The Snackshacks

Crazy Kids

2011-05-23T21:49:00.000-07:00

Birthday fun at Joe's BBQ

Marshmallow at Easter. She wore a dress up dress and felt very pretty!

Our Garden

2011-05-23T21:36:00.000-07:00

Our Spinach

My Tomato. This is the only tomato thriving which I had started from seed.

Lettuce. Tip for debittering your lettuce: Cut it, wash it, and put it in the fridge for 24 to 48 hours. It goes into winter mode and loses it's bitterness. Cool huh!?!?

Squash and Pumpkin

Squash, Watermelon, potatoes and beans.

Carrots, tomato, zucchini, onions

I know I could set up a watering system, but I like to water the plants myself. It gives me an excuse to be out there.

My Soccer Boy

2011-05-23T21:21:00.000-07:00

We just finished up our second round with AZSC. It was loads of fun!

Hot Tamale loves to play. He's learned a lot thanks to some really great coaches.

I've got to give it to him, he is a really good team player.

Our Morning at the Simple Farm

2011-04-23T15:53:00.000-07:00

Here is a bit of our day at the Simple Farm

There's Michael, the farmer, in with the hat.

He works VERY hard!

The Market

Big Hunk having a go at milking

Waiting for Breakfast

Sunday at the Park

2011-04-23T15:48:00.000-07:00

We had a great time celebrating a friends birthday last Sunday.

Here are some of the party pics taken by a friend at One Blessed Lady.

Here is Captain Adorable while upside down

The 3 Musketeers

Birthday M&M is in the middle

Hazel "Newton John"

2011-02-19T18:32:00.000-08:00

She doesn't look as happy as she did before the camera was pulled out, but still adorable.

Newport Birds

2010-12-06T15:26:00.000-08:00

Isn't this a beautiful bird? It is in this picture, but not so much when a whole group of them are swarming around you trying to take your food!

I thought it would be fun to hold out some food for them. Crazy!!! They are trained birds and they work together to scare the pants off of you.

Little Munchy Boy

2010-12-04T14:53:00.000-08:00

Age and Consequences

2010-11-23T14:38:00.000-08:00

I'm old enough now to realize that my decisions have consequences. Sometimes good consequences and sometimes bad...

It's painful at times when I'm faced with the consequence of a decision, even if it's a good decision. Often times for me choosing one thing means I'm not choosing another. I gain one thing, but give up another. I had a choice, I made it, and now I'm living with it.

I don't want to be specific about my choice, just feeling a little low. I have to remember that I made my decision/decisions for a reason and I have more positive consequences than bad ones as a result.

Moving on.

Fall 2010 #6

2010-11-23T11:39:00.000-08:00

"She's laughing at the birds. Cause birds are funny."

My busy reader

History Fair and Scary face Fall 2010 #5

2010-11-22T11:36:00.000-08:00

Birthday and Baby Boy Fall 2010 #4

2010-11-22T11:29:00.000-08:00

Birthday Girl

This is the color of bib you wear when you come after 4 girls.

Birthday girl

Baby boy... so sweet...

Fall 2010 #3

2010-11-22T11:25:00.000-08:00

Disney Land! Fall 2010 #2

2010-11-22T10:17:00.000-08:00

Fall 2010 #1

2010-11-22T10:01:00.000-08:00

Time with Grandparents

Getting baptized!

Lollipop

Hot Tamale

Swim Party

2010-05-13T16:02:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Sambo for having such a fun birthday!!!

Happy 5th to you!

Pixie going for a jump!

Swinging!

Lollipop going for a swing!

Checking it out...
Chocolate Chip

Marshmallow

Hanging with Daddy.

Crying with Daddy.

Jelly Bean

Lollipop going for a jump.

Fun with Daddy and cousin.

Lollipop jumping again.

Swimming with Hot Tamale.

Pixie is 13! A look at her special day.

2010-05-13T15:43:00.000-07:00

Pixie is 13! I can hardly believe it! Thank you to all of our friends who

celebrated with us!!!

T.C. Eggingtons for breakfast

A totally cute cousin shared the fun.

Best friends! Both 13 now! It seems like just yesterday

that Pixie was biting her in the nursery. sigh....

Praying for the birthday girl.

It was a "spring time" party complete with enormous flowers.

Out for a birthday dinner at Joe's Famous BBQ.

Thanks to all of our friends who made the night special and fun!

Grammy and Papa

Looking a little frustrated. Maybe too much sisterly affection.?.?

All the party kids.

Birthday pose with Mom and Dad.

Awwww........

I love you, Pixie!

A Day at the Zoo!

2010-05-13T15:18:00.000-07:00

Our day at the zoo.

Pretending to be run over by a tractor. Scary, huh?

The terror!

Milking the cow. This was new at the zoo since the last time

we'd been. It was so fun for them. Since we were reading

"Farmer Boy" at the time, it was especially fun.

At the "Petting Zoo"

My animal lover.

Some of us have outgrown the petting zoo and just indulge

our little sisters. What a guy!
Big sister is having fun too.

I like this picture of Chocolate Chip, but that's

not my belly in the background. I really just

need to learn how to edit photos. Or take better ones!

It was Marshmallow's first time at the petting zoo.

She loved it, but lacked the "puddle awareness"

needed in the goat yard.

Not quite sure what they are doing here, just a cute pose.

I guess these are zoo fighter girls.?.?

Expolorers!

Just being cute!

About to be trampled by horse and rider.

I think this was the inspiration for the "run over

by tractor" pictures up above.

This is my girl! She pushes the stroller for me as well

as the grocery cart. I'm going to train her to do the grocery

shopping. She's great!

Monkey exhibit

Wow, real animals!

All of em.

Random Springtime photos

2010-04-13T21:32:00.000-07:00

Just laying around.
This flip did end well, just so you know. It looks scary caught in mid air like this though.

Our roses were plentiful this spring.

Scooter baby.

We've been enjoying beautiful weather, but it has

been reaching the upper 80's so I think that we may be

nearing an end to endless hours outdoors, (besides being in the pool).

I have used the AC a couple of times in the last week, but fortunately our

nights are still cool.

Beginning Public Speaking

2010-04-13T21:26:00.000-07:00

Our Beginning Public Speaking Coop. Their eyes are decieving you; they really did enjoy the group.

There were 15 of them. They had to present once per month. They all did great!

The older ones holding the younger ones.

Easter

2010-04-13T20:45:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful Easter! This flower smelled soooo goood for days. They were a gift to me and some sweet person brought them upstairs to my room at bedtime and then back down to the dining room in the morning so I could smell them wherever I was.

Our Grace East kids performance. The very first one. They sang and did sign language to "Celebrate Jesus". Adorable!

This was our Easter basket. All the girls got new flip flops and Hot Tamale got some gum and mints. He's not a flip flop wearer.

Marshmallow loved it! She just got up on the table and enjoyed the treats.

Pixie and Marshmallow. Notice Marshmallow's eyes won't leave the basket.

Everybodys up!

All the kiddos.

It was really difficult to open our eyes in the sunlight. Every picture had someone's eyes closed. Oh well.

My boys.

Our Sears Catalog picture.

Daddy and Pixie.

She loves her new Easter Story book.
The Hunt!

While we were in Oregon Papa and Hot Tamale rigged up a tree swing. What a great idea! It's been hours of fun! They played on this until it was dark and they were dragged inside.

Spring in AZ

2010-03-31T18:17:00.000-07:00

Playing at the park. It was a beautiful day, although slighty warm. You don't get too many of these days in AZ.

That must be some sort of snack on those lips and all around. She's definitely a snack lover!

It was warm enough for the Snacks to think that the pool would be fun. That lasted about 5 minutes.

Before taking the plunge.
One more park photo.

Our Ultrasound

2010-03-29T20:47:00.000-07:00

Last week we had our first "at home" ultrasound. It was great to be comfortable and have my family all around me. Little Marshmallow sat right next to me a lot of the time. Here's what the experience was like. This is what a portable machine screen looks like. There were a lot of other wires and do hickeys laying around and it did take them (a team of 2) about 10 minutes to set it all up.
We all got to watch the ultrasound on the T.V. . A treat for the kiddos since they've not really been so "invited" to viewing an ultrasound before. They've been to an ultrasound before, but didn't have so great a view.
Another thing we really enjoyed was the our tech told us what was going on and explained parts and pictures to all the kids. Very neat. I'm not quite sure how I'd have felt if there had been something wrong, but as far as we could tell, there were no problems.
I just cozied up on our couch.
Baby's head. and...
Baby's hand. I love it!!!

Crock Pot

2010-03-24T13:24:00.001-07:00

I've decided to really use my crock pot and I've planned most of my meals in the crock pot over the last week and a half. My good friend, Michelle, sent me a link to "A Year Of Slow Cooking" and it has been a winner!

So far I've made

French Dip Sands
Hash brown breakfast cassarole
Broccoli Beef
Chicken Teriyaki
Chinese Lemon Chicken
Cream Cheese Chicken

Wow! Is that it? I thought my list would be longer. Maybe I'm missing some.?.?
Oh well, what I wanted to say was that they have all been hits! And I really enjoy using
the crocker. To know that dinner is already underway when the afternoon sun is setting is
so great!

Tonight we're having Chicken and Brown Rice Cassarole. I'm sure it will be great.

Okay, my favorite recipe so far was the French Dip Sands recipe. It was delicious and we served it with some larger sized rolls from Sams. A keeper for sure!

Some future meals we're going to try are the

20-30 Garlic Clove Chicken and Indian Curry. Yum!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2010-02-24T15:06:00.000-08:00

FOR TODAY February 24, 2010

Outside my window... It's a beautiful, sunny day with a chilly breeze! I love it!

Yesterday was the just as pretty and on a drive my Jelly Bean wanted to stick her hands and face out the window. I wish I could have gotten a picture of her cute face from outside of the car.

I am thinking... That I am just really enjoying the day. It started out a bit rocky with a late shower and a couple of kiddos that seemed to roll out of bed bickering. One decision made the difference. We packed up school books and some snacks and headed to the park for a good 2 and half hours. We got almost all of our school done, met some neighbors and played!

I am thankful for... God's grace that gives me a new day everyday. I know I'm a mess with a lot of failures. Sometimes my weaknesses and failures are overwhelming, but our God gives sinners like me a new start and I'm so thankful for the hope, freedom and peace that it brings!

From the learning rooms...Looking at some new curriculum. We're getting ready to move onto "1850's to Modern Times" from My Father's World. I'm getting excited!

From the kitchen... The butter is warming on the countertop for some chocolate chip cookies. I need to take them to the fire station in exchange for getting my blood pressure checked. I'm not worried, but I promised the midwife that I would get it checked occasionally since I'm now blank years old. Sorry, can't bring myself to post that.

I am wearing... Sweat pants, sweat shirt and pony tail. So comfy.

I am creating... A baby!

I am going... In a bit I will be taking some totally cute boys to Royal Rangers.

I am reading...Peace Making Women by Tara Klena and Judy Dabler. Very good and challenging. It's definitely speaking to me!

I am hoping...to pay off medical bills. Enough said on that one.

I am hearing...Music samplers from Pixie's ipod. I think she's got a dance group going on in the other room.

Around the house...The usual clutter and some extra laundry on the couch waiting to be folded.

One of my favorite things...Special days like today with beautiful weather and enough of a break from the ordinary to refresh us.

A few plans for the rest of the week:I'm looking forward to Mom's Night Out tomorrow night, cleaning out some drawers in my dresser (weird, I know), finishing Chocolate Chip's reading book on Friday.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

I like to call this picture "The Grumpy Crab Fishermen". You know, you meet so many people who are happy to share their profession with you that I assumed these guys would be just like that. Not So! They wouldn't take a second to share. I actually did climb up onto their boat to see the crabs that they had caught and get a picture. I was pretty sure that the boss may throw me off at any moment. After he made some (what I consider) rude comment about me being there, I decided it would be best to leave. Yes, he scared me away! Well fine, he could have encouraged to become a crab fishergirl, but instead I'm going to ditch that idea and stay a mom. That'll show him!

Beach Combing and Tidepooling

2010-02-21T19:50:00.000-08:00

This was one of the beaches we visited. The rocks are gorgeous and look just like they did in Goonies.

Just a dog being walked on the beach.
I couldn't get close enough to touch these starfish, but they were so colorful and bright that I was able to take a good picture of them.

Aren't these neat the way they curl up like that?

Another picture of the rocky beach. We would climb out onto the rocks, but carefully because the tide was rising and the ocean was so powerful there. A little scary.

More starfish, anemones, tube-like creatures.

This was one of the funnest mornings we spent there. In fact, we had walked so far on the beach that we determined we must have roamed for a couple of miles gawking at all the creatures. We were huffing and puffing on our way back. Sand isn't so easy to walk quickly on.

Some pictures of our trip

2010-02-17T14:33:00.000-08:00

This is where we ate lunch yesterday. Fish and chips. Yummy!

A Bandon sunset.

This driftwood was soooo big. It looked like it was from the Redwoods.

The beach is covered with driftwood or trees that wash up on shore.

This is the view from the back yard of the house and also our room.

Today it was so foggy that it looked like a white sheet had been hung in the sky.

Good news for me!

2010-02-12T16:41:00.000-08:00

I'm so happy that my strength has returned (to a degree) and that my morning sickness has subsided (for the most part). Today I was able to clean 2 bathrooms and 2 bedrooms, dishes, and some laundry. I wasn't sure, for a minute there, that I would feel well during this pregnancy. So glad for the strength that I have!

Just a Small Thought

2010-02-05T14:32:00.000-08:00

There are many days when I think I could be no happier. The goodness of God and His blessings for me are so pleasing that I can only rejoice. There are so many reasons that this flood of joy fills my heart and mind. I can't help but think though, in those moments, that "when the sun is shining down on me and the world(my world) is all as it should be" that for someone else "sorrows like sea billows" are rolling. I can rejoice today and I know that I will not be in want of someone to join me, but in the middle of that can I join in someone elses sorrow?

Today, as I'm peacefully going about my day, one of my closest friends is sitting beside husband and his very ill mother. I think that I have joy in order to share it with my suffering friend as I hope that she would share hers with me.

This is going to be a short post and a bit sad, I think, but I'm again reminded that I'm in this world for more than my own enjoyment and that I must join in the struggles of those around me.

It's hard to see people you love leave this world. Even harder for those that are closest.

Dinner Time for me!

2010-01-31T19:43:00.000-08:00

I have been thinking lately, and hearing myself talk to others, about the management of my home. I have always believed that God never gives more than I can handle. This means to me that there is always a way to eat what's on my plate, so to speak. So when someone has told me, which they have on countless occasions, that they wish they could homeschool but they could never do it, or that they wish they could have more children but they could never do it, I have told them that if they had to, they would make their way through it. Now, do I still believe this? Do I believe it when I'm facing my "spinach and liver" dinner? (It's taking a lot of guts for me to write this because I know how whimpy I am. If you see this post secretly disappear later, you'll know why).

I have been thinking, and verbally expressing to others, that I just don't think I can do it! My home is messy and I just can't clean it. In all honesty, I don't even know where to begin when it comes to planning how to clean my home! My house used to be clean when I had no kids. I used to be organized, or at least feel like I was organized. (Big Hunk may have a different perspective! ha ha). But now, maybe due to sheer numbers, I just see the plate of food and don't believe I can take the first bite! I'm not only referring to cleanliness, I'm also referring to school organization, time management, basic order.

What do I do? I think I must enter, once again, the world of trying! Try to face the issues, try to make a plan, try the plan, try again, and try again until I find what works for me! I can see where I'd like to be, but I'm just not sure how to get there. I think I need to sit down, look at my plate of food, make a plan of what to eat first and then dig in! I will be praying for God's help, wisdom, and grace. I am a unique person, like all of you, and I don't think I can just adopt someone else's methods at this point. I'm in tooooo deep and need a tailor made game plan.

Also, I should add that a clean home is not my goal, my goal is what an orderly home will free our family up to do beyond the home! What is that? That's for another post. You can pray for me that God would help me to eat what is on my plate!

Birthday Girl!

2010-01-28T12:49:00.001-08:00

Brand new!

With Daddy.

With Mommy.

My first Easter at about 3 months.

Starting to play.

Now you can see that the personality is there!

Today! A little hungry and so that explains the somber look and finger sucking.
She spent the morning riding around the house on her new tricycle. Lots of fun. And when her cousin Andrew comes to visit sharing will take on a whole new meaning.

Random

2010-01-26T21:52:00.000-08:00

Okay, after a looonnngggg break from blogging I decided to post tonight. That's all I'll commit to although I have good intentions of sticking to it. And, since I haven't blogged in a while, I'm counting on the fact that none or very few will read and I'm going to gripe.

Here goes....I feel aweful! I don't know why this morning sickness is lingering on! I really want it to be over so that I can get SOMETHING done in a day! I really feel like crying about it. I almost typed that I wanted to beg God to take it away, but I know I would regret that if it meant losing my sweet baby. As my friend pointed out, the sickness is still a good sign for the pregnancy. And I have to thank God for the pregnancy! Truely! You may not believe me because I'm sooo whiny, but I'm so glad for another baby!

Okay, back to griping...So, my house is usually a disaster this time in the pregnancy, but since it is lingering on with no end in sight and my energy is hiding in a closet somewhere, it is physically IMPOSSIBLE for me to keep a tidy home! I've decided to bring in help. I've had my home cleaned 4 times in my life, 3 of which have been during early pregnancy, and 2 during this pregnancy. And I'm about to do it again. So, in preparation for this, I must clear the clutter. It's a beast of a job! Why is it that I have to work this hard when I'm paying someone else to clean it? Makes no sense and it takes ALL I have to get it done!

I'm sorry if you're reading this because it's probably very annoying! I have more though...

I am very frustrated with myself and my HUGE lack of organization! I just don't think I can do it! I can't keep up! I feel like a big failure! Tonight my oven went weird on us and I had to run out to a box in the garage to get the manual. I do get a little credit for going straight to it, but a box in the garage? Come on!
Why isn't it neatly stacked in a plastic tub with a label on it? What about this paper and that paper and these forms and those? What about coupons and brochures and ...? Do I need someone to come into my home and organize all my "stuff" for me? Is it possible that someone as poor as me should be destined for that sort of service? Something went terribly wrong because I'm not receiving that sort of service!

At this point in my whining you may think I need a vacation. In fact you may be booking a vacation for me right now with your own credit card! STOP! I've got that covered! Big Hunk and I will be flying to the Oregon coast next week for 4 days of aloneness. If you're looking for us just look for a small, 2,000 person fishing town. We'll be in a house on the beach reading, warming by the fire, beachcombing, looking into tidepools, eating at places where other people cook and clean, and where there is not a baby in sight who would expect me to change it's diaper! Hopefully, I'll be posting a little more positively by then!

Pixie's Art

2009-12-02T06:42:00.000-08:00

Here are some photos that Pixie displayed for the Evening at the Arts. What a fun night. Maybe I can get a picture of Hot Tamale's "Lego Church" to post. And Lollipop sang the "12 Days of Christmas". What a fun time to see what everyone has worked on through the year! A very gifted group of kids.

I love these pictures!

2009-11-21T13:40:00.000-08:00

That was then...

This is now...

The Simple Womans Daybook

2009-11-14T06:03:00.000-08:00

FOR TODAY... November 14

Outside my window... a little chilly, pretty blue with BIG clouds covering most everywhere.

I am thinking... that I really should be getting myself ready for the Fall party.

I am thankful for... the beautiful sky, this quiet morning, time.

I am wearing... exercise clothes-sweat pants, t-shirt, sweatshirt, ponytail.

I am remembering...that I enjoy the Simple Woman's Daybook.

I am going...to a Fall party! It's going to be a lot of fun with my girls!

I am reading... "Treasures of the Snow" by Patricia St. John. It's about bitterness, forgiveness, love, letting Jesus in the door!

I am hoping... that I can read all about Switzerland in 1 day! I need to for Lollipop's Literature club meeting. We'll see...

On my mind... All the things I need to fit into the next month and a half!

From the learning rooms... A new daily MOTH schedule. I'm hoping it will solve many of our problems.?.? We'll see...

Noticing that...Man, I've been so busy I haven't noticed much! Bummer.

Pondering these words... First you take the frosting and you plop it right onto the center of the cupcake, then you swirl it around the outer edge and then you switch directions and swirl it toward the middle while lifting and creating the center tip.

From the kitchen... Cup Cakes of course! All over the place! and muffins, bunches of them.

Around the house... The usual clutter, and cup cakes, muffins, a few dishes left for washing today after our late night cupcake decorating fun.

One of my favorite things~ Being home with my family. Thinking about Thanksgiving.

From my picture journal...Pixie in her "miner" halloween costume.
FOR TODAY... November 14

To the Dentist

2009-11-12T14:42:00.000-08:00

I recently took all the Snacks in for a cleaning. We scheduled the appt.s over 2 days so that we weren't sitting in the waiting room for 3.5 hours. I didn't think everyone would go for that.
It was Jelly Beans first trip to the dentist! She did fabulous! She told me beforehand that she didn't want me to come in with her. WHAT? Like that was going to happen! I of course stayed in to see how adorably cute she was. And hooray, her teeth are in good shape. Actually, all of the Snacks were good. This must be God's grace because we eat way too many sweets in our house.
Anyhoo, here is a picture of Jelly Bean in the big chair. It makes her look extra tiny.

Here is a picture of Marshmallow in the big chair. She didn't have a checkup though. The dentist just put her in and took her up and down. She appears to be unmoved by the chair ride.

History Fair Projects

2009-11-09T09:58:00.000-08:00

This is the first year the Snacks participated in EVCHE's History Fair.

It was fun to see their creativity and studies put into a viewable format.
We had a lot of fun at the actual fair and I tried as much as possible to listen
in when they answered everyone's questions.
It let me hear what the actually learned from all of our studies.

Hot Tamale did his report on Martin Luther.

Pixie did her report on Amy Wilson Carmichael.

Lollipop did her report on William Carey.

Chocolate Chip and Jelly Bean shared a board with one side
dedicated to their Grandpa Casteel and one to their Grandpa Lindblad.
They basically listened as I read to them about their Grandpas, but
it's a start and we at least have information about each Grandpa
in written form that we can go back to and read.

Our Fall Caramel Apples

2009-10-24T16:48:00.000-07:00

One was snatched before we carmeled it.

AZ. State Fair

2009-10-23T12:19:00.000-07:00

Our trip to the Arizona State Fair.

We watched the Mad Science Farmworks.
It was very fun and entertaining. If you go to the Fair
take your kids to this show. They'll enjoy it, especially your
young ones.

A pretty purse that Pixie Stick liked.

Hot Tamale and I catching a photo.
I don't know where the rest of the photos are.
When I find it, I'll post it.

Some Random Pictures For Fun

2009-10-23T01:16:00.000-07:00

Okay, I just felt like posting some pictures and they are
random, but I love these guys and It's my blog, so....

The one above is my Lollipop with my dad. Sometimes seeing
my girls with my dad reminds me of me with my dad years ago.
There's something sweet about that!

Pictured above is Jelly Bean who we could have also duly named
Jumping Bean. She is VERY bouncy. This is her
standard funny face. I love it!

Pictured above here is Big Hunk and his two viking princesses.
Both of them are leaving one phase of life and entering a new one.
The eldest, who is now taller than me, is saying goodbye to early childhood. (tears)
The youngest is leaving babyhood. (tears)
She now has the body of a two year old even though she has
a few months left until her 2nd b-day. She's willful and funny!
I love it!
She won't sit in her baby chair anymore. She likes to eat like the
big kids. You can barely hide chocolate from her, she can say,
"I love you". She's adorable! Just like all
the others were at her age.

This ones funny because their eyes are so squinty! They're just too
cute and getting to be good playmates. It never fails that the younger
one looks to the one just older.

This is my Drama girl. I mean that in a very good way.
It is just her personality to add a bit of dramatic flair.
It's in her walk, and voice inflections, and vocabulary.
She may be meant for the stage.
Proof? Okay here it is..Eating oatmeal is the "death of her",
I neevvveerrr do whatever it is she wants at the moment,
she tries out for American Idol in our living room on
a regular basis,and when she doesn't like her
school work it's tears and despair.

This is my independent get it done guy! He takes initiative and
works at his own goal oriented pace to check off Mom's
to do list for him. He will be up before all the other kids working on
his math. I love him! He's funny and kind and secretly enjoys pestering
his sisters. He's great!

2009-09-21T13:24:00.000-07:00

Happy Fall!

The Solid Rock

2009-09-21T13:06:00.000-07:00

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly trust in Jesus’ Name.

Refrain

On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

When darkness seems to hide His face,
I rest on His unchanging grace.
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.

Refrain

His oath, His covenant, His blood,
Support me in the whelming flood.
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my Hope and Stay.

Refrain

When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh may I then in Him be found.
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.

Refrain

All Things Bright and Beautiful

2009-09-21T13:02:00.000-07:00

Forgotten Food

2009-09-02T09:07:00.000-07:00

Ever leave something yummy in the oven overnight because you forgot it was there? Well, ta ta to some Spinach Artichoke dip!

I remembered it at about 6am this morning. What a bummer!

Another Great Passage!

2009-09-02T07:54:00.000-07:00

This spoke to me this morning and I thought I'd share it with you.Taken from a prayer request (written by Marion Ingegneri) for one of our friends who in the middle of a fierce battle right now.

In 2 Kings 6:8-23 we read of Elisha’s response when the King of Syria sends a great army to capture Elisha because of Elisha’s prophetic words to the Israelites. Elisha’s servant rises in the morning to see a great army of Syrians surrounding the city. Elisha does not pray for a miracle. He only prays that the eyes of his servant would be open to see that God had already sent a greater army with chariots of “fire” to overcome the Syrians and protect Elisha. My prayer is that we will “SEE” what God is doing and respond accordingly.

“And Elisha prayed, and said, “Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” 2 Kings 6:17

A Great Verse!

2009-08-25T15:13:00.000-07:00

I was reading this morning in Proverbs. Proverbs chapter 10 and came across this great verse.

"A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich."
Proverbs 10:3

I wasn't drawn to this verse because of the "rich" part. I'm not sure what kind of "riches" this verse is implying.

I really liked it more because of what it didn't say. It didn't say that the hand of the gifted makes rich, or the hand of the talented, or practiced, or charming, or beautiful, or intelligent, or whatever! You can fill in the blank for yourself. I've already filled in mine.

It said "diligent". Hey, I can do that! Anyone can! Diligent means "characterized by steady, earnest, and energetic effort". Steady means "firm in position, fixed, not easily disturbed or upset"

Diligence!

So, stay the course, run the race, keep at it! Be diligent! You can do that!

Dinner-a vision from God?

2009-08-24T22:26:00.000-07:00

Okay, today wasn't the best day for me! One of those non stop, never quiet days. aahhhh...

I was really tired by late afternoon. I laid down to rest, (just a ten minute plan), but was awoken by screams of "poop, poop". You probably don't want to hear the rest, but it involved a shower! Need I say more?

I cleaned up and moved back to the rest, (10 minutes again), but was awoken with more cries of "poop". This time it was the aftershock of the storm. More clean up and...nap? No, I gave up. Please, don't feel sorry for me. I should be in bed right now, not posting on blogger!

Okay, so I had no dinner plan for tonight, which is defeating in itself. I had a general idea of Tamale Pie, but couldn't find the recipe! argghhh!!!

All of the sudden, at I won't tell you what time, I had a picture in my mind of ground beef, potatoes, and corn in a soup type mixture. So I set to work, soliciting volunteers to shuck the corn and wash the potatoes. I cooked the meat and threw it all in a pot with some water, garlic, salt, and beef broth. Big Hunk came home and added leftover taco meat. And...

It was great! We served it with sliced french bread. Delicious!

Was this something I'd seen before? I don't know. At the very least I remembered it which in and of itself is a gift from God, at most it was a vision and I should be writing a cookbook!

So, there's a story for you. I tricked you with the dinner title and threw in some poop for fun!

I'll say "good night" now since I don't want to repeat this pattern again tomorrow!

The Simple Womans Daybook

2009-08-24T11:21:00.000-07:00

FOR TODAY August 24, 2009...

Outside My Window...sunny, bright and hot. Also, a black widow spider we caught in a jar. She laid her egg sac last night. We're not sure what to do with her and her babies. Lollipop is crying out for arachnid rights! Hot Tamale's voice of reason calls out, "We need to kill them!".

I am thinking...Monday is a challenge!

I am thankful for...My Bible and First Principles Bible Study. So good!

From the learning rooms...I hear eating mostly. Schoolroom is the lunchroom right now.

From the kitchen...Not sure yet. Waffles were for breakfast, Ramen for lunch (yummy salad for me) , and maybe one of Hillary's recipes for dinner.

I am wearing...beige capris, blue t-shirt, ponytail, no earrings, necklace, and oh so comfy bare feet. Have you ever been in a meeting and wished you could take your shoes off and kick your feet up? I think I would focus so much better that way!

I am creating...a little outfit for Marshmallow. We'll see though since my pattern reading is very elementary.

I am going...no where outside my home. Just to the front porch to check on my widow friend. And maybe the back yard to check on my volunteer cantelope plant.

I am reading..."I Dared to Call Him Father", a book for Pixie's Literature group. Very engaging. I just started but I think I'll like it.

I am hoping...that hearts will melt and fall in love with God.

I am hearing...plan discussion for activity time and Lollipop playing with Marshmallow.

Around the house...I'm sitting at the only part of my desk that isn't covered with books and papers, toys here and there, books here and there. The usual signs of life.

One of my favorite things...Nap time. I did schedule that in this year.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: school, and home prep for baby shower. We're going to eat a variety of dips with bread, crackers, and chips. Spinach Artichoke, salsa, crab, pesto, and maybe something new. We'll also have Italian Sheet Cake, and whatever else sounds good to the new mama.
My mom and grandma are coming to town! Hurray! Can't wait for that. I wish my dad was coming too.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

I had to post a few pictures. Just love the faces today!

Our summer and well, summer in AZ

2009-07-31T17:08:00.000-07:00

Last summer we stayed inside more due to the new baby. But this summer We had a lot of fun swimming with friends. Now that Marshmallow is 1.5 it's so much easier to get out even on the extremely hot days. So this summer we swam in the morning a couple days of the week. Other than a couple of "grumpy" mornings, we enjoyed getting out with friends more frequently and exercising.

The slip-n-slide wasn't used as much this summer. We only ate 1 pack of otter pops. We had a lot of fun play days. I can't even remember them all, but they were fun. We only went to one dollar movie and had just one, but very fun, movie day with friends. We went to VBS, Illinois, Iowa, and California, (Those were real treats!). We never did go roller skating! Too bad! I really wanted to do this every week, but I guess we'll have to skate in the fall and winter. Why am I talking like summer is over? Why am I talking about Fall and Winter in July? Because in AZ schools are beginning and it feels , (not at all due to the temperature), that summer is coming to a close.

Maybe you live where school begins in September like all of the cute picture books show. You know the scene. A bright yellow school bus picks up the cute, braid headed girl with backpack by the side of the country road. The tree leaves are red and yellow and there are a lot of trees! The little girl has a cute sweater on, pants, and tennis shoes. Pumpkins are ripe in the background and the neighbor is raking the leaves in his HUGE front yard. This is not the picture of an AZ school year beginning!

In AZ the kids wait at the bus stop with backpack at their feet because it's too sweaty to wear. Their faces are bright red from the 2 minute walk to the bus stop. They are wearing t-shirts, shorts, and sandals. They would sit down but the rocks are are too hot and so is the sidewalk. They are fighting over the 1 square foot of shade that the thin tree is providing. They have their trusty water bottle in hand. They have a smudge of white on their nose from the sunscreen their mom was trying to rub in at the last minute, (okay, maybe not that). They are jumping around trying to avoid the scorpions and rattlesnakes, (Okay, maybe not that either). I'm just messing with you non Arizonans who fear the wild west.

Even though we home school and don't use the bus stop at all I still enjoy the visual comparison!

We will be beginning school soon as well. We've have been buying our books, cleaning up the book shelves, praying and planning our activities, collecting supplies and calendaring.

I am going to try out Manager's of Their Homes, (MOTH), family scheduling system this year. Yikes! You can pray that I will be able to put a schedule together, and then stick to it!

We will be making some changes to last year's activity list, (please pray this goes smoothly). It is always a dangerous thing to mess with the Snack's activities! They don't always grab on to change and run with it! Please pray that they are able to bend to what and where the Lord is leading us for this year. We have a lot of prep work left to do so with that I'll sign out for today. I know that this is an abrupt close, but I just won a school book on ebay and I need to go look out the window for UPS. Thanks for reading and I'm looking forward to reading about your school season beginning!

Happy 4th of July!

2009-07-08T09:50:00.000-07:00

The Simple Womans Daybook

2009-07-07T07:47:00.000-07:00

For Today... July 7, 2009

Outside my window... hot, hot, hot!

I am thinking... that I'm so happy to be able to spend my day at home today.

From the learning rooms... more James, some math, and we'll see how that goes.

I am thankful for... my baby who cuddles me every morning.

From the kitchen... eggs for this morning and bbq sands for dinner.

I am wearing... pink tee, denim capris, hair up, no make up, no shoes, and no jewelry.

I am reading... trying to work through Manager's of Their Home.

I am hoping... to clean off my desk, clean my kitchen cabinets, get some EVCHE stuff done, and enjoy my kiddos!

I am creating... well, I'm hoping to create a home schedule that will work for me and my family.

I am praying... for direction!!!

Around the house... school books laying around, laundry laying around, coupons all over, lot's of fun stuff!

One of my favorite things... pumpkins growing in my garden!

A few plans for the rest of the week... V.B.S., swim club, and prep for next year.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

To create your own daybook, go to the SimpleWomansDaybook, copy, fill in your own responses, and post!

Pumpkin or Watermelon Update

2009-07-03T20:00:00.000-07:00

Looks like we're having...a pumpkin!

And a...watermelon!

It's hard to see since I snapped the photo when it was pretty dark outside, but it's definitely a watermelon growing in the kids toy car. The vines grew into one door of the little plastic car and out the other. Very cute! I guess it would only take a few weeks of human absence for some plants to begin taking over!
I can clearly see the difference between the pumpkin leaves and watermelon leaves now, but the canteloupe leaves look very similar to the watermelon.
Below is another shot of the pumpkin.

And some tomatoes. Only two have grown in so far, but now that Big Hunk cut back the crazy vines that were strangling it maybe some more will grow.

Happy 10th Birthday!

2009-07-01T16:53:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday to my Hot Tamale! What a handsome guy! He's 10 years old as of a couple of days ago and I can hardly believe it. He is such a blessing to our family! He is hard working, he's a "thinker", he's a good friend, he loves his family, and he brings a lot of good humor to our days! God truly blessed us when he gave us our son. I wouldn't trade him for anything!
Here are some pictures from birthday's past.

Feeding the geese and swans at John Deere

2009-06-28T21:25:00.000-07:00

Here are 2 of the girls walking around the beautiful lake at John Deere headquarters.

Some of the swans.

The trees are huge and beautiful and we didn't bring home any ticks! (My fear of the midwest)

Then we walked to another portion of the lake where there were Koi to feed.

They followed! There were about 50 animals in all and they were loving our bread! It was really fun to have them trailing behind us.

Then we walked onto this little "island" in the middle of the lake so we were standing over the fish. It was great because the fish were all over the place and they were so big. It was a lot of fun, until...
We were trapped on the island by the hissing goose! It was demanding more bread and all we had was one teeny tiny piece which gave MacGyver, I mean us, one last chance to break away. The little girls were clinging to my legs and there were some tears. I tossed the last piece off to the side of the shore and the goose took the bait and went for it. So did we and we're alive to tell about it!

Congratulations to the Snacks who completed this years Impact and Royal Rangers

2009-06-26T17:24:00.001-07:00

All year I've wanted to snap a photo of these cutie pies and kept forgetting, so I made them get dressed for the picture below. The ones following are at their actual closing ceremonies. What a fun year we had at this club!

Fun with Grandma and Grandpa

2009-06-17T05:07:00.000-07:00

It was a long, but quick drive to the midwest. Big Hunk and I are enjoying Ames, Iowa. It's really beautiful! I didn't keep my camera with me on the one day we've been outdoors and could have taken pictures. I'm going to try to take some today. The conference runs from 9am to 9pm with an hour for lunch and an hour for dinner, so during those breaks I'll try to remember to use my camera.

The kids, however, are enjoying the quad cities with Grandma Red Vine and Grandpa 1,000 Grand. My dad sent some cookout photos via iphone. I think those are genuinely happy faces!

If you notice an extra face, that's because there is one. That is a lifetime friends daughter who happens to live 2 houses down from my parents. Lollipop, as expected, has made a new friend and I think they've been spending quite a lot of time together. I believe that she can make a lifelong friend anywhere she goes.

2009-06-09T17:40:00.000-07:00

It was sooooo cold! You wouldn't know it from the pictures since the kids are totally in the water, but it was really cold. They had a great time anyways and would have loved to stay all day. The ocean is so beautiful and I always love it. This year we collected shells and to our surprise none of our shells were empty and so we brought home lots of little creatures in them. A few got left in our car. When we got in the car this morning we were smelling them. A few were left in pockets and were washed in the machine. What's worse is that a few were dried in the dryer. They cooked nicely. Gross!

Fun with Daddy

2009-06-08T13:23:00.000-07:00

This was the longest round of Ultimate Dodgeball, as my kids and their friends call it, that they've ever played. Who can beat an hour or more of trying to jump on the trampoline and not get hit with one of the balls from our backyard? My kids love it! I think Big Hunk likes it too and had so much throwing balls at his kids.

Me? I loved the sky you see in the back ground. What a gorgeous night that was! I wish I had a bigger patio so that we could have eaten dinner outside. It was beautiful!

Our Trip to Cali

2009-05-31T22:52:00.000-07:00

We had a busy, but fun, week in California. I thought I'd post a couple of pictures for now and then more to come. Of course I was a flake and didn't have my camera with me at all the right moments. Here's what I got. Big Hunk, Pixie, and Hot Tamale with Gavin MacLeod. We saw a screening of his new movie "The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry". Great movie for the whole family!
This picture was taken with an Iphone at Mimi's Cafe. I guess we were taking too long at lunch. Jelly Bean fell asleep in Big Hunk's arms, she was passed to me and then my dad took her for the remainder of the time. She must have been really tired to have slept through the not so quiet conversation going on. Let's just say that the convention schedule was not taking into consideration the 12 hours of sleep needed for a 4 year old. I'm not complaining though. She really had a great time!

Zout!

2009-05-22T18:24:00.000-07:00

Okay, here's my review and too bad for you I didn't take any pics. I washed 5 items with Zout. All things that had been washed and dried previously. 3 out of the 5 came out clean. Not bad, I'd say. Now what if I catch those stains before they're washed? It could work even better. Thanks for the tip, Amy.

Answers in Genesis Clearance

2009-05-20T21:38:00.000-07:00

I received an email from Answers in Genesis today advertising their clearance sale. They have their science curriculum on clearance right now. I think, but don't quote me on this, that they will be coming out with a new edition of these books with more and better pictures and the ones that are on sale are the soon to be older editions. We used their Animal Kingdom book this year and loved it. They also have some neato wall charts and, all together, 3 pages of sale. So there's a plug.

Here's a link to their website: Answers in Genesis

2009-05-20T16:48:00.000-07:00

I've been a lazy blogger this week, but I've been enjoying a week of getting some things in good order. I'll be posting soon and giving a review of Zout. Now off to Royal Rangers and Mpact.

Zout!

2009-05-16T18:48:00.000-07:00

All right, Amy, I'm giving Zout a try. I hope it's my new wonder cleaner.

2009-05-14T16:01:00.001-07:00

Rosetta Stone Contest

Rosetta Stone is the fastest way to learn a language and has been the #1 foreign language curriculum among homeschoolers for a while — and you can WIN the *all new* version 3 Rosetta Stone Homeschool LATIN program… FOR FREE! This is the first year you can get Latin in the brand new Version III update.

This is a $259 program (and believe me it’s worth every penny!)
This is a computer based curriculum and Rosetta Stone will also include a headset with microphone, and a supplementary “Audio Companion” CD so you can practice lessons in the car, on the go, or where-ever! Students participate in life-like conversations and actually produce language to advance through the program. Rosetta Stone incorporates listening, reading, grammar, vocabulary and writing along with speaking and pronunciation lessons. For parents, the new Parent Administrative Tools are integrated into the program to allow parents to easily enroll up to ten students in any of 12 predetermined lesson plans, monitor student progress, grade completed work (the program grades the work automatically as the students progress- I love that!), and you can view and print reports for transcripts. Homeschooling a lot of kids at your house? This program is designed to enroll and track up to ten students (five users on two computers) and will work for nearly all ages — from beginning readers up to college students.

To win this most excellent Latin program copy these paragraphs and post them in (or as) your next blog post, and/OR link to the contest from your facebook page and/OR email the information to your homeschool support group – Then go to the original page http://Jeneralities.com and leave a comment saying that you’ve posted about, or have linked to, the contest. Please make sure the link works to get back to the original contest page when you post. And good luck!

For Today Wednesday, May 13th

2009-05-13T11:52:00.000-07:00

I am seeing...lot's of clutter (and I'm okay with that, for now)

I am feeling...tired of school work

I am tasting... cheesecake

I am hearing...kids (smile)

I am smelling... a new air freshener I plugged in (so nice)

A picture thought I'll share

2009-05-13T11:39:00.000-07:00

20 Of My Favorite Things

1. Color-white
2. Dessert-Pixie's Chocolate Cake
3. Smell-Mary Kay's new perfume
4. Flower-a red Rose
5. Animal-Connie's baby kittens
6. Month-May
7. Beverage-orange juice with crushed ice
8. Pair of shoes-FLIP FLOPS!
9. Snack-anything salty
10. Song-Oh, no you never let go-this week
11. Book-Harry Potter
12. Fruit-grapefruit-for today
13. Hairstyle-out of my face- for today
14. Piece of clothing-my new comfy jeans
15. Store to clothes shop-Goodwill on 50% off day
16. Season-Fall-love it!
17. Hobby-sewing
18. Thing to collect-material
19. Movie-There's too many
20. Restaurant-Sweet Tomatoes!!!

Free baby blanket giveaway in opposition of Katherine Ragsdale and those who stand with her!

2009-05-12T14:42:00.000-07:00

I have decided to give away a free hand made baby blanket. It is for a baby girl and is 38.5 inches by 33 inches. It is really best for playtime on the floor, but is cushy enough to line a crib, play pack or bassinet. I'm giving it away to show my support of each baby that is a blessing to his/her family.
What started this? Well, Big Hunk read me an article from World Magazine recently about a woman named Katherine Ragsdale. She believes that abortion is a blessing in any circumstance and should be promoted. What's worse is that she is a minister.
In celebration of someones new little baby blessing from God I am giving away this baby blanket. You can keep it or give it away as a gift.

What you need to do is forward my blog address to 5 people and leave a comment on my blog.
When I have 30 comments I will do a random name draw announce a winner.

Oh, and if you live far away, that's okay, as long as it's in the U.S. I will cover the shipping.

Happy Birthday, Pixie Stix!

2009-05-12T10:45:00.000-07:00

She's really growing up beautifully!
She wanted Lucky Charms for breakfast...yum yum. We blew it here because we thought for sure that cash for a shopping trip would be really great, but I guess there was a secret desire for a new purse filled with lot's of goodies... we should have asked!

She wanted Lil Smokies, Spaghettios, and caesar salad for dinner... yum yum

She had a tea party/scavenger hunt/crafting party with her friends...

Hot Tamale enjoyed the leftovers...

I "think?" it was a fun birthday. Is that how it is when they get older? I'm looking for that "oh yeah" moment that says this has been a great celebration and I haven't seen it yet. Well, I love her, she's awesome! Happy Birthday to my girl whose shoe size has passed me up this year!

Happy Anniversary Day!

2009-05-11T18:05:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to be celebrating my 14th anniversary tomorrow! This last year has been a year of changes for me. I can't really say all of the reasons for the changes since they are mainly changes in my way of thinking and relating to those I'm in relationship with. I did have a baby and I know that there is always "stuff" that surfaces and screams "deal with me!" while I'm in the midst of hormone changes and adjusting to a new person in my family. I'm also 35. Enough said.

It has been a challenging year and is looking like a challenging 2nd year, but I'm grateful that God is working in me and I'm confident that "he who began a good work in me will be faithful to complete it". As my Big Hunk said, He didn't bring you out into the desert to let you die, (or something like that). Thank you, Lord, for every day that I wake up and can say, "Your mercies are new" today. I do really want to "grow up" through all of this and I'm trusting that God wants me to mature also.

What does all this introspection have to do with my anniversary? Well, I have to give a real hearty "Thank you" to Big Hunk for walking with me through this "valley". He has become more of a strength to me than ever before. I am truly grateful for his love, kindness, faithfulness, and sincere love. What a man! And what a reason to celebrate that I get to be married to him!

If you've read to this point, then you're most likely listening to the song Big Hunk recently dedicated to me. I love to listen to it over and over!

My Mother's Day

2009-05-10T23:11:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day to me! This year we spent the day at home. I love it and since we have had some late nights this weekend, I didn't feel bad keeping the snacks in for the day. Here is a picture of me with all of my snacks.

I was treated oh so nice with lots of cards and gifts including an extra large Hershey's Kiss, a new bead necklace, (you can see I'm wearing it in the above pic), a piece of candy, and lots of hugs.

Big Hunk bought bagels and all the fixins for a really yummy lunch.

My girls each made me a chocolaty dessert.

Marshmallow has grown quite clever and helped herself.

Certain things need to happen for a day to be relaxing for me. I had a really enjoyable day since all of these basic necessities were covered. I know it was Big Hunk who made sure that the dishes were done, the downstairs picked up, the food was purchased, the kids were fed, things were cleaned up after lunch, we had a movie to watch, and that I was able to sleep through the whole movie and wake up on the couch in an empty and quiet living room. I feel special and loved. Thanks!!!

I just want to add that I fell asleep before the movie even started! Wow! I love it when I sleep that good and I love Sunday afternoon naps!!!

Big Hunk is great!

2009-04-26T18:20:00.000-07:00

I'm so so happy that Big Hunk is putting drip lines around the yard. A garden that I don't have to water manually is great! What a sweetie!

Marshmallow

2009-04-23T17:50:00.000-07:00

Okay, little Marshmallow has mastered the "grab and run" technique. She grabs something and if it looks like you don't want her to have it, she runs! And laughs while she's doing it. Okay now she's right behind me mastering the "pull all the books off the bookshelf" technique.

I've had some requests to change her name to Gummi Bear. Here's a recent picture, let me know what you think.

Quick run to Fry's

2009-04-21T12:14:00.000-07:00

I made a quick trip out to Fry's this morning and got some free stuff. It's so fun to get things that I need for free. Okay, I bought 6- 4packs of toilet paper and 6 suave deodorants for free minus the tax.

I have, not this morning though, stocked my pantry with over 24 boxes of cereal, (mostly kix and honey nut cheerios), not for free but at about 1.25 to 1.42 per extra large,(25oz) box.
(This picture shows just some of the cereal)
This price does beat the Sam's Club bulk pricing. I may be seeing the beginnings of the coupon sense pay off. How fun! Well, in all honesty, it is more work than I'm used to, so far, but the concept is stockpile shopping to avaid need based shopping. When my pantry is stocked with cereal, then I don't have to buy it when it's not on sale. I think that stock piling may actually save me time later, (when I'm well stocked), since there won't be as many times when I urgently need to get something for dinner. I'll have to post later, when I'm well socked, and let you know if I end up saving time.

Another thing I enjoy about Coupon Sense is that it's changing regularly. Sales change week to week and month to month and new coupons arrive on a weekly basis. I'll keep you posted on my latest deals.

My Day's Beginning

2009-04-20T11:33:00.000-07:00

Today I was ready to execute my plan. I won't call it a well laid plan, but just a plan. I have my to do list. It's usually too big for my day, but I wake up most mornings with the hope of making it through. God's mercies are really new every morning. Today God interrupted my plan with His own. He wanted to work out some important issues that showed themselves as we were getting ready for the day. I'm glad that He cares enough to say, "Let's do this today."

So here we are at 11:37am and barely cracked the school books. I had to stop and take a breather and thought I would post my thoughts before heading back onto the battlefield.

When I am less than happy with my current situation I try to remember these words from Psalms "The Lord is my shepherd..." and "He leads me...". Wherever I am, as long as I am not straying from the Lord, He is leading me so it must be the best place for me to be right at this moment. The grass isn't greener on the other side!

Have a blessed day and I hope you get your to do list done!

Big Hunk sent me a link to a blog and I decided to copy this portion and post it. I love it and as it relates to my post, I especially appreciated the last line.

"My joy is not derived from the flawless execution of my goals. My joy each day is derived from the person and work of Jesus Christ on the cross.

Only God gets his to-do list done each day. I need the cross of Christ each day."

2009-04-19T21:52:00.000-07:00

Our family has recently taken to playing "Bluff". Heard of it? Well, my little Chocolate Chip is pretty good at it and it makes me happy that she's learning her numbers too. She placed her cards down tonight and when her older sister called bluff she loudly says, "Read em and week, baby!", with all the attitude you can imagine. Too cute.

2009-04-18T10:22:00.000-07:00

Okay, while I'm posting about Jelly Bean (see below), Marshmallow has come into the office and is playing behind me. After a few minutes, I think, I hear the familiar humm of Marshmallow munching on something she's really enjoying. When I turn around I see that she's found my bag of M&M's left out the night before. Yumm... So cute I can only laugh.

Some cute 4 year old stuff

2009-04-18T09:56:00.000-07:00

Jelly Bean is my 4 year old cutie pie. She is always bouncing and talking very loud! She has in the past 3 days broken 2 glass items at the store. Talk about busy!

Anyways, she was asking to watch a movie and says, "Daddy, can I watch Honey Nut Shrunk the Kids?" and since she needs to push play to start the movie she asks, "Daddy, can I have the commote?"

Too much!!! And if she wasn't so cute and sweet I may be upset about her breaking things in the store, but I really don't mind. I'm sure the store manager would hate to hear me say that, but I can't be upset about it. I did tell her that next time she'll have to give me something of hers to pay for the broken item. I just made that idea up on the fly. I figured that I should put some plan in place to stop the breaking spree.

Here's a picture of the bouncy girl.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-04-16T11:24:00.000-07:00

For Today... April 16, 2009

Outside my window... Sunny, cool, and little to no wind...compared to yesterday

I am thinking... of how nice it is to sit and think my own thoughts

From the learning rooms... We just read the neatest bit about pollination and how it shows us that evolution is wrong.

I am thankful for... a new day to spend with my kids, in my home, and with little running around ahead of us

From the kitchen... Kix cereal that would have been 25 cents per box if Albertsons doubled my coupons... bummer

I am wearing... denim capris, pink t-shirt (I had to look down to remember-ha ha), little earrings, hair up in a pony, black jacket and blue socks to stay warm

I am reading... Expoloring Creation with Botany, and George Washington's World- I wish I were reading something fun for me. Maybe I'll pick The Hobbit back up again

I am hoping... for a peaceful weekend

I am creating... I can't think of one thing

I am praying... for peace and reconciliation

Around the house... hopefully our garden planted, and of course, some house cleaning

One of my favorite things... going for walks

A few plans for the rest of the week... P.E., a play, a birthday party, watching some T.V. shows tonight

Here is a picture thought I'll share with you

Beware of the Homeschoolers!

2009-04-14T17:41:00.000-07:00

2009-04-14T16:12:00.000-07:00

Look at all those eggs waiting to be snatched up.

Waiting patiently.

Ready, set, GO!!!

Now we go for the ones that are actually hidded.

Look at all of our eggs!

Here's beautiful Pixie who opted out of egg hunting this year. I don't think anyone would believe she was young enough to participate anyways since she's so tall. Always ready with a camera pose.

This is sweet little Marshmallow asleep in Daddy's arms. I held her for most of the Easter service while her eyes drooped and she sucked her thumb, but only a few minutes in Daddy's arms and she was out. So sweet! And Big Hunk looks pretty cute too!

Jesus, Lover of My Soul

2009-04-14T11:21:00.001-07:00

Finally, my computer will accept my pictures! Hurray!

2009-04-13T13:56:00.000-07:00

Pictures by my Pixie Stick

2009-04-13T09:02:00.000-07:00

Little Jelly Bean

2009-04-09T17:51:00.001-07:00

I can't believe I forgot to

post this very sweet picture of Jelly Bean!

She patiently waited for the older kids to be done with the slippery piece of

plastic before she snatched it up and began sliding down this teeny tiny hill.

It was just her size and she went down as many times as I let her. Unfortunately,

we were in the process of leaving by the time she got her hands on it so she didn't

get much of a go at it. Here are a few more pictures from our snow day. We

went up to the snow in honor of my really great nephew's birthday.

Great quote by Jack Hayford

2009-04-04T08:50:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine posted this quote and I was very encouraged by it. Due to my husband's sermon last week I was encouraged to always remind myself that I have been forgiven because of Christ's sacrifice. This quote again reminds me to go back to the cross. Live like I've just today been saved.
Let us come to His Cross again, unmistakably assured in the salvation it affords, and unswerving in our commitment to Him.

In a world where no piece of ground seems secure, this is our sure and unshakable Rock.

Glorious Morning, Jack Hayford.

The Generous Wife

2009-04-03T10:36:00.000-07:00

I thought that today's post was really great. Especially with a great quote from A.W. Tozer. Here it is and if you want to read more you can subscribe to the daily email here.

I had someone write me recently, telling me that their husband did not "deserve" their generosity. While I understand the personal hurt behind such a thought (really I do), I would like to suggest that generosity is not something that is given because it is deserved. It is given because of the nature of the giver, not the nature of the receiver. Generosity is an expression of the love in your heart directed toward others, regardless of how they will respond.
There is not so much a tip in what I've written, but rather something just to ponder and allow God to use in your life. He desires to conform us to His image. He's generous. Allow Him to work that into your nature as well, regardless of how "deserving" people are or whether or not they are willing to respond in kind.

Let a man set his heart only on doing the will of God and he is instantly free. If we understand our first and sole duty to consist of loving God supremely and loving everyone, even our enemies, for God's dear sake, then we can enjoy spiritual tranquility under every circumstance. A.W. Tozer

Parental Rights In Danger

2009-03-31T08:18:00.001-07:00

Parental Rights Amendment TODAY!

2009-03-31T07:51:00.000-07:00

This is part of the email I received today from Parental Rights.org. We can be praying that the Amendment is accepted quickly since the Convention on the Rights of a Child treaty is being pushed heavily right now. We need this amendment to protect our families and the structure that God planned for them to have.
You can also sign a petition showing your support.

Breaking News: Parental Rights Press Conference

This afternoon at 3:00 (EDT), Representative Pete Hoekstra (MI) and Senator Jim DeMint (SC) will hold a joint press conference at Upper Senate Park, next to the Russell Office Building in Washington, D.C., to announce the introduction of the Parental Rights Amendment in both houses of Congress. Perhaps you will be able to catch a glimpse of it this evening on the national news!
Introducing the Amendment, of course, is only the beginning – and now the clock is ticking. Today’s announcement will no doubt get the attention of opponents to the Amendment, and we will have to stay ahead of them in the race to secure two-thirds votes in both the House and Senate. That’s why now, more than ever, we need your continued support.

The Call for Champions

The Parental Rights Amendment has sponsors to champion its passage in the U.S. House of Representatives and in the U.S. Senate, but we still need support at the grassroots level to get the number of votes we’re going to need: 290 in the House and 67 in the Senate. We need you to be a Champion where you live to protect children by empowering their parents through passage of the Parental Rights Amendment.

I miss that baby face

2009-03-10T09:46:00.000-07:00

Can I still post a picture from months ago? I think so. When I look at my blog I want to see that toothless grin. Delicious!

"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies."

2009-03-09T17:39:00.000-07:00

I don't think I'd feel comfortable having a snack if I knew that my enemies were all around me. But God says he prepares a table before us in the presence of our enemies. That sounds like a sit down dinner. That would take quite a bit of time.

I don't think that God is concerned about the danger that my enemies are to me. I am sure that they are small potatoes to Him. To me, it's like a bug in my girls' room. They may be screaming and running and refusing to go in there, but I'm just not concerned about it. I can take care of it when I get around to it. So, I tell them to get in there and clean up their toys. "Just ignore it", I say, as I push them back in.

I don't think God wants me to wait until my enemies are gone before I spend time communing with Him, relaxing with Him, and enjoying His presence. My enemies may be there, but more importantly, God is there. Thank you, Lord!

Here is another bloggers perspective on this verse:

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.”

The Lord’s feast isn’t in some remote fortress, but on the field of battle, right in front of the enemy. How great his power must be that we can savor his company and linger at his table while the glowering, fearful enemy looks on. When I am being severely tempted, I will discover, if I look around, that the Lord has a banquet spread for me — right then and right there. He invites me to turn my back on the enemy and sit down with him. The finest repast is found at the place of greatest danger.

I like these thoughts and here is a link to this blogger, but since I don't know anything about this blogger I won't vouch for the rest of the blog.

2009-03-09T17:37:00.000-07:00

Congratulations!!!!!!! To my friends with the new baby!!!!! Hurray!!!!!

More thoughts on the UN...

2009-03-04T11:54:00.000-08:00

Notice this about the UN Conv. on the Rights of the Child:

That the changes and restrictions are applying to parents and yet no restrictions are placed on the government regarding our children.

Why is the government allowed more access to our families while the parental influence is being strangled?

If you've had a hard time getting "into" the posting on the UN Conv. on the Rights of a Child you can just read the last list of items. This list says, in very understandable language, what the treaty would mean to us.

Send President Obama a Message

2009-03-04T11:50:00.000-08:00

A friend sent this great idea to me and I thought I'd pass it along to you.

Here it is...

The RED ENVELOPE Demonstration for our President

Get a red envelope. You can buy them at Kinkos, or at party supply stores. On the front, address it to:

President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pensylvania Ave NW
Washington, D.C. 20500

On the back, write the following message:

This envelope represents one child who died because of an abortion. It is empty because the life that was taken is now unable to be a part of our world.

Mail the envelopes on March 31st. 2009.

Forward this event to every one of your friends who you think would send one too. I wish we could send 50 million red envelopes, one for every child who died (in the U.S.) before ha ving a chance to live.

It may seem that those who believe abortion is wrong are in a minority. It may seem like we have no voice and it's shameful to even bring it up. Let us show our President and the world that the voices of those of us who do not believe abortion is acceptable are not silent and must be heard. Together, and with much prayer, we can change the heart of The President and save the lives of millions of children.

UN Convention on the Rights of a Child

2009-03-03T10:49:00.000-08:00

This is information that concerns every American! Not just parents or Christians. Please read and pass along to others. A friend wrote out this summary of the treaty which I thought was very worth posting since it gives a basic idea of what the treaty would mean for Americans. This is a very real threat! Please contact your senator and let them know that you DO NOT support the U.S. signing the treaty on the UN's Rights of a Child!

20 Things You Need To Know About the UN Convention on the Rights of a Child.

Ten things you need to know about the structure of the CRC.

1. It is a treaty which creates binding rules of law. It is no mere statement of altruism.
2. It's effect would be binding on American families, courts, and policy-makers.
3. Children of other nations would not be impacted in any direct way by our ratification.
4. The CRC would automatically override almost all American laws on children and families because of our Supremacy Clause.
5. The CRC has some elements that are self-executing, while others would require implementing legislation. Federal courts (ie attorneys in black robes) would have the power to determine which provisions were self-executing.
6. The Courts (once again attorneys in black robes) would have the power to directly enforce the provisions that are self-executing.
7. Congress would have the power to directly legislate on all subjects necessary to comply with the treaty.
8. A committee of 18 "experts" from other nations, sitting in Geneva, has the authority to issue official interpretations of the treaty (very scary!) which are entitled to binding weight in American courts and legislatures (WOW!). This effectively transfers ultimate authority for all policies in this area to this foreign committee (Our Founding Fathers would turn over in their graves...what did they fight, suffer, bleed, and die for anyway??).
9. Under international law, the treaty overrides even our Constitution (why are we considering this??).
10. Reservations, declarations, or understandings intended to modify our duty to comply with this treaty will be void if they are determined to be inconsistent with the object and purpose of the treaty.

Ten things you need to know about the substance of the CRC.

1. Parents would no longer be able to administer reasonable spankings to their children.
2. A murder aged 17 years, 11 months, and 29 days at the time of his crime could no longer be sentenced to life in a prison.
3. Children would have the ability to choose their own religion while parents would only have the authority to give their children advice about religion
4. The best interest of the child principle would give the government the ability to override every decision made by every parent if a government worker disagreed with the parent's decision.
5. A child's "right to be heard" would allow him/her to seek governmental review of *every *parental decision with which the child disagreed.
6. According to existing interpretation, it would be illegal for a nation to spend more on national defense than it does on children's welfare.
7. Children would acquire a legally enforceable right to leisure.
8. Teaching children about Christianity in schools has been held to be out of compliance with the CRC.
9. Allowing parents to opt their children out of sex education has been held to be out of compliance with CRC.
10. Children would have the right to reproductive health information and services, including abortions, without parental knowledge or consent.

I got this information from parentalrights.org with color commentary by me:)

For a full explanation of all of these points, check out Mike Farris's article, Nannies in Blue Berets, at parentalrights.org .

By the way, David Ogden, Obama's nominee for solicitor general, believes that the CRC is already legally binding on the US. That alone is enough for me to contact my Senators and ask them to oppose the nomination. Be sure to contact your Senators and ask them to oppose the nominees Elena Kagan, David Ogden, Dawn Johnsen, and Thomas Perrelli. More info on these nominees at http://capwiz.com/fof/home/ . Click on "Ask Senate to Oppose Four Obama Nominees".

To find contact info for your Senators go to http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm .

What about the UN Convention on the Rights of a Child???

2009-02-24T11:24:00.000-08:00

Here is an article put out by Parental Rights.org. If you don't know anything about the UN Convention on the Rights of a Child, then you'll want to read. This is not a summary of the treaty, but some stories about govt. involvement in families.

This is a very real threat to American life. It doesn't just affect parents and their children. It would affect everyone!

Here is the article.

Oops!

2009-02-20T11:07:00.000-08:00

I forgot the portion of scripture "for you are with me".

How could I forget that? I have been using my memory when I post these scriptures and well...I'm 35. It is the the most comforting part of that passage and I'm really glad that when I opened my Bible today I saw it there. What more do I need than to have God walk with me through the valley of the shadow of death? If I do have to go through it, I'd like to be walking right behind my savior, the king of the world, the most loving of fathers. I picture myself walking right behind Him and hanging onto his cloak or robe, maybe even sqeezing my eyes shut. Kind of like my little ones when they feel nervous and hide behind me. Maybe I'll grow up one day and walk side by side with the Lord, with my eyes open. I think He's okay with me hiding behind Him though.

This is someone elses picture of the Valley of the Shadow of Death using the character Christian from the Pilgrim's Progress. It's pretty creepy also, but it doesn't look like he's afraid like I would be.

2009-02-19T10:32:00.000-08:00

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me."

I really don't like to think about walking through the valley of the shadow of death. I'm not sure if the valley of death is worse or the valley of the shadow of death. The valley of the shadow of death makes me think that it looks a lot like death and is as scary as death and that it is dark and difficult. It implies enemies and fear, and it's always night time when I picture it in my mind. But I know that I'll make it through because I've read the end of Psalm 23.

The comfort we have is God's rod and staff. The rod is His discipline and training and the staff is my guide. God's discipline is comforting to me because it means that He loves me enough to teach me. It means that He hasn't given up on me! It means that I have a future and a future with Him.

His staff is such a picture of gentle leading. I do picture the staff being hooked around my neck, but gently and gently pulling me back to the main path. It's hard for me to think about this part of the verse because I'm hoping to make it through my Christian life skipping this part. Maybe I've already walked through it before and I just didn't realize it. I'm sure that this valley is harder for some. But I do appreciate the picture it brings to mind.

I recently asked my kids to illustrate one portion of Psalm 23 and let them choose which portion. My two oldest quickly latched onto this part of the verse and drew the creepiest valleys they could conjure up. I don't think they'll be so excited about that part when they reach my age. Two others drew pictures illustrating "He leads me beside still waters" and "He makes me to lie down in green pastures". We had some neat pictures and it was interesting to see what they hear in this passage. If I had my act together I would scan and post these pictures today but, this other picture will have to do for now. I know it's not a valley, but it is dark and scary looking and if I were to walk into those trees I would definitely need God to lead me.

Getting to Church on Time

2009-02-18T13:36:00.000-08:00

We have a hard time making it to church on time. I really want to be a litlle early so we have time to get settled, since I think it helps the snacks to do a little better during the service. Maybe it's just that I feel more calm and being early implies that I had some cushion time somewhere. Of course I'd like to make it on time, but I don't want to make it on time if that means driving a train over my family.

Well, Big Hunk found this great post where a dad shares how he and his wife get their family of 8 to church on time. They have really great tips. I plan on giving some of them a go.

Big Hunk also posted a "convicting" you tube on his blog about a family of four trying to get to church on time. You can go to his blog to see more great posts, but I posted the same you tube here below. It's about 5 minutes long, but it was really hard for me to watch. Very convicting!

Don't forget to pause my music before you watch.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-02-18T10:29:00.000-08:00

For Today February 18, 2009

Outside my window... It is sunny and bright. Very inviting, but I know it is still a bit nippy for my desert blood.

I am thinking... about more than I care to.

From the learning rooms... we are plugging away and trying to be diligent workers.

I am thankful for... Big Hunk spending the morning at home with us.

From the kitchen... planning chicken soup and maybe cornbread for tonight.

I am wearing... my favorite sweat pants and a long sleeve t-shirt, pony tail, earrings,socks, and a little makeup.

I am reading... still working on Passionate Houswives..., Raising Maidens..., and The Hobbit.

I am hoping...That the weekend will go smoothly. I'm a bit nervous about it.

I am creating...still working on a grocery bag and a blanket to give away.

I am hearing... my trampoline artists bouncing away.

Around the house... laundry is getting under control, hoping to plant some new plants and a garden soon. Also, needing to learn how to make drip lines for my plants.

One of my favorite things... relaxing on the couch with a good movie.

A few plans for the rest of the week... Royal Rangers, Girls Club, Friday night lecture "Trends in Christian Higher Education" and AFHE's Saturday conference.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

A Snack Shack Wordle thanks to Big Hunk

2009-02-17T17:02:00.001-08:00