I am a Collector

I avoid clutter.

I do not really have a favorite hobby of sorts.

I am in awe of those that have special collections.

But, I have discovered this -

I am a Collector.... also.

Here are some of the things that I have discovered that I love to Collect:

*Smiles.

*Moments with my teens.

*Verses from Scripture.

*Good thoughts.

*Tasty/healthy recipes.

*Kisses and hugs from my babies.

*Holding my husbands hand. All the time.

*Family dinner time.

*Sundays. Sabbath.

*True friends

*my children's expressions when they accomplish something.

*Listening to music from my children's heart.

*Prayer time with my little one's

*Quiet time.

*Notes from my children on my pillow when I go to bed.

*Seeing the Lord work His will and His way.

I AM a collector. I would pay a pretty penny ( or more) for these priceless collector items.

Wouldn't you?

Creating an environment..

.....we can live with.

Ok.. I do this a lot. Re-create. I call it survival. It takes a lot of adjustments to daily life to keep our family running.

I always know when things are a little out of "whack," ( does any one else use this lingo?)

Here are some tell-tale signs of my life getting a little out of balance:
* I find myself raising my voice. ( this is my #1 first clue)...
* I cry over little things
* I become dissatisfied with the way things are and see much negativity
*Life becomes overwhelmingly overwhelming ( more than the usual)
*I am more impatient
*My house seems quite chaotic ( for it is usually an average calm)- (new term I made up..like it?)
*I find myself using this phrase a lot- "I cannot believe...!! "

I am sure that there are no other woman out there.... whether a mom, single, work-out-of the home, etc, that finds themselves in this self-incriminating position.
But... I do.

And when I realize that I am having "overload symptoms," or "things are out of control" symptoms,,, well... I step back, and not so calmly see that I need to make some changes.

Like the other day.... went to the store... opened the van door, and out poured McDonalds wrappers. Bad, bad, bad.
Headed into the store, saw my babies face was dirty, my son's hair was sticking up, and I had duct tape stuck to the bottom of my shoe. ( which in turn was "collecting" any loose gum off of the pavement and sticking to the tape.) gross, gross, gross.
Return home to our new puppy chasing one of the chickens all over the yard, and the kids asking why the front door had been left wide open.
Then realizing that I had neglected to make a committed stop at a friends home, and having to call her and explain.
Marching up stairs to the ever- ( not) so organized laundry room for some jammies after the little one's baths, to find Mt. Everest on the folding counter, and proceeding to step very heavily down the stairs to find the "culprit of neglect" for their designated zone.
Dinner you ask? Not a good idea.
Life just gets crazier after this.
stepped barefoot on an army man - began yelling AT the said Army Man.
Gathered any clutter laying around that I could see and piled HIGH into my foyer - for everyone to see, trip over and put away.
Told my children to go to bed at 6 p.m. ..
Crazy, huh?

THIS is when the symptoms above begin... I see stars, and laundry piles to the ceiling,, I think I have lost my mind, and my children/home is falling to pieces.

I AM SO HAPPY to share with you that when this happens,, I have learned to QUICKLY step back - regain ground - make many changes that will Create an environment of peace, organization, and happiness for my full home.

We all have to do this. It involves a re-vamping of the mind, the schedules, the chores, the menus, responsibilities, and the heart.
I find life to settle into a "new normal," after this. I like normal.. but the "new normals," everyone likes here.

Here are some tips for Re-creating an environment you can live in:
*Identify what has changed to make life so crazy
*Make a systematic list of changes - without feeling overwhelmed with just making the list
*Implement helpers if able
*Cut-down on outside distractions
*Focus on your heart-goals
*Keep the Lord first in all of this
*Balance home( meals, chores, and happiness) with outside duties
*Talk to a good friend who can relate

That is not to say that you will see me at the store minus the duct tape on my shoe, or at the gym without spit-up in my work-out pants. I cannot even promise that my childs face will always be clean.
BUT if you were to peek into my heart ( and not my van) , you would see contentment and not frustration at where I am in life.
( I hope you don't have to see me "out of whack" sometime. - although YOU might find it hysterical.)

Feel this way? Don't worry - we all get there, and most of the time, can re-create a "new normal."

And when you start to see those Crazy Symptoms appear - Here's My HUG for you in advance!!

A Heart Full...

My Heart is Full. Not heavy... But full.

I see my life happen in Seasons. I seem to even name the Seasons in my life as I look back? Do you do this also?

This is my Season of Motherhood/Learning.
I have learned so much about myself as a mom. As, I am sure all of us do that walk this road.

My heart is full right now of overwhelming thankfulness, amazing wonder, and incredible thoughts of love for many I know.
So many I know are hurting. Hurting in a way that I cannot fix.

This is one thing that I have come to see about me. I tend to be a "fixer." I always have been. And I always will NOT be. Why?
Because, this is not my job - it is God's.

I see hurting friends, strangers, loved ones, and I want to fix their pain. I take it on. I am learning that my heart can be full of love, prayer, sympathy, empathy, and helpfulness, but, when it comes to fixing - I am not even close to being able to help in the way that my Heavenly Father can,

He has shown me to step back. Step far back. Let Him heal, let Him mend, and I follow when He leads. Not when I see it as best.
Just when we think we are doing a heart full of good, we sometimes can be doing a job that we weren't meant to do.

In my daily Bible reading the last few weeks, I have come across a word that I KNOW the Lord was giving to me to hold onto.
A word that I have filled my heart with.
And so, now I have a heart full of COURAGE.

Here are some of the verses:

Psalms 27:14 - "Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, wait, on the Lord."

Psalms 31:24- "Be of good courage and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord."

I am waiting on the Lord. My heart is strengthened. I will cast all my care upon Him, and help carry other's burdens.

But, He is doing the fixing! Phew'!

Character of Our Lives

"The Character of our lives is in all of the little moments."

If I am "shaken" in life, what comes out of me, is what is really inside of me.

Our Annual Trip to the Pumpkin Farm. More pictures coming soon! Gotta love Fall fun!

Telephone Voice

"Hello McCarthy's, This is _______, How may I help you?"

Every family answers the telephone in a different way.
This is how we answer.
We also get a lot of compliments on our children being polite, and respectful when they answer the phone.
I do not say this in a boastful way - please understand that I am not like that.
This is just an area that we have trained our children to meet a standard of being polite, and they are not allowed to answer the phone until they are able to do this.

I journal this why? Scenario:

Phone rings .... I am speaking to my children in a not -so - nice voice, the middle of a conflict, and the children hand me the phone... I go from a hearty-conflict voice, to a sweet-soft "Hello McCarthy's, How may I help you?"

THIS IS OUR TELEPHONE VOICE... Changed in an instant from frustration, maybe anger, ungodly speech.. to a "sweet, hello - how are you?" Voice.
Not so good.

So when I am training my children to use their telephone voice, it is understood, that we not ONLY answer the phone sweetly, respectfully, and politely for others to benefit,,, but we are called to remember Scripture - and our speech should exemplify this all of the time.
"Pleasant WORDS are an honeycomb... sweet to the soul, health to the bones."

May we teach our children, by example, in WORD and DEED, to use our telephone voices ALL of the time.

Stone Soup

Ava discovered rocks this week.
So, what did I do?
Took her picture, of course.

( and I didn't make stone soup... sorry)..

It's a Party- Join Me!!

Isn't this the prettiest blog button?
I borrowed it from my friend Lynnette.
It is my favorite time of the year- and so I am joining in this Harvest blog party, and hope that you will too!
You don't know what to do?
It is SIMPLE!

It's a Get to Know You Party-If you don't know enough about me yet- Here are Some Silly Questions and Some Silly/Weird Answers..

AND then.. Just click on the very pretty Blog Party Button above to visit my friend Lynnette, and more bloggers as they join in the same fun!

Lynnette has the greatest ideas , doesn't she?

OK--- Here are the questions that I answered top help "re-introduce" myself.

1. What is your favorite thing to snack on while you're blogging?

Hmmm..... I love chewing gum. I am sure it is an annoying habit.. in fact, when my children chew gum, it annoys me,, but I do chew gum while blogging.

2. What is one thing you wouldn't want to live without?

I suppose this question could be spiritually "deep," or ridiculously shallow.. soo..I could not live with out my refrigerator. There,, that was easy.

3. Beach, Mountains or Farm? Where would you live if you had a choice?

I would definitely say Farm. We live in the country,, near the Farms, and although I LOVE the beach,, I love living here.

4. What's your least favorite chore/household duty?

Cleaning the refrigerator. Hate it. I pay my kids big "bucks" to do this. LOL

5.. Prefer parties and socializing or staying at home with the fam?

I am not a party girl, although we are always entertaining here. What a dichotomy! BUT--- I do LOVE having fun... here or away!

6. Do you sleep in your make up or remove it like a good girl every night?

I always remove my make-up at night. I am an Oil-of - Olay girl! Haven't you seen me in their ads?

7. Do you have a hidden talent or a deep desire to learn something that you've never had a chance to learn? What is it?

I have no hidden talents. None at all. I have always wanted to learn calligraphy though- Will someone teach me? Pleeasse!

9.What's one strange thing you're really good at?

I am really good at Story-telling. Presentations to Children and Teaching. Is this like a boastful question/answer ? Man, I hope not... that was so hard for me to say that I am really good at something.

10. What first attracted you to your spouse?

His hand-shake. Long-story. Another post. Heehee..Got you wondering, huh?

11. What is something you love to smell?

I love the smell of Fall. I also love the smell of my husbands after-shave or cologne. Mmmm..

12. Tell something about you that you know irritates people.

Wow,, this would take too long. Heehee..

13. When you have extra money (HA!) what's the first thing you think to do with it?

I spend it on my children or husband. ( Or an Iced-Caramel Latte - I am not hard to please you see?)

14. Are you a silent laugher or a loud laugher? What makes you laugh the hardest?

I am not a silent laugher. ( BTW- my spell-check said this is NOT a word- laugher!!).

Maybe my laughing out loud annoys people? Would you even tell me if it did? lol..

15. Where is your favorite place to shop?

Target. Target, and Hallmark Store.

16. What's one thing you'd do more often if you had more time?

Read, and Cross-Stitch. Maybe, visit with my friends more? Oh.. wait--the question said ONE thing! Ooopss!

17. Are you a big spender or frugal?

I pretend to be frugal. I try to be frugal, and I am just not very frugal.

18. Who is your favorite character of all time (from a movie or book)? (Can't be real)

Probably Anne - Anne of Green Gables

19.. Would you want to be famous?

Nope... I would not. Would you?

20.

I skipped a # on Purpose- It is My Favorite Number. That is my Last little Thing About me.

Did you notice which #?

Wow-- That was fun! Leave me a comment, and join the fun! Thanks for stopping by!

I am posting My "Where do you Live" pics tomorrow! See you then!

The Other Woman

After I wrote that title- I thought,, that probably doesn't sound too good. It's not what you think..

Don't get too uptight. (grin)...

Today's post IS about the Other Woman... the One that I see when I am out and about, that I am not. And probably will never have time to be.

This is me:

Waking up to a little one's face in my eyes next to my bed,, asking me for breakfast. Jumping into a cool shower, because my teens used all of the hot water, and heading downstairs to get some pancakes going for all of the hungry mouths waiting to be fed.

Changing diapers, pull-ups, combing curls, and cleaning faces,, almost ready to jump into a morning full of homeschooling, corralling toddlers, and following a crawler.. we are almost to 8:30 a.m.

School accomplished - kinda -

Heading to the gym...

This is me:

Gym time allowed for my day- one hour. Taking baby and girls into nursery area//

Throw on whatever clean "gym apparel," I can muster to find, and head to the stair climber to exercise ( literally work my butt off.- hope I didn't offend any one here... just the truth of it) :)

Sweat bullets, and run back to locker room to throw a sweatshirt over my sweaty clothes.

Load babies into van, and off we go to pick up older kids at bus stop.

This is me:

Homework help, making dinner, preparing lessons for Church, answering toddler questions, laundry, baths, and of course trying to find a genuine smile for my husband when he gets home.

Teens talking with us till late hours, cleaning up house before bed.

(And this was an abbreviated version )

The Other Woman? Where does she fit into all of this?

This is when it hit me. I was shopping at Sam's Club today, loading the cart for our big family, and I was observing all of the different people around me.

The Other Woman:

Click, click, click... I could hear her heels coming up behind me. In fact, I didn't even have to turn around and see her, because I could now smell her very pretty perfume right behind me.

She passes with her fashion bag on her shoulder, and her slacks from the dry-cleaner presses neatly down the seams.

I am guessing that she had just returned from getting a french manicure, and her make-up was flawless.

I am guessing that she looks like this every day. It is amazing. To me at least. Even the nails would be a nice option once in a while.

In her cart, this is what she has...Go Lean Bars. Dove Hand Soap Pump, Kleenex Tissue with Aloe, and Salmon Fillets, and Dasani Water bottles.

( My cart - 2 Huge Super-Size packs of Toilet Paper, Paper Towels, 10 #'s Mozzarella Cheese, 3 #'s Chocolate Chips, 10 #'s butter, and more.)

She actually looked like she was enjoying this trip to Sam's, and leisurely strolled through the aisles, comparing prices, and checking nutritional labels, etc.)

I passed by her twice, and she thankfully she wasn't distracted by my toddler's singing Jesus Loves Me in her sweet (loud) voice. Her smile was genuine, and she didn't have any stress - lines around her mouth, or spit - up on her sleeve.

This is the Other Woman:

Different life. Different clothes, different agenda, thoughts, meals, and shopping habits.

Not wrong or right. Just different.

I will never be this other woman.

This is me:

A mom thankful to have time for a hot shower, a minute to open my eyes and think before the race begins.

A mom working hard to balance life- meals, exercise, health, and love.

A wife striving to put her husband first, and make a happy home.

A woman who would be incredibly awkward, uncomfortable, and silly in heels.

A woman who might like to try the nail thing once, but knows that changing diapers would just not be good for acrylics.

A woman who loves style, design, and always is drawn to the most expensive clothing, yet still throws on sweats, t-shirts, and simple running shorts for the gym.

This is me:

Content. Happy. Thankful. I could never be the "Other Woman."

I might enjoy watching this, but I was not cut-out of that cookie cutter mold.

If you ever see me out and about without any children, heels, and a cup-of Starbucks in my hand...turn me back around, and show me the "way home."

Our Baby Turns One!!!

Can it be true that One year ago today, I delivered a beautiful baby girl- with almond-eyes, and a head full of dark hair?
Happy Birthday to our baby! We love your hugs and kisses, your love for chocolate munchkins.. your dislike for baby food, and your unique crawling style!

We love you Ava! Happy Birthday to a spunky-beautiful baby!

Caramel Corn Craze!!!

Every year we host an annual Harvest Day at our Home. This is such a beautiful time of year in Upstate New York. This is a formal invitation to all of my blogging friends to join us next year!

Perhaps you can get an idea from my pics today some of the fun we had!

ALSO--- I am going to share my frequently requested CARAMEL CORN recipe. It is super easy,, and wonderfully delectable! I would make you some personally, but I don't want to "rob" you of this "harvesty tradition!"

Let me know how you like it! We have been making this recipe for 21 years! Phew-- Did that just give my age away?

Soo, before I post my Harvest Pics and Share my recipe,, please tell me this:

Have you ever:

*Told your child while you were driving down the road, that if they didn't stop misbehaving they would have to go their room? ( Uhhh.. Mommy, we are in the car???)

*Your little one didn't want the rest of their cookie and so while pushing them in the cart at the store, and you have no place to discard the already in the mouth piece of food, you decide the best solution would be for you to finish it off? ( baby saliva and all!)

*Paid someone to do your ironing?- yep, I did just say that!

Ok.. Moving on, I guess. But, hey, IF you have done, said, or thought these things, let me know that I am not alone! Heehee... Or maybe this is something that I don't want to know!!

Drum Roll.....................

Caramel Corn - From your blogging friend, September

6-8 quarts popped corn
2 cups brown sugar

1 cup butter ( do not use margarine or any substitute)

1/2 cup light Karo

1 teaspoon salt

In a 2 qt. pan, - BOIL for 5 minutes - stir constantly. Then add & stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla AND 1/2 teaspoon baking soda.

Pour over popped corn in large/deep container. Stir to coat well. Do quickly.

Spread onto 2 greased cookie sheets, and bake at 200 deg. for 1( one) hour. Flip caramel corn every 15 minutes for one hour.

Remove from oven, and flip out onto wax paper. cool. Break apart after cool. Store in air-tight bags.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Just to let you in on a secret... I am going to "HOST MY FIRST BLOG GIVE- AWAY" VERY SOON! I am so excited about this. If you have any friends that you want to share in this fantastical event.. let them know!

HAPPY CARAMEL CORN MAKING!

My Elisabeth

October 12, 1990

One year after exchanging our wedding vows, one miscarriage, and another long - painful pregnancy, we held our beautiful baby girl - alive. One hour later, she was in the Arms of Jesus.

Her name - Elisabeth Jayne.
6 #'s 6 oz. 21 1/2 inches long.
Light brown hair, Dark blue eyes, Looked Just like her daddy.
Perfect. In every way.

Today, 19 years later, my husband and I had a long - overdue outing. We went and ordered the Memorial Stone for the cemetery, with her name, and the names of her twin brothers.

Why we waited for so long, we don't know. It wasn't as if we weren't emotionally ready, nor did we not think about it.
It just wasn't time.
Today was.

Our Elisabeth's life was a real living testament of how believers rally together in prayer, encouragement, and sustaining one another in burdens.

I was 4 months along in my pregnancy with this little baby girl, and a Dr. ran an ultrasound determining that she was missing her kidneys. He said, "you're baby will not live."
I had a dear friend with me that day, and all I remember is seeing her face, and hearing nothing as she kindly led me to her car, and drove me home. I can remember like it was yesterday, driving along, looking at the other people in their cars, and thinking.. This isn't real. This cannot be real. Everyone is still moving along... and my baby is going to die.

***Learned...When others experience trials in their lives.. life isn't seen thru the same eyes as we are moving about our days with. Still the same truths, the same God, and the same daily tasks,, just seen thru different eyes.
Remembering to treat others in trials with understanding, and not judgement.

I had very little amniotic fluid while carrying Elisabeth. ( the kidneys make the fluid, and she had no kidneys.) The Dr.'s wanted us to induce labor at 4 months. She was incompatible with life.
We chose to carry her. Carry her with knowing that she would not be with us forever.
Each movement was a little more painful as she grew. She was growing and moving, and the lack of fluid caused her movements to feel like I was being bruised.

Did I question my ability to carry this baby till term - emotionally, physically?
Yes. I did.

***Learned- When others are experiencing trials, and they make decisions, or are struggling with answers - do not judge this process. It takes time, it takes prayer, and it takes God's strength to come to His plan. CLINGING onto His Hands is the only way to make these hard decisions. Give people time. Let them work thru their decisions.

At night, I would lay next to my husband, and after he fell asleep, I would get up, and walk and sing, and pray. Many, many nights. I would pray and pray that God would let her know how much I loved this little baby girl moving inside of me.
She was so restless at night.
After singing, and praying she would sleep. She slept, and I prayed.
God gave me this time with her. Forever imprinted on my heart.

As I worshiped in church, I can remember feeling loneliness and despair/anger at times. I remember standing there singing, and Elisabeth would move, and remind of the life that I carried. No one else around me felt that. Did any one really care? Why did I have to be the one to feel this pain? And why were the people I thought cared, shying away?
Were these things really happening?
No. Maybe a little. Maybe a lot.

***Learned- When others are experiencing trials- they can make one of two choices... to let God's strength and love be the ONLY thing that sustains them, and the ONLY thing that really truly matters. Because man will fail them. Not all man, but, as a rule, we do fail others, we fall short.
OR,, they can wait on friends, family , and others to fill a spot that they cannot. These expectations will only allow for anger, and bitterness to fill those spots saved.
Sometimes we do not know were are making the second choice. We may be making a fine balance of both.
Problem.. There is no room for bitterness when it comes to healing.
***Give others unconditional love. They may not see your actions, attempts, and love, and they may never see it. God knows.
Love with expecting nothing in return. Because it may not happen.

A very special friend of mine offered to help me shop for a special blanket, gown, and pretty cap for our Elisabeth. I put her off, and put her off. She gently pushed me to make these decisions.
Being my first baby, I had no idea what to expect.
These offers were so helpful to me. I had another friend who drove me to appointments, and she sat with me and even asked all of the important questions that I didn't/couldn't think to ask.
There were prayer chains set up all over the country for this little baby of ours.
God's people were doing there work. I was numb to much of it.
That's how it is sometimes.

***Learned- Practice what God allows others to minister to you. When God brings you through a difficult time, ALWAYS remember what HE has done. HELP those that come to you in the future, and do not turn them away. Feeling as if you cannot bare to remember those moments, or thinking you do not know what to tell people because there is so much to tell, is turning your back on a gift that God gave you. Ministering to others.
Almost every morning that I wake up - I think this:

"To Whom much is given, Much will be expected!!"

God not only has since blessed me with many children, but more importantly, He carried me thru those trials. THAT was what HE gave ME!"

Elisabeth's birth was very, very difficult. I delivered her breech, with no fluid, and as she was placed in my arms I remember saying, "Oh, thank you Jesus!"
My husband and I spent that precious hour with her. Together. With family. With His Angels around us.
I knew the Holy Spirit's presence that day. Real. By my side. With Comfort and Peace.
A Peace that I could never explain.
A Peace that Passes all understanding.

It was the days to come that were painful. Recovery. Emptiness. Struggling to trust.

***Learned- Let people heal. Don't force the issue. Give them God's Words. Let them know you are there. At all times. Remember that they may shun you. Be there.
Talk. Visit. Be there. Do not turn away from them. We do not always see the healing process as it is that- healing. It is usually felt as a survival mode.
That's ok. The body of believers are meant to uphold one another.

Today was a good day. How can I say that? Because I am able to look back on all that I learned.

A memorial Stone is important to me 19 years later. But, more importantly is the place in my life that she was meant to fill.
That place is filled with grace, mercy, and love- for My Heavenly Father - Who NEVER failed me, and Who Kept me in His Grip- even when I wasn't paying attention.

Kreative Blogger!!!

This is my first Blogger award passed on to me! I am so excited. I hope you will take time to read my friend Linda's blog. She has been such an encouragement to me, and she writes beautiful poetry, and I am blessed to have met her in this big blogging world!

THANK YOU LINDA!! (click on her name below and visit her blog)

My friend Linda over at http://truthfultidbits.blogspot.com/ gave me this and asked me to pass it on to 7 of my "Kreativ Blogger" friends.

Here are the rules:

Thank the person who gave you the award and link back to them.
Copy and paste the award and post it.

Tell seven interesting things about yourself that people might not know.

Pick 7 Kreativ Blogger Friends to pass on the award to, link to them, and ask them to list their 7 things and to pass on the award to 7 of their friends, and to link back to you.

OK- So here we go:

Seven Things that you "might not" know about me:

1.)I am an overly empathtic person. I tend to feel the pain of others, and my heart goes out to any one experiencing a difficulty.

2.)I like to paint the rooms in my house frequently. ( ok.. some of you may already have guessed this.)

3.)I have a heart for unsaved children, and lead a children's ministry in our Church. Someday hoping to see my own children have the privilege to lead others to the Lord.

4.)Had a pretend "Candy-Land" under my bed when I was a little girl. My poor little brothers were convinced that I had a factory, miniature people, and candy under my bed. ( that was cruel of me, wasn't it.. lol!!)

5.)I am living the life of my dreams. Maybe I am dreaming?!

6.)I am addicted to espresso/lattes. ( But, I don't need help, thank you very much!) ( like my addiction. heehee)

7.) I collect doilies and tea cups. I love old things.

~~~~~~~

Here are the 7 blogs that I would like to share with you. I hope you will enjoy linking to them as much as I enjoy reading there blogs. Just click on their names, ok?

Kami @ My Beautiful Day

Kate @ Called Out One

Erica @ Sweet Millie's

Paige @ Praise Him in This Storm

Kari @ p.s. love love

Angela @ Eternal Outlook

Stephanie @ NieNie Dialogues

Have a Wonderful Weekend!!

My Lil' Pumpkins

With love & kisses they grow!

Just had to Share...

A Little Elbow Grease

This Fall has brought out the Cleaning, Re-arranging, and Painting Re-Do's in my home. I love progress!

Love it.. Love it... Love it!!

Even if it takes three weeks to get my hardwood floors re-sanded, stained and polyed... with all of my dining room furniture crammed into my kitchen! Not to mention bucket loads of dust everywhere!!

How is it that we can "tolerate" this when we know there is going to be a finished prodcut worth the patience it takes to live like that for weeks?

And then,, I decided to turn my boring, plain - jane dining room, into a work in progress, by painting the brown walls, into 2 -tone soft pink, and ivory. With pearl trim, and accessories to come soon.

But the topper, and a bold move for me at that... was my front door!

It was a nice Victorian burgandy, and I decided that blue was going to be the new color. So,,, here is the new - blue! I love it. It looks even better in person!

Could I leave it at JUST the door? Nope. Not me,, and so today we are spraying my white porch rockers the same blue to tie it all together. I hope this looks ok. I am so in love with my porch. It is my quiet place. Where I can retreat and entertain.

So the rest of the week brings painting a bathroom, all the trim in living room, and a new white finish on the bedroom doors,, to spruce them up a little.

So, What are YOU working on right now? Painting, Decorating? Cross- Stitch.. etc? Let me know.. inspire me more!

A Healing Heart

Perhaps this may seem random to you this week,
Perhaps not.

Have you noticed others around you that seem sad, struggling, or even angry over something?
I do. Every day.
If you look, wherever you go, there are hurting people.
It is easy to miss if you are in a hurry all of the time, or even aren't in a habit to train your heart to see the hurt that others carry.

Perhaps when we go thru difficult times ourselves, in our past or even present, our hearts and minds are given the opportunity to be tuned into others similar experiences and heavy hearts.
I would hope so.
Otherwise, was our difficulty all about us?
It can be so much more - for so many more.

Looking through the window of another's heart can be so revealing into their actions and attitudes and can even help us with our reactions to them, our patience, and understanding.

The heart takes time to heal.
Do we give others the time that we ourselves would want or need to be open again to so many things.

Healing - from grief, anger, loss, transition, and much more can take time.

While carrying my firstborn daughter, and knowing that she was not going to live long past her birth brought a lot of changes to my life.
As I carried her, I became close to this little baby girl - full of life and she became a part of me.
I would sing to her, pray over her, talk to her, and rub my belly to feel her kick back.
As she was delivered into my arms, I looked down at her and knew she would not be with me for a very long time.
How does the heart prepare for a time like this - and how does it heal?
With the Lord and with time. It is a Promise He gives us.
But don't forget the time.

My beautiful baby girl became such an important part of who I am, at the moment she made me a first time mommy.
We were able to save a lock of her hair. We took her hand prints- to impress upon our minds of her pretty fingers, and we kissed and sang her way into the Arms of a Loving Saviour - one hour later.
Saying good bye was one of the hardest things to do. A part of me was being taken away.
Her place in our home would always be missed.
Healing began. And over time - He has done a good work.

Life seems different through the eyes of a trial. Not everything will be seen or experienced the same way.
If we could live life giving those around us a smile, and a patient response - we could show them Christs love in such a greater way.

I see hurting people wherever I go - and I am sure that you do as well.
For instance-
Was there a grumpy or stoic clerk at the store?
- Perhaps someone at Church was avoiding talking to you or someone else?
-Did a family member or a meeting with someone today bring a rude or even curt response to you?
- Maybe someone has dropped out of the social picture with excuses of complaints, or anger
-Know someone who uses attacking your character or others as a way to communicate

I am, in no way, condoning these actions, or character traits--please know that..
BUT- these are truly examples of how people hurt, and how we can be in tune with those around us.

Tune in.. and help someone break down that barrier this week.
Wouldn't it be great if it was you that someone shared a smile with, or gave you space to heal.
I know it would.
Because a Healing Heart is the best place to plant Christs loving example.

Am I Genuine?

I have chosen laughter.
I have chosen love.
I have chosen to make choices that I know will last forever.Forever in Eternity.. and Forever in our hearts.

A recent occurence in my life has challenged my day to day life.
If I can give the gift of being genuine to those I know, meet, love, and the ONE I live for, then I will be accomplishing the one thing that I know will make a lasting impact on my eternity.

So, every day, I am asking myself- Am I genuine? And what am I passionately genuine about?When I talk to someone, am I really listening? With my heart?

When I tell my family I love them, am I showing them this too?

Do I follow through with the things I say to others?

Am I embracing the trials or struggles that I know are meant for my good?

Can I look in the face of all I know and have peace ?

Do I worship, or proclaim His promises and blessings and do I see them in each day as well?

I posted this picture of my two youngest daughters spending time together playing.

This is a picture of genuine love.

Being Genuine - It is a gift to all that know us. I can try to give this gift. It's worth the try.

Wierd, I know!

There is only ONE reason I would share this bizarre secret passion with you, my blogging friends... It is my birthday today. And because I love you all so much, I am giving YOU this secret of mine to giggle about today - My birthday gift to YOU!

It is really a challenge of some nature- my friend, Lynnette "challenged" her readers to blog about something that crazy, silly, unusual that we would do, or try if we could. ( visit her here to read her fun/crazy/zany thoughts- www.lynnettekraft.blogspot.com)

Well, here it goes..
There has always been this part of me that craves the simple life.

( Do you know where I am going with this?) heehee...

The simple life. as in being Amish.
AMISH.. you say? Yep.

If this as unusual as my secret wishes get, then maybe I am just plain not adventurous. Or crazy, some might think.
But, truly, there have been so many times, that I would like to don the Amish Cap, try their hard-working, out of the world ways, and see if I could "survive."

So, there you have it. I am not going to write a lengthy post today- I have so many fun things to do.. but I wanted to "take the challenge," from Lynnette, and share my unusual and strange secret idea with you - Happy Birthday FROM me!
( Your kinda- wanna -be Amish friend.)

Is that me?

I don't know when this began to happen? Was it this year,, after baby #9 was born, or maybe it has been happening for a while and I am JUST now noticing!!

"What" ... you say?

I was blow drying my hair the other day and I stopped,, turned the blow dryer off, and got right up really close to the mirror...
WHO in the world is that woman looking back at me? I felt a little like a crazed woman for a moment.

Is it age? Or is it my imagination?

Please ...tell me.. or.. wait!! Maybe NOT!

I just don't get it. I thought that with the age factor I would slowly see over time, but this was as if there was an overnight aging process that took place while I was sleeping.



It's irreversible now. I know that.


I hope this doesn't mean that I am going to start having trouble getting out of bed in the morning, and that I will have to eat a daily bowl of Raisin bran every day.

It wasn't a bad revelation.... just, that it was ...a .... revelation.

I had to share this with you. Why wouldn't I?


Have you ever had that looking in the mirror thing happen?

Well, Be warned... It is a little scary when it first happens... I felt like pinching my cheeks to see if it was real, or a dream ( err.. nightmare.)
Nope.. It was REAL...

But, now I find it comical. I look in the mirror, and think..



"Mirror, Mirror In front of me

Who's that Fruit Loop that I see?"

Oh, my, yes,, IT'S ME!
(P.S.,, Don't be alarmed that I have gone "off my rocker,"...Just another opportunity for my blogging friends to see my silly side.")

Fanatical Homeschooling

Large Family, Stay- at -Home mom, Gardening & Canning, Alternative Health, Breastfeeding, and of course, Homeschooling tops the list that some label - FANATICAL.
This just makes me laugh. Truly.

I have to find humor in this, for if not,, I would be the same way about the way that other people live.
Here's the scoop- Homeschooling is not for those that find themselves in this category:
( although, I have to mention this disclaimer to this category: I once fit well into this list, and choseto homeschool, thus finding that I was able to change and grow - it's achievable.)

The Not so perfect Fit for Homeschooling:
1.)Obsessed with having a Clean Home
2.)Not a Morning Person
3.)Cannot handle Multi-tasking
4.)Do not like interruptions or schedule Changes
5.)Like to have dinner made or planned out before 5 p.m.
6.)Enjoy talking on the phone
7.) Does not like to ignore any phone calls
8.)Enjoy wearing make-up, and any clothing other than sweatpants every day
9.)Like to go shopping
10.)Does not like to see paper work/bills pile up
11.)Clutter bothers you
12.)Have a problem with correcting your child
13.)Think that homeschooling is the easier route
14.)Do not enjoy eating p.b. & j.
15.)Cannot imagine your counters covered in Science projects
16.)Think that homeschooling is all seat work
17.)Dust bothers you
18.)Are concerned about what others may think or say about homeschooling
19.)Do not like the sound of a pencil sharpener the whole day
20.)Want to be only a mommy and not a mommy and teacher

If you fit into the Above List - Do not be Disheartened- I am there with ya!

Not -so-Good - of - A Fit for Homeschooling Some days- but here I am- waking up every day to the PURPOSED CHOICE to homeschool, knowing that I am going to waver some days, and not enjoy every minute, but LOVE the moments that it brings to my days.

Because- here it is- this Choice is not about homeschooling.. it is about Character Training, Loving, Nurturing, and Coming alongside my Child, putting my Not so perfect tendencies aside, and realizing that this is the only chance I have. We only have One Time Around-

So, if I am labeled fanatical- it gives me a good chuckle, and that's all I need to cure my discontent over my sometimes untidy home, my worn out sweats, the mountain of paperwork, and the last minute meal that sometimes is prepared.
A merry heart doeth good like a medicine!


So, join me in my next few blogs on our Homeschooling adventure. Maybe you can relate,,, and maybe you will think I am out of my mind. ( Which I would have to agree with you some days!!)
But either way-
I will be here, and I actually found time to do this AND homeschool. It IS possible!

Here is a picture of my three oldest heading off to their first day of school this year- after being homeschooled until now.

I survived and they thrived!!

Days of Change

I am back!! I am officially back to blogging - my brief attempts at finding my way back to a normal "September Day," were exactly that - brief. But now, geared with another handy-dandy laptop, and the ability to blog regularly.. I am so happy to see the words type out before me.

I have seen a pattern to this year of 2009. I am calling it a Season of Change here in our lives.
So many things are changing, yet, I can tell that God had been preparing me for a long time for these changes.
I know that so much growth can come from me embracing these changes, and I am standing with my Arms Open to the Lord, thankful for the days He gives me to learn to see that He makes NO mistakes.

My Sarah, ( previously mentioned in other blogs) is healing quickly, and has her spunky, lively good-nature back. Praise the Lord!

Our homeschooling is finally back on track!

Our Church is going thru some growing pains - yet, He will be Glorified!

My God is the Same yesterday, today, forever!!!

Back to blogging- Here we come!

( and, thus, I must add.. GO STEELERS!!)..

Happy... and Miserable

Ever feel this way? That you are living a happy life, but you are just a plain miserable at the moment.
This is me right now.

Not normal for me... at all. But, I have fallen into a pit of martyrdom. Man- it's ugly.

I have not been able to blog for some time. Life brought a few twists and turns that took me away from my computer.

Our 16 year old daughter, Sarah had gall bladder surgery on Thursday. It has turned into a bigger deal than we thought it would. Her liver was cut during surgery, causing extra bleeding, and now more complications- result- a longer hospital stay, a lot of pain for our tough daughter, and a long commute for a busy family of 11.

What have I brought out of this trail so far- I am ugly inside - through and through right now. I am not seeing any thing thru my Rose- colored glasses.

Ugliness through trials is not nice. It is selfish, and I can see that it is the easy way out for my emotions of sadness, frustration, concern, and exhaustion.

We have been through trials before. Many. I have seen and been with others as they deal with their own pain.
So, where did this ugliness come from, I ask myself? Hmmmm...

Here's what I have finally come to tonight-

*A lack of truly laying this at the altar of the Lord-Holding onto the attempt to micro-manage the outcome of my daughters relief

*A lack of seeing this trial thru the eye's of one who has been shown much mercy and grace, but rather, through eyes of selfishness and desire to have this trail removed

*Worry and anxiety over my daughters condition and pain, rather than showing my daughter the trust that we have taught her since she was a wee child

Man- these things are bound to produce ugliness, and yep- it has manifested itself in my life this week.

It is my prayer that sharing this personal side of my life through another trial, that any one reading would know that God does not want us to be miserable. I was this week, and will have to work at seeing this as another opportunity for me to grow in Christ.

For me to live is Christ, to die is gain.

Death to self- the best cure for any ugliness through our trials.
So hard.

Please pray.
Here is a picture of our Sarah.
Please, please pray for her as she sits in a hospital waiting for answers. We all wait.

Alone Time?

Today's theme for "So We Don't Forget," is Our favorite thing to do with our alone time.
I chose to journal today about this so that I can save this memory for my children when they are grown.
This idea came from my friend Lynnette, and I hope you will stop by to visit her here...http://lynnettekraft.blogspot.com/

I was thinking about this journal entry a lot. I was asking myself.. "When in the world do I have alone time?" And to answer that question honestly,, I really, really do not have alone time.. at least not that often that I have a favorite thing to do.
But, as I was recalled my schedule every day, it occurred to me, that I do my best to take moments for accomplishing those things that are important to me, and that is what I consider my alone time.
I absolutely love to take walks. The entire time I walk, I am thinking upon all the activity in my life, and weeding thru the thoughts that get stuck in the cob-webs of my mind sometimes.
I am able to sort them out, and even have a firmer resolve to my day when I am done walking.

While I walk, I truly enjoy all of God's Creation around me. Living in the country slants a whole new meaning to a walk. The corn fields, and wild flowers. The smells of the farms that may offend one driving by actually become a familar smell to my senses. Seasonal changes are more noticeable to me, and even the regualar occasion of a deer and its fawn walking across the road in front of me is just another reason that my walks alone are a favorite part of my day.

I walk to exercise.. after each and every baby I have a task of baby weight that needs to go. This task has now to turned to a favorite time to me.
Using my walks for my quiet time with the Lord has been the biggest blessing. With out the hustle and bustle of being home, or even living in town, I have found that this time on my country road has so many more benefits than exercise.
The next time that you are driving by a corn field, and see it waving in the wind, think on that song that talks about the trees of the field will clap their hands, and we shall go out with JOY and be led forth in peace. The mountain and the hills will break forth in Glory!
THIS is why I LOVE my time alone - walking.

Is there any evidence?

This was on my mind today. It is probably because I get project "overload" on the brain right before another School year, and at the end of the summer.

Tell me if you relate.

Big List of things to do. I can easily make a mental checklist, ON TOP of the already written list that I am checking off thru the day. Walk, nurse baby, shower, laundry, and then the list gets more detailed and more complicated.
Why is it that I can some days check off the entire list on paper, half of the mental list that I formulated secretly, so that I couldn't be accused of Project overload, and being a maniac about lists... and YET.. I still get to the end of the day and cannot see much evidence of much being done?

I have been thinking on this tonight.
Well, actually more than tonight.
Does this happen to you?

Yes, there are days that I sit down at the end of a long day, and can look back on the hours, and even around the house, and see how the list made its progress.
But these other days..
This is what I have figured out.....

PERSPECTIVE!!!!

Man,, do I have a problem with this sometimes.
I am honest. I am real, and I will tell you.. I am continually finding parts of my heart that need working on.

My perspective this week that didn't allow me to see any evidence of my big list of to-do's that did get done?.....
I was breeding seeds of discontentment.
Rather than allowing myself to see the fruits of labor in the time that I was given that day,
I saw all that I wasn't able to get done, and more.
Wanting more accomplished, wishing for a life that holds more than I need, and waiting for a miraculous magic wand to fix all that I can't.

Sowing these seeds will not bring forth good fruit. I can tell you first hand.
The only evidence I will see when I sow discontentment is wishing, wanting, and waiting.

Evidence of the fruits of my labors today?- Yep, and it isn't glorious or grand-
It may just be seeing the love returned in my children's eyes,. because I took the time to hold them, sing to them, or even play with them. It may be a simple healthy meal on the table, or my children saying Thank-you Mommy.
And what is this?
REAL evidence-
CONTENTMENT.

Smile, You're On Candid Camera!~

I loved summer this year. As a homeschool mom, I feel as if I don't have the freedom very often to break out of our normal routine long enough to spend many fun days with the children. I am not referring to just plain making school and chores fun, but really breaking out of my "mommy, and teacher" mode to spend day after day learning more about each and every one of these special gifts God has loaned to me.

This summer we experienced a lot of new things. We laughed, we cried, and we spent a lot of time in the sun!
Looking back at this summer, I thought that if someone had said to me,
"SMILE, You're on Candid Camera!" - That it would not have surprised me.

Here are a few highlights that I can recall from this season of sunny days -
(I have decided that I will have to blog about some of them separately, due to the hilarity and somewhat lengthy , boring nature of my writing at times. Heehee.)

*Our daughter became very ill, requiring a series of tests, and losing 15 pounds in 2 months. She has had pain attacks and her diet is extremely limited. We think we are in the homestretch for a diagnosis, and reprieve.

*My precious worldly possession - my laptop- with all 6000 pictures of my children from the last 5 years - completely died. A good practice of my reaction to an item with no -eternal value. A real sad, true test.

*Our FIRST camping trip... ever - with 9 children. THIS is another post entirely. Just a little hint...This is where I thought I was going to be told for sure - Smile, You're on Candid Camera!

*My oldest son was sent to the Emergency Room with a bilirubin level of 3.0. yellow eyes. yellow skin, lethargy, nausea, and many tests. Diagnoses with a liver condition - Gilberts Syndrome.
Just another opportunity to let my thoughts be led by truth rather than emotion.

*I took the children on a 3 day trip ,5 hours away, while my husband had to work. THIS was a definite candid camera weekend. My , oh my! I will spare you the drama, and not so funny moments, and just say that it was another eye-opener to the things that I have been blind to in my life, and my children's as well. We truly did have a wonderful time together, and they all worked hard to make it an easy trip for each other.. but the three under age of four- well, hmmm... they were along for the ( long, hot, miserable, stuck-in-a-car-seat, ) "ride!"

*We are preparing for another year of homeschooling, and made a hard decision to send our three oldest, ( freshman, junior and senior) to a Private Christian School, ( where, coincidentally, my husband and I, both attended.)

*Visited some awesome.. summer places this year as well! If you are ever in the Northeast, let me know, I could recommend some great places to visit!

The Candid Camera Comments?... It was like this for me this summer- Just when I was feeling myself adapt to a new normal- well, along came another! If you had a camera on me in those moments of :

seeing my daughter so ill along the roadside as I rushed her repeatedly to the Dr...it would have been sadness, sympathy, and concern.

Or the moment I realized my last 5 years of my children's pictures may have been completely lost forever- sheer and utter desperation.

Driving down the road on our trip alone in a torrential downpour, driving my 15 passenger van thru a narrow detour with flashers going, and windshield wipers going full-speed and a baby that is fussing to be nursed. Camera moment?

First Camping trip?.. Summary- I drove home the second night with baby, let her sleep in her crib, took a Normal Shower, and painted my toe-nails!
In the end- summer is almost over for this homeschooling family- and we are all smiling and thankful for blessings each day!

Where, Oh Where Art Thou?

Life has crazy turns...doesn't it?

Where oh, where art thou? Perhaps that is what some of my blogging friends have been wondering about life here ... A day in my life.

I have missed my writing..my quiet place, and my blogging friends.

Life has taken some wild and crazy turns here, but nothing more than the Lord can handle, and nothing that has taken Him by surprise. And so, One day at a time, Sweet Jesus - That's all I'm asking of You.

If you are a follower to my blog, and want to come back tomorrow to read about a wild and cray adventure that our family has gone on this summer... check in then.
I miss you fellow bloggers!
Feel free to leave a note, and I will stop by your blog as I do my catching up.

Where oh, where art thou?

Raise your Hands..

Raise your hands if your sure..

( just kidding),,

Raise your Hands if you have or are - experiencing any of the following:

~a little face chatting to you in the shower through the a pulled back shower curtain.

~Being told you are a "good girl- Mommy," for going potty .

~Stepping on crushed cheerios, and peeling them off your toes as you quickly slip into some flip-flops on the way out the door.

~serving dinner with all plastic wear - because, alas, you have just discovered that EVERY SINGLE piece of silver ware has been accidentally put in the trash or left in the sandbox.

~that eerie sense that someone is standing beside you as you sleep.. to then slowly opening your eyes in the middle of the night to a child standing eye level to you

~Any special brush you may call your "own" ends up in every bathroom or bedroom for everyone else, except for your own use.

~Discovering after jumping out of shower and quickly putting on undergarments, that whomever folded and sorted laundry, accidentally( again), gave you your 8 year olds aforementioned, and they are NOT going to fit! Nope!

~Smile at the on-lookers at the store as you carry an over-tired, and somewhat naughty child out to your vehicle, all the while acting as if it is such a wonderfully happy, and all-so normal moment.

~Discover that almost every picture and video on your cell phone was taken by your children, and they are more tech-savvy than yourself.

~Oh-oh.. a diaper( only wet one), was accidentally thrown in with towels in washing machine. Nice.

~cannot remember how old you REALLY are, because you have spent so much time joking about how young you really aren't..

~discover that you have now made pancakes for dinner three nights any given week.

~Think about grocery shopping as if it is a field trip -packing lunch, and drinks, and potty chairs into the van for the long "trip!"

~fallen asleep singing, praying and putting your kiddos to bed, and they get back up and find daddy to visit with

~hate changing crib sheets? I do.

~Bet ya haven't experienced this one... coming home at night to find 20 chickens roosting on your porch, in the flowers, on the porch lights, and in your rockers.. yep..

LIFE is GOOD! Don't you agree?

So,, Raise your Hand.. if you agree!!

My friend Melissa has a sweet baby boy who always has that "life is Good" personality! Isn't he just adorable!?!

Recipe Time!

I'm into sharing. Isn't sharing fun?
I thought that it would be fun to share this particular recipe because we get so much use and enjoyment out of it, and have been for years. It is a favorite for breakfasts around here, and I have been known to make it for dinner when the "meat lovers," won't be home for dinner!

You don't have to make the entire recipe .. if you don't have a large family, then just adapt it. and if you DO have quite a number of people to feed, then you are in luck.

So, here we go:

BAKED OATMEAL

Beat together:

2 c. Oil

2 c. Sugar

8 eggs

Then Add:

12 c. Quick Oats

2 Tablespoons AND 2 teaspoons Baking Powder

4 teaspoons salt

4 c. Milk

(raisins if you like)

Pour into a sprayed 16 x 10 pan and bake for 45 min. in a 350 oven.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ENJOY!!!

(If you half this recipe, you can make it in a 9 x 13 pan)

We use grapeseed oil, sea salt, and organic oats, our own brown eggs, and organic milk.

Be sure to use baking powder with OUT aluminum. ( Rumford brand is the one that we use.)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It is so yummy,,,, and it was so much fun sharing with you.

I will have to try this again!

How Does your Garden Grow?

I took some pictures of some of the produce from our garden today.
About one hour after I took the pictures, a friend stopped by and as we were talking, she shared a simple truth that I later thought about for quite a while.
So, now, you get to see my garden pictures. I am sure you are just so excited.. but, maybe you will think upon what I share here, as the two tie together.
How uncanny.

My thinking brought me to this ... Someone had shared with her,, and she shared with me, and now I am sharing with you... this thought -

How does your Garden grow?
I am not referring to the piece of land that has been tilled, and cultivated. Seeds planted, watered, and produce grown with care.

Here's the question. What IS YOUR GARDEN?
We all have been planted in a certain place, for a certain time. It is our job to cultivate that as well.
My home, my husband, and my children come first. I may not always produce the best results in my own areas, but it is where I give my time, my energy, my love, and my life.
Others give the same, and yet, are planted in other areas to grow beautiful things.
I think of Kelly, from... http://sufficientgrace-kelly.blogspot.com/
She is a mom, wife, teacher, and she still gives her time, her heart, and her love to a special ministry that is dear to her in so many ways.

I can always see where others have been given that "green thumb!" And that is not just referring to our Gardens.
For example, my friend Erica, owns and beautifies a wonderful shop, and you can visit her shop here.. http://sweetmillies.blogspot.com/
She has been planted here.. and it shows.

What we love - produces the best crop.
What are you cultivating? Are your priorities a little overgrown with weeds?

Perhaps there are things have distracted you, keeping you from your priorities?
Is your crop producing its best yield?
It's time to harvest, and we can all grow beauty around us.
It can't be hidden.
How does your garden grow?

Pixie Dust

The Fairies Delievered a Little Pixie Dust to our Home Last Night

My Little "Fairy Angels"

Vanity, Vanity,, all is Vanity

This post is being generated from an ultra-silly moment in my life. Hang on'!

I am only energetic, funny, silly, and fun when I drink caffeine. It is just the way it is. My family and friends can always tell if I have had the littlest bit of sugar or caffeine... That's how noticeable it is. I sure wish I was fun without it. Oh well!

Today was a Swim Park Day. I always look forward to this,, it gives me chance to "move" my tans lines around! ( heehee..JK)..
I had all the coolers packed, beach bags with towels, swim suits, water bottles, snacks, birthday "stuff" for one of my daughters, etc.

I couldn't find my swim suit. I took everything out of the 5 laundry baskets in the laundry room, the two in my room, any nook and cranny that it might have been put...
Alas,, NO suit.
The kids were all waiting on me,,,which is not the norm around here.

I traipse to the attic to find my "skinny tote!" You know,, the one labeled.. "skinny tote!"
The before pregnancy clothes, and never to be worn again clothes.
I find my Liz Claiborne 2 piece suit,, so pretty, worn 5 years ago, 3 babies ago.
Hmmm....
Rush into the bathroom... get the bottom part on ok,, so-so ok,, tight but not too tight. ( It's the skirt style,, hiding the unwanted.
Now for the top....
Wish I had my video camera for this part.. No.. maybe not.

I get the pretty tie at the neck,top part down over my head.. and start to adjust everything. I am still nursing my baby, and so the top "part" of my body will just not quite fit where it belongs. I maneuver things around a little more, take a look into the mirror, and what do I see..
My hair all a mess from this hurried attempt to fit my still shrinking body into a suit that looks like it should fit my ten year old.
I was all "bunched up" into this suit, and was laughing so hard in the mirror, I am surprised that my children didn't commit me to an institution right then and there.

NOPE! This suit is not going to work! Moving on!

So,, I resort to the stand-by maternity. I am not even Pregnant!!!!!!! Oh well, right?
So, I finally submit to the suit - which is TOO BIG in all the wrong places.
All of the way to the pool, I am adjusting my suit in all of those places. The top half would not stay put...I must have looked ridiculous.

This must be how silly the whole swim suit in the mirror thing made me laugh- for we get to the pool, and get out of the car, and my SIL says to me,, "September, Did you have caffeine today???)!!!!
NOPE! Maybe I just need to laugh more, and get my circulation going to be fun!?

So, the pool side swim suit adjustments had to be done discretely,, moving my top around was just so,,, well,, so.. ridiculously funny to me!

Oh well.. It gave me a good laugh, and I am probably the only one who cared, or even noticed. At least,,,,,I hope.

Vanity, Vanity,,, All is vanity!

The Cape is Off

The closet in my entryway looks like this:

10 hooks all lined up in a row. A pink rain parka, a wool winter coat, little boys red sweatshirt, two backpacks, and hanging on the spare hook all on its own - A brightly colored Cape with the Initials - SM.

This is my Super Mom Cape. It is rather lovely to wear, covering up all of the things that others could not see about me. It was fashionable, made me a super-hero mom, and set out a reputation to uphold. Just by wearing My Cape.

Now....?? It has a permanent place on a hook.

Yep, I am not wearing it. I hung it up a long time ago. Why?

Well, this is what I discovered. Other moms, woman in public, some people at Church, and even family members began to say things like,

You amaze me!"

"How do you do all that you do?"

"You have it all together."

"Your life is like a dream- you don't seem to have any struggles."

"You never get uptight, how do you handle so many responsibilities?"

And so forth.

I am a mom. Whether I have 1 child, or 9 children, I am just a plain ole' mom. It is the same fundamentals - what I am doing, teaching, etc., with one, I do with 9.

Nothing miraculous. Nothing worthy of awe .

I began to realize that what other moms or woman, were thinking and observing in me - could become a discouragement to them.

I have spoken at various functions on Motherhood. The biggest blessings come from seeing the Ladies start off listening to me, and I can see as time progresses through my topics with them, they can see that I am just like them.. real,,, simple, and trying my best to be a good mom.

It is in those moments that we learn from one another.

The reason I hung my Super Mom Cape on the Hook? - To expose the real struggles, the inward battles, the moments of loneliness, discouragement, and reality of being a mom.

This is not a lofty job with a lot of praise, and women can use all of the encouragement possible thru some of the Life Seasons that come with being a wife and mother.

Wearing a Super Mom Cape prevents that Scriptural mandate- encouragement, sharing one anothers burdens, etc. .

There is no cape to hide my imperfection. I share what I have learned, and I learn from others that have also hung this cape on a hook.

Guy Meets Girl

I have a special friend, her name is Lynnette. I would like you to stop by and visit her sometime. She is celebrating something special, and you can read about it by clicking here.

She hosts this weekly Blog event, that I make a point to participate in when I can.

Her idea is for others to share their Special Memories, moments or events with one another.

Every Wednesday, you can also participate in the Walk down Memory Lane , in Wednesday's Walk.

Here is My memory for the week:

There is a story that goes like this..
Girl meets guy. Girl thinks guy is nice. Guy thinks girl is nice.
Hours spent in long conversations about beliefs, ideals, and their future -
lead to a life long commitment .....

Now 20 years strong.

I never imagined how a blind date, 21 years ago would shape, and re-shape the rest of my life.

God knew. And, I cannot be more thankful that He was in control, and not me.

God's ways are higher, broader, and bigger than we can ever think to even imagine.

And this commitment made between this guy and girl - now 20 years ago today -

has shaped my life to exactly what God wanted for us both.

Time goes so quickly- don't we all know.

As my husband and I celebrate our 20th Anniversary today, I am blogging about all that he means to me, and more.

Dan is the perfect other-half for me.

He is patient, True - to - His word,

Self-sacrificing in a way that I have never seen.

An awesome, loving, and giving father.

My husband is genuine - through and through.

His sense of humor brings a much needed balance to our home.

He makes our love a priority.

He Loves the Lord with all His heart.

He is one of the hardest working men I know.

My husband supports my strengths, and helps me with my weaknesses.

He gives me the encouragement to be a better mom, and appreciates me as his wife.

He is my perfect other half - In so many ways.

In a world where there is a lot of heart-break, and lack of commitment, I thank the Lord for this blessing of 20 years with a man that loves me,, and pray that I will be the wife that the Lord wants me to be.

Dan and I have a long story behind 20 years of marriage. Hills, valleys, and peaks, but it is only the foundation of our relationship that keeps us focused on each other, rather than ourselves.
20 years - To God Be the Glory - Great Things He hath done.

MckLinky Blog Hop Favorite Photo

Today, I am joining in on The MckLinky Photo Blog Hop! Isn't this so fun to share our favorite photo's? I chose this photo of Eden and our family dog - His name is Flag, and we love him so very much.

"LOVE and LOYALTY"

Be sure to read my Wednesday's Walk tomorrow. I am sharing a very special walk down Memory Lane. I am enjoying reading all of your comments to my posts. Thank you for your encouragement as I went to visit my friend. She went to be with the Lord 4 hours after I went to see her. Thank you Lord for nudging me - a forever memory.

ALSO - Be sure to visit my blogging chum, Lynnette, here - as she is celebrating a BIG Blogging Anniversary with some special giveaways. She is a GEM, and I KNOW you will love stopping by here -http://lynnettekraft.blogspot.com/.

Speaking of....

Speaking of My Comfort Zone... ( Read my last post if this is confusing to you..)..

I stepped out of this in a bigger way today. I knew that I needed to. Knew it was the right thing to do.

I blogged the other day about my friend- the one that I have known for years, and then suddenly I find that she is dying of brain cancer. She was diagnosed two years ago, and the last that I had seen her was right before this diagnosis. I did not even know.

I drove past her house the other day with intentions of stopping to see her. It was very, very heavy on my heart.
There were many cars parked out front, and people milling on her porch. I thought it was time.
I didn't stop - thinking it wasn't right for me to "intrude."

Now, 5 days later, I ask what has happened? I haven't heard any thing from that day. They had told family and friends that she had 24-48 hours, and that is why all of the people were there.

Here we are, today, Wednesday, and my heart is so very heavy that I cannot ignore the promptings any longer.
Time to be obedient to what I know is right.
Will it be ok with the family?
Will she even know that I am there?

I call my sister-n-law, and she is so sweet. She goes with me. I am stepping big out of this comfort zone of mine.

As I get out of the van, another long-time friend comes out the door. She gives me a hug, and tells me how good it was that I came. She tells me to go in, and that my friend can hear all that we are saying, she is just unable to respond at this time.
What comfort to have her there -right at that moment.

I lightly tap on the door, and her husband summons us in. He is so loving of her. She is still so beautiful. Her soft red hair, and sweet spirit can still be seen in her.
I love my friend.
I was able to talk to her, and kiss her forehead. I told her that she is so loved.
But the miracle of the whole moment?....

My friend searched for Faith for many years... she would call me, visit Church with me, and ask me many questions.

Today, unabashed, and non-provoked, her new husband, ( not knowing me, or even that I am a believer,),, told me this out of the blue . Last year, my friend professed her faith to many and was baptized, wanting all to see the meaning of her faith.

I did not go there expecting him to share all of this with me. I never even asked him. The Lord has blessed my heart, knowing that she will be greeted by the Arms of a Loving Savior when it is time.

This honestly was not about MY comfort Zone.. Not at all. Was it?
The only discomfort I had was my fear of intrusion. I was not intruding he said.
Her husband told me that he was surprised that not many people have come by.
He was happy to have someone there. For him and her.
People are afraid to intrude.
Don't be.
This was a blessing to me.
And to him, as he said.

My prayer - that we will learn to leap when we feel like stepping out in faith.
My friend did.. and she will be forever blessed.

My Comfort Zone

Smiling, yet not saying any thing to someone I pass. Talking is such an effort sometimes!

Knowing someone is struggling with loneliness, and praying for them. That's enough, right?
Letting someone else be the one to put the grocery cart away in the parking lot.

Making a single batch of cookies or muffins,( not double,) because - hey - it is a miracle I have time for MY family. Right?

Sending a card to someone in the hospital. They are probably getting too many visitors as it is.
( And what about that GERM thing!?)

Spending some time on the phone with someone that really needs to talk is too hard- look around,, life is swirling around me!
Another mom is having a hard time - do I really have time to make her a meal, and stop to talk?

Going out of the way to stop and get my husband his special coffee - no... he knows how busy I am ,, (and that the baby is crying in the backseat. )

Does any of this sound familiar to you?
I am constantly challenged to get out of my COMFORT ZONE. We all have them. And in a lot of different ways.

We were created not for ourselves. Not for our own glory or self-satisfaction.
When did we start thinking that way? It is amazing to me when I sit back and realize just how quickly I have fallen back into that self-induced comfort zone.
Shame on me.
Yes, it is easier for me to just share a smile ( and for some of us, even that is hard!),,,, rather than take a minute to care about the other person. Who knows why God had your paths cross that minute... maybe they need you to show them a bit of friendliness?

Making a meal, muffins, or cookies,,, make a double batch! Take them to a neighbor, or a friend that you know in your heart is struggling. I often will pray and ask the Lord to lay someone upon my heart that could use encouraging. Be prepared - there are many!!

Sending a card to someone spontaneously is a true gift. WHO doesn't like friendly mail? Those colored envelopes that bring cheer, rather than bills, or news of doom?!

Ever visit someone in the hospital. Ignore that fallacy that they are getting too many visitors. Most times this is very untrue. The hospital is a very lonely, depressing place, and not conducive to true healing. That comes from within - give that gift to others regularly.

This comfort zone thing can get kind down right UNCOMFORTABLE thinking about can't it?

Picture this - A mom of nine children locked in the bathroom, or sitting on a bundled pack of paper towels from SAMS, hiding in the pantry,,, trying to find a quiet place to talk on the phone to someone who really needs to talk! Yep- This is not comfortable- life is swirling around me,, but there are certain phone calls that you just don't ignore for the sake of convenience. Be there for someone this week - all they may need is to talk.

Going out of the way at Church/ or the Office to talk to someone new? Phssawww! This is a hard one for some. I know. Try it,, introduce yourself, and let them know that you just wanted to say hi, and that it was nice to see them. This is not artificial - this is a genuine act of selflessness!

My comfort zone is always changing. I am always challenged. Isn't that what growing is about?

Some things are easier for some than others. Find your comfort zone this week, and step out of it.

Step out far. And don't go back.
We reap what we sow.
Galatians 6: 9 & 10 -

"And let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
As we therefore have opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith."
Take a minute and enjoy the comfort of this quiet place.

My heart is breaking...

I am so sad.

Life has its ups and downs. We all feel them. Some more than others.
Ever have moments when you are TRULY made aware of just how good your life really is going, when you see another one of God's Children suffering so. Just so badly that you feel it through your day, and carry it to the Lord with such pain for them?

This week, I ran into a friend from school that I see off and on. She and I are the type of friends that it seems life has never moved past the moment we last saw each other, and we are able to "pick up" where we left off the last time we talked. She has such a sweet spirit, and I have always been able to feel at "home" when talking with her.
She and I were chatting, and she told me that a classmate-friend of ours was dying of brain cancer.

Pause...

Disbelief...

Can this be?

This friend, whom she was telling me about, is someone I love. Someone I have invited to Church, visited at her home, and prayed with over troubled pregnancies.
A friend I have not seen in two years.

She was diagnosed with brain cancer two years ago, Christmas Eve.

She had moved. I lost track of her, and she was suffering. Alone. While watching her own father, sister and mother also struggle with Cancer also.
She has two beautiful, young boys. The boys I prayed over , as she carried them.

She is now at home, dying. I didn't know. She has only days left now. Literally.
I am so grieved.
My mind has been wrapped around this for days now, praying, pleading.

Our daily trials seem so trivial in the face of another's suffering.
I have felt this before. Been reminded of this many times.

But, each and every time, I thank the Lord for the life He has given me, and ask him to forgive me for my selfishness when I do grumble or complain.
Please pray for my friend - and her boys.

Each minute is a gift- not worth wasting time wishing we had a different life.
Please pray. Her name is Neva.

Life is a gift. Thank God for yours today.

Let the Fun Begin!

Went to the Swim Park Today!

Kids had a blast, and I had a blast!

( Guess that could have been one sentence!)

Had to stop for an ice cream cone on the way home, right?

Maryahna was infatuated with the water dripping from her suit! Yesss.. it was WATER!! Heehee!

Time for the "meltdown".. err.. I mean... time to go home!

Sweet Surprises

If you enjoy jotting down your special memories, be sure to visit Lynnette, here. It is a fantastic way to journal and remember some of the moments that define our days.

Isn't summer fun? There are so many wonderful activities that we do together, and I find that each year brings another set of summer-filled memories to cherish.
Yesterday, we embarked on our Strawberry Picking adventure. And, an adventure it WAS!

The local berries had some frost damage and so we searched out the nearest berry farm, and it was about 45 minutes away. I decided to google this farm to get a map for directions.. and it was waaayyy out in the middle of no where.

But, hey, I am always up for a fun drive. So, away we went!

Ha! Ha! We got a "little" lost, but we made it. ( no GPS in this girls life! - just good ole' sense of direction!)

This Strawberry farm was nestled on a back country road, with beautiful fields full of organic produce,,and not just strawberries!

After everyone unloaded and found their buckets in the van,, we found the perfect spot to pick.

It was so cute - The sign upon entering the fields said. RULE: Children MUST eat many berries!! I LOVE that!

Right in the MIDDLE of this huge strawberry field, I saw a gift that God had planted there just for me that day! A single spot of beautiful daises were growing towards the Heaven's and had my name written all over them. Daisies being my favorite flower, I naturally took a picture of this special gift, and will share it with you today. My gift to you!!

After berry picking, Sarah asked to drive on the way back, because she now has her permit. THIS was our second adventure!! We made it back, and then decided to have a picnic lunch at the lake, and it was beautiful!

The wind kept the warm air manageable, and it tired out the little ones so wonderfully!

I decided to make a strawberry pie with some of our berries , and we had that after dinner.

Here are some pictures of our memorable afternoon. Next month -Blueberries!!

WHAT will I do with THIS hair!!

Baby Ava's pudgy hand found the sweet berries!

Poor Eden - The Sun was a LITTLE bright while I was taking this picture!

Sam's favorite food in the whole world is strawberries! He picked a whole bucket, and ate half of it on the way home!

My gift from God- All alone, right in the middle of a Strawberry Patch!

My Oldest Daughter Turns 16 Today!

I can hardly believe this day is here. Honestly.

Typical Mother comment, I know,, but it seems like it was just yesterday that I held my beautiful baby girl in my arms as she was born.

She was 9 #'s 3 oz. and so full of life.

She still is the "life" of our home today.

If I were to ask any one that knows my Sarah to describe her in one word, here would be a few choices that we might hear:

Fun, Crazy, Silly, Daring, Frank/Blunt, Tenacious, Creative, and did I say FUN?

When Sarah was born, she was only content sleeping on her daddy's chest for endless months.

I have many pictures of her sound asleep there, with both daddy, and baby girl resting peacefully.

She is # 2 in the line-up, yet the oldest girl.

Oldest daughters of a large family carry a heavier responsibility, and she has carried it well - and although it is not her natural bent to be domesticated and a Keeper at Home, she follows thru and is very capable of running our home without me.

I am sharing some pictures on this very special day - June 18, 2009 - Sarah's 16th Birthday.

I love you Sarah. Your smile and fun-filled spirit will always be a bright spot in our lives.

Your daring, yet, sometimes -hazardous - to - your- health ( a.k.a. broken bones..) experiences will always keep us on our toes.

Your Spiritual Walk is exciting to watch, and we know how much you love the Lord.

Your special times with your younger siblings will always be a special memory for them, and for us.

We pray that you will be sensitive to staying close to God's Word, and the principles that He sets out for you.

Psalms 16:11 -

"Thou will show me the path of life; in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand is pleasures forevermore."

This is your life verse, and will be with you always.

Keep smiling , and sharing your love for life wherever you are. Let your light shine!

I love you sweet daughter of mine. I am so truly thankful for the moment in time that God decided you would be on loan to us.
Your help and perserverance in a large family, with a lot of responsibility is so truly appreciated.
I can't wait to see what you will do for GOD!

Sarah, Sam and Maryahana

A Special Night with Curlers to sleep on- this didn't last for long!

Sarah's Creative Side

A Sweet Reminder of how much time has gone By.

Sarah and Baby Sister - Ava

Amish Country

I am posting my Wednesday Memory a little later than I would like, but life has a way of interrupting and prioritizing itself before my blog. Thats ok.

My blogging CHUM Lynnette, has created this weekly idea of sharing our memories, and I have thoroughly enjoyed this Walk Down Memory Lane.

Stop and visit Lynnette sometime here.

Because of the cost of traveling with a larger family, we have done our best to find closer places to travel to and make some fun family memories.

Lancaster, Pennsylvania - AMISH Country - has now become an Annual trip for our family.

It is about 4 hours away, and we love visiting some place new while there each time.

One of our absolute favorite stops while in Lancaster is here ! Check it out!

The Lion and The Lamb~

This famous Theatre in Lancaster, has now, also built another theater in Branson, MO. Maybe you live close enough to one of these to visit?

If you ever have the opportunity to see one of their productions - based on Biblical accounts - Don't miss out! The whole family will love it!



In addition to seeing a show while away, we also visit some wonderful Amish shops, eat some amazing food, relax at a family resort - talking and walking and sharing.


I think this is one of our favorite places to re-visit because of the simplicity of life. The quiet, and peace we find on our trips there probably have more to do with our time away as a family, and the things that we focus on while we are there.... Each other..

Daddy and Samuel - 1 year ago

What could be better?

Lydia and Leah.. a special pose for the Camera Happy Mommy!

Pond at Willow Valley Resort

My 100 Random Things Post-FINALLY!!!

100 Random, Strange, Amusing, and Interesting things About Me - you may/ or may Not Want to Know:

1.I was born in the same month as my name.
2.I am the oldest child in my family.
3.My favorite color is yellow. Always has been.
4.I do not like lights on during the day.
5.One of the first things I do in the morning is open my blinds and curtains. I need sunshine.
6.The nails on my little fingers grow faster than my other nails. ( cannot believe the things we blog about!)
7.I accepted the Lord as My Savior when I was 12.
8.# 8 is my favorite #.
9.When I was a child - I lived in my roller-skates.
10.I really like to change the furniture in my home around. Did this as a kid in my own room as well.
11.Love to study natural/holistic health, and alternative treatments.
12.I am very sensitive to temperature. In the winter I am freezing, and in the summer I am sweltering.
13.I either HAVE to have ice in my drink, or I only want tepid water. No in between.
14.I love daises - we had them in our wedding.
15.I hate ferrets. ( sorry, ferret owners/lovers)
16.I have a hard time sleeping without a fan. Bad, bad, bad habit.
17.I have had 15 pregnancies, ( one set of twins,) and have 9 living children.
18.I loved school as a child.
19.I loved going to the lake as a child, and fishing.
20.I hate nail -biting.
21.My parents were divorced when I was 10 years old.
22.I attended public school until 9th grade.
23.I love oatmeal and buttered toast, blueberry pancakes, and really green, crunchy salads.
24.I love chick-flicks, 24, and Survivor.
25.I color my hair - it would be gray if I didn't.
26.I love classical music. Brandenburg Concertos are one of my favorites.
27.I would live in flip-flops of I could.
28.The Ocean is one my most favorite places to be.
29.I use to put other last names after my first name as a kid, to see what married name I would prefer. Never expected a three-syllable last name.
30.Gee, after writing # 29, I believe I really have a little OCB...lol
31.I had to take Algebra twice when I was in school.
32.I wanted to be a writer/ and a teacher when I was growing up. Guess I am a blogging/homeschooling mom.
33.I always said I would not get married until I was 28. Didn't happen that way. 18!!!
34.I do not drink soda.
35.I love to burn candles.
36.Absolutely love button-up cardigan sweaters! In any color! I wear them a lot.
37.I really cannot stand Science-Fiction.
38.I always dreamed of having a large porch with rockers, and am so thankful for the one I have.
39.My husband and I built our home.
40.I took Latin in High School.
41.I have delivered two of my children at home. Great experience.
42.I make/bake almost everything from scratch. It is actually hard for me to buy any thing in a box.
43.My first job was at a fast -food chain.
44.I received the Happy-Gram Awards in my elementary grades. Surprise!! (Heehee)
45.Swimming is not enjoyable to me. I only get in the pool to cool off.
46.I have two brothers, one step-sister and one step-brother.
47. I am married to a contractor.
48. I was engaged three months after meeting my husband on a blind - date.
49.Laziness grates on me.
50.Daisies are my favorite flower. I even had them in my wedding.
51.I love teaching children.
52.My great x's 7 grand-father came over on the Mayflower, fell over board, and was saved!!
53.I am always chewing gum.
54.I only wear small jewelry. My mom and my daughter love the larger, bolder colors/styles.
55.My daughter has two different colored eyes.
56.The same daughter only has one kidney.
57.I am not athletic at all. I pretend that I could be. Heehee.
58.Reading/writing is my escape.
59.Iced Caramel Lattes are a part of my weekly survival.
60.I love to observe people. Craziest thing, I know.
61.I never thought as a child that I would have a large family. Actually, never gave it any thought.
62. Attempt to live every day for the Lord.
63.Love hardwood floors.
64.Have tried every vacuum out there - if you really want to know my favorite, don't be afraid to ask.
65.Have learned that my trials changed my life for the better in so many ways.
66.Almost signed up for Survivor 5 years ago. Crazy- I know.
67.Still miss my sweet babies that are with the Lord. They were so precious.
68.I see my weaknesses more and more as I get older.
69.My dogs name is Flag. (We got him on Memorial Day!) (No making fun!!! - Poor dog.)
70.I didn't start wearing make-up until I was 30.
71.My eyelashes on my right side are blond, and on the left they are darker brown.
72.Love stripes, polka-dots and brighter colors on my children, but not myself.
73.I took ballet from age 4 to age 10. Loved it.. and still do.
74.Would love to take ball-room, swing, and hip-hoop dance lessons some day.
75.Will be married 20 years this year. ( 2009)
76.I am an extremely empathetic person. Sometimes too much.
77.Have an Iodine allergy.
78.Pittsburgh Steelers are my favorite football team. No rhyme or reason here.
79.I live in a very beautiful part of the United States.
80.Snow is not my friend.
81.I have supersonic hearing. It is annoying, yet helpful.
82.Honestly, I do not like handling coins. They are so dirty. ( another OCB thing, I know.)
83.My mom has a beautiful singing voice. She sang on stage for many years as I grew up.
84.Dream of someday have a beautiful picture taken of my children.
85.My husband can find four-leaf clovers without any trouble. It is kinda weird, yet amazing to me.
86.I never understood making lists like this, until, I thought about it going into my journals for my children. Aren't you glad you get this little peek into my strange life?
87.The Bobbsey Twins Books were my favorite growing up.
88.Love a french-manicure. ( although, the only ones I have ever had were by moi'!)
89.I use to have an obsession with holding the TV controller when we had TV. Gone are those days with Teenagers in the house.
90.I have always loved Birch Trees. Had one growing up, and would peel the white bark off. Now, find out it is bad for the tree. Still love them.
91.I love color. Every room in my home is a different color. Not one wall is white.
92.Love to visit schools, Churches, and teach the Bible to young children.
93. I love to find people with the genuine gift of encouragement.
94. Admire those that live what they expect out of others.
95.Really, really do not like beets and liver.
96.Live in the woods, and never want to leave the country.
97.Have the best family in the world! ( It's ok if you disagree with this one.)
98.Purposely do not listen to talk radio.
99.Have learned to make the most of every day. The Lord has entrusted me with so much.
100.Did I mention that I do not like my feet? (lol- like this is really important!)

A Walk to Remember

I love Wednesdays. It brings to the forefront of my mind many memories, and the day to recount and share them with my blogging friends. My great, blogging chum, Lynnette, began this great idea of sharing on Wednesdays. If you visit her at http://lynnettekraft.blogspot.com/,

you can read her Wednesday Memories, and many others as well.

Thanks Lynnette, for this fun celebration!

My Memory today is current. not a past time, not in the recesses of my memory. Current, as in a memory made yesterday.

Yesterday was a long and very busy day. ( But, as I blogged about yesterday, it was FUN!)

The evening had was quickly approaching and I found myself eating dinner at 8 p.m. and getting kids to bed later than usual.

It was 8:30, and because we have day light hours longer now, I decided to head out on a walk. The baby was in bed, and the kids were in jammies. Dan arrived home from a late night on the job, and so we headed off on the country road together.

This was a blessing in itself. We never have this opportunity. I LOVE to go walking, and usually have to go alone. Or, at least, the dog and I. This was much better,, although, the dog DID go too.

We had some nice chats about our days, and saw people we knew. The road was quiet, the air was quiet, and it was such a walk to remember.

But....................

If you know me by now, you would know that it had to end on a fun note.

We were half way home, and he was being "pokey-slow!"

I decided to tease him, pick up the pace and start a little jog. I was wearing a skirt, and sneaks, and knew that it would be rather challenging. But, hey! I am always up for a challenge!

It was hilarious... the jog turned into him coming up behind me at a faster pace, and it turned into an all out running race - right out in the middle of the road.

Me, my husband, the dog, my skirt and sneaks, and US!!!

We raced the rest of the way home like that,( not a small feat!).. and I felt like a kid again.

I am sure that we were a sight, but, honestly,, I wouldn't have changed a thing!

This will be a memory my heart will remember.

A "race" to remember!

What Could be more Fun Than This?

Honestly - Every Occupation has its ups & downs- But, I truly do not think that any thing could top the gamut of FUN that a MOM gets to experience ! I am always amazed when I sit down at the end of the day ( errr, I mean collapse).. and I think about what I experienced .

For example -

Today,

A simple jump in the "bus" and run down the road to Grandma's House, turned into -pulling over and changing the baby's messy diaper that had "gotten out of control" ( I will spare you the details),, and the creative way I had to handle it,,, being that I was only running down the road for blueberries, minus a packed diaper bag... it was interesting to say the least. Not to mention, it took about 15 minutes to run a 5 minute blueberry -borrowing errand!



OHHH,,, I can't forget the moment I discovered my 2 year old Shirley Temple strolling around the yard barefoot ( typical fashion for this carefree soul), holding in her hands 10 ( TEN -I SAID),, Dum-Dum Lollipops in her hands. Assorted colors and flavors -ALL unwrapped, arranged like a bouquet of flowers in her hand..,, sweetly licking the handful..all as ONE sucker! It was probably a good moment of teaching and correction, but, alas, I saw it as a great photo-op moment; Seized the fun, and made her pose in various positions for her "dumm-Dumm" Lollipop Picture. It was Sight,, and it was "SWEET!"



But, I know there is no fun in finding that two of our baby chickies ( out of 50) had "passed on," and the sad emotions from crying children were dealt with and we are moving on, hence still taking care of 48 little peeps,, food, water, and care three times a day.



I would be remiss to forget to mention the bee sting under a toe-nail for one of the kids, a bon-fire all day for the Old-tattered swing set/ play house that we decided needed to be dismantled at 10 p.m. last night, administering Annual School testing to my homeschooled children, ( being sure they are filling in all of those answer circles, while nursing a baby, and making the yummy blueberry muffins..)

The challenge of persuading 4 year old Sam to release his fading Lightning Bugs from their quart jar home ( after being held all night in bed,, keeping Sam company and delighted),,was exactly that - CHALLENGING. I was able to help him understand that we would be able to catch some more tonight for him to sleep with, and he settled for that. Honestly - this was priceless.

Following this release of the lightning -bugs ( which aren't so appealling in daylight, by the way), we were able to bad-aid some boo-boo's, get some much needed snacks, and put the potty-training on a shelf for another day!

THIS WAS ALL BEFORE 11 in the morning!

What could be more fun than this?

And I mean this from the bottom of my heart.
Motherhood is challenging, time-consuming, exhausting some days, but truly - it can be fun!



Now we are off to weed the garden, head to soccer practice, run to the store to get a new "Chicken light," work on U.S. History while at the Soccer field waiting, run Teens to their evening jobs, and maybe eat dinner in there somewhere!



All the while ( this is definitely a country slang-term), singing with psalms, and hymns and praise to the Lord for His goodness.

Remembering -

Psalms 118:24 -

"This is the day that the Lord has made, we will REJOICE and be glad in it!"



( This is our family verse. Some days it truly is a challenge to practice the rejoicing part of that verse, but all in all ... What could be more fun than this?)

Stone Soup- Will you help me?

Why did I title this post Stone Soup? Probably because of the subject that is close to my heart lately.

FRUGALITY!!

There are so many areas in my life that I have yet to even begin working on. My whole initiative for change is to please the Lord with my actions and attitudes.

Lately, I have been truly convicted of another area that I have only given effort half-heartedly to in the last few years. Shamefully, I confess this to the Lord, and ask for wisdom in changing.

Frugality.

Stone Soup was the first post title that came to my mind when writing - LOL.. I have no intentions of serving this.. although it would be great fun, don't you think?

I am attempting to not only change the way that we live -( in dollar sense, but in wastefulness, time, and resources,) but also the way that we think. Beginning to think in the frugal sense is a BIG challenge.

I have met so many people that have "attained" this character quality, and I believe that it is so pleasing to the Lord.

Here are some situations that I have come across this week, that probably most people have lived every day, but it has taken me years of raising a large family to make the leap into savings.

I am not sure if it is because it is was easier the other way, or because I didn't want to make such big changes. Basically - bottom line - I was being selfish with our means, and lazy to make simpler changes.

So, for example:

Just two weeks ago, I declared to our household that I was NOT buying paper towels ANY more! ( I hope you are not laughing at me.)......

I am the Paper Towel Queen! I loved them, STILL do, and would use them for everything!

NOT any more though.

I have chosen the cloth, towels, shammy route.

This may not seem like a big deal to you - but think about this paper towel thing like your worst addiction. This was mine.

Think about 9 children, spills, country living -mud, sand, and all of the dirty hands and faces I see a day.

So, Paper Towels were the # 1 change here.

Here's the second! SPONGES!! ( NOW, I KNOW you are laughing!)... I love sponges. Probably because I love to clean.

Please understand that this loving to clean thing is really a GIFT, otherwise my life as a mom of many small children would be nightmarish!

So, the sponges are GONE! And cloths, brillo's, and etc. are here.

#3 Change - ENERGY! I have become the Light and Water Police! Oh, how fun this is! My family is trying,, we all are. Some more than others. Wastefulness had become a bad and unnoticed habit.

----

I am not going to make a long list on this post of all of the changes I am making, because they are things that you probably do every day, and I wouldn't want to bore you. ( I know, I know,,, that was a run-on sentence!)

But, here is my question - Will you tell me your frugal ideas? I would love to hear them.

Truly.

I will post again on this great adventure. It is hard, fun, difficult, challenging, and purposed to bring about a more pleasing life to my Lord.

The Whole family is getting involved - it is contagious!

So, SEND IN YOUR IDEAS - Help!! (please )

I have posted a pic of my daughter, Leah, as she sets up her daily Road Side Stand. It is precious to see her happy face when she makes a sale!

My Special Temari

I was not able to post a Memory for My Walk Down Memory Lane today.

I have been dealing with a yucky migraine for about four days now, and so I wasn't able to muster up any spare space in my head for thinking too deeply.


I wanted to share with you a picture of my Temari. A special gift I received from Shi. She was so sweet in making a special Temari for my Kitchen colors. Shi is so talented. I visited her blog, and loved all of the beautiful work that she does to benefit others. You will want to visit her blog (click on any words high-lighted) and see the other Temari's that she makes. Mine is so beautiful! I have it hanging in my kitchen, and it looks so pretty. It stands for Friendship, and I remind my children of that when they see it.


This gift made by Shi was from my friend, Lynnette. I would invite you to visit her blog, and say "hello." She has a contest once in a while , with a lot of fun twists. This Temari, was what I received from one of her contests. I was so thrilled! THANK YOU LYNNETTE! I love my Temari.


If you are like me, and have never seen a Temari before, welcome to blog land! This is like a new adventure, with a gift around every corner. Not only will you find out things you have never thought about before, but you will meet some very special people.

Hope you enjoyed viewing my Temari today! I love seeing it every morning!

Tell Me the Stories of Jesus

My son, Samuel, is 4 years old, and in the last month, he has become more aware of WHO God is, and WHAT He has done and is doing.

I get a little teary and emotional when I think or talk about any one coming to know the Lord. It is like this tender spot in my heart that swells with excitement upon hearing about someone coming to His knowledge and presence in their lives.

Sam has a family/life centered around the Lord, but there will be a time when he has to make a decision on his own, as to whether he is going to follow the Lord, and believe in His name.

Being a parent brings some amazing opportunities to witness some amazing things! I am so thankful for this.
It is an amazing thing to see the heart transformed.. beginning with awareness and curiosity and then desire.

Samuel is so precious. He communicates every thing that he thinks and feels. All of the time. He also has this really tender heart for others. He does not like to see me sad, and verbally shares his every thought with me. He will often tell me that his "heart hurts" when he is sad himself.
It is really precious. He even will tell me when he needs/wants correction for something he has done wrong that is bothering his heart. It is amazing.

This past month has brought about some special things in his life:

-He is now talking about how Jesus died on the Cross . He talks about the nails with great sadness for a four year old.

(The other day he stepped on a nail - and his first concern was how Jesus felt. He said, "I got a nail in my foot like Jesus on the Cross. And he hurt really bad.")

-Driving down the road the other day , he asked me how God made Light and Dark.
How neat it was that he recognized that GOD made them. Not a random happening.
(How amazed HE was when I told him that all God had to do was to say, "Let there be light," and there was light!")

-His prayers are becoming more specific. From his own heart, in his own words.,,, voluntarily, and not prompted to pray. That desire.


As I tell my children the Stories of Jesus while they grow, I know I am planting the seed of knowledge in their minds, but this understanding that they begin to show at young ages is ALL from GOD!

I am reminded to keep telling them of the Lord's unending love, and challenged to keep praying for them to each make a decision to follow Him.

May my children be a light to a dark world. Let all of our lights shine!

"Jesus Loves Me this I Know! For the Bible Tells me so. Little ones to Him belong, they are weak, but He is Strong!"

Rose Colored Glasses

WOW? Will someone wake me up? It seems that I must be dreaming!! Who knew that life could be so good? Even when it seems hard - it is good.

Considering the different trials that we have have experienced, and the heartache that we have seen our family and many friends go through, one would think that I would not be reveling in the "good!"



BUT, it seems that although daily living may seem like a grindstone some days, and hardships can bring us down, I can still see the Lord's Mighty Working Hand in bringing about His plan in the end. Isn't this what life is suppose to be? Looking towards the goal, and continuing to PRESS ON!

I thought that I would journal some tidbits in my life that I was able to see through Rose-colored Glasses:



~My curly-Shirley Temple smiling up at me, holding her pocket-sized Bible, and singing Eee-I -Eee I - Ohhh! ( I didn't know that song was in the Bible!)

~50 ( Fifty - yep, I said 50) New baby chicks,,, peeping in the back of my van, waiting for their ( MY) new home! My children all peering into their little brooding box, adoring their sweet peeps. ( Soo cute to see!)

~My daughter all dressed up in her new dress for a Senior Banquet. She chose this dress with respect for modesty, and she is greatly rewarded with beauty! Inside and out.


~Watching your children all work hard/ together to accomplish a goal. Seeing them persevere even when it is tough.


~Seeing the bills get paid, and work slowly pick up, when in my limited wisdom and understanding doubt, fail to trust. His provision is always there.


~Seeing the reactions of people in public when I take my 7 month old into the Store to get some Chicken Seed, and she is covered with a chocolate donut! ( Which, by the way, was totally fun to stretch my ability to leave her that way for more than 5 minutes!)


~Knowing that my husbands' love for me is never-ending.


~Counting it ALL joy when I take the 16 steps to my daughter bedroom - SIX TIMES now.. to repeatedly get her to take her nap today are all GOOD! These hips could use those 96 steps... no complaining!


~Finding the bag of bird seed that I was given for Mother's Day laying open, dumped and scattered over the porch yesterday! "Come on birdies - it's a buffet at the McCarthy's Home this week! "


~A precious friend gifts me with a precious bundle of Victoria Magazines - all sweetly tied with pink tulle and an heirloom key! Gifts from the heart mean so much. Pass it on!


~Listening to my rattle -trap 15 passenger van, as we drive over, feel, and hear every bump in the road - but keep reminding myself that the air-conditioning works, and it is 86 degrees out! That is worth dwelling on!


~OK - I gave into my re-arranging temptation, and now have a big head start on my new look for the dining room. ( BTW- it is a fallacy, that stay at home mom's- do nothing.) This cleaning project was like a retreat for me to find time to do this. So very thankful.


~Spending time with my parents, brothers, and their families- always have a hearty- heart laugh when we are together! My brother tells stories as he thinks he is a vigilante!


~Getting to the store and smiling my Pollyanna smile - ( been practicing, have you?)... and then later finding that the kids and I have strawberry/blueberry seeds in our teeth from the fruit smoothies we made earlier. No wonder my smiles seemed contagious today!


~Watching the dandelions pop -up an hour after we mowed the lawn. ( I love our grass cut, and those dandelions are just sticking their tongues out at me every time!)

If you have on Rose-Colored Glasses as you walk about your day- life might not seem so hard. For we all know that there's no way around it - Life is difficult sometimes, but when we take those glasses off, it is even harder!

If you don't know where to find some of these special Rose-Colored Glasses- look here -

Prayer, Thankfulness, Giving, and Time alone with the ONE that matters the most!



OK- In the Spirit of Pollyanna Fun - My Son made me these special glasses-( from plastic straws!!...) and this humiliating picture ( photo-shoot) is posted merely to INSPIRE you to throw on your own Special Glasses. It truly makes a difference!

Re-arranging the Furniture

I have a lot of weaknesses. And if you know me, you know that I love to rearrange my home. Quite often.

Usually my husband will either come home to a completely different living room lay- out, or he ends up stuck helping me with the heavy - I can't move furniture. Usually, the latter is the most common. I know what he is thinking while he so "graciously" grins and lifts, and moves the things that I need help with. WHY?? It looked good before - he use to actually say this, but now he just thinks it. He knows there is no sense in it - it always looks good after too.


There was a day, when I wouldn't ask for help. I was too impatient. I would get the urge to re-arrange everything while he was away at work to "surprise " him. Ohhhh.. he was surprised.. just not too happy when he found out I had moved the heavy things by myself. So, now he helps, and knows the routine.


It is fun, actually. The whole family gets into the moves. We do not do them as often as we use to though. Our home is pretty set in its style,, but, I can feel the "re-arranging itch," coming back.

This past weekend, I did some re-arranging of more than just my furniture. I re-arranged my heart. My priorities, and my thoughts were a little "out of place." They weren't looking too good and the entire ensemble put together was quite distracting. And so, the re-arranging began. It didn't start as eagerly as it does when it is my furniture, I must admit.

I began with my marriage. I moved the discontent completely out of the picture, ( not just to the side), and replaced it with appreciation. I then had to get help with the biggest move - my thoughts. Rather than just letting the dust settle on my thoughts that were breeding anger, or resentment, I asked my husband for help with this move, and we worked together to move them as well. Replacing them with forgiveness, love, and understanding. Wow - I love this re-arranging thing. At least, I love the outcome! I find my moves are always a big mess and distraction while I am in the middle of moving things around, but, in the end, I am usually satisfied with the product.

The difference with this weekends projects - I wasn't moving things around for my own gratification. My "living room" - Heart space, thought space - are the Lord's territory. I made these changes to be more pleasing to Him. A cleaner vessel. A more appealing place to worship.

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Here is a memory that was not too funny to me when it happened, but now that I look back on this childhood incident, I laugh quite out loud!

It clearly defines my history with re-arranging. It goes like this:

I had a small, pretty room as a little girl. It was yellow ( my favorite color,) and it was small. ( Did I mention the small part?).. I have no idea how many times I re-arranged my bed, my dresser, and my desk. Only three pieces of furniture. But, I did. And it was a lot.

I had just found this new-fangled way to get my tall white dresser where my bed was, and then notch my desk on an angle into a corner. Holly Hobby wallpaper, yellow curtains, and this new move and I was quite content.
That is, UNTIL I went to bed that night.
I gave my parents a hug and kiss, said my "good nights."
( Just to preface here -I was deathly afraid of something being under my bed at this age.)
I asked my mom if she was going to check under my bed? She told me that I had just changed my room around, and I could see very clearly that there wasn't any thing under there. She wanted me to go to bed on my own this night.

PICTURE THIS:
I KNEW there was something under my bed. I just knew. It was big, and was going to grab my leg, pull me and under and no one would ever see me again. I walked calmly down the hall to my room. ( The calm part was all an act...)
I backed up before my dark room, door open, but lights off. I decided to make a run for it and jump!
I gave it all I had, ran with all of my might, jumped HIGH AND HARD - RIGHT into my dresser!!!!!!!!
SMACK! - I was now pretty unconscious -prone on the floor!

WHO put my dresser where my bed was?!! What lunatic moved my room around again?!
As I lay there, looking into my mom's bewildered face, ( I could see a humorous, sympathetic twinkle in her eye ,) I remember thinking that if there was something under my bed, it would have gotten me by now - as I lay there -waiting, in pain.

I can't say that this curbed my compulsion to re-arrange things, but it did cause me to turn my light on before jumping into bed!

So, I am thinking that although re-arranging can be painful - whether in our homes, or in my heart and life - it can bring about a much more pleasing result in the end.

I have learned that when it comes to re-arranging things in my personal life- the longer I wait to get the most-pleasing result for the Lord, the harder it is to make the change.
I am thankful for this weekend. My "living room" has much more room for worship of the ONE that makes it all matter in the END.

"In My Heart There Rings A Melody"

Wow- I am not sure what is going on here this week!

The kids and I do a lot of singing together - at home, while we are driving, when we are cooking, and even on hikes.. but this week there is a "song in the air."

I sat on the porch for quite a long time this morning, rocking the baby, and watching it rain. While I had this quiet time alone with His Creation, I had one hymn after another come to my lips. I was able to worship so freely, and alone. The words to the songs became my prayers to the Lord, and I knew that HE had given me this time to spend with Him. Quiet time here is quite scarce, and usually occurs when I am so tired that I join the rest of the quiet sleeping family at bed time.

This was beautiful.

We have a few books that are written about the writers, and meanings of 100's of Hymns. If you ever have a chance, I would encourage to find some of these to read. They are amazing! We read them to our children when we teach them a new song.

"I have a song that Jesus gave me, It was sent from heav'n above

There never was a sweeter melody,

'Tis a melody of love."

"In my heart there rings a melody, There rings a melody - WITH HEAVEN'S HARMONY

In my heart there rings a melody,

There rings a melody of love!"

Today, songs have been on my lips all day. Some songs - hymns that I have not been singing in a long time are quick to come to my lips. Wow- this is a grand day.

If you have time today- Look up the second verse of 'Take Time to be Holy",, this verse is perfect for my day.

Psalm 103 -Bless the Lord, o my soul - And ALL that is within me - Bless His Holy Name!

*****If you have a favorite hymn, or scripture today, will you share it with me - it will keep me singing!!******

This was taken in my flower bed after the rain. Isn't is beautiful!

We can let God make our moments look like this picture!

21 Years of Memories

What a great way to share our memories - Thanks to my friend, Lynnette, ( check out her blog -on my sidebar), this weekly opportunity is open to ANY one that would like to Walk down memory lane. I hope you enjoy reading my memories for today.

There are two significant moments in my life ( other than the birth of my children), that I know defines who I am today.

The first occurred 21 years ago , May 8th. ( 8 is my favorite #, by the way - if you care to know).. I celebrate this Wednesday's Walk today because every May I remember this day.

I was 17, and I was asked to go on a blind-date. WHAT were my parents thinking? LOL... ( Mom, if you are reading this... this comment is purely maternal, thinking that I could not imagine us letting Ben do this today)...

I drove to our arranged meeting place with some friends the local miniature - golf spot, also our local Soaring Museum, and picnic area. I remember being quite apprehensive,,, and not expecting any thing but a fun evening with some other believers. I actually didn't even think of this as a "date," but a great opportunity to play some miniature golf.

This day changed my life forever. I met the man that I am married to today. We were engaged THREE months after this chance meeting,, and 21 years later are married - happily, through many ups and downs, and a lot of changes in both of us.

We have moved numerous times, been to Bible School, had our share of "squabbles," built our own home together, been in the labor and delivery room more than I can think to count, and laughed together through many ups and downs.

I celebrate the Anniversary of our meeting, because it is the day that - I walked into the rest of my life. The day that I met the man God had waiting for me to spend the rest of my life with. He is perfect for me, and God knew he would be. I thank the Lord for this man - a man after God's own heart.

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The second monumental moment in my life, that changed my life forever and ever...a day I surrendered ALL.

When I was 12 years old, my family and I went to a wonderful Bible Camp together, and heard the most amazing things I had ever heard. My heart was opened to the truth that I am a sinner, and could be set free. Never had I remembered hearing this before.

My brother and I made a decision that day to accept the Lord as our Savior from sin. Realizing what His Son had done for us on the Cross.. the ultimate sacrifice. How could I turn my back on this offer of Eternal life, when he gave HIS life for me,, for this moment?

I accepted this free gift, decided that day to live my life for HIM,, and never turned back - I ran with it. And I am still running that race - daily - a race that defines my life each and every day.

Romans 6:23 - " For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
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My walk down memory lane brings me to my knees again to thank the Lord for giving me these moments in time that changed me forever.