Did you miss me??

Beth playing at the Post Office. She really enjoyed this!
Land Ho!
I have no idea why Emily is so strange!! But she is a cute kid. She makes me laugh. Jenna always tries to get away from the camera, I don't think she fit between the glass and the stairs so she couldn't get away this time!!
What a great location!!! Enough said.
Tanner LOVED this room. This is an iguana.

Well, I am finally back to writing on my blog. I just have been really busy and did not have time to stop to write unless it was really late at night, and I have been just to tired to stay up and write. Nothing major has been going on, but I was just busy... I seem to say that A LOT lately!! I did a lot of cleaning on Friday morning, the afternoon was spent a Jayne's and I got to have a nice date at night with Jim. We all went soul winning on Saturday morning, the kids and I went to the library to get books for our Konos, and we went to Jim's brother's house Saturday night. On Sunday of course we were at church, the afternoon seems to be a blur, it went by unusually fast for some reason. Monday we did our bookwork as usual, I had a meeting with Pastor about hospitality stuff, and we had our family night too. We got home about 9:15 or so, and I headed straight to bed. Today was really fun. I was in charge of the Mom's of Grace field trip; we went to the Exploration Station. We have not been there in about 3 years.. the kids really enjoyed the visit. I have a few pictures of the kids. I think everyone had a good time. I know for sure my kids did!!

So much to say....

If you looked at Beth’s blog, you got the idea we had a busy day, and we did. Since Jim is working on Thursday nights now, I have starting doing the shopping then. He leaves about 6:45 and I head out about 7. Aldi closes at 8, so there isn’t much time to waste!! Well, tonight we made an extra stop at the Family Christian Bookstore because Beth wants to get a Bible without tabs. One of the ladies that works there asked me where we go to church and after telling her, she stated that she and her husband were looking for a new church, and thought since we were in dresses it would probably be the type of church they would like to go to. It is amazing that by just doing what we should, the Lord uses that. Anyway, after that we headed to WalMart, drove home, unloaded the car, and left dirty footprints on the wood floor. Kyle actually left them on his way to open the back door for me, and as soon as I got in he told me, “There is a big mess on the wood floor, a real big mess”. I replied something like "Oh is it", and he said “Don’t worry I will clean it up in a minute, right after I get the other stuff out of the car”. Did my kid say that?! Yep, he really did. You see, starting this week as part of the changes we did, it is Kyle’s job to make sure that floor is clean. He actually likes to clean it, so it does help a little. But Kyle took ownership of that job!! I am so amazed at how wonderful God is! Not only has this week been really good with getting our routine down, having a neat house, lots of peace, but now on top of all that I get more positive reinforcement! Both kids are really proud of the work that they are doing, and they really don’t complain about the chores at all. Something changed in this house…if you told me a month ago making such small changes would have made such a difference I would have told you, you were crazy!

Time outside

The kids love being outside! Shocking I know...

Well, Beth stated about 4:00, since she had nothing else to do, and Kyle was busy working on a paper, she wanted to go outside. As you can guess, it didn't take Kyle long to figure out that going outside would be more fun.... So, here they are enjoying more time together having a snow fight... they don't really waste any time making the snow into balls! (sorry the picture is so dark!)

As far as everything else, we are still doing well with our days... rooms are clean, dishes are done, and I have time to relax. I love it!

I want to be with you

This morning after breakfast, yes, that is done already, I mentioned I didn't feel good; I don't know what the deal was but it went away in about 5 minutes. During the first 10 seconds this is what Kyle said....

I know I have to do school today, but if you have to lay down, I will be with you.

I said, "Why?" (the thought of going back to bed didn't even cross my mind)

Well, I know I have to do my work, but I just want you. I just want to be with you.

Isn't he sweet! (?) These are the type of comments that get me in trouble!! My kids usually nice and want to take care of me (as long as there is some benefit for themselves lol). Actually, considering we changed the routine they are doing very well... especially Kyle. He just came in and did his "man muscle" thing and announced he was finished with his morning routine and it is 8:09! He is not at all excited!!

Timeline

Today we worked on a timeline for our Konos; we still are doing a little bit on our frontier unit.. we were looking at the Alamo today. I am really enjoying this unit, but I'm not sure if the kids are!

Order Equals Peace

We started our schedule change today (that was to start tomorrow) because the kids knew it was going to happen and they just did it. Our morning went very well. Beth didn’t understand that she was able to get out of her room after 7, so she didn’t finish everything, but I think she understands it now, so hopefully it will go smoothly tomorrow. Kyle did a great job today; he needed one reminder of what time it was and that was all. He was very helpful to Beth is morning also. She wanted to have oatmeal but didn’t remember exactly how to do it, and even though Kyle hates it and I don’t think he has ever made it, he still helped her so I could have my devotions. It was really sweet and a wonderful time to thank God for my wonderful children and how much he has shown us and changed so quickly!

Another thing… Jim and I have been really enjoying our time together, and the fact that I am not stressed out as much. I jokingly said to him yesterday, I sure like you much better when I am not stressed, and I like myself too. It is amazing how much stress can change your perspective on things. Even people you love and want to please can’t have what they need or want, because there is nothing to give them. I am VERY thankful for Ladies Sunday School and Julie because she has helped me so much over the past couple of weeks; what a blessing it has been to have time with her. I am thrilled with what has changed so far, and we still have things to talk about. I am not sure I can even comprehend how wonderful my days can be!

Thank you Julie and Praise to God!

Getting’ things done

Today we started our day with soul winning. After that I had to run a couple of errands, came home did a little bit of this and that, and then cleaned my room! While I was doing this, the kids were cleaning their rooms too. I really wanted it to be easy to manage next week when we all start our new schedule changes. After dinner, the 3 of us cleaned the kitchen… I LOVE this and nobody even batted an eye about it tonight! We also had a family meeting tonight and showed the kids the new changes in schedule, their morning routine, and their chore sheet. Other than a few questions it went very well. When it was time for bed, I told the kids I was setting the timer, they were really happy about it, but off they went, got completely ready, and had 10 minutes to spare!! I think everyone is realizing that things are much better… more peaceful around the house this week when everyone is just doing what they should be doing. It is such a blessing to see such good results so fast! I just love my life right now. It is amazing how much can change in one week. Praise God!

errand, time, and a new blog

Today I had lots of time alone. The kids spent all day with Jayne. I was able to get all my errands finished, my refrigerator clean, my sink cleaned, all the groceries put away and individually packed for meals, and a load of laundry done. It was an extremely productive day. I love the feeling of being productive. After I was finished I went to Jayne’s. She fed me dinner (no date night tonight, Jim was out of town); it was very good. We visited for a while and then went to check the blogs. I can’t see Sabrina’s pictures on my computer and I knew I would be able to see them on Jayne’s!! While we were sitting there, Beth was sitting on my lap and we asked her if she wanted to start a blog….and guess what? She has one now too! Her blog name is Little Bits of Beth. She is very excited to have her very own blog.

Today was just a really nice day.

The kids and I did school work, had lunch, Kyle got his hair cute (very handsome), went to the library, home for dinner, the 3 of us cleaned the kitchen, and then watched an old Disney movie. I have had two peaceful and just plain nice days. Isn't God great. Sometimes, I wonder why He is so patient with us when we do the same things over and over. Order truly does bring peace.

Today I woke up and felt like a new person. Julie and I talked about lots of stuff yesterday; she always seems to know what to do when something is not going right. I feel very hopeful about some changes we are going to make. Anyway, we finished our bookwork, Kyle is reading, Beth is looking at pictures, I just made banana bread, and I might even take a little nap. Beth and I are feeling about the same, perhaps a little better; unfortunately I think Kyle finally got it. We all were really dragging after lunch, so we weren't really motivated to get our Konos finished. But as soon as I got out the mouse traps... blood started pumping. You should have seem them jump! We are talking about animals and how to trap them... in case you are wondering, we left out the mouse!!

A Wonderfu Reminder

I like the home school meetings we have. I was very encouraged by last nights meeting. So vividly reminded me of how far we have come. Jim and I had a talk with the kids last night about a few different things and it is wonderful to see them "get back" to where we know they can be. I even got served breakfast in bed this morning by Kyle. I got a cold from Beth on Sunday (do you think this is what Julie meant by sticking together.... hmmmm NO). Anyway, it is making me tired. But my kids are sitting nicely, doing their work, and I get to sit and relax a bit. There is great peace in this house today.

Yesterday:
I had to change my doctor this month because of insurance. I had the best one, but as things change so must we. Anyway, he told me why my medicine was causing problems for me and didn't seem to freaked out that I stopped it. They didn't have my old lab work yet, so after we get that, he will decide what we are going to do.

Penny Parade Results

Well, the boys lost!! It was hard to see Pastor Dave get a pie in the face, but it was kinds fun too (Sorry!) I am really glad Julie didn't get a pie in the face... can you imagine that!??

It was really weird

Today Jim and I did the announcement for the Ladies Conference as Bob and Baggie. But when we got home I said to Kyle something along the line of, you should be proud of your parents for doing something special like that for the church.

Kyle said, “I don’t think proud is the correct word.”

I replied, “What do you mean? Don’t you think we did a good job?” You should be proud of us.

Kyle said, “It was really weird.”

Jim then added, “Did you notice that he didn’t look up the whole time we were up there?”


I think we have reached a whole new level in our parenting lives… completely embarrassing the kids with our behavior!!

By the grace of God

Today I had some “extra” time. Since Beth was not feeling well we did not go soul winning. Our day started off playing Pay Day; she beat me by over 1 thousand dollars! Kyle and Brandon came home around 10:15 from the Men’s breakfast. They were going to go soul winning, but Kyle was not feeling well this morning either. Since the kids had some one to play with, I had “extra time”. I was able to relax and listen to some tapes that Julie gave me. They are very good and really got me thinking about how the Bible applies to me. After that, I looked at my bedroom and knew I needed to finish up my work in there. Clothes needed to be put away and ironed, and the closet had way to many hangers…again. As I iron I usually listen to good Christian music, the Bible or a teaching CD; my tape player broke otherwise I would have kept listen to the tapes from Julie. Anyway, boy did I pick a doozy!! The topic really isn’t important, but what is important are my reactions to it. I am amazed at my reactions to things I hear, that I know are from God’s Word, that struggle with. As I was listening, I went back and forth between, I do that, I don’t do that, I can’t do that, I know I should do that…and so on. At first I felt a little defeated. But as I was talking to God, I asked His forgiveness and for help. I told Him, I can’t do this. The Holy Spirit then told me, that is the problem, you can’t do it; you need God to work in you. After resisting (a.k.a arguing with God), I calmed down, and could think about things sober mindedly.

1Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

That is my thought for the day. I know that Satan would like nothing better than for me to think anything and everything is to hard and I can’t do it. I am glad I have God because I cannot do this on my own and stopping to think and pray makes all the difference in the world.

Sorry I haven't written

This week has been a busy one. We went shopping on Thursday night for the regular items we need, so we could stay home on Friday. Yesterday, we cleaned and organized Kyle’s bedroom. He has lots of stuff and doesn’t want to part with anything. We usually work together a couple times of year to really go through things; but I honestly cannot remember when we did it last. We stopped so he could finish some bookwork, so there is still a bit on his bed that he needs to go through, but he completed everything he needed to do for his schoolwork. He also had the motivation of sleeping over at a friends house last night…. But I am sure this didn’t affect him! I like productive days, I really feel like we got something done yesterday. Today, we will just have to see what happens…

Beth has a cold and has been not feeling the best. Last night she couldn't fall asleep until sometime after 2. I don’t know if she slept at all before that, but she really didn’t look like it. I gave her some nighttime medicine and I think it kicked in about 2:45. Well, it is about 9:30 now, and she doesn’t feel good, sounds “stuffy”, and is tired. She said the cutest thing however. We usually go soul winning on Saturday mornings, and she asked if we had to go because she feels bad (she doesn’t usually ask to not go, most of the time she is very willing) we decided it was probably best not to go but she had something else to add. The conversation went like this:
“Mommy, do you want to know another reason why I don’t think we should go?

“Why?”

“Well, I am supposed to be the silent partner right?”

“Yes”

“Today I can’t be silent. I can’t hold my cough in and I am sneezing.”

I just thought that was the cutest thing!!

Today is what I consider a typical day. We got up on time and everything went as planned. We watched Davy Crockett as we are working on a frontier unit currently. We are learning about lots of men who were brave enough to explore and lead the way for settlers. I always thought it would be neat to live in the time of Westward expansion, but I can't really imagine what life would be like. I know I take for granted all the modern conveniences!

Since Julie "played tag", I thought I would do it to....

"Your Body Is Not Your Own" by JoBeth Hooker

We know that God wants our marriages to reflect that same sacrificial and undying love so that others might observe our relationship and understand the love Christ has for his people a little better. We know that even Christ's return to earth at the rapture has been likened to a bridegroom returning for his bride. Because God is love and because there is not greater evidence of love than that which God has bestowed on mankind, then it stands to reason that man also wants to imitate that love to the best of his ability.

I got this book at the Christian Womanhood Spectacular and started reading it, but got put on the shelf.... time to get started on it again!

This Lady Is Trying To Kill Me

Well, today I started my aerobic exercise. And if you couldn’t tell, it was tough. I haven’t done anything like this for quite some time. (No kidding). I got thru the warm-up and into the aerobic section and got about half way thru before I announced to the lady on TV that she was crazy, and I couldn’t do one more “grapevine”. So, I did what any totally committed person would do, I skipped ahead to the cool-down. Hey, I at least did something. After that I realized there was more on the tape… there are three workouts on this DVD. I thought I can certainly do some of the floor work, after all I have been doing that off and on and off… for a while now. Okay, I am a wimp! I got thru it, but I didn’t keep up with them…. After all, they have been working out for a long time compared to me!! All joking aside I am glad I did it and I am going to keep doing something like the DVD, treadmill, or weights.

So, I have to tell you. We got up on time today and have already had breakfast, exercised, cleaned the kitchen and bathroom, each had personal devotion time, showers and are onto the next thing. I think this time slot will be my new blog time. I can’t stay up so late if I am gonna try to roll out of bed at 6:30.

On another subject, I was reminded again of how much I don’t want a dog. I am still sweeping up dog hair! How many times do you have to sweep before this stuff goes away!!
Well, off to start our bookwork. As of right now, my plan with our schedule is working great! Have a wonderful day!!

A Back to School Gift From God

I really feel blessed this year, I am not sure if it has been the many changes over the past month or what it is, but I feel closer to God this year. Today He gave me a back to school gift….

I had mixed feelings on starting back to our bookwork today, on one hand I didn’t want to start because it meant we have to do work and vacation is fun. On the other hand, getting back to a routine is SO nice. I think things just flow better when there is a schedule. I have never been one to have my day scheduled while at home, but since we started home schooling, we HAD to have one. But I have to admit I have a problem sticking to the schedule… So, this morning as I was waking up “late” (which I knew would happen) I thought I really don’t like being off schedule especially when I first open my eyes! Who wants to start the day late? Well, as I was laying there, I talked to God I told Him I hate being late and I need a schedule that was structured but would also allow for us to “mess up” by not getting up on time. Sometimes, we are really good about sticking to the schedule and other times we mess it up badly. Anyway, as I was lying there, the thought came to me. I need a schedule with one of those sliding papers to change the time to fit what we are doing. Well, that was like a light bulb. I thought, surely I could make my schedule to have moveable times. I like how my schedule is, but I just couldn’t seem to figure out how to catch up on those off days. So, I got my late body up and worked on it. Since I just needed to re-organize times, print and cut, it really didn’t take that long. So when the kids got up about 30 minutes after me (they were late too), I had a schedule that worked for THAT day. I have the same great schedule that now can be changed to fit my days when I am off, and yet it is what I need to get done. We got everything finished today that I was hoping to get done and we were not frustrated with having to “catch up” all day. I get really cranky when I feel like I am spinning my wheels and today, this change made a big difference. After I was finished I we started our day, but not before I thanked God.

James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

Round Up Sunday

Round Up was a blast!! I really enjoyed the day. Everything seemed to be going very smoothly and I really appreciate how hard the hospitality team members worked. I think most people enjoyed the chili cook-off. Hope you enjoy the pics!

Getting Ready For Round-Up

Today Jim, Kyle, Beth and I went to a music meeting, soul winning, and did work at the church. The church looks great! I love Round-Up Sunday. It is such a blessing to be able to be used by God to do work at the church. As I was driving (the church van) to Sam’s to pick up the cakes, I thought about what this day means and whom we represent. It is a time for us to have fun, dress up as cowboys or cowgirls, and enjoy so yummy chili. But it is so much more… it is a time for new people to come to church and hear the gospel or maybe a time for some people that haven’t been in church to get back in. January marks a new beginning and I am so thankful that I am able to be part of it!
Well, I am fixin’ on hittin’ the hay! See ya'll in the morn!!

Beth 2002

As I was looking for the picture of Jim for the blog, I saw this pic and just thought you might enjoy seeing Beth making cookies just about the time we started going to Grace. Isn't she cute!

Friday.... Date Night

Started the day off with Bible study. I LOVE Bible study! Sometimes, I don't like what I hear, but I always know I will hear truth from God. Julie has been such a blessing to me for the 4+ years I have been going. It is amazing the changes God will do in our lives if we decide to listen. After Bible study we came home and had lunch and after lunch we weighed ourselves.... hmmmm who's idea was that?! Of yea, that would be the tiniest one of the bunch, Beth. Well, Beth is up to a grand 52 pounds, Kyle is getting big and strong and weighing in at 82 pounds. Then they said, "Mommy, get on the scale! Let's see what you weigh." OH, That's a great idea!! I am not telling you my weight.... maybe after some goes away!! Anyway, after that nightmare I worked on phone calls for Round Up Sunday. Can you believe it is this Sunday!! I hope to have pictures on right away, but Sunday will be busy. (Don't forget about Birthday and Anniversary Fellowship that night!)

The BEST thing that happened today was our date. I love Fridays because it is the day that Jim and I go out on our date. It is so nice to know I have a special time set aside just for ME!!! He is so faithful to our time; it brings a smile to my face. We usually go out to eat and talk... one of my favorite things to do... total attention (except when the food arrives)!
Sometimes it is hard to remember, when day after day we do the same things over and over, why we do what we do. I like the fact that I am reminded on Fridays why I do what I do. It is for the man that I picked to marry. That's nice :)

Running...

Today will be short and sweet. We have been our running errands almost all day. I made lots of stops, but got lots done. We stopped by the library tonight to pick up the books I ordered, and a “few” extras. This week went so fast; I can’t believe we are starting school. I think it will be really nice to get back to a “normal” routine.

I am trying to put my picture on my profile... you can just ignore this.

Well, today we had to go get Kyle's blood drawn for his platelet count.... we won't know anything until at least Thursday. After that we had to run to two places for church... unfortunately one place wasn't even there.... oh well. Since I got something that needed to be in the fridge, we then headed home. I washed towels and blankets, ironed lots of clothes, tried to put a slide in Beth's room (didn't work, but she wanted it on her bed, so I tried), and best of all.... I took a nap today. :) I don't do that often, but I just really needed it today. This evening we all headed to "church" for the kids program. We were able to award 2 badges tonight, and hope to give out at least 3 more next week. We also need to bring LOTS of pennies, I sure hope Ms. Julie doesn't get the pie in her face... of course, I don't really want Pastor to get one either!!

Pancakes, cuddling, and working

After we got up late today (8:30), we made pancakes for breakfast, which is Kyle’s favorite thing! Before we got started on our work, I had “cuddle time” with each child. It just happens like that sometimes and I really do love it. Beth and I started it; she was on my bed and then I went to “get her”. Instead we lay together and talked, some was silly and some serious, and sometimes I wonder she got so old. Kyle was jealous that his sister had time alone with me, so he wanted time too. After about 20 minutes, Beth got kicked out and it was Kyle’s turn, again some silly talk and some serious. I am amazed at how big he is getting; I know he is going to be bigger than me, probably sooner than I realize. After all our fun we did the laundry, organized Beth’s drawers and closet, got the kitchen clean, and took down the Christmas decorations. The decoration removal takes a long time, but it is nice to be finished with it….Well, actually it is not really finished…I am finished with my part. I have no idea how to take apart the tree. We received our tree this year from a friend, so I have no clue where it comes apart. Isn’t that silly? But everything else is boxed up and downstairs and let me tell you that was hard work. I am very thankful that I have Kyle to help me; I could not have gotten the boxes downstairs without his help. I am very blessed to have my wonderful children, not only to have help me but also just to be with. As our last days of our Christmas break are coming to a close, I am so glad that I am not sending them off to school, but will be able to continue to enjoy them here at home.

Welcome 2007

The start of a new year! How does time go so fast??

As I look back on this year, I am really at peace with everything. We had our share of ups and downs, but looking back it seems hard to remember all the negative things, which of course, is exactly what you want in life. It is funny how we can choose to remember negative or positive things. I have decided I had a good year because I am focusing on the lessons learned, relationships made or made better, and God's provisions for our family.

My verses for this past year were:

Proverbs 16:3 Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

I know that because of our God, we can say our year was good. And ya know what? I am keeping these verses for this year too! I hope you all have a "new year".