Precious In His Site

Meet Hannah Joy!!!

2011-12-29T13:48:00.005-05:00

With great JOY

we welcomed

Hannah Joy

into our family

December 17th

She was born at 9:55 am, weighing in at 7 lbs, 10 oz and was 20 inches long.

We are all in love with her!

Thank you for sharing in our joy!

Little Update

2011-12-03T12:24:00.003-05:00

I know it has been forever since I have written. Thank you for your prayer over us as we await our baby girl. We are down to 10 days before my due date. Amazing! All has been well in our home. I have been busy getting baby's things organized. We have been so blessed with gifts and hand me down's. I have also been busy with schooling the other children. Usually we take off from Thanksgiving until the New Year and then we jump back in. During that time we do individual study, hitting the library regularly and some fun family activities. This year we have done our regular school routine throughout the holidays so that when baby arrives we can take a break and get into a new routine while everyone adjusts to her and her to them! We are all excited about her arrival. We will be sure to announce when she comes and what her name will be...we still don't know! Oh well, we still have at least 10 days. ;)

It's a Girl!

2011-07-25T22:36:00.002-04:00

I know I have been negligent in updating you all. We found out last week that our precious baby is a girl. She weighed in at 8 ounces so she is right on target. It is hard to believe we are halfway through this pregnancy. God be praised for this incredible gift!

I would post another ultrasound picture but they are downstairs and you all will forgive me for not hauling myself down there since well, I am pregnant and all. ;)

The day we found out the baby's gender, Peter and I wanted to be creative in how we told the kids. On the way home we purchased each child a pink heart balloons, strawberry milk and pink frosted donut (okay, we got a dozen of those). The kids loved the surprise and everyone is excited to meet this sweet baby girl. I look forward to when Peter and the children will be able to feel her move. It has been amazing to feel her little feet kicking every once in a while.

Goodnight all!

Crustaceans.

2011-06-02T22:16:00.002-04:00

We absolutely love homeschooling. Today, we studied crustaceans and followed up our study with a trip to the local seafood store. We chose the store that had the live lobster tank. Peter bought two lobsters and several pounds of shrimp. We brought them home and cooked them up. The kids loved every step. Peter and the children shared the two lobsters and named the different parts as they "dissected" them. What a fun night we had! On a side note, yesterday was 16 years for Peter and I. The time continues to fly by. We have had head colds for several days, so I guess tonights dinner was part of our celebration. I love you Peter! I love you kids!

Amazed.

2011-05-10T21:11:00.002-04:00

It has been nearly 16 years since our journey began. June 1st marks our anniversary, the following October marks our "when we started trying," and now, at 9 weeks...now marks our "stand amazed."

Baby.

2011-04-26T20:02:00.002-04:00

Joy.

2011-03-21T10:00:00.001-04:00

Life is busy.

2011-03-10T19:11:00.003-05:00

Life is busy.

Children running.
Momma teaching.
Daddy working.
All are laughing, loving, learning.

Bills are coming.
House still dirty.
Rain is falling.
Time for a movie.

Wiping noses.
Feeding faces.
You're still hungry?
Time for a cookie.

Sick and tired.
Energy abounds.
Now your head hurts?
Time for some medicine.

It will end soon.
You'll feel better.
Need a snuggle?
Time for some reading.

Tired faces.
Fevered bodies.
Sneezing, coughing.
Time for some sleep now.

A teenager?!

2011-02-11T12:56:00.003-05:00

It's official!
We now have a teenager in the house.
Happy Birthday Ashley!
We love you so much...

Her door on birthday morning!

A morning birthday greeting from Daddy!

Lunch at a restaurant of her choice--PF Changs!

Happy Birthday our dear girl!
Where has the time gone?
We love you.
We love that you LOVE our LORD!
We love that you are seeking to have a serving heart!
We love that you are making good choices!
We love that you want to honor us!

WE LOVE YOU.
xo, Dad and Mom

Birthday Boys!

2011-02-03T11:28:00.003-05:00

This wonderful boy had a birthday yesterday!
He is now four.
When asked about turning four he replied,
"Now I can drive a car aaannnndddd I can do whatever I want!"

Happy Birthday Isaiah! We love you all the way to the moon and back again.
We are so happy to be your Daddy and Mommy!
xoxo

AND
The guy on the right turned AHEM on the same day.

Happy Birthday Peter!
We missed celebrating with you.
We all love you and are grateful for you in our lives.
xoxo

Bill Collection by Ben Lansing

2011-01-28T19:13:00.001-05:00

Bill Collection [added: January 25, 2011]

Service.

2011-01-13T12:49:00.003-05:00

This is the view from my kitchen window.
These are my neighbors steps.
This is my 6 year old son shoveling her steps.
Service.
I love it.

My Hero.

2011-01-09T23:53:00.000-05:00

Yes! We have water!

2011-01-08T18:38:00.003-05:00

One day it will be humorous...
Peter is home today so we are preparing the house for MLS photos which will be taken Monday at 1pm. We were supposed to touch up paint, clean out the closet, shampoo the carpets, however, our well pump died. Peter spent the entire day outside pulling the pump and running to purchase a new one. He also dropped off 8 bags for Goodwill and 8 boxes for storage. In the meantime, I cleaned out our closet. Both sides. Big job. Took 3 hours. I even found a Christmas gift we forgot to give the kids. I called the kids, who were home, in to the closet to show them and we all enjoyed a yard long Twizzler. While Peter was gone I sanded and painted our patched walls. It was the perfect color. Then I turned around to see that the color was actually completely wrong. I spot painted the entire Dining Room the wrong color! Peter came home and decided to put the well pump in so that we would have water tonight. They sold him the wrong one. We have a two wire system and they, after Peter explained what he needed, sold him a three wire system. The Sabbath has begun and Peter has declared us Amish for the next 24 hours. We have been without water since 10am. It is time to relax, enjoy our family and focus on the goodness of our Lord. We celebrate a Saturday sundown Sabbath to Sunday sundown. Tomorrow night we will install a new well pump and paint the Dining Room. Never mind the carpets! We will have to figure out how to fit in a normal house cleaning as well. I am sure I will be surprised at how the Lord multiplies our time. Off to eat hot Taco Soup, which I threw in the crockpot before the well died. The dishes will not get done. I have an almost 13 year old who will be grateful for that. Sabbath Shalom!

Kid Quote

2011-01-07T21:10:00.001-05:00

Quote of the night:

As Daniel is trying to shoot bear that are charging him 2 at a time, he throws the gun to Peter and yells, "Save me Daddy!!!" Daddy once again becomes a hero. What a stud.

Busy.

2010-12-22T07:49:00.003-05:00

Things have been busy at our house. Every time I think of something heartfelt, societally deep or just plain wonderful to write about, I am instead overcome with packing a box. Last year we felt the Lord impress upon our hearts to sell our house and be freed from mortgage debt. We are still living in the same house with the same FSBO sign in the front yard. Recently, we hired a realtor who holds to the same biblical convictions our family holds. He has had us busy moving furniture, packing up the needless things, painting our door red and basically making our home look like there are not seven people who live here. He understands the work involved as he has 8 children of his own. That is to say his desires for us were not stated out of an overwhelmingly ridiculous, unattainable, childless self-living standard. So, we have worked. We have slowly moved things to our rental storage unit, forcing us to continually evaluate whether or not something is really worth paying a storage fee. We have accumulated 15 years worth of stuff. We have been pretty faithful to weed out as the years have sped by knowing that it is all gonna burn one day anyway. However, things are expensive to replace. It is a game. A dance. The memorabilia, the needed. We are taking the next few days off. Our tree is up, gifts have accumulated (all things that will work well after our house is sold), meals are planned and family is beginning to arrive this evening. We will celebrate. As Peter was called in to work this morning and will be gone for the next several days, we will celebrate Christmas with our children on Monday morning. I was going to try to write a bit more but I am needed. Daniel needs me to fix his horizontal stabilizers on his paper airplane.

TSA Inspiration

2010-12-01T21:22:00.000-05:00

Kid Quote

2010-11-24T21:55:00.003-05:00

It's been a while since I've posted a kid quote. We are a fairly health conscious family. I mill my own grain, we buy all our meat from Polyface Farms and we try to eat our daily veggies raw. The kids are getting a fantastic education when it comes to where our food comes from and why we eat what we eat. However, if I am really honest, none of us can really refuse a Snickers bar and my birthday dessert consisted of both a triple chocolate cake (thanks Dad!) and a Cold Stone ice cream cake (thanks Mom!). So as not to confuse you; my parents are still happily married after 38 years. They just happen to know I like chocolate and double dipped on cake! My faithful husband supplied the pizza in abundance (thanks Husband!). This has turned into quite an introduction for today's quote. So, here it is, as stated by 6yo Daniel.

Mom: Wow, that is a lot of people going to McDonald's.

Daniel: Those people are gonna die in a minute!

Well, at least we didn't eat at McDonald's for my birthday meal, ahem.

Veteran's Day.

2010-11-11T19:33:00.002-05:00

Like your freedom?

Freedom to worship as you wish-
Freedom of speech-
Freedom to walk into the grocery store and buy what you need-

Freedom, I like it.

If you do...

Thank a veteran.

You wouldn't have it without them!

As for me, I will be kissing one who has been gone far too many days this month!

Look who turned 6.

2010-11-09T21:12:00.003-05:00

Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday Dear....guess who!
Happy Birthday to you!

Our sweet boy, Daniel, wanted another dinosaur birthday celebration this year.
He has had these dinosaurs surrounding him every night since his big day.

The look of surprise. I love it. So genuine.

Precious big boy hands can just barely hold the box.

I think of Daniel and I tear up.
I am so blessed that the Lord chose me to be his Mom.
Oh God, Thank you!

Happy Birthday, Precious Boy!
We love you,
Daddy and Mommy

Bookends.

2010-11-08T20:44:00.004-05:00

Bookends come in all shapes and sizes. We have a set of long ago used tail hooks from two F-14's that my husband flew. They have been moved from house to house and moved throughout each house trying to find a nice resting place. They have been my most memorable bookends, holding up large books about F-14's, Naval Aviation, F-18's and any other book we have related to the military. Although they are my bookends which escort me down military memory lane, they were only my most memorable until this week. This week my sister in law visited with her three children. Peter was out of town so the children and I journeyed to the airport to bring them home. As we arrived home one of my children, obviously disregarding my instruction to bring everything from the car into the house, made a run for the door and threw up all over the front door mat. Oh! So, you weren't disobeying! I spent the next several minutes hosing down my porch to make it passable for my waiting extended family who had been patiently standing with their luggage near-the-of-the-driveway. Welcome to my home, I announced as they made their way to the now clean door. I was positive that this particular child had just had something bad to eat as they felt better almost immediately. My sister in law got settled as I made the other child ready for bed. Said child came down the stairs, laid on the couch and all of the sudden made a dash for the bathroom and threw up in virtually every direction while I yelled for paper towels, Windex and Clorox Wipes. I will spare you the rest of the details, but suffice it to say that I had to strip my bed and I was up every hour on the hour until 2 am. The next day all was well, must have been food poisoning. We had a great time with the cousins and were able to have my brother in laws kids over to play as well. We continued the next day with a big field trip and all was still well. I was even more convinced it was just food poisoning. For the next few days all-was-still-well. We did a big family field trip to our nations capitol and hit Five Guys for dinner. And then it happened. My sister in law was leaving the next day to fly home. We had enjoyed a wonderful week together. I was so happy it had just been food poisoning! No. That night found two of her children ill and the following day found one more of mine not well. The rest of mine had stomach aches, so I deprived them of their normal food intake, warning them that it was for their own good. We have, so far managed to have only two throw up. (And there was great rejoicing!) My sister in law, however, made it all the way home with two having gotten sick here and the rest of their family becoming ill at home. Bookends. My very memorable bookends. I am so grateful that God gave us gorgeous weather, healthy children and time to talk throughout the week. We miss you and hope you are feeling better today!

It happened.

2010-10-13T16:15:00.003-04:00

It happened! It actually happened! Every once in a while you think, well, maybe it might. Just maybe. And then you think oh no, what if it does? What if it does happen? Maybe I should delete it. Maybe I should stop now. No, it's my choice, it's me, it's part of my ministry. It's part of my life and part of who I am and I want to use it to glorify God. In all ways I want it to glorify Him. And I want to be able to share what He has done. For He has done great things! I want to be able to show that children, hurting children, are adoptable and although it may not be the "normal life" that was previously hoped for, it's the life He wants for me and it is being used to shape me, mold us, and to once again totally glorify Him. It becomes an amazing journey, one hoped for and desired. That desire becomes so strong that you don't want to stop, you want to adopt more, for His glory, and you want to tell everyone about it and how good it can be. So I keep writing and I think, maybe it will happen. And then it does. You are worshipping at a new place and someone looks at you like they know you. You rack your brain as to whether or not you should know that person, they sure seem nice. Then, they come up to you eager to introduce themselves and smiling, announce they read your blog! Then you are grateful. Amazed. Humbled. You are glad you keep writing. You get a renewed sense of purpose and hope for great things to write about in the future. And you hope for a few minutes here and there to actually say the things on your heart. So, to my new friend Brandi--Thanks for reading and thanks for extending your friendship! I look forward to getting to know you more. And to the rest of you out there (because now I just know there are thousands;) I look forward to meeting you one day should the Lord provide the opportunity.

Bounty.

2010-08-27T06:55:00.002-04:00

We took the children for a 20 minute fishing trip last night. It turned into an hour and a half as we were with friends that we rarely see. Peter brought his new cast net and God brought a bounty of fish directly to him as He waited on the pier.
The children (and the adults) stood amazed.

Living for Him.

2010-08-24T21:05:00.004-04:00

We are reading through the Bible as a family for the second time. Last year we read straight through. It was the first time my husband and I had both read through from cover to cover. We have both been Christians for a long time, but had only ever read a book here or a chapter there. It was such a different experience to read straight through and to share that with our children was a very powerful thing. We have wondered, since we finished, how many people in our church have read the entire Word of God. We are giving our children an incredible gift of biblical knowledge that we hope and pray will be heart knowledge as well. I stand amazed at how much they have taken in and how much they can recollect.

Our reading yesterday was from the book of 2nd Kings chapters 22 and 23 where Josiah reads the Law of Moses. He rents his clothing due to his sorrow at having disobeyed God as well as understanding that his forefathers had completely abandoned what God had told them. Josiah tries to honor God by tearing down idols, killing idolatrous priests, tearing down the high places, and cutting down groves. He then holds a Passover as had never been seen during the reign of the kings of Judah nor Israel. Verse 25 tells us,

"And like unto him was there no king before him, that turned to the LORD with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the law of Moses; neither after him arose there any like him."

It is heart breaking to read through the kings and see opportunity lost, defilement, and when a king decides to tear down an idol yet leaves up the high places and the asherah poles. I am reminded of how simple we are as we try to live for God. Today's Christian accepts a feel-good, watered down, simplified version of the Holy One and the Bible. We have exchanged the truth for a lie. Romans 1:22-25,

"Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beast, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen."

We have prayed that the Lord would show us the high places, the idols, and the asherah poles in our lives so that we may tear them down for His glory, not to seek salvation through a set of rules, but to love Him, to honor Him and to walk humbly with Him. As though we didn't already draw attention just being the family the Lord has made us, now we are setting different standards for modesty, movie watching, sheltering of our children, teaching to serve, standing for truth, and going against the flow of societal and even Christian norms. We don't want diet Christianity. The importance of knowing God and His Word is the absolute. Don't those all sound like good things? But when they challenge a friend, or make someone feel judged just by being near us, even though these are our convictions, our standards, our choices and not imposed on anyone else, that is when it becomes a testing ground. That is when it becomes hard. That is when we remember: Who are we trying to live for? Who are we trying to please? Colossians 3:22-24,

"Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God;And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ."

We know we live to serve God. That we, like Josiah, would love Him with all our heart and with all our soul and with all our might and that our lives would be a testimony to His faithfulness, His love, and His grace...that is my prayer, that is my hearts desire.

The last week of summer vacation.

2010-08-18T22:08:00.003-04:00

The kids and I have been tackling a big item every day this week. It feels so good to get things cleaned up, organized, dusted and painted.

Monday--Finished sanding and painting the old blue chairs. They are now a nice flat black and will look great on the porch. We also sanded the rest of the deck and will seal it when the rain stops falling. Peter and the boys worked on what Peter calls the workout room (I call it the laundry room :). Things are looking good on the shelves and off the floor. Lovin' it.

Tuesday--The playroom overhaul. We were able to get rid of three bags of toys for giveaway and one of trash. We also pulled up the old car play rug and took it right to the curb. No more old rubber backing dissolving on my floor! They worked hard and were generous with their giving. I rewarded them with pizza for lunch. We all sat in the newly cleaned/organized playroom, snuggled around the boys little table, ate our pizza, and enjoyed "bubble water."

Wednesday--We tackled the pantry. The kids got into sorting like things to put back on shelves, read dates to make sure they should even go back in there, and enjoyed many still-good surprise snacks that had somehow made their way to the far reaches.

Tomorrow we unload the boys dressers and break down their captains beds. I sure hope my vacuum is in perfect working order for all the dust that is gonna fly. Pete has been gone for a couple days but will be home to help with this big chore. I have a feeling a little fishing and swimming will be on the agenda for tomorrow after Daddy is home again.

Friday we buy the boys their new beds. We are headed to Ikea. Ya know, the place where you really need one of everything?

So, that is how we have been spending our "last real week of summer vacation." Of course we homeschool pretty much year round as that is what works for us and Peter's ever-changing schedule.

June-July 2010 Summer so-far Whirlwind

2010-07-15T21:35:00.014-04:00

June and July have had us traveling quite a bit. It seems we get home, Peter leaves for work, kids and I regroup, do laundry, etc and then we either meet Peter at the airport for another trip or have the trailer ready to go as soon as he is home. It has been this way since the beginning of June. We are blessed to be able to travel during the days in between his working, though I must say we are all wearing a bit thin. Peter and I laugh at ourselves as we just keep on going! However, tomorrow, we nap.

Ashley rescues chipmunk from Uncle Jim and Aunt Carol's pool.
Brave girl!
Then it bites her. This is how the trip began!

Who didn't shut the frig door before we drove away? Nothing like milk all over the floor and having to deal with those stinky clean up towels for the remainder of the drive! ;)

Can you smell the chocolate yet?!
Hershey Park
Need I say more?

"Come on kids! Come one! This is Mommy's favorite ride from when she was little!"

Yep, almost 30 years later and I still dream about swimming in the chocolate vat.
Ummm--Yum!

Some fantastic camp site somewhere between Hershey Park, PA and The Creation Museum. We stopped here for the night as we were so tired. It turned out to be a great park. The children were fascinated with the abundance of skunks!

A Zorse and a Zonkey

What did you read today? This skeleton read John 3:16.

We were going, going and Daniel was gone! We had been running at full speed and he just couldn't wake up for fishing. I was able to make him stir just enough to get some yogurt down and pjs on, then right back to bed. He slept through the night 5:30pm-morning. Fyi, he is 5!

Next day fishing before heading back to the Creation Museum.

Show us your scared face.

On our way towards Western Maryland we decided Bob's Big Boy would hit the spot. We had never taken the children to one, yet we had both been there as children. We arrived only to discover this place is called Frisch's Big Boy--with the same picture out front and same motif inside. The servers had never even heard of Bob's Big Boy. We thought that was pretty weird. I mean weren't Bob and Frisch at least brothers--cousins--estranged 5th cousins?

Ahhh, Western Maryland and a sweet visit with cousins. We went hiking.

The fabulous cousins.

Isn't God so creative?
In our culture we tend to praise the creation over the Creator.
Look at what He made for us to enjoy.
If we do not praise Him, the rocks will cry out. (Luke 19:40)

Fishing with the cousins at the spring fed lake on their neighbors organic co-op.
Coooollllddd.

These two are almost exactly a year apart.
Daniel loves his big cousin.

Peter cleaned 30+ fish and to our dismay we did not get a picture of cousin Kim pan frying the whole lot of them. She is an excellent cook and we enjoyed every bite.

The next week the cousins came our way and we all enjoyed playing together at my parents pool. We never get enough time together when they are out our way. I guess another trip to Western Maryland is in order!
End June

We do not have enough pictures of the end of June and beginning of July. We took at trip to CA to visit more family and cousins whom we had not seen in three years. It was a wonderful trip and as usual we can't get enough of being with them.

Then it was off to San Antonio, Texas for the Baby Conference. We met up with several friends and made even more. The conference dealt a lot with adoption (which you may have noticed we have a connection with!:). We enjoyed hearing the latest on how adoptions are proceeding in Haiti as well as personal experiences from a panel of adoptive parents. It was a blessing to be with so many people who see children as a true blessing from the Lord. The average family size was 7 children. When the conference was over we hit The Alamo!

The Alamo!

The Nashville airport is so cool.
Seriously, where else has five drinking fountains of differing heights?
All perfectly sized for my kids!
We actually got stuck here on our way home this week as the storms had grounded the planes. Besides having fantastic drinking fountains, they also have a kids play area for the under 42 inch crowd. We were not the only family letting our kids run around in the play area at midnight.

We arrived home on Tuesday morning at 5am and finally went to bed. We are still getting back on schedule. I have been a bit tired this week, so please forgive any typos. I would usually re-re-re-re-read to make sure they were not there as I do not want to give homeschooling Mom's a bad name.
Ya know: "See, look at her grammar! And she thinks she can teach her kids!"

Our little Abi

2010-06-17T20:39:00.003-04:00

May 28th was Abigail's 10th birthday!
We had a small party (of course we double any typical party and bring our own fun!)
with just the 7 of us and my parents.
We enjoyed a yummy meal of Japanese Hibachi--always a favorite with this crew!

A-adorable smile
B-bubbly personality
I-incredible joy
G-giddy
A-able to achieve
I-intonation in song
L-laughing little lady

Her new Little House bonnet from Papa and Gramommy.
Don't let the balloon topper fool you!
(Not pictured: her new 18 inch doll)

She was happy to get a horse for her doll.

Her new blanket sewed lovingly from Grandpa and Oma.

Enjoying smores on our first camping trip.

Abi-You really are full of life! We love you and look forward to watching you continue to grow in the Lord as you fully enjoy His journey.

xoxo, Daddy and Moma

It's our anniversary!

2010-06-01T09:02:00.004-04:00

Today marks 15 years of marriage... Wow! I am amazed at how quickly the time has gone. When we were at my cousins graduation last Friday, I remarked to the girl behind us that we had "done this" 15 years ago. Her response, "Wow and you're still together." My husband replied that marriage is a commitment. It is. I fear that people do not take anything seriously anymore.

In sickness and and in health!
For richer, for poorer!
As long as we both shall live!
Until death do us part!
Those were some of the commitments we made.

But for us, it is not just commitment. There is sweet joy in our marriage. We are not going through the motions. We are loving and living each day together. Want to know the secret? Want to know why people think we are so "lucky" and have it "so easy?!" I will let you in on it. Listen carefully. Here it is...We love the Lord. We have made Him more important than the other person. When you focus on what the Lords role for you in marriage really is, rather than trying to fix the faults you see in your spouse, things tend to flow. Imagine that!? God, the Author of our lives, the Perfecter and Finisher of our faith, knows more about how we should behave than we do! If you want to know how to live, start by reading the five T's of the New Testament (1&2 Thessalonians, 1&2 Timothy, Titus) and be blessed as you change your heart, mind, and behavior to reflect our Holy God.

My Peter,
Thank you for making those commitments to me and for living by them. Thank you for continuing to learn Gods Word and applying it to your life. I am blessed to call you my husband. Happy Anniversary! I love you, Kristen

Memorial Day...thoughts.

2010-05-30T21:38:00.007-04:00

On Friday I watched proudly as my cousin walked the stage at the Navy-Marine Corps Stadium in Annapolis, Maryland to accept his degree in Ocean Engineering and even more impressively, his commission into the United States Navy as a brand new Ensign. It has been 15 years since I watched my husband do the same thing. It was a walk down memory lane and a flood of memories encompassing 15 years worth of marriage, 12 of those years of military duty. I am proud of my cousin. It does not come as surprise to me that he chose this path. In our family, he is one of many. He takes his place in a long line of family members who have answered the call to protect our freedom. This does not make him a number, although he joins the now 76,000 who can call themselves USNA graduates. No, he is not a number, he is an Officer in the United States Navy. He wears his uniform proudly. He is not only an Officer, but a Believer in Jesus Christ and he will wear his duty well. His graduation stands in bright, colorful opposition to the Memorial Day that stands before us. In a video shown at church this morning, we saw a young girl, growing up without her Fallen Hero, her Daddy. The video, which I have now searched for too long, shows her at a young age learning to roller skate, celebrating her 14th birthday, graduating from High School, and getting married, while writing to her Daddy about each event, though he had died. Finally, she visits Arlington with her young daughter and explains the cost of freedom and that some things are worth the cost. I found myself unable to hold back the tears as names of fallen friends raced through my mind. My dear friend lost her husband three weeks before she gave birth to their first and only precious girl. My husband and I have lost many friends through the years and we do not forget them. Tomorrow is Memorial Day and they are forefront in my mind. They fought and died to protect our freedoms. After hearing the Blue Angels fly this past week, our local Librarian mentioned to me that she could not imagine hearing "that" and knowing that bombs were being dropped on her country. Almost all of our wars have been fought in places where we do not hear the pain or terror of bombs, gun fire, and fearful screams. They are fought far away, where you can ignore them. They are fought in places where you can call them not real, or unnecessary. They are fought in places where you can oppose them because the terror is not at your door. You do not have to call jet noise the sound of freedom. You get to call it entertainment. Men and women have died for you, for your freedom, and for your protection. You get to sleep well at night because they have your back. They choose to not let you down. They have died, not letting you down, keeping their promise, and hoping that you will continue to enjoy the freedoms for which their lives were given. On Memorial Day, remember them, thank their families for their sacrifice, and remember to thank a veteran while they are still alive to appreciate your words.

This is a picture of my husband leaving for what was
his final deployment.
I am so grateful to the Lord for His protection over Peter and that He has allowed us to live this life together, raising our kids for His glory,
and enjoying the freedoms which others continue to fight to maintain.

Let's go see some ponies!

2010-05-24T22:49:00.005-04:00

"Kids, maybe when we wake up in the morning we will see some wild horses."
God blessed us with 3 in our camp site on our first morning at Assateague.
John was so excited to be the first one to spot them!

Our five mile bike ride landed us in a parking lot with 6 wild horses roaming and grazing.

Early morning fishing, just Daddy and Daniel.
"Daddy, I was dreaming that we got up and went fishing
and now we are up and fishing so it was just like my dream."

32 inch Striped Bass caught on Daniel's light weight line!
The fish were not nibbling on the surf rod.
It was a good joint effort. Daniel's pole and Daddy reeled it in.
What a sweet blessing from the Lord.
He provided the poles (thanks to Uncle David and Aunt Barbara), bait when the kids dug up sand crabs with Daddy, and the huge fish for us to study and then enjoy for breakfast.
God is so good--all the time!

We met another homeschooling family this morning when Peter was walking up from the beach holding the fish. They stopped us to ask about it and we invited them down for Monday morning fish anatomy. The stomach of the fish had a small crab, in tact. We watched the heart beating and tried to name all the fins.

This is the standard "look how big my fish is" photo, simply for your enjoyment!

Mmm, mmm, good.
Broiled fish for breakfast (and donuts).
13 minutes before we had to be off our site, lest we pay for another night.

So we are officially "campers"

2010-05-19T16:01:00.003-04:00

The closest we had come to camping as a family was sleeping on the floor at the Holiday Inn. (They have free breakfast, ya know.) That is until our little trip to Texas. That hooked us. So we spent months searching out the perfect camper for our ever-growing brood. We searched eBay. We searched Craigslist. We even searched the RV show, willing to pay the exorbitant prices of the dealers and bringing home dozens of brochures to pour over. We realized that was not the best choice, so it was back to the midnight web surfing. It had to be under a certain weight because, although 15 passenger vans are huge and all (I actually have people ask me if my kids have to ride in car-seats in it but I disgress), they just can't pull a trailer big enough to house all the people that ride within their shell. We also desired a bunk house in the back as our children are still small, but they are growing and we didn't want to deal with putting down tables and sofas every night. And then, we found it. We made a deal with a guy on Craigslist and then drove it home. We took our first camping trip a few weeks ago and are packing up to leave again tomorrow.

It's 11 PM, do you know where your kids are?

2010-05-14T23:00:00.002-04:00

As a matter of fact I do. Abigail, John, Daniel and Isaiah are all sound asleep.

Peter and Ashley are pulling a long awaited all-nighter. One that was promised three years ago when Daddy came home from his final deployment. They have already eaten many snacks and played a few games.

But what are they doing right now???

Ashley is getting her first driving lesson in the Jeep.

Next up...Movies (her favorite!) and Mommy will go to bed.

Confess and be healed.

2010-05-12T18:38:00.003-04:00

I have a confession to make.

I micro manage baby wipes.

Weird I know.

But who wants all those baby wipes thrown all over the car after five children have eaten peanut butter and jelly with a side of lime tortilla chips?

You make a mess, you can ask for a wipe.

But I refuse to let you have free access to the wipes.

It's just a thing with me.

I have other things, but let's take this slow. One confession at a time.

What's your thing?

The eyes have it!

2010-05-03T15:34:00.005-04:00

Kid Quote

2010-04-12T19:19:00.002-04:00

Tonight at dinner...

Daniel: Okay. I want to tell you guys something. Want me to tell you something about snakes?

The group: Sure Daniel! Yes!

Daniel: Okay. Mom, this is gonna scare you to death!

Mom: Let's hope not Daniel.

Daniel: It's really scary. Cuz guys...guys...guys...

The group: Yes Daniel?

Daniel: I'm gonna bring a rattlesnake in the house. I really like rattlesnakes!

Boys Day With Daddy

2010-04-05T18:27:00.004-04:00

Wordless Wednesday, The Boys

2010-03-17T22:25:00.004-04:00

*The table made it's way to the trash. Due to the previous break, not the mud. ;)

Snow pic!

2010-02-18T09:01:00.002-05:00

This is the parking lot of my favorite grocery store. It puts it in perspective when you see my big 15 passenger van next to where they had to pile the snow.

The snow is over.

2010-02-11T19:09:00.005-05:00

I get a mixed feeling when the snow ends. It many ways it is great to get out of the house and back into the swing of things. However, at the same time it is so nice to watch that sweet blanket of newness fall, snuggle with my kids, read, watch a movie, eat lots of snacks and live in pjs.

Today was sunny and beautiful. Peter was on call for work but with the snow accumulation at the airport most flights were cancelled. He is back to work tomorrow.
This is how we spent today:

The kids had such fun sledding down the hill near my parents house. What precious memories they have been making this week. 2010, the year of the record snow storm!

Abi spent most of her time on the green sled. She has grown so much she looks like an adult coming down the hill. Also, no, that is my 9 year old.

It was amazing to see Daniel fly across the street. Every time he went down the hill on his red sled, he came flying, face first and taking each jump as if it were nothing!

I was hoping it would show up better, but the second mark that Peter pointed out (where Daniel said his face mark was) was actually a huge snowplow tire mark. :)

The marks that showed up after his red cheeks warmed up again.

The little brave snowboy.

2010-02-10T19:12:00.002-05:00

This 6 year old boy brings in our fire wood. Today, in the big storm, he thought it was a good idea to just run out in his thin t-shirt to grab a few pieces. He went back and forth about 5 times. He was very brave. He was very strong. He was very cold. But that is the way he wanted to do it and being that he is the one with the most energy I decided it may not be such a bad idea to let the cold wear him out a bit. Good job John!

This girl turned 12 today...

2010-02-09T18:14:00.004-05:00

Happy Birthday Dear Ashley!!!
We love you so much.
xoxo, Daddy and Mom

Peter was able to be home today. We had a nice birthday breakfast for Ashley, she opened gifts, we relaxed a little, went to PF Changs for lunch, hit Target for her to spend a little birthday money and are now home where she is learning how to use her new camera from her grandparents while the snow is slowly beginning to fall. We are expecting 10-20 more inches of snow. This has been an amazing winter. For my now 12 year old, who prayed (when she was 7) every single night for a year for it to snow, this winter has been a sweet blessing. She said it is God's birthday present to her. I think I agree.

You mean we can build snowmen taller than Daddy?!

2010-02-07T20:32:00.006-05:00

To borrow a saying from my dear friend: I feel like a mole.
We have emerged from the house-cave into the sun and have enjoyed every moment of our day. Here are a few highlights...

Ashley, Isaiah and Abigail head out for an adventure.

We were able to walk to my parents where we visited with my Mom. She read to the boys for a while and they almost fell asleep. Please pray for her as she continues her battle with Lymes.

Dad walked us home and snow plowed our neighbors driveway. So nice.

This boy is usually moving too fast for my camera. He was doing a little dance in this shot but I caught his sweet face. He has a love-hate relationship with the snow. He looks happy enough here, but when his hands get cold he is a miserable boy. In this shot he was 10 minutes from my having to strip him out of his snow suit and wrap him in a warm blanket while I puffed hot air (no laughing here, okay?!) on his hands.

Everyone was pretty happy in this shot while they sat on their igloo. John is having a bit of trouble due to his boot coming off and his deciding it was a good idea to walk in his socks across the yard. I am giggling while I write that. By the way, Isaiah is 2 minutes from the whole blanket, hot air puffing thing in this picture.

What better thing for dinner than "Candy Bar in a Bowl?!" It's also known as oatmeal. Tonight we covered it with butter, sucanat and honey. Mmm, mmm, good.

No, they don't all use pacifiers, but they tried them out tonight. One of these is a real paci user (I am not telling which one) and the rest are test driving. This has to be one of the cutest shots of my boys. So sweet. They sat cuddled this way for Bible time this evening and then fell fast asleep after their big day.

Ashley is standing beside me as I write this. She will be twelve in two days. Where has the time gone? Am I old enough to have a pre-teen?! There is so much left to teach her... Happy almost Birthday Ashley. xo By the way, it's about time you started hearing a bit from her on this blog. That is part of my plan for the next year. Stay tuned!

Snow snow snow snow snow!

2010-02-06T17:03:00.005-05:00

The snow has stopped falling and we have record amounts on the ground. I had to shovel my way in waist deep snow to get to our heat pump to make sure it was clear of snow drifts. Peter left on a trip before the snow began to fall. He was originally schedule to come home tomorrow night but his flight has been canceled. We hope to see him on Monday before the next storm comes. There is a chance for 6-8 inches of snow on Tuesday or Wednesday. Below are some photos from last night and this morning. Since then we have about 10 more inches on the ground. I shoveled the driveway last night but this morning doesn't prove it. The snow drifts are up to my door handle on my big van. The kids and I have spent the afternoon watching The Music Man. They love it and it just happens to be one of the movies on my list for school for next week. I can check that off the list. The picture below is of the girls standing in front of the shed. They didn't shovel it out, the drift just landed that way. Isn't that cool?!
Well, we have 20 minutes left of our movie. I think I will get everyone back together to finish it. Oh, here they come anyway! They are getting restless however if I let them go outside I may lose them in a drift. Just kidding, they will be headed that way in about 30 minutes now that the snow isn't blowing at 35 mph!

Texas in an RV

2010-02-05T22:57:00.006-05:00

So we went to Texas for a little vacation...

Our rental RV broke down on our first day, on Saturday afternoon, when no one in town could help fix it. We limped it into a campground where we sat for 2.5 days until the rental company could have it towed. This is what we did during those 2.5 days at the little "Mom and Pop" campground. This may have been our best time together. Isn't that always how it goes?

Looked for tadpoles...

Climbed a tree...

Planned a wedding where Ashley's future husband climbs a tree to carry her down. The bride and all the bridesmaids will carry pine needles.

Took a nature walk...

Played in the water...heard gun shots as it was the last day of duck hunting season...talked, held hands, sang around the campfire and enjoyed simplicity. There is joy in no phone and no computer!

In the afternoon of the 3rd day the tow truck arrived to take us to a mechanic. We told the rental company that we needed a van to pick us up as there are 7 of us. They sent a 5 seater PT Cruiser. Umm. No. Once we were towed to the mechanic, this is where they had us wait. Yes, it was that dark and that small. We decided to brave the highway and walk the quarter mile to grab an expensive burger.

The highway wasn't as crowded on the walk back to the mechanic. When we arrived at the shop we were told that the RV was his now and that they were sending us a new one...in a few hours. Umm, where are we supposed to go? So, he was kind enough to let us stay. We started packing for the move. The new RV arrived 2 hours after the shop had closed. We moved in the dark and started the drive to meet up with family, only to discover that the RV the rental company brought to us was still winterized. I am grateful for a husband who can be peaceable on the phone as I am contemplating flying across the table to give them a piece of my mind about the five children in my care. Peter was firm...and learned how to de-winterize an RV. While we were driving we started to notice a gas smell. The refrigerator! He had to call them about that one too. They told us to turn off the gas, so we went without heat that night. It was only 40 degrees in the vehicle. And on and on and on...So much so that the guy taking the calls said he hadn't seen a log that long in a really long time. In spite of it all, we still had a great time and learned more than anyone could possibly want to know about RV...unless of course you are contemplating purchasing one, which of course we are...shocked?

This is the farm we liked. 30 acres and a nice sized house with a boys dorm on one side and a girls dorm on the other.

The Texas traveling crew on our last day together. We hope to see you soon as we miss you already!

Dinner at Risky's BBQ before heading to the Ft. Worth Stockyard Rodeo. This was our second time there. Yea, we really like it!

The kids like this form of travel. We had too many sodas and snacks all with the benefit of a table upon which toi serve them.

Our last day at Cooper Lake. We saw many hog and deer prints while we strolled through God's gorgeous creation. One evening at the campground we counted 12 deer. The children were thrilled. Peter wanted his gun...

But I was busy threatening the RV rental people with it.

The kids and I ended our last nature walk with a cap gun fight around the RV.

Our last evening was spent by the campfire, then playing our new Kids Sequence around the little RV table, smelling a strange burning smell coming from the RV, discovering the electrical panel had a problem with the battery negative, calling the company, driving two hours into town, cleaning out the RV and sleeping in a hotel. The rental company was sorry for the problems we encountered and wound up giving us many of our nights free and a coupon for our next rental. Yes, we will use it.

Birthday Boys!

2010-02-03T14:26:00.004-05:00

These two shared another birthday yesterday!
Happy 3rd Birthday Isaiah!!!
Happy **th Birthday Peter!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

They are sleeping...

2010-01-12T17:45:00.003-05:00

My big boys fell asleep way too late into the afternoon today. Daniel falling asleep at 3:30, is still asleep at almost 6. John fell asleep at 5. Oh boy! They have been sick with a bad cold and we have yet to venture out since my cousins wedding. Okay, we took one big trip to Sam's Club but we gotta eat! That's been it since December 31. I am so ready to get out of the house. We have errands planned for tomorrow. Dare I try to wake the boys since they have not been feeling well? No, I will let them sleep a little longer, wake up naturally and then stay up with Moma late into the night. Peter is at work and night's like what is coming always produce sweet memories. Have a good night. I know I will.

The Boxing Boys

2010-01-06T18:32:00.002-05:00

I smiled while I watched Peter explaining to the 6 and 5 year olds how to mold a mouth piece. They practiced three times before he started the real molding, hot water and all. They had it down, they knew what to do. Then, he dipped the piece in hot water and put it in their mouths. It became hot chewing gum! Not molded, rather bitten repeatedly. Daddy saying, "Now wait to bite... okay, bite, wait! no! ow!!" At this point I was rolling with laughter. He tried a couple more times and then told big J to spit his in the trash. They tried again. It was better. He re-dipped Daniels and it went a little more smoothly. I only wish I could have caught the whole thing on film. I cannot do it justice. My husband was so animated as he described how to do it and so calm while he said, "wait, bite, no, ouch, bite, wait, suck, suck the water out." "Good job boys!" My husband, my hero. Especially in circumstance like this. He is a good example. I love you Pete!

And now, The Boys!

Come on Daddy! Come box!

It's a new year...

2010-01-04T12:21:00.002-05:00

I have not blogged because there has been too much to blog about! Peter was on call for Christmas so we celebrated early, then he wasn't called in. God is so good to let him be home with us all that time. He was able to join us for both extended family fellowships. After Christmas we rolled right into my cousins wedding, in which Daniel was the ring bearer. We had the rehearsal, dinner and then the wedding followed by Happy New Year! It was such an exciting time. Peter had us stay at a hotel near the wedding so that we would save a couple hours of driving with the kids. It was the perfect opportunity for the children to roll out their new sleeping bags. No one wanted the 2nd bed in the hotel room. I volunteered to stretch out in it but couldn't stand the thought of not feeling Peters feet all night long. Ashley decided she could take the bed. So there she was, our growing 11 year old, stretched out on a double all by herself while Dad and Mom cuddled in the other double. The other four were scattered here and there with no one blocking the way to the bathroom!

So now we are home and the temperature is a mere 25 degrees. We have a fire going, the kids are braving it after a long morning of back-to-school time and I am listening to the sound of laughing children along with pots and pans rolling down the back steps. What could they be up to? Probably wanting to freeze some more water to make ice. Peter has volunteered to take them on an ice run after they have a few blocks to use to slide down their grandparents hill. Though this will not be today as my husband picked up something during our week and has been laid out for 3 days. We are praying protection over the rest of us while we take turns waiting on him. He is up and about more today, but our sweet Daniel over heard that Daddy was going to drink water today and then showed up with one of his hot wheels cups full of water for Daddy. Oh when I see the precious hearts of my children, what joy!

We began last year with a decision to read through straight through the Bible in a year. We have read everyday, but with little ones we didn't quite make it all the way through. We are continuing this year where the 31st left off. We are in Luke. God's timing is good. If you have not read through the Bible we encourage you to do so. He still speaks and His word is right and true. We pray you will have eyes to see and ears to hear what He wants to reveals to you this year.
Blessings to you in this New Year!
We stand amazed at how the Lord has showered His mercy and blessing on us.

Our Merry Christmas!

2009-12-23T14:10:00.007-05:00

This guy tried a Shocker candy.
We celebrated early because he is on call for work the next few days.
We had a sweet celebration and are all still in pjs. We are off to watch a movie and eat more candy. There are so many costumes because after Halloween I spend a whopping $20 and load up on dress up clothes for my kids. This year we decided to save it all for Christmas. The kids loved it. Daniel had been asking for a Monkey dress up costume. He loves it so much he told us he wants to take a nap in it. The boys all loved their Pendragon knight costumes and started sword fighting right away. The girls are beautiful in their white lace gloves and medieval dresses. Ashley's big gift was a tea set from Vision Forum. We are so pleased with it. She loves it as it is so delicate and has roses all over it. Abi received Heelys and is starting to get he feet under her. John's big gift was a Ripstik and he loves it. Daniel had been asking for the Vision Forum RC Amphibious car-he was so pleased! Isaiah is our big boy riding a skateboard. I am off to re-join my family.

God sent His richest blessing to you all in His Son Jesus Christ--the true reason for this holy-day season. If you do not know Him, then your Christmas is meaningless. Our prayer is that He will call you to Him, that you will love Him and live your lives for Him! If you don't know what I am talking about, grab a Bible and start reading the book of Luke.
Merry Christmas!

Cookies!

2009-12-21T20:09:00.003-05:00

The clan and the candies

I thought about titling this post Half-Baked but then realized that is some kind of reference to drugs, of which I do not take part. So, Cookies it is! I spent several hours getting gingerbread dough made and then cutting out shapes to assemble a house and train. Peter cut out the last thing---a dinosaur of course.

It's done! We have about 30 gingerbread people to go with the house, train and Behemoth.

By the way, the icing writers are fantastic. Just don't let the two year old have full liberty when using them. Somehow Isaiah got a hold of the red writer. The next thing we knew he was covered, hand were red, lips painted to perfection and just enough in and under the nose to resemble a terrific nose bleed! I didn't get a good picture of that, just the smiling, already cleaned up boy:

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

2009-12-20T18:55:00.003-05:00

We had 18 inches of snow and some huge snow drifts. The kids began working on an igloo last night but didn't accomplish much today as we went to breakfast at Papa and Gramommy's and then they rode around with Peter helping some family and neighbors dig out. Breakfast was fun as Papa and Gramommy made egg in the hole (you may know this as eggs in a basket) using a reindeer for the hole. What a fun Christmasy surprise! We also started our Christmas celebration with Dad and Mom yesterday, opening stockings and sharing a few gifts. Peter is on call on Christmas Day so our snowy celebration was perfect yesterday. We had my sister, her husband and their daughter there. We were missing my brother as he couldn't make it over from downtown. I was just informed that the igloo only needs a little more work before it is inhabitable. Since we spent part of the day helping others, we didn't get to do our own driveway. Dad just walked his super-duper-imported snow blower down the street and took care of it for us. We are now doing a 5 minute pick-up around the house as it has totally fallen apart between yesterday and today. Then it's on to reading and snuggling on the couch. We feel so blessed that our Sabbath was surrounded by God's blessing of beauty and a sweet reminder that when we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful to wash us white as snow.

Busy, busy.

2009-12-16T20:08:00.005-05:00

The Daddy-Husband-Pilot is at work.
The holy ones are currently lying on the floor surrounded by books.
The Wife-Moma just finished reading several of said books to said holy ones
We are busy living life, rather than writing about it! I know you understand.
However, a quick update as to what the happenings are around here...

We arrived home Monday morning (so early it was really Sunday night!) after a wonderful week learning more about our Lords creation at The Creation Museum and His word at the Sufficiency of Scripture Conference. We enjoyed the museum so much that we decided to purchase a year long pass even though the facility is located an almost 10 hour drive from our house. Want to come along with us next time we go? The SOS conference was wonderful and so affirming as to what God has been showing us in His word this year. I mentioned at the beginning of the year that we had committed to reading through the Bible in a year. We have read everyday but with five little ones just recently started the New Testament. We are all loving it and learning so much. If you have never read the Bible cover to cover, I highly recommend it.

Peter is on reserve for Christmas so we will celebrate with the children a few days early. This has my mind reeling with what needs to be wrapped and possibly purchased. The following week my cousin is getting married and Daniel will be the cute, tux-wearing, flower girl escorting ring bearer. It will be a fun time.

That's it for now. Blessings to you and yours. Possibly more on the conference later. It was really good!

The Wrestlers

2009-12-03T19:50:00.002-05:00

My man and three little men had their first private wrestling lesson this week. It was so fun to watch them. The boys have the whole "heal toe knee" thing down. They can do it from one end of the mats to the other, each of them saying, "heal-toe-knee" as they go. What a fun time for the boys and fellowship for us all. Their fantastic coach happens to be my State Champ cousin. It pays to know people. :)

All I want for Christmas...

2009-11-27T21:31:00.002-05:00

I was going through my phone videos and found this one of John. I thought it was a good way to kick off the Christmas countdown. Just for the record I am the "mean Moma" stating that I didn't think he would get that for Christmas! This video is from last year. He had justed turned five...iPod!?!?

Thankful

2009-11-26T18:58:00.004-05:00

We were able to spend the morning with Peters side of our family as his parents are in town. Then Peter left for work and I took the children to the Thanksgiving celebration for my side this afternoon. Some of us had turkey at both celebrations, some of us did not. I will not name names.

As I sit here pondering my day, my children are laughing and playing throughout the house. They have run up and down the stairs too many times to count.

I am thankful for many things:
My husband who is willing to lead this family and works hard for us.
My children who are healthy, laughing, playing and absorbing God's Word.
My extended family on both sides...parents, siblings, nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, cousins.
Another birthday.
We truly are abundantly blessed. I hope you had a chance to give thanks today and every day for our Lords gracious provision, endless mercy and saving death.

Ahh the sound!

2009-11-19T14:58:00.003-05:00

My washing machine is spinning and I am grateful. It broke a few days ago and with hubby out of town I had to hunt for a Mr. Fix It. After several calls to Sears and Appliance Doctor (both of whom said they could fit me in after Thanksgiving or sometime in December), I hit the jackpot with a company that could come out pretty quick. My washer is working and I have already started the first of what will turn out to be 10 loads or so! What luxury in which we live.
I am so blessed.

Kid Quote

2009-11-06T10:25:00.001-05:00

As we are drawing:

Mommy: Daniel, I know what that is! It's a Teepee. That's great.

Daniel: No it's not. It's an Indian House!

Adoptive Mom

2009-11-04T20:19:00.002-05:00

God's original plan for my kids was not what it is currently. God's original plan doesn't involve sinful, selfish and depraved people. It involves not eating from a tree and being fruitful and multiplying for His glory, to worship and fellowship with Him. My precious children are here with me because of the self-gratifying nature of this sinful people. And I rejoice because someone else's failures became my reward. I get to be their mom. I get to kiss their hurts, tuck them in, hear them sing and raise them for the glory of his Creator. But I ache. I am fallible. I am faced with the fact that I cannot make it all better all the time. I cannot be Jesus. I can show Jesus, love Jesus and walk within the boundaries of His word. But I cannot take away all the hurt that my children may feel. I can ask the Lord to protect them from the pain and I can teach my children to lean on Him to heal their wounds. That is my job. That is my calling--raising my kids for His glory and His alone. The Lord is faithful to restore what the locusts have stolen. He is Jehovah-Jireh (The Lord will Provide). He is Jehovah-Rophe (The Lord Who Heals). He is Jehovah-M'Kaddesh (The Lord Who Sanctifies). And in the midst of it all He is Jehovah-Shammah (The Lord is There).
Peace be with you all tonight.

What do you do with birthday balloons?

2009-11-04T15:35:00.001-05:00

My boys

2009-11-02T08:07:00.003-05:00

When I went to bed last night, this is what I found already occupying the space. My precious little boys. 2 and 5. I am so blessed to be their Moma.

Daniel is 5 today!

2009-10-29T11:29:00.005-04:00

Happy Birthday Daniel! We are blessed to be your Daddy and Mommy! You are sweet joy to us and we stand amazed at your precious spirit, serving heart and continued growth as you learn more about Jesus! We pray your next year is blessed. We pray that you continue to grow in Him as you gain wisdom and understanding through the fear of the Lord.
Happy 5th Birthday sweet, tough and handsome boy!
We love you, Daddy and Moma

What are you doing for Halloween?

2009-10-26T20:39:00.004-04:00

We don't do it. Usually we hide in the basement, lights off out front, gate closed to the porch, eating candy and watching a clean movie! This year we had planned to host a Reformation celebration, talk about Luthers 95 thesis and eat good German food. However, my husband is working. We were invited to a bonfire out in the country where noone but God and those invited know where we are! So, we may do that or we may do the usual. Either way we have a strong conviction that light and darkness have no fellowship together. Before we had children we would pass out candy and tracks. No more. We do not even frequent the stores that are decorated. We have been known to not go into certain stores for the entire month of October. Instead I would drive a little further to pick up whatever we needed.

Our almost 5yo son has a birthday this Thursday. Last year we went shopping for fun plates for his party. Where do you think we went? Yep, to the dreaded, fully decorated, Party City! I wasn't even thinking about the fact that it too would be decorated (I had already driven 10 minutes pass the store we were boycotting due to their decorations). We took a step in the door and a human sized half zombie-half man yard ornament "spoke" to my then 3 yo son. I covered my sons face, turned around and hurried from the store. My son has talked about it for an entire year!

We need to be aware of to what we are exposing our children. For us, it is not enough to "play down" Halloween. We just have to call it what it is and do something else. I understand the shying away from the "what are you going to be" or "do you want to hear my best witch laugh?" UGH. Umm, no thank you and Jesus loves you!

She Likes Scripture

2009-10-22T14:21:00.005-04:00

It was right after breakfast when we noticed she was missing. Someone must have let her out to "do her business" and there she remained while we ate our oh-so-yummy scrambled eggs, sausage links and apple butter topped toast. Breakfast was over and it was time to let 'Minnie' have a couple bites of leftover eggs. "Minnie! Minnie! Come here Minnie!" She was nowhere to be found. After realizing we had not seen her since before breakfast we decided it was time to find her. We donned socks, shoes and bike helmets and proceeded to cover The Island in two different directions. Girls one way and Daddy with boys the other way, all yelling, "Minnie!" Mommy driving the Jeep and checking with neighbors. Over an hour passed and still no dog. She never goes that far so this was highly unusual. We checked at Papa and Gramommy as perhaps she wanted better food? No dog. We decided to give up and just wait as we were hopeful she would return. Daddy looked downstairs, Mommy looked upstairs checking each room thoroughly...one...more...time. No dog. No barking. Nothing. We decided to start Family Bible Time and in ran the dog, straight to her water for a big drink and straight to the door to go out for her "business," then back in to curl up and listen to Isaiah (the prophet, not the son). If only we had started Family Bible Time sooner...

Daddy and Daniel project

2009-10-20T15:46:00.004-04:00

Remember the bike Isaiah decided to try on a couple weeks ago?

Today it was revamped for our growing Daniel! Daniel bought it from John after trying it out yesterday. Today Daddy and Daniel sanded and painted it to make it brand new for our almost 5 year old. They found white, blue and glitter paint in the basement, so they went with it. The frame is white, the fenders and handle bars are blue (Daniel's favorite color) and the entire thing has a couple coats of gold glitter. They finished the look with some of Daniels favorite stickers from his collection. We consider it a good combination of Daniel and Go Navy! After all was completed the two of them reassembled the bike and hit the road for a long ride around The Island. Daniel tackled big hills and was so brave. Daddy and Daniel had a fun time.
What a sweet blessing to watch two of my favorite people have so much fun together...

Sanding and taping!

Thumbs up Dude!

Ready for our big bike ride!

We are giddy from giving!

2009-10-16T13:11:00.003-04:00

Yesterday we drove ourselves to the Amish Market to have a hearty breakfast and pick up a new 50lb bag of Hard Red Winter Wheat. We discovered our Amish waitress was getting married in 12 days. Peter and I engaged her in conversation for a bit and then we both got a certain look in our eye. We were thinking the same thing. Just this past Sunday our Pastor decided to show Dave Ramsey's video about finance. He told a story about a couple who started their own Waffle House ministry. They decided to pray and ask the Lord to give them a waiter or waitress who really needed money and then they would leave a huge tip. Peter and I knew we were being told to give our waitress a big tip. It was so fun and so fulfilling to walk away seeing the huge smile on her face. What a blessing it is to share what is not really ours anyway! God owns the cattle on a thousand hills!

I challenge you to do the same. I promise, it feels so good!

A few photos from last month...

2009-10-11T16:29:00.004-04:00

Peter took his vacation week at the beginning of September.
Besides the boat trip with Papa and Gramommy, we also did this:

Abi jumps from the piling in the front yard.

Ashley and Daddy building the drum bone.

The children jumped from the pier at Papa and Gramommy's as well
but the only photos I have are of the climb back up!

**John is here while I am posting these photos and we are both wondering where the photo is of him. He thinks he was too cold to jump so he stayed on the pier. :)

Swine flu vaccine

2009-10-07T20:54:00.002-04:00

Isaiah, The Dude

2009-10-06T16:01:00.003-04:00

No, he was not actually riding this big bike. Although he would sure like to! Our Isaiah loves the outdoors and is constantly asking (sometimes literally pulling me by the hand to follow him) to go out or ride his bike. The bike in this photo is big brother John's bike. It was a beautiful day and a bike ride was the just the thing. Peter strapped Daniel to his back and I had Isaiah in the baby seat on my bike. The kids loved it. We need to do that more often.

September Boat Trip

2009-10-04T20:04:00.004-04:00

Here are a few photos from our boat trip with Papa and Gramommy.
It was so much fun. We really need to do it again.

The straws and lids can hurt the animals.

2009-10-03T17:16:00.003-04:00

We took the kids to the zoo yesterday. The lion area was closed except for one section. The elephant house was closed for renovation. Supposedly there were orangutans somewhere to be found. The ape house was empty. The hippo had been sold to Minnesota. There were birds aplenty. We saw 2 zebras and 3 cheetahs. Mostly the cheetahs were pacing the pen watching the zebras. We never saw any feeding action. Not unless you count the time when we were going to see the lobster eat an oyster and we waited oh-so-patiently as the volunteer dropped the oyster right behind a rocky area where we couldn't see. We definitely saw our fair share of snakes. We caught a wild praying mantis but left it there as we didn't want to steal one of the main attractions of the zoo. Don't get me wrong, we had a great time and the kids loved seeing the animals that were actually AT the zoo. We finished our visit with a yummy soda. We paid and they handed us 32 ounce cups. When we asked for lids and straws (after all we have five kiddos drinking from these big cups) they informed us without apology that the straws and lids can hurt the animals. Peter and I were shocked! Is this written on a sign somewhere? We feel cheated. We didn't know. We wouldn't have bought them...okay, we would have. But what we really wanted to know was...Exactly WHAT animals were going to be injured by straws and lids?!

Kid Quote

2009-09-30T18:53:00.002-04:00

Today's kid quote comes from 2 1/2 year old Isaiah...

Abi to Isaiah as she begins to "throw" him on the couch: Are you ready?! Liberty!

Isaiah: No! I'm the baby. I'm the baby. I'm the baby.

Love it when the youngest uses his knowledge of being "the baby" to his own advantage.

A birthday boy and the last few months!

2009-09-21T18:40:00.003-04:00

Our birthday boy:
John T turned 6 on Saturday!
You are joy to us John!
Happy Birthday smiling, "sticky fingers," cowboy John!

I have been extremely behind on updating this blog!
This is a quick run down of what we have been up to...

June: one week in Texas, one week in California visiting family

July: one week in Boston for Reformation 500

August: hosted a missions fellowship in our home, hosted a missionary, started school, Isaiah's adoption was finalized (insert shouts of joy!), went to Pennsylvania for a weekend of family fellowship and missions MAF, Peter started a week of vacation at the end of the month and that took us into...

September: spent a night on my parents boat with them at a cool resort, went apple, peach and blackberry picking, did not labor on Labor Day, took a one week whirlwind road trip to Georgia for a Jesus in the Quran conference, visited family on the way home, visited Liberty University (where I was attending when Peter stole my heart) and our pastors son, a visit from Oma and celebrated John's birthday and still more to come!

Tim Hawkins - The Government Can

2009-08-25T12:41:00.000-04:00

Lost tooth

2009-08-20T09:27:00.006-04:00

John lost his other front tooth. Needless to say my older kids are singing a famous Christmas song about him. What do you think his apples will look like now?

Other things lost this week include one female hamster. Yet to be found. I am a little freaked out every time I pick up a load of laundry from the floor. Where could she be hiding? No sign of her anywhere. Perhaps she has fled the property due to my inability to really love her. I wonder how long before the other one leaves.

Kid Quote

2009-08-10T21:29:00.002-04:00

As relayed to me by my father, who heard the whole thing go down, when my John threw a bucket off the pier into the murky river:

Daddy: John, you know you are not supposed to do that, now jump in and go get it.

John, age 5: No, I can't Daddy, I can't, I am scary, I am scary!! (this is actually what he says when he means scared)

Daddy: You threw it in, you go get it. There is nothing to be afraid of.

John: I scary Daddy! I scary of the jellyfish!

Enter Daniel, age 4: He's not scared of the jellyfish. He's scared of the sharks.

Orphan

2009-07-28T22:01:00.003-04:00

Tom Davis over at Notes from the field said this about the new movie Orphan:

I want to challenge my readers and friends to write 500 positive blog posts about how an orphan has impacted and changed your life. Post this on your own blog so that when people search for the movie, they are flooded with positive messages about adoption and orphan care.

Just finish this sentence: "Warner Bros. new horror movie Orphan proclaims that it must be hard to love an adopted child as much as your own. Let me tell you about how an orphan changed my life..."

My adopted children are my own. I am continually surprised when I walk by the mirror and once again realize that they don't look like me! Most often I feel like your typical large family with 2 full shopping carts at Sam's Club. Then I realize. They are starring because we "have our hands full" and because we are a trans-racial family. I found myself telling my husband that we might be the only black people at a conference we recently attended. Then I kind of laughed. I am not black. But I am Moma to 3 who are black, 1 who is Mexican and 1 who is a perfect combination of the two. I will let you figure it all out from the photo above. So, how has my life changed by these wonderful 5?

These two full hands make one fuller heart.

Five good morning cuddles.

Five snacks, five times a day.

Five times the energy.

Five times the laughter.

Five times the smiles.

Five times the fun.

Five sets of arms to watch splashing in the pool.

Five sets of legs that run down to the beach.

Five toothbrushes lined up by the sink.

Five times five pairs of shoes left by the front door.

Five stories to hear about what happened while they played.

Five books to read during "mommy reading time."

Five different animals to keep, okay make that 11.

Five bicycles lined up on the driveway.

Five different sizes of the same kind of socks.

Five mouths chewing mint gum.

Five bedtime prayers.

Five goodnight kisses.

Five different ways to be

eternally grateful

to the Lord for

His precious gifts.

Since becoming ours, my children have grown to know the Living God. They have grown from shy and unsure to knowing they are loved. This love is not just from myself and my husband, but from Jesus, their Redeemer. The life they came from is not who they are, but it has an impact for Christ on where they are going.

So that we remember.

2009-07-27T13:30:00.003-04:00

Deuteronomy 8:18 (NIV)

¹⁸ But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today.

Throughout scripture we are told to remember. I write this today in order to remember that my Lord is faithful to speak...when I am willing to listen.

Every once in a while something happens in your life that will be a memory to share with your grandchildren. In my case the something that happened will be retold to my children and to my children's children in order to glorify my Father in heaven. For the past two years Peter and I have felt the urge to move from our home and settle in a place where the children can run, our family can continue to grow and we can afford to live a simple life. God has always spoken to us about debt as well. We purchased cars we could afford with cash that we had saved for this purpose. If we use the credit card then we pay it off, in full, when the bill arrives. We always make sure we have the money in the bank before making any purchase. We use the cash system for groceries and clothing and when it is gone, it is gone. We do not put something on credit in order to have it right now. So, we do not have any debt...or do we?

We have a mortgage. For years we have not seen our house as debt. According to culture it is a tax write-off. "You don't want to pay off your house because it's a tax shelter." But this is worldly advice, not Biblical advice. God was speaking to us about this, but we were not positive about what we should do. So, we fasted and prayed. We fell on our faces before the Living God and asked for guidance. God is so good! He answered before we even had a chance to ask! We have been reading through the Bible with the children this year and this is where God had us for the day of our fast...His timing is perfect. His will is perfect.

His answer to our question of whether we should sell our house was this:

Nehemiah 5:1-5
Now the men and their wives raised a great outcry against their Jewish brothers. Some were saying, "We and our sons and daughters are numerous; in order for us to eat and stay alive, we must get grain."
Others were saying, "We are mortgaging our fields, our vineyards and our homes to get grain during the famine."
Still others were saying, "We have had to borrow money to pay the king's tax on our fields and vineyards. Although we are of the same flesh and blood as our countrymen and though our sons are as good as theirs, yet we have to subject our sons and daughters to slavery. Some of our daughters have already been enslaved, but we are powerless, because our fields and our vineyards belong to others."

We know this sounds ridiculous to many people. But God spoke so very clearly to us through this passage. He knew that this would be our reading for that day. He knew we would be fasting, seeking Him. He knows the plans He has for us. Are we hurting for money? No. Are we able to feed the kids? Yes. Can we pay the mortgage? Yes. God has blessed Peter with an incredible job! But He also spoke very clearly to us to sell our house as "our fields and vineyards belong to others." So, our house is up for sale. We do not have a sign in the yard. We have not listed it with an agent. We have not put it in the paper. But it is for sale and should someone come knocking on our door asking us if we would like to sell our house, then the answer is yes. Because God told us to. By the way, the sign will go in when we have the house ready to show.

If there is something that the Lord has been talking to you about but you are not totally ready to hear. Please consider fasting and praying and really listening to His voice so that it may go well with you too!

Chick-fil-A

2009-07-21T22:44:00.000-04:00

Tim Hawkins on Chick-fil-A

Black White Tan

2009-07-21T15:43:00.002-04:00

Nicole C. Mullen's Black White Tan

Although Momma doesn't look like coffee, we are certainly Black White and Tan around here. We have found this song to hold a special place for all of us. I was not able to upload the song, so the video is the best we could do from You Tube.
We didn't film it, but I appreciate the girl who did!
The lyrics are posted for you to read along while you listen to the You Tube video.
Enjoy! I am sure you will see why we love this song...

*************************

Momma looks like coffee, Daddy looks like cream
Baby is a mocha drop American dream
All the colors of the rainbow are in her family tree
Woven all together in a paisley tapestry
She holds real tightly to her parents' hands
Baby loves that woman, baby loves that man
And her soul gives a smile 'cause she understands
Our love is black, white, tan
Yeah, yeah, yeah black, white, tan

Everyone is precious in the Father's sight
It don't matter red or yellow, black or white
He just loves ya 'cause He loves ya
I tell you this is true
You are not a color and a color is not you
So hold real tightly to your Daddy's hands
'Cause he loves that woman, He loves that man
And let your soul give a smile 'cause you understand
That love is black, white, tan
yeah, yeah, yeah black, white, tan

Na, na, na, na, na . . .

So hold real tightly to your Daddy's hands
'Cause he loves that woman, and he loves that man
And let your soul give a smile every once in a while
Let your soul give a smile every once in a while (repeat 2x)
'Cause love is black, white, tan
Yeah, I know God's love is black, white, tan
Yes I know God's love is black, white, tan
Little girl will tell you black, white and tan

In which they nap.

2009-07-14T16:32:00.003-04:00

It was that kind of morning. The kind that told me I should not have awoken the peaceful ones. We HAD to get up at 7. Okay, this is not early by any stretch of the imagination, especially if you are a Mom. However, it was early after a long day of fun yesterday. So, I woke them up. Why? Because my dear, wonderful faithful husband hired someone to come deep clean the house for me. DID YOU HEAR THAT??? I said, "My DEAR, WONDERFUL, FABULOUS, FAITHFUL husband hired a maid for me!" Woo-hoo! Shouts of extreme joy and endless happy dancing ensue. But they had to come at 8am. So, I woke everyone up at 7. Do you know what I was going to do? Because I was bestowing the "fabulous mom" award on myself, I decided to take them to Chick-fil-a. DID YOU HEAR THAT? We were going to Chick-fil-a for breakfast because I had a maid service coming to my house!!! (insert whooping of children here) But then it started. You know it. The behavior that comes from not having enough sleep, having a Mom run you from fun thing to fun thing and having the need to just be in your own home for a time. But I pushed. I told them to shape up. They begged forgiveness. We had Bible time. We prayed. We went to Chick-fil-a and all went well. Until. Noon. That was the hour. It was high noon. Attitudes were in full swing, mouths were talking back, eyes were droopy with sleep. So I did it. I made everyone nap. I mean everyone: the 2, 4, 5, 9, 11 year olds and even the dog. And do you know what they did? They all slept for 3 hours. Do you know what a homeschooling Mom can accomplish in 3 hours?! I sorted and put away all of our school work from the past year, cleaned out the computer desk junk drawer, laid on the couch and pondered what to do next, started planning this next school year, made a few phone calls, texted my husband, emailed my mother-in-law, wondered what to wear to my husbands 20 year high school reunion, drank a lemon-lime seltzer, started more laundry and wondered when the children were going to wake up again so we could play. Now they are all dressed (princess dresses for the girls and swords for the boys) and ready for a daring re-enactment of Pendragon, Sword of His Father. All is right again.

How did your day go?

My day.

2009-07-13T19:42:00.002-04:00

What I did not accomplish today:
laundry
paperwork
school planning
book reviewing
sewing
cabinet reorganizing

What I did accomplish today:
friend visiting
children playing
snack giving
lots of smiles
popsicle dripping
niece holding
husband phone chat
lots of swimming
sandy feet
meal sharing
laughter hearing
children baby hamster holding
now almost to bed

We fished. We failed. We fed.

2009-07-11T22:08:00.003-04:00

We had big plans this evening to fish, fillet and fry. Ashley caught one and decided to "pet" it for a minute when it jumped right out of her hands and back into the Bay. I held another rod and felt a big one biting. I slowly reeled it in and tugged the line only to have the hook and bait fly up and out of the water with my Mom laughing a bit in the background. It was rather funny as we both thought it must have been "Nessy." So what did we settle on you might ask? Well, fortunately I had purchased fish sticks (no laughing please) to use as our substitute for our fish tacos. We slathered corn tortillas with sour cream-cilantro sauce, laid out those crispy fish sticks, covered them with cabbage, squeezed a little lime on them, folded them over, put them to our mouths, enjoyed the flavor and watched as our tortillas fell apart leaving saucy fish sticks on our hands with our fingers as the rescuing utensils. Then we did it again. And then My Guy remembered...last time we cooked them lightly in oil and you really need to do that to corn tortillas for the flavor and for the mold-ability. But my Mom and I agree, they still tasted really good. Mom also had sushi, edamame, cole slaw and pink frosted cookies for us. Yummmmmm. Let's do it again tomorrow!

Semper Reformanda!

2009-07-06T13:19:00.007-04:00

From fabulous lectures and tours to meeting like-minded families, Reformation 500 exceeded our expectations! We were blessed to make new friends and look forward to having time with them over the years as we make every effort to attend every conference that Vision Forum offers.

The conference focused on celebrating the reformers such as John Calvin, John Knox and Martin Luther and what they did for us as Christians as well as focusing on what we could learn from them and how to apply that knowledge to our lives in order to shape the future.

The speakers we were privileged to hear included Doug Phillips, Scott Brown, Kevin Swanson, Dr. Joseph Morecraft, Geoffrey Botkin and Col. John Eidsmore. There were so many lectures we missed that we decided to purchase the entire lecture and tour recording.

Vision Forum does an excellent job is making their conferences come to life through the speakers. This time they included reformers from the past who "came to life" in order for us to learn their stories. There were 40 live reformers who told their stories as the children swarmed around them to get their autographs. Once the children had 30 autographs they could earn money towards a variety of items, one including a silver coin that was specifically made to celebrate this occasion. My boys chose swords and my girls chose money off at Behemoth.

We returned home with minds full of history and hearts desiring to apply what we learned in order to plan our vision for the future. Our desire is for our children to learn from the past as well so that they may apply it to the now and to help shape the future for the glory of God.

Peter surprised us with a limo ride to our hotel.
We didn't have to take our car seats as a limo is considered public transportation!

Ashley and Moma in the limo.

Funny kids in the limo.

We arrived at the hotel at 11am and they let us check in. What a blessing! Vision Forum brought in an exact replica on the Liberty Bell and displayed it in the foyer of the hotel. On July 4th we all gathered around as it was rung 13 times in honor of the original 13 colonies.
It was loud and so cool!

Fanny Crosby autographs the children's books while she sings a few of the
songs which she wrote many years ago.

We gather in Boston Public Gardens (adjacent to the famous Boston Commons) for the children's parade of 2009 on July 4th.
The boys use their new swords while they await the line up for the parade.

Our little colonists.

President Washington leads the parade.

The parade is over and we are tired.

Our prayer for you is that you would be
Semper Reformanda
within your family and your community.
Do not be comfortable with the simple Christianity in which you may be living.
Believe the Sola Scriptura and live it!

Home, really.

2009-07-05T20:39:00.002-04:00

We are home from Boston and I am excited to tell you about our trip. After I get the kids to bed, finish unpacking, upload photos, fold some laundry and get a cup of Sleepytime, I should be back to tell you all about it. I will tell you right now, if you are ever able, please attend a Vision Forum event. It was more than we expected!

Home

2009-06-26T19:37:00.002-04:00

We are home after a whirlwind trip to Texas and California. I have yet to unpack bags but our raisin bread for tomorrow is in the oven. Priorities, ya know!? We are only home for a few days as we are joining hundreds of other families in Boston for Vision Forum's Reformation 500. Will we see you there? We will be the family dressed in all blue costumes. Just in case you can't find us based on what we look like! ;)

14 years

2009-06-01T19:53:00.005-04:00

Our rehearsal dinner photo:
proof that we have aged in the
last 14 years.

Today we celebrate 14 years of Marriage!
Of growing
Of loving
Of sharing
Of knowing
I love you.

Although this is a bit faster than our album, this one is for you my sweet, strong, wonderful God-fearing, God-loving, family-loving, family devoted man... I miss you today.

Peter left for a trip this morning and this is how I spent the rest of my day and the rest of tonight...

My five and five that belong to my friend.
It's a good thing we bought the 15 passenger.
It has been a fun day with all the kids.
God is so good to allow us to raise up this generation who
will passionately love and serve Him!

Abigail is NINE!

2009-05-29T22:18:00.003-04:00

Abigail turned 9 yesterday!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEET ABI!
Your smile is contagious.
Your songs tell a story.
Your care for your little brothers is admirable.
We love you!
xoxoxo

Overjoyed at getting to hold her cousin Emmie.

Excited for her birthday breakfast (it's an all day affair around here...okay, all week affair!)

The birthday hugs start!

For birthdays we allow the kids to pick out whatever (within certain attainable limits) they want for breakfast. Abi picked eggs, sausage, bacon, donuts and strawberries. One of the small blessings to having a large family is the abundance of birthdays, hence the abundance of donuts...Momma likes donuts but only on birthdays. Whew, we need some more kids! ;)

The day before Abi's birthday we took a trip to Luray Caverns in Virginia. We left our house at 6:30 am and didn't arrive to Luray until 11am. It's a good thing we travel with a porta-potty. We sat in turn-off-the-engine traffic for a while. The destination was worth the journey. We listened to Jonathan Park the entire way.
The kids love it and it is packed with Creation Science.

We love it when Daddy is home and field trips are possible.
Thank you Head of the household. You really do R-O-C-K.
No pun intended, really!

Kid Quote

2009-05-25T07:36:00.001-04:00

Today's kid quote is from Daniel.

"Maybe if you say Obama is nice, he not gonna take all your money."

Extravagant Worship

2009-05-24T19:33:00.003-04:00

What does extravagant worship look like to you? To me it is not worrying about what others think. I only want to worry about what my Lord and King thinks. I can't feel self-conscience if I feel pulled to my knees in worship at my occasionally-a-few-people-hand-lifting-church. I enjoy worship at my church. It is good. People just need to get outside themselves and give God "the glory due His name." (Psalm 96:8) Extravagant worship will cost you. It will not be easy. You may be criticized. You may be rebuked. But you will be remembered by our great God! (John 4:23)

T-Mobile Mom to Mom Quiz

2009-05-22T10:58:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Mary over at Owlhaven I took the Mom quiz.
Take it and let me know your Mom parenting style.
Some of the questions were difficult to answer for me...
But I found out something that I kind of already knew and that
my family might agree with... :)

Take the fun, Mom to Mom quiz and discover your parenting style.

Kid Quote

2009-05-21T20:09:00.002-04:00

This afternoon, Abigail and I went out for our annual date to pick out her birthday plates, napkins and party favors. I happened to have my husbands iPod with me so I scrolled through as we sat in traffic. We listened to Phantom of the Opera and sang loudly with the windows down. Then I came across something a little different. I am not sure of all the words to this song, so forgive me if there are some bad parts which neither one of us would approve. Also, forgive me if I am getting my husband in trouble right now. ;) I stopped at a song that I remembered was kind of a whistling type, so I threw it on to play for Abi.... "Will you still need me? Will you still feed me, when I'm 64?"

Abigail: 64!!! That is sooooo old.

Mom: Well, that's close to Oma and Papa's ages. (sorry Dad's and Mom's, just truth but we don't think you are old at all)

Abigail: What?!?! No way.

Mom: How old do you think Papa is, Abigail?

Abigail: 40 (how's that make you feel Daddy?)

Mom: Well, if that's the case he had me when he was about 6.

Abigail: What?!? ha ha ha ha ha ha ha (she finds this very funny!)

Mom: Abi honey, Daddy and I are closer to 40 than Papa.

Abigail: Really?!? (still totally shocked and mouth gaping)

I certainly remember when 30 was old. How about you?

The Graduate

2009-05-15T21:14:00.003-04:00

Congratulations on completing 5th grade sweet Ashley!
We are so proud of you!
xoxo, Daddy and Moma

Ashley and Gramommy pose before the big event.

Daddy and Moma get to talk about our wonderful daughter!

Daddy presents Ashley's diploma!

Daddy and daughter share some laughs.

Moma gets a photo with her Daddy!

We feel so blessed that Jesus entrusted us with the care of His Ashley. She is joy to us. She is loving, respectful, a good leader, a good example, an obedient daughter, a fun friend and a wonderful student. I am bless to be her Moma and to share the
teaching responsibility with her Daddy. (We couldn't do it without you Peter!)

"Did you bring the neighborhood?"

2009-05-14T16:02:00.003-04:00

It was time to hit Sam's Club again today. We haven't been since this. Today I braved it without Mr. Muscles. Just me and the kids, our full cart and many questions from strangers. The title of this post was my favorite. It was followed by, "Wow" "What do you drive?" "Do you have to have car seats for everyone too?" I have to tell you, I am very polite when strangers come up to talk to my children without so much as a glance my way. I am also very polite when they just open mouth gape at our intimate grouping of 7. That is what really cracks me up. What are these people going to do when we are walking in with 10 kids?!

No Compromise

2009-05-13T21:39:00.004-04:00

With every thought and deed I am an example. I can be an example of what to do or what not to do. Whether my actions glorify my Father in heaven, or whether they come from selfish indulgence, I am an example. What do my children see? Do they see their Moma living a life of white lies, bad character, disobedience and strife...or do they see their Moma living her life to the glory of her Father in heaven? It is easy to let little things slip. It is easy to say, "Tell them I am not home" in order to avoid a call or "Just say you are only 11" in order to skip paying the adult price on a ticket. But to what end? Why compromise? If you haven't read the 10 Commandments in a while, here they are, from Bible Gateway, for your review. Read them, consider them. As for me, I want to be light for my children. I will not call evil good and good evil. I will not compromise.

Exodus 20
The Ten Commandments
¹ And God spoke all these words:
² "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.
³ "You shall have no other gods before ^a]">[a] me.
⁴ "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. ⁵ You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, ⁶ but showing love to a thousand {generations} of those who love me and keep my commandments.
⁷ "You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.
⁸ "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. ⁹ Six days you shall labor and do all your work, ¹⁰ but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates. ¹¹ For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.
¹² "Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.
¹³ "You shall not murder.
¹⁴ "You shall not commit adultery.
¹⁵ "You shall not steal.
¹⁶ "You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.
¹⁷ "You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor."
¹⁸ When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear. They stayed at a distance ¹⁹ and said to Moses, "Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have God speak to us or we will die."
²⁰ Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning."

Home Sweet Home

2009-05-07T22:22:00.003-04:00

My home is a place of refuge. My desire is that when people walk in they feel the Prince of Peace ruling here. This is, of course, despite the five children running wildly through the house and vying for the attention of whoever has paid a call. We have focused this past year on how to greet people at the door. I am convinced that many things we teach our children need to be practiced in the home before they are capable of successfully completing the task outside of the home.

This past week the seven of us flew to Cali. Our trip was last minute due to a funeral. We laughed and cried with Grandpa and Oma. We rejoiced in face to face friendships with like-minded family. We traveled with a beloved cousin who cared for our children during the funeral events. We relaxed. We swam. We ate. We hugged good-bye. We came home. Home Sweet Home. Now we miss them all.

Islamic Demographics

2009-04-26T21:58:00.002-04:00

Thanks to Lisa over at A Second Generation of Homeschooling for the following video:

Got TEA?

2009-04-15T16:26:00.005-04:00

We took the kids to a TEA (Taxed Enough Already) party at the Harbor. It was nice being near water as they got the full effect. The men were throwing "tea" into the water--what a visual for the children. It was pouring down rain and we were soaked by the end of it. The photo below doesn't really show how wet we were! The blanket on Isaiah is drenched, Ashley's pants were soaked to her knee, Abi seemed to be the best dressed, we tried to cover Daniel as much as we could as he was asleep when we transferred him to the stroller and John just marched along stomping in puddles. It was so worth it! I wish Peter were in this photo. He was soaked through as his jacket was not as water proof as we thought. He is so good to me to take a photo of the 6 of us. Sweet man.

I was surprised to see other children there today. I did not take their photos, but it was refreshing. We also passed another van with a great homeschooling bumper sticker. I sure love homeschool field trips!

This man had a thousand bumper stickers made to pass out. Needless to say we now have a new bumper sticker for our big van.

These men were shouting different things and several of them were dressed up in period clothing. Their small vessel behind them them was full of "tea."

Today was an education for my children. It was a history lesson as well as a current events lesson. They did so well as we explained why we were there and how we don't want them paying tomorrow for what our government is spending today. They continue to be amazed as we explain where our tax dollars are going. My children's response is wide-eyed and questioning. We just completed our KONOS Obedience Unit. The children understand the difference between a Democracy and a Monarchy. My husband explained that we are close to having a king rather than a democracy. They knew what he meant. How little did I realize that when we were studying that we would have application so soon!

It's All Good

2009-04-10T09:02:00.003-04:00

I have a problem with the title Good Friday. I know it is good. But I have a hard time calling it Good. How can it be good when my Lord and King suffered and died on a cross for my sins? That is exactly it. It is good because he hung there for me, for my sins, for my redemption. But the Good news doesn't end there. Hallelujah! In three days, He rose again, conquering death, proving himself Lord and is seated at the Fathers right hand. Do you know him? Have you not heard? Below is the beginning of the story of the next three days... Read it and know what He has done for you, how He can wash you white as snow and how there is nothing that is too big for Him to forgive. He has already died for you and for any sin you have committed. Accept Him and know Peace.

Matthew 27
Judas Hangs Himself
¹Early in the morning, all the chief priests and the elders of the people came to the decision to put Jesus to death. ²They bound him, led him away and handed him over to Pilate, the governor.
³When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty silver coins to the chief priests and the elders. ⁴"I have sinned," he said, "for I have betrayed innocent blood."
"What is that to us?" they replied. "That's your responsibility."
⁵So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.
⁶The chief priests picked up the coins and said, "It is against the law to put this into the treasury, since it is blood money." ⁷So they decided to use the money to buy the potter's field as a burial place for foreigners. ⁸That is why it has been called the Field of Blood to this day. ⁹Then what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: "They took the thirty silver coins, the price set on him by the people of Israel, ¹⁰and they used them to buy the potter's field, as the Lord commanded me."^a]">[a]
Jesus Before Pilate
¹¹Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, "Are you the king of the Jews?"
"Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied.
¹²When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer. ¹³Then Pilate asked him, "Don't you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?" ¹⁴But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge—to the great amazement of the governor.
¹⁵Now it was the governor's custom at the Feast to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd. ¹⁶At that time they had a notorious prisoner, called Barabbas. ¹⁷So when the crowd had gathered, Pilate asked them, "Which one do you want me to release to you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?" ¹⁸For he knew it was out of envy that they had handed Jesus over to him.
¹⁹While Pilate was sitting on the judge's seat, his wife sent him this message: "Don't have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him."
²⁰But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed.
²¹"Which of the two do you want me to release to you?" asked the governor.
"Barabbas," they answered.
²²"What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called Christ?" Pilate asked.
They all answered, "Crucify him!"
²³"Why? What crime has he committed?" asked Pilate.
But they shouted all the louder, "Crucify him!"
²⁴When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. "I am innocent of this man's blood," he said. "It is your responsibility!"
²⁵All the people answered, "Let his blood be on us and on our children!"
²⁶Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.
The Soldiers Mock Jesus
²⁷Then the governor's soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company of soldiers around him. ²⁸They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, ²⁹and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand and knelt in front of him and mocked him. "Hail, king of the Jews!" they said. ³⁰They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again. ³¹After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him.
The Crucifixion
³²As they were going out, they met a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross. ³³They came to a place called Golgotha (which means The Place of the Skull). ³⁴There they offered Jesus wine to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, he refused to drink it. ³⁵When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots.^b]">[b] ³⁶And sitting down, they kept watch over him there. ³⁷Above his head they placed the written charge against him: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS. ³⁸Two robbers were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. ³⁹Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads ⁴⁰and saying, "You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!"
⁴¹In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him. ⁴²"He saved others," they said, "but he can't save himself! He's the King of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. ⁴³He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, 'I am the Son of God.' " ⁴⁴In the same way the robbers who were crucified with him also heaped insults on him.
The Death of Jesus
⁴⁵From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land. ⁴⁶About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi,^c]">[c] lama sabachthani?"—which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"^d]">[d]
⁴⁷When some of those standing there heard this, they said, "He's calling Elijah."
⁴⁸Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to Jesus to drink. ⁴⁹The rest said, "Now leave him alone. Let's see if Elijah comes to save him."
⁵⁰And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.
⁵¹At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. ⁵²The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. ⁵³They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus' resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people.
⁵⁴When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, "Surely he was the Son^e]">[e] of God!"
⁵⁵Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs. ⁵⁶Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's sons.
The Burial of Jesus
⁵⁷As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus. ⁵⁸Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus' body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. ⁵⁹Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, ⁶⁰and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away. ⁶¹Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb.
The Guard at the Tomb
⁶²The next day, the one after Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. ⁶³"Sir," they said, "we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, 'After three days I will rise again.' ⁶⁴So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people that he has been raised from the dead. This last deception will be worse than the first."
⁶⁵"Take a guard," Pilate answered. "Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how." ⁶⁶So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard.

*The above scripture was found on Bible Gateway.

What's grosser than gross?

2009-04-09T10:29:00.003-04:00

Walking in to the bathroom and noticing your two year old has removed the drain plug from the sink and is sucking the black mold off the side and bottom. Blaaaaaaa.

One positive, you realize you need to remove that part and clean it more often!

Modesty

2009-04-06T14:19:00.002-04:00

Just because I did it, doesn't make it right. That is my thought as I continue to train my girls to be virtuous, modest, pure young women. Summer is approaching and we are entering that time when we will spend hours by the pool. As a teenager I wore bikinis. Just because I did it, doesn't make it right. I could still be wearing bikinis, but that is not what God has called me to. He has called us to be modest and to do whatever we can to help our fellow brother to not stumble (men to look, women to compare themselves-you know you do it!). Last year the girls and I wore skirted swimsuits and the girls had swim shirts as well. Although they are only 11 and 8, they need to be trained to be modest from the beginning, not just when their curvier parts start to really be noticed!

The following is a section of the February 24 post from Is This Modest. To read the entire article click here.

"I saw them, front and center, in my local retail store last week; those small colorful pieces of material that masquerade as clothing. The articles of clothing that somehow cause even Christians to justify undressing with the rest of the world simply because they have sand under their feet. Yes, you know what I’m talking about: swimsuits!

I must admit I felt a little dread inside when I saw them out of the corner of my eye. Now, most Americans that find swimsuits distressing find them that way because they don’t like how they look in them. Me, I found myself feeling unsettled when I saw them because this year I have a different decision to make than past years. You see my journey to modesty began just 4 months ago. In the past couple years I loved swimsuit shopping and the only decision making involved was what one complimented my figure and drew the most attention to the assets I wanted to draw attention to. Well, much has changed in the past few months. God showed me how impure my thinking was and how much the motives behind my clothing choices had been corrupted by the thinking of the world. I now embrace a new, modest standard of dress that brings me to a new decision to make: Is there even reason for me to own or wear a swimsuit this year? Certainly none of them I have seen meet the standard of coverage God has put on my heart. I wonder do I even need one?

You would think swim suits would be for actually swimming in..."