Pictures, Pictures, Pictures

These pictures on their bikes are from this weekend. Princess can ride her bike finally! They love riding up and down the street and the weather was quite warm to do it!

Cuddly Boy always likes to dress up silly.

My beautiful little girl

Here are Princess and Little Man all ready for their Christmas concert which was Sunday night. Princess is always posing!

Here's Little Man singing. Most of these cute kids are my Cubbies. They're so precious!

He's so handsome and was smiling away up there!

Here is Princess...I couldn't get a good picture of her with the microphone stand there. It seems like for everything she's standing by the mic stand!

Today I had the chance of meeting an online friend I've known for about 5 years. Angela is in the Above Rubies group I'm in and she's been down south for awhile. We met up halfway at this cool place called 'Blu Rabbit's Paradise'. The kiddos had fun! It is amazing how though I've never met her in person I felt like she was an old friend.

Here are our two boys playing:

Cuddly Boy having fun!

Little Man being silly!

Here are my boys having fun!

Princess having fun. Her and Cassie.

On the train ride.

Choo! Choo!

Here are Angela and I.

Being goofy...had to post this just for her!

Outside of the place. We had a fun time!!! It was great meeting her! She has two other daughters but I really didn't get a good picture with them! They were all adorable!

Whether the Weather

The past couple of days its been about 75-80 degrees. It is unreal and it doesn't feel like December! Even though its warm I've still come down with a bit of a bug I think. Cuddly Boy has been coughing for a few days and now it seems something has gotten a hold on me. I couldn't sleep last night and I was so hot. I guess I must have had a fever. Even when Zach got up and turned the AC off and put on the heat I was asking him to turn it off- I was too hot! That is so unusual for me- I'm normally always cold. My throat began to hurt and when Zach was still home and I lie in bed my body just felt a bit achy. Thankfully when I awoke for the day from my fitful sleep I didn't feel as bad as I had previously, but I still don't feel 100%. I'm tired and my throat still hurts. I'm trying to pump myself up with Vitamin C and I even took some silver as I'm determined to not get too sick. I don't have time with three children!

Tomorrow I'm supposed to go to Mobile to meet a lady I've 'known' through the Above Rubies egroup for 5-6 years. She is down in Florida currently and I've never met her before so I'm really looking forward to it. Friday we have Zach's work Christmas party and I really don't want to feel miserable for that. So, I'm bound and determined to feel well! We did a smidgen of school and otherwise sat in front of the TV. It gives me an opportunity to read also. Zach got me these books for Christmas last year and I'm ashamed to admit its taken me almost a year to begin reading them! At the same time I can see how God almost ordained for me to read them now. If you've read them you'll know what I mean.

Obedience Leads to Blessings

The neatest thing happened to us this morning after church. As we were heading out a man came up to us. I think I'd seen him before but I don't know him. He told how he and his wife have been watching us for awhile, as we bring our children into church. Pretty much every other family utilizes the nursery and children's church, but we believe in the family sitting together in worship. He also shared how it brings back memories of he and his family 30 years ago. In saying this he asked if they could give our children a gift and handed me a card. When I opened it in the car I was shocked to see money inside- $60! It was such a huge blessing! It was an opportunity to share with the children about obedience. When Mommy & Daddy obey God by sitting together as a family in church and when they obey by sitting quietly in the service God sees. And blesses. We were so floored and I sat astonished at such a gift, with tears silently streaming down my face. Thank you Lord Jesus for showing me that my labor is not in vain!

Fun in the Park

So we went to the base the other day for the tree lighting. I had never gone before. We met with our homeschool group and had a great time! They had a train, bottle painting and a pony carriage ride, not to mention they were giving away prizes and had music. We didn't stay for the tree lighting or Santa as I had to get back for a Christmas party. Plus I was really hungry and for some reason they weren't serving food yet! Here they are doing his bottle painting! They certainly had fun with that!

Little Man really did not want to go on the carriage ride. He said horses are sick. I think he was afraid I wouldn't let them go on the train too! So, he doesn't look too happy. Princess is in all her glory though, as she is a horse lover! I wouldn't have made Little Man get on but I wanted him in the pictures;)

The kiddos rode in the caboose on the 'train'. It was something attached to a little Tracker that drove around the circular drive. They sure enjoyed it! I should have went on it with them, but I decided not to.

When I put them on a lady came up to me. She said something like, "This is going to sound really weird, but I read your blog". I was really surprised! Turns out we were in a Yahoo group together for a time. We chatted for a bit and she has the two most beautiful little girls! It was nice meeting you Erica!

Not sure who this little boy is, but it was the only picture I had with them all looking!

Our History Timeline

I finally hung up our timeline we've been working on for history. Here is a close-up of how far we've gotten so far.

Here's the brood proud to show off their work (which is mostly done by me).

Gets a bit better...

So, when I was typing my last post my little one was crying for me at my feet and saying, "Sorry mama". I just ignored him as I really needed to vent! When I finished he followed me around wanting me to hold him. So I scooped him in my arms and laid with him on the couch. Oh, it was so precious. Before I knew it my other two little ones were curled up near me. It really brightened my day! Just thought I'd post an update!

Oh and we did go to the base this afternoon, I'll have pictures soon. Now I'm off to a Christmas party for the moms in my homeschool group! A sock swap! What fun!

One of THOSE days

For all of my fellow homeschoolers, do you ever have those days where the idea of sending your children to public school sounds so tempting? Admit it, I know you do. I know I'm not the only one. Oh, imagine the quietness, the peace, the order! No more having to deal with fighting kids. No more listening to their whining. No more dealing with their fits when you show them a mistake in their work. Today is one of those days where I have had it. I am SO frustrated. If they aren't fighting then they're making a huge mess. Or breaking something. Or crying because I tell them password is one word and not too. Or fussing over their math work saying its hard. Or forgetting the word that they JUST read. We're supposed to head to the base today to the tree lighting ceremony but I'm tempted to stick them all in their beds, lock the doors and hide in my room with the door locked. But on the other hand I really desire the fellowship and encouragement from my friends. At least they're finally listening and they quickly picked up downstairs- only because I finally threw a fit! And then I feel guilty because I read my 'The Power of Motherhood' book and I wonder when I'll get to the point of having JOY in my mothering and of being patient and kind. I've got a long way to go.

***This is a venting post. I will never send my kids to the public schools so I wish no condemnation from people! I really just need to vent!

Little John the Baptists

Isn't it amazing the faith that little children have? No wonder Jesus tells us to have faith like a child. Last week when Princess asked why we don't go to stores and people's houses to tell them about Jesus. I think we were talking about missionaries or something and I was telling them how we can be missionaries too. Why can't I have the faith to walk up to people or knock on their door and share with them a Savior who died for their sins?

Tonight we had one of Zach's co-workers over for dinner. After we got done eating they began asking him questions~ Do you know God? Do you have a Bible? Do you read it? I just laughed at their boldness. Of course he knows we're Christians and Zach is bold in standing up for his faith at work~ everybody knows he's a 'religious freak' as I'm sure they refer to him. But to see my children so passionate about others going to heaven...it is a feeling like no other. Now if only their mommy can acquire some of their boldness and not be such a chicken at times!

I praise God for the children He's given me, for not only do I teach them but I also learn from them.

A Christmas Getting to Know you

My friend Lynn had this on her blog and I thought I'd join in the fun. If you do too then let me know!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? It's much more fun to unwrap a gift than to pull it out of the bag!

2. Real tree or artificial? We've had artificial since we've been married, but I really like the real ones. We had real ones growing up and there's something about the real pine smell.

3. When do you put up the tree? Earlier than we did when I was a kid...we don't really have a set time...if not Thanksgiving weekend then the following weekend

4. When do you take the tree down? Again, no set day on this...I guess when I get tired of it being up and in the way and when I feel like cleaning the house;)

5. Do you like eggnog? Yuck

6. Favorite gift received? Hmm....well I've always been spoiled when it comes to Christmas gifts, but I think my favorite was my Mother's Ring last year

7. Do you have a nativity scene? Yep, but it doesn't have a story behind it like some people's, its just a cheapo one from Wally World

8. Hardest person to buy for? Zach

9. Easiest person to buy for? Hannah

10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I really can't think of anything that were terrible, but nobody cares about getting socks for Christmas;) But you need to be thankful for all you're given

11. Mail or email Christmas cards? I like to get Christmas cards and we've always mailed them or letters, but this year you are all getting ecards or letters...I can't justify spending tons of money to mail 100 stamps when I know it is much needed elsewhere (and I don't mean in my household for gifts)

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Elf is funny, but I like the classic It's a Wonderful Life too

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? sometime in December, normally the last minute but this year I'm pretty much done as its not what's important

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Not that I can think of

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Hmmm....I like all the goodies (besides pies)

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? We normally have color but this year I put white up as I wanted something different...I like white

17. Favorite Christmas song? O Holy Night and What Child is This, although my favorite non-CHRISTian Christmas song is Sleigh Ride (ever since we played it for a band concert in high school its been a favorite)

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Home, although it would be nice to travel 'home' one year

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? I sure can

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Angel, but as a kid we had a star

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning of Christmas? Usually one on Christmas Eve and the rest Christmas morning, although Zach and the kids always beg to open all on the Eve

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? There's more than one...all the Santa hype, the commercialism, how its so about getting and going into debt and not giving...its gotten so far away from Jesus

23. What I love most about Christmas? The fact that God sent JESUS to be born in a lowly manger~ the same JESUS who died on a cross for you and I

I do have to add that living in the south it is hard for it to feel like it is that time of the year, Christmas. When its in the 60s, 70s and 80s and there is no snow it is difficult to fathom that its the middle of December (probably because I grew up with all of the snow).

Menu?

I don't have a menu yet this week. I know we have NO meat in our freezer although Zach did pick some up today for me! I haven't had time to figure out what I want to make, what I need to buy and all that. I guess instead of being online I could be doing that, but what fun is that? I don't foresee when I can even make it to a store with the way my week looks. So hopefully I will get my menu done soon (for my own sake). I think we'll be eating breakfast for dinner...that is if I have pancake mix!

Tree Trimming

Yesterday we dug out all of the Christmas stuff and had a fun time putting it up. It is amazing how excited the kiddos are about it! I guess when I was little I was real excited about it too.

You never realize as a child the work that actually goes into it~ putting the branches on, stringing the lights, unpacking the ornaments and then the clean up. Then you need to dust surfaces where you put knickknacks and things like that. Now my house is sparkling clean and decorated for the season.

This is the first year I used white lights. We've always had color and I just love the look of white and wanted something different.

A Recipe you don't want to pass up

I cannot remember where I've obtained this recipe from. I want to say from my Above Rubies egroup but I'm not sure if that is right. I wish I could figure out where, because I don't get credit for this at all. I've made this numerous times now and Zach always comments how he likes this better than steaks anywhere else. It is the marinate that does it. I keep thinking I've shared this before but I'm not sure I have. Anyway, without further ado:

After you marinate your steaks in this they will melt in your mouth.

1/2 c. balsamic vinegar
1/4 c. soy sauce
3 tbs. minced garlic (I used about 3 cloves this time)
2 tbs. honey
2 tbs. olive oil
2 tsp. ground black pepper
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. Liquid Smoke flavoring (I added more)
1 pinch cayenne pepper
2 (1/2 lbs) Rib-eye steaks (I use a variety, this time I used T-Bones)

In medium bowl combine all the ingredients. Place steaks in shallow glass dish with marinate and turn to coat. For optimum flavor rube with liquid into meat. Cover and marinate in fridge for 1 to 2 days. Preheat grill for medium-high heat. Lightly oil grate. Grill to your preference. Discard marinate.

Tonight I used our indoor grill and they still turned out wonderfully!

Enjoy!

Cotton!

Today we went to a cotton gin! How cool is that? It was really neat. We got to see the different things that happen to cotton. The gin wasn't working when we were there and so we got to get up close and look at it and hear how exactly the process works. It looked like big bunches of snow! There was a HUGE building that held the dirty cotton seeds. It looked like mountains of snow and looked so fun to jump in. It reminded me of the buildings they have back home filled with salt to put on the roads for snow. And the huge bales of cotton! Wow! It was a real informative morning. We were able to take some cotton home, the kiddos got a coloring book and we also got a 'bundle' of cotton! It was great!

Afterwards we went to eat at Moe's with our friends. Then it was off to do some shopping. I didn't find much of what I was looking for, but I was able to get a couple of things! Now its off to a cookie exchange! So I can gain even more weight. Eh.

Slow Down

Ugh, time has just been flying. I've been so busy this week. Not really with anything special, just life. I can't believe its almost Friday! We've done a lot of movie watching this week because I've been getting these headaches that have me just lying on the couch. Princess and I watched part of the first Anne of Green Gables movie. She keeps begging to watch the rest of it but I haven't made it that far. Today Princess was sneezed on by an alpaca. We took a field trip to see some alpaca's and then went to lunch with some friends. Tonight I made more than 6 dozen cookies for a cookie swap tomorrow night. Tomorrow morning we have a field trip to a cotton gin. It is just busy all around. Guess its that time of year. That's another thing...how is it already almost December? Oh, and I posted over on my adoption blog... Well, I'm off to do some online shopping. Sorry for the boring post!

It's About the Cross - Christmas Music Video

This is really what its all about. Let's remember this as Christmas approaches.

Who knows?

God does. We didn't get the Indiana assignment but we're totally ok with that. I think we're almost relieved. We wouldn't have been by a military base for one thing and we really didn't want that. We also don't really want to buy a house this next time and I think we'd prefer to live in base housing (depending on how it is where we end up). Zach put in for base of preference today and we should hear soon on if he gets any of them or what is open to him. He has a friend who has a 'hook-up' so we're really hoping he'll pull some strings for us. Our three choices are (I'm not sure of the order):

1. near Dayton, Ohio
2. southern Illinois near St. Lois
3. near Spokane, Washington

It would be nice to be near 'home' but I'm also hoping we get somewhere different, like Spokane. We've been north, east and south now I think we're due to go west!

I know that the Lord has a plan for us wherever we go. Just because you apply for BOP doesn't mean you get it- chances are you don't get what you want. But that is ok! I'm just ready for a change of scenery and a new place to call home. I will miss my friends here, but I love moving and I'm so ready (of course we won't actually be moving until probably July). Well, off to begin school.

Menu Plan Monday

I have to admit that I never quite completely follow a menu. I make one so that I am better prepared as far as groceries and therefore more likely to cook. But most weeks I alter it a bit. Sometimes we have a lot of leftovers so we'll eat those or sometimes we may go out to eat or just throw in a frozen pizza (real healthy, huh). Then last week with Thanksgiving some things were changed around a bit...mostly due to leftovers. So, you may see some things repeated;) Without further ado, my menu:

Monday~ Sloppy Joes on hoagie rolls, peas

Tuesday~ Chicken Tortilla Casserole (probably in the crockpot), Mexican Rice, Mixed Veggies

Wednesday~ Homeade or frozen pizza

Thursday~ Meatloaf, cornbread, veggies, potatoes

Friday~ Leftovers

Saturday~ Marinated T bone steaks, baked potatoes, salad

Sunday~ Probably leftovers, fast food or something quick and easy since we have Awana

For more MPM's visit Laura.

Saturday Fun

The Break is Over

It is hard to believe that our nice vacation is about over. I have had the laziest week, but it has been so nice. Finally yesterday we actually did something with ourselves. We took the kiddos to our local children's museum and then went to the Humane Society to see the puppies (just for fun we're not getting one). I had fun taking pictures of the kiddos at the museum. Even though we've been there many times you never know if you may have an opportunity for a new cute picture, and as you can see in the slideshow I didn't pass up the chance!
******************************
At the Humane Society I almost broke down crying. I'm usually not one to be all emotional over animals, but to see these poor dogs' sad eyes as they sat in these tiny cages just broke my heart. I've seen it before but it never affected me then, but I admit it didn't affect me enough to adopt a dog;)
****************************************
I think part of my emotion is my 'paper pregnancy' as people call it. It is so much like a pregnancy and oftentimes the littlest things can get you all emotional. Sometimes I feel so overwhelmed with emotions~ from sadness to delight to 'righteous' anger. Not anger at people for petty things but anger at how selfish and stingy people can be.
******************************************************
We watched the movie Amazing Grace last night. It was very good. If only all Christians allowed the Lord to work through them and had the passion that Mr. Wilberforce did. I've always enjoyed the song, but especially so since our music minister sang it at Malachi's funeral. Now to know the story behind the song...it was so moving and as I sat and watched Chris Tomlin's video afterward I just let the tears flow (more emotion).
************************************************************************
It is weird that it is the end of November and it is pouring rain outside with thunder and lightning. Even though I've lived in the south for almost 6 years I cannot get used to it. It *should* be snowing and freezing! As much as I hate to be cold I really want to move back where there are seasons and I'm hoping we will find out soon where we'll end up.
**************************************************************************************************
Oh and it has been declared that we are 'true Baptists'. In Sunday School we always sit in the same spot (and its in the back row). Therefore that defines us as Baptist. However, I know that people do this in any church. And I don't consider myself 'Baptist' although I do attend a Baptist church. I am a Christian following my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and I don't want any other label than that I am a follower of Him. But I thought it was funny to be declared a 'true Baptist'.