~Every Step I Take~

Yesterday...

2010-09-24T07:49:00.000-07:00

...was my first day in 43 days without a full on migraine! I am taking a new migraine medication that still leaves me feeling drugged but pain-free. I am hoping that my body will adjust to the medication and I won't feel so drugged so I can cope with life a bit better. I do not think I am out of the woods yet because I have had one day without a headache but I do think I am seeing the light!

I wanted to thank you for praying for me as I have gone through this. I have felt your prayers and your love!

Poll closed...Poll split...Now here is the patterns

2010-09-07T09:02:00.000-07:00

This is my favorite Hobo like bag pattern that I have found online.

http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=243097.msg2683204#msg2683204

This is my favorite messenger bag I have found online.

http://amingledyarn.wordpress.com/gallery/tutorial-hip-mama-diaper-bag/

Since my poll was split. What do you think about these patterns?

Dilemma's

2010-09-03T19:28:00.000-07:00

I saw this fabric at the fabric store earlier in the week but didn't purchase it because I couldn't decide what I use it for. I am practical like that. I haven't been able to get these cute little chubby children out of my mind but for the life of me I couldn't think of what to do with it. This afternoon my mom stopped by to pick up Emma for the night and asked me if I wanted to go with her back to the fabric store but I still had no creative spark. Over an hour later I felt like I got hit with a brick when I realized I could make a bag/diaper bag out of it. I am not sure what type of fabric it is exactly because I found it in the remnant bin with all of the canvas and upholstery material but it isn't quite that heavy but sturdy enough to make a bag. I happened to figure this out at the right time because my mom was able to swing over to my house after she had run some errands and take me with her to the fabric store during it sale. It was still there probably because I had stuck it in the bottom of the pile hoping no one would find it while I got my creative juices flowing. I was also able to find a contrasting fabric to line it with but now I am stuck with another creative dilemma. What kind of bag should I make? How big should it be? How many pockets? Who should it be for? It sure is hard to think creatively when you have a 23 day headache and are on pain meds and steroids. I am wondering if I should hold off doing anything with it until my mind is clear again. But that doesn't help keep my hands busy and I am wanting a project right now while I don't feel good. Dilemma's dilemma's.

My Hope Is Built On Nothing Less!

2010-09-01T10:15:00.000-07:00

The truth of this song is like a healing balm to me.

My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less
By: Edward Mote

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteous;
No merit of my own I claim
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

On Christ, the solid rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

When darkness veils his lovely face,
I ret on his unchanging grace;
In every high and story gale
My anchor holds within the veil.

On Christ, the solid rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

His oath, his covenant, his blood
Sustain me in the raging flood;
When all supports are washed away,
He then is all my hope and stay.

On Christ, the solid rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

When he shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh, may I then in him be found,
Clothed in his righteousness alone,
Redeemed to stand before the throne!

On Christ, the solid rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

I italicized the words that especially ministered to me this day.

I WANT TO MAKE THESE!!!!!!!!!!

2010-08-31T22:15:00.001-07:00

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I have been setting aside jeans that the kids have out grown or have ripped the knee's out of this year in hopes that I can make some Christmas presents this year out of our trash. These are some of the idea's I found on-line this evening. Some look easier than others. I feel inspired and I feel Christmas approaching fast. However, school is starting soon so we will see if I can do can get started sooner rather than later.

Jell-o disaster

2010-08-31T18:32:00.000-07:00

I have been struggling with discouragement today, my headache is at its worst and the doctor hasn't returned my call for two days. Megan has also struggled in her own way with discouragement because she isn't healing as quickly as she was anticipating. Buddy and Emma are antsy and want to play but...it is raining outside and Megan and I aren't too exciting. So I tried to cheer up the household with a jell-o mold. Jell-o is happy and fun and silly and easy on a weary tummy. I made the jell-o and let it set up for 5 to 6 hours. I thought that would be enough time and then some. It seemed firm.

As I was about to release the jell-o from the mold I had a brief momentary thought, 'maybe I should look up online how to do this before I try'. But I thought, 'how hard can it be anyway?' Apparently, it isn't the easiest thing and it needs to set for longer than I thought. I had been fighting back tears off an on for over an hour when I tried this. The reason's for my tears was pure frustration with this episode of nasal pain. So at this moment a success in the mold meant more to me than...just ordinary jell-o. It was a release of my inability to resolve this pain.

Back to the mold. In my mind I thought if I filled the sink with boiling water and submerged the mold it would melt slightly and release. I place a plate on top of the mold and flipped. Out came cherry red jell-o water all over the counter, dripping down the cupboards, and onto the floor. Tears jumped to my eyes as quickly as the thought of bursting out in laughter. Jell-o is a happy thing after all. The jell-o didn't end up looking beautiful on the plate. I didn't get the satisfaction of doing something well but...I did get a different perspective. I was able to salvage some of the jell-o and I don't think these weeks of laying low with the headache are a complete loss either. God uses ALL things for his glory, even a jell-o disaster, and weeks of pain.

Up Early

2010-08-28T05:57:00.000-07:00

This week has been a rough one! However, it started out well. We went on our first and only camping trip this summer with our church. We had a really lovely time besides not sleeping super well. We came home Monday and by Monday evening I was getting sick. I had a stomach bug until Wednesday, not fun, not fun at all!

Thursday I finally went to the doctor about this sinus headache that I have been suffering with for 3 weeks. She diagnosed me with a sinus polyp. She has be taking a decongestant, nasal spray/steroid, and antibiotic. I loath taking medicine but loath this headache more! She suspects that this treatment won't work...ugh! She thinks I may have to go on another week of steroids if that doesn't work have a CT scan. I told her that I was VERY sure the first round of treatment would work. Steroids and I don't get along!

This morning...well I hardly consider 3:30am morning...Megan woke up with the same stomach bug I had. I feel for her because she has it BAD but she was going to get to go to the Fish Festival today and get to meet Jeremy Camp. We have some good friends who went to college with him and that is how Megan was going to get to go. They have a daughter that Megan is very close with. When Megan was getting sick for the second time she realized she was going to miss out on the concert it really bummed her out.

So...it hasn't been the best week around here. I am praying next week doesn't have sickness ruling the stage. I pray it is full of homeschool preparations and deep house cleaning!

Peach Pie

2010-08-20T16:41:00.000-07:00

Today I made a peach pie. I am not a baker or pie maker but occasionally the urge will hit me to make something. I saw peaches on sale at Winco earlier this week and got some to try to remake a peach pie that my mom made when I was a kid. I have thought of this pie often over the years and have longed to replicate it. So today was the day to attempt this. My peaches were ripe and we are heading out of town to go camping and I knew my peaches wouldn't wait for me. This headache I have been nursing was at its friendliest level so I decided to go for it. I knew my energy level wasn't up for making the crust so I used a store bought crust and bought a puff pastry for the top.

It was simple to make especially when I had Emma to help me. The problem came when we went to eat it. The peaches had a really metallic taste to them and I couldn't even eat the peaches. I didn't let the whip cream or crust go to waste however.

Even though it didn't turn out how I anticipated it I am glad that I got to spend some time with Emma in the kitchen.

Headaches

2010-08-16T20:33:00.000-07:00

I haven't blogged in a bit because I have been suffering from a some headaches. They hit in the afternoon and unless I take something I cannot function, blah! So writing hasn't been super appealing to me or easy for that matter. So if you think of me could you pray that these headaches cease? I think my family would appreciate me getting back to normal too! Thanks!!!

Family Time

2010-08-12T21:46:00.000-07:00

Rick, my father in law, lives in San Francisco and comes home every other weekend if he is lucky. So every other weekend we try to have a small family get together. Here are a few pics from our last family get together.

Anaconda squeeze!!!

We've got some kissin' cousins!

Elizabeth has the cutest laugh, I can almost here it when I look at this picture!

Olivia is shy and oh so sweet!!!

Our men!!!

Uncle with his guy!

Blackberry Jelly Complete!

2010-08-12T16:36:00.000-07:00

Steaming pot of water, Melanie, and oh...jelly!

Heather stirring up the yummy goodness!

Our jars in a warm bath waiting for jelly

This is the juice we got from the berries. From this juice we made the jelly.

Dad rubbing Mom's back. It has been a loonngg day!

A close up of all the yummy goodness!

Blackberry Jelly

2010-08-10T20:14:00.000-07:00

Today, my mom sister and I made 15 batches of blackberry jelly, which equals 56 jars. We started working at 10am and finished at 7. I all tuckered out but feel so blessed to have been able to do this! I have longed for this day for more years that I can recollect. It was a delight to do and the hard work was worth it. I may have only gotten to keep 19 of the jars but...I am still grateful. We won't be eating store bought jelly for a while. I may try my hand at it one more time! We shall see. There isn't that much summer left and there is so much to do! ! !

Journaling

2010-08-08T20:11:00.000-07:00

I have already mentioned here before how Jason has a special story time with the kids. I am bringing up again tonight because I just wanted to mention that because of his story time it has helped me set a time away each evening to blog. It is nice to have a set time when the house is quiet and my day is coming to an end before I am too tired to see straight. I recently started another blog but this one is just for me. It is kind of like a diary of sorts. It is so nice to have a place to lay down my thoughts and record where God is taking us. Unfortunately, I am not always able to mention all the details here. So when it is a time that I need to remember the day privately I take it there.

Quilt (s)

2010-08-06T20:28:00.000-07:00

A few months back...ok several months back I began making a quilt. When I started it I was still very much struggling figuring things out and reading, see me if you want more details. So needless to say I made an error or two along the way. I made up the pattern and just picked out fabrics I liked and didn't think about the quilt as a whole until I started trying to put it together. This works for some people but for me...not so much!

I began experiencing some panic about it because I realize the quilt wasn't really 'me' and I was investing a lot of money and time into it. I wanted it to be 'me' especially if it was going to be on MY bed.

About 3 weeks ago I was approaching what I thought was the end when...a fatal mistake was discovered. And no I am NOT being too dramatic. My mom graciously had drawn out the pattern I came up with for me and told me she only drew it until it started repeating. I didn't put this info in the part of my brain that can be accessed easily so...I didn't remember. I made the quilt all the way up to the first repeat which is about a 1/3 of the size it needed to be. This would have been fine if I had enough fabric to make it but I didn't, ahhhhhh.

I contemplated making into a twin size for Mel but the pattern would have run the wrong way and the fabrics I chose weren't pre-teen material. So...I am making three baby quilts out of my 1/3 of a queen, haha. Truth be told they are much nicer as baby quilt than it would have ever been as a queen.

Isn't that how God works. We head in one direction thinking we are doing one thing and disaster strikes and something better is made of it than we could have ever figured out in the first place. I have about a dozen expectant mom's in my life, no joke, and I have been trying to make a gift for each one. These quilts are going to be a nicer gift than a pair of baby booties any day. At least I think so. NOW

Grateful For This Time

2010-08-04T20:30:00.000-07:00

On Monday Jason took the day off work and we ripped up the floors and I painted. So all week...ok...three days we have been living with particle board floors and exposed tack strips. It has felt like living in a construction zone. I have even more empathy for my friends who have lived in a 'work in progress' much longer than I have. Our routine is all off and it has led to sleepless nights for me. Weird I know, but what can I say, I'm weird.

This evening we got the most exciting call, I have received all week, that our carpet will be installed in the MORNING. No more dining in the living room at a card table.I think the kids will be kind of sad to have things back to normal because they have enjoyed having things all mixed up for a while. Me...not so much.

However, I am over the moon thrilled to be privileged enough to have the opportunity to be able to do some home improvement projects. God has richly blessed us with a home and the ability to make it a little more 'us'. We've waited many years to be in a construction zone, so I am grateful for this time.

'Blog Worthy' or 'Not' That Was The Un~Asked Question

2010-08-01T19:25:00.000-07:00

Ok...I haven't been able to figure out why I haven't felt good about anything I have blogged recently and I finally figured out why. I have gotten so used to facebook this blog has turned into a glorified facebook. I will make a concerted effort into making my blog post more 'blog worthy'.

In Church

2010-08-01T17:28:00.000-07:00

This morning in church I was struck with the thought that I haven't captured a picture of Buddy cuddling with the family. He cuddles with everyone especially if they have bare skin showing. He loves to lay against bare arms and legs. This morning he was sucking his thumb and had his arms wrapped around Megan's legs while playing with a sticker book on the floor during the sermon at church. This was only my first attempt at many to capture him snuggling the family. He moves so fast and I want a candid shot. My strong desire to capture this is because I know it isn't going to last forever. Just like I know he won't be sucking his thumb forever either. So hopefully soon I will have a post of him cuddling with someone. :)

Being Silly

2010-07-30T17:19:00.000-07:00

Story Time

2010-07-29T19:50:00.000-07:00

For the last couple of weeks Jason has been telling a continuous bedtime story to Buddy and Emma. They all have been getting really into it talking about story time at night. Today while I was at my Mom's working on some quilts the kids started playing there bedtime story. They included Megan in the game so tonight the house is brimming with excitement because Melanie and Megan get to participate in Daddy's bedtime story. To top it off Jason went on line and found pictures to illustrate his story.

They are all gathered around now sitting on the edge of there seats listening to dad tell his fascinating illustrated story. Memories are being made that will last longer than this moment. I am grateful for this moment and for my family!

BBQ

2010-07-27T21:59:00.000-07:00

Today, we had a bbq in the park with our some of our dearest friends our church family. It was such a joy to share the evening with them.

My Kids

2010-07-26T14:43:00.000-07:00

Since I haven't blogged in a while that means I haven't posted any pictures of the kids in awhile either. So I thought I would post an everyday pic of my kids so you can see how they've grown. I think you also might be able to see that they have just a tad bit of personality too!

2010-07-26T14:39:00.001-07:00

Recognizing His Grace in a BBQ

2010-07-25T23:03:00.000-07:00

I took a step back from writing for a long time. I kept hoping I would be able to write again but each time I have approached it I have sensed, ‘no not time yet’. Well, I am not hearing that right now but...I am not hearing, ‘go for it’, either. So, if this is the only blog for a while you’ll know why. Here goes.

God has been working deeply in me for some time now. I have had to take a step back to give God time to work. Over a year ago I started to experience some physical problems that seemed to be very serious. After many Dr. visits and testing it came to that I have a problem in my heart. Not my physical one but my spiritual one. I had some real misconceptions of God and what He expected of me.

After this long year I have continually sensed Him impressing on my heart that I need to rest in Him and stop striving for His acceptance because I already have it. I am so grateful to be loved inside and out. I feel I am freer to live. I am not as bound up inside myself as I once was. I am finding that I am doing a lot more living. In fact today I found myself inviting the entire church to a BBQ at a park in two days. Wow, now that is living! I am so grateful that God takes His time and does things well. Along the way I would have loved to have rushed Him along but now I am beginning to see what kind of workmanship God does. He is a true craftsman; He knows what He is doing!!!!

Where have I seen God's grace today???

2010-02-05T21:54:00.000-08:00

Where have I seen God's grace today???

To be honest today hasn't not been the easiest of days. I have been feeling overwhelmed and nervous about upcoming events. The to do list seems longer than attention span. My kids weren't terribly excited about doing school today which resulted in more moments of conflict than I would like to recount.

All these things and more caused me to search for God's grace in this day. My concerns about upcoming events haven't completely gone away but I have had the wonderful opportunity to talk through them with my husband who pointed me to a scripture that I had never read in the way he shared with me. It both challenged and convicted me. The to do list didn't get done and I did get distracted many times but...many things did get done. The kids did learn today somethings were academic and other things, the more important things were taught too. Today was one of those days where He was here guiding me and walking me through those not so easy moments but His presence was very subtle and at times I missed it. Many of situations I felt like I blew it but I also deeply feel His forgiveness and love. What an amazing gift of grace, His forgiveness.

Learning to find God's grace

2010-02-04T23:48:00.000-08:00

I have come to see that giving grace is next to impossible unless I understand the grace that has been given to me from God through his son Jesus. So I am setting out to look for area's I see God's grace. I am praying as I see and come to know his grace more personally that it will be made real in me and that I will see it working in my life.

Today, I felt that I saw His grace in so many ways. One of the ways I saw His grace was in the way God is meeting out family's needs. God provided for our family in such a way that it was undeniably God. He has a way of showing us He hears and listens that feels like a loving and gentle kiss. I am so very grateful for His eyes looking upon me and my family.

New Cookie Recipe

2009-08-14T14:21:00.000-07:00

This week I have tinkered with two cookie recipes. The first one is the toll house cookie recipe. I made the toll house recipe like normal except these three things. I used half all purpose flour and half whole wheat flour. In another cookie recipe I made months back the recipe it called for dark corn syrup to help make them chewier. So in the toll house recipe I added a tablespoon of dark corn syrup. Finally, I added a tablespoon of coffee. What??? Yep coffee (brewed coffee from earlier in the day). It helped make them more flavorful with adding a touch of color. I didn't taste the coffee but I felt it added a richness in flavor.

Today, I made another cookie recipe for oatmeal cookies.

Oatmeal Cookies

1 cup of butter flavored shorting. I usually use real butter for cookies but shortening seems to work better in this recipe.

1 cup of sugar (I tend to like my cookies a little less sweet so I don't fill the cup all the way to the top)

1 cup of brown sugar

1 tsp of vanilla

2 eggs

Cream together above ingredients

In separate bowl I combined these dry ingredients

1/2 cup of whole wheat flour

1 cup of all purpose flour

1 tsp. of baking soda

1/s tsp of salt

1 tsp of cinnamon

1 Tlbs of flax seed (adds a nice pop and is great for you)

Add dry ingredients to wet and blend

Fold in 3 cups of Old Fashioned Oats (they give a better texture to the cookie)

Fold in one bag of cinnamon chips (this was the first time I used them and we loved them) or chocolate chips, or raisins.

Bake at 375 for 11 minutes

The things I added were, flax seed, whole wheat flour, and cinnamon chips. These cookies have a nice thin layer of crunch on top and are chewy in the middle. Oh, so good.

Emma Turns 5!!!

2009-06-14T16:05:00.000-07:00

My sweet little girl turns 5 today. Yesterday, we went to Chuck E Cheese and she ate up every ounce of attention they gave her, she loved it!!! Today on our way to church Emma says, "Mom, now that I know Chuck E Cheese is real can I meet the real Mickey Mouse?" I told her he lives far away. She said, "I know but today is MY BIRTHDAY!" We talked about being grateful for what she did get and I told her maybe some day we could go see the real Mickey Mouse. She then said, "I will be content...whatever that means." She is too funny. I feel like I need to carry around a tape recorded and tape all of our hilarious conversations.

I am so grateful that God gave Emma to our family!

Family Photo's

2009-06-13T09:36:00.000-07:00

I have a few things...well...more than a few that cause stress in my life. But the top two are cutting my children's hair or having it done and getting their pictures done. I am so grateful to have an awesome friend that is ooober patient and amazes me with her ability to make the most of a hard situation. Yesterday, we went to WSU for a photo shoot but before we left I knew it was going to be hard. Buddy and Emma were allowed to stay up late the night before and were in tears all morning. But Stephanie was able to get some really cute pictures of the kids. This one of Buddy is one of my favorites.

After the Garage Sale Soup!

2009-06-04T12:34:00.001-07:00

My sister called me this morning telling me about a great garage sale put on a group of Christian carpenters. So we zipped into action and dressed as fast as we could and hit the sale. It was a really great one if only I had more cash on hand I could have filled a truck. But seeing that I need to clean out my garage it is probably a good thing that I didn't buy all that stuff. I did get a card table and chairs for $8, and end table for $8, a stool, a cake carrier, and the kids got a few toys. All that to say by the time we came home everyone was oober hungry.

I misplaced my eat for health cook book so I had to come up with something off the top of my head. This is what I came up with.

*I took for carrots and a cup and a half of water and blended it in my blender until it became a soup base.
* 1 cup of red lentils
* 2 cans of chopped tomatoes
* 2 cups of chopped broccoli florets
* about a cup of chopped carrots
* a bunch of green onions finely chopped
* 2 kale leaves (I actually used it, whoo hoo)
* Tbsp pepper
* Tbsp oregano
* about a cup of prepared creamy carrot soup (left overs)
* about a cup of corn (I don't recommend corn for nutrition but my kids love it)
(If I made this again I would have added fresh rosemary and bay leaves)

I cooked it about 20 minutes or so and then put more than half of it back into the blender and blended, blended, blended.

My kids had seconds! This is truly miraculous. My kids have really struggled with all of this new food and I have started to get really run down with all of the complaining and special orders. I think their taste buds are adjusting and they are starting to get the into the groove of it.

Faux Taco's

2009-06-02T19:29:00.000-07:00

After striking out day after day with feeding the fam food they will actually eat I finally hit a home run with diner tonight. We spent the day with some friends that are eating like we are. Shannon, the mom, warmed up refried beans and spread them on romaine lettuce leaves. Then she topped it with cut up veggies. The kids loved it! So this was my twist and adaptation of what I had on hand. I made a faux taco's...well I guess that is what I call them.

I used romaine lettuce leaves for shells.
I cooked up some chicken and used only half the taco seasoning.
I rinsed and then warmed up a can of kidney beans.
I cut up the usual toppings for taco's: tomatoes, avocado's, onions, jalapeno peppers, and then added more veggies. I lightly steamed broccoli and added thinly sliced carrots.

My kids went nuts. It may be that this meal was close to something they actually recognize that they like it so well. Whatever reason I know that I will be making this again.

I thought I would share it with you and maybe you can make some kind of adaptation to something you already add more veggies and fruit and surprise you family with a healthier alternative!

Great Soup!

2009-06-01T12:27:00.000-07:00

I made this soup the other day. It is so stinkin' tasty I can't believe I made it. You have to try it! I am looking forward to making this for company.

4 cups of prepared tomato soup, natural or organic, no or low sodium
2 cups of broccoli florets
2 cups of prepared carrot soup
1 cup of chopped onions
4 cans of beans (you can use your favorite) I used white kidney, red kidney, and red beans
3 fresh tomatos chopped
1 teaspoon of garlic powder
1/2 bunch of fresh basil chopped
1/2 cup of raw cashews nuts
1 teaspoon of olive oil

Directions
In a large soup pot saute onions until golden. Combine all the ingredients except cashews.

Cover and simmer for 30 to 40 minutes
Blend in a blender 1/4 or cooked soup with most of the cashew nuts and add back into the soup.

Serve with a sprinkling of raw cashews on top. Yummers!!!

New Blender!!!

2009-05-30T19:38:00.001-07:00

My sister has been very kind to let us borrow her blender until we could save up for the blender that we really wanted. We are so excited to have finally gotten it today.

We got it about 3pm and had a birthday party to go to at 4. So we hurried up and made smoothies before the party. You know what...it was so great to be full of goodness before the temptation of pizza, pop, and cake came around. I did have some of the party yummies but not nearly as much as I would have with out our smoothies.

We came home and made ice cream and sherbet for desert with out new blender. It was super yummy and ohh so smooth!

I had and orange sherbet. I peeled an orange and added ice and splurged by adding a touch of sugar. It tasted even better than and Orange Julious!

Trying New Things

2009-05-29T12:35:00.000-07:00

We are trying new things at our house right now trying to figure out what we really like in the fruit and veggie department. So at the store this afternoon I grabbed a couple of things that are high nutrient value. However, I don't really know how to best use them. The biggest stretch for us is kale! I really am uncertain how to use it. I know that kale nutrient value is the highest when cooked. Do any of you have any tried and true recipe's that use kale?

We also got some really tart nectarines and peaches. My first thought was to grill them to help them sweeten up. But I would like to know what you think. Do you have any idea's?

I finally remembered to buy ground flax and flax seed. I am so excited to have this around. I just had my first smoothie with ground flax and it was delish!

Trying new things all the time can be exciting but also a bit tiring. We aren't at a place yet where we have hit our stride. You know a place where you pull out a favorite recipe and you know it will be good. I have a moment of dread now every time I serve a meal wondering it the kiddos and hubs will eat it. But...that is all part of the process, right. You don't hit a home run every time! I did make a fantastic black bean soup the other day that I just love, and I just decided not to let it get to me that I am the only one eating it. Beans will grow on them in time...I hope.

Megan Soup

2009-05-28T14:00:00.000-07:00

My kids have been asking for days to make Megan soup. You may be asking what is Megan soup. Well to be quite honest I am not quite sure. They explain it me me as this...

Megan gets in the tub with a swim suit, add toys, lots of water, and stir. That's it. No more ingredients. I don't know how long they want to cook her for, I guess until the wrinkles appear.

So right now in my bathroom the science experiment is commencing. They promised profusely that they wouldn't make a mess and that water wouldn't be everywhere.

We shall see, we shall see.

Anyway I hope they don't want diner too! I am tired just listening to the giggling and thumping around up there.

You've Got To Try This

2009-05-27T13:09:00.000-07:00

This is my all time favorite smoothie. I have it almost every morning for breakfast and often times for lunch too!

Baby Spinach
Blueberry's
Banana
Soy milk to help blend

and will soon be adding ground flax seed.

That is it.

I was so skeptical of the spinach. I have a few friends that said you couldn't really taste it. But I still wasn't sure about it so for my first few smoothies I did put much in. Now I am putting to large handful's in. It is so good and fills me up for hours!

YOU HAVE GOT TO TRY IT!

Ahhhh So Frustrating!!!

2009-05-27T06:49:00.000-07:00

I wrote a long blog entry yesterday and looked at it after I posted it. I go today to write another blog entry and the long one wasn't there!!! So if I have time I will try to recreate it. Have you ever had this happen?

Eating for Health

2009-05-26T15:50:00.000-07:00

I am so eager for my family to get healthy. I have been reading several books that have been really useful in teaching me about nutrition. I am by no means an expert in fact I feel less than a novice. But I am embarking and an adventure that is so very exciting.

I have struggled with depression since...well...I guess always. God worked amazing things in my life that has taken me out of the deepest of pits that I never thought I could climb out of. But it is still a struggle I face on a daily, hourly, and moment by moment basis. I have long thought that if I ate better and exercised that it would dramatically effect me.

Over the last year I have tried a few things but have felt they weren't enough and I wasn't able to keep up my motivation.

What I am doing now is so much more drastic and life changing than anything I have ever attempted.

I have been reading Dr. Fuhrman's books on health. I started reading Eat to Live, which is good. Now I am reading Eat for Health and I am really enjoying it. He makes some wild claims that eating in the healthy way that he suggests it can cure many ailments. I have to tell you I have been skeptical and Jason well he is beyond that. But with eating this way for a couple of weeks now I am feeling so much better it is beyond words.

I have gone all day not even realizing I forgot to drink my morning coffee. For you that know me very well know I don't function well without it. I am have been full, and enjoying the fact that I am taking care of the temple He provided me with.

We are attempting to take out all dairy, meat, and processed foods. Wild huh! Just taking dairy out is wild let alone meat and processed foods. We still have been having meat with diner most nights but that is about it. What got me was the fact he suggesting by not starting taking things away from your diet like meat, dairy, and processed foods but adding a pound of veggies and all the fruit you can eat. When you start with that your tummy doesn't have a lot of room for the other stuff. So it has been easier for us to let go of everything else.

I am really excited about this and wanted to share it with you. I know it has been forever and a day since I have blogged. But I am planning on sharing more of this process here with you. Until then...

Pastor's Business Card

2009-03-27T17:16:00.001-07:00

Pastor's Business Card

A new pastor was visiting in the homes of his parishioners. At one house it seemed obvious that someone was at home, but no answer came to his repeated knocks at the door.

Therefore, he took out a business card and wrote 'Revelation 3:20' on the back of it and stuck it in the door.

When the offering was processed the following Sunday, he found that his card had been returned. Added to it was this cryptic message, 'Genesis 3:10.'

Reaching for his Bible to check out the citation, he broke up in gales of laughter. Revelation 3:20 begins 'Behold, I stand at the door and knock.' Genesis 3:10 reads, 'I heard your voice in the garden and I was afraid for I was naked.'

Blizzards...

2009-02-21T15:03:00.001-08:00

Last night we went to Jason's parent's house for diner. As we were leaving the house I noticed Emma had shoes on with out socks and filed that away in my brain. I am so glad that I did because I wouldn't have been able to understand what she said on the drive. Emma piped up from the back seat, "Mom I've got blizzards". Blizzards...Blizzards...what is she talking about? Oh...blisters. She has blisters from her shoes without socks. Oh...

Sometimes I really feel like a genius when I can figure out what the kids are saying.

Word To The Wise

2009-02-11T13:27:00.000-08:00

Jason is gone on a business trip so I am feeling for all the single moms out there right now. We did a half school day and then I took the kids through the drive-thru for sanity sake. Somehow I can hardly cook when he isn't here. I can't come up with meal idea's and the food just doesn't taste as good. Anyway I asked a sitter to come this afternoon so I could surprise Jason with a new hair cut and color when he returns. Actually this is a really good motivation to finally take care of my hair. So two seconds before the sitter comes I realize the entire house is permeated with the smell of Burgervile. Believe me Burgerville doesn't smell good after you've eaten it. Have you ever left it sit in your car and have that warm wafting smell overtake you when you get in. Ahhhh, not so wonderful as the taste. To solve this smell problem I grab the Febreze and try to lightly spray the house down. Yuck! Now the house was smelling of Burgerville flavored Febreze. Word to the wise don't try to cover up one smell with another when you don't have time to air it out! Oh well life goes on.

Laundry Game

2009-02-06T15:55:00.000-08:00

I am always praying for fresh idea's to excite the kids about keeping our home. A couple of weeks ago the kids were tense and needing direction. I was feeling a bit overwhelmed with the 3 or 4 loads of laundry that needed folding. Suddenly I had an idea. We dumped the laundry out of the baskets onto the couch and cleared the coffee table. I told the girls I would shout out a type of clothing or color and when I said go they were to fold it as fast as they could and try to find as many other like items until they were all gone. Now the catch is they get points only for items that have been folded properly. At the end of each round I inspect the folded clothes and award points. At the end of the game whoever had the best sportsmanship gets an extra 5 points. Recently, I have started keeping a prize bowl for occasions such as these. So whoever won this load of laundry gets to get a prize, usually a new pencil, eraser, or stickers. The kids have been having a good attitude about laundry and now the quality of folding has drastically improved. I love it when He helps me with ideas.

My Camel

2009-02-04T09:44:00.000-08:00

Megan tells me this morning while she is supposed to being doing her school work, "I am thirsty as a camel!" I just look at her and she continues to say, "who has been in the desert for 4 days." I keep looking at her she says, "the camel needs a drink". I am thinking get a drink already. As she fills her glass with water she continues her narration and I slowly walk away. Silly girl!

She has a bit of a flare for the the dramatic.

Beds

2009-02-01T14:35:00.000-08:00

We found bunk beds and a dresser on Craigslist for Mel and Meg and picked them up on Saturday. My Mom and Dad kept the kids so we could pick it up in one trip. Jason and I enjoyed our quiet ride to Tigard to pick them up however, the ride home was not so lovely. Jason had to move my seat all the way up to fit everything into the van. I was praying we didn't get into a car accident but at the same time I was thinking my legs will be gone for sure and I will finally get the electric scooter I have always wanted. We made it home without incident but Jason may tell you that I whined a little.

The kids are thrilled beyond thrilled with their room change and new beds. Mel and Meg gave Buddy and Emma their old beds so now the little ones have big kids beds. Megan has the top bunk and Emma and Jason think she is uber cool. Emma is counting down the days till she gets a bunk bed or perhaps crying till the day she gets a bunk bed is a more accurate account.

"Sugar!!!!"

2009-01-28T08:31:00.000-08:00

Buddy has now decided his favorite food is 'sugar'. Several times a day he comes to me and asks for 'sugar'. I fear that I have passed on my sweet tooth to my son! Fortunately, I can direct him to an apple or orange most of the time to quiet his 'sugar' craving.

"Did you know...

2009-01-27T19:08:00.001-08:00

...that clouds are breakable?" asked Emma this evening. I looked at her with a questioning look. She went on to say, "You know when you sit on them they break apart."

Something You May Not Have Known

2009-01-18T18:10:00.000-08:00

Emma said this evening, "Rocks aren't alive because they can't lay eggs."

Nice to meet you

2009-01-16T09:09:00.000-08:00

Last night Jason and I were putting Buddy and Emma to bed. We prayed with the kids and as we attempted to leave the room Buddy stood up and started saying something I couldn't quite make out. He was saying it over and over again and gave me his hand. I thought he was trying a maneuver to get out of going to bed. I strained more to understand and I made out something that sounded like, "nice to beat you", or "nice to eat you". Finally I realized his outstretched hand was a handshake he was trying to say, "nice to meet you." He then shook Jason and my hand several times and told us, "nice to meet you," and laid down and went to sleep. Where did he get that? I don't know but now he thinks since we laughed that it is the funniest joke and has been saying all morning. So don't be alarmed if Buddy says, "nice to meet you," and you are his auntie or close family friend. It is his new joke.

Last week he was telling knock knock jokes. He is only 2 1/2, so they were mostly about doors and cats. However, they always ended in a really loud laugh on his end, and then ours.

Just a few years ago...

2009-01-14T19:07:00.000-08:00

Jason and I sailed away to an unknown land just weeks after we were married. We had no money, no possessions, no education, and no job experience, and truth be told we no prospects for any of those things. We were serving the Lord and ready for an adventure! What an adventure that would be!!!

For years I have felt the sting of the painful things that happened during that period of our life. I have worked towards healing and forgiveness. I came to a place where I felt that I was whole as I was going to be until we are with Jesus. But just recently I found some old friends on facebook with pictures of our time in Honduras that reminded me that it wasn't all suffering and painful. It is amazing to me that I have forgotten some really truly wonderful things because I had allowed pain to blind me and cause me to forget the good. The pain and suffering was real but so were the good times. My inabilaty to see this causes me to want to examin other area's of my life that I have seen as full of suffering and pain so I can see the good too!

Sad Song

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

Today Jason and I were feeling a bit stir crazy and didn't really feel like cleaning the garage as we had planned. We were looking for a low cost high impact thing to do with the kids (minus Melanie, she is at the grandparents). So we decided to take the kids to Janzen Beach and ride the carousel and eat at the food court. They totally loved the ride but...then we had lunch. I was seated next to Buddy who had a full view of the carousel. He could not take a bite of his food he was so preoccupied with wanting back on the ride again. So we sat there trying to explain to him that we would not be going on the ride unless he ate his food. He didn't exactly eat so we decided to walk around the mall. Megan had money burning a hole in her pocket that she got for her birthday so we tried to find a store for her to find a special treasure. It has been so long since we have been to Janzen Beach I didn't realize that practically half of the stores were closed. Then, Emma really had to go potty. I sent her into her stall and then stood at the entrance of the bathrooms to see how Buddy was doing because he was still struggling with not getting to ride the carousel again. I look back into the bathroom to find Emma walking around with her pants around her ankles saying she can't go potty. The automatic flush kept going off and scarring her so bad that she could go. To make a long story short(er) she finally was able to go but Jason and I realized that this wasn't going well and it would be best if we headed home. As we headed to the car I heard Emma mumbling to herself so I asked her what she was saying. She said that she was singing. So I asked her what song she was singing so I could sing with her. She said, "Mom it's a sad song!" And truly it was.

We ended up coming home and started in on the garage, like we should have in the first place.

My Megan

2009-01-01T15:20:00.000-08:00

I have always loved New Years. Little did I know that New Years eve would always be a special day in our home. Nine years ago my second daughter Megan was born. She was born on the last day of the last century when Y2K threatened to overtake the world. What a treasure she has been to our family. Megan is more of a free spirit than I have encountered in most people. This girl loves to be silly, loves animals, and most recently loves to pretend she is a spy.

My sister kept calling me asking me when I was going to plan something for Megan's birthday this year but to be honest I was trying to recoup from "Arctic Blast 2008" and Christmas. Birthday plans were not in the foremost of my thoughts. So on December 30 Jason and I went to Costco. We got a cake, pizza, plates, cups, and 'Spyology' (the coolest book ever for want to be spy's). We invited grandparents, aunts, uncles, and Megan invited the neighbor kids over a couple hours before the pizza was ready. It went off pretty well but I do have to say planning does have a lot of possitives, like knowing what your doing, hehe.

I am still unable to download pictures so I pulled out some old ones from the last several months giving a visual example of the many sides of Megan, most of them are silly.

11 inches and counting

2008-12-22T09:36:00.001-08:00

I am tempted to stress, fret, become irritable, and not enjoy this time being snowed in. The thoughts of the Christmas presents I am unable to buy and the errands I am unable to make do to the snow threaten to overtake my heart with worry and doubt. Then, my eyes glance out the window at His amazing splendor that He has graced us with and I feel a blanket of peace. When things are so completely beyond my control I am reminded of the time we were moving into our travel trailer. Well, actually I can't remember all the details but I remember the feeling I had. I was so overwhelmed with the enormity of our troubles. A portion of what was happen was Emma, (who was 4 months old or was it 7 months old), got attacked by enormous inch long flying ants and around the same time she chocked on a quarter. I realized that HE has all things in his hands. He uses huge things like 11 inches of snow and flying ants to remind me He has a purpose for ALL things and that purpose is to bring Him glory. It may take me awhile to understand His purpose and sometimes I don't think I will ever understand somethings but it isn't for me to know. I am learning to trust the creator of ALL things.

"Eggs No Nog"

2008-12-17T08:44:00.000-08:00

Buddy was sitting at the table this morning asking for a second bowl of cereal when he discovered Megan's empty mug sitting on the table next to him. He smelled it and asked if he could have some eggs. I asked him if he wanted eggnog and he said,"Eggs, no nog"!

No Pictures For Now!

2008-12-05T21:12:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you but we seems to have many accidents with our vacuum cleaner. I seems to replace parts on my vacuum every other month or so. The machine is a good one but we have a lot of operator error. Our latest operator error destroyed the cord that I use to download pictures from my camera onto my commuter, ah so sad!!! I am glad that it didn't destroy a belt or anything else.

I have been knitting and crocheting scarfs for weeks now. The tips of my fingers are starting to feel hyper sensitive from all the work. I am about to finish up my 5th scarf tonight but I still have a few more to go. My sister helped me learn different ways of making scarfs and showed me some different idea's with yarn so it hasn't gotten boring, yet. Actually, I like having something to keep my hands busy in the evenings. I just wish I could find a way to buy the really fancy yarn for a great price. It sure can get pricey fast.

So what are you up to? I would love to hear what you are up to whoever YOU are!

Thanks for stopping by and reading my silly post.

Anggi

Snoopy, Come Home

2008-11-30T17:38:00.000-08:00

Tonight, our kids are watching "Snoopy, Come Home." They loved the Thanksgiving special and now have decided that they are Charlie Brown fans. As I looked around at them I thought they were all sitting kind of funny and thought you may need to see it too!

Mattelin turns 8...at our house!

2008-11-30T17:31:00.000-08:00

Mattelin is my niece. She loves to art of all kinds. She wanted to do crafts for her birthday. But...she was sick with a cold. But we still had a fun time. The kids made Christmas decorations, ate angel food cake cupcakes, and watched movies.

Blinca was gone but...now she's home.

2008-11-30T17:21:00.000-08:00

Blinca was gone for almost a week. Melanie was heart sick. We made flyer's, called the micro chip people and listed her missing, and knocked on every door in our neighborhood. Melanie wasn't sleeping and we were all so very sad. Then one morning a man called with a number we didn't recognize. We almost didn't answer it, can you imagine. They had found Blinca under a car only blocks away. She wouldn't come out for two days. They were visiting family here and when they got in their car to leave Blinca jumped into their car. They took her home and treated her like a princess. They bought her a new caller, food, and kitten treats. Finally, they decided that she must belong to someone they drove back through our neighborhood and found a sign we had posted and called us. The picture above is of Melanie moments after Blinca came home.
As you can see she has fit right back into her roll.

How to Purify the Air Using Plants

2008-11-30T16:45:00.000-08:00

I came across this on-line a bit ago and thought you may like this info. I love my house plants and have actually kept my plants alive for a year and a half now. I even have one that survived the move from Auburn.

How to Purify the Air Using Plants - wikiHow

2008-11-24T12:27:00.001-08:00

Dancing at our house!

2008-11-19T19:34:00.000-08:00

5 hours in the Kitchen

2008-11-19T19:14:00.000-08:00

Today, after school I decided that it would be cool to make Swedish Polt. If you don't know what that is don't feel dumb it isn't a very common dish at all. You grid up potato's mix it with flour and salt. Then you pat it flat and put meat inside. We use salt pork, bacon, and hamburger. You take the potato flour mixture and wrap it around the meat making a ball. Then you boil it. The thing most people find strange is how we eat it. We serve it with butter and...jelly. Yep, jelly. To be more specific we like lingonberry preserves.

Today, I thought I would make enough to feed an army, literally. I used twenty pounds of potato's, two pounds of hamburger, a pound of bacon, a slab of salt pork, probably ten pounds of flour. The reason why it took so long is the meat grinder that I used on my kitchen aid isn't very powerful and it took forever to grind up the twenty pounds of tators. To top it off I forgot to send some home with my parents. We are going to have left overs for.....ever!

Snipits from the day

2008-11-12T16:55:00.000-08:00

Bowls, Bowls, and more bowls.
Emma was cudling with the dog and I thought it would be a cute picture. When I went to take the picture I asked her to unplug her nose and this is what happened. Tears (she is a little tired). It was so funny that I couldn't not share it with you. Jake just had a bath the other day but he has some yucky smelling breath, ewh.
So I let her plug her nose for this picture.
These are the turkey's the kids made today. I love crafts that capture the kids, like with these hand prints. They are looking forward to next year seeing how much there hands will have grown. Oh, and those are my toes, hehe.

Graham Crappers

2008-11-10T16:30:00.000-08:00

Yep, that is how my kids pronounce graham crackers, 'Graham Crappers'. I know I should correct them but it is so funny I haven't brought myself to bring attention to it yet. I am kind of waiting until Jason hears them say it so he can hear how funny it sounds.

I was so excited about making them for the first time I had everyone come look when I started to cut them out. Jason had the idea of writing their names on crackers. They are really good but don't remind me of graham crackers I buy in the store.

Tami I wanted to let you know that I finally made them off of the recipe from your blog.When I went to a homeschooling seminar recently I was told that there are free websites that make word searches out of customized lists. I found one this morning and entered the girls spelling words. They really liked it but I think I will try a few more sites. This one was hard to find words diagonally because of the extra space they had between rows. I am always looking for something to make learning more fun. Please feel free to let me know if you have any tips.

Happy Birthday Grandpa!

2008-11-10T08:41:00.001-08:00

Grandpa Wakefield's birthday is today. On Saturday we went to their house to celebrate with them. For sometime I have noticed how the kids run in their house and go straight to their favorite toy or activity. The last couple of weeks have been a little rough with Buddy not taking naps. I didn't fully realize how tense I had become until I was able to sit and relax while the kids played and played and played. Megan picked up the camera at one point and started taking really beautiful pictures of the birds in their backyard.

Thank you Grandpa and Grandma for making a fun safe place for our kids to come to. We really appreciate you!

Playdough

2008-11-10T08:27:00.000-08:00

Some of my earliest memories are playing playdough at the kitchen table. I have always loved playdough and making new creatures but I hate how much it costs and it irks me when the colors get mixed together. My friend Alison from church has been making playdough for the nursery for a long time. The kids have really enjoyed playing with it so I finally asked Alison for her recipe. She brought it to church yesterday and the girls and I made it this morning. We pulled out cookie cutters and our playdough toys.
Even the big girls are having a blast creating.
What is so cool about this recipe is that you can use coolaid for coloring and for scent. We used Lemon-Lime coolaid this morning. We are already planning our next colors and scents. I thought that you might want to try it as well so here is the recipe.

Playdough

1 cup of flour
1 tbsp of vegetable oil
1 cup of water
1/2 cup of salt
2 tsp of cream of tartar
food coloring or a package of coolaid

Mix all of the ingredients in a sauce pan. Heat, stiring constantly until a ball forms. Knead until smooth. (I cheated and used my Kitchen Aid Mixer)

This recipe felt like it took no time at all and was really easy!

Mom's Birthday Tea Party

2008-11-07T20:12:00.001-08:00

Josie, my brother Jonathan's wife brought us to a tea room in Ridgefield to celebrate my Mom's birthday. I had my girls get dressed up. Emma has out grown all of her dress shoes so she wore her dress up shoes. :)

This picture is of our desert. The scones were hot out of the oven. My scone was shaped like an oak leaf with a maple glaze, super yummers.

Josie gives us a tour of Ridgefield's Wildlife Preserves Plankhouse

2008-11-07T20:06:00.000-08:00

From Yesterday and Today

2008-11-04T21:26:00.000-08:00

Buddy was out by 5:45 tonight. He decided in the last couple of weeks that he no longer needs a nap.

As you can see in the above picture he does need a nap. Look at Mel I think she agrees.
But then he sits down and reads a book and we all think, oh ain't he cute.

I couldn't find the dog after the kids gave him a bath. I went in Mel and Meg's room to talk with them and was startled to see Jake in Mel's bed. Then I went to my room and found he had dried off on my bed. I sure must love him because he is still alive.

Baptism

2008-11-02T20:22:00.001-08:00

Our Church had its first baptism this evening at the Marshal center. It was such a cool thing. You may not know the people in the photos but look at their faces. You can see the joy of know that they are saved and are making a public confession of their faith.

After the baptism we had a potluck in the Oak room. I had to take a picture of Megan. We couldn't find her for a while and then we realized that she was in the kitchen serving.

Jason is dedicated!!!

2008-11-02T19:58:00.000-08:00

Today was a beautiful joyous day! Our family came to church with us to dedicate Buddy to the Lord.

Popcorn Balls

2008-10-31T19:04:00.000-07:00

I have been planning on making popcorn balls for weeks. I was so excited because I thought it wold be so good if I put miniture M&M's in them. I was a bit concerned that the color would bleed.
I didn't think about the fact that they might meld and hence make them rather messy. So I don't suggest using any kind of chocolate candy. Yes, I know you all would have probably thought about it melting but...this is me. I don't always think everything through all the way. This was my second attempt at popcorn balls. They worked much better with no frills.

The Study of Bugs Comes to Life

2008-10-30T10:49:00.000-07:00

We have been learning about bugs for sometime now. The girls are fascinated by them. Yesterday, we had a day in homeschooling that didn't go too well. So I decided that we needed to get out of the house and go on a bug walk. Our goal was to find a chrysalis (a butterfly cocoon). We didn't find any butterfly cocoons but we found a yellow jacket nest. They swarmed us and burrowed in our clothes biting and stinging Melanie. Melanie had about 10 stings and Emma got one on the back of her neck. Melanie who has struggled being overcome by fear of pain was completely overtaken. We walked beating off the bee's for more than a block when Jason arrived in his truck to whisk the kids away. I believe God allowed Melanie to face one of her greatest fears to show her that she won't die but in the midst of the trauma He is with her and can help her. She is still struggling with the emotions and fear of yesterday. So I would like to ask if you could join in prayer with me in praying that Melanie won't live her life being held captive by her fears but would allow God to show her His grace.

These are pictures of Melanie right after the attack with her baking soda paste on her stings.

Cinnomen Roll Casserole and other random things

2008-10-23T16:02:00.000-07:00

This picture has nothing to do with the cassarole but I loved how her eyes seemed to jump out off of the page.
Earlier in the week the girls and I made bread. We made one special loaf of cinnamon swirl bread that we planned on making french toast with. This morning we started to make the french toast and slicing up the bread when I found that it wasn't holding together well. So we decided to improvise and make something else out of the ingredients we had. A few years ago at a church breakfast we had a casserole out of bread and eggs. So we tried to make it. We just cut up the bread into smaller pieces, added eggs, cinnamon, salt, a little sugar and baked it forever. We were all pleasantly surprised that it turned out tasty.

I pulled down the curtains in our dining room to wash them, it was way overdue. I also needed to mend them because they were about an inch too long. I made a mistake and hemmed them up 4 inches which looked ridiculous. So I had to trade the curtains for a set in the living room that hang behind a couch and won't show how short they are. Now I have to wash, iron, and hem a second set of curtains. Ahh, I am always making more work for myself. It is a good thing because I realized that Mel and Meg hadn't really ever ironed before and they need to know how in their sewing so they helped me iron the first set of curtains.
This is another random picture that I loved and wanted to share with you.

Today

2008-10-22T19:07:00.000-07:00

We had our normal sewing day with Nana today instead of Friday because Melanie will be spending all weekend with Jason's parents. She will be going to their house tomorrow and we were trying to fit in all the fun stuff we could do before she left.

This is what our day looked like in pictures.

We went to Nana's in the morning. Came home for a quick lunch and then went to Kids Club to meet Stephanie and her kids.

Long Weekend

2008-10-20T14:44:00.000-07:00

This weekend was really long. I attended a homeschool seminar Friday night and all day Saturday. Jason watched the kids and prepared his sermon. Sunday, right before Jason went up to preach the fire alarm went off. I did a little inward panic and ran to the nursery. I had sent Emma by herself to the nursery so I wouldn't miss hearing Jason again. I panicked because I thought that somehow Emma might have been the one to pull the fire alarm. The funny thing is that Bonnie, Jason's mom had volunteered to take her to the nursery but I had forgotten in the hustle and bustle of the sanctuary emptying. I turned out that the janitor tripped the alarm by accident.

Everyone seemed to wake up tired this morning and not a 100%. So I thought we would do more activity based learning today instead of our normal routine. So I decided to make a double batch of bread and let the girls help me roll it into loaves when they woke up. We watched a science video, played a counting game (seen in the photo's), and practiced 'keeping' our home. Buddy had a hard time with the counting game because the pieces were chocolate chips. Later I switched to noodles. Can you believe it they ate the dry noodles too!

Monday's always seem extra long waiting for swimming class to come in the evenings and we are recovering from the weekend. I am looking forward to a normal school day tomorrow but am grateful for the break from our regular routine.

Mornings First Light

2008-10-17T13:02:00.000-07:00

Regeneration

2008-10-14T21:19:00.000-07:00

I read this, this evening and it so struck my heart I wanted to share it with you. I read this prayer that someone else prayed long ago and prayed it myself several times over. I pray it encourages you to allow Him to occupy the throne of your heart as well.

O God of the highest heaven,
Occupy the throne of my heart,
take full possession and reign supreme,
lay low every rebel lust, let no vile passion resist thy holy war;
manifest thy mighty power,
and make me mine for ever.

This is taken from The Valley of Vision, ~Regeneration, they are Puritan prayers and devotions.

The Kids On A Motorcycle

2008-10-13T20:07:00.000-07:00

Rick is borrowing a motorcycle from a friend for a while. The little ones were excited to sit on it on Sunday. The big girls were thrilled to get a ride.

Bird Fest at Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge

2008-10-11T21:47:00.000-07:00

Today we went to Bird Fest with a young lady from church. These are a sampling of the pictures I took. In the picture above you are looking at sea otters sun bathing.

This is a true sign of the end of summer's bounty.
This oak tree is thought to have been around when Lewis and Clark explored this area. It took 8 kids holding hands to wrap around the tree. It is truly magnificent.

Pictures of My Sweet Babies

2008-10-11T21:45:00.000-07:00

Puritan Prayer

2008-10-10T09:58:00.000-07:00

I read a puritan prayer this morning. I wanted to share a portion of this with you.

"Lord, grant that my religion may not be occasional and partial, but universal, influential, effective, and may I always continue in thy words as well as thy works, so that I may reach my end in peace."

This is taken from, The Valley of Vision ~ The Mediator

My Family Today

2008-10-09T17:01:00.000-07:00

Jason is helping me get ready for our care group to come over.

I tried taking all the kids pictures in the same spot today. But Buddy wasn't in the mood to get his picture taken. He started taking off when the first flash hit.

Random Pictures of the Day

2008-10-07T16:40:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of some of the bread I made this morning. I also made a batch of sticky buns but they went faster than I could take a picture.
This picture was taken when Buddy was trying to hide from nap time.
Here we have Melanie playing on the computer in the background, her favorite hobby and Emma is in make believe land. Perry Mason is also in the background, this is my favorite afternoon hobby, hehe.
These are pictures of Melanie and Megan's homework assignments on Christopher Columbus. If you click on the photo's you will be able to see them larger. They are very cute.

"Take Up" and "Put On"

2008-10-07T06:02:00.000-07:00

I woke up early this morning unable to sleep. I have come to enjoy these times on quiet with a house full of young children though I know towards the end of the day I usually fade quickly. I asked the Lord how to spend my special time and decided to make bread, drink some coffee, and begin reading a book that has come highly recommended. My bread is now rising, I have drunk my first cup of Joe, and I got to crack open my book. The book I was recommended is called, A Gospel Primer for Christians by Milton Vincent. Upon reading the acknowledgments page I was touched by the heart of the man writing the book. Then as I read just a few pages in I came across this quote I wanted to share with you.

"That God would tell me to "take up" and "put on" this gospel armor alerts me to the fact that I do not automatically come into each day protected by the gospel. In fact, these commands imply that I am vulnerable to defeat and injury unless I seize upon the gospel and arm myself with it from head to toe. And what better way is there to do this than to preach the gospel to myself and to make it the obsession of my heart throughout each day?"

A Gospel Primer for Christians by Milton Vincent

I have come to think because I am a child of the most high God that I am in a bubble. That He somehow places upon me the armor that he asks me to "put on". Yet I see such a vast difference in the days that I spend time with Him and the days that I don't. I am coming to understand that I need Christ in a greater way than I ever realized before. I am seeing that what He has done for me needs to be ever before my mind. I am so prone to wander, to injury, to despair without His heart in my focus. I need to be reminded to "Take Up" and "Put On" or just assume I am covered. I need to remember that everyday is a battle and I need every piece of His armor in place and my heart needs to be set upon His heart daily.

Duck, Duck, Goose, and stickers

2008-10-06T17:51:00.000-07:00

Today we played duck, duck, goose as a family. Later in the day I found Buddy and Emma playing it with just the two of them and having a blast.
I pulled out a bag of foam stickers for the kids to make a card. It turned into a royal mess.At one point Buddy quit putting stickers on the paper and glued them onto the table.
Emma spent most of her time sorting the stickers.

The two most exciting things of the day!

2008-10-03T16:47:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine came over and taught the older girls how to make granola. Oh, man I can't tell you how wonderful this is. It is so fresh and delectable.

And.....Melanie got glasses! She has been walking around the house saying, "Wow!" "Oh!" It took me a bit to realize that she is seeing things in focus for the first time in a long time. Praise God for technology and doctors.

Hurray, Melanie can see!

Finger Painting At Last

2008-10-02T15:34:00.000-07:00

I am trying to get myself outside my own little box with allowing my kids to finger paint. To my recollection I have never done this with my kids. I have been scared off by the painting mess I see in my imagination. Since I haven't felt up to doing a full day of school yet I thought we add some fun activities to our day.

Root Canal

2008-10-02T07:42:00.000-07:00

I had a root canal done on Tuesday. Jason called to make the appointment on Monday and didn't expect that he could get me in that soon. I think it is better that way. In not knowing it was coming it helped me not get worked up about it. Praise the Lord it went well but took longer than expected, 2 1/2 hours. I have been recovering quickly but frustrated a bit that I haven't been able to keep a full homeschooling schedule. I will be back posting regularly
soon.

Parents on Deck

2008-09-29T20:02:00.000-07:00

Tonight we were a few minutes early to the girls swimming lessons. So we watched the other classes before us.
We got to go on deck and watch them up close and personal. It was like a sauna in their. I think I lost at least a pound, ha.
The girls did really great this week and only have 3 more lessons to go before their session is done.
This was taken on the ride home. Jason took pictures of them in the pitch black and this is what came out with the flash.

But I Can't See God From Here!

2008-09-29T15:09:00.000-07:00

On Sunday Emma was struggling sitting still during church service. I was trying to keep her entertained but towards the service I felt like it would be best if I went and took her towards the back of church so she would be less distracting. I sat on the floor and tried to occupy her once again. That is when she said to me, "But I can't see God from here!" I told her, "Honey, that's not God that is Pastor Morse." Her reply to me was so sweet. She said, "I know that but God is with Pastor Morse."

Another Baby Calf is Born

2008-09-29T14:57:00.000-07:00

Just moments ago another baby calf was born. We missed the birth but saw it moments later and the kids were able to see if stand up for the first time. Melanie and Megan have been watching To Kill a Mockingbird recently thought 'Scout' would be a good name for their new calf.

The calf that is nursing is the newest baby. It is so cute to watch because it is so clumsy and vibrant.

Night Time Reading

2008-09-28T20:47:00.000-07:00

I have never been good at nighttime routine but we have been working on that lately. We are all enjoying the evening reading. We aren't able to do it every night but the nights we do seem to help everyone fall asleep faster.

We have been reading a children's version of Pilgrim's Progress. Tonight Jason was reading about the fight between Christian and Apollyon. This chapter made Emma a bit nervous especially when Jason started doing voices for Apollyon.

Cousin Spends the Night

2008-09-27T08:54:00.001-07:00

Sewing Day with Nana

2008-09-26T14:43:00.000-07:00

On Friday's Melanie and Megan have been learning to sewing with Nana. These are the outtakes of the first day on the sewing machine and Emma and Buddy at play.

Hair Cuts

2008-09-25T17:06:00.000-07:00

My girls got their hair cut today. I was thinking trims they were thinking new style. We all know what Auntie thinks, hehe.

Drum Lessons

2008-09-24T17:27:00.000-07:00

Today I thought hey my kids need some music lessons. I called Jason in his office and asked him to bring down some drum sticks. He brought them down and we had a drum lesson. It was really fun but not so easy with a two year old. Notice you don't see him in any of the pictures. Within a couple of minutes we realized he needed to go down for a nap. Drum sticks in the hand of a two year old is a deadly weapon.

Megan Got Her Bird!!!

2008-09-23T19:12:00.000-07:00

Megan has been wanting her very own pet longer than any of us can remember. Now she finally has it. It is an English Budgie (large parakeet). It was hand feed as a new born and is very tame. She is so proud and positively beaming with delight! Now she is working on finding the perfect name, Paulie is her favorite name so far.

Early Morning MOOOOOOO!

2008-09-23T11:49:00.000-07:00

Early this morning (4am) I heard a very loud, "Mooooooo." The cows that live in our backyard moo often in the evening but not like this in the early morning. We had suspected that Betsy was pregnant but not being farmers weren't sure they could be fattening her up for slatter. This morning I glanced out the window and this is what we saw! The kids are thrilled. If you look closely you can even see the calf, Starbright (we are reading Farmer Boy right now, hence the name), still has it's umbilical cord.

Another Night at the Pool!

2008-09-22T19:45:00.000-07:00

Hi Mom!

Emma's Un-Birthday Party

2008-09-21T18:46:00.000-07:00

Emma's party went off without a hitch. She invited everyone she saw from the moment we told her she was going to have her much awaited UN-Birthday party. We played a couple of games. One of them was blowing marshmallow's with cereal straws down the length of the table. Then they all ate their games pieces, so much fun. We also had a scavenger hunt at the end of the hunt they ended up in the living room and the adults sprayed the kids with silly spray. Their treasure was their gift bags and in the bags Emma chose bling teeth, candy, and princess jewelry, lovely I know. Because this wasn't the traditional Birthday party we were only going to invite two little girls from church and have lunch with their family. But sometimes parties tend to grow and have a life of their own. She ended up having all of her cousins, all of her grandparents, and her two friends from church. It didn't turn out the way we planned it was so much better. The pressure was off of me that I normally have when I am planning a party or holiday. Because this was 'pretend' in my mind I was able to relax and go with the flow much better than I normally do.

Chocolate Mint Cake

2008-09-18T11:40:00.001-07:00

These are the ingredients that I use to make the Chocolate Mint Cake that my kids and care group really enjoy.
This recipe is on the back of the Triple Chocolate cake mix by Betty Crocker.
This is what it looks like after you bake it, let it cool for 15 minutes, and put the white chocolate-peppermint pudding on top. (You add a 1/4 tsp of peppermint oil to the pudding as you make it.)This is my addition to the recipe. You are supposed to add a 1/4 tsp. of peppermint oil to the frosting. I found that if you also add a small container of cool whip to the frosting it is much so better and tastes like you made it from scratch.
I forgot to get the peppermint patties at the store this time to sprinkle on the top but I think it is still good without it. This recipe is one of my favorites because mint and chocolate are my two favorite sweet flavors.

note: I have looked for the white chocolate pudding mix for months and never found it until I went to super Wal-Mart. enjoy