We were able to spend this weekend with my sister and nephew that lives in SC. We had a good time with them and had my original family all together for the first time since 1995! We took Ken to Action City and played for a while then we went back to my dad's and had dinner and sat and visited until we had to leave and some of the girls took off for a girls night out. It was good to see them. And Ken is really starting to look so grown up. He is really going to be a heartbreaker if he already isn't but he is also such a neat person. I really do enjoy them. Can you believe he's only 15?!

I was going through my Christmas pictures and found a really special one from Knights side of the family. Auntie M was very excited because she recieved a very special present. Click here to watch her reaction.

We had a great Christmas weekend being able to spend some time with Knights extended family who we have not seen in a while. Knight and the kids have seen them more than I have but it was fun to do some catching up. Christmas eve we spent time with grandma and grandpa and aunts and uncles and cousin. We had a good time and we were thankful that there were less people there so we could really appreciate the ones we love. That evening we were able to witness my nieces baptism. What a blessing to watch her grow in her faith and what a differences in churches. The kids were surprised at how small the church is but it was a good service. Christmas was spent at my dad's with a quiet morning and the rest of the family coming late afternoon. Knight was not feeling well so it was good to be able to rest. Here are the pictures from the weekend. I am off today for my annual shopping day with a good friend while Knight enjoys the kids.

Between other people having trouble posting with blogger and stumbling on a new blog site I thought I'd try out this one and see how it works. If you want to see the new blog click here. Let me know which one you like. I will probably double blog until I figure out which one I like better. Stay tuned....

The Youngest Grocer In America

This is great. I am always amazed to see people like this

I know I have expressed this before but technology is truely amazing. Tonight as I am looking into school books for next year, ebaying, answering emails not only from people in state but also on the other side of the great big earth I am amazed. Last week we studied on how much time and work it was to create the telegraph and then the telephone. The lesson ended in them explaining we have a new device, the fax machine. As much as I use my cell phone, email, dsl, etc without thought every once in a while I have to stop and marvel. I listen to what I want to when I want to on the internet radio, I shop without leaving my pajamas, and I can communicate with those I love all around Gods great earth. Now if I could only get a house that automatically cleans clutter....

Last night the kids had their Christmas program. It went well and they remembered their parts for the most part. I have some video that I will try to get up eventually but not this morning. We are off to see A Little Princess Christmas... a play at the childrens theater. Kids are very excited. Rara and J-Bird have never been to an actual play.

With inspiration from Akeela and the Bee we had a spelling bee last night to practice the kids spelling words. J-Bell spells like her dad, and that is not a good thing. It was a good but very hectic time because the kids get very squirrelly when the whole family does something like this. We can't just have a nice, quiet time of fun. I was baking cookies for tonight's Christmas program during the bee while the rest of the family was spelling in the kitchen and stealing the dough. It was a great night and hopefully helped them with their spelling words.

In case I get yelled at again for missing Thankful thursday I will share a story of what happened this week. I recieved a call on Monday from one of my bosses saying that my job is now requiring about triple the amount of time that I have been taking in it and let me know that if I was not able to do this, she understands, but needs to find someone else. Knight and I talked and decided that since we were considering having me quit next month anyway we should probably just do it now. Step of faith cutting my earnings in half. Not huge money but our budget has me making all the grocery money. Tuesday I get a call about someone wondering about homeschool curriculum. The curriculum she described is not something I had heard of before (so I had thought) but sounded like it may be good. I didn't think much more of it. Later that day another friend mentions that same curriculum so I do some research. I look at the philosophy, set up, and on another site, reviews from users. Never looked at price. Next day had another conversation about it and did more research. Looked at other curriculums, subjects, etc. I ended up ordering this one curriculum at 1/2 price and it was already about 1/3 of what I am using. The Lord is taking care of our school budget in such a neat way and we were able to shift numbers so that our budget meets our need and some wants. So I can say and know, yet again, Isn't God good? He has never not taken care of our needs.

Just a quick note to let everyone know we are alive--barely. We are doing the flu thing here this week. I have to say I am thankful that all of my kids are old enough to make it to the bathroom or bucket so it's not all over my house but I am pretty down and out also so my house is bey0nd messy and I think there are germs everywhere. Until further notice...Stay away.

Thankful Thursday...
As I sit down today the kids reminded me it was thankful thursday. I have so much to be thankful for. I am thankful for our good friends, good kids, good family, and a great God. I have been listening to the Dave Ramsey show and all of these people that are in debt $15-$60,000 in credit card debt, car payments and mortgages on top of that helps me to be content with our beater vehicles, and a house that is not so new. We are truely blessed. J-Bell is learning about the Depression this week and one of the reasons it hit so hard is that so many people were taking loans out to buy stocks and hope to make a profit. Somedays I get to where I want nicer things but I know that if we keep living this way someday we can live with nicer things and still have no debt. I have to remind myself that the people in my life are what really matters. I have a picture from Thanksgiving that shows a great example of being comfortable in a family. My sister is sleeping in the recliner, everyone is talking, kids are playing in another room. Ahhh, family. Have a great day.

This video is worth watching

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyPhCO3LrtQ

So the saying in the post it note on the left- I thought an interesting quote. Got me thinking if anyone else has some interesting quotes. If you have one, leave it on the post it note.

I know the blog has been neglected lately. Thanksgiving was a wonderful but short visit. Everyone that lived in state made it on my side and it was fun to sit around and enjoy the company. The weather was beautiful outside so those in my family that have to go outside to get some "fresh air" were able to do so comfortably. Friday, Knight and I had planned on sleeping in but at 5:30 we were both awake so we decided to check out the sales in town. We didn't see too much but did get some shopping done. The best deals we found were at Menards, and they were the busiest also. Lines almost to the back of the store! We are back into our regular routine this week with school. Once I get some of the pictures out of my new camera I will post more pictures. Have a great day.

Yeah!!! My camera finally came today. And just in time for Thanksgiving. I have to admit I was a little nervous about buying something like this off ebay but it is a nice camera and works well. Off to get a memory card or 2 in a little while. Have some final things to pick up for the meal tomorrow. My first time hosting a holiday for our extended family. It will be a great time as almost everyone can make it on my side. Knights side opted out, as they have a huge gathering at Jeff and Jims Pizza. I think they are having the traditional thing and just using the store. Hope they have a great time, but will will miss them, especially the kids newest cousin "B". Isn't he cute?? Happy thanksgiving everyone.

One of my favorite sister in laws emailed me today to let me know I missed Thankful Thursday--AGAIN. So in honor of her I am going to give you all a list of my favorite quotes. Here goes:

Most people when they come to you for advice, come to have their own opinions strengthened, not corrected.
Author: Josh Billings


Darkness can not drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.
Author: Martin Luther King Jr.


Not every truth is the better for showing its face undisguised; and often silence is the wisest thing for a man to heed.
Author: Pindar

"To learn to succeed, you must first learn to fail."-Michael Jordan

And now here are some of my favorite funny quotes:

"Keep smiling, it makes people wonder what you're up to."

Procrastinate now, don't put it off.

All those who believe in telekinesis, raise my hand.

The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.

I almost had a psychic girlfriend but she left me before we met.

OK, so what's the speed of dark?

But on the other hand, I have five fingers

Have a great day!

This is late but J-Bells 11th birthday was on the 11th. The week before we went to Action City to celebrate with a couple of her friends. My mom, sister, neice, and step-mother came to watch and play. We had a great time. They have rock climbing, lazer tag, go carts, bumper cars, mini bowling, mini golf and an arcade, along with pizza and subs. We also were able to go see the Power Team that night with some more family and friends. It was a very long but fun day. Also, went to see Facing the Giants last night at the movie theater. It was worth watching. Hopefully the camera I won off eBay will get here soon and the pictures will be updated again.

My sister sent me a link to this film/commercial from Dove. I highly recommend watching it. It only takes about 20 sec.

Ok, I'll try this again since it didn't work the first time I tried it. I have been thinking about what I want to post as my "Thankful Thursday". I know it is Friday (again) but yesterday was...well, chaotic beyond normal. But nobody died, I didn't cry, life is still good. So, I was thinking about all the blessings in my life and I came to a realization. I am just thankful for the Lord being so good to me. I thought about my friends who seem to know just when to call, or stop by. I can't tell you how many times I am being unlovable and they love me anyway. I know that they are led by God because as they will tell you, I don't share my struggles nearly enough. I am also thankful for my kids. Generally they are happy, well adjusted, loving kids of whom I am proud to say I am their mom. That again is by the grace of God that I haven't messed them up more than they are. I also am thankful for our financial provision. As I blogged earlier this week my digital camera died an untimely death but I am thankful that we do have some money to try to get a pretty decent camera. He knew that this would happen and it appears that I won't have to do without a camera for too long. I am also thankful for eBay (again) because shopping would be made a lot harder if I had to do this in person. I know I am so blessed, not because of me, but in spite of me. God is so good.

What is the signs of obsession? I have been on ebay almost all day looking at digital cameras because one of my precious little ones dropped mine "just a little bit" on the floor. I have a budget, I have a list of wants, needs, desires. They don't add up so I just keep hoping. I can't seem to stay away. Is this obsession? I hope so. I always wanted proof I was crazy.