directions and a Mexican policeman came up beside us and ask what we needed. We told him directions and he said that if we'd give him a "drink" he'd take us to the bypass. Our dear Miss Madeline offered him a bottle of water and he shook his head! :-) He then changed his request to dinner. Pastor Josh asked if $10 would do and he didn't seem pleased but pacified. He took us to the detour on ramp and then told us to slip the money in his glove. It was so crazy! But we got to our destination.

We stopped at Taco's Pablano for the beginning of many taco stand stops. I knew that Javon would not eat beef or pork on his taco so I asked if they could be a "queso" taco. They did and everyone else saw it and started getting them. Last time we thought we only had two choices, but our eyes were opened to a bean pot and cheese tacos this year!!!!
Here is what the majority of the farm workers' homes look like. It is basically made out of tarps, pallets, cardboard, and whatever else they can find. It is heartbreaking to see it.
The kids did amazing. They never backed away from anything we asked them to do! They jumped right in with both feet and shared Jesus' love with people. I am so proud of them.
We passed out a lot of food, helped build a home for a "working poor" family, held two community hot dog feeds where we sang and shared the gospel then passed out bags with toiletries and toys in them, plus did a service Sunday night and VBS on Wednesday at the church we went to last time. This time was more broken up than last time, but in the end we saw that God was in it all. Everyone did really great at being flexible. Javon played and played and played with the kids. He didn't care that they were dirty or didn't speak English, he just went right up to them and starting playing. As a mom, I can't even tell you how proud I was of him and how excited I was to see God using him. He just did things with Jesus' love because he wanted to and it felt right, not because we made him. It was so amazing to watch him serving and interacting with the kids. We also worked with the children's home kids this year. The girls would get up early each morning and brush the kids teeth, feed them breakfast, clean them up, we also spent all Sunday afternoon cleaning their entire childcare room. Everyone worked together and did great. Did I mention how proud of them I was?

I have tons of pictures that I'll keep posting. It's nice to be home, but Let the Little Children Come Home will remain in our hearts and we are excited to see what God has done when we return!

Power Lab was powerful!

2008-08-13T22:00:00.000-07:00

I have about 20 seconds to post because I'm leaving for Mexico in about 3 hours. Yes, Mexico to do 2 more VBS's with 13 other wonderful people. Pray for me....I've been sick all weekend and this week. My voice is completely gone, but I wouldn't any of the crazy business! I love it all.

See ya the end of August!

Power Lab Vacation Bible Adventure!!!

2008-08-05T21:34:00.000-07:00

Busy, Busy, Busy with Power Lab Vacation Bible Adventure! Just stopping by to say Hi. I don't know when I'll be able to actually post anything worth reading. :-) I am directing our Power Lab VBA this week and then next Thursday we're off to Mexico for 10 days on our Missions Trip! I check in soon........hopefully!

My beautiful girl!

2008-08-01T15:31:00.000-07:00

Flag Cake

2008-07-31T08:54:00.000-07:00

I finally made a flag cake! I've always wanted to but never wanted to spend the money on blueberries. Blueberries were on sale this week for 2.49 a pound so I got some for the first time ever.

So yesterday Reagan and I made a flag cake. Check....one more all American mom thing done! :-)

WHAT! NO NIGHT SERVICE!!!

2008-07-29T21:14:00.000-07:00

I am beside myself right now....My jaw about hit the floor....My "are you serious" reflex is still going over and over in my head! Above you see some pics from Jr. High Camp just a week and a half ago. Well, this was a NIGHT service where God was moving, kids were giving their hearts and lives over the the Lord to serve in ministry, etc.

So here's my rant....we did not go to kids' camp this year which makes me really sad because I absolutely love camps and know that God does amazing things in kids' lives. But we just didn't have kids this year that were able to go either financially or because their parents just don't understand the value of it spiritually. Anyways, camp has always been a couple of hours away but this year they changed it to a camp which is 9 miles from our house. So tonight I decided to go out and check out the night service at the new location. I arrived...saw 20 or so kids walking around about 6:45 PM...made my way to the chapel where they were having what I thought was pre-service activities. I asked what time service started thinking maybe it was 7:30 PM and then all of a sudden everyone got up and left. I was confused. I followed an adult out and asked what time evening service started and he said there was no evening service. What? Can you say that again please? Surely I had misunderstood...so I asked again. No, I heard right. After picking my jaw up off the ground I asked when service was. He said from 10-11:30 AM. Well, yeah, that's morning service. That's what time it's always been. But he said that was the only service this year. Really?! I have been to a LOT of camp meetings in my life and I know that there is something completely different about morning service and evening service. Not that God can't move in the morning as well, but the kids are simply not as receptive and lunch doesn't wait so you HAVE to end at a specific time. What about lingering around the alter as God works on these kids' hearts? I am still in complete shock!

As I was processing this new found "system" I asked the gentleman what they did from 7 PM on. He said they had free time until 9:30 PM and then came in for some worship and late night activities for an hour. Really....2 1/2 hours of free time when they could be in service hearing the Word of God and worshipping Him. Hhhmmmm. That doesn't sound like a very good trade off to me?! I am seriously going to look into other kids' camps for us to attend next year besides our districts. I know that the leadership I'm sure has their reasons, but I simply cannot believe that the tradeoff is worth whatever they feel they are gaining. There are two large churches in the area that both put on their own camps and I will be checking into them for next year. Wow, I'm seriously in shock!

2008-07-26T11:26:00.000-07:00

Wow, what a wonderfully busy summer! It has been non-stop action, but well worth it. Here is a few pics of us at Jr. High Camp. I have a ton more that I'll get up over time, but here were a few highlights. The weekend before Jr. High Camp was spend at Kent Cornucopia Days advertising for our Vacation Bible Adventure and the youth made cross necklaces to raise money for our Mexico Missions Trip. That was the same weekend that Josh rode in the Seattle to Portland Bike Ride. Yeah, CRAZY busy weekend. I got home about 11 PM from the street fair and some guys from church picked Josh up in Portland and drove him home late that night. The next morning we were off to Jr. High Camp. It was honestly one of the best camp experiences I've had with the kids. They are all great kids and we had a really good time together. The services were wonderful and the kids entered into worship and ate up the sermons and alter times. I was very proud of their maturity level for Jr. Highers. There is nothing better than watching kids worship the Lord and pray with a heart that you know is open to the Holy Spirit and what He wants for their life. The girls had a chance to pray with a girl that gave her heart to the Lord for the first time and they were very excited to share in that process with her. Camps are such a special, important time in these kids' lives and I'm so thankful that I was able to share this week with them!

Well, we got home from camp right before it was time for my friends wedding rehearsal. So by the time I got home I was pooped, but excited about the wedding the next day. It turned out beautiful. I don't have any pics because I was running around and forgot to take any, but it was very nice. They had worship music in the service and it turned out very nice. I was honored to be a part of this important day. Congrats Mellisa and Marty!

Then as soon as that was all over it was full steam ahead getting ready for Power Lab Vacation Bible Adventure. 15 hours and a lot of paint later....we look ready! :-)

Reagan's theory on armpit hair!

2008-07-09T09:09:00.000-07:00

uu3iiiakkkkkjjkkkkkukiiukiiiiiifiuudujsjjuuujnjslfl;f ldlkdkkrkrnhhgkj dkkskk kkkfkdlskshdbvgvvhjjhjfkruufkkjej3hjjnh hkjtjjjkfjiiieuuujjjuuieuujjhyujudyd uhjehhgetftrryytatayfgysttttyth hjhfhghfggggggfggyywyyu8ye=]pt- []]r]r;oloooikoik[op[ijp[[j kkkkoos8w8w99ddodigul.k,lk hgiyudikdikkkrujrklkk,,kflfl'd; dlkjk

As we were getting ready for bed last night, Reagan reached over and began to rub my armpit stubble. Yes, I know... weird. She asked what it was and I said that God made hair under people's armpits and that someday she would get it to. She said she didn't want it. :-) I said that I didn't either but God made it for a reason. She asked, "Why?" I said, "Why do you think?" She said, "Because God got MAD at us one day and made armpit hair." I started laughing and said I didn't think that was it but she insisted. She said that we were being goofy and silly and making mean faces and so God got mad and gave people armpit hair. So there you go folks! Now you all know why we have armpit hair!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Auburn Day!

2008-07-07T13:01:00.000-07:00

We had a really fun family day at Auburn Days on the 4th of July. Everyone went to the park and had a really fun time. We played mini-golf, rode the ponies (Javon was immediately sneezing and rubbing his eyes!), went to the petting zoo, played on bouncies, looked at the old cars, and Jack went with us so he had to meet every dog that passed by! It was a very good day. Then we went to Nana and Pappa's for fireworks. I hope you had a great day as well!

Puppies, puppies, puppies!

2008-07-05T10:32:00.000-07:00

My life is consumed with puppies right now. I feel like I have 5 kids! I don't know how those of you with 5 kids do it! :-) All I do all day long is feed kids, feed dogs, bathe kids, bathe dogs, clean up the kids' messes, clean up the dogs' messes, and then it's time to start all over again!

They are sooooo cute though. J.J. (Jack Junior) is the salt and pepper little boy. Cherry is the all black little girl, and Paint is the little girl that Reagan is holding with white on her toes. They are getting super playful and have individual personalities. We get to see them playing and fighting and cuddling because they are in a swimming pool in our family room! The kids play with them and love on them all the time. We've been taking them outside for potty breaks and they LOVE the grass. It's cute. Every night we lay them on our tummies while we watch TV and cuddle with them. It's going to be weird when they go to their new homes, but nice at the same time because they do require a lot of time. Someone will get really great pups!

If any of you out there in cyber space are looking for an adorable Mini-Schnauzer leave me a post. They are AKC and vet checked. There due claws have been removed and tails docked by a vet. Plus you will receive a free vet check with AKC registration. They will receive their first puppy shots and worming before purchase and can go to their new homes in two weeks.

If you have kids Mini-Schnauzers are a wonderful breed. We have had no problems at all with Jack and Sophie with our kids. They are non-shedding which is wonderful! They will be between 11-14 pounds.

$575 - Leave a post if you or anyone you know would be interested.

What really maters?

2008-07-03T14:54:00.000-07:00

Thank you so much to lovesschool.blogspot.com for sharing this amazing poem....

I Have Not Been Educated
by Carolyn Caines

If I learn my ABCs, can read 600 words per minute, and can write with perfect penmanship, but have not been shown how to communicate with the Designer of all language .... I HAVE NOT BEEN EDUCATED.

If I can deliver an eloquent speech and persuade you with my stunning logic, but have not been instructed in God's wisdom.... I HAVE NOT BEEN EDUCATED.

If I read Shakespeare and John Locke and can discuss their writings with keen insight, but have not read the greatest of all books -- the Bible -- and have no knowledge of its personal importance... I HAVE NOT BEEN EDUCATED.

If I have memorized addition facts, multiplication tables, and chemical formulas, but have never been disciplined to hide God's Word in my heart .... I HAVE NOT BEEN EDUCATED.

If I can explain the law of gravity and Einstein's theory of relativity, but have never been instructed in the unchangeable laws of the One Who orders our universe .... I HAVE NOT BEEN EDUCATED.

If I can classify animals by their family, genus and species, and can write a lengthy scientific paper that wins an award, but have not been introduced to the Maker's purpose for all creation, .... I HAVE NOT BEEN EDUCATED.

If I can recite the Gettyburg Address and the Preamble to the Constitution, but have not been informed of the hand of God in the history of our country .... I HAVE NOT BEEN EDUCATED.

If I can play the piano, the violin, six other instruments, and can write music that moves men to tears, but have not been taught to listen to the Director of the universe and worship Him, ... I HAVE NOT BEEN EDUCATED.

If I can run cross-country races, star in basketball and do 100 push-ups without stopping, but have never been shown how to bend my spirit to do God's will, .... I HAVE NOT BEEN EDUCATED.

If I can identify a Picasso, describe the style of da Vinci, and even paint a portrait that earns an A+, but have not learned that all harmony and beauty comes from a relationship with God, .... I HAVE NOT BEEN EDUCATED.

If I were to graduate with a perfect 4.0 and am accepted at the best university with a full scholarship, but have not been guided into a career of God's choosing for me, .... I HAVE NOT BEEN EDUCATED.

If I become a good citizen, voting at each election and fighting for what is moral and right, but have not been told of (or believe) the sinfulness of man and his hopelessness without Christ,... I HAVE NOT BEEN EDUCATED.

However, if one day I see the world as God sees it, and come to know Him, Whom to know is life eternal, and glorify God by fulfilling His purpose for me, THEN I HAVE BEEN EDUCATED!

Garden Time!

2008-07-03T14:20:00.000-07:00

"Why aren't there any tomatoes yet Mommy?" That is the question that I hear 10 times a day right now. "Well, it takes time for them to grow." "But we planted them last week!"

Patience is a tough thing when gardening. :-) Sunday afternoon we planted our small garden. 4 tomato plants, 2 yellow squash, and 2 zucchini plants. We had fun planting them. Javon helped dig the holes. Reagan helped pull weeds, and they both helped water. Oh, and we planted basil as well!

Are you a gardener? I'm not, but I enjoy having fresh tomatoes soooooo much. I wish I could have them year 'round. They are so much better than store bought. Store bought tomatoes are ridiculously expensive and have no flavor. I really hope that ours do well.

It's also a fun thing for the kids to watch things grow and get to pick them.

Have a happy 4th!

I'm back!

2008-06-29T22:32:00.001-07:00

Well, I 'm back....but I can't post any pics right now of our trip to CA. We had a great time and really enjoyed spending time with my grandparents. The best thing of the trip was watching the kids enjoy it so much. Javon had more freedom there to ride his bike back and forth between houses (less than a block apart). Reagan had a room full of Barbie dolls to play with. We all went 4wheeling almost every day and had a blast. And the swimming pool was so nice. Living in Seattle area we only have an indoor swimming pool, but I love outdoor pools. It's just different.

As far as school goes, we're done for the summer except a Summer Bridge Book that Javon is doing 2 pages a day in. I got his curriculum for next year in the mail while I was gone and had fun going through it all. He has several more subjects next year but he's getting faster at his work. I'm the most excited about his Lit and Creative Writing. It looks really good.

Well, I'm going to go for now, but just wanted to check in and say HI.

Blogger Failer!

2008-06-17T20:24:00.000-07:00

I have failed as a blogger! Not only have I failed myself, but my fellow blogging world! :-) To all those who look at my blog on a daily, weekly, bimonthly, or annual schedule....I apologize.:-( When you click on "blessed mommy" and see the same picture day after day after day I know that you get angry, upset, frustrated, but most difficult for me to stomach - disappointed. Yes, disappointment that I seem to have nothing going on in my life worth writing about. Disappointement that I have not taken pictures of my beautiful children in the past week. Disappointment that I have not cared enough about my friends and strangers to bring joy into their life when they look at my blog which has absolutely no valitity to anything pertaining to their life. For all of that, I am deeply sorry! :-)

Well, here are a few of the things that have been going on in my life over the past week that I have failed to report mostly because I didn't have any pictures to back up my stories!!!

June 5th - 9 year anniversary....great night with my hubby. Probably the best anniversary ever. We were both being sentimental and just talked about some of the stuff that the years have held over dinner. Then we went to see Chronicles of Narnia and then home. My sis' watched the kids. Thanks

June 6-8th - Ladies Retreat....all I can say is "What happened at Sambica - stays at Sambica!" There were some funny times, but there were also some great times spent iwth the Lord. I also really enjoyed hanging out with the ladies. My age and older alike. It was fun.

Cars - Our car broke down and we have spent the past 2 weeks figuring out what to do. Thanks to lots of support and help from friends and family we have 1 car up and running and another on it's way! Thanks everyone!

Puppies - Taking care of the puppies has been a family project. Reagan has renamed the dogs. The boy now has 3 names. Josh calls him Maleak, Reagan calls him Jack and I call him J.J. for "Jack Junior". It's a good thing that his new family will give him a real name. :-) Then the girls' names have changed to Paint (because it looks like her toes were dipped in white paint) and Cherry (because Reagan saw my bag with cherries on it and thought it would make a good name). They are getting sooooo chubby and cute. Their eyes and ears opened this week.

Homeschool Convention - Saturday we had so much to do but I couldn't give up going to the Homeschool Convention. I use A.C.E. Curriculum and am very happy with it, but I love to look around at all the other stuff. Some of my finds outside of my curriculum for next year is a calendar book for Javon which I love. It has 2 years worth of daily calendar projects. You chart "something" for an entire month....life the shape of the moon-the tempurature-what kind of clothes you wore-snowfall amounts-all kinds of stuff. Javon did a weather cart for a month and loved it. I think we'll have a lot of fun with this. Both the kids got a recorder (flute) and I've had fun playing all kinds of songs on it, Reagan loves playing it while Javon plays piano, and Daddy is about to through them both out the window! :-) I also found a really cool penmanship and drawing book in one. Anyways, it was a good day just looking around.

Father's Day - We had a good day at church. Kids' church was busy but fun. Then we went to Longhorn BBQ for our annual "beef day" for daddy.

Now I'm busy getting ready to go to California to visit my grandparents for a week. Neither set of grandparents have a computer let alone the internet, so once again you will see this same post for a week. I told you I am a blogger failer. If I were a hard core blogger I'd drive the 60 miles to Reno and find an internet cafe or something. Oh yeah, I don't have a laptop! Well, it looks like I'll just have to say goodbye for now! Have a wonderful week!

Wrestling is great for Javon!!!

2008-06-09T17:02:00.000-07:00

"I love you Couch!" is what Javon wrote on his card that he gave his wrestling couch during Teacher Appreciation Week. It was really cute. He really does love going now. At first it was tough and he wasn't sure about the whole thing, but now he is doing great.

Here's some things that Javon says he's learned in wrestling:

1-How to "push-throw"

2-How to "knock someone down"

3-How to "run around"

4-How to "stand on my hands"

5-How to be "tough"

From my point of view he has learned:

1-Focus

2-Patience

3-Better listening skills

4-How to work with others in a team environment

5-That you can't give up even when it gets tough

6-Respect for his couch

There are other things as well, but those are some of the things that wrestling has helped him with this past 8 months.

Crazy Busy Week!

2008-06-06T11:39:00.000-07:00

So Wednesday was spent in the vet and mechanic's waiting rooms!

I took the pups first thing in the morning to get their tales docked, but there was an emergency CSection on a cat which took 2 hours. Anyways 3 hours later we had three crying pups and headed home. Javon and Reagan did really good though. We went and got Javon a haircut since he was getting "shaggy" as his Nana likes to say.

Then I had to take our car to the mechanics since it was smelling of gas really bad. We knew that it was dying, but it seems as if it is now dead. Yeah, another two 1/2 hours waiting, but this time we walked to Dairy Queen and had lunch and ice cream. That made the time pass much quicker. Then it was home for a quick nap, clean up, and off to church.

I won't be blogging over the weekend because I'm off to a Women's Retreat with church. I told Reagan that I would be going and she started to cry. Then I told her that Daddy was going to take her and Brother to see Kung Fu Panda on Saturday and if she went with Mommy then she couldn't see Kung Fu Panda. She stopped crying and very seriously asked if Daddy had enough money to buy her popcorn. :-) I said that I would talk to Daddy about buying her popcorn and she said then it was okay if I went. :-) Last night she informed her Dad that they would be buying popcorn at the theater! Reagan has a great memory so I'm sure he will hear about the popcorn a dozen or so times before Saturday!

Coupons are worth the time!

2008-06-03T23:28:00.000-07:00

I just saved $52.50 in hand-in coupons alone! That does not include the $47.00 I saved on Buy 1 Get 1 Free items!!! It does take some planning, but it's so worth it.

I've been coupon clipping for a long time but never was really "into" it like I am now. I was a casual couponer. But now I'm "hard core" baby!!! :-)

Tonight at Safeway I got 16 bottles of Ken's Salad Dressing for......Drum roll please! FREEEEEEEEEEEEE plus I actually made almost $4!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have been hanging on to the $2 coupons that I got in the paper and my mailbox for some time now because I knew a great deal would come along. The coupons were for $2 off of Ken's Salad Dressing and $2 off of Ken's Spray Spritzer Dressing. I had more than normal because I got 2 Sunday papers that week, my mom gave me her Sunday paper, and then I got the coupon insert in the mail that week. So all together I had 7/$2 coupons each. Not on sale, Ken's Salad dressing was $3.69. I was waiting for it to go to a 2/$5 deal so I would only have to pay .50 per bottle, but when I saw that it was Buy One Get One Free I was over the moon! :-) Because you can use 2 coupons even though one was free since they are manufactures coupons and the BOGOF deal is from Safeway. I had several other great coupons, but once again I scored on cereal.

I got 3 boxes of cereal for $.48! 2 boxes of Kashi cereal that was on sale for$2.24 each (originally $4.69 each!) with 2/$2 coupons so I paid $.48 cents for two boxes of Kashi cereal. They were the big boxes too, not little ones. Then I got a FREE box of Live Active cereal with a $3 coupon from the internet and it was on sale for $3.

Yeah, it was a good shopping night. I'm always amazed when I walk away with such great deals. One of my things is that I don't obsess about it. I'm sure some do, but I don't want to spend so much TIME that it takes away from the frugality of it all. I always shop at Safeway so I know the store and the layout. I take advantage of their store coupons and then try to match it up with a manufactures coupon. That is an easy way to get a GREAT deal! I shop once a week, but every other week is simply little items like special store deals for that week. So I only have to do SERIOUS grocery shopping about twice a month. It has worked great for me. Another thing that has been really helpful in saving is going to a cash envelope system. I have $35 per week for groceries and $20 per week for milk, bread, fruit, water, dog food, and anything else from Sams club. When it's gone it's gone. This helps to make me use my coupons to stretch it. Remember though that we haven't had to buy any meat for months now. That is a huge help!

Enough about my "shopping high"! :-) I just had to share and say give it a try - you might just get 16 bottles of free salad dressing. Looks like we'll be eating salad with dinner! God is good though and takes great care of us. We are trying really hard to not spend any extra money on "things" since we have 2 cars that need fixed and a bathroom that is gutted to the studs! Thanks President Bush for that tax break! Thanks Sophie for 3 puppies! :-) And mostly, thank you Lord for always providing!

Read Naturally Program!

2008-06-03T12:06:00.000-07:00

Okay, so many of you know that I sub in the public school system on Monday's. I see the good, the bad, and the ugly. I won't get into it...but yesterday I was working with an elementary reading program called Read Naturally. It was excellent! I came home and looked it up on the internet to see if they have a "home" version. They did. It is called "One Minute Reader". It is $99 for a year long course.

The idea is to improve kids' reading skills and comprehension by timing them as they read. They do a "cold read" first and underline any words that they are struggling with. You right down how many words they read. Each line of the story is numbered to tell you how many words they are at. Then they listen to the story on CD at 3 different speeds to practice getting faster at reading. Then they answer a "Quick Quiz" sheet to make sure they comprehended what they read. After they have practiced their reading on their own they do a "final read". You time them for one minute and their words-per-minute must improve from their cold read. It sounds complicated once I wrote it all out, but it really isn't.

I know that this isn't right for everyone, but I really enjoyed the program and wanted to share the information with you. You can check out several sample pages at their website if you are interested.

www.oneminutereader.com (Homeschool version)

www. readnaturally.com

One thing leads to another!

2008-05-31T18:21:00.001-07:00

Well, here's where we're at at the end of work day one! The kids and I are going to Nana's tonight so Josh can tear out the ceiling. He didn't want the kids here because it a lot of OLD insulation. Bye for now..........

What did you do with your Saturday?

2008-05-31T16:26:00.001-07:00

Here's what we did!

Here's the cabinet before....

Here's the lights and tile before....

Here's the pink bathtub before....

There it goes....

All gone...

My job was the tiles in the bathtub and then going back and taking all the nails out of the 2x4's and getting all the little pieces of drywall off. It's actually been a good day.

When we bought our 1921 home 2 1/2 years ago we knew this was part of it. This is our fourth major project on the home and there are a LOT more. We replaced all the windows with the help of my grandpa from CA, Josh rewired the entire house except the kitchen (that's still a work in progress), Josh gutted what used to be a kitchen when they added on to the house in the 50's to make it a duplex...now it's our office, and now the boys bathroom. We call it the boys bathroom because we have two full bathrooms right across the hall from each other because they made it into a duplex at one time. So one got deemed the girls bathroom and the other the boys. We said a prayer before we began this morning and off we went.

We have puppies!

2008-05-31T09:26:00.001-07:00

Three cute little mini schnauzers! Yesterday was a long day....At midnight of Thursday night I went in to check on Sophie and saw that she was in labor. I stayed in with her for over an hour and then decided to just get a blanket and sleep on the floor beside her since I didn't know how long it would take. She just wanted me to rub her head all night long. I felt for her! Really I did! I saw those contractions coming and it brought back memories of having Javon and Reagan. All the while, Jack is comfortably sleeping on his bed in the family room without a clue of what is going on!!!! Men!

At 4:30 AM Sophie wanted to go outside to go potty so I took her out and then at 6 AM I was woken up by the sound of her eating the afterbirth off of the first puppy. Not a sound that I want to wake up to every morning. It made my stomach turn a bit. Josh got up and we watched her have 2 more pups. We both work on Fridays so Mom came over to puppysit for us. She called at 8:30 AM frantic on the phone because there was a 4 puppy just born and it's intestines grew on the outside of it's abdomen. I won't go into the details, but she got the still born pup away from Sophie and it took a while for Mom to recover. :-) The three pups are doing great and Sophie is a wonderful mother.

Reagan named the girls "Frannie" and "Fergie" and Javon named the boy "Loopy". I have no idea where those names came from, but so it is. :-) I'll get better pictures in a few days.

Daddy/Daughter Time

2008-05-29T12:53:00.000-07:00

Reagan loves to go bike riding with Daddy now. They go a lot on Monday's. Now that Javon is not in co-op they probably won't go as much because it's a tight fit with both kids in the trailer but I'm sure they'll carve out some quality time together.

Josh is totally into his bike riding right now and it's actually been very nice. :-) It' s almost like having another car...well, for me that is! :-) Because I don't have to ride it!!!!!! He's been riding it to work every day and then other times as well. In July, he's going to do the "STP" Seattle to Portland bike ride to raise money for Speed the Light our youth missions program. Every Saturday he's been riding to Seattle and back which is about 60 miles round trip. He enjoys it and it's been really good for his health.

Free Fishing Day-No License Required

2008-05-28T16:21:00.000-07:00

This is really cool! June 7 & 8 is free fishing day in Washington state. No license required. For free dates in your state, head over to www.takemefishing.org

Christian Bookstore/Library

2008-05-28T15:48:00.000-07:00

So here is my "Works for me Wednesday" idea.

I love going to the Christian bookstore, but mostly just to look around because it costs too much to buy all the things I want. We have a Family Christian Bookstore here that always has great coupons and $5 kids days which is great, but still.......

I was sitting at my computer one day going through the mail and started looking at the Family Christian Bookstore catalog that came in that day. I was longingly looking at all the great books, DVD's, CD's, etc. When this thought hit me, "Why not look and see if the library has any of these?" I love the library and use it all the time, but this was a new idea to actually look for items based off of the Christian bookstore ad. Usually I just randomly look around and put holds on items. Anyways, I opened the ad and away I went typing in all the great books and items that I wanted. It was amazing! Book after book and movie after movie all began to pop up. Ones that I never would have thought the library would have. Things like Adventures in Odyessy books and DVD's, Bibleman, and Gigi for the kids. Books like Passionette Housewives; Desperate for God (P.S. A fabulous book!), The power of a positive mom, Have a New Kid by Friday (I haven't read this one yet...we'll see! :-)

So now every time the Christian Bookstore ad comes in the mail I run to the computer and start placing holds. Sometimes the newly released books have a long hold list so I pass on them, but other times there is no wait at all. Not every book is available, but most are.

Some of my favorite finds today were - Let's Go On a Mommy Date by Karen Kingsbury

Raising Unselfish Children in a Self-Absorbed World by Jill Rigby and a Larry Boy Chapter Book series that I didn't even know existed until I typed in Larry Boy and found it!

Next time your Christian bookstore ad comes in the mail...head to your computer and start placing holds. It's a lot of fun. If you don't get ads in the mail, go to www.familychristian.com and write down some titles.