10 Things I Wish I Knew When I Was a New Mom

1. I wish someone told me I could nap with the baby and not feel guilty about it. 

2. That I really didn't need most of the "stuff" being advertised for babies-just a few clothes, a car seat, diapers, and help with breastfeeding.

3. You really will never sleep the same again.  So get the extra rest before your first child is born because after that it's over!

4. To speak up when you don't agree with what's going on.

5. Hold that newborn all you want.  You can't spoil them when they're not yet old enough to understand how to manipulate situations.  They are only that little for such a heartbeat in time that you can't get back, ever.

6. That it doesn't make me a bad mom if I need a break and leave the baby with my mom or husband for a couple of hours.

7. To put down all the parenting books and just go with my instinct.  To not sweat the small stuff and 98% of it's all small stuff.

8.  To write down everything about this special time with your child.  Lack of sleep and time will get the best of you so it's just a great way to remember.  I still write things down and I still absolutely love going back and reading things.

9. Nothing last forever.  Labor pains, crying, etc.

10. Love and enjoy it, newborns grow up way too fast!  Also, adopt the phrase "this too shall pass".  It is true for almost all problems with babies!

*These were shared from Yes, They're All Mine on Facebook.  I'd love to hear yours in the comments!  :)

Changing My Kids Focus

Today is day 6 in my 31 Days to Clean.  It talked about a list to make each day of 6 items in priority order.  Every night before bed write down the top six things, in order, that you need to accomplish the next day (no more than six). Then, go systematically through the list, completing the tasks in order, crossing out each thing as you go.  At first I wasn't too excited about it till I read this STORY.  Then I read this part of the story and it made a lot of sense.


"Because we are a pleasure seeking species. If something feels good, looks good and tastes good, the average person will likely abandon what's right or they 'forget' what would get them the most or what would be the best for them and others in the long run.  All for even the most fleeting instantaneous little pleasure..."

Often I would go about my day and just try to remember what needed to be done.  Almost always I forget something important.  Making a list of 6 things that need to be done in order takes that pressure off my mind.  31 Day to Clean gave me a pretty big task to do today but because I already did a lot of decluttering, it won't take nearly as long.  :)

For Christmas my kids got a new chess board and a pretty cool one too with storage underneath.  We've been keeping it on our tall table up away from little fingers that would get into it.  I love the idea of that being the "chess station" as we always keep it set up.  Next school year we are going to have the boys take a chess class.  It's a school only for homeschooled kids and they go only once a week.  You can pick their classes so that will be one of them and another will be learning instruments.  I really want them to learn music more than sports or at least put it as a priority over it.  If they want to take up a sport though that's cool with me.  Since getting rid of video games, there has been a huuuge behavior difference in my kids.  

I love it when the kids play chess and have really been encouraging them to ride their bikes, play outside, and be creative.  Last night the kids made a play for Charles and I and we really enjoyed it!  For Christmas this year we had a theme and even my mother-in-law was in on it.  No video games.  We just wanted to buy them either costumes for playing around the house, stuff for physical activity, which is why we bought scooters and bikes, and barbie dolls and doll house for the girls.  Seeing my kids be creative and playing in all parts of the house make me happy rather than them all crowding around a game system. I know it made life easier for me but I knew it wasn't good for them.  Of course there is nothing wrong with game systems, it's just they played or thought about it all the time.  It just got too crazy.

In the next couple of months we will be buying at least 3 more laptops for our home so we don't have to share so many computers for homeschooling.  Little Ashley is only 4 but she insists on "homeschooling" on my iPad.  There are some really neat apps on there all about preschool and learning so she has lots of fun with that. Baby Caleb will even climb up next to her and sit with her.  He sings his ABC's on his own, just not really clear.  How cuuuute!

31 Days to Clean - Priorities

(Day 5-31 Days to Clean)

I'm super excited about this post because I want to share something I just stumbled across this morning.  As I was drinking my coffee and lazily scrolling down posts on Facebook, my eyes widened when I saw the post 31 Days to Clean on Facebook.  What?  Yeah!  Sure!  I'm so excited to finally have a simpler house to clean as of late that something like this doesn't feel like I'm adding more of a burden.  I love a good challenge because I just completed one and still am feeling the victory dance.

Sooo, I don't have a Kindle but it doesn't matter.  You can go HERE to download the ebook or you can just go onto Amazon like I did and download it.  I just installed the Kindle program for my PC but I could have also installed the Kindle App for my iPad if I had wanted.  Anyway, it's only $4.99 so it's super cheap.  Since I use Swagbucks as my search engine, I get free Amazon gift cards so technically, I got the book for free.  :D

Anyhow, I didn't see the Facebook post till Day 5 but better late than never, right?  Day 5 is about Priorities and gives two tasks to do just for this day.  I think this can be every ones struggle throughout life.  Everyone and everything can pull on us in all directions.

Jeremiah 31:25   “In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there.” Mark 1:35

This one is a little hard for me because my favorite time to read and pray is at night time when the whole house is quiet.  I have kids with super sonic hearing that as soon as my feet hit the floor in the morning, at least 2 kids are immediately following behind me.  Soon after comes Ivy, then Kyle, Chaz, and last is always Ryan.  So, when I wait to read and pray when they pass out, I don't have to worry about that.  I don't know.  Would love your thoughts on that one.

“She looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.” Proverbs 31:27

Training my children up in the Lord and teaching them every day is SO IMPORTANT.  More than just teaching them their reading and writing, I love to have some bible time with them geared more at their level.  In fact, yesterday the kids and I sat down to read from the bible and we decided that since it's the beginning of the year we would just start from the beginning again with the creation and Adam and Eve.  The kids absolutely love this time and always want to sing songs and have discussion afterward.  

Yes, stay at home mom do more than this... :D

The hardest part for me is saying no to people who have requests of me that would interfere with the priorities I have for my family.  I think people with smaller families, especially with kids in school, don't understand the challenge that can come with a large homeschooling family.  There can be misconceptions that people have about homeschooling and just don't understand all the work that goes into it.  It's more than just caring for our kids at home, I want to train them in other ways as well.  I don't want lazy kids that have a mom to do everything for them.  Lately we have been emphasizing that work comes before play.  It's important to finish our homeschool and daily chores before we can run off and play.  It was different when my kids were in school because they had such long school days and I knew they needed that break to just be kids for a bit before having to do their chore.  So, all this homeschool talks reminds me of a funny video I saw today.  Would love to share!

Another thing is making time to be there for my family without it being only about work.  Often, no matter what I am doing, if my husband or kids come to talk to me I give them a full listening ear.  There is no book or TV program (if I had a TV) that is more important. I save my book reading time for when my kids are resting.  Otherwise I'd be reading one or two sentences at a time before someone needed to come to me about something.  

31 Days to Clean gave me two tasks to do today.  :)  I'm getting right to it.  

When Our Day Doesn't Go According to Plan

Remember my big plans yesterday to declutter?  Two words.  Didn't happen.  As soon as I hit "Publish" I got a phone call.  Someone I know has been through some really hard hard physical problems these last few months.  Recently she almost died, about 2 months ago, and was hospitalized.  Had surgeries, came home, almost died again.  I was out running errands one Friday when the ambulance had to come get her.  She is not married, has no children, no family.  Well, now that she is healing she can't drive and is in so much pain all the time.  She called and asked if I would be able to take her some important places.  I knew I needed to but was still a little disappointed about my list I had planned.  All my plans for the day started to melt and fall away in my head.  However, I know what it feels like to live alone, be sick, and have nobody there for you.  I told her to give me 20 minutes and I'd head out.  It took the entire day and when we got back I had just enough time to get everyone ready for church and leave.


I know some people that would use people at every chance they get and frequently expect people to be able to drop their plans for them whenever they call.  I've often had favors asked of me because I'm a homemaker and they just figure I have all this extra time on my hands.  That maybe I'm just sitting around reading a book all day and don't know what to do with my time.  That's not Belinda (fake name).  She's a very, very independent woman who's always taken care of herself.  She put herself through college, got her bachelors, and was debt free by the time she picked up her diploma.  She had a really good career for years till she was injured.  It's not easy for people that have always depended on themselves to survive and take care of basic needs and then one day have to lay in bed with medical people all around having to help them.  When someone like THAT calls and says, "I need you", I know they really, really, really do.

I grabbed my book, my cell phone, and resigned to the fact that our days don't always go according to our own plans.  Taking her to all these places she really needed to go was long but it was hard to watch her just wincing to try and get in and out of the car.  After the last errand done, she cried.  She cried at her situation.  Cried she couldn't drive herself.  Cried that she had to have a team of nurses just to take care of her.  At the end of the day, you bet a thing like decluttering just wasn't nearly so important.  Yesterday was meant for Belinda.

Literally, my days have been so busy that I'm having to write everything into a calendar to keep up.  My doctor probably thinks I'm the worst pregnant patient ever because I forget things, forget my prenatals, forget to return their calls.  I'm not sure if juggling a large family is something I'm very good at.  There are probably a million women that can do it a thousand times better than me.  I do love being busy, hate laziness, and love being surrounded by all these little ones.  I can't imagine living life completely and totally alone with not one family member to stop by and say hi.  Sometimes it does us good to realize that like Job in the bible, it can all be taken away in a flash.  Our home, loved ones, a steady job.  Did you hear about the lady her lost her parents, 3 kids, and her house on Christmas morning in a fire?  They were all she had and she lost it in a fire.  

Fire at Conn. home kills ad exec's 3 kids, parents

Yeah, reading that kind puts it all into perspective.  It is better to love people and use things rather than love things and use people.  My plans can wait another day.

Birthday Party Etiquette 101- Guest Post

I just so happened to be heading to a kids birthday party today and thought this was perfect timing to have a guest post!  I really appreciate this post because I don't throw many parties and  never thought about some of these things that are good to know.  Enjoy! -Virginia

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Birthday Party Etiquette 101

If you're relentlessly browsing the aisles for super mario party supplies or trying to sort out a princess birthday party, the theme may be the only thing you’re really thinking about. However, there are certain “rules” that apply to every party. So what are these unwritten rules and how can you avoid faux pas when hosting a birthday party? Read these tips to make sure that everyone has a great time at your little one’s next celebration.

• Invites

Don’t allow your kids to distribute birthday invites in class. This will make others in the class feel left out on alienated. Make a list of invitees with your child, then drop off or mail the invitations individually. Try and explain to your son or daughter that talking about the party at school is a bad idea.

• Prepare Party Favors

As thanks for all the birthday presents that parents have bought, it’s good form to have nice party favors for the kids. Even if you do something easy, like baking cookies or cupcakes for each kid, the gesture is greatly appreciated by fellow parents.

• Other Child Blues

It’s natural for other children to feel jealous of the birthday boy or girl getting more attention. Involve your other children by having them invite a friend over to keep entertained. Try and explain to your other children that you will do something just as special for their birthdays.

• RSVP

The dreaded RSVP. Don’t you hate it when parents don’t RSVP? Okay, you may be a little peeved at parents for not calling you up and telling you that their children are attending, but really all you have to do is call them up and ask sweetly if their child will be able to make it on the specified date. Just make sure not to say anything rude to the negligent parent!

So there you have it, some tips to help you be the pinnacle of class and etiquette during your child’s birthday party. Now, for the party planning!

-Melissa C.

5 Perks to Eating Outside When Dining Out with Kids

1.  I love how we don't have to worry about inside voices.  The more people you have in your party, the more noise there is.  When you dine on the patio of a restaurant, you don't have to keep saying "shhhh" every minute.  Then there is the other side of the coin. Sometimes it's so loud in a restaurant you have to yell to hear each other. It can be very unromantic.  
"Hey baby, I love how your shirt looks on you tonight."
"What?  You think I'm acting like a jerk tonight?!"  
See what I mean?  
2. If a kid falls off a chair you don't have all the stares from the tables of people around you. Outdoors and kids falling just seem to go together so no one really notices.
3. Less claustrophobic.  There is way more space, air to breathe, and the only thing you have to worry about is earth's gravity ceasing to exist.  
4. If a kid farts, it just doesn't seem as rude.  Plus, the smell goes away quickly.
5. It's so romantic under the stars and especially when they've included a fireplace and music.  Sigh.  

The band was set up under that white
canopy in the background

Ashley coloring her kids menu

The other night my husband took me out (with 6 kids in tow) on a date.  We went to an outside mall.  That wasn't my first choice.  I wanted to go camping by a lake but his city ways made him suggest an outdoors mall instead.  Okay, not NEARLY the same as being by the lake but I'll take it. Heh heh.



We went inside of California Pizza Kitchen and waited about 15 minutes for a table.  It was completely packed!  The restaurant was super loud and people crammed too close together.  Charles and I were not too excited about that so we jumped at the opportunity to sit on the patio where we could see all the shops around us and people walking by.  Way more interesting.  

After we were sat down outside we begin looking around at the scenery and it was so romantic.  The trees were laced with pretty white lights, a band had just started to play in the background, and there was a gentle wind blowing ever so slightly.  It was just awesome.  The kids were more relaxed and less bored.  The band wasn't loud since it was at somewhat of a distance.  We had such a good time and the waitress commented on how good they were.  We had such a good time.

As we walked by the outdoor shops I spotted Motherhood.  I love and hate that store for how beautiful their clothes are but their crazy prices.  After looking at some of the pants offered and high prices I decided on just getting The Tummy Sleeve.  It makes it to where you can wear all your non maternity pants, shorts, and skirts even while pregnant.  You just keep the zipper down and then place The Tummy Sleeve over it to hide it.  Then you can wear them throughout your pregnancy and afterwards!  Even for postpartum.  This is gonna save me some big bucks because I won't have to purchase any new pants or church skirts.  

Anyway, what a great night out!  Every woman has just gotta have it.  When you're inside all the time cleaning, homeschooling, cooking, etc... it feels so good to just get out and do some exploring.  Even thought I didn't get my lake and camping, I'll take the wildness of outdoor malls and patios. Tee hee.

*Even without homeschool, we women still need our breaks.

Ohhh, this is the perfect time to mention I still have a contest running for a $25 gift certificate to the online Bloom Maternity store.  Whether you are pregnant or nursing I'm sure you can find something you love!  Click HERE to enter.

22 Hilarious Adult Truths

These are funny and I had to share them with you.  Hopefully, if you're having a hard day, this will give you a chuckle.  

1. Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.

2. Nothing stinks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.

3. I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.

4. There is great need for a sarcasm font.

5. How the heck are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?

6. Was learning cursive really necessary?

7. Map Quest really needs to start their directions on # 5. I'm pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.

8. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.

9. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.

10. Bad decisions make good stories.

11. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the rest of the day.

12. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blue Ray? I don't want to have to restart my collection...again.

13. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page technical report that I swear I did not make any changes to.

14. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.

15. I think the freezer deserves a light as well.

16. I wish Google Maps had an "Avoid Ghetto" routing option.

17. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.

18. How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear or understand a word they said?

19. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars team up to prevent a jerk from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers and sisters!

20. Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever.

21. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, finding their cell phone, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey - but I'd bet everyone can find and push the snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time, every time.

22. The first testicular guard, the "Cup," was used in Hockey in 1874 and the first helmet was used in 1974. That means it only took 100 years for men to realize that their brain is also important!!!

6 Ways to Save and Earn Money While You're At It

Because we're a family of eight we try to save money.  However, I would do this if I had one kid just because I love being frugal!  :)  Here are ways I try to save and earn money.

1. Swagbucks is a place where you can use their search engine like you normally would use to search a particular topic.  However, with this, you can earn points and I always use them to buy Amazon gift cards. Every time I'm in need of something, I will use the Amazon gift cards to purchase it rather than having to spend my own cash.

2. Coupon Sense helps me to save big because it tells me where all the sales are and which coupons I can use to save BIG.  I love it!  There is a monthly subscribing fee but because it tells me where in the valley to get free stuff and at least saves me half off my grocery bill, it's completely worth the $15 a month.  Please use my referral code if you decide to sign up.  I LOVE this site.  Referral code: 2017636

3. Product reviewing through Tomoson was introduced to me by Ellen Ross.  It's been a big blessing to my family for obvious reasons.  I get to receive some really neat products of my choosing and all I have to do is talk about it on my blog.  It's a win-win for them and for me.

4. The reason I decided to try Google Adsense is because I had been looking into finding a part job during the night every since we were greatly affected by the economy. My heart was broken so I tried to think of another way for me to stay home.  Since putting the ads on my blog, I can get a monthly check from Google that has really helped us.

5. I never buy clothes at full retail value. The last time I needed to go clothes shopping, I waited till major sales were happening.  My last shopping event, and I don't do it very often, was at The Limited. They were having 50% off in almost the whole store.  Then they gave me another 50% off at the register.  I ended paying $6 per shirt that were originally $35-50!  That's how I shop.  If no major sales are going on I find amazing stuff at Ross stores.  I'm picky though and won't just buy for the love of shopping.  I keep a list of needs and wants in my family organizer.  You're not saving if you're spending money just to spend it.

6. Making my Own Laundry Soap has saved me more money than I can imagine.  I haven't added it up but I know it's huge.  It cost me all of $3 to make and it last my size family for 8 months.  It's super easy so just go and check out my pics to see how simple it is to make it.  All you need is 3 items from the store, a sauce pan, and a bucket.

Hilarious Quotes for Moms

Moms definitely have their humorous moments and these 16 funny quotes are testimony to the laughs that mothers often enjoy (and sometimes endure). 

1. "Mothers of teenagers know why animals eat their young." ~ Author Unknown

2. "Mothers are all slightly insane." ~ J.D. Salinger

3. "I want my children to have all the things I couldn't afford. Then I want to move in with them." ~ Phyllis Diller

4. "There is only one pretty child in the world, and every mother has it." ~ Chinese Proverb

5. "It takes a woman twenty years to make a man of her son, and another woman twenty minutes to make a fool of him." ~ Helen Rowland

6. "The most remarkable thing about my mother is that for thirty years she served the family nothing but leftovers. The original meal has never been found." ~ Calvin Trillin

7. "A suburban mother's role is to deliver children obstetrically once, and by car for ever after." ~ Peter De Vries

8. "It would seem that something which means poverty, disorder and violence every single day should be avoided entirely, but the desire to beget children is a natural urge." ~ Phyllis Diller

9. "All women become like their mothers. That is their tragedy. No man does. That's his." ~ Oscar Wilde

10. "A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie." ~ Tenneva Jordan

11. "You don't really understand human nature unless you know why a child on a merry-go-round will wave at his parents every time around - and why his parents will always wave back." ~William D. Tammeus.

12. "Working mothers are guinea pigs in a scientific experiment to show that sleep is not necessary to human life." ~ Author Unknown

13. "Any mother could perform the jobs of several air-traffic controllers with ease." ~ LisaAlther

14. "My mother had to send me to the movies with my birth certificate, so that I wouldn't have to pay the extra fifty cents that the adults had to pay." ~ KareemAbdul-Jabbar

15. "My mother had a great deal of trouble with me, but I think she enjoyed it." ~ Mark Twain

16. "My mother's menu consisted of two choices: Take it or leave it." ~ Buddy Hackett

Yes, children often give their mothers something to laugh about. Hopefully it makes up for the things their children will inevitably do to make them cry.

Tell Me About Yourself

These are fun. Let me know if you do one too on your site!

TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF - The Survey
Name:	Jenny (or Virginia)
Birthday:	June 14th
Birthplace:	Globe, Az
Current Location:	Not telling dork
Eye Color:	Blue
Hair Color:	Blond
Height:	5'5"
Right Handed or Left Handed:	Right
Your Heritage:	Irish, German, English, and Cherokee
The Shoes You Wore Today:	None, love to be barefoot at home or else heels
Your Weakness:	Stylish Clothes (Even though I'm a homemaker) Love to stay cute.
Your Fears:	Losing a loved one close to me
Your Perfect Pizza:	Hawaiian
Goal You Would Like To Achieve This Year:	Homeschooling with success
Your Most Overused Phrase On an instant messenger:	LOL
Thoughts First Waking Up:	Need some coffee
Your Best Physical Feature:	Hmmm.... Everyone says my legs. /always has.
Your Bedtime:	Around midnight
Your Most Missed Memory:	The three days my husband and I spent when dating walking downtown just talking and holding hands
Pepsi or Coke:	Coke (Not really. Diet Dr. Pepper with Cherry and Vanilla
MacDonalds or Burger King:	McDonalds
Single or Group Dates:	Single dates all the way.
Lipton Ice Tea or Nestea:	Lipton
Chocolate or Vanilla:	Totally Chocolate!
Cappuccino or Coffee:	Coffee
Do you Smoke:	No way
Do you Swear:	No, I'm a Christian
Do you Sing:	Yes, on stage at church
Do you Shower Daily:	Duh
Have you Been in Love:	Of course. Love can hurt sometimes. But can't live without it.
Do you want to go to College:	I would love to go to chef's school. Mostly though, just want to help people in need or lonely
Do you want to get Married:	I am so married. 9 years.
Do you believe in yourself:	At times. I really am hard on myself. A lot people said I'd never be a mother. Now I'm a mom of five. I love it.
Do you get Motion Sickness:	Yes!
Do you think you are Attractive:	Somewhat. Not crazy attractive though. Just get by.
Are you a Health Freak:	Not a health freak food wise but an exercise nut.
Do you get along with your Parents:	With my mom sometimes, with my dad, all the time.
Do you like Thunderstorms:	NO! ((Scared))
Do you play an Instrument:	Alto Sax, Tenor Sax, Piccalo, flute, and some piano
In the past month have you Drank Alcohol:	No way. Christians don't drink. So no.
In the past month have you Smoked:	No. Although I admit I like the smell of it. Would never willingly kill myself for it though
In the past month have you gone on a Date:	Yes. Due for another
In the past month have you gone to a Mall:	Yes, bought a cute shirt at my favorite store Charlotte Russe
In the past month have you eaten a box of Oreos:	Ummm... well, it's sitting right here next to me. The mint ones. (I am so caught)
In the past month have you eaten Sushi:	No way. Try to. Doesn't work for me.
In the past month have you been on Stage:	Oh yes, all the time.
In the past month have you been Dumped:	No. Um, that's not supposed to happen in marriage but unfortunately there are selfish people out there.
In the past month have you gone Skinny Dipping:	Uh no. Used to but I got delivered from that. Thank God! Oh the wild days.
In the past month have you Stolen Anything:	No, just maybe a chocolate from kids halloween bin
Ever been Drunk:	Oh yes. Easily. But don't drink anymore.
Ever been called a Tease:	oh yes. Not while married though.
Ever been Beaten up:	Almost lots of times. hated school. Girls always wanted to beat me up over guys.
Ever Shoplifted:	oh yes. Thankfully I am clean of that!
How do you want to Die:	given a chance to tell friends goodbye and make sure heart is right with God.
What do you want to be when you Grow Up:	Like, uh, I am so I guess what I am now. A homemaker and a loving wife.
What country would you most like to Visit:	France. Not so much. I am very happy here.
In a Boy/Girl..
Favourite Eye Color:	Green
Favourite Hair Color:	Looooove Dark Brown. Never blond hair on guys.
Short or Long Hair:	Short. Nice and clean cut.
Height:	6 foot or more
Weight:	whatever, just not obese
Best Clothing Style:	American Eagle
Number of Drugs I have taken:	never
Number of CDs I own:	I don't know. Just love praise music
Number of Piercings:	just one in each ear
Number of Tattoos:	None
Number of things in my Past I Regret:	Here, now? Hold on, I have to count... could be here awhile. Gee, a lot. I hurt a lot of people in my past. Sadly.
CREATE YOUR OWN! - or - GET PAID TO TAKE SURVEYS!

100 Things About Me

1. I have 5 kids. Three boys and two girls.
2. I have been a Christian for 14 years.
3. I was raised in a Christian church since in my mom's tummy.
4. I am married to Charles. (Sweetest guy on earth!)
5. I've always wanted to have a large family (like at least 7!)
6. I was born with blond hair and had it all growing up but now I have to highlight it to keep it blond! Argh!
7. I look terrible as a brunette.
8. I have blue eyes.
9. I am terrified of Alligators (and snakes) and will not look at them at the zoo.
10. I was blessed to have parents who have stayed together my whole life.
11. My mom was a homemaker and still is!
12. I love to sew. (Although it's hard to find time for it. I love sewing parties.)
13. I love country music but usually don't listen to it because of the immorality in it. Every now and then I find a good song and then I just belt my heart out!
14. I love praise music more! (I love to sing to it while cleaning house.)
15. I thought I was 5' 7" for years. Come to find out I'm 5' 5". It was just my heels I wore. LOL
16. I love to shop. (Duh. I'm a girl. I don't blow money though. I'm a good girl!)
17. I have a best friend Brianne. Although we are opposites in many ways and even have some different beliefs, she is dear to my heart.
18. I long to be my pre-baby weight at 125. (Who doesn't?)
19. I love God with all of my heart. Although at times I've walked away from him, He has never left me.
20. I love dogs. I have a beautiful Great Dane.
21. I used to have cats till they kept peeing in my laundry.
22. I love birds but since I can't keep them alive in my house... well, I keep my distance.
23. I don't really like going to people's houses that don't have a fence around their pool. It is most unrelaxing worrying about my kids.
24. I looooove Christmas time because it is so much fun giving and baking cookies. It's cold and we have to bundle up. I love the music and Christmas lights.
25. My anniversary is in December.
26. I was born on Flag day, June 14.
27. My nationalities are Irish, German, English, and Cherokee.
28. I have a french last name because of my French husband who is Hungarian and French Canadian.
29. I own a home with 4 bedrooms and big back yard!
30. When I was single I supported myself on $5.75 an hour and only made $600 a month.
31. I felt like I was gonna starve to death. I was way underweight at 110 lbs.
32. I had no car and would take the bus to my job at JCPenney.
33. I love being pregnant but hate the very beginning and the very end!
34. I love giving birth. It is such an exciting experience. With or without the epidural. (Even though it hurts like crud!)
35. I love the zoo. I'm just an animal lover! Although I'm not a weirdo about it. I don't knit clothes for the poor giraffe's in the winter.
36. I met my husband at my sister's church where her and her husband pastored. Thank goodness they found him for me! LOL!
37. I think homemaking at least while your children are young is so important. (It meant a lot to me!)
38. I love to cook.
39. I love even more to bake. I love to make the cake but not to eat it. I'm not much of a sweets person.
40. I hate doing dishes.
41. I love doing laundry.
42. I love new technology. I want the new Scuba robot that mops your floor.
43. I loooooove my laptop. It's my baby and I love having Wifi.
44. I have a hard time making friends after being betrayed so many times. Who hasn't? But I'm trying to come out of my shell. There is no life in unforgiveness. But it is a true fear I have, making friends.
45. When I was a teen I seriously battled depression.
46. I am completely free from that. I think the teen years are very rough and would never want to go through them again for nothing.
47. I love my elementary school years until my parents moved. Then I disliked school every since.
48. I never finished high school. I got my GED and then a certificate from courses I took in College.
49. I was terrified of high school because girls threatened to stab me there. I eventually pulled myself out and went to work. I tried homeschooling myself but couldn't afford the cost.
50. I love to sing. I sing on the platform at church for song service. Not for reason's people think. I only love to sing praise songs to God. God loved David's songs to Him.
51. I love the colors red and black.
52. I've always wanted a red convertible.
53. I think the love of money really is the root of all evil (as the bible says).
54. I love the mall and so does my husband. Just to walk around and window shop.
55. We own a red minivan although I long for an SUV instead.
56. As of December 5, 2007, my husband and I will have been married for 9 years.
57. I am 29 years old and my husband is 31.
58. Between my 5 kids, I've had 10 babyshowers. Such a blessing!
59. I hate talking on the phone. I'd rather email or IM. I think it's so rude that people will call just because they're bored! Why should I stop what I'm doing because they're bored?
60. I always love talking to my dad though.
61. I attended teen bootcamp in New Mexico every summer 6 different times.
62. I have dimples. (How come none of my five kids do?)
63. I played flute for concert band in school.
64. I played alto sax and tenor sax for Jazz band in school.
65. I was 4th chair in honor band once but hated it because girls were snobs. (So weird).
66. My sister and I got to cheer lead for The Suns on court once for the half time show when I was little.
67. I love pink roses.
68. I love pink sweaters.
69. I love shoes that have a high heel on it. (That explains why I thought I was 5'7" all those years!
70. I absolutely love homemaking. I feel like I'm living my dream I've always wanted since I was a little girl.
71. I am now homeschooling my children.
72. I love to swim.
73. I love snow but have to travel to see it.
74. I hate mopping but my husband loves it so he took over that chore for me. Wow! What a man.
75. I love to ride horses and also day dream about living on a farm. (But still close enough to drive to a city).
76. I love Bookstores!
77. I am the youngest of three daughters.
78. I lived a sheltered life growing up which I am very thankful for. My husband quite the opposite.
79. I absolutely LOVE Diet Dr. Pepper Cherry and Vanilla soda. Yummm...
80. I had braces when I was a teen.
81. I learned how to drive on a stick shift first before an automatic.
82. I hate horror movies. They are so evil. What is the point? "Yay! Let's scare ourselves to death. Fun!" Not like I own movies or a TV anyway.
83. I love middle eastern food like crazy.
84. I am terrified to go camping. Afraid to get robbed or shot.
85. I love taking pictures! I've always wanted to be a photographer.
86. I dislike confrontations. I can't see why people seem to seek them out at times.
87. I can play piano but mostly by ear. That's what makes it fun for me.
88. I am a major beach girl. Love the beach but don't live by one.
89. I know all the states and all the books of the Bible by heart.
90. I love Rocky Road and Mint chocolate chip ice cream.
91. I hate stuffed animals. What's the point? They clutter the place.
92. I'm in love with Girl Scout's Thin Mints. When I see a girl scout, I practically chase her down.
93. When I can't find a girl scout, I settle for Mint Oreo cookies with milk only.
94. I can make killer cookies, pies, and cakes. Only if not in a rush though.
95. I love to read.
96. I was raised without a TV and I don't have one now. Time waster!
97. I love to play volleyball and basketball. (Played basketball in school).
98. I got to play one and one basketball with Meadowlark Lemon (Harlem Globetrotters). He trained me how to play.
99. I love board games such as Guesstures, Risk, Clue, and Scattegories.
100. I love going to bed with peace in my heart knowing if I die I'll make Heaven my home because I have a relationship with Jesus Christ. The bible promises me that!

Whew! That's a lot!

Thoughts From My Heart

Lately I've had some things pressed on my heart that I've been giving a lot of thought to. I don't share it because I am trying to welcome critisism nor am I needy of approval. I'm just sharing.

 My kids near future (as teens) have been really weighing on my heart. Why? I'm not sure. Maybe because we humans tend to put things off in our mind that we don't want to really have to think about. I don't want to think about those turbulent times. I want my boys to stay little boys and my girls to stay cute little girls that just click their little play heels around my tile and hold dollies. Sometimes I stop and think, "Am I really doing whatever it takes to raise them in the Lord? Am I raising them up to really understand responsibility, how to treat their spouses, how to serve the Lord through good times and bad?" I don't quite think what I am doing is adequate enough. Right now they go to school for 9 hours, come home, do their homework, play an hour each of computer games, then do their chores, eat dinner, take a shower, have some playtime, and go to bed. Next day repeat. Where in there am I training for any of the other important things in life? Weekends only? Summer when schools out? Somehow, it doesn't seem good enough! When they were out of school. This is more what their day looked like.

1. Wake up and play quietly in their playrooms or watch story books online while mommy woke up and got ready for the day.
2. Ate breakfast together.
3. Had prayer and bible time with mommy.
4. Played while mommy gets caught up on her emails with friends.
5. Take care of all animals who need to be fed.
6. Each separates into their own list of chores for that day.
7. Lunch time which means whoever's turn it is to learn a meal with mommy.
8. Another's turn to load kid dishes in dishwasher. Plus we learn different chores together such as sorting clothes, cleaning dirt off walls, sweeping porch. Whatever extras need to be done that day.
9. Play time inside or out.
10. Nap time for two youngest ones.
11. Each kid gets one hour on computer for kids online games
12. Next round of feeding animals
13.Free time to do whatever while mommy does her own cleaning.
14. Storytime.
15. Next kid's turn to learn a dinner with mommy before daddy gets home
16. Dinner ready by the time daddy walks in and we all have family dinner time.
17. Fun with Daddy! (Usually means it our traditions "Wrestle! Wrestle!" time or Hide N' Seek).
18. Shower and bath time.
19. Prayer time and talk with daddy in beds
20. Bedtime 8-8:30pm
21. Mommy and daddy time
Now add into my schedule homeschooling time now that it is school season.

Okay, that's a big difference of training time I have with my boys compared to when they are in school. Those schedules vary depending on the day or errands to run. Also if there is church that night. So, I have been thinking, if I want them to have more time with me, get closer to God, and learn how to grow up with good training habits in the home and later on in their own lives, maybe I should homeschool. Okay, so this is new for me. I don't want them completely away from interaction with other kids. That's when, through my friend, I found this great program. 2 days at school, 3 days at home. The two days they are at school they are doing things such as P.E., Computers, Music, and touching base on some things they are learning from home. So still, all their curriculum is at home. When I visited the school, Charles and I were stunned and what the kids were like there. ALL were homeschooled kids who only come once or twice a week. They were all playing coordinated games together in recess. They were cordial, a boy said "excuse me" when his ball came bouncing up to me. No one was arguing, cussing, being rude to each other or adults. They was almost just a calm demeaner about them. We just stood and stared. I've seen public school and charter school kids. NOTHING like this. I know there some kids that are still respectful. But this was amazing. The teachers were great, the most in the class was 16 kids. You could tell the teachers really, really loved what they did. I thought, if this is what homeschooled kids are like, I definitely want to give my kids that chance. A chance to have bible study every morning, like I did when they were out of school. More time to train them in the kitchen and chores around house. Also time to care for their animals and learn responsibility. More time to train them in caring for others besides themself. When they finally come home from school, I have so little time to have any of that! 

 I worry. I sit and think about, their current schedule and wonder if I leading them in a good direction. It's great if they grow up wanting good careers. It's great if they learn their math, reading, (false or true) science that school teaches them. Those are all great. BUT, there is SO MUCH MORE than that. So, so, so much more. Most important, their relationship with God. Do you know what it's like in public school to have teachers and kids alike who could care less about God even though you do? You see just a hatred towards anything Holy. A hatred towards anything pure. No matter who puts me down, or who tells me I'm wrong, these are my convictions. And they've been heavy on my heart for quite some time. I can keep swallowing them and turning my head. But what price will I pay just a few years from now? I can go down that path, or.... I can stop and change things now. Give my kids an opportunity to go down a different road. A road better for them, better for us, a better chance for their souls. I love all these little guys and I want the best for them. So what if I have to sacrifice my time and not have as much free time. Kids really are fun and such a joy to be around when you stop thinking life is all about yourself. That's a revelation I had a year ago. I am a better person, first, because of God, second, because of my children. Anyhow, just some of my thoughts. Hope I was able to say it with clarity. It's hard to really do it right because there is just so much more and not enough time to write about it all. It would be too long! As if this isn't already. :P

Funny Comment!

I was visiting Katherine's blog site, and when I went to leave her a comment, I found this funny comment from Sherri, another fellow blogger. This is funny and so true, check it out:

"I'm so with you on the groceries. Pardon the long comment, but here it goes."

After planning meals, checking the pantry for what we need, driving to the store, etc. Then we have to do the following:
1) Take items off shelf
2) Put items in cart
3) Take items out of cart
4) Put items on conveyor belt
for ringing up
5) Put items back in cart
6) Wheel cart out to car
7) Take items out of cart
8) Put items in car
9) Drive home
10) Take items out of car
11) Carry items in house
12) Take items out of bags
13) Put items away

"Anyone still amazed that we hate this chore?"

HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHO TO MARRY? (written by kids)

You got to find somebody who likes the same stuff. Like, if you like sports, she should li ke it that you like sports, and she should keep the chips and dip coming.
-- Alan, age 10

No person really decides before they grow up who they're going to marry. God decides it all way before, and you get to find out later who you're stuck with.
-- Kristen, age 10


WHAT IS THE RIGHT AGE TO GET MARRIED?
Twenty-three is the best age b e cause you know the person FOREVER by then.
-- Camille, age 10

HOW CAN A STRANGER TELL IF TWO PEOPLE ARE MARRIED?
You might have to guess, based on whether they seem to be yelling at the same kids.
-- Derrick, age 8

WHAT DO YOU THINK YOUR MOM AND DAD HAVE IN COMMON?
Both don't want any more kids.
-- Lori, age 8

WHAT DO MOST PEOPLE DO ON A DATE?
Dates are for having fun, and people should use them to get to know each other. Even boys have something to say if you listen long enough.
-- Lynnette, age 8

On the first date, they just tell each other lies and that usually gets them interested enough to go for a second date.
-- Martin, age 10

WHEN IS IT OKAY TO KISS SOMEONE?
When they're rich.
-- Pam, age 7

The law says you have to be eighteen, so I wouldn't want to mess with that.
- - Curt, age 7

The rule goes like this: If you kiss someone, then you should marry them and have kids with them. It's the right thing to do.
- - Howard, age 8

IS IT BETTER TO BE SINGLE OR MARRIED?
It's better for girls to be single but not for boys. Boys need someone to clean up after them.
-- Anita, age 9

HOW WOULD THE WORLD BE DIFFERENT IF PEOPLE DIDN'T GET MARRIED?
There sure would be a lot of kids to explain, wouldn't there?
-- Kelvin, age 8

And the #1 Favorite is........
HOW WOULD YOU MAKE A MARRIAGE WORK?
Tell your wife that she looks pretty, even if she looks like a dump truck.
-- Ricky, age 10

28 Years Young!

It is my 28 birthday today and I wanted to share with you 28 things I am so incredibly grateful for. :) Beware, this is long. I won't be doing this when I turn 50.

1. My relationship with Jesus Christ. Without Him, I could not make it with a smile on my face day to day. He gives me the strength I need.
2. My husband is my absolute best friend and love. He listens to me when I cry, laughs with me at my corny jokes, and makes me feel incredibly special.
3. My kids who taught me that life is so much more than money and careers. They have brought me back to what really matters and that is relationships. We could lose everything, but if we have each other, none of that other stuff matters.
4. My mom who is creative and sensitive. Although she gave me life, it's a wonder she kept me! LOL!
5. My dad who is a good listener and works so hard. He never ceases to amaze me how hard he worked for his family without complaining.
6. My father-in-law Martin who always fixes our cars even though we don't deserve it! He is fun to be around and has a heart. I couldn't of gotten luckier.
7. My mother-in-law Maureen who welcomed me into her heart and family. I've never met such a giving mother-in-law who makes one feel so special.
8. My sister Jodee who knows how to set me in my place when I am wrong yet always remembers birthdays and special events. She goes so out of her way to be hospitable.
9. My sister Tammy who is so sweet and the peace maker. She never ceases to amaze me how she will take care of you when you're down and make you feel welcome in her home.
10. My sister-in-law Melanie who likes to take care of people and knows how to give gifts well. She tries to learn what people like and puts a lot of thought into it. Something I have to work on.
11. My sister-in-law Desiree who is an amazing dedicated wife and daughter. She has good morals and will stick with them no matter what.
12. My house that God gave me. I don't deserve it through bad decisions I've made in the past but somehow God blessed me anyway. I'm amazed I got so blessed to have this as my first home.
13. My husbands job who does incredible things such as giving bonuses 3 times a year, dinners and bonuses at the Christmas dinner, and gives extra days off with holidays some people never get.
14. My cute Great Dane Daisy who loves a good snuggle. Best dog in the world.
15. My fluffy kitten Jasmine puts up so much with the kids. She doesn't mind being carried around and pushed in the shopping cart.
16. My friend Leslea who has something in common with me that only her and I could understand!
17. My very best friend Brianne who is always here and how I can call and hang out with anytime. She's such a sweetheart and loyal friend. Hard to find.
18. For Michele who always comes over and cooks, stays up late with me when I don't wimp out, and is so down to earth. I love that about her. She's real.
19. For my neighbors who always say hi! Who knew you could still borrow an egg anymore when you need one?
20. For my incredibly cool sanitary wipes from Costco. Who know I could chuck the dangerous chemicals for some safe wipes that clean so fast and easy? I love you wipes!
21. For my pastor who has grace but will step up when he has to. I need someone who can speak into my life whether it hurts or not. But also someone who can be real and understand. I am so grateful I found this church 8 years ago.
22. People in my church who know how to welcome you and looks past your faults. Even when you've come back from falling astray, they are just happy to see you're okay and serving God.
23. For Mary Benninger and her amazing rice and sauce. Thank you, Mary. Without you I would have nothing to eat at the buffets.
24. For Machelle, our nursery leader, she puts up with the fact that every time she graduates one of my kids out of the nursery, she is making room for another one of mine. Thanks!
25. For my Grandma Mona who is an amazing artist and always shares her work with me on my birthdays and holidays. Love you Grandma.
26. For my awesome mailman who doesn't mind me chasing him down the street for my mail. Without waiting for him, I would not pull so many weeds in my front yard.
27. For my van. Thank God for a van that fits our needs. I love my moon roof. Thank you, God.
28. Thank you God for my blog site. Without it, I couldn't share my pics and stories with friends and family out of town.

Whew.... trust me, I had so much more.

How Many is Too Many?

I seem to run into this question a lot. As far as kids go, it seems that everyone has their idea of how many children people should have. So, I've come up with my own list of why I like having children! How many is too many? I don't know!!! Just enjoy them whether you have 1 or 20! Time with them is too short to miss out.

1. My life is so much more fun!!!
2. I love hearing the pitter patter of my 2 year old's feet.
3. Seeing Charles love being a daddy and laughing at his kids antics are cute.
4. Hearing my boys try to talk using big words they don't understand is adorable.
5. Having 5 kids brings me out from under the "normal standard". I love being the odd one out.
6. Kids make me see things about myself I otherwise would never have admitted to.
7. Hearing giggles in the room because kids are playing together.
8. Hearing daddy say prayers with the kids every night and seeing Ivy clasp her little hands together.
9. It's so nice having people come up and tell me my kids are well behaved in public. It makes me feel like I'm doing something right.
10. I have every excuse imaginable to go to every toy section available in my state.
11. Having my boys come up and tackle me with kisses.
12. Seeing Charles get excited whenever I take a pregnancy test is the best part for me. I love his reactions.
13. Hearing Ivy call "mommy" from her crib is soooo cute. Even when it's 2am and she just wants a drink of water.
14. Maybe I should stop this list now before it ends at 100.
15. Okay, I think you get the point.
16. Hope you have so much more to add as to why you love having kids!!!