I was somewhere around 8 years old the first time I really had to deal with death. Not like the death of an animal. I remember dealing with that too, but this was different. This was a friend.

Scotty was 5. He was out playing and fell. He needed stitches in his chin. Because of a doctors' stupid mistake, his life was ended. If I remember right, the family had come over just the week before. His sister and I were the same age and we probably had amused ourselves by picking on the younger kids, but we all did get along pretty well. I remember my parents taking the phone call saying that he died. I know what room they were in. My sister came in and told me in gossip style "Scotty died". I told her to shut up and kicked her out of the room. I thought she was trying to make some sick joke.

Then my parents told us. It was real. Someone younger than me died. Someone I knew. Someone who wasn't sick. They didn't have cancer. The didn't get into a car accident. Just a little boy fell while playing and hurt his chin.

That is heavy reality for someone that age.

Later on as I was struggling with the fact that he was gone, I remember sitting on my dads lap on the recliner and he was rocking me and letting me cry. I know now that he was struggling to explain this to his little girl but he was probably struggling himself. He was trying to explain to me that I was not sad because Scotty was dead, but because he wasn't around anymore. I understood death, but I didn't quite understand my feelings. But I remember being there on my dads lap and knowing everything was going to be ok for me. Dad was there. He was the strongest man in the world. In that moment I knew that I was loved, I was safe.

Now I come to my relationship with God. The Bible tells us that we should think of and call God "Abba, Father". Or better translated, Daddy. I did not know God growing up. But when I think of Him being my heavenly daddy I picture that day and then I envision crawling up on Gods lap and he holds me while I cry. But I know that everything will be ok because I am with Him. I am loved. I am safe.

Since I have had trouble figuring out what to blog about I thought I would put my various "soap boxes" on as topics. It's really not that I'm in a bad mood, actually the truth is that I've been in a great mood today. I just figured I'd tell the small readership I have the things that get to me at times. And, although Poppy's idea about blogging about how she packs Kleenex up her nose instead of taking the time to wipe it when it runs is such a great idea, I think maybe I will use that for a WFMW if I ever decide to jump on that train.

First, I don't understand why the Lord thought Knight and I would make the perfect match. It's not that I don't love him, I really do. It's just that so many things are so different about us it makes for some pretty difficult situations at times. I don't like to be touched, he loves to cuddle. I live in emotional extremes, he is even tempered. I am not one to enjoy bodily noises, he shares them a lot. I am not competitive, he won't play if he can't win. Relations could be once a month for me, that does not work for him. I know that opposites are supposed to attract, but why? Balance? Wouldn't it just be easier if we were a little more similar?

Next, why is it that Christians seem to be so embarrassed to talk about issues and struggles we all have. I know that we can't share our dirty laundry with everyone, but why have such a taboo on things that most women are going through or that even couples struggle with. Even if it is not a struggle we hide the fact that the Lord created our bodies to have cycles that have the same thing happen every month, but shhh, don't say anything. Or if you are struggling trying to figure out how to keep your husband satisfied and have kids hanging on you, a house to clean, people to feed and you are just tired, not interested, bored, or things don't work real smoothly, people suffer in silence because there is a loudly unspoken rule that those things are not to be discussed. I'm not talking about embarrassing anyone or talking about sinful things or encouraging things that could be sinful, but in a good monogamous relationship things still may need a little help.

I know most of the people in my circles don't talk about this type of stuff, but I am so tired of trying to look like the "perfect Christian woman" (not that I ever got close to that!) I want to be real with people and I want people to be real with me. I know that I add to the problem as much, if not more, than anyone else. So here is me being real. My smile is real at times, and other times I feel like I am so deep in a pit that I can't even see the sky anymore but I still smile. Because I wouldn't want anyone to know that I am faking every second of my day. In weak moments I will open up and tell you what is on my heart but at the times I am hurting greatly, I probably won't share with you. I don't mean to hurt people with my privacy but I can't and won't share the most private of hurts when they actually hurt. I have done that and have regretted it.

So there it is, just a couple things that have been going on in my warped mind. Now that I've shared, feel free to run and hide! Hee Hee

I completely don't have inspiration to blog today so I thought I'd put out this get to know me better survey. I found it surfing for inspiration and took out some of the questions. Now I feel like I'm signing up for some dating service or something like that. Hopefully I will be inspired sometime tonight to blog about SOMETHING! If any of those who read this decide to put this on your blog please let me know in the comments and I would love to read your answers.

Birthplace--Brindisi, Italy

Eye Color & Hair Color--Blue eyes, Redish hair

Favorite Animal--Platupus, it shows Gods humor

Favorite Musician--Casting Crowns

Favorite Comedian--Bill Envall

Favorite Food--Pizza type stuff

Favorite Drink--Diet Mountain Dew or Black Tea

Favorite Clothing--Jeans

Favorite Books--Francine Rivers Mark of the Lion Series

Favorite Season--Spring or Summer

Hobby--Blogging!

Talent--Sarcasm

Age you got married--18 years, 42 days (oh, how young and foolish!)

Age you had your first kid--19

Have you ever been drunk--Yes (I haven't had a drink in over 10 years though)

Have you ever gotten high--No

Have you ever been arrested--No

Have you ever been in an accident--Yes (the most major was when I was young and broke my collar bone)

Number of Tattoos--0 (but I have designed one that I want but won't get)

Number of Piercings--0 (not even my ears!)

Best physical trait--I would say my hair

Wordless Wednesday

I know this is supposed to be Wordless Wednesday but I wanted to share why this picture is so special to me.

This picture is from last Saturday when I went to visit my mom. This picture is from when my dad was teaching us adults Texas hold em poker (play, not real money). It was a lot of fun and Knight and I ended up with all the chips, which is great since we are the only non-gamblers at the table.

So why is this picture so special? Because I have such a great family and I know that they love me.

You see, my mom is in the red and my step dad is wearing blue. My dad is in the burgundy and my step mom is wearing grey and black. (Knight is in the green) My dad found out we were in town and came over to spend some time with us and we can all sit around and enjoy each others company.

They split when I was 12 but they still come together for the sake of the family. My sisters and I (I have 4) are able to spend Christmas with our family. Parents, step-parents, grandparents, and our families. I can't tell you how much it means to me that my parents can put their differences aside for all of our family. I am truly blessed.

When I was a kid I always looked at growing up in terms of numbers. When I turn 16 I can drive. When I turn 18 I can move out. When I turn ?? I will finally feel like a grown up. I am now a mother of 4, married for 12 years, and I am still waiting to feel like a grown up. Although certain things show me I am growing up.

Today we purchased a new couch. It wasn't the purchase that made me feel grown up but how we went about it. We actually thought about this purchase. A lot. We shopped around. We looked at different styles. We talked about how we would use the couch. We considered how long we would like this couch to be in our house. We went through the whole covering issue (leather, microfiber, upholstery, what is washable, durable, comfortable). Do we want a sectional, hide-a-bed, recliners)? Who would we like to purchase this item from? This took weeks.

Rewind to our first year of marriage when we bought a brand new car. We went out for a gallon of milk and came home with a pretty new thing that only had 2 miles on it but a hefty price tag. We put the amount of thought into that as we would have a new pair of jeans. We were young.

Fast forward to the present: We looked again on Saturday at the store we were hoping to buy from. The owners are our next door neighbors. Great people. Love the Lord. Honest. We wanted to buy from them and they carry quality stuff that should last for years.

So we went today and actually brought the kids. We wanted them to see some of the process and thought it takes. We wanted them to see the bill. Maybe, just maybe they will appreciate the sacrifice it takes to make this kind of purchase. We spent double on this set than we did on our last vehicle purchased. (ok, so we got our van for $700) We also got a pretty decent deal on this couch because it was a cash sale.

Then comes the other lesson, the fabric Knight decided on was not in stock in the couch we decided on. So we ordered it and the couch should be here in about a month. We would have never waited a month for much of anything when we were first married but now we are willing to wait a month for a couch. I truly hope this sets an example to our children that it is good to wait for things you want, and that it IS possible to pay cash for something like this. Maybe I am turning into a grownup.

I am in that spring cleaning mode. It's not that it's just that time of year so we have to do it. It's that I have been stuck in this house all winter long and have once again decided that we have way too much stuff and the stuff we need or want to keep does not stay in it's assigned place. "A place for everything and everything in it's place". I love that motto. (Those of you that have actually seen my house...you can stop laughing now!)

Our house is not the cleanest, most well organized place on the block. I can find what I need in a very short amount of time so it is pretty well organized. I would love to have it look better all the time but we actually live here. I have kids who are kids. They play, fight, learn, work on projects, lounge, eat, and work in this house. Currently in my living room there is Payday on the floor, a couple books on the coffee table, clean laundry waiting to be folded, blankets, Magnetix, and a purse or two left from counting money. That is just the living room. It doesn't take much for it to look decent but it takes less time to make it look lived in again. Endless cycle.

I do go through my stuff and toss tons on a regular basis but, to be honest it is the books and school stuff that I get hung up with. We have done different curriculums throughout the years. I do look year by year on what the needs are of the kids and try to figure out the best way to go about meeting those needs. But yet I never know when or if we are going to revisit what we did in the past so I don't feel that I can or should get rid of something until all the kids have outgrown it. So here I am with lots of school items, loads of books, but yet I have 5th grade through kindergarten. I will lend people my stuff but I haven't had a whole lot of opportunity to do that. But there is plenty of stuff in my house I would love to get rid of.

So, thanks to Mommy at Helms Deep I have found Freecycle. A place you can advertise things you wish to give away for things you are looking for that others may want to get rid of. No money exchanged, just give and take. I now have a place that maybe someone will take some of the stuff I can't or don't use anymore. I know I can bring to Goodwill, or save it for our church's annual free "garage sale but I want it gone. But I would love to bless others at the same time. So, if you see lots of garbage on my curb, just know that I'm decluttering.

I gave J-Bell a hair cut yesterday. She likes it short so we thought we'd share. These are the many faces of J-Bell. The bottom left picture is her most common face if she gets her way. We are off to enjoy Saturday with my mom. Yeah!

Friday 14?
14 positive things we have seen with homeschooling

1. For the most part, my kids are friends. They do get on each others nerves, but they also care deeply for each other and are involved in each others lives. I see them consider each other a lot more than I see them dismiss each other.

2. They are pretty self motivated with their school work. They go in and tackle it so it does not take all day. I have heard a couple times, "can you get me up at ___ so I can start school early. I want to be done by ____"

3. They have learned to love research. They choose what to learn about each week and are learning how to write reports. The blogs have helped since they want something to blog about. This is only for 1 subject this year but I have seen great progress in their writing, reading, spelling, and love of learning.

4. J-Bell isn't afraid to be who she wants to be. If other kids her age are into things she is not (boys, makeup) she will just go play with the little ones. I have seen her enjoy playing dolls with an 8 year old because the 13 year old sister was into makeovers.

5. None of my kids know what the name brands are. They have seen our budget, know that we do our best to provide with needs and wants, and know if they really want something they should save and watch Goodwill. It is not an embarrassment.

6. Teaching has become habit. Shopping, paying bills, cleaning, gardening, cooking, ANYTHING can be a teaching moment. Gardening can become a lesson on the importance of what roots you let grow in your heart, bills become math/budget lesson.

7. Other homeschoolers who's kids are friends with my kids talk to each other. If we are going to teach something big (like THE talk) we tell each other first, so that the other families are aware of what they may be talking to each other about. We also let each other know if there is something we notice.

8. Homeschoolers help other homeschoolers. We share ideas, field trips, books, advice. There is a common bond that I have seen. Normally we share a faith also, but we can normally talk learning styles, curriculum, joys and hardships. And those who have homeschooled through high school are invaluable with their wisdom.

9. It is touching those times when a lesson leads to more lessons. A history lesson led us to talk about salvation, a reading of Aesop's fables led us to talk about the dangers of credit cards, and a lesson on Hitler led us to talk about the importance of choosing the right curriculum's. I love those days

10. I love the fact that my kids are free to be who they are. They can be artistic, serious, love learning, and they are not getting picked on every day because of who they are. They know that they are loved by this family and the Lord. I truly believe this will make them more independent. They will be able to grow and become who the Lord intended them to be.

11. As busy as I am, it forces me to stay involved with my kids. I notice bad attitudes, loving gestures, right and wrong choices. I think if my kids were in school all day I wouldn't be real involved with what they are learning, and probably wouldn't ask tons of questions about school friendships. This is something in my personality, not a reflection on parents who send their kids. I know lots of people that send their kids and they are GREAT parents.

12. My kids are learning what it takes to run a small business. They see that it is a job that is 7 days a week, and really appreciate the days that we take some time away. They also know that trucks don't come loaded with product, and someone sells this all to the stores, stocks the shelves, collects the money. I have a vague idea of what my dad used to do in the military, but my kids KNOW what Knight does. They have gone with him and have learned how to do it.

13. Being with my kids all the time, they know the real me. They know the good, the bad, and the ugly so it reminds me that I can't be a hypocrite. They know that I struggle but they also see my heart. I am their mom, not their friend but yet they seem to think I'm ok (My screen saver says "Mom is cool" and they typed it!)

14. I am learning tons of stuff. This information would have been great to know when I was in school. Did you know that their is more than one way to do long division? And there are spelling/reading rules for almost everything. So nice to know!

Some idiot guy in Eau Claire made national news! Why is it always something stupid like this that makes the news? Personally, I think the movie title is perfect and I haven't even seen it.

Getting the kids to buckle up has been a struggle since they left the car seat. I'm sure it has something to do with the fact that I forget to do it all the time. I really don't mean to not buckle up, it's just something I don't think about. Personally I'm against laws mandating seat belt and car seats but I won't go their today. I am not against seat belts so we all try to remind eachother. It also might have something to do with the fact that they have never been in an accident, Thank you Lord, and quoting one of them "I don't plan on ever being in an accident."

Tuesday I wanted to go spend some time hunting the thrift stores. I had tried the night before with Knight. He is not a shopper and was also tired from working so hard for our family. Not a good combination so I gave up for the night. An appointment was canceled that I had and suddenly I had a free afternoon. WooHoo! Goodwill, here we come. Not really thinking about the phone call I got minutes before we left that told me how bad the roads are we hop into the van.

As I'm driving I do notice that the roads are getting a little slippery. I remind the kids to buckle up and tell them that the roads are dangerous.

We hit a couple stores and score some new games. I buy almost all my games at thrift stores because they are so much cheaper and almost always have all the pieces. We have a very well stocked game closet. I find some human anatomy and phsiology study cards (always looking for educational stuff) and I also find a couple new chapter books for the kids. I have a love affair with books. Not as much as I hoped to find but enough to be worth going out.

Driving home I notice a car is in the ditch in the middle of the two highways. I think to myself, "Awww that too bad. They aren't getting out anytime soon. Note to self, slow down even more."

Thats when I notice that I went a little to far to the right and slipped off the road. Not totally but enough to have to have to get over that little crease in the pavement at the white line. I'm not going super fast so no problem, right?

That little move to get us back on sends up spinning and sliding. Thankfully there was no one driving next to us. We were stopped by the snow bank on the side of the highway facing the wrong way. The wonderful gentleman behind us in a pick up watched us slide and then stopped to see that we were all ok. Then he pulled us out of the ditch. I thanked him and sent him on his way so we could drive the wrong way down the shoulder until we hit a driveway to turn around in.

J-Bell is freaked out. All the kids are a little shaken. At least for now. Later on, J-Bird exclaims on the phone to Knight, "Mom spun around on the ice. It was so fun!" Boys!

Last night I forgot to buckle up again and J-Bell askes, "Didn't you learn anything?!?!" Apparently, the kids did.

Wordless Wednesday

Oranges

Sorry these photos is blurry but I couldn't get a better one. I was going to post this on Wordless Wednesday but I thought it needed more explanation than that.

In our house we have a lazy fish. I have never seen, nor heard of a lazy fish before but here is proof that they do exist. I took pictures of him lounging in two different places to prove that he is really alive. He didn't care for the flash so he swam away and hid in the fake rock.

This beta can swim, barely. He used to be better at it and something must have happened.

All he does is sit on the bottom of the tank with his head facing toward the top of the tank. His fins are not moving. He just sits there. When you go to feed him he will get up and eat if the food doesn't come right to him but he prefers to have the food go to him.

He has been this way for months. At first we were figuring he is ready for the royal flush treatment but apparently he is just lazy.

I think at times this could only happen in my house, but then I go to other blogs and realize everyone has those quirky things that just make you smile.

I have been reading Beth Moore's book Get Out of That Pit.

I will admit that these kind of books take me a long time to read. I love reading but I've never been into the self help kind of book. I will skim it but not really read it. And as good as the Beth Moore bible studies are, I have a lot of trouble finishing them because of how involved they really are. Well, I have had this book for a while and am making my way through it. It is really good. Last night as I was reading I came up to this paragraph.

So much of our propensity toward pit-jumping springs from the fact that
somewhere down deep inside, we just don't trust God. We think He's like all the
others who have cheated or betrayed us. As my friend, Chris Thom, says, "God is
not just a big us." Like Adam and Eve, we let the enemy taunt us into believing
God is holding out on us. Our drive for the proverbial forbidden fruit is our
innate belief that what we are denied is exactly what we want most.

Maybe this won't speek to others like it did to me, but I know how selfish I really am. And I also know how untrusting of others I am. And yes, I will admit, that does carry over into my relationship with my Creator. I am trying to be willing to have God change this (and lots more) in me. I am not one to "let go and let God" easily at all. Maybe I will be able to serve him in a way that pleases him.

On a side note, if you didn't know Beth Moore's Living Proof Ministries has a blog. Written by her and her daughter. Just thought some may be interested.

I was out surfing other blogs and I found this post. I can relate to most of what she is saying. I think I liked it so much because it let me know that I'm not alone in how I feel about homeschooling. The author's name is Kendra and you can find her blog here.

What Non-Homeschoolers May Not Know • Jan. 10, 2007

Posted in Musings and Miscellany
We've been educating our children at home for ten years now. In those ten years, I have observed that there are expectations that non-homeschoolers can place on homeschooling moms simply because they lack the practical knowledge of what it means to homeschool.

If you are the mother, grandmother, sister, friend, father, or brother of a homeschooling mom, here are some things you should know:

1. Educating children at home is a full-time job. Don't get irritated if she consistently allows the answering machine to do its job. If she were a teacher in an institutional classroom, you probably wouldn't think of calling her during school hours, so try to realize that while still at home, she is keeping regular school hours, too.

2. Unlike homes in which the children are gone for eight straight hours, her home is in a constant state of activity. The children are not only home, they are home making messes. All day long. Their mother doesn't even have the opportunity to go into their rooms while they are at school and weed out the junk. And if she is like me, you might find odd homeschooly things lying around- like the month we had a dead turtle in the garage fridge.

3. Housekeeping and homeschooling are mutually exclusive. If she is doing her job educating her children academically, then her house is not being cleaned. If she takes the day to clean the house, then school wil not be accomplished.

4. Place realistic expectations on her- she cannot simultaneously teach school, make three square meals, keep a house that looks like it has sprung out of the pages of Architectural Digest, have her nails done, drive children to extracurricular activities, and have all the clothing laundered and pressed. Something's gotta give, and in my experience, it is usually her personal care. So don't expect her to don the latest styles, have her roots meticulously dyed at just the right moment, and her aforementioned nails filed and polished to perfection. And while most of us aren't slovenly, we just tend to put some superfluous aspects of personal care at the bottom of the to-do list.

5. For many of us, homeschooling isn't an option. Many believe it is not only the best way for their family, it is the only way. Many see homeschooling as a Scriptural directive. When sharing a particular struggle unique to homeschooling, comments like, "Well, why don't you consider putting them in school? Maybe homeschooling just isn't your thing" aren't helpful. Instead, offer a listening ear and your fervent prayers on her behalf.

6. If you are truly concerned about the state of her emotions, home, children, or marriage, offer practical help to ease her burden. Personal time is at a premium for her, so consider offering to take her kids for the day so she can recuperate. If you like to do laundry, offer to come over and get the loads going, fold, and/or iron. If you like to cook, consider putting together some meals that she can store in the freezer for days when time is at a premium. If she teaches a broad spectrum of ages and grades, consider offering to come in once a week or more to teach preschool to the little ones. One grandma I know created "Nana U" for her preschool grandson (number five of seven) and not only did it ease her homeshooling daughter's burden, it created a special bond between grandma and the child.

But there’s a caveat here: ASK her what would be most helpful to her. Don’t presume to know what would help her. Taking the oldest children for the day might be fun for you, but it’s quite possibly not at all helpful to her. The living room might need to be vacuumed, but it’s not helpful if she’s trying to take a nap. Someone once told me, “If it’s not wanted, it’s not helpful.”

7. Think about what a financial burden homeschooling may be placing on the family. The loss of her possible income can be a real struggle nowadays, and you might be able to buoy her for another year by offering to purchase little things like simple school supplies. Gifts for the children like books on subjects of interest to the child, field trip fees, museum memberships, and the money to pay for music lessons or other extracurricular activities are the best thing you could give a homeschooling family. Not only does a homeschooling mom not need one more thing to manage or pick up, she would be thrilled to see you take an interest in the many academic items on her wish list.

8. Simple questions like, "How can I pray for you?" and "Is there any way I can help you?" are like a cool breeze in her life. Don't assume you know her needs- ask. You could just be the vessel God uses to carry her on through this very demanding and ultimately rewarding season of her life.

Welcome to the blogging party....
If you have never been here let me extend a warm welcome and introduce myself. My name is De and I have been blogging since Aug '06. What started as a way to keep the extended family better updated on our lives quickly became much more. It is our way to share this precious family with others, a way of self expression, and also a way for me to connect with the outside world. We are a Christian family trying our best to walk the walk instead of talk the talk, we are a homeschooling family with 4 great kids who keep things entertaining, my knight in shining armor drives a Little Debbie truck instead of a horse, and I am privileged to spend most of my time with my kids. I love sharing our paradise with other people and would love it if you would leave a comment so I know you came to visit and so I can stop at your place and visit you. My favorite past time is reading great blogs. Welcome and make yourself at home, and grab some nutty bars and swiss rolls while you are here.

Ahhh, snow.

I think this is hilarious! Apparently even I don't live in the US. My last name does not exist in the US so none of us are here. Wow! I think I'm invisible. Can anyone see me?!?!?

HowManyOfMe.com

There are: 0 people with my name in the U.S.A. How many have your name?

I will tattle on myself. Yesterday things didn't go so smoothly in this house.

It all started with a not so good night sleep.

Then the little ones were making Ramen in the microwave and forgot to add the water so the Ramen burnt and melted the bowl. Start of the stinky kitchen.

Lit some candles to help with the smell

For supper I decided to make spaghetti and fired up the laptop so I could catch up on Prison Break while making dinner. I popped breadsticks into the microwave to thaw them before putting them in the oven. I forgot to take the twist tie off and so the bag caught fire. It was caught before it ruined the breadsticks so I got the fire out (breadsticks were still half frozen) and popped the breadsticks into the oven.

Prison Break started getting really good. I was stirring my spaghetti and my sauce. I forgot about the breadsticks! I caught it before they were burnt (thanks to PC stonewear) but they were crispy.

Ahhh, Paradise.

As if you all needed proof......

You May Be a Bit Borderline...

Your mood swings make a roller coaster look tame! When you're up, you're a little bit crazy... And when you're down, your whole world is crashing Scary thing is, these moods can change by the minute!

What Personality Disorder Are You?

Wordless One word Wednesday

Wishing.....

Ok, I'll just share a proud mom moment of mine. I started the kids blogs with the hopes that they learn to love to write. I love writing and was hoping they would do the same. Desti has been the only one who has seemed to pick this up. She like writing on her blog. Yesterday J-Bell wanted to write on her blog so I logged her in and didn't give it another thought. This morning when I read it I was really proud at how she is expressing herself, and even using emoticons! There's hope! Today I get to go with Poppy and see that little baby she's carrying. I don't know why but I am SO excited. Maybe it's just spending time with her. She's so fun.

We are going a little stir-crazy in this house. I don't think the kids have it as much as mom and dad.

We wanted to take them to Action City this weekend but when we looked on the radar we realized that we were going to get all the snow that was predicted for us. (I guess that is one for the weatherman) We ended up surprising the kids with a night at the Americinn in RL. It was so fun!

I packed everything up while they were playing games and then sent them to do their chores so I could get it in the van. We told them we were going furniture shopping. We are looking for a couch so they were asking about that. We told them we were going to look at beds.

When we pulled into the hotel they still thought we were just furniture shopping but looking at the beds in the hotel. Knight went in while the kids and I waited in the car. I gave them some story about we need to find out what room is available to see the beds.

Then, since J-Bell and J-Bird were in the back seat I told them there was a blanket in the trunk and I would like it.

They look in the back and ask "why is there a suitcase back here?"

Desti gets impatient and adds, "(deep sigh) Just get the blanket!" still not realizing why we would have pulled up to a hotel with a suitcase?!?!?

It didn't take long to figure out what was going on, but it was great to watch them realize it. Once we got upstairs the asked if I brought their swimsuits too. Then they were REAL excited when they found out I am smart enough to remember that they may want to swim.

I did forget one swim suit and the pool toys but since the hotel is 6 miles from our house we ran home and back. Good times had by all, thanks to Knight. It was his idea.

The homeschool group went bowling today. It was a good time. Everyone had bumpers so even the moms did well. I think I only used the bumper once. That's pretty good considering I'm down to bowling once a year. If you want to see the individual pictures they are in the web photos on the side bar.

Akiane Kramarik - Spiritual Young Artist

Twins--

Born 2 1/2 years apart to 2 different mothers.

Twiggy had her mom call and ask if Rara would wear the outfit they gave her for her birthday so they could be twins. Such cute twins. I think I need to keep twiggy at my house. She is such a sweet girl and so much fun to have around. In fact I'll keep Daisy and Rocky too!

Rara has this thing with walking around with her hat turned backward saying "Yo, Yo Dude!" She flips a sign with her hands. She has also been practicing her beatboxing lately. So what does a loving mother do? I look at her and tell her to look in the mirror. She gets there (with Desti in tow) and stares. I ask "what color is your skin?" With all sincerity they are trying to figure out what I mean and want to know if I mean that her cheeks are pink. What innocence.

Some of my favorite things...

Black tea

The laptop

A nice bath

Then I decide all three will be even better! So without further thought (oops) I heat up a large cup of my tea to boiling, run my bath, grab the laptop and set it on the john. (no I am not stupid enough to try balancing it on the edge of the tub. I sit down and start clicking away and Knight walks in. I move the computer, grab the tea and shut the curtain (I don't care for that kind of splashing when I'm in the tub). When done he walks out with the laptop back in place and I move the curtain back. That is where my brain should have been working. The tea was on the curtain but now has fallen into my bath, burning my leg and making me drain the water losing my bubbles. Honestly I can't believe how badly it hurts even after another bath and time to heal (an hour). Will that teach me? Probably not.

I am reminded that this blog is supposed to be about our family life instead of life in YouTube so here is our update.

Yesterday was a great blessing with the weather turning and I was able to kick the kids outside to play. I told them to go out and I headed upstairs to clean the bathroom. As I was washing the window I saw my children outside. The first day out in a long time and they chose to wash the car! I figured it would be a little cold for that but it really needed it, so why stop them. Pretty soon they were complaining that they felt frostbit and wanted to come in. At least they got some outside time.

Other than that not too much going on. I have slowly started my spring cleaning. We decided to move Knight and my bedroom upstairs. I have to admit I didn't go upstairs very often at all. Moving up there made me realize that I needed to be up there more. So I have my to do list to get this place more organized but with all the daily stuff to do, it takes so much more time to get things gone through.

There is a peek into our house. Not real exciting. That's why I call it Paradise.

Beatboxing flute inspector gadget remix

this is talent

sleeping in a chair prank

Ok, so this made me laugh so hard. I know it's mean but if you need a good laugh, here's one

This is ridiculous!

Last Friday we went to the library to do my returns and to pick up some movies. I picked up the movie Flight Plan to watch this week. I have wanted to see it since it came out.

It's in my house. I can watch it when ever I want. I even homeschool so obviously I have all day to watch this movie. Now comes to today. The movie is due tomorrow. Would you like my review of the movie? Well, I don't have one! I haven't watched the movie yet and honestly don't really plan on watching it today. Oh well, at least it was free.

On another note last night was "red night" for the kids at church. The kids were supposed to wear red. So I made up some face paint, and painted the kids' face, hair, and hands. Here is a picture of the kids ready to go. The paint did end up staining the face a little so poor Riah (in the purple shirt) had to go to school like that this morning.

On my last note. Congrats Dahls on your package! Think Barbara (Barbie)!!

Ok, so here is complete naked honesty. I react to hormone levels. I can tell you when my estrogen is high, when it is low, etc. I get in wierd moods (yes, even more than normal). Close to my monthly visitor I can't stand the thought of being "romantic".

Now here comes Valentines day.

The pressure is on. The hormones are high. Not a good combination.

Then Aunt Flo shows up. Ahhh. I have never been so happy to have a visit from her. There are days that I wish her monthly visits would just stop and I could have my hormones consistant but I do love to blame her for things too. So for this month I will just say, Welcome Aunt Flo.

Yes, I know, TMI (Too Much Information) but since I really don't think many men read this anyway I thought most of you would understand. And if you are a man reading this, just ask your wife, mom, sister, or neighbor lady who Aunt Flo is. :-)

Here's a quick history lesson on Valentines Day.
The holiday's roots are in the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia, a fertility celebration commemorated annually on February 15. Pope Gelasius I recast this pagan festival as a Christian feast day circa 496, declaring February 14 to be St. Valentine's Day. Which St. Valentine this early pope intended to honor remains a mystery: according to the Catholic Encyclopedia, there were at least three early Christian saints by that name. One was a priest in Rome, another a bishop in Terni, and of a third St. Valentine almost nothing is known except that he met his end in Africa. Rather astonishingly, all three Valentines were said to have been martyred on Feb. 14.
It was not until the 14th century that this Christian feast day became definitively associated with love. According to UCLA medieval scholar Henry Ansgar Kelly, author of Chaucer and the Cult of Saint Valentine, it was Chaucer who first linked St. Valentine's Day with romance.
In 1381, Chaucer composed a poem in honor of the engagement between England's Richard II and Anne of Bohemia. As was the poetic tradition, Chaucer associated the occasion with a feast day. In "The Parliament of Fowls," the royal engagement, the mating season of birds, and St. Valentine's Day are linked:
For this was on St. Valentine's Day, When every fowl cometh there to choose his mate.
Over the centuries, the holiday evolved, and by the 18th century, gift-giving and exchanging hand-made cards on Valentine's Day had become common in England. Hand-made valentine cards made of lace, ribbons, and featuring cupids and hearts eventually spread to the American colonies. The tradition of Valentine's cards did not become widespread in the United States, however, until the 1850s, when Esther A. Howland, a Mount Holyoke graduate and native of Worcester, Mass., began mass-producing them. Today, of course, the holiday has become a booming commercial success. According to the Greeting Card Association, 25% of all cards sent each year are valentines.
Personally I think Al Capone knew how to celebrate this holiday the best.

Expanding table

I know it's just a table but I love it! This is so cool. Now I think I need a dining room that would fit it.

We finally finished celebrating Rara's birthday. We had some people over for dinner on her birthday and then this weekend we went down to a hotel with a little water park and met up with the cousins, grandparents, aunts, and uncles. It was a short trip but the kids had a good time and were able to brush up on their swimming skills a little before summer. It is so nice to have all my kids be able to swim enough to enjoy the pool without life jackets or floaties. I am able to sit by the side of the pool and read a book if I want. It's amazing but I didn't get in the water at all. I love the water but between visiting with people and disciplining my children I was not able to take a dip. It is a blessing that I had something to read. I have been wanting a new book but every time I go to buy one I can't find anything that looks good. On my way down to the hotel we went to church where a friend had a book and valentines day card for me so I was blessed to have something. Here are some pictures of our time(s) celebrating this week.

8 things for my 8 year old

1.Eight years ago today your Daddy and I became outnumbered by the kids.

2.Eight years ago today you entered the world with only one push.

3.Eight years ago today when you entered the world you were bright pink and you scored the best possible score on the Apgar scale.

4.For the last eight years we have witnessed you grow up to be a sweet girl who tries to be positive and doesn't like to say the word no.

5.For the last eight years your personality has come out and you love to be in front of the camera posing just so you can laugh at the picture.

6.In the last eight years you were my easiest to potty train, you have started to read chapter books, write cursive more ledgeable than your sisters and today you are done with car seats!

7.Eight years ago I could kiss you and you wouldn't wipe them off, but as soon as you could let us know how much you didn't like spit you have wiped off any kiss you have recieved. (I hope this is a trait you keep until you are married!)

8. There are so many special things about you that I love. You are a beautiful, talented girl and I am thrilled that God has let me be your mommy. Happy golden birthday my precious 8 year old.

The people that know me also know that I am not the most adventurous eater. I know what I like and tend to stick with those foods. I have been trying to make some new stuff lately, in part to use up some leftovers in the fridge, partly because I am just bored of the food we eat. Anything I make that is different is met with my children making faces and finding something wrong with it. It tastes funny, has an aftertaste, didn't taste the way they expected, etc. I have taken this as a challenge to get them to eat new foods with a better attitude so I am making new dishes more often and making them eat it. They are not happy but I guess I have to be a mom and make something other than the family favorites so they will broaden their tastes. It is teaching me many things that the Lord needs me to learn. So here I'm going to say, Mom, I am SO sorry for making your life just a little more frustrating by being a picky eater.

As things happen that makes me feel out of control of my life I react by doing something new and different. You know how it is. "Oh honey, I think we need a puppy. I know we don't want the mess, the added responsibility, the potty training, chewing, barking. But it will be fun. I need something else to think about than the everyday stuff that is in my life year after year." I am a MASTER at justifying these decisions. Yesterday I was looking forward to closing a chapter of our life because there was going to be an auction to forclose on someone that owes us a lot of money (at least we think it's a lot of money) and this chapter was going to be done. Well, the guy did the one thing he could do to drag this out longer. Now, I know that the Lords timing is perfect. I know that He will take care of us. I also know that this would not have been the best timing for us to have had the auction. Knight handles the news by talking to anyone that he can. He will talk and talk and talk for three days then he will get over it. We have seen a pattern in the past on how he handles this type of stuff. Me, I just find something new to occupy my brain. So what do I do? I make blogs for each of my children. When KInight comes home and asks why I decided to let each of them have a blog I pulled out my great excuse book. "I really want them to learn how to express themselves with the written word. It will help with spelling, grammar, and writing." He just replied "Ok, Teach." Hee Hee, I AM good.

As "us locals" are doing our best to stay indoors and stay warm I thought I would share some interesting facts to think about. Some you may know, some may surprise you, some I just don't know if I believe but you know that everything you receive in a forwarded email HAS to be true! Here they are:
Stewardesses" is the longest word typed with only the left hand and "lollipop" with your right.
Maine is the only state whose name is just one syllable.
No word in the English language rhymes with month, orange, silver, or purple.
"Dreamt" is the only English word that ends in the letters "mt".
Our eyes are always the same size from birth, but our nose and ears never stop growing.
The sentence: "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog" uses every letter of the alphabet.
The words 'racecar,' 'kayak' and 'level' are the same whether they are read left to right or right to left
There are only four words in the English language which end in "dous": tremendous, horrendous, stupendous, and hazardous.
There are two words in the English language that have all five vowels in order: "abstemious" and "facetious."
TYPEWRITER is the longest word that can be made using the letters only on one row of the keyboard.
All 50 states are listed across the top of the Lincoln Memorial on the back of the $5 bill.
A dime has 118 ridges around the edge.
A cat has 32 muscles in each ear.
A goldfish has a memory span of three seconds.
A "jiffy" is an actual unit of time for 1/100th of a second.
A shark is the only fish that can blink with both eyes.
A snail can sleep for three years.
Al Capone's business card said he was a used furniture dealer.
Almonds are a member of the peach family.
An ostrich's eye is bigger than its brain.
Babies are born without kneecaps. They don't appear until the child reaches 2 to 6 years of age.
February 1865 is the only month in recorded history not to have a full moon.
In the last 4,000 years, no new animals have been domesticated.
If the population of China walked past you, 8 abreast, the line would never end because of the rate of reproduction.
If you are an average American, in your whole life, you will spend an average of 6 months waiting at red lights. Leonardo Da Vinci invented the scissors.
On a Canadian two dollar bill, the flag flying over the Parliament building is an American flag.
Peanuts are one of the ingredients of dynamite!
Rubber bands last longer when refrigerated.
The average person's left hand does 56% of the typing.
The cruise liner, QE2, moves only six inches for each gallon of diesel that it burns.
The microwave was invented after a researcher walked by a radar tube and a chocolate bar melted in his pocket.
The winter of 1932 was so cold that Niagara Falls froze completely solid.
There are more chickens than people in the world.
Winston Churchill was born in a ladies' room during a dance.
Women blink nearly twice as much as men.
Money isn't made out of paper, it's made out of cotton
The Declaration of Independence was written on hemp (marijuana) Paper.
The dot over the letter I is called a "tittle"
A raisin dropped in a glass of fresh champagne will bounce up and Down continuously from the bottom of the glass to the top
40% of McDonald's profits come from the sales of Happy Meals.
315 entries in Webster's 1996 Dictionary were misspelled.
Warren Beatty and Shirley MacLaine are brother and sister.
Orcas (killer whales) kill sharks by torpedoing up into the shark's stomach from underneath, causing the shark to explode.
Donald Duck comics were banned from Finland because he doesn't wear pants.
Ketchup was sold in the 1830's as medicine
Leonardo DA Vinci could write with one hand and draw with the other at the same time
There are no clocks in Las Vegas gambling casinos
The name Wendy was made up for the book Peter Pan; there was never a recorded Wendy before
By raising your legs slowly and lying on your back, you can't sink in quicksand
Celery has negative calories! It takes more calories to eat a piece of celery than the celery has in it to begin with. It's the same with apples!
The glue on Israeli postage stamps is certified kosher
Guinness Book of Records holds the record for being the book most Often stolen from Public Libraries.
Astronauts are not allowed to eat beans before they go into space because passing wind in a space suit damages it.

Doesn't that look like such a nice day? The sun is shining, a thin layer of snow on the ground, it looks nice and crisp. Is it? NO! It is -25 degrees. Schools are closed, Knights truck took an hour to get started, and I had to get out of bed. Poor Knight has to load truck in this. But I am thankful that I have a furnace. Until it warms up I am doing my best to not leave my house. Brrrrrr!!!!!!!

Ok, Dahls posted about a blogging contest and so I linked over and was impressed with what I read. There is a contest and it looks fun. Click here if you want to enter. It looks like a fun blog.

Yeah!!!! The rat groundhog did not see his shadow so spring will be here in 2 weeks! I am so glad God gave a rodent the ability to forcast the weather! Just makes me want to go rent Groundhog Day. On another note, the Murry Quad is being born today, so please pray for safety during delivery and fast growth for those little boys.

Confession:
I spend way too much time on the computer. I really didn't think that I did. I check in throughout the day but I get my stuff done. Not THAT much time, so I thought. Last night I had a dream that I was interested in. It was exciting, dramatic, fun. So in my dream I started clicking fast forward with my mouse so I could find out the end. I guess I DO spend just a little too much time on the computer.

Yes, I know that it was curiosity that killed the cat but I just have want to know: Who are you, Olive Branch, Mississippi. I really don't mind that you check the blog, actually it's nice to know someone reads that doesn't actually know me face to face but I am just curious. I just want a first name so I can stop thinking of you as Olive Branch. Sorry if this freaks you out, I really don't know anything else but your town. Have a great day.

I was able to get Rara's new swim suit made yesterday. It's hard to see in this picture but I played with the design this time. I added a skirt, took off the sleeves, adjusted the waste. Desti wants me to make one for her so hopefully that is what I can accomplish for the day. We are hoping to take the kids to a hotel for Rara's birthday so we need to have them all done by then. So much for stay at home moms sitting around watching soaps, eating bon bons.

For the locals who may be interested... I heard from the superintendent and he is going to provide us with the books we asked for next year. I will be getting the TOG recommended books, winston grammar, natural speller, math u see, and the signing times set. Open enrollment is from Feb 5-23 and he may be willing to work out something specific for you. I am providing the TOG outline and science since it is Christian based. If you want more info, you know where to find me.

I was tagged by Poppy so here are my five little known facts about me

1. I have been nude in a bank. Ok, so I was two years old at the time and stripped AT the bank while my mom was banking. I think most of who comes on here will not be surprised by that and probably expected something like that but I doubt many knew about it.

2. Deep down I am very emotional. I do not show my emotions to people and I HATE to cry, even when I'm alone. But I am very aware of them and do my best not to be controlled by them

3. My two life dreams that I am sure will never come true but I still would love to do them are: taking a year to backpack through Europe and taking a year and living out of my car and just traveling to where ever the wind blows.

4. I fully believe I am a flake at heart. Responsibility tends to win when the two are at odds but if my family didn't keep me grounded I would take living by the seat of my pants to the level of stupidity, daily.

5. I don't care for Little Debbie products. I may grab one every couple weeks when I just need chocolate but if there is ANYTHING else I will choose that instead.

Now I think everyone that I know that has a blog it leaves me nobody to tag. So I'll throw out this...What is five things on your to do list before you die? I will start by asking JoGirl and Dahls

It's monday. It's snowing. It's cold. All of the things I don't like about life and yet I am not grumpy because as of right now we are over this sickness. I think it is safe to say that we can all go to church on Wednesday. It was SO good to get back there yesterday. I always feel like I have been gone SO long when I miss a service. 3 in a row is like a month! I have been gone from the services for 11 days and they build a new wall, a family moves back to the area, they have had a mens meeting. I get the feeling that if I blink I won't recognize anything. On another note, I was able to go see my mommy and sisters this weekend! What a good time. Hopefully things will slow down (right!) and I will get more of a chance to see them. The kids miss grandma and grandpa too. But things are looking up. Now to get the house back in order.

DDR: Amazing five year old kid.

This is impressive

I made it up of Office Max, and let me tell you, these scrapbook pages are great! :-) Seriously, they are ok. It was $1.99 for an 8x10. No too bad. It looks like I'm going to try going to the craft night either tonight if Knight gets done early enough or tomorrow if everyone is still feeling sick. Some of you think you misheard read me but you didn't. I have had enough sickness to last until next winter. Nobody gets sick in Hawaii do they? Who's up for moving with me and the kids? Knight has this thing with Wisconsin. Any takers? Only think you can't bring is sickness and snow/cold weather.

Stay tuned... I have been learning how to digital scrapbook. Now if I can only figure out how to publish it..... This thing is so frustrating. I can make pages, play with everything, add whatever I want and it all stops there. I can't email it, post it, nothing electronic. It won't even save in a picture format. I have to save as a PDF just to bring it to get it printed. Now lets HOPE that they can read it so I can at least print the stuff. On a lighter note, that light at the end of the illness tunnel seems to be dimming. Calgone, take me away...

After a week of everyone being sick I have started to see hope of an end to all of this. Right now nobody is sleeping or lying in the living room. This is a BIG improvement. We are still going to stay away from church again tonight to make sure we can't spread it any further but I can almost be sure that we can make it on Sunday. Yeah!!! And just maybe we can get down and see my mom before she heals up completely from her latest surgery and gets back to work.

Ok, Poppy is getting her new laptop today so it is time to update the blog, FINALLY! We have all been waiting, checking it every now and again, wishing we would have new pictures and cute funny stories about those adorable little ones of yours. So post, Poppy. We can't wait anymore. Also, welcome to the world of Dell. You won't be disappointed.

Illness...It has been 4 days (and counting) it has gone through 3 kids, both parents don't feel 100% and the kids are still praying to be able to go on the field trip tomorrow. We have decided to just stay at home and do nothing and hopefully heal up. On a lighter note we now know exactly what is on tv at all hours.

The kids have witnessed sleepwalking today. Rara has been pretty sick. High fever, sore throat. Not strep (at least that is what the rapid test said). J-Bell rented Spy Kids 3-D which takes place inside a video game. The kids have watched it a couple times and then Rara took a nap today. As I'm in the basement doing laundry I hear her start to cry. By the time I get up stairs the rest of the kids have a freaked out look on their face and Rara's just standing there. I ask Rara what she wants and she lets me know she wants everyone to come in the video game with her. It will be more fun! As this is not my first go round with this type of thing I lay her back down and ask if she wants to pray. That takes care of it. For some reason that always seems to snap them awake (?) so then I have to explain to the rest of the group. AHHHH! Paradise!

Last night as Knight and I were sitting on the couch J-Bird asked if he could be on the computer (again). Honestly I get tired of the computer, tv, and video games entertaining them. They get bored and fight with eachother. So I have been thinking of what I can do to keep them busy. At the time J-Bird asked I still had not come up with anything great but I told him to go build me something. He can use everything that does not plug in (no power tools). He got J involved J-Bell involved and they started building a ramp for his new rc hummer.






















While that was going on Rara and Desti wanted to pose for pictures. They enjoyed hamming it up for the camera. All poses are their creation. Aren't they just so sweet.

manta ray take off

this looks like fun!!!

Yesterday we hooked our satellite dish back up. Ok, actually we took some of our Christmas money and paid someone to hook it up. It is great to have Sky Angel back again and it's better than when we left it 6 years ago. They now carry Fox News, H&G, Hallmark, and Hallmark Movie Channel. I love the fact that I don't have to be super careful about what the kids are watching. Years ago we purchased a lifetime membership so no monthly fees for us. After redoing our budget this will be a nice filler for the lack of an entertainment fund. But we cannot deny that the Lord provides our needs and a lot of our wants.

Last night Knight and I slept in the living room. For some reason we get in the mood to do that every now and then so I brought the spare mattress out and we fell asleep to a movie, the romantic movie "The Ten Comandments". So I went to roll over last night and opened my eyes for a split second to find my son just sitting and staring at me. As I try to get my heart to stop racing he explains that he had a bad dream but didn't want to wake me. So thoughtful. I think it would have been easier to wake up to someone touching and talking than just a face staring at you.

A great big happy birthday to one of our favorite nephews!!! He's one on Friday. It only gets better from here on out.

You are at the right site, just updated!!!

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.

Last night J-Bell wanted to cook supper because it was a project for her bible study. So I helped knight with loading truck while the kids walked down to the store for some of the ingredients she needed for her meal. When we got home we walked into a restaurant with 2 waitresses all dressed up, a candle light dinner prepared. As we ate our appetizer (fruit cocktail) they took our taco orders. While we ate our tacos the girls entertained us with song and dance. Then we had chocolate chip cookie bars for desert. They even provided a check so we could pay them. The meal was only $29.95 a person but I felt the service was so great I tipped big. I gave them $900.00!
As much as I liked it when they were small, I am enjoying it even more as they grow. I am truely blessed

As Knight and I were trying to lay down and take a Sunday nap we were able to giggle into dreamland over this conversation with J-Bird. Keep in mind we have two types of clothes-- church clothes and non church clothes.
Knight (to J-Bird)-"before lunch I'd like you to change into work clothes"
Me (not sure if he'd understand "work" clothes)- "or play clothes"
J-Bird- "ok, play."

coming down after changing

Knight "did you get work clothes on?"
J-Bird- "but Mom said I could pick PLAY clothes"

I guess he won't be working today

Here is my Thankful Thursday this week. I have decided to list some of my favorite things.

Whoever created eBay is a genius and deserves to be as rich as Bill Gates. Maybe I spend too much time on this wonderful little site and even the word eBay has now become a verb in our house as in "I'm eBaying right now"


Another favorite is my heated mattress pad. This has actually never left my bed since the day it has entered my home. It is nice to rarely crawl into a cold bed (only when I forget to turn it on). My bedroom does not have heat in it so this has let me stay in my room on cold nights.





I am one to always have my candles burning. I don't know what it is about candles but it sure lifts the mood on most days. Right now it is "pumpkin spice" that is on my mantle
Speaking of my mantle--for those who have not seen it here is my fire place. Have a great day.

Ok, so Knight was complaining that I don't put enough pictures on this blog. Ok, so he may not have been complaining but everything sounds bad at 5am. Here is the family making pumpkin pies and pumkin bread out of the pumpkin he bought for the kids. We were able to spend Sunday visiting some family and bring them either some bread or pie. It was so nice to see who we did. We don't get down there enough, so when we do- we never want to leave. Somedays I wish we lived closer, and other times I wish they would come spend the day with us (HINT HINT!!!).