New Chapter: Making My Home First Priority

My life has taken such a drastic turn this past month, starting September 1st, that I've been waking up to joy I hadn't felt in so long. I used to just lay awake at night with worry. It's hard to enjoy life when you are constantly worried God is mad at you.

I work hard to train my kids up in Christ yet I always felt I never could measure up to people that could give so much more. More meaning, outside of the home life. I treasure these short years we have and just have made them my number one priority. Rarely could I participate in church duties beyond my own home because I gave so much to homeschooling and training my kids up in Christ. Somehow, I felt so guilty I couldn't be busy with extra ministries. I mean, I could, but at the sacrifice of my first priority at home. Well, that left me with a load of guilt and it was heavy on my mind every day. I made some changes, big changes, and now I just feel free. A freedom I never understood before. Finding friends was difficult before and now I've just been making friends like crazy! Yay! It's totally been pulling me out of my shell that I had protected myself with over the last 14 years.

The peace and joy I have had was worth all the changes we went through. I was scared to start fresh in a new church but this next chapter has been one I've been looking forward to experiencing. Before I dreaded each day, yeah, I got that bad. Now, I wake up and look forward to it!

Homemaker Lacking in The Hospitality Department

I've been starting to notice a pattern abut me. Not sure I like it and kind of embarrassing to admit. Opening up my house to visitors often has never been a strong desire to me. I know people that LOVE to have people over and don't care how much time passes. I call their house grand central station because there seems to be a constant flow of guests. I have never really desired that and neither does my husband. We both realize why last night. Our home often feels like a safe place. A place of no judgment, no criticism. It doesn't matter how we look or how perfect things look. Completely relaxed. With the busyness of life, that often feels like our only sanctuary. My husband agrees exactly. We never knew why we both just never felt inclined to have parties and stuff. We really enjoy that private time as a family and the easiness of it. I really felt when I had my family and all our kids that we were truly our own tribe. I enjoy them so much I could easily hide away and I know I shouldn't. Someday they'll be gone and I'll look around and realize I have no friends. Haha. Then again, Charles is my best, best, best friend so that's not a scary thought. We were friends a year before we ever dated and still get along great.

I seriously need to work on that hospitality thing. I guess. If it reaches out to other people and helps grow friendships I should. Well, to tell you the truth, when I want to hang out with a friend I like to go hang out somewhere! Staying home just doesn't seem exciting. Maybe that's part of the problem too.  I work at home all day and if I want to have fun I take the party out of the house! Haha.

These pics are of my new church friends and a lady offers cooking classes. She has no qualm about inviting 25 ladies over to her house every other week and giving lessons. It's a ton of work for her and she is amazing. I would forget so much and get so nervous I'd burn it! Haha. We make our own meals and bring it home to our family. I've learned some DELICIOUS stuff!

Lead Me Please - Getting to Know Him Again



 

If you get a chance, view this song called Lead Me. Everything this song says is what my heart cries out for. I'm sure many, many women and kids desire the same. I find myself just longing to be led, hungering for God more than ever. I know that as a single person I had way less distractions. Now as a married person and mom to many it's easy to forget my daily devotions. However, when I don't take that time with God I feel like I'm trying to do everything on my own strength. Well, me all wrapped up makes a pretty small package. I need Him. I am so grateful for a husband that really listens to me, hears my heartbreaks. He doesn't just listen, he'll do something about it. He doesn't brush things under the rug. I long for him to lead me but at the same time he is not God. He can't be my everything. He can't be perfect. He is my friend and partner.

There has been some pretty significant changes in my life recently and I feel like I'm learning the Bible in a completely different way. This time around I feel like a child trying to navigate and understand things again. It's hard for me to explain. Kind of like seeing things through a different shade of glasses. I'm excited but frightened. I'm used to going in one certain direction and used to just following. Well, it works for some or even many but somehow I got lost in the midst of it. I felt like I didn't know God personally. I just got used to making other people happy. This was a personal battle I was having spiritually and had to do something about it. I think each church can have different goals. Some more evangelical, some more about bringing families closer, and some more about in depth scripture study of biblical history. So many different styles but yet pointing to Christ. It's easy to point fingers and say that place isn't doing enough. While some are all about Evangelism, they might neglect their very own. On the contrast, other might be all about family and the church community and forget to reach beyond the church walls. Sharing the gospel to people who otherwise may never have stepped foot in church is crucial. Both are vitally important and neither should be neglected. Me making some changes has nothing to do with finger pointing but just spiritual survival. What works for some might not work for another.  I was so distracted I didn't see the condition of my soul, I had to stop and evaluate. I hadn't realized how much I was spiritually starving. I was starving because I was just BUSY. Too busy. Just because someone is busy doing good works doesn't mean our soul is healthy. It can be starving and lacking. That was me. In the process I feel like I have become less judgmental and more longing to be an encouragement to others. Thank goodness for God's grace.

Nursemaid's Elbow- Juliet's Pulled Arm Injury

The other day Ashley, my 6 year old, went to pick up Juliet by only one arm.  Big no, no but I had looked down right at that moment and didn't catch her in time doing it.  Juliet screamed so hard her lips turned blue.  Ashley was scared and ran away crying.  I know she was just trying to be a mommy to her but that's just why I've never let my little kids hold my babies. They just aren't mature enough. 

People wonder why I'm so strict about young kids holding my babies but it's just kids sometimes are too immature and don't understand.  My daughters' friend picked up Juliet a couple of weeks ago and while adjusting her on her hip, made Juliet's head snap back. Juliet was fine but I instantly took her back and gently told her to please not pick her up.  I'm just as strict with my own kids.  So I don't blame Ashley because she just didn't understand. 

 I had watched for swelling on Juliet's arm and didn't see any so I knew it wasn't an immediate emergency. I still was worried.  Juliet didn't use her right arm all day and would only pick up things with her left.  She cried on and off all day. I was getting to where I was just thinking about taking her in because it should have gotten better by the next day.  Well, it hadn't.  Kyle, my 10 year old, heard Juliet crying from pain in her arm and started praying for her. Instantly she stopped crying and was happy.  Literally, she had been miserable all day till that point.  She ran around the house happy, clapping her hands, and using her arm again. Whew!  However, a day later my 12 year old went to pick her up by both her arms and she screamed out in pain. Once again she wouldn't use that arm and was hurting.  My son felt sooooo bad but I saw how he picked up her and it wasn't bad.  I went ahead and took her in and doctor said it was a displaced tendon.  From now on she'll easily get that displaced.  I can't walk her by her right arm in case she pulls away.  We can't ever lift her by her arms, only by trunk of her body.  The nurse also showed me how to put it back in place now that it'll happen again. The bummer part is it's an injury that lasts several years called Nursemaid's elbow.

Nursemaid's Elbow-  when the ligaments that connect the elbow bones are weak, and a bone slips out of place.  Children's ligaments are weak until they reach 5 or 6 years old.

 I went home and had a talk with the kids about how to pick her up, the older ones, and told the younger ones not to pick her up at all.  I'm hoping they remember!  When I said the pulled arm injury is permanent, Kyle corrected me and said, "Don't forget about Jesus!  He's the healer!"  I smiled and wanted to kiss him.  Of course!  He prayed for her the first time and the pain went away instantly.  I gotta keep him around with his faith.  Tee hee.....

How to do a Nuremaid's Elbow reduction on Youtube.  Click HERE.

How Do Some Moms Do It All?

 

I've been a little frustrated by how quickly the kids mess up the house.  Arghhhhh!!!!  We have such a good chore system in place but the kids wreck it soooo fast!  Even though the rules are no drinks or food back in the rooms, I find stashed dishware.  Today the girls woke up to ants in their room because they spilled a Koolaid drink they snuck in.  Oh my word.  I can't explain the frustration I feel at times.  As hard as I work, I need them to understand how not to trash the house in between chore times.  With one or two kids I can see knowing who makes what mess so I can hold them accountable.  With seven kids it feels impossible to know.  Usually by the time I find the mess they don't remember who did it.  A ghost named "not me" did it.  I'm gonna find that ghost and tell him to please find another home. 

I continually get rid of stuff to make cleaning easier but I don't want to be a freak mom that just has nothing in her house.  Literally, the kids each have maybe one medium size bin of toys.  They've even gotten used to not holding attachment to things because we declutter about every 3 months.  I make sure I never rid of something they really love but if I feel they have an attachment to duplicate items I'll make them pair down. One of my biggest frustrations is understanding how some moms can have a lot of kids and keep a decent house.  HOOOOOW?  Is it they clean all the time?  Their kids go to school and therefore not home to make messes all day?  Does the mom clean too much and ignore kids?  Does mom NEVER just hang out with kids and have fun?  Do they have an awesome gene and I just need to get down on my knees and beg God for it too?  LORD!  Deliver unto me that awesome gene!  Sigh. 

Okay, I know I have to give myself a break.  I homeschool five out of seven children.  I have a close friendship with each one of my kids.  I love to sit on their beds and have discussions of whatever they need to talk about.  I love to take each kid on a date as much as possible.  Sometimes we do group fun and sometimes individual dates.  I need each of my kids to feel they are so special to me.  I love they feel like they can come to me about anything and I'll always make the time.  Just one question....

HOW DO SOME MOMS DO IT ALL???  Please share.  ;)  I need the awesome gene.

Is the Bible's View On Marriage Outdated?

An article caught my eye this morning while checking my Yahoo email.  This family decided that they would have no gadgets of any kind that date after 1986.  The very first sentence caught my eye.

"Meet the McMillans. They're like a lot of families -- young, unmarried, with two kids, a boy and a girl." 

When did living together unmarried and having kids ever become normal?  That is definitely not a shun against post 1986 ways.  Back then, shacking up was more intolerable than now.  This makes me sad.  ;(  What will that eventually say?  "They're like most families, young, unmarried, with two kids." Will marriage someday be outdated? What is normal?  Well, I guess that depends on your view of the bible.  Even without being raised in church, I'm sure some people just have it in their heart that a serious commitment IS important.  It's not just a piece of paper.  You can't easily just walk out the door and "break up" like a silly teenage couple. Even if the world says marriage is just an old tradition, God's Word is the same yesterday, today, and forever. 

Just a paper?



Let's look at some stats. There has been a documented increase in the number of cohabiting couple in the last fifty years.  In 1960, there were approximately 450,000 couples cohabiting in the US.  By 2011, the number had increased to 7.5 million. 

That number is gonna keep growing.  It makes me sad because in my own personal life I've seen couples make a family, move on and make another family, and even another.  It doesn't matter what people say, I think more girls in their heart wish their man would make a true commitment.  I've seen friends act like they didn't care but privately tell me they are just waiting to finally get married.  It makes them feel undervalued.  I can understand why some guys don't want to commit because they are getting everything they need.  Why put a ring on it? Why buy the cow if you can get the milk for free, right?  Sounds kind of harsh but so true.  The law may put some value on cohabiting by calling it common law marriage but it's still just shacking up. 

I'm sooooo grateful Charles found me worth it to put a ring on it.  Not just a 10 year engagement ring but a wedding ring.  It makes me feel like I'm on top of the world.  ;)

Chores with a Thankful Heart

Man, as happy as I am that summer is over, homeschool year started with a bang. The boys on their very first day were like, "it's too hard!" Sigh. Seriously?  My boys should know by now that every single day I stay constant with the routine. The have never gotten me to cave so it's surprising they still try so hard. It really bugs me. Consistency is soooo important with homeschool. Breaks are good in routines but not when it's derived from a complaining heart and laziness.

Chores. Same here!  If they complain about their simple chores I add extra for that day. Whyyyyyy do they ask every day to have a day off? I never make them do chores on the Lord's day. That's all of our day off. Soooo, why the complaining? Charles says to relax. They're humans and humans complain. I don't know. I don't think there should be. As if I like to clean every day. It would annoy them if I walked around all day moaning about my work. Haha. I have way more chores! I believe we can all work with a thankful heart. Why?  Because if we didn't have all these blessings there'd be nothing to clean. We'd be on the street. We just try to live simply so there isn't SO MUCH to clean. The Duggar mom said if they are overwhelmed at chore time that might mean you have too much stuff. So much truth to that. This is why we go through extreme decluttering often.

Refreshing in My Spirit - New Beginnings

I'm feeling hope rise up in me again that I had lost long ago.  I guess the best way to say it is I felt spiritually dead on the inside.  When you lose that first love and you only go to church because you have to, it becomes just another task.  Also, the longing to work with kids has been so big in my heart for so long that it was nagging me on the inside.  I'm 34 and have waited for 14 years to work with kids. Last Sunday I visited a new church and I was a bit nervous.  I don't skip around just over silly things or passing offenses so this was a big, big deal to us.  It's hard to not have a critical eye and start judging everything around me.  I decided to come with an open heart and was just aching to receive from God.  It had been so long since I really felt God tugging at my heart.  They showed me the kid rooms and I was excited to find out there were classes for ALL my kids!  My teen boys had their own curriculum.  My baby had a nursery.  My toddlers had their own room and the kids in between had children's church.  They were being taught at their level and their understanding which is huge because this is the developing stage.  A really important molding stage for my kids.  No longer would the teaching go over their head, it would be taught at their level of understanding and it's every service!  Beforehand, I had looked online to see if I agreed with their beliefs but I still had to see for myself.  Three things were really important to me on top of the doctrine.  They believe in tithes and offerings, outreach to invite people to church, and giving people at chance at the end of service to accept Christ in their heart.  Yes!  I was excited to see all three!  Another thing that bugs me is getting hugged.  LOL.  I don't like guys chasing me around for hugs and I've had that happen to me when I've visited other churches.  People only shook our hands.  Phew!  They told me in the future I was completely welcome to work with kids and my heart jumped for joy.  I've waited for 14 years to do that and finally I would have the opportunity!  Praise God!  It's obvious I love kids because I have many of my own but it'd be a pleasure to teach others too.  I was able to sit alone with my husband and not have any distractions.  Usually I spend a good amount of the sermon trying to correct a toddler, tell a kid to be quiet, or taking a kid potty.  This time I just got to sit down and really listen.  The sermon really touched my heart and I felt a refreshing in my spirit I hadn't felt for awhile.  Not anyone's fault but mine!  It's just that the sermon was at my level and easy to understand.  Not meaning to make myself sound dumb.  Haha.  I mean, it just met me where I'm at in the stage of my life now.  The kids learned a lot at each of their levels and they are excited to go back.  I hadn't heard them be so excited about church before.  That makes my heart happy.  :) When I had these kids I promised to give them to God, to give the best chance possible to get to know Him.  The molding stage is the most important and I'm so excited for them. 

Small Town Fun and a Church Picnic

Because of all the stress of the last couple of weeks I badly wanted to get out of town and hang out with a friend.  :) I drove alllll the way to a little town called Prescott to see my friend Michele and also attend her church picnic.  It was so fun!  I'm not used to ever going to one like that and I loved how all the families played sports together.  Pretty sweet!  My husband played volleyball with the guys and my kids had lots of fun with other kids they've never met.  After a few hours, Michele and I slipped off to walk to a Starbucks.  Seems everything is walking distance there.  So small! 

I'm such a big city girl I can't imagine not having everything at my fingertips.  We love adventures such as gym memberships, zoo memberships, science memberships, waterparks, and every fun place in between.  Michele has tried to talk me into moving to her small town a million times but she's barking up the wrong tree.  Heh heh.  I love her AND her church but it's just not happening.  Being the adventurers we are, we'd have that place scoped out in a month.  I was so bored  after a bit I wanted to check out the local graveyard. That's bored.  She's never boring though.  :)



While at the church picnic I felt something crawling up my leg. All of a sudden it starting chomping on my leg.  I know it wasn't an ant because I grabbed it through my pants and squished it.  Was disgusting and painful. I was in so much pain and that little booger kept biting me.  I almost ripped my pants off right there but had to run a ways to get to the bathroom.  Can't rip my pants off in the park.  Or with a church there.  Or anywhere.

 My husband is in all black



She alone is worth the drive to Prescott so I have no issue driving there.  If she ever moves away and is no longer there, I may drive to church conferences once or twice a year but that's IT!  I did get to see the memorial for the 19 firefighter Hot Shots that were killed in the recent forest fire.  It was a sight to see.  We got quiet as we passed by it and gazed out our windows.  :(

Crazy Transitions

I'm going thru such a crazy transition phase in my life that I hardly recognize myself. I'm used to following a certain path because I'm told to but I know less about finding my own way. The same way goes with cooking. I always follow recipes and NEVER veer off of it. I find comfort in a routine and freak out on the inside till I get back in the well worn groove. Hope I'm making sense. I used to be an adventurer and in some ways still am. Just not in every area. I DO believe in going to church and having guidance of the scriptures.

Some of the brightest days of my Christianity was during the seven years I attended a mom's group called Homemaker By Choice. I learned soooo much on how to be a Christian, wife, and mother. I felt they had given me a biblical guidance when I was so new to mommyhood. Now, the leader that started the group is on Family Life radio reaching to a lot more moms. ;) She never made a dime teaching us. I'm so grateful to her. We would meet every Thursday and have breakfast while our kids met in their own small groups. While the kids are being taught and moms are eating, we would listen to the lesson. After the lesson we would meet in small groups of our choosing. I looked forward so much to Thursdays! One year I got to teach a kids class and it was amazing. That's when I realized how much I wanted to teach little ones. More than numbers and letters but about God's Word!  ;) It was so rewarding. I'm amazed that God gave me so many of my own little ones to teach. Wowee!

For All to See - Mommies Online

It's hard for me to write when I'm told by people around me what I can and cannot write about.  Instead of it diverting my attention away from the matter, my mind constantly wants to put it all in writing.  This has always relieved my mind of any burdens even though I am super careful what I write about.  Sorry about writing about the camping trip.  I only wrote what happened and never meant any harm.  I never want to hurt anyone.  I guess maybe sometimes it might be hard for me to see the difference between just writing what happens in my life verses slander.  I really, really honestly didn't mean to slander anyone and that is why I wrote about the camping trip but gave no names. 

Since I was a little girl I loved to write.  I used to keep a journal all growing up since 5th grade.  I never wrote it for anyone to see but I also didn't write it to hide anything.  It was like having a friend that didn't judge.  Somewhere I could tell my thoughts without getting in trouble for it.  In 2006 I discovered blogging. I saw it as my online journal for my own eyes but still knowing others could see.  So I don't write to please others or to put up fronts.  I write for me and it happens to be public.  It was never meant to be a means of ammunition for others.  But if it is used in that way, I can't control it. My blog.  My writing.  My pictures. 

Moving on.  I've always had a pretty harsh image of God.  I'm not sure why but in some ways I do know why.  My parents didn't ever give me that image.  I tend to think God is waiting up in heaven, watching my ever move, and waiting for a fall so I can be flick away for all eternity.  Oh, how I hate my view of God.  I think there are just so many churches out there that preach so drastically different that it can be confusing.  Some that are harsh judgment all the time.  You never measure up.  God is always mad.  Then there are the greasy grace.  The kind where sin is never, ever confronted and open sin in the church is accepted and tolerated.  One thing that bothers me is each section of churches that put down each other's teachings. A lot like mud slinging.  I've been guilty of thinking that my church is the only way and all others are false.  I know, I'm so embarrassed to admit that!  I really think if we somehow just compared the doctrine to Gods' word, being careful we don't do our own editing and removing of the bible, and be kind to each other we'd be a much bigger force.  Rather than mud slinging, joining together and really pray for our country.  Pray for our president, whether we like him or not.  Pray for our schools.  Our kids.  Our unsaved loved ones.  Imagine if the born again Christians banded together, put away our petty differences, and worked together to see change in this country.  For 7 years I attended a Christian homemakers group.  Someone had told me it was bad to attend because it wasn't in my own church.  However, those 7 years I blossomed!  I was taught how to be a godly mother, wife, homemaker, etc.  Those weekly meetings did so much for my family I will always be so grateful.  Yes, it was a different church than my own but I learned so much.

 



I say us mommies need not worry about being judged for showing life like it is in our own homes.  Using our blogs as a ministry to show others our triumphs but not be scared to share our weaknesses.  Besides, only showing a perfect side of us encourages others very little.  His strength is made perfect in our weakness.  Blog for you but keep in mind those you may be encouraging (or discouraging) in the process.  Don't let anyone bully you or tell you what you can or cannot write about.  Be YOU. 

More Than a Perfect House Mom

So I finally, finally, finally got my children's homeschool books in the mail.  I've been waiting for so long it seems.  I truly thought I'd be excited to have the whole summer off but I was so bored!  I discovered how much I like a solid but some room for a fun schedule.  We decided to get off the internet schooling bit and try some books.  It's nice for a change.  :)  I want to see how the kids do getting to pick where they work on their books.  Who knew I couldn't imagine sending away my kids to school every day?  I miss them when they are away at their enrichment classes twice a week.  My husband had to talk me into that one because two days was too many for me.  Ladies ask me at times why I would want my kids home all day with me.  My answer?   Because one day they'll move away and I'll wish them to be home.  I don't know what next year holds but for now, my babies are home.  ;)



Silly pic!

I still remember when Charles sat me down one day and told me that although he liked how clean the house was, he wondered how well I knew my kids.  At first I was offended but I listened.  He wanted me to worry less about a perfect house and more about our kids likes and dislikes. More than flavor of syrup.  Deeper stuff.  I promised him I would try.  I have to clarify I'm extremely far from being a perfectionist.  That doesn't mean I never tried to have a decent house.  I worked very hard at being a good housewife. I left out being a really good mom though.  A mom is more than someone who bathes, diapers, and feeds. She feeds the soul, learns the heart, and solves issues.  She prays to be a discerning mom who knows what's being said in between the lines.  I wasn't that mom but because Charles pointed it out, risked offending me, I figured out how to aim towards it.  My first kid is now a teen.  EEK!!!  I seriously need God's wisdom.  I may not have hit any rough patches but that doesn't mean I'm naïve enough to think none will come.  I DO remember my teen years and I'm praying God's grace runs deep, deep.  Heh heh.

Finding Friends Again

I like my blog.  :D

I truly do because I've made it my own and no matter how many phone calls I've gotten, being told how I should write it, and even anonymous hate mail.... I've made it my own. 

Do you know how cool it is to look back on the history of your own blog and recall all the memories you might of otherwise forgotten?  To read about cute things little ones said or see how much has changed.  It's just soooooo neat!  Would it be an accurate blog if I blogged according to people's suggestions or threats?  Nooooo, it would not.  My bloggy blog.  :D I started writing this in March of 2006.  Ivy was almost 1 year old.  My only regret is I didn't start it back in 2000 with my first born son.  Ohhhhh, you would've really seen some drama.  I was a funny first time mama.  It's almost embarrassing. I couldn't change a diaper right if my life depended on it. 



My house is pretty darn clean right now.  I look around and wonder why it still feels a little icky to me.  It dawned on me that it needs a good paint job in just about every room.  The paint has worn off some from all the scrubbing and just general wear.  I'm no longer able to clean off those prints and marks on the wall because it just needs new paint.  Ohhhh, how I loathe painting.  I always pick the wrong color.  I don't know if I've ever picked the right color.  The one color I got right was because my sister suggested it to me.  Hilarious.  I need to hire this talented lady to come and give suggestions for every room. 

I really feel like God has gifted me a new friend that I had seen but almost overlooked because of my busyness.  She was always sitting on the right side of the church, towards the front.  She seemed a bit shy.  I kept looking over at her and wondering why I hadn't went over to say hello.  When I did, I was pleasantly surprised!  She is a good cook and very good mom.  I can't believe I almost missed out on her awesomeness.  I need to get some lessons from her on her awesomeness.  She's not a perfectionist, she's real.  I like real.  When I find a real person that loves God first, family second, everything else last, that's my kind girl!  Lately, I've been bombarded, literally, by people I've been running into that just have brought back that joy in my heart.  People that make me realize that there is still soooooo much good in people and I had just been too busy to see it.  This world can be a very harsh place.  It's good to have good friends. Real friends.  Not the Stepford Wives type.  Heh heh. 

Worst Camping Trip Ever

My heart is hurting so bad.  It's been 3 days since the incident and I still cry and cry about it.  Some say it's no big deal.  Just to get over it. Others haven't gotten mad at me for being upset.  It was more like the straw that broke the camel's back for me. 

Charles has been loving his job because they had complete family friendly hours, or so he thought.  It was more like a way to reel him in.  I don't want to complain because I'm so grateful he has a job.  I just want to complain at least for now.  I'm shocked by what his boss did.  My boys go to a yearly camping trip with other boys every year in August.  Wanting to keep it anonymous I'll say it was a father/son camping trip with a nearby homeschool group. No names. It's something they really, really look forward to.  In fact, my boys have been counting down ever since they got back from the last trip a year ago.  Well, Charles has been working a lot and actually worked THREE DAYS straight, almost day and night with no sleep, so he can go on this trip with his boys.  I even would go to his job and help keep him awake.  The night before the boys' camping trip I hadn't slept for 2 days.  In the middle of the night I left his job to finish buying stuff for their camping trip.  I had to go twice in the to get everything.  Finally, by 6:30am Charles was ready to go home.  He was happy he was finally getting a 4 day weekend that he had approved awhile back.  We get home and he falls asleep for one hour.  ONE HOUR later after our arrival his job texts him frantically.  Charles calls them back and they tell him to come back into work or he's fired.  He was at a loss because this was an approved vacation and he hasn't had any rest.  How would he tell his boys?  I got the idea to call some leaders and ask if it was still possible to send the boys since it was highly supervised camping trip.  They said it would be no problem whatsoever.  I was so relieved and I drove them over along with a friend that had come along. 

I arrived at the location and checked again with the leaders to see if it'd be okay.  They kept saying it'd be no problem whatsoever and to sign a waiver.  Well, I get a call a few hours later that they were being returned home because of an incident.  I was shocked and very ashamed.  It was a 3 hour drive back from the camping site.  They must've been really, really bad for them to drive so far to return my boys.  I waited past midnight for my boys to come home.  They came in the house very quiet and sad and went straight to bed along with the friend we brought.  Charles and I talked with the drivers, which are also the leaders of the trip, and they told me the kids had been really good.  That wasn't the problem at all.  Another kid threw a co2 in the fire and caused an explosion.  They freaked out and decided to send the kids home who's parent weren't there because they felt things were out of control.  Well, ours were the only ones that didn't have a parent there.  They had NOTHING to do with explosion whatsoever nor were the near the incident when it happened but were made to pack up and leave in front of everyone sitting around the fire.  They said it was very embarrassing.  People were watching my kids pack up and no doubt many thought my kids must've been horribly bad to have to leave.  They had to leave half their stuff there I had just bought because they were rushed into the van. 

The other part of the story.  An older kid convinced a 9 year old to throw a co2 into the fire.  He said, "throw it in.  It'll really light it up!"  The 9 year old didn't want to but the older kid started calling him a wimp and a baby.  After awhile of this, the 9 year old threw it in the fire having no clue what would happen.  An older guy saw it and yelled (thankfully) for everyone to back up.  An explosion happened.  Oh my word, it was bad.  The guys in charge were very upset. The 9 year old told them that a big kid told him to throw it in and he didn't know it'd explode.  Turns out, it was a son of the leader there.  He denied it to save his hide even though other kids said they heard him pressuring the young boy. He got to stay because he lied and mine, along with the 9 year old, went home. 

Normally, I would take this singular incident and just let it go.  However, other bullies were causing problems, like one of them shooting my young son with a BB gun on purpose.  Another known bully tried to steal my son's gun since he was forced to leave it behind.  He said, "well, he shouldn't have left it.  That's his problem."  He didn't abandon his stuff.  Thankfully, my kids' friend stood up to him and threatened to get my husband involved when they got back.  One boy picked up my 9 year old son and the air by his shirt and yelled, "Do you know who your talking to?!" My son only asked him to stop being mean just before he did that.  Mind you, these are mostly Christian kids in this homeschool group.  When parents of these kids were being told of these incidents, they were being brushed off.  So my good kids went home and the bullies stayed 3 days and had a blast. 



That's the end of the road for me.  I was bullied as a child and I absolutely will never willingly put my kids in a situation where this can happen.  It's been an ongoing problem and other kids have made complaints.  Unfortunately, when the bullies parents are the ones in charge of most of the events, they get away with it.  I love my kids and will not put them in a situation like this any more. It should be a place of refuge with kids that have things in common.  My kids are very hurt and have asked to not have to go to any more of these events.  I'm very sad for them and I know exactly how they feel.  I was very bullied from 4th-9th grade in school.  I'm not a bad person for trying to shield my kids.  I've given it several years so I'm not trying to be a flake.  It's just enough.  Many other kids have complained and haven't been heard.  I don't want to be one of those parents that don't listen.

Sleeping At The Office-Exhausting days

It's been a tough week.  My husband has been working almost 24 hours a day.  No joke.  It's 1am, we are at the office and we're not leaving anytime soon.  As soon as I get home in the wee hours I have to pack up for the guys to go camping. Thankfully since Charles is having a father/son camping trip he gets time off.  He planned for it so it's gonna happen for sure. His office hired a new designer to help out but he isn't coming till September.  My poor husband has been taking naps in his office, only an hour at a time.  It's just crazy.  We come with him at night to keep company and the little kids find spots to rest in sleeping bags.  I'm usually up with him and get a little rest later but since I have to pack them up for camping, I won't get any sleep today. 

The girls first day of enrichment classes are today.  It's school for them and they are so excited!  Since they homeschool, I sign them up for some classes twice a week.  It's a school only open to homeschool kids and you pick the day you want them to go.  You wouldn't believe how amazing the kids are.  It's the most polite playground you will ever see compared to homeschool kids.  Non of that crazy, negative peer pressure stuff I was so used to.  I took the girls school shopping  yesterday and they were so excited!  This is Ashley's first year.  I got them backpacks, clothes, and shoes.  They even slipped in a couple of Hello Kitty hats.  The girls will giggling all day today trying on their new outfits.  It's so hard taking girls shopping because they want everything in sight.  It's so different when I take my boys. They're like, "this'll do."

I still haven't decided on which homeschool program I want to go with this year.  Very undecided.  If I ever go on Facebook and ask for some ideas I get overloaded by a 100 different opinions.  I'm sure they're all valid, I just think everyone has different tastes.  Makes it hard for me to decide.  Sigh.  Just goes to show you there is no perfect ONE homeschool.  So many people I know mix and match from different resources.  I need one that is a good fit for a large family.  I am excited because at their enrichment school, I picked some subjects I didn't want to worry about teaching at home.  I usually like them to learn science in a lab rather than at home.  I'm so incredibly blessed they have a school that offers these classes for homeschooled kids.  Wow!

Christianity- Back To The Basics

Back to the basics.  My thought for today.  I think as Christians, as humans, we tend to worry more about other people's business than ourselves.  Are other people acting Christian?  Are they following the bible exactly?  Are they praying and reading their bible?  Are they outreaching?  Are they picking friends wisely?  It may just be me but I think if every person focused more on themselves rather than what other people are doing, maybe there would be less fighting in the church, in the home or among friends.  It's DIFFERENT when you're talking about your spiritual leaders (in my opinion).  That's a whole different ball game.  People that are supposed to be leading you in Christ, interpreting scripture, or counseling your family should have an open book of standards being held.  That said, how much is it my business where people choose to worship? 

pretty simple, right?

Back to the basics.  Choosing a place of worship based on the bible should be a careful thought out process.  It should be done with bible in hand, comparing the pastor's words with the scriptures.  Do they line up?  Is this where I want my family to worship?  Secondly, the people.  Do I want these people influencing my children?  Are they encouraging me to want to serve or are they busy bodies?  Do they focus more on people's faults rather than encouraging them?  NONE of us are perfect.  We all fall short.  We make mistakes, say things we shouldn't say, hold anger at times towards each other, struggle with forgiving, have times of needless bickering. So why should we spend so much time making sure other people are living for God the way we think they should?  Not to be extreme but if I were a sinner looking from the outside, this would scare me away!  I wouldn't want to touch it with a 10 foot pole!  No church should be a gang that jumps people in or out.  "Hey, if you don't go to my church, we're through."  That is a scary place to be I would think.  Would God judge me in the same measure I judge them?  On the other hand, when someone does decide to leave, I would hope they wouldn't try to take people out with them as revenge.  If they do, that's a different story and God will judge them.  We should never be a stumbling block to others.

 



Back to the basics.  Love God, read my bible, pray, attend services to learn, share Jesus with other so they might know Him.  That's pretty basic, right?  Not too hard.  Now, it will become much harder if I try to force other people to do exactly the same. Let God be their judge.  Let God judge their heart. He knows better than we do.  It's not a sin to go on a week, or even two, long vacation.  Christianity isn't perfectly attending every service.  It's not how many doors you knock on.  Christianity isn't how perfectly you live your life.  We are saved by God's grace and his grace alone.  Not by our works.  We do these thing because we love Him.  Not because we want fire insurance so it keeps God from flinging us into hell.  Yes, we need church.  The bible says not to forsake it.  But it was never about being the perfect Christian that does everything to the rule book without mistake.

Maybe judge less.  Go back to the basics of what Christianity is all about. Love God with all your heart, mind, and soul.  Serve others. 

Rescuing Sad Animals

Our long haired chihuahua

I've done a lot of animal rescues in the past and still do.  If I find out a dog, cat, rabbit, etc, isn't being cared for, hungry, sad, lonely... I try to take them in and care for them a bit before finding a forever home for them.  I've had friends and strangers get the impression that I get animals to keep them and then decide I don't want them anymore.  Just because I fall in love with an animal for a couple of weeks doesn't mean that I intend on having them for good.  I can't help but rescue animals.  Just like I rescued a dying horse once, it doesn't matter what animal it is. I have a dog right now I'm trying to find a home for and boy is he LOVING!!! I've been cuddling him tons and getting to know him before I find a forever home. I have to know the dog's personality before I find a home and I also am picky about who they go with. I'm writing this blog in hopes that the hate mail can stop.  No, I don't have a revolving door of animals because I'm cold hearted. Yes, I love animals and if I find out one is in trouble, needs a home, or is unwell I will take them in till they are better.

A Chihuahua we rescued

When I was little I would find injured animals and take them in till they were better.  One time I took in a bird with a broken leg, wrapped the leg, fed it.  About a week later it flew away completely healthy.  I was soooo happy.  Often, especially in the winter, I would find animals like this.  My poor mom had to endure me bringing them in the house.  Ha ha. 

There is a dog recently a friend gifted me that is a keeper.  He fits right in with my Great Dane and long haired Chihuahua.  He's staying.  However, he looked like a raggedy doll when I got him!  lol.  He is my dream dog, a Yorkshire Terrier.  Why is he my dream dog?  Yorkshire Terriers don't have fur like other dogs.  Theirs is more like human hair that you have to care for.  So funny!  I love it!  I have to brush his hair just like I do all my other kids.  When I got him he was matted everywhere and dirty.  Still gorgeous but raggedy.  I know the owners and they are really, really sweet.  They both work and just had no time to be with him so they wanted to give him to a good home where he'd get lots of attention. Well, there are eight people here all day, every day so Benji has plenty of time with us!  Well, Benji is a boy but he is enduring a lot of girlie things because of his awesome hair.  Yesterday I bathed him, conditioned him, and then blow dried his hair straight.  Oh my goodness.  It was like a dog makeover.  I loved every minute of it.  LOL. (How Yorkies should look).

Example of a dog with matted hair before:

After grooming my Yorkie:

 

 

Sooooo cute, right?  Sigh, I love animals. 


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Don't forget!!!!
I have a giveaway contest going on right now!!!

Dry-Me Bedwetting Alarm

Finally Mastering the Art of Less Clutter

This past week I have come to realize what a huge difference and change that has happened in me as far as housework goes within the last year.  It used to be that we had so much stuff I felt I cleaned alllll day.  If someone was to come over then I actually dreaded it because it meant I had to clean the whole house.  Trust me, it was a lot.  We just had TOO much stuff and the kids would scatter it everywhere.  Daily.  If we knew someone was coming over that night then we would start cleaning early morning to get it all done in time.  I know.  Sooooo sad.  I finally just got fed up with the stuff and started dumping it all.  Needless to say, I have learned to not get attached to junk.  That's all it really is in the light of eternity and what really matters.  Proudly, the kids have learned this over the years and they do their own decluttering now. They hate clutter!  Haha.  I'm so happy.  The past few times we were gonna have people over I started to realize that we only had to pick up and clean in under an hour's time.  What a difference!!!  I used to dread someone coming over because it meant I had to freak out and clean like a mad woman for a day or sometimes even a day and a half.  My sis finally told me it was time to just get rid most of it. I really didn't know how till she taught me how to do the red carpet treatment.  Just bringing out everything from one room (except big furniture) and into the living room.  Put back what you what and donate the rest. It'll make you sweat but it works.  I was tired of my life revolving around clutter.  (I'll post a how to below)



My husband's been telling me I need to relax more.  I had even stopped blogging less and wanted to stay on top of things more.  Charles told me that I don't need to keep cleaning the same stuff over and over throughout the day.  It's okay if toys are out and things get a bit messy from play.  Just have fun with the kids, take time to blog or read a book, and enjoy life more!  We can all day basic chores throughout the day and get our work done, but we don't have to go in circles doing it.  I love my husband!  We all do our chores at noon where we are thorough but we do another big pickup just before he gets home so daddy can walk into a neat house.  :)  Since it only takes 1 hour to get our work done at noon, it's a pretty quick pickup by the end of the day. Man, decluttering like a mad lady was soooo worth it. When I do laundry I keep a donated bag nearby.  As I fold I can see what should be donated and put right into that bag.  It doesn't make it back into the kids' closet to decide later.  Right now I have a huuuuge donation bag just from doing this the last week of washing. 



Although I can be hard on myself, I'm glad I am. I'm happy I'm not okay with living in a life of clutter and feeling trapped.  It took me awhile to see how much our cleaning has changed and how much easier it's gotten.  I just realized it a couple days ago. I looked around, looked at my son and said, "Kyle, have to realized how easy our chores have gotten?"  He said, "No.  Just kidding, mom!  Yes, it's much faster to clean now!"  :D Ahhhhhh..... The constant learning, relearning, getting mad at the clutter and doing the work was worth it.  I'm now working on a full laundry system to make it more organized.  My sis gave me a great idea so we've been implementing it!

How to Do a Red Carpet Treatment

I say the "Red Carpet Treatment" because when we empty out a room, we put
it all onto the red carpet in our living room.  That way we aren't tripping over
stuff.  Yes, it got piled pretty high onto the rug and couch.  :)

1. Empty out one room completely as if you are moving except for major furniture you know is staying.  I moved everything into the living room.  

2. Get a bag or box labeled "Giveaway" and "Throwaway".  Then I put back what was obvious of what was going back into the room and I would put it back immediately.  As I was filling up the room with my favorites and for sure staying, I knew quickly when to stop because I loved how nice it looked.  I didn't want to reclutter it because the room looked so beautiful without all that stuff!  It made it sooo easy to throw all the rest out.

3.  At the end of the day take a break and go donate the stuff.  If you want to do a yard sale make sure to take the stuff OUT of the house completely.  I put everything onto our back patio.  

4.  Each day I did one room and I did not stop for 8 days.  I made sure each room was completely and totally done with all the messes cleaned up from it before starting the next room.  We ate very, very simple that week because I didn't need to be making bigger messes that would make me feel discouraged.  

5.  If you blog, blog your successes!  After my whole house was finished, since I didn't want to do a yard sale but my friend did, she came and picked up all the stuff off my patio.  Get rid of it fast!

Dry-Me Bedwetting Alarm Review

The Bed Wetting Store sent me the Dry-Me Bedwetting Alarm for one of my kids to try.  My son is older than seven and still has an issue with bed wetting.  He is SUCH a deep sleeper and has no clue when he does this till he wakes up in the morning.  It's very embarrassing for him and a lot of work for us. 

I was sent the alarm along with the book Seven Steps to Nighttime Dryness. 

You'll learn:

• The myths of bedwetting: what causes it and what doesn't
• Which treatment options are available and which one is best for your child
• How to choose–and effectively use–a bedwetting alarm
• How to know when it's time to start treatment
• How to get your child on board
• When to stop treatment and pronounce your child "cured"

My son was a little unsure about using the alarm but figured it out pretty quick.  Being that he's so used to sleeping hard straight through the night, he thought it was pretty cool having the alarm to wake him.  EVEN THOUGH it was when he wet his pj's.  It still is getting him into a habit to wake up when he needs to go.  He never minded the wake up in the middle of the night.  I quickly began to see an improvement in his ability to sleep at least a bit lighter to know when he needs to potty. I mean, this kid could sleep through an earthquake so I was happy to see this working.  At first his big brothers would wake him up to the alarm when he peed and then he began to wake up on his own within just a few days.  Also, you can have it do random alarms sounds so they don't get used to one sound and sleep through it. 

It's awesome and definitely a product worth giving a try!  I've tried everything you can think to help my son and this is the one that worked. They have other options of alarms at the store so make sure to take a peak! 

 

 

Here's more about how the alarm works:

The alarm is small and lightweight and features a plastic clip molded directly on the back of the alarm unit, which clips comfortably at the shoulder area or collar of the child’s pajamas. The alarm’s small moisture sensor is threaded under your child’s shirt and is clipped to the outside of close fitting underwear where wetness would first occur. This bedwetting alarm is well made and designed to go off at the first sign of moisture.

The Dry-Me alarm has three customizable alert settings that allow you to pick between sound & vibration, sound only, or vibration only. When sounds are used, the alarm will play 8 random sounds so that your child does not tune out one specific sound. Each sound is delivered at high volume to effectively rouse your child from sleep. When vibration is used, the alarm delivers a continuous strong pulse. Most children respond best to sound and vibration simultaneously, so the alarm is set to do both when you receive it. In addition to these alert features, the alarm also lights up when urine is detected, making it easy to locate in the dark. Comes in unisex red color.

If you are an Amazon shopper like me and you like to get things through Prime then here is a link straight to it.

Dry-Me Bedwetting Alarm on Amazon

Like the Bedwetting Store on Facebook
 

Family Fun: Old Rules Out the Window

I've needed to paint sooooo bad but because I am so bad at picking out colors I haven't done it. I dread it because 90% of the times I painted, I disliked the results. Today I went out and bought some paint for my scuffed up hallway and I'm not feeling too confident about the color. Sigh.  I have to paint though because in my house we made it super kid friendly. We laid down all tile which means roller skating and scootering (making up a word there) is allowed. That means the hallway gets lots of marks. ;) Rough housing on the couch is allowed which means we have gone through couches faster than probably other families.  That's okay.  It's a fun house!

Recently I took Ivy to a waterpark for her birthday and it was really scary. No joke. They have added some scary slides at that place. I screamed on every slide and closed my eyes on about half of them. By closing time I was so relieved it was over and collapsed in bed once I made it home. Eek!  Unfortunately, my boys are now asking for that experience for their birthday. I'm thinking about hiring a friend to go in my place. I know. Super wimpy of me. Big complaint here of something that really bothers me. These places can be so unfriendly to families because of all the teensy, weensy, itty-bitty bikinis. I wish so bad they had just one family day that had a one piece dress code. I won't even let my 8 year old wear a bikini. A 5 year old? Maybe. I basically put a halt on it when Ivy started kindergarten. One time I had a 10 or 11 year old girl at my house and she ran out to jump on our trampoline in a tiny bikini. I chased her back inside and asked her to get some clothes on. I have boys in my house. ;)  Gotta protect my boys.

In just a few days I have a teenager. Aaaaaaagh!

Picking My Priorities: The Delicate Balance of Motherhood

I've been trying extra, extra hard to stay on top of my house work and get ahead before the new homeschool year starts. The hard part is staying balanced and not letting it overtake the time with my kids. I did make a schedule for myself that worked incredibly well a few years back but at times I kicked against it. I know that sounds odd but that's the little kid in me. When I follow the schedule, the house stays looking great. Well, I finally decided to woman up and try it again and the house is looking amazing. Even laundry piles shrinking. Boy, taking care of a big family is a lot of work but soooo worth it. I'm determined to not do any cleaning except for dinner cleanup after 5pm.  Mama has to have her breaks too. Sometimes I'm tempted to work on something but my grandmother (mother of nine) reminds me to not burn myself out. She's so right. I just need to enjoy my evenings. :D

I thought tonight I'd be helping out someone who's daughter got lice from a play center. (Totally keeping this anonymous.)  She called me up and asked for help, offered to pay, hearing that I knew how to get rid of it fast. I said no to the pay and just wanted to pay it forward. Awhile back my kids had gotten lice from other kids and I had poured money into trying to get rid of it. An angel lady just came to my rescue who gets rid of them for a living. She would accept no pay and totally wiped out the problem. Believe me, these places charge a lot. I learned from her and have had some opportunities to pay it forward and help others. What a blessing she was!  Turns out they can't come till tomorrow so I missed my session at the gym with my trainer. Well, Charles took 8 kids with him and I had the house alone for 3 hours. While he was GETTING HIS BUTT KICKED (haha) I didn't even know what to do with all the quiet! We were supposed to train together at the gym but since I wasn't there, he was the focus. Basically he came back and just collapsed in a chair. Haha!  He said, "Baby, she kicked my butt. She's your kind of trainer." I can't wait to get back to the gym for sure. ;)

P.S. If you see all my pics at the bottom of my posts that means I blogged from my phone rather than on computer. Blogger app needs to fix it and make options. ;)

Bunks for the Boys

For awhile we have been trying to be patient for the boys to get a bunk bed. Finally, finally we found the perfect, matching set. This time it's wood and sturdy. They had decided to take the smallest room about a year ago in exchange for having a big game room. We figured it be a good idea because it meant the bedroom is for sleeping only. No distractions. Works well! The big boys get the top and little ones on the bottom. Each one has their own bed, new mattress. I know in a big family especially they need to have their own space.

Another problem I was having is my dishwasher getting clogged.  I tried and tried to teach the kids to rinse their dishes first but dishwasher still got clogged. I went out and got one with a garbage disposal built in. Problem solved!  :)