Who have you taken time getting to know better lately?

Mothers in Israel.

I know a lot of them and am blessed to see them often. Recently I have been able to spend more time w/one in particular and found we have some common interests/hobbies. She and her husband came to spend a day with me and the children and she spent time teaching the girls to begin crocheting. We had a wonderful visit and it has deepened our bond as family in Christ. It is even sweeter to see her face each Sunday we are blessed to be in services w/her. I am very thankful for her. Today she brought me a bag of sewing goodies from her stash that she was ready to part with - I am already making plans for them! I don't know if she knows how blessed I feel to have her in my life, but I plan to tell her.

Often it is easier to sit w/the same folks each Sunday at lunch after services and visit - those around our own age perhaps; others with children going through the same "time of life" as we are, but I have often found a great blessing in remembering to also visit with those that are older and have "been there" and those that are younger and spend time getting to know them better as well. It's hard sometimes to step outside our comfort zone, but the rewards are always worthwhile, in my humble experience.

I am thankful for my church family - they are not all closeby, but close in my heart. We have church family at a number of locations across the country and are thankful for every one of them!

Just some random thoughts :)

New School Year Approacheth....and fast!

Monday we will begin the 2011-2012 school year, Lord willing.

Very excited to get started full swing again. We did school some over the summer, but took the past few weeks off to relax, or so I thought. :) Those year round schoolers may be onto something. Too much free time is not a good thing for anyone! Idle hands????

Anyway! Everything is either here and ready to go, or on its way. We have a few loose ends from last year's materials to finish up first though, so I'm not stressing about not having all the new stuff just yet.

I wonder, in public schools, if they don't finish the textbook for the year, do they ever carry over the next year and finish? I kind of doubt it. Anyway, that's what we'll be doing - finishing, then continuing on! Love our flexibility to do whatever needs to be done to fit our children.

Thankful to the Lord for all our blessings - our wonderful children - freedom to school our children in our own private school here at home - for so many things. May the Lord richly bless you and yours in this 2011-2012 school year!

Coupon Much?

Yes, I know, it's been eons since I posted. I got on FB and somehow it was just quicker/easier or so it seems. When I blog, I like to add pictures and it's not as easy to do w/our current pc setup.

However, here I am....

Recently, I have become re-interested in trying to use coupons to save our family $ on purchases and while I'd like very much to pay $2.00 for a shopping cart full like they do on those extreme coupon shows, I don't think that's going to happen.

I did, however, use a few coupons today and it's the small victories, right? It all adds up.

Target purchase:

Market Pantry hot dog buns:   $.99
Scotch magic tape:                    .60 (on sale!)
Manufac. Coupon:                  -1.00

Total out of pocket for buns and tape:   $.59

That wasn't a big extreme deal, but hey, we use tape!

The older girls were with me, and both did the same transaction - why sep. transactions? The coupon said 1 per transaction on the Target store coupons we had - there was one for Scotch tape for $.50 we used on the other transactions along w/the manuf. coupons. Even better deal! $1.50 off the $.60 tape (which is why we put the buns w/the tape for the transaction, I only had 2 of the Target store coupons though b/c that's all the coupon site would allow to be printed. I keep thinking how fun it would've been if I'd given the $.50 off coupon to Miss A to use along w/the $1.00 off on her order ($1.00 manuf. and $.50 Target coupon), then her total would've been $.09 - oh well, still received the savings, just on my big checkout.


So, there's my "extreme" couponing for the day, LOL. Don't get too jealous!

What are they teaching them?

Tonight, as I often do on Friday night, I called to order pizza for dinner.

When it came time for the credit card info. and expiration date, I was amazed YET AGAIN when after telling the guy the expiration date in words, ie, June 2024 (not the real date, but you get the gist) - he then asked - can you tell me that in the numbers on the card?  To which, after pausing in disbelief I replied 0624.

This is NOT the first time and I fear will not be the last. One time I said October and the guy asked, "Uh...what number is that?" Really? What are these children of today, the working folk of today and the future being taught in school...anything important that will help them in their lives? Yes, I know that this is pretty small potatoes, but it's one of those basic things....and if the basics are missing, what else is missing?

Graduation!

Cub Scout Pack Graduation, that is!

Mr. E has completed his first year of Cub Scouts. It's been a lot of fun! Pinewood Derby, Raingutter Regatta, Cake Decorating Contest for the Blue & Gold Banquet, weekly meetings w/outdoor fun afterward each week (his favorite part of things). All of this culminated in the end of year Pack Graduation. Grandma and Grandpa were able to be here for the graduation as well. Our little Tiger....is now a Wolf! Watch out! The next year looks to be a lot of fun too!!! Here are a few pics from graduation night :) Enjoy!!

Last awards as a Tiger!

Out with the old, in with the new - Wolves!!!

A good lookin' bunch of Wolves!! 

Our Wolf!  :)

Happy Mother's Day!

My sweet bunch of blessings blessed me once more with an outpouring of their love, tonight, since tomorrow we will be out and about most of the day. They are so sweet and thoughtful and made me beautiful cards. I found out I am the best Mama in the universe, wow. I am humbled they think so, and thankful for their sweet, pure love for and to me. Me! I don't deserve them at all, but thank God He thought I and Chris were the best to raise each one of them and gave them to us. I love them all so much.

Tonight when I laid Miss Baby into her crib and told her I loved her, she said "I luz zhuuu"   - I love her so very much, too!

Happy Mother's Day!!!

Laundry sorting - the boys

Overheard in the laundry room just now:

Mr. A (age 4.5) to Mr. E (age 7): Those don't go in there, they go in colors. (said w/much expression in his voice) :)

(They're bringing down their dirty laundry and sorting it - Mr. A appears to be the expert! :) )

Happy 9th Birthday Miss A!

Haven't been doing a lot of blogging of late, because I can't seem to blog w/o adding pictures! And, pictures take more time than I seem to find these days, however, today is a blogworthy day!

Miss A turns 9 today! NINE! Where is the time going to? Recently I pulled out clothes from Miss Baby's closet that Miss A and Miss E used to wear - size 3T - how long ago it seems that Miss A was 3, but then it seems like yesterday.

Miss A is a wonderful blessing to our family - full of joy, ready with a smile, a tremendous helper to all, loving to her siblings and all she is close to. She is a beautiful girl, inside and out and we love her so very much!

Happy Birthday Miss A!!!

Need I say more? Cub Scouts!

Not much I could say here - the expressions on these faces pretty much sum it up!

Biotech Company Using Aborted Fetal Cell Lines to Test Food Flavor Enhancers

Go here to read all about it :(

http://www.earnedmedia.org/cog0329.htm

Miss Baby Likes to Sing!

Miss Baby is quite the singer these days - when I sing to her at bedtime some favorites such as "What Wondrous Love is This" she sings along "Oh my soul, Oh my soul, Oh my soul" throughout the song. "Twilight is Stealing over the Sea" - she sings along pretty well at naptime on this one as  well.

Also, some oldies but goodies like: The Itsy Itsy Fider, Rock the Baby and Variations such as "Rock the Baby on the Hippo" (or whatever other animal we read about in "Wild Animal Babies", Ween-tle Ween-tle Little Star, and more!  We love Miss Baby so much!!! She is precious :)

Untitled, by Miss E

Untitled, by Miss E

Why dost some birds not fly?
They were created by God,
To stay down, not in the sky.
For such things were they shod.
Why dost some birds not land,
'cept in the chimneytops?
They were not at all created
Like the little bird that hops.

copyright 2011, Miss E, age 10

I saw them!

Just barely, but I saw them! What, you ask? Not leprechauns, silly, BLUEBONNETS!

Barely showing their beauty above the grass, today I spotted some along the highway - joy of spring! I look forward to the wildflowers each year - their beauty covers the countryside and I am filled w/joy at the beauty of God's hand - not Mother Nature as so many continue to uphold this fable, but of GOD'S mighty hand. That He would allow us their beauty! - what will Heaven be like? Untold beauty for us to behold as we praise His Holy name every moment.

They bloom for such a short time, but I'll endeavor to enjoy them every moment and not take them for granted as I drive about the countryside or better yet, walk, stroll, meander, drinking in their beautiful perfume - oh yes, they do have a lovely perfume - find a field of bluebonnets and wander out into it if you doubt me. Lovely lovely lovely.

I saw them, today! They're coming in their full beauty very soon and I can't wait to see them standing tall along the highways!

Miss Baby needs an "O" - do you?

A little bit ago Miss Baby handed me her sippy cup and said "I need an O"  - I asked her what she needed...she answered again, "I need an O, Mama, I need an O" - it was then that I realized she was pointing to the package of reinforcement labels I was about to put away. You know those things, right, the little "O" shaped stickers you put on pages that you've hole punched that have become torn at the holes and need reinforcing w/the little stickers?  :)  I had given her one earlier, and apparently she'd misplaced it. Upon seeing the package, she made sure I knew she needed another "O"  - I laughed and gave her one...then another....she is now decorating the front of the oven...hmm.   :)  She's so much fun!

Update on brother-in-law

I am happy to report that my brother-in-law is doing much better! He isn't out of the woods yet, as they say, but at approximately a month post-surgery, he started back to work 1/2 days this past Monday. He still has lots of doctor visits to keep an eye on him and his progress, and the hope of a successful 2nd surgery in approximately 16 weeks. Please continue in prayer for him during this time of recovery.

The past few weeks have been hard on the whole family, as you may well imagine. Our parents have been able to be there to help my sister w/the children and duties around the house (for those who don't know, my sister and her family live on approx. 3 acres and have goats, chickens, dog, cat, etc. to care for). They also homeschool their 3 children, in addition to various extra activities. My sister is tired and worn out - she needs our prayers now more than ever - Dad is heading home tomorrow. Mom is staying on for a little while longer and I'm so thankful for that.

Please continue to pray for the family - the children are all sick again (2nd time recently, that I'm aware of) and there's always so much to do, as they try to find their new "norm" in the days and weeks to come.

Thank you!!  Anyone that wishes to send a card or email w/encouraging words, holler in the comments and I'll get the info. to you!

A song by Miss E

Spring is Here

Flowers blooming, grass growing

Spring is here

We celebrate, we decorate, 

This time of year

Flowers blooming, grass growing

Spring is here

Rain is falling from the sky,

Birds' migrations passing by.

Flowers blooming, grass growing

Spring is here

We celebrate, we decorate, 

This time of year

Flowers blooming, grass growing

Spring is here

Birds' eggs hatching,

Roofs need thatching,

Spring is here.

Flowers blooming, grass growing

Spring is here

We celebrate, we decorate, 

This time of year

Flowers blooming, grass growing

Spring is here

Children playing,

Everyone saying,

Spring is here!

copyright, Miss E 2011

Please pray for my brother-in-law

Two days ago my brother-in-law went to the hospital w/extreme pain and ended up having emergency surgery that evening. His situation was extremely grave. I am thankful to report that he is doing well now. He will be in the hospital 5-7 days, then home to rest and recover. After a period of approximately 20 weeks, he will have another surgery. Please pray for him, for my sister, for my nieces and nephew, and for my parents that have driven up to be with them and help out in whatever way they can. What a blessing that they are able to do this! Praise God for getting my brother-in-law to the hospital in time for treatment!!

Please continue to pray - he has a long road ahead of him yet.

Miss E is 10!

Where has the time gone??? Seems like yesterday that we were bringing Miss E home from the hospital and now she is 10 years old. She was such a good baby, and is becoming a lovely, young lady. She plays the piano beautifully, reads up a storm, is caring and loving to her siblings and friends. We are so blessed with Miss E in our lives! Here are a few pics from her actual birth day - she's having a few friends over soon (delayed due to weather this year!).

Happy Birthday to Miss E!
Presents!!!

New duds for her 18" doll

This one's for the Grandma and Grandpa - don't you LIKE the reaction here? Hers, "Wow!!!!!! Cool!!!!"  - Mr. E - "uh.....what in the world???? Oh no, GIRLY stuff, sigh"      :)

She likes it a lot Grandma and Grandpa - good choice!

 

Happy Birthday Sweet Miss E!

Miss Baby is 2!!!

2 years ago we welcomed into the world our sweet Miss Baby. We drove to the hospital the night prior - it was COLD, there was the possibility of ice on the roads, we were excited and ready to meet our baby girl.

1 day old - pretty girl!

 

 Howdy folks!



 Look Ma! A tooth!



Playtime with Daddy!



Big blue eyes!




1 year old - quite serious :)

Standing and having lots of fun!

 Got teeth?


 Her favorite smile when the camera appears...

Thanksgiving 2010

The whole bunch...she is surrounded by LOVE!

Pink is her favorite color :)

Movie time! Oldest and youngest....

Birthday dinner - she likes chocolate A LOT and pancakes!!!

Birthday, after dinner :)

She was a tiny thing and absolutely beautiful! She has been a constant joy in our lives. Today, she is all of 2, full of life, laughter, and mischief at every turn! She has begun singing songs of late and will sing "Ring Around the Rosies" over and over again to the delight of us all. She also likes to hold hands and act it out, always ending as they fall down with a loud "Ow" and a giggle and big smile.  :)   She tries her best to sing along with me at bedtime as I sing "Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow" to her right before she gets in her crib. Her bangs are long enough now that we have to put a barrette in to keep them out of her big blue eyes! She has pretty much all her teeth in now and has the sweetest little grin :) If the camera comes out, she gives you a big grin complete with her eyes squeezed shut tight! She enjoys watching Wall-E, Bolt, Pooh, and anything else her big brothers and sisters want to see, even "Opmus Pwime" cartoons w/the boys :) But, her FAVORITE movie at present is "Frosty the Snowman" for sure! She likes horses a lot, like her big sisters. Every night lately she wants to hear "A Crack in the Track" or "Chugga Chugga Choo Choo" read over and over at bedtime. She dances to music with the big girls and dances to cartoon theme songs as well. She is absolutely precious. She gets on the scale and proudly proclaims that she weighs "99 cents" to one and all. She tattles on her brothers when they run at the church house to everyone who will listen. She is our sweet Miss Baby and she always will be. I don't know when, if ever, I'll start calling her Little Miss or Little Miss E, but we'll see. She has been running up to me the past few days holding up her hands to be picked up and telling me "I'm your baby!" and she is...and I love her so much. Happy Birthday Little Miss Baby E!  :)

Don't grow up too fast, too soon.....Little Miss Baby :)

Win a copy of Large Family Logistics from @raisingolives , enter here http://raisingolives.com/?p=9525

Win a copy of Large Family Logistics from @raisingolives , enter here http://raisingolives.com/?p=9525

Another Funny, by Miss E

A book never written:   Life, by Living S. Pirit

Today is my Big Sister's Birthday!

Happy Birthday Wishes to my big sis - wish I was closer and we could go out for lunch and dessert! I am very thankful that I have you in my life. I look forward to talking to you every day and hope that never changes as we grow older and grayer ;) I am praying for you always and hope today is a wonderful day filled with love and laughter as you are surrounded by your precious little ones and loving husband.

Happy Birthday Sis!!!

Another Couple of Funnies, by Miss E

A book never written: The Ultimate Encyclopedia, by F. Acts

A book never penned:  Life, by Living S. Oul

Funny, by Miss E

Miss E:    A book never penned: Fractions, by M. Ath

Hee hee :)

The preschool bus....

I must confess, it makes me sad to see children go off to school, period, but the preschool (3's and 4's) bus that just passed by my window makes me sadder.

I am thankful to be able to stay home w/the children and teach them as they grow. I am blessed abundantly.

As the year ends...

We had a wonderful quiet Christmas - just the 7 of us. My parents visited my sister up in the cold North, and we stayed home and relaxed as much as possible.

The children enjoyed Christmas Day and are now enjoying their fun new toys and games. We are indeed most blessed with thoughtful children and thankful children.

The end of the year now approaches and with it one tends to reflect on the year prior. I know, for me, it has gone by way too fast. It has been full, that much is certain. We have much to be thankful for and couldn't possibly list everything, but I will list a few things:

1. Our new home
2. New friends
3. New church home
4. Family and friends
5. Growing, healthy children (losing teeth like crazy around here!)
So many more things.

We have been in our new home since May and while we may not be unpacked completely (and may never be, let's just be honest here), we are enjoying the new space. This coming year we hope to fill in some gaps furnishing-wise and be able to enjoy the extra space even more. I also hope for some organization that isn't present right now that will aid in our days flowing more smoothly. More discipline all around will be something we continue to work on as well. A more structured approach to our days, not w/a set schedule of things locked into time frames during the days, but more of a checklist approach. We'll see how we do with that - it's been on my mind for some time now.

I am not one to make "resolutions" - and am not starting now. Those who want to do so, that's your business :)

I look forward to 2011 and all that it may bring. I look forward to continuing to develop new friendships and spending more time w/family and friends. Spending less time worrying. Working on the house and making it even more enjoyable a home for our family. Enjoying the gifts God has placed in my life and living each day to the fullest.

May God bless you and yours in the coming days to look to the Lord each moment of each day. To remember Him always.

Grace and peace,
CAB

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!  I pray you have a blessed day with family and friends!

-CAB

1st "modern day" Homeschooler in Congress!

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2637092/posts

Water Buffalo Meetings are like Boy Scouts for Grown-Ups per Mr. E

Not long ago, the children discovered the classic cartoon, The Flintstones. We have DVR'd plenty of them and they've enjoyed watching them. They've learned that Fred has a short fuse and doesn't always speak nicely, and many other lessons along the way as well.

Tonight, after returning from Scouts, Mr. E was talking about The Flintstones and said that he thought the Water Buffalo Meetings that Fred and Barney go to are like Boy Scouts for grown-ups.  :)   I listened as he told CKB all about the episode where Wilma and Betty dress up like men to go and see what the meetings are all about and how they put on these huge mustaches and when they got in trouble, they got spankings at the meeting and didn't want to ever go back.

I admit to chuckling softly to myself while this conversation went on - it was so cute to listen to Mr. E describe it all and he was grinning and laughing through the whole thing.

The episode he described is as follows:

"Ladies Night At The Lodge"	February 13, 1964 (1964-02-13)
Wilma and Betty are curious about what goes on at Fred and Barney's Water Buffalo Lodge meetings so they sneak in wearing disguises as men. They endure a painful initiation where they run out of the lodge and get home before Fred and Barney do, vowing to never ask to attend lodge meetings again. Slightly based on the second episode shown, Hot Lips Hannigan.

Mr. E lost his first tooth!

Someone forgot to tell Mr. E that he wasn't allowed to grow up just yet.....he lost his first tooth just before Thanksgiving. He ran downstairs to tell us he thought he had a loose tooth - I checked to see and it was REALLY loose, so I sent him over to CKB to check it out. Moments later, Mr. E's tooth was out of there! Nary a whimper during the extraction - what a tough guy!

Here he is, looking so big....sigh.