Yum, Yum, Yummy!!

I had some leftover pumpkin pie filling in the refrigerator from Thanksgiving pie baking that was going to end up going down my disposal. So I had this idea to try and make cookies with it. OMG! They are delicious. When I made the pie filling for Thanksgiving, I had intentions to give my brother half of the mix (he forgot to take it home) and then make two pies for my house. I ended up making 1 pie, so I had LOTS of filling leftover. I originally added 1/2 tsp of baking soda to them, but in my opinion they are more fluffy than a "normal" cookie, so I think the recipe only needs 1/4 teaspoon.

Pumpkin Pie Cookies


2 cups leftover pumpkin pie filling
2 cups flour
¼ tsp baking soda
½ cup chocolate chips


Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Stir the flour and baking soda together in a small bowl. Stir the flour mixture into the pumpkin pie filling. Add the chocolate chips. Drop by rounded spoonfuls on an ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake for 13-15 minutes

I am making bread with the remaining filling. It's still baking, so I will post later as to whether or not it's edible.

Update: OMG! OMG! that was amazing. The bread was a million times better than the cookies. Here's the recipe:

Pumpkin Bread

2 cups leftover pumpkin pie filling
1.5 cups flour
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 tablespoon baking powder
2 tablespoons molasses
extra cinnamon & nutmeg to taste

Topping:

handful of brown sugar
handful of rolled oats
handful of sliced almonds

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Stir all ingredients together and pour into a greased loaf pan. Sprinkle the “topping” over the mixture.
Bake for 45 minutes, or until knife comes out clean.

Finally! A schedule that fits.

The Lord has heard my prayers and answered as always. I have been trying forever to develop a schedule that we would follow, and one that seemed natural. Well, it looks like we have one that is going to work. Sure, it has only been three days, and two of those days we did start late, but it has worked. My lovely husband requested awhile ago that we start our day at 8am (I definitely protested that one, and lost). So we are up at 8 and breakfast, grooming, and chores are done by 9:30am. School starts at 9:30am. So the kids have been instructed to be upstairs in the schoolroom at that time with Bibles ready. They are doing it with no complaints (can you see my happy dance)! I've decided that school will be from 9:30am- 4pm Monday thru Friday. We have a long day because Jaylem is doing High School , so he needs the time. Savion, Mikaela, Mekhi, and Darion are usually done by 2pm, which is our "quiet time (2pm-4pm)", so that works out great. That gives me time to work with Jaylem, one on one, without any interruptions. Then at 4pm they clean up the schoolroom while I prep snack and dinner if it is not already in the crockpot. Each night before bed they are to get out their "school clothes". This was my mom's idea, since she noticed the kids were not getting into 'school' mode. Now they are getting dressed each morning, down to shoes and socks, and it has made a difference. It will also come in handy when we have to go to the store in the afternoons, or if we need to run out during the day; there will be no getting dressed delays. Thanks, mommy!

I have been going downstairs to prepare lunch at 11am. It takes me an hour because I want to give them something warm and filling since it is cold now. Really, it takes so long because I bring Darion down with me so he doesn't get into anything or distract the boys from doing their schoolwork. I think I need to bring Mekhi down, too. He calls down every 3 minutes asking what I'm making for lunch, because it smells good! That little boy is hilarious.

Well, I have 30 minutes left of quiet time and Jaylem is done with school, what to do....

"O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever." Psalm 136:1

Happy Thanksgiving

I love this holiday. I mean REALLY love it. I do enjoy the meaning of it, but I mostly like the food, and the fact that I don't have to cook most of it. I don't mind cooking/helping, but just knowing that I am not responsible for the entire meal is the bees knees to me. There has been a few years where I have cooked at home, even though we were going to my in-laws. But, it wasn't stressful, because I WANTED to cook; I wasn't required to cook. But that's not my only reason for loving Thanksgiving: I love getting together with family. I really like my husband's family. I would love it if one year his family and my family could get together and enjoy Thanksgiving together. In the 15 years my husband and I have been together, we have always pretty much gotten along. That would be great, because my kids would love that, and I think all the nieces and nephews would love it, too.

A month of food for less than $260!!!

I did it! With the move and trying to get ready for Christmas, we are B.R.O.K.E. So hubby told me to see if I could buy grocery for the month with $200. I was skeptical, but I knew that God would make it happen. Well, He one upped me.... My in-laws gave us a $60 giftcard for Thanksgiving and my mother-in-law gave me 2 gallon size bags of greens and 1 of broccoli. So cool, I was now at $260 with a few items already in the kitchen. Here is the menu for the month. Remember, I only cook dinner on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The other days we eat leftovers from the day before. Everything is made from scratch, except for the cereals

Breakfast:

waffles, pancakes, cinnamon rolls, muffins, oatmeal, cold cereal

Lunch:

beefaroni, ramen noodles (the kids like these for some odd reason, so I buy them maybe twice a year), cheeseburger mac, tomato soup and grilled cheese, pizza, tacos, PB&J, hotdogs

Dinner:

Sunday meals- baked beans, ground beef rice and muffins; fish, baked potatoes & corn on cob; beef pot pie, fish and grits

2 day meals- turkey noodle soup & sandwiches; chili & crackers; chopped steak, yellow rice, greenbeans; hamburgers and fries; baked chicken, chicken flavored rice and broccoli; red beans and rice w/ sausage; shredded beef, yellow rice & turnip/collard greens; beef stew over rice; roast black eye peas rice & mac & cheese; spaghetti

Snacks:

marshmallows (the kids love them), cookies, cinnamon bread, brownies, trailmix

The total came to $288.56. But that total included a pair of sneakers for Darion ($13), a perm and new comb for Mikaela ($8), and a DVD for my hubby ($20). There were a few other things that my hubby threw in the basket that I had not intended to buy.

We are feeding a family of 7 on less than $260. God is so good. I will point out that I do not have to buy babyfood. We bought a Magic Bullet a few months ago, and that was the best $55 we have spent in a LOOOOONG time. All I hacve to do is scoop some of whatever I cook for the rest of the family into that thing, and VOILA! babyfood in 5-10 seconds. I did try to buy some jarred food for him, but he refuses to eat it. Works for me, because this is so much cheaper.

"Thou visitest the earth, and waterest it: thou greatly enrichest it with the river of God, which is full of water: thou preparest them corn, when thou hast so provided for it" Psalm 65:9

Day 9

Yeah, I know I was doing good and I did loose a couple of pounds, but I have realized that I just do not have the time nor financial resources to pull this off at this time. I am still going to eat sensibly, and add in a workout or walk whenever I have the time, so I will still be losing weight; just not as rapidly.

I know I will get back to my normal size, I just have to come to grips with the fact that it will take a little time. Hubby is not complaining, and he still likes how I look.... It is amazing how love will make you overlook certain things. Thank God for love!!

On a different note; my baby likes to play Pat-A-Cake. It is so cute. When you mention it, he starts to clap his hands. He even gets mad if you don't start singing it when he claps. So demanding, yet so cute. I love that little guy.

Mekhi said the funniest thing the other day. He was pretending to be Superman and was beating the bad guy up (Daddy). He told him that he was going to hit him in his weak parts. He was talking about the male nether region! I have no idea where that boy comes up with some of the stuff he says.

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven" Ecclesiastes 3:1

Day 7 (day 6 was a free day)

Last night I had a salad for dinner to make up for the pizza night on Friday. So far today I am doing pretty good. I really want a donut or something, but I am going to settle for strawberries and yogurt later on. I think it is a good compromise.



breakfast: 3/4 cup bran cereal (110 calories), 1/16 cup almonds (43 calories), 1/8 cup raisins (65 calories), 1/2 cup milk (75 calories) Total: 293 calories



lunch: 1 cup veggie soup (100 calories), 1 hotdog (230 calories), 1 pickle spear (10 calories)
Total: 340 calories

snack 1/2 cup yogurt and strawberries (103 calories)

dinner: shrimp alfredo and a crap load of garlic bread (the calories probably totaled 900 calories) I ate ALOT of bread!

Total calories: 1636

Still not a bad day overall. Hubby made me realize that now is probably the worst time ever to go on a diet. He is definitely right, with Thanksgiving and Christmas coming up. I love desserts and snacks! I am going to try my best, but I am sure I am going to cave quite a bit.

I think I only drank about 48oz of water today. Gotta do better than that. Going up and down these stairs have to count for something in the exercise department.

"And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus." I Timothy 1:14

Day 5

I worked out this morning!!! I did a 48 minute Pilates (fat burning) video. I am so proud of myself. I drank 24oz of water with the workout. I was so tempted to quit a few times, but I kept telling myself that I could keep going. Wow, that was invigorating!



breakfast: same as Monday (273 calories)

lunch: 2 chicken & rice soft tacos (275 calories) and 1 cup pineapples (160 calories)
Total: 435 calories

snack: 1/2 cup plain yogurt and strawberries (103 calories)

dinner: I had 2 slices of pizza and 2 breadsticks (both homemade). I am going to use this meal as part of my free day. I will eat a sensible dinner tomorrow. I am going to base the calories on Pizza Hut's nutrition guide (I know my pizza was nowhere near the total calories as a commercial pizza). So the total calories would be around 400. I also had lemonade, so I will add another 200 calories. Total: 600

Total calories: 1411 calories

My food intake still came way under 1800 calories. I am quite proud of myself. By the time I go to bed I will have consumed 80+ ounces of water. Not a bad day. I even tackled the monster-load of laundry upstairs!

"For with God nothing shall be impossible." Luke 1:37

Day 4

breakfast: same as Monday (273 calories)

lunch: 3 chicken & rice soft tacos (413 calories)

snack: 1/2 cup plain yogurt w/ strawberries ( 103 calories), 1 donut (87 calories), I'm going to add 100 calories, because my mom coerced me into tasting cheese schiccacia bread from Publix. I only had a tiny bit, but I have no idea what it was made of. Total: 290 calories

dinner: cheeseburger w/ grilled onions (450 calories), sweet potato fries (300 calories- I ate way more of these than yesterday) Total: 750 calories

Total: 1726 calories

I drank 96 ounces of water today! I still did not workout, but that's ok. I have come to realize that it won't be happening this week. Next week is a new week....

"My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. " Psalm 121:2

Day 3

I know I said I would not weigh myself except on Mondays, but I couldn't resist. I HAVE LOST 1 POUND!!!!! I know 1 pound is not a whole lot, but it is a start, so I am ecstatic, considering it is only Wednesday.





breakfast: 1 cup of grits (110 calories), 1 tablespoon margarine ( 60 calories), 1 serving of grouper (80 calories) Total: 250 calories


lunch: 1 Wendy's grilled chicken go wrap (260 calories)


snack: fish sandwich (180 calories)


dinner: cheeseburger w/ grilled onions (450 calories), oven-baked sweet potato fries (200 calories) Total: 650 calories

Total calories: 1340 calories

I got 80 ounces of water in today!

Still no workout. I am so busy with STILL unpacking, trying to decorate, wash a mountain of clothes, nursing, cooking, and trying to take care of all my little people, that I have not had hardly anytime for anything "extra". I gave been going up and down the stairs, though. So maybe that will count. I have to start working out. I know, baby steps....

"O LORD my God, I called to you for help and you healed me." Psalm 30:2

Day 2

I did not get a chance to do my workout today, so I will make sure I at least do some stretching before I go to bed. I went shopping with Mikaela, instead. At least I got in some light housework before she and I left the house.

Here are my meals today....

breakfast: the same as yesterday (273 calories)

lunch: the same as yesterday with a grilled cheese sandwich (370 calories)

snack: a pack of cookies (420 calories) I got munchy and there was no will-power.

dinner: grilled chicken breast (250 calories), 1/2 cup baked beans (230 calories), 1/4 cup potato salad (290 calories). Total: 770

Total calories: 1833

I have only gotten in 48oz of water again today. I know I can get in at least 24 more ounces with a good workout.

Tomorrow is a new day, and Lord willing I will be able to do better than today.

"Behold, God is mine helper...." Psalm 54:4

Day 1 of my weightloss

Today is my first day to a slimmer, healthier me. Here are my stats:

Weight: 188.6 (I don't know how true that is, since yesterday the scale said I weighed 191)

chest: 39 1/2 inches

waist: 33 inches

midriff: 38 inches

hips: 44 inches

right upper arm: 13 inches

left upper arm: 13 1/2 inches

right thigh: 27 1/2 inches

left thigh: 27 inches

right calf: 14 3/4 inches

left calf: 14 3/4 inches


I'm a little lopsided!





breakfast: 3/4 cup Product 19- 80 calories

1/8 cup raisins- 65 calories

1/16 cup sliced almonds- 43 calories

1/2 cup whole milk- 75 calories

Total- 273 calories



lunch: 1 cup homemade vegetable soup-100 calories

1/2 cup pineapples- 80 calories

Total-180 calories



I will not be eating a snack today because we have dinner plans at CiCi's pizza with some friends. I know that alone will total around 1200 calories.



OK, it is 4:29PM and I am starving. I just realized that I have not even consumed 500 calories so far today. I am going to eat a chicken sandwich, which will be approximately 300 calories. I have been unpacking and moving some furniture around, so I know I have gotten in my recommended 60 minutes of exercise today. Man, I am really going to have to practice restraint tonight with the pizza. The good thing is that I don't eat pork, so I will only be eating veggie pizza. Maybe I will throw in a salad, too.

We ended up going to Golden Corral (buffet). I actually did pretty good. I had a large salad (approximately 200 calories) with grilled chicken strips and a sweet potato (137 calories). I did give in to my biggest weakness, besides chocolate, and had a slice of pecan pie (240 calories). Oh, and I did have two spoonfuls of banana pudding (1/2 cup is 466 calories, so I am going to guesstimate 100 calories)while feeding it to Darion. My total dinner calories was 677.

Total calories for 11/10/2008: 1430 calories

Overall, not a bad day. I only drank 48oz of water, so I have to make sure that I at least double that today. One day at a time....

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

Time to lose weight

I have decided that I am not happy being fat. I am aware that one person's idea of fat is different from someone elses. I need to do this for me. I am not going to do anything drastic or dangerous. That has never been who I am. Besides, I am still nursing, so my health and what I put in my body is important to the health of my little guy. I have lost 24 pounds in 6 weeks before, so I know it is possible. But I need to lose more than 24 pounds this go round. I am going to track my progress or lack thereof on this blog. This is going to be extremely revealing. I am going to take before, during and after pictures, post my measurements, exercise, meals, and my joys and sorrows. This will definitely keep me motivated.

Here is my plan: I will begin Monday morning, November 10, 2008.

1. I will drink at least 80oz of water per day.
2. I will not consume more than 1800 calories Sunday-Friday. (Saturday is a free day)
3. I will workout for 1 hour Monday-Friday, and for 30 minutes on Sunday. My workouts will include The Firm, Pilates, circuit training, and walking.
4. I will weigh and measure myself once per week on Monday mornings.
5. I will not cry and become unmotivated because I mess up. I will just start over from that point.

Wish me luck, no, don't wish me luck. There is no luck needed, because I can do all things through Christ....

"The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower." Psalm 18:2

My big guy is 14 today!

Where does time go? I can still remember holding Jaylem in my arms the day he was born. It seems like yesterday I would tell him that I loved him to infinity and he would say he loved me three infinity. Jaylem is my angel. He is probably the most compassionate, empathetic and loving person I know. He's always been our "little man". I don't ever remember talking baby talk to him. When I was in college I would read my calculus problems out loud so he would think I was talking to him. He heard stories about Emmitt Till and Medgar Evers from my African American Studies classes. Those things have paid off, because he is extremely intelligent and very articulate (except when he decides to talk slang). I shouldn't complain about the slang, though, because it just means he can turn it on and off, and at least he knows when to use it and when not to use it. My baby is almost a man! In four years I will have to watch him leave the nest.

This growing up thing is miraculous. I can see him morphing into a mighty fine young man. I couldn't be more proud. Well I better get in this kitchen and bake his birthday apple pie. I think I will try to form it into a football.

"and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him. Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice." Proverbs 23:24-25

A new president, and what it means for us....

I can honestly say that I strongly believe Barack Obama is going to be the next president of the USA. Is it the best thing for America? That remains to be seen. I will be honest, I voted for Obama. Why, when I am pro-life, anti-gay marriage, and a homeschooler? For one reason and one reason alone.... because he is black. I know what people are saying. "you are a Christian first". Yep, in a perfect world, that would ring true. But even in Christian circles, I am black first. In America, I am always black first. True, I have been accepted for who I am by many white Americans, but there are more white Americans that have made sure I was reminded of what I am. I can't just teach my children that as Christians they will be accepted and respected by other Christians. History has proven otherwise, and my life has proven otherwise as well. White Christians do not have to teach their sons to not put their hands in their pockets in the supermarket. They do not have to explain to their sons why white women exit elevators or change their purses to the opposite side when a black man comes near them. And yes, I have witnessed this first-hand. I have white friends that do not wear wedding bands and have 4-5 kids and have never been questioned as to the number of fathers her kids have. Yes, I have been. So yes, I voted for him because he is black. You get tired of being on the bottom. You get tired of getting treated like you are less than. My mother remembers having to get her KFC from the back of the restaurant out of a little window. My father-in-law remembers fighting in Vietnam and then coming back to the USA and having to ride at the back of the bus and drink out of "colored" water fountains. My husband's 92 year old grandmother picked cotton for pennies, and her parents ad grandparents were slaves. She remembers only being allowed to be a maid/nanny. She knows first-hand what it was like to not be able to vote, and to be denied her right to vote when legally she was able to. My uncle just got beat down in his yard in St. Petersburg because he told a white lady to get off of his lawn. He's over 50 and disabled, so how much damage could he inflict on five young white guys who told him that "we" think we are uppity because a n***** thinks he's going to be president? My brother turns 40 this year, and it was during the time he was born that black people got the right to vote. So yeah, I voted for him because he's black.



If you didn't vote for Obama because of his moral views, then how can you vote for McCain? Did God say one sin was greater than the other? Or did He say that if you break one of His commandments, then you have broken them all? Didn't McCain commit adultery? Didn't he defraud the American people out of major money and help cause the 1980's recession (look up the Keating 5)? So tell me adultery, lying, and cheating are not sins. Obama may be voting against the government choosing what is morally right or wrong, but in his life he is living the opposite of those votes, at least from what we know of his life. I know America was founded on christian values, but it was also founded on the right to chose . Didn't the Pilgrims come here to not be told how to worship? When the constitution was signed, it gave the citizens the right to practice their beliefs even if they were different than the governing body. So since we do not have a theocracy, how can the government decide what is morally right with so many individuals practicing their own "brand" of Christianity posing as our leaders? Even as Christians we can't even agree on how to live and worship God, so how do we assume we have the right to tell other people how to live? I am pro-life (we have 5 kids, so abortion is definitely not something we would ever consider), but what right do I have to push my morals off on someone else? I do not have to answer to God for someone elses choices. God gave us freewill, so why do mere humans feel they can take that away?



And another thing, why is Obama just black? Isn't his mother a white woman? Wasn't he raised by his white grandparents? Why can't he just be an American who is running for president? Is McCain categorized as a white man running for president? Nope, just a man running for president. Also, ask yourself this.... If McCain was a black man and had graduated at the bottom of his class, would the American public be as receptive to him? Obama is highly intelligent and has been labeled as conceited (too smart to relate). How can he be too smart? Shouldn't that be a plus?



I could go on for days. But I digress. We as Americans have the right to vote for whomever we want. Thank God for America, and I pray for whichever man ends up with the job of leading our country.


I didn't post this when I first composed it, and I am glad I held off. I am proud to announce that Barack Obama is now President-elect Barack Obama! We have to remember Romans 13:1 AND SUPPORT HIM AS OUR NEW LEADER. Not everyone is happy with the outcome of the election, I know this for sure. However, we serve a living God, and He has told us not to fear. Honestly, can this one man who has checks and balances really make people have abortions, make gay people get married, or single-handedly stop my right to homeschool? Why are people fearing this man because he is black or because they think he will usher in socialism and eventually communism? Does the Bible not say he is ordained by God? If he does push our country into socialism or communism then it was God's will. Does that mean God will forsake His believers? Heaven's no! When has He EVER turned His back on us? Whenever the Church is persecuted, we have always leaned more on God. History has shown that we tend to be more on fire for Him during those times. Get on fire for God. Produce and raise more soldiers for the Lord. If you feel abortion is the primary concern of our day, then have more babies. Did you know that birth control is an abortifacient? You may not be shelling out $500 a whoop to get rid of unwanted babies, but when you decide to take birth control you are contributing to aborting babies. I know that sounds harsh, but the truth hurts sometimes, and we are commanded to admonish one another.

I am hearing so many people claiming they are sick to their stomachs regarding the outcome of this election. Come on, people, GET OVER IT! Those of us that knew in our hearts that Bush was wrong for this country had to get over it, twice. And you know what? We survived, and so will you.

God is in control.

"Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. " Romans 13:1-2

Jello cookies

I was reading a blog today that posted a recipe for Jello cookies. So of course I had to try it. Everybody knows we love cookies, and how many kids do not like jello? I have so much jello in my pantry that I was willing to go ahead and possibly "waste" a box to try this out.

The Verdict: They were OK. I wouldn't write home to momma about them, but they were kinda good. We used strawberry jello, so they had a hint of strawberry flavoring. They were like sugar cookies with strawberry flavoring. Now, we make some great sugar cookies, if I may say so myself, so we are a little bias. These were bland sugar cookies. My opinion, try them out yourself, because like I said, we make some great sugar cookies and these were not OUR sugar cookies.



Here's the recipe:



3/4 cup butter or margarine (we used margarine, I am cheap)

1/2 cup sugar

1 pkg jello

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

2 1/2 cups flour

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt



Cream the first four ingredients. Add the other ingredients, adding the flour last. Mix. Roll spoonfuls of dough in sugar and bake on a cookie sheet for 6-8 minutes at 350 degrees F.



I am sure this recipe could be tweaked to taste better. Maybe someone would like to give it a try.



There was one plus, they were pink, so Mikaela thought they were great. The kids ate them, but each of them only ate 2 each, so that was a clear indication that they weren't amazing.



"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." I Corinthians 10:31

God is real real good!

At the end of September a pipe in the house we were renting started spraying water in the master bedroom 's closet. This was the second time this happened. The first time, the landlord did not return our calls for three weeks. Then he finally came to pick up the rent and sent a plumber. Well, this time my husband talked to him personally in the front yard and the landlord promised to send a plumber the next day. Needless to say four weeks went by and no plumber and no landlord. We were having to turn the main valve off outside, and turn it on to flush the toilets, wash dishes, shower, etc. Definitely a huge pain. Not to mention, whenever we had to leave the water on for more than five minutes, like to take a shower, the water would flood the master bedroom. So of course everything started growing mold on it, and the carpet padding was smelling up the place. With central heat and air, the smell and mold spores were just circulating throughout the house. One morning my husband was riding down the street and saw a For Rent sign. He told me to call it. Reluctantly, I called thinking, "why, since I know we are not moving and we don't have the money to move anyway". The house was amazing (5 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, loft and familyroom) and it was basically the same price as the 3 bedroom we were living in. God stepped in big time. In a matter of 3 days, we were approved for the house, the money was paid for move-in and we were moving in! Tell me that God doesn't provide! We are no longer dealing with the mold and mildew from the leakage, we are not having to turn the water on and off, and we are in a home that we would have never thought we could afford. This house is more than twice the size of the last one, and the price is basically the same. If you are looking for me, you'll find me singing His praises.

"Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk ye of all his wondrous works." I Chronicles 16:9

Red-bellied woodpecker

I was sitting in the van today and noticed this in the tree. Wondering why I was sitting in the van? Well... I needed to get away. For some reason today the kids are driving me insane. The funny thing is that they are not being bad, unruly, or obnoxious. I am just annoyed. I am sure it's because this house is getting on my last nerve. The landlord is at the top of my "please don't mess with me" list. There is water all over my closet and on the carpet in the bedroom. We have to turn the water off outside so that the room doesn't get flooded. He has known about this busted pipe for over three weeks now, and we have not heard from him. Ugh! But this post wasn't suppose to be the platform for my pity party. Check out God and all His amazingness! That bird is beautiful. My picture does not do it justice.

It took me forever to take that picture of the woodpecker. Then I got back into the van, and heard a noise. I looked behind me and I saw this little bird in the cupholder. I freaked out! I ran in the house and told Jaylem to come outside and get the bird out of the van. This made ALL the kids come out. It took another 30 minutes for Jaylem to get this picture. That little birdie kept eluding us! It was hilarious. Finally, after we got the picture, it darted out of the window as I was reaching in. Of course the kids fell over the ground laughing at me, because I definitely screamed and almost fell over a tree root. God brought some beauty and laughter in an otherwise crummy day.

"Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them." Psalm 126:2

Darion's first bubble bath

I let Darion take a bubble bath the other day. I figured since he could sit up, he would enjoy it. You be the judge....






Mekhi thought it was so cool that Darion was in the tub with him. Actually Mikaela was there, too. They were so dirty from playing in the backyard, that I had to put Mikaela and Mekhi in together so that my house did not look like they did. Usually she would pitch a fit, but she knew that her dirtiness outweighed her usual protests.

I might just let him and Mekhi bathe together from now on. Since I stay in the bathroom with Mekhi anyway, I might as well be efficient.


"Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance." Acts 2:28

New Pancakes!

Pancakes are one of our favorite meals. We could eat them for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Tonight we decided to try a new kind of pancake: German pancakes. They were soooo good! This isn't a great picture, and this was the only one left when I thought to add it to my blog.

Here's the recipe....

German Pancakes

1 cup flour

1 cup milk

6 eggs

1/4 cup melted butter or margarine

pinch of salt

Combine all the ingredients. I used my Magic Bullet (a definite must-have). It works wonderful; everything blends together perfectly. Grease muffin cups and pour batter into the cups. The recipe says it will fill 24 regular sized muffin cups. I used one regular muffin pan and filled 8 of them and one mini muffin pan with 12 cups. I did fill them to the top, so that might have contributed to me having less. Bake for 15 minutes at 400 degrees or until golden brown. They are eggy, and not your typical pancake, but my most finicky eater (Jaylem) loved them. He ate some with strawberries and whipped cream, and some with plain 'ole pancake syrup. Mekhi requested that I make them everyday.

"Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me" Proverbs 30:8

Feast of Tabernacles

Well, our journey to observing the biblical holydays is hit and miss. After Rosh Hashana we totally spazed and forgot to observe Yom Kippur. Then we remebered Sunday that Feast of Tabernacles started on the 13th. Well, a mad dash to build a sukkoth without money or materials is a pretty daunting task. We had a couple of posts from the fencing left in the backyard so we used those. We had nails but could not find none of te hammers that we know we own. So we resulted to using a mallet for hammering, sheets for walls, common household staples, shipping tape, and some leftover screening we found in the garage. Talk about 'making due'. When we finally finished, I knew without a doubt that there was no way we were going to literally "dwell" in that thing, so I commenced to try to put up a tent from the 80's. It had about a million pieces (exaggeration), and it just did not happen. So we made a tent in the livingroom out of some comforters, clothespins, and thick string. The kids love it, and I have been dubbed "the bestest tent maker in the whole wide world" (Mekhi). Mr. Amazing (hubby) said it was the most ghetto-fabulous tent ever. We did do school in the sukkoth yesterday, it was sorta fun (not!), but Mikaela thought it was the best thing ever. Savion liked it, too, but of course, Jaylem was not impressed. He just wanted to hammer something. That's all he kept asking about, 'was there anything else for him to hammer'. Depending on what time Mr. Amazing gets home, we might have dinner in it tonight. The kids want to roast marshmallows.... we will see if daddy lets them build a campfire in the backyard. Somehow, I don't see that happening. Might be using the oven for that adventure.

"And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles." Zechariah 14:16

Granola bars

I saw an ad in the Albertson's flyer this week for Quaker products at 5/$9. They also had a coupon for$3 off, so it would have been 5/$6. I thought that was a great price considering we buy granola bars each week for Saturday's football game. Then it dawned on me, "why am I ecstatic about that price when I have all the things I need in my pantry to make my own?" If I make my own, I would know what's in them, I would not have to waste gas to go to Albertson's and it would be virtually "free" since I already have all the ingredients. I use to always make our granola bars, so why did I stop? Sheer laziness, I bet. It's not hard to make them, nor is it time consuming, so I really don't have an excuse. So yesterday afternoon we set out to make them. We made four different varieties: peanut butter chip, chocolate chip, reese's candy pieces, and walnut/cranberry/raisin/chocolate chip. Yum, yum, yum!!! I made two batches of the mix and then divided them into 4 bowls, then mixed in the add-ins. Then Jaylem and I pressed them into the cookie sheet with rims. Sorry I didn't get to take a picture of them, because we had to rush out of the house to football practice. Here's the recipe if you're interested:



Granola Bars



3 cups rolled oats

1 1/2 cups rice crispies

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp vanilla extract

2/3 cup butter or margarine (softened)

1/2 cup honey

1/3 cup packed brown sugar

2 cups of add-ins (total)



Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Lightly grease pan. Mix all ingredients (by hand or a wooden spoon) except add-ins. Then stir in the add-ins. If you are making a variety, then separate the mix and add the add-ins to each.



Lightly press the mixture into the pan and bake for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool for 10 minutes then cut into bars. Let the bars cool completely in pan before removing.



We let them sit in the pan while we went to football practice, which is 2.5 hours. Then we wrapped them individually with foil, and put them in ziploc bags.



If I must say so myself, the ones with the walnuts are the best. Of course the kids were turned off by the dried cranberries.



I feel so much better about the kids consuming these. They are filling, too.

"Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones." Genesis 50:21

To be a kid again....

Is it possible to have that much fun, and still be an adult? Is it possible to be an adult and throw caution to the wind like that? This was the highlight of her day! If we could can her energy, and sell it, we would be rich. Mikaela has more fun than anyone I know. She is such a happy little girl; especially when she is outside.

Should I force her to be "ladylike"? Or should I just let her be? I want her to grow up to be a beautiful (inside & out), sincere, honest, modest and God-fearing young woman. She can still become all that even though she is my wild-child, right? One thing is for sure, she will definitely be a fun mommy! I love this little girl with all my heart. The Lord has truly made good on His promise.

"And he will love thee, and bless thee, and multiply thee: he will also bless the fruit of thy womb." Deuteronomy 7:13

Math and preschool!

Recently, I was asked to supply some math links for elementary aged kids, and some preschool websites. So, Kat and Tanya, this is for you. Sorry I haven't gotten back to you sooner. Life has a way of going faster than you want it too.

http://www.edhelper.com/
http://www.cimt.plymouth.ac.uk/projects/mep/default.htm (This is a whole math "book". You just email them for the password)
http://www.donpotter.net/math.htm (This is a math book, too)
http://www.superkids.com/aweb/tools/math/

These are really good sites. The donpotter one is old-school 'rithmatic at its finest. In my opinion, the best thing to do for elementary age math is to just make a list of what you want to teach them (can be pulled from World Book), and then just follow the list with your own method of teaching. You can use manipulatives, go outside and use sidewalk chalk on the driveway, cook in the kitchen (fractions), or use Monoply money to learn to count back change (create a make-shift store). As long as they have a strong foundation, then middle school and high school math will come easy to them. Those foundations are KNOWING the math facts by heart, having a strong grasp of place value, and understanding measurement & estimation.

and preschool sites....

http://www.getreadytoread.org/ (look on the left-hand side and choose activities)
http://www.starfall.com/
http://www.juliasrainbowcorner.com/html/animalsounds.html (animal sounds)
http://www.barney.com/usa/festivalGame.asp
http://www.sesamestreet.org/home/
http://www.learningplanet.com/sam/cyc/index.asp
http://kids.niehs.nih.gov/farm.htm (hidden pictures and you can color the picture online)
http://www.groovygames.com/kitty/pairs/default.asp (matching)
http://www.abc.net.au/countusin/games/game1.htm (counting)
http://www.lil-fingers.com/games
http://www.bookpop.com/ (stories, narrated to them)
http://www.bungalobooks.com/dots.html (connect the dots)
http://www.funbrain.com/dots/ (an AMAZING site! Can be used for preschool as well as older kids. It has all kinds of educational games)

As I come across new sites I will post them. Might be a new activity for me.

"And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do." Exodus 18:20

Happy Rosh Hashanah!!

Last night we celebrated Rosh Hashanah. The kids and I decided awhile ago to learn about the Biblical Holydays and to begin observing them. Rosh Hashanah actually started on September 29th at sundown, but we didn't know that, so we started our celebrations yesterday. The kids made shofars and blew them all evening. Giving Mikaela and Mekhi one was not the best idea in the world, because those things were noisy. We made them out of paper plates and construction paper. Then we wedged a party horn inside of them. Imagine the noise! The picture shows our table set for dinner. We made apple challah (recipe from Tammy's Recipes), and it was so good. It tastes like cinnamon rolls with apple spice. We did the whole traditional dipping it in honey. too. Mikaela wrapped ribbons around the chairs to "help" decorate. Then we played board games until 11pm. I figure since the Bible doesn't tell us how to celebrate this Holy Day except for blowing the shofar, we would make our own traditions. Rosh Hashanah ends today at sundown. So today we are going to study the Bible together and make ice cream sandwiches. If you get a chance, do yourself a favor and check out the link for Rosh Hashanah. The site outlines all of the Holy Days. It is such a blessing to see Jesus in these days that have been depicted as something wholly Jewish and anti-christain.


"it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations in all your dwellings." Leviticus 23:31

Mikaela is 6!!

I can not believe I did not post Mikaela's cake on here. I spent all day making this cake. But man'o man was it worth it. I went to the store to get the cake mix. Yes, a mix, I was just too tired from football on Saturday to do it from scratch. Then had to go back because I thought I had eggs, and it turned out I did not. Then I ran out of red food coloring to make the pink frosting. I improvised. We had some strawberried in the freezer, and the juice from those worked like a charm. She was so excited. After all that, I forgot to take a picture of her with the cake. Then the next day, Jaylem preheated the oven with the cake in it and melted all the frosting off of it. Good think we had removed the doll! It was fun and she loved it. I scored some major cool points on that day. She said I was the best mommy ever.

"Her children arise up and call her blessed" Proverbs 31:28

Should we be worried?

Did I hear correctly? It's either the bail-out plan or the next great depression? History has shown us that a depression in the great ole U.S of A can definitely happen. However, is it cause for concern? You betcha, if your faith is in living a cushy american lifestyle. You know the one we are all use to living.... fully stocked refrigerators and in some cases freezers, satellite Tv and radio, ITune accounts, etc. If our president is correct, then these things will no longer be so easy to come by. Times are hard for most Americans, today. Gas prices are rising, food prices are rising, insurance rates are astronomical. But we who believe have a refuge. We are not to be in awe of the things of this world. We are far more important to God than the lilies in the fields. So we have nothing to worry about. He never promised us mansions, Escalades, and caviar. But he did promise that he would provide. So, we may have to eat beans and rice a few times next month. Grab an old tablecloth out of the linen closet, put it on the table under those plates of beans and rice, and then thank God for his bountiful blessings. Life is as bad as we envision it. We can be examples to our children through these hard times. Instead of complaining about potatoes for lunch again, turn them into potato wedges with sour cream dip. We will have to be creative, but it is doable. I will be posting a few cheap and easy recipes in the coming days.



I bought grocery for the month for $450 yesterday for my family of 7. It takes a little planning, but it can happen. Here is a copy of my menu for the month for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. A little warning.... our snacks are from scratch, but they are definitely not of the health food variety. I cook dinner every two days (MWF) and then on Sunday. Not because it is cheaper to do that, but because I hate having to cook everyday. So on Tues, Thurs, & Saturday we have leftovers from the previous day.

Breakfast & lunch are the same each week. My kids like it that way, so since it ain't broke....
Breakfast
1. pancakes & fruit or fruit juice
2. waffles & fruit or fruit juice
3. grits & eggs
4. muffins & fruit or fruit juice
5. cinnamon rolls or cinnamon biscuits
6. sausage, egg & cheese biscuits
7. oatmeal
Sometimes we just have cereal or granola

Lunch
1. sloppy joe & tator tots
2. chicken strips & raw veggies or fruit with dip
3. tacos
4. grilled cheese or PB&J & pudding or yogurt
5. pizza
6. potato soup
7. cheeseburger or pizza pockets

Snacks
1. trail mix
2. cookies
3. yogurt w/ fruit
4. smoothies or milkshakes
5. fruit
6. brownies
7. popcorn
8. ice cream sandwiches

Dinner (this changes monthly, some meals are served every month)
2 day meals
1. spaghetti ,garlic bread
2. shredded beef, kale, yellow rice & rolls
3. smothered beef patties, greenbeans, white rice, rolls
4. hamburgers & fries
5. fish, baked white or sweet potatoes, steamed veggies
6. chicken & yellow rice, greenbeans, rolls
7. grilled chicken, baked beans, potato salad
8. roasted chicken, mac & cheese, broccoli, rolls
9. fettuccine alfredo (chicken), garlic bread
10. turkey, mac & cheese, salad
11. fried chicken, corn on cob, biscuits
12. meatloaf, potatoes, broccoli, rolls

1 day meals (Sunday)
1. breakfast food
2. shepherd's pie, corn
3. beefaroni, corn

This month I did have 3 whole chickens and a chunk of beef brisket for the shredded beef already in the freezer. They were left over from last month, since we went out on our anniversary and when my husband's best friend was in town. I buy whole chickens at all times. They are cheaper. I do purchase the bags of skinless/boneless frozen chicken breasts for chicken strips and alfredo. I cut potatoes for fries for two reasons: it's cheaper and they taste better. We even leave the skin on.

They just opened an Aldi's here, and even though I have to bag my own grocery with my own bags and pay a quarter (refunded) for a basket, it is really cheap to stock up on your pantry staples. Like sugar; the 5# bag is only $1.89, and baking powder is only $0.89.

I also did not have to buy any white rice or brown sugar. God always provides. My mother-in-law gave me a 50# bag of brown sugar and two 10# bags of rice. I thank God that He had her think of us.

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." Psalm 23:1

Getting it all done

Is that even possible? My house is a total mess. School is getting done, but almost nothing else is. We had McDonald's for dinner tonight! That is so not my style. We are not a fast food family. What am I doing wrong? When I was pregnant, school got done, housework and laundry got done, and dinner was done; all before 5pm so that we could run to football practice 3 days a week. Now, I can hardly get school complete and clean the bathroom before football practice.

I need to get some semblance of order in my home. Stay tuned to what, when and how I am going to accomplish this. I am certainly going to have to do some major praying.





"I can do all things through Christ which strentheneth me." Philippians 4:13

School has begun!

It's been a long time since I have submitted an entry here. I have been so busy, that my computer hardly comes on unless I need to print a worksheet. School started on 9/2 and the kids have been doing a great job. I would like to see Jaylem a little bit more motivated to do a good job, though. He seems to be ok with just doing ok, but I know he can do an exceptional job; he just won't put forth the effort. Savion, is Savion. He loves to make A's. He would prefer not to do school at all, but since he HAS to, then he tries to make sure he makes an A. Mikaela just wants to play with Play-doh. She likes to sit and do work with me, but she would rather play. Mekhi is having the time of his life. I made some activity boxes/bags for him to use while we are doing school, and he thinks they are the best thing since sliced bread. Basically, I just purchased some rubbermaid shoebox-like boxes and a box of zipper storage bags, and put one activity in each one. Here are a few that I put together:



1. watercolor and paper

2. flashlight and cardboard shapes

3. safety scissors, glue stick and paper

4. stamps, ink pads, and paper (stamps & pads at Joann's in the $1 bins)

5. black construction paper and colored chalk

6. empty tissue rolls and toy cars

7. play-doh and cookie cutters





It was fun putting them together and it is even more fun watching him enjoy them so much.



Wonder what Darion is doing all day? Getting into everything!!! He is scoot-crawling right now and he has realized that he can pull and push things. This little boy has the longest attention span in the world. Most babies can be distracted, but not Darion. He goes right back to what he was trying to do. He is one determined little guy. That trait will serve him well when he is a man.



Well, my little man is needing me.



"And whatsoever ye do in word or deed , do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him." Colossians 4:17

God is good!!

The Lord is good. That's my new mantra. I've been having the kids say it with me all day. He has come through for us, really big, and I am so appreciative. However, once again I am needing Him. Kwan's blood work came back yesterday and the cholesterol levels are awful. I am so scared for him. He is so anal about wanting to do anything to help himself or about me helping him. I guess he feels that I have no clue about anything since I don't have MD plastered at the end of my name. I understand that, but I do know some things. I am an avid reader, and I research everything that affects my family. One thing I know about is nutrition. I know that God has provided us with foods that will keep us healthy and repair our bodies. The medical profession can be a blessing and a curse. 9 times out of 10 they will try to just stick you on some drug that eventually causes you to need another drug. They are so far in the pharmaceutical companies butt, that they will do whatever. I know, I am on one of those soapboxes again.... I only want what is best for him, and he needs to realize that there are quite a few people depending on him being around. I know the Lord hears and answers prayer, so I know Kwan will come around. But I hope he doesn't wait until it is too late. I can't be his Holy Spirit, so I am just going to shut up and let God do God. I better pray for myself as well, because me shutting up when I am passionate about something is going to take God Himself to make that happen.



God is good, all the time!



"And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God." Mark 10:18

Homeschooling R' Us

The new school year will begin here in a few weeks. I am still unsure about what to use for the grammar portion of English I for Jaylem. He will be studying American History, Geometry, Biology, American Govt, and two electives that he has to decide on.

Savion will be studying American History (a curriculum that I made up on my own), 5th grade math, language arts (I still have to develop a writing curriculum), Science, Spanish, and a cultural study that consists of classical music & art appreciation, dance and theatre.

Mikaela will be doing 2nd grade this year, so she will have American History, Science, Spanish, and the cultural study with Savion and then her own math and language arts.

Mekhi will be doing "some" preschool/kindergarten stuff. I will just follow his lead and do it when he feels like it. He already knows his alphabet by sight and their sounds, count to 20+, recognize 1-10 (give or take a 6 or 7 from day to day), he knows his colors, and quite a few other things. Like Benito Juarez was the president of Mexico in 1862. It's amazing how he recalls things! He wants me to teach him how to read, but I think I will try to hold off on that for a few months.

Darion will just be learning to fit into our schedule, instead of us fitting into his schedule. We will see how that goes!

As for the principal (my glorious husband), we will just have to keep working on him. He says he has veto power, but he doesn't even participate in any of the school stuff. So how can he veto what we feel that we need? He is a work in progress just like the teacher (me), so we will just pray for one another.

I still need to get to the store to purchase supplies for the new year. Been kinda hard with football. I have a working list in my head of what I need, maybe if I write it down I will be one step closer to getting to the store.

I love school supply shopping! It's like an adrenaline rush for me. I know that is so nerdy, but that's just me.

Homeschooling my babies is what I am suppose to do. How else do I make sure that they get a great education, learn to know and love God, learn to defend their beliefs/convictions and themselves, grow into productive adults before they are faced with adult choices, and love learning? How can I teach them these things if they are away from me for 6-8 hours a day, 5 days a week? This is what God has commanded of me. It is not the government's job to educate my children. They can only indoctrinate them.

"And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up." Deuteronomy 6:6-7

Help me Jesus!

What do you get when you cross a tired woman with too many tasks to complete? A very angry and moody woman. I need some sort of pick me up; really fast. Maybe chocolate will do. But, then I have to get in the car and go the store. I am so not motivated right now. I need to do some serious praying. Jesus is the only way for me to get out of this funk. I am just feeling so overwhelmed right now. But I am not looking for a pity party. I need to just snap out of it. Aaarrrrgh!

Dear Heavenly Father,

I am so in need of your display of love right now. I need to feel your presence. I know that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. But my motivation to move forward is lacking. Right now I don't even feel like crawling. I have so many people depending on me to have a cheerful spirit, and I really don't want to disappoint any of them. Grant me the will to see through this fog, help me to see that I don't have to claw myself out of this pit. Help me to see that you will lift me up and carry me as far I need you to carry me. Grant my soul peace. Make me realize the many blessings that you surround me with on a daily basis. Show me how to stop feeling like I can't get through this. I thank you for being my deliverer, my comforter, my obstacle fighter, my mountain mover, my everything. I love you so much and I ask all these things in Jesus' name, Amen.

I know the Lord will see me through. I honestly do. Whew! I am feeling so much better already. Alright, back to work. Gotta get the kids in bed and plan for tomorrow. My night will be a continual prayer.

"Be thou my strong habitation, wherunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou art my rock and my fortress." Psalm 71:3

Savion's birthday was yesterday. I can not believe that my baby is already 10 years old. Where does the time go? For years he has wanted a homemade cake with insects on it. Daddy loves Publix cakes, so he has never had one. Well, I made a pack with them recently that I would make them a cake if they wanted me on their birthdays for us to eat at home. They normally have a birthday party with the extended family, so hubby always buys a Publix cake. Needless to say, they loved the idea of me making a cake. It turned out great. I even made the frosting from scratch. The cake is a one-bowl chocolate recipe, so it was VERY easy and so good and moist. This was my first time decorating a cake, so I guess with each one I will get better and better. He loved it, and they all stood around while I made it. I enjoyed every minute of it. I put a lot of love in that cake, especially since I knew he would love it and remember it forever. We made some great memories, and I think I tied a lot of heartstrings in the process.

"Let all things be done with charity (love)." I Corinthians 16:14

Football Season is underway

I am not sure if I should be ecstatic or sad. I definitely know that I will be overwhelmed. Football season always takes so much out of me. The boys have practice 5 days per week for the first 2 weeks, then for the rest of the season, it's 3 days per week. Why are little kids 15 and under practicing for 2.5 hours per day? Do they not realize that us moms are going to pull our hair out? I have to get everything done by 5pm each day in order to get the boys to practice. We get home at a quarter till 9pm, and they have to eat dinner, bathe, and clean the kitchen. I hate feeding them that late. Then they are so tired in the morning, it is so hard to get them up and moving. I will have to figure out a way to streamline our schedule. If I feed them before practice they will be starving, and I will have to provide something ELSE for them to eat after practice, which will up the grocery bill. Ugh!!!! But hey, God will help me out, and we will come out bigger and better.

The good thing about all of this...? I love seeing the boys doing something they love. Savion looks so cute all padded up, and Jaylem is just in his element. I will endure this for the next 3 months just to see the happiness in my boys.


















My kids love this sport, even the little ones. This makes them happy, so I am happy. I will put on a smile and endure. It's hard not to be happy when you are smiling, isn't it?

"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones." Proverbs 17:22

Being inside can be fun

Yesterday went great. We turned off the TVs and played our hearts out. Darion even took a nap while we played. The ball/straw races were a hit! We even got to do a little science/experimenting with it. The kids found out that the paper balls roll easier across the carpet if they are smaller and balled up tightly. The picture below shows the balls rolled loosely, and man, were they having a hard time getting them to the other side of the livingroom. We played all of the games listed. The artsy stuff didn't go over well with the big guys, so we stuck to games. Of course, the laundry folding was a no-go! They were ready to play again today, but we had doctor's appointments, and we had to get everything ready for another yard sale this weekend.

I can not begin to thank the Lord enough for the blessings that he has given me. All I can do is try to raise them up in the way they should go. I love being their mom. I honestly would not ever wish to be doing anything else, except be their mom. God is good!


"Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward." Psalm 127:3

It's another rainy day

With it being another rainy day in sunny Florida (seriously an oxymoron), we have resorted to being couch potatoes. I really hate to see the kids watching TV all day, so I am going to think of a few things to occupy their little minds. I'm thinking that making them do math with no hope of going outside when they are done will not go over well. Unfortunately, here in Florida, if it is raining then it is lightning, so I can't just let them go play in the rain. Here are my top 10 activities, and I will see how they go over:

1. play another board game

2. sponge paint

3. make macaroni pictures

4. inside baseball

5. Trivia bowling

6. fold laundry (ha ha!)

7. paper ball/straw races

8. read aloud

9. invent-a-game

10. make collages

This is what they look like right now. Everyone is engrossed in the TV. My oldest is in the livingroom watching the NFL network, while this crew is watching cartoons.

"a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame." Proverbs 29:15b

How big is our God?

I have a good friend that sends me inspirational messages/devotions all the time via email. I really look forward to them periodically throughout the week. I could easily subscribe to the messages myself, but it feels good to know that someone cares enough about me to help edify my soul. Well, the one she sent today had a great message, and I liked one statement in particular : Peace begins when you decide to compare the size of your problem to the size of your God (Ron Hutchcraft Ministries, Inc). This really made me think. So often we look at our problems and get discouraged. We immediately assume that there can not possibly be a way to overcome them. Yes, I know, we do have huge problems. Especially in the trying economic times we are in. There are job losses, foreclosures, even a lack of food and the means to purchase more. However, we serve an amazing God. We have to remember that he is all-powerful; bigger than all that is around us. One of those problems couldn't possibly fit in the palm of our hands. But the Almighty can hold every single one of each of our problems in His hand and they will look like no more than a speck of dirt. Then he can just swish them away like they were just dust in the air. Do we really need to worry about anything? Not with the shepherd we have watching over us.

"Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all." Psalms 34:19

Yum!!

Today I made a pound cake for the first time in my life. It turned out amazing! The kids loved it. I really love to bake, but I am a pastry, pie, and cookie baker. I have NEVER been able to convince myself that my cakes would turn out right. Either this was the easiest recipe on earth, or I can actually make cakes. One day I will be able to convince my husband to try all the things I make. He's not a 'eat sweets all the time' person, but it would be nice to get his opinion on my creations as well.

My son decided that he wanted a mohawk last year when we studied Egypt. Well, last night when Daddy was about to cut his hair, we allowed him to finally get it. He is so happy. This is not my normal idea of creative expression, but hey, what can it hurt?! As long as he doesn't try to progress to spiked hair, spiked collars, tattoos, and body piercings, then I am a-ok.

"Give her the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates." Proverbs:31:31

Disney Movie Night

Back when my oldest was about 4 we use to have what we coined Disney Movie Night. Basically, all we did was camp out in the livingroom in front of the TV and watch movie after movie until we fell asleep. We also used that time to eat things that I normally don't allow. Like, smores, chips, candy, cupcakes, etc. Well, now I have five kids, not one, and we have decided to start doing it again. Last night was the start of our old tradition. We had homemade pizza and cinnamon-sugar breadsticks. We watched 1 1/2 movies and fell asleep! Apparantly the yard sale from Saturday had worn us out.

The kids had fun selling cookies and lemonade. They made quite a bit of money, so to them it was well worth the Florida sun and heat. They'll probably want to have a lemonade stand everyday now!

Well, I am off to print some math worksheets. Gotta get some school in. My niece and nephew are hanging out with us today, so I guess they will be doing school, too. They are in public school, so they are actually on summer break. However, we are not so they will just blend in to what we are doing.

"He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich." Proverbs 10:4

I'm a Ferber dropout!

I just can't do it. I tried and I have officially failed. On a normal basis I would not dream of quitting anything. We have a family motto: last name never quit. Even my 3 year old knows it and recites it when he is unsuccessfully trying something. However, there is no way I can do this. My baby cried for 20 minutes straight! I have had five kids and I have never let the other 4 cry it out. So why did I attempt it with this one? Because he is the only one that neither he nor I gets any sleep. But we will just be sleep deprived until my Heavenly Father shows me a different way to approach this situation. How could anyone look at this little face and let him cry?

This too shall pass....

"Lord, all my desire is before thee; and my groaning is not hid from thee." Psalm 38:9

Just some ramblings....

I talked to a friend yesterday, and she had two encounters with people that staunchly opposed homeschooling for the exact same reasons. They felt that homeschoolers were denying their children the ability to learn to defend themselves. What!? It's unfortunate that people are quick to comment on things that they are not properly informed about. If only they could be a fly on the wall in some of our lives. I equip my children daily with the knowledge to defend themselves. Daily, we walk with the Lord. We praise Him, discuss Him, obey Him, and meditate in His word. That alone would be sufficient for their defense. But since we live in this world of ours, then I also talk to them about situations that may occur or have occurred, and how they should react to them. Our children are not sitting inside their bedrooms, cut off from the world. They have activities where they interact with children of all ages (homeschooled and not), they have family members of all ages that are not homeschooled, and they do actually go to the park, grocery stores, etc. They are faced with some of the same issues as any other kid. My kids have been ridiculed and bullied. So their experiences are truly no different than the average kid. Their reaction is what will be different, and that's where homeschooling (our home) is the ideal venue for them to learn to defend themselves. Now, if those people were worried about our kids being able to physically defend themselves, then I will say this.... Being in a public/private school will not and can not teach a child to defend himself. If it could, then please explain to me why so many children have resorted to bringing guns to school when they are being picked on. All we can do is pray for those who make ignorant comments about things they know nothing about. I wish that we would ask questions to learn about things that are different from our norm, instead of making blanket statements of what we ASSUME.

"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" Psalm 27:1

New Approach....

It is now a complete year since I started this blog, and I have only made two posts. I really like to write (and talk), so I am going to start updating this daily. Life has calmed down a bit since last year: We had the homebirth; he's a boy! We named him Darion Malik and he is now 5 months old and a whopping 22lbs. Football season starts in 2 weeks and both of my older boys are playing this year. My little princess wants to take ballet. The economy seems to make it appear that it won't happen, but God is good, and he will make provisions for it, I am sure. My 3 year old is my little man, he has been writing his name for about 3 months now!

Well, all that being said, the title of this post says "new approach". So I guess I will write about that. I think I am going to start journeling our homeschool endeavors along with the 'day in the life of me'. I think it will keep me on track, motivated, and excited about moving along to the next project. See, this is my reasoning behind it: My kids and I get bored really easily. So what happens is we skip along to different subjects before we learn all I have planned for us to learn. We also say "hey lets go to the beach" when we should be doing math. They are learning like crazy, but I often wonder how much more they could be learning if we stayed focused. Ha! I just had one of those moments. I stopped typing just now and was about to grab the camera to take some pictures. I have no idea what I wanted to capture on film, but it just struck my fancy. Would that be ADD/ADHD? My husband is convinced that I have one or the other.

Anyway, this weekend we are going to help my MIL have a yardsale. The kids have decided to sell cookies and lemonade to make a little money. They are saving for a big gift for their daddy. They have no idea what they want to buy, but they are saving, so I will encourage and help anyway that I can.


"O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him." Psalm 34:8