Fits and Giggles of the Hawaiian Heldts

Hard days

2011-09-15T12:32:00.000-07:00

It's been a hard season around here as of late. One that makes me want to run and hide instead of blog. Mostly this season has been one of learning to listen to God, to Honor and Love HIM rather than man.

It's such a deadly trap that so many of us get into, the listening, believing and living for man rather than God. We are all in some ways, people pleasers. And for myself, that has been a long and painful lesson that recurs. For as long as I can remember I have been in the business of pleasing others. So consumed sometimes with other people's opinion that it takes a tole on my health, my family, my entire life. It has changed the way I parent, am a wife, a christian and even how I have viewed myself. Some days, it has completely consumed me. Because I have let it.

There have been days I have questioned everything about the choices I've made, my priorities, what should be important to me, based on what someone has said to or about me! Ha! And who am I? Not anyone important I assure you, but often times the target of accusations, and judgements (aren't we all?).

Are those opinions important? Maybe. Are they valid? Perhaps. Should they completely alter my day, my life? Absolutely not. Are they Godly? Do they have spiritual implications? Nope!Do they hurt and scar.....yes.

That is when I almost physically have to let go others' ideas of how I should be. I have to look to God, and only God to answer the accusations and questions come. Sometimes this also means cutting out those who are critical, building walls of protection around my heart. Not out of hardness and anger but out of knowing that those who are critical in an ungodly way, mean you no good. Their intent is not to bring you closer in your relationship with God and help you grow. I have found I have to guard my heart very closely. Because the opinions of others are.....just that.

I know I am not alone in this. Are you being persecuted? Are you being criticized, judged, condemned for doing good? It could be by those closest to you, your spouse, family, friends or complete strangers. For having too many kids, or not enough, for staying in or trying to repair a broken marriage, for making choices that are best for your family or children that others don't approve of, for being a doormat, for not making enough money, or making too much, for not having a "good" career, for parenting, for your lack of housekeeping skills, for staying home or going to work, for being too skinny too fat too pretty or not pretty enough. The list goes on, and on. And when those who are in the wrong lash out, sometimes it's an innocent bystander that gets taken down. Are you that person?

Romans 12:12 "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."

verse 14 " Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse."

I know, I know your human infallible mind is screaming that it's not fair....how? HOW do I bestow honor, wish someone well, invoke divine favor upon someone who has just cut me to my core? I don't know, but I do know that God's words says we should. That we will be blessed to be obedient to His word and do those things. Being faithful in prayer is a start. Even in the very midst of the problem, urgent prayers for strength not to retaliate in anger, not to (verse 17) "repay evil with evil".....(verse21) "Do not be overcome by evil, but over come evil with good."

Why!? Why should you continue to do good, to live to honor God in the middle of all of this! Because God is using this to draw you closer to Him. He is using this to Glorify Himself, though it may not be now that you see the results.

Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."

All things, yes even this, work towards His purpose. One we can't even begin to fathom when we are stuck in the much and mire. He truly IS greater than I, He knows infinitely so much more than I do, especially in this time at this particular moment. I have no choice but the either drown, taking my eyes and heart off of Him, or trust. Beyond what seems possible. Trust.

No matter what swirling is going on around you. It comes down to trusting the Lord. In the end that is all you can do.

NO rainbows

2011-08-19T12:48:00.000-07:00

Have you ever felt like running down the street and just hiding somewhere, anywhere. Where no one can find you!? I get it FRED, I totally get it!

I just told Jonah to get a number, stand in line because there is too much going on and only one of me.

That is exactly how I've felt these last 2 weeks. Trying to manage 6 kids schedules is wearing on me and I'm not even in the full swing of school yet. I've got two precious trouble making babies that are interested in everything they shouldn't be. garbage cans, toilet paper, the dog's bowl.....a toddler who still needs to sit on her Momma's lap and be babied, a public school schedule to think about and plan around and 2 older kids who need a sane teacher!.

From where i'm standing, I can't see the rainbow yet,

With us moving to the house, we have seen people come and go, move from one room to the next, rearranging and then rearranging again. And we aren't really even moved in, no really, you should see the attic. Not to mention when you shuffle people, it creates chaos. So what was once organized and neat explodes, and then you find other things that have no "home" and just linger on shelves.

These last 2 weeks I've made a bigger effort to get the kids back into their routine and chores, and keep caught up with laundry and cleaning. And I'm exhausted. I .just.am. And although the laundry is actually kept up, the areas we clean become strewn with mess literally 5 minutes after we clean it. I think the people around me think I'm lying when I say, "No really I cleaned and straightened all day." My kids make me look as if i do nothing all day. 12 people and 1 house wife is entirely too much to keep things neat. It's not a good equation.Sometimes I think doing all this good for other people isn't doing any good for this person and my family.

When I scheduled out our day, I left myself an hour block of time for me, I dreamed of setting up my sewing machine, reading a book, you know those relaxing activities a busy Mom longs for. I didn't consider the time it would take to pick Bella up, or how that would alter my activities during the day, or how fair that would be to Bella to have to come here and have quiet time right away.....

From here I see no rainbows, only rain...

going from poopy diaper to poopy diaper, mess to mess to meal to meal. I'm just spent. And I'm sure I'll get into the groove of things, get used to the chaos and the new schedule. But right now, in this very moment.....just call me Fred, or George, Bob anything but Mom.

I know there has to be a rainbow in there somewhere.

The other day Gracia and I were watering the garden, I tried to point out a rainbow to her. You know the kind, water spraying, pretty rainbows. She kept running around me back and forth looking....looking for that rainbow. It wasn't until I bent down to her little petite height that I realized she needed to see from above, because from above you can see the rainbows. I lifted her up, her eyes grew big, that huge smile of hers pushing her freckles up.

She could see the rainbows, from below she could only see the storm and the pouring of water from the hose. Her sight was limited, but when she looked from above, she could clearly see....the rainbows.

They are there, I just can't see them from where I am standing.

Some days......

2011-08-12T14:34:00.000-07:00

God whispers through out, some days the message comes loud and clear.

God isn't interested in the crumbs under the table, but the crumbs in my attitude.

He isn't proud of my ability to keep the laundry baskets empty, He cares about my empty efforts done without proper motivation.

God is not happy about a clean and tidy house, when I have a heart of chaos.

He is not concerned about the outside being kept together, when the inside is coming apart at the seams.

Some days........I am busy with the things of this world, the things that frustrate me, and keep me from my real purpose. The crumbs, the laundry, the mess of kids......these things keep me from the eternal. It is so easy to put other things ahead on a list of priorities, when really......none of that matters.

Sucked in

2011-07-19T23:34:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure where time has taken me these last 4 months, but surely it has sucked me in and seemed to swallow me whole. Like living in a vacuum of sorts. How does one catch up on four months?

It's been about that long since I've had my own space, it feels like an eternity though. It's funny how being in a bigger space can feel smaller and less private, but that is what it is.

We saw the end of our second "official" homeschool year come to a close. I can say honestly it was way more successful than the first, hopefully I will say that every year! I watched a little boy blossom and grow, grasp concepts with lightening speed, and a little girl learn to read and add and do things she had been waiting to do....ever since she saw her brother do it.

Gracia finally turned 3 (though she thought she was three for months) and little Liora made it to 1. Apprehensive of her cake and all the show of a first birthday. Since then she has seemed to explode with personality and a sense of humor. I will never tire of watching a baby develop.

Summer started with a bang as we got a few things crossed off the "fun" list, planting a garden, going to the beach and pool, Awana camp, Jonah getting a permanent tooth knocked out. Oh wait, that wasn't on the list, but somehow it made it on there.Thankfully it's re-rooted after many trips to the dentist and wires and tons of blood and nervous parents. But we have survived.....and learned.

And all too soon this summer is coming to a close. The first of August brings school for Dave and heading into full time child care and homeschooling for me. With far too many items left on the list for things we never got to this summer. The next weeks bring planning and plotting and curriculum sorting, scheduling and organizing and all that goes into preparing for another year.

So this week we are trying to squeeze the last few fun things on the list.....so desperately we want to enjoy these days together, they are so fleeting, so quick. I wonder sometimes if I am really living, or if life is just going by. From task to task, never quite caught up on anything before the next thing comes undone, I find my self moving from one thing to the next. I wish I didn't get sucked in sometimes, that I could sit on the outside of the spinning vortex and just observe and absorb. I hope I learn to do this before it's too late......

Ellie~kins

2011-04-08T01:28:00.000-07:00

For our Ellie~kins.....how time has flown my sweet 5 year old.

It was yesterday you were placed in my heart, in my arms. Time has been so cruel and fast ticking so wildly as I watch you grow into a little girl I am so proud to call my daughter.

I see your love for God grow each day, your understanding, your heart, your passion and intensity. You are a little artist and a little Momma, creating and loving along the way. You've taught me so much about myself in your short years here with us. You drive me to be closer to God, to be the Mom you deserve, to be a light of Jesus to you.

Life is an adventure to you, you walk no where and run everywhere. If you could have wings or fins you would. Your zest and excitement for everything you do is wonderful, you make life seem like one miracle after another.

You want to do it all right now, catch up and slow down, dance run and skip. And we just want to do it all right next to you.

Thank you for being a blessing to us.

Snip-its of Life

2011-03-29T01:42:00.000-07:00

I know it's happened to most, infact it may even be a rite of passage for most 4 year old girls........

Today, my sweet little Ellie-kins cut her own hair, Bella took a wack at it, then Ellie cut Bella's hair and then they attacked poor innocent Gracia!

To be completely honest I freaked out when I say Gracie missing a piggy tail. YES....an entire pigtail on one side. But when I walked in and saw this:::: I started laughing. I did. I couldn't help it. I was torn between being sooooooooo very upset, but I had to turn around and laugh (I think the girls thought I was crying, they all started crying). Have you ever seen anything so funny and cute all at the same time? I haven't really. My sweet little pixie faced girl, with hair cut practically down to her scalp......total 80's crazy on the other side. What do you do?

There were so many things running through my mind. Tell her she is beautiful. Tell her it's only hair. Tell her never to touch scissors ever ever again! Tell her it will grow back.......Tell her she's beautiful.

What do I really want Ellie to know? To know without a doubt? (obviously first that she is way too young for cosmetology school, they don't enroll 4 year olds). But I want her to know that beauty isn't her long golden hair. That her crazy actions and crazy hair do for a while, won't embarrass me (at least outwardly). That although some people might laugh at her (because she was afraid of this), it doesn't matter. Those people don't know her like we do, like Jesus does. She is loved and accepted not matter what her hair looks like. Not matter what she has done wrong. No matter how ugly the sin makes us sometimes.

Yes, all this from a hair cut. Because this is us, in a nut shell. We are so off and jagged on wrong, and yet no matter what, we are loved and accepted by God. Of course there are consequences for the crazy things we do sometimes....

but we are loved. Cherished.

Hack jobs and all.

In a matter of minutes

2011-03-09T14:11:00.000-08:00

Our house is going from 8 people to 12, 4 kids to 6, 1 family to 2.......life is going to change!

My sister is coming home with her husband, Bella (Ellie's twin ;) and her beautiful little new babe. And the house will go from crazy to well, crazier!

I'm a little nervous of course, but mostly just excited! I've missed my sister and being around her husband and kids! I've missed seeing her each week and being a big part of each other's lives. So let the adventure being!

We are in for some big changes as we add Bella to our homeschool day and TJ to our love. I've already brainstormed how to do 4 kids workboxes (can't leave out Gracie right?)

This will hold the big kids stuff and Gracie still gets her work baskets! Gracie has also given up her desk for Bella (which you know, she barely uses anyway~but of course we've told her how kind that is!)

I just dug through the attic and found all sorts of baby things I thought would help.....swing, bouncy chair, play mat, bath tub, Moses basket.......I am excited to dig through Jonah's old baby clothes and see if we can dress TJ in some of those as well!

That being said, I suppose I should shower, or change or something......it's a special homecoming for us!

No Formula

2011-02-23T01:04:00.000-08:00

Not talking about Baby formula, not even talking some fancy 1st grade level math. Just talking about parenting.

It's a hard, rocky, difficult road at times. Sometimes it's Ataxia and Hydrocephalus, somedays it's plain ole disobedience. Either way there is no formula for how to get through those tough times except of course if you are talking about the only formula proven to work.....

God + Prayer = Life

I busy myself by reading parenting books and education books, help me here and now books. But when it comes down to it, there is only one books that needs to be sought out, undusted and ready day after day, moment after moment. God's word. It may seem like an unlikely manual at times. But for every behavior and trial there God promises in His word comfort, peace, strength......

He is waiting for me to go to Him and too often I am gazing in another direction. Hoping to see some bright shinning light flashing and glittering.

Every time, HE is the answer, HE is the formula and coming to Him is the only way to live. And love. There is no fancy quick fix solution to every problem we encounter, but HE is there, the answer I so often avoid.

I always get caught in the trap thinking there is something within me that can be different, do different, feel different, behave different....and then it hits me that the difference is Him. I am powerless without Him and it is only He in me that works. I have to open my hands and heart and truly let go, fall on my knees and sink into Him, for true change.

Valentine's Day 2011

2011-02-15T12:30:00.000-08:00

We had a great Valentine's day! We invited Great Noni for a special Spaghetti dinner (what's more romantic right?) and chocolate fondue! The more children we've added, the more love we have. Yesterday we celebrated our Love.....

Join the Hoop-La

2011-02-08T11:58:00.000-08:00

If you are a homeschooler or thinking about becoming one, OR a parent that loves doing things with your kids outside of their school......come on over and join the Hoop-La!

Tiny Tornado

2011-02-08T10:07:00.000-08:00

That's the name given to Gracia by our Floridian counter parts over Christmas. And that she is.

Barely into her halfway past 2 years, she is a spitfire, a firecracker and a huge big swirling dervish of love, all in her petite little body. Her big beautiful brown eyes framed by her long eyelashes, and frinkles that dot her nose will get you every time. Especially when she cocks her head to one side an grins that huge grin at you. Telling you she's 6....you might just agree and not even know what you are saying, mesmerized by her.

Her vocabulary and story telling skills are pretty amazing for her age, I admit. But it's her desire to truly be older than she is that is more adorable. These days you might hear her say things like,

"I am just so so so sorry!"

"I need that _______ really bad."

This morning when we were telling her to share a ball with her brother she exclaimed, "But I'm a mean girl, I don't share!" Oh wow.

Her toddler pronunciation of "L" is adorable as well, she's yittle you know. She'll say those "L's" one day soon enough.

Every day now she is a princess. No I take that back, everyday she is 20 princesses, and yes you can imagine what the dress up bin looks like. It's empty, the floor around it threw up sparkly dresses though. She spins and dances and twirls just like one when the music is on, clipty clapping in those plastic princess shoes.

She calls the Movie "Prince Casian" Green Balafalin
Umbrellas are Cabellas
and she named her bathtub duck....Canuna

She's also very sensitive to being scolded, especially by her Father, it's easy to give into her, unfortunatly....

Liora loves her. I've always seen a special connection between Jonah and Ellie (though they don't exclude Gracia) there is also a special connection between Liora and Gracia, it's so sweet. Siblings....

Boisterous, jovial and excited......

2011-02-04T23:40:00.000-08:00

So as it turns out I am a bit crazy. I've decided to start another blog dedicated to homeschool and educational ideas. You don't have to be a homeschooler to do really fun and cool things with your kids! But if you want to come over and see what all the Hoopla is about, join me at

Homeschool Hoop-La

I've got some interviews and reviews lined up, and actually tons of new posts that I've been wanting to share here. So spread the word, come on over and follow me there (and here) if you want!

Time Stamped

2011-02-02T00:37:00.000-08:00

Time has been a thief around here lately.

One second I have a little babe not able to sit or be or do on her own, I turn my head and now she's gone, from one end of this long winding house to the other. She's exploring everything. Without the need for toys, she's on a mission to just....see, and be. Leaving babydom behind, crawling quickly out of her infant stage to the next exciting venture. Finding anything just above her to reach for and pull her chubby little legs into standing positions, she reaches for the next nearest, braving herself to let go and.......sit again when balance is interrupted.

It's heart wrenching and endearing. Sad and exciting. And just as precious with four as it was with one. If I wasn't an attached parent I'd have no choice, this babe is attached to me. And though sometimes I'd like a little bit of a break, it's flattering to know no one else will do, as I do.

I can't help but let my mind wander into thinking about her possibly being our last. Some moments there are too many little bodies for me to care for, others not enough. Would I be content with the blessing of just four? Yes.....right now we are content, but I can't hold on to these moments and time forever. Time is stealing them from me with every methodical tick.

Her slapping palms on the wood floor ring out to me, she stops and smiles, the little dimple on one side, and keeps on to her unknown destination.....slap....slap.......slap.

Happy New Year!

2011-02-01T22:04:00.000-08:00

Well....I'm still not too late for Chinese New Year resolutions am I?

Okay here is the deal.....I LOVE freezer cooking, the part where you pull the meal out of the freezer and throw it in the oven (though you might want to thaw it first)......however. Freezer cooking is a 4 day commitment! It is TOTALLY worth it, it really is. Ever since Liora was born, I just haven't been able to pull it together though. I've struggled thought the last 8 months cooking 6 nights a week, back in the old routine of planning one week at a time, and it's wearing on me. I'm bored, I'm probably spending more money than we have in the past (because of items I forget to buy at Costco and have to pay double running across the street for), and dinner is the most stressful part of my day.

Then somehow I fell upon this blog......5 dinners in 1 Hour

I tried her recipe for coconut Chicken (I happened to have cocount AND panko crumbs in the pantry, weird I know) but that was dinner. And I loved it. It took me almost no time to prep and was yummy and healthy!

Tonight I tried her Black Bean and Corn Quesadillas......SERIOUSLY yummy. I was thrilled.

I will be jumping back on that freezer meal band wagon soon....probably when Lisa returns home. I only cooked about 10-12 meals for the month, leaving me with 2 freezer meals a week so I didn't have to think about dinner AT ALL. But prepping 5 dinners in an hour and only cooking the sides also sounds divine.

You have download her sample menu and give a few recipes a try. I was really impressed!

She includes the grocery lists (which you can shop your cabinets first~you'll find a lot of the ingredients)
Instructions and directions are clear and Easy
She gives a few tips that make the whole process seriously take an hour to prep the meals and store them!
The meals were great! Of course you might see a few that don't call out to you, so don't make them! But this has been a great adventure this week!

I found another site for those of you who love your crock pot.....A year of Slow cooking Another great tool for all us busy Moms!!!! I haven't tried any of these recipes yet, but I'm excited about the find!

As you can guess this year I have resolved to get my cooking back in order.....though I've been cooking everynight (except Fridays) it hasn't been as stress free as it can be. And that is one thing I need OFF my stress list!

My other resolution was trying to become more organized and diligent this year. With so much going on at any given point, I would like the house and school to run more smoothly, and it can with a little effort......but that is another post and a set of links!

New Blog??? Or Just Crazy!

2011-01-27T19:13:00.000-08:00

As if I have time to manage another blog right?......

The thing is, this blog was supposed to be filled with updates of my family for my family. And it has turned into something else. So much so I don't even really update about the kiddos anymore! And there is so much to tell as you can imagine with 4 incredibly wonderful kids.....ahem. No really they are wonderful.

However, I have been thinking a lot lately about what my passion is right now, and as much as that changes often, my passion has always been teaching.

From the time I was young, dumpster diving at the school up the road, digging out text books and workbooks and forcing my younger siblings to "play school" in the summer {though I am pretty sure I wasn't playing and actually dolled out homework}.......I have loved teaching.

Everything teaching from lesson planning to bulletin board making to file folder game creating to meandering around the teacher store from time to time {even when I wasn't teaching}.

So I don't know. I'm kicking around the idea. I know technically I can combine the two blogs, but they are so different. And I do want to keep this as the true home of the Hawaiian Heldts.....now that I have more family away than ever.....(boo face).....

I was asked to do a curriculum review, and truly I would love to do that more often....I love curriculum.......looooooveeeeeeee it.

Even my kids know it~ and I quote Jonah, "Hey Pastor Frank, my Mom has this really cool Christian Curriculum!" What 6 year old talks about that? and calls it cool?

So.....just thinking about it, but would you follow? Would you become a fan? Would you trust me to give an honest opinion and come here for fun ideas? Just a little pole, but what do you say??

The Struggle to be weak

2011-01-27T10:37:00.000-08:00

This week has been a struggle in so many ways. Some big heavy ugly struggles, some minor life irritants. Life right at this moment seems to be pounding out a beat I can't quiet dance to, or run to. The rhythm is off and sporadic and more spontaneous than I can handle.

I'm struggling to keep the house in an order other than chaos. The laundry, cleaning, cooking.....

Struggling with loving my kids unconditionally as the need for discipline arises again and again for the same offenses....

Struggling to hear God's voice in the chaos, to understand this season of life, to feel close to Him......

Struggling in having to care for 9 people.....

Struggling to live up to my own standards and those around me (don't know which is harder at times).....

Struggling to keep my time and life organized, to keep on a routine and schedule.....and struggling with the thought of having to have a schedule!

Struggling with not being able to think out one complete sentence or thought, to be constantly interrupted in the simplest of tasks.....

Struggling with the things that are left undone, the boxes still stashed around the house from trying to move in, Christmas decorations still up (yup you read that right).....

Struggling with not having any time to do anything creative or relaxing......

Struggling with watching the days slip by and pile themselves into one meaningless lump......

Struggling with knowing how to point my kids directly towards Jesus and faith and genuine relationship with the Creator......

And I struggle with doing a lot of this alone.

I poured all this out to God this week. As silly and meaningless as this list is to most, this week it was my struggle to just get through to the next step, the next thing, the next task. I know far too well the pain others are going through in different seasons of life, I know far too well that my struggles are so so minor compared to others.

Regardless......God still wants to hear them. He still wants to comfort me.

Ephesians 3:12 "In Him and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence."

We can lay down all our worries and struggles and know He is there listening, what an awesome privilege! This powerful ruler, creator, is waiting to hear from us, on the darkest of days, we can be in His presence. Instantly! And when we are at our weakest point, that is when His power is most effective. When I come to the realization that loving my children or my husband, having the energy to cook and clean, having a good attitude in the midst of chaos, is too much for me to bare alone, it's then I realize I can rely on Christ and Christ alone.

2 Corinthians 12: 9-10 "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weakness, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

In weakness I am building a foundation on Christ, letting go, giving Him the control. And in the letting go, the opening of those tightly gripped fearful fingers, I affirm His strength and power in situations I cannot control.

Because when I am in control, I don't need God. I don't need His power or divinity in my life, I got it, I can handle it, I can do God's work on my own.....but it's when I allow God's power to truly fill me, to be active and dynamic in my life~I'm stronger than I ever could be on my own. I can rest in Him knowing His power is stronger and more efficient than I will ever be.

It's just a matter of pouring out my heart and letting Him know I need Him......moment by moment.

{Un}important

2011-01-25T11:12:00.000-08:00

In complete honesty, most days I feel unimportant and often invisible. My job is relatively mundane, it has few perks and little or no recognition and for the most I am okay with that. But every once in a while discontentment sneaks in. Not with my role as a mother or a keeper of the home, but for some reason I want to be important to others.

I want to write fabulous blog posts to make everyone ponder deeply, write my own delectable recipes to amaze all at my baking and cooking skills, I want to create things that are beautiful and teach everyone how to this or that, or write my own curriculum so you too can download a piece of me, snap artistic photographs, decorate my home on pennies and creativity, give reviews of my oh-so-important opinion and giveaways of the coolest finds.

In reality, I'm not that important or creative. My creative energy is spent on deciding what we are eating everyday and how to occupy the kids time to keep them from making bigger messes than I can't keep up with.I adapt curriculum to include a craft to Math or make something interesting for the bored. I get all my recipes from the internet or cooking books, decorating tips~I don't have, I take mediocre photos when I remember my camera (and I love photoshop) and really what do I know about this or that....

But what the baby wakes in the middle of the night, I become important in a way no one else is.

When a certain 2 year old wants a round of goodnight kisses and giggles or a book read one.more.time, I become important.

When Jonah wants to have a special talk (sometimes code for can I stay up late?) I become important.

When my artist needs encouragement, paint, or an art showing, I am important.

And even though I'm not cooking for royalty, there would be 9 hungry people around here if I didn't chop and simmer each day, those stolen recipes written by someone who knows what they are doing.

The world really doesn't care about me, my opinions,thoughts, my creative ideas. But in my everyday life I mean the world to those who really make me important.

And it is {Monday}

2011-01-24T10:37:00.000-08:00

25. For sweet heartfelt eye opening talks with my best friend {otherwise known as Mom}

26. For God gifting others with eloquent writing abilities that encourage me day after day

27. For a quiet morning filled with warm coffee and God's word

28. Making connections and growing relationships

29. A little girl who wants to be a princess all all all all day, and for the gift that one day she'll know she is a princess of the Lord most High.

30. A tenderhearted boy that stands up for the one "crossed off" the friends list.

31. A little baby girl, the gift of God's light, so connected to me.

32. opportunities to be fed spiritual food.

33. Being open to change

34. For freedom from sin and my old self

35. a young girl who forces me to look into the mirror and see me.

36. a soft sunrise and gentle waking

The makings of a {Godly} Mother:: Repost

2011-01-22T14:20:00.000-08:00

riday, 22 January 2010

{The makings of a Godly mother}
It's been heavy on my heart to be a Godly mother. I can honestly say it is one of the true desires of my heart, something I want to put my whole heart into. But how does one do that? Maybe to some the answer seems quite simplistic, straightforward and obvious. But living that out day by day is not. The decisions, actions, behaviors of a Godly mother and wife do not always come easy even when the answer is staring you in the face.

For me it's begun with a look at not what a mother is or should be, but how God views Children in our lives. Because maybe if I view children as my heavenly Father does, perhaps then I'll get a glimpse of what it is to be blessed with that awesome responsibility.

They are a responsibility, a fiscal responsibility, takers of your selfish time, dependents on you for everything, trouble, stress, an inconvenience at times, importers, leeches, hardships.......offensive isn't it? And yet these terms and hundreds others have been spoken by both Christians and secularists alike. This view is steeped in complete and utter selfishness. I think a view stemming from our turn in society, a turn towards selfishness covered over with the mask of "leaving a carbon footprint", "over population", "we can't afford kids".
Some give advice or silent opinions and think it's Godly, "Well you should decide how many kids you can afford and then stop." or "The Good Lord has given you some beautiful children but you know, the Good Lord also gave you some sense in that head to know when to stop!" Or jokingly they remind you of their quite childless homes that they "get" to return to, the free-time they have, the extra money they have to spend on pedicures and massages. The snide comments about one of you "getting fixed" as if we were stray dogs.

But what does God say about children? How does He view them, view you and me, since we are HIS children. Throughout scripture it is CLEAR that God views children as a blessing, a joy, a benediction from the LORD to grace our lives with fulfillment, meaning, happiness and satisfaction. Parenthood is God's gift to us!

"This is true even in a fallen world, infected with the curse of sin. In the midst of all that 's evil, children are tokens of God's lovingkindness. They are living proof that God's mercy extends even to fallen, sinful creatures." ~John MacArthur
The Lord is the source of children, even Eve recognized this and regarded her children as a gift and as an emblem of God's grace to her. The running theme of scriptures is non other than children being a blessing from the hand of a loving and merciful God. Children signified blessings from God and they STILL DO. Despite over population, despite your income, despite your belief! The are designed to bring you joy, happiness, contentment, satisfaction and love.

Psalm 127:3-5
"Behold, children are a gift of the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one's youth. How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them; they will not be ashamed when they speak with their enemies in the gate."

Did you catch some of that language?

Blessing:: a special favor, mercy, or benefit, a favor or gift bestowed by God, thereby bringing happiness, the invoking of God's favor upon a person.

Reward:: honor: bestow honor or rewards upon, benefit, strengthen, support.
God's rewards of children are not necessarily based on your actions, though I think they can be as we see in scripture. But he rewards those who are non believers as well, those who abuse and mistreat children. But that is not what His blessing is meant for. God has the power to open and close wombs, to create life and take it. It's all in His hands whether you use the best birth control or non at all.

It's up to us as parents to view children and handle parenting with correct Biblical perspectives in order to fully enjoy the benefit of those responsibilities. If you are a parent, you know there is NO love like the one you have for your child. Nothing can even compare or come close to that type of love, that depth of love. I LOVE Dave, I've never loved anyone as much as I love him. We share a blessing and a bond I don't think many married couples do.

But the love we have for our children, is unexplainable to those who don't have children. It's not even in the same ballpark as the love you feel for your spouse. It would be like explaining a rose to someone who had never seen in their life. Oh sure you could come close and they could touch and smell and get an idea of what it was like, but they will never fully know what you are describing.

Suddenly as a parent, you understand a little more the Love God has for us, His children. The heartache and joy we give him. You understand a little more why he would have any desire to save us, to extend his mercy and Grace upon us when we clearly don't deserve it. I see glimpses of that everyday in my own relationship with my children.
For me the making of my own role as a mother has to start here, with viewing what God has really blessed me with, and how I will respond to that. To gain a right perspective of what these little souls are in my own life, help drive the way I then respond and treat them. When I am failing to view them the way God does, I allow behavior in my own life that is unworthy of that blessing. I am often amazed and literally cry out to God and ask Him why? I don't feel worthy to be a parent. It's the hardest job I've ever done, hands down. But if I could just see my children the way God does, as His inheritance!!!! Than maybe making those daily decisions to treat them as rewards, as gifts, as precious will come easier.

Because it isn't easy....it's almost never easy.

The Real Reason we Homeschool

2011-01-15T05:00:00.000-08:00

Sure, we Homeschool for many of the same reasons other Christian parents do. To monitor learning, or specialize learning, to provide our kids with a strong foundation in a God-centered learning atmosphere.....

Slowly God has been showing my that my venture in Homeschooling is not all about them, it's a lot about me.

He's teaching my about being flexible. When things need to change, or days aren't going as planned.

He's teaching me about change, to step out of my own comfort zone and into HIS zone.

He's teaching me about patience, with myself as well as with my children.

He's teaching me about organization and being orderly, becoming more Christlike and less chaotic!

He's teaching me about letting go of perfectionist ideals of how my home should be and the school day should run.

He's teaching me about giving of myself, when I really don't want to, past the points where I think I can.

He's teaching me about trusting Him, in the smallest of things and the grandest.

Homeschooling is about them, it is about teaching and learning and sacrifice for them, but I'm realizing just how much it's about me as well. God doesn't have me in this role just for them, He's growing me up as well.

{Fun}day Fridays

2011-01-14T17:37:00.000-08:00

So you've read we've been changing things up, and we did. And it was fabulous!! I think I am really going to love doing this each week. It makes Fridays so much more fun, relaxed and educational as well! (Gotta stick that in there right!?)

Our First Unit was on the Arctic/Antarctic Regions~ learning about the animals and the Inuit People who live in these regions! I'll include some fun links and activities I found for this week.

Videos:: (my kids love the addition of videos in our learning)
Nat Geo has great links, photos and activities. This one was short and great for some basic info:

Answers in Genesis has one of the Ice Age which talks a little about how the Ice got there (from a creationist view point:

What to know How to Build an Igloo??? This 10 minute video shows you.....seriously I never knew.....

Fun Links:: (photos, games, slide shows)

Critter Cam Arctic Game

Explore this Website for Great info on the Tundra and other regions!

Photo Slide show with info about How Arctic Animals Camouflage themselves!

FREE Powerpoint presentations on the Inuit Tribes plus this site has all sorts of activities and links!

Hands On Activities:: (this makes every lesson more fun!)

Making a sugar igloo

Make your own Inuksuk
Polar Bear Painting: Blue Construction paper, Bear shape, cotton balls, white paint.

Resources and Activities::

FREE Lesson Plans! Look around this site and download all sorts of free activities and games!

Kidssoup This is a really great resource and SO affordable at $2.15 a month. I use it all the time! There are Activities, Games (printable file folder), Activites AND Resources for Bulletin Boards, felt stories etc. New units are added every month!

SeaWorld FREE downloadable lesson

ABCteach tons of freebies, you can become a member, but I just use what is free!

Worksheets included in their Unit Folders:

Sonlight curriculum
Map of the Arctic Tundra (color and lable)
Color the Igloo
“My Book about the Inuit People”
Polar Bear Crossword puzzle (Jonah)
AA writing practice (Ellie)

AA Coloring page
Arctic Report, KWL Chart (Jonah)

So How did it go???

Well it didn't run perfectly of course. But it was great. We had a nice relaxed paced day, watched videos, read books, learned a LOT.....and the best part is their unit activities can be worked on throughout the week. They can color, play a file folder game, work on the Igloo, write a report (only Jonah and more like a few sentences about Arctic Animals and People). I'm excited to see how the week looks.......and now off to build the next Unit on Ocean Animals! (that should be hard huh?living in Hawaii and all!)

Permission to Change

2011-01-14T11:38:00.000-08:00

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.”

Proverbs 16:3 (NIV)

This is only my second year of Official Homeschooling, though Jonah and I started when he was 3 with preschool. And each year, no multiply times each year, God shows my how to change and tweak things to make our homeschooling better.

I am not a creature of Change, in fact I don't like it much at all. So when I get headed in one direction I tend to stay in that direction even after I realize it's stressful and isn't working! It's one of the million things I'm learning and changing about myself through this Homeschooling journey.

I'm learning that God loves me and knows me so well, well enough to teach me gently.

We started this school year working on 6 subjects a day. (That was WAY too much for a 4 and 6 year old) I was flustered at the end of each day when it was 2pm and we had been at it since 9am! My day had evaporated, the kids were exhausted. It wasn't working!

So I cut down the days to 5 subjects and alternating between science and History, with one day for Art. It was STILL too much. We were still too worn out by the end of the day to get to Science and History. Those were the kids favorite subjects and we were rushing through them and not enjoying them very much at all.

Then God opened a door for me and he has been slowly opening it wider and wider allowing me to peak in on what our days should look like. And I had to give myself permission to follow His lead. See even though I say I want God in control, my actions don't always speak to that. I do things the way I think they should be, set up our schedule the way I think it will work best. But in reality, I don't know best! He does.

He put it on my heart to have one day a week where all we do is Science, History and Art. I cried out,"But what about READING!!! and MATH!!!!!" Nope, just Science and History and Art. So we have been going on that path for a few weeks. Then this week again I was praying, giving God control and telling Him how I still wasn't happy about that ONE day. Again He showed me a new way for us to do things. I'm so excited now, I wish we had done this all along!

This week I spent time (way too much time), putting together 2 Units for the kids. There are tons of great resources, vidoes, activities, games out there on Every subject! Believe me I even found a FREE power point show on The Babylonians and Assyrians! Amazing! So now each week instead of just doing the worksheets provided by Sonlight, and Story of the World.....I've added to it, plugging in FUN along the way. That way we can dig into a subject on Fridays and the kids can work through the unit throughout the week at their own pace! When there is down time, or I need to nurse a baby, they can pull out their Unit studies and do a little!

Eventually I'll get a post up of what that looks like (complete with photographs)......but for now, I've gotta get kids dressed and ready to learn about some Arctic Animals! BBBrrrrrrr!

I'm no Super{mom}

2010-12-21T09:18:00.000-08:00

If you've travelled with children, whether by boat, car, plane or train, you know how tough it can be. The Lord had mercy on us with this trip to Florida by way of an Angel.

I secretly watch people's expressions as we make our way down the isle, arms full of babies and bags, counting as we go by, hoping there are no seats open behind them. I make an effort to put a real smile on my face, to speak quietly and gently, to show kindness. I am proud of my little family!

I know there are Angels among us, but I was seated next to one on our first flight who was such an encouragement, her words will follow me for years, if not a lifetime.

"Oh you have your hands full!"

| Yes with such good things.

We sat down and strapped in all the kids, tucked and stashed bags and were settling, when this kind lady leaned over and offered some of the kindest words given by a stranger. She marveled at how well behaved, and happy the kids were, how they obeyed and seemed content, and then reflected that on me. She showered me with encouraging words and observations about how I must really love my children, how they know they are loved and cared for.

She observed that I treated my role as a Mother as an important job, as my children gifts and not a burden, all of which I do, even when I do feel the burden.

Somehow we got on education, I told her I homeschooled the kids, she told me I was a superwoman.

And though it's a wonderful compliment, it's totally untrue, I told her so. I don't have it all together, nor do I pretend. I fail all the time at those things I find the most important. I lose my temper and fail to show them Grace. Sometimes I want to escape it all and change my name.

But these kinds words were such an encouragement as well as a reminder, to keep striving for what really is important. And though I don't do any of it for what other see or think, it's nice to be encouraged by others at a time that is tough.

Holiday Links

2010-12-20T10:36:00.000-08:00

I have to be honest, we are enjoying our selves and spending time with family way too much to have any motivation to blog, but I have been relaxing in blog land a little and found some fun links for you!

A fun little snack for cold wintery days, try this melting snowman

This fun craft uses things I guarantee you have around your house, for those kids on vacation with boredom creeping in!

Use this site for cute Christmas decorating if you have a party coming up, or just want to make your own Christmas dinner extra special.

A FREE Christmas Printable, if you've got an empty frame "hanging" around, decorate easily with this or, print out some wallet sized, hit up the $1 section for some little frames and make some ornaments as gifts or for yourself!

A cute, inexpensive gift idea for your kids to put together for their friends or family!

Food for thought, Christian parenting at Christmas.....Santa or no Santa?

Consider giving a gift that keeps giving.....request a catalog and let your kids pick out a gift from them.

Leaving' on a Jet Plane {Part 1}

2010-12-14T12:09:00.000-08:00

Traveling with young ones can be quite the task, keeping them clean and entertained can be tiring and taxing to say they least. But having done it numerous times, Dave and I have figured out some ways to keep each other sane and the kids happy, and even have a {little} fun along the way. I've done a post about it in the past and you can read it here but I thought I would expand a little on some more, and teach you how to make the tray table cover! It's pretty simple and it really does make a world of difference!

Some tips for what to DO on the plane! This may seem like a lot of prep and planning, but it's easier than trying to entertain a little one in a 12 by 12 inch space with no supplies!

1. Everyone loves a present! This started when we were traveling for Christmas and we thought it would be a fun treat for the kids to open presents. Well honestly any time of year you fly, you can do this. We buy small presents for the kids and wrap them up. This year the loot includes things like Polly Pockets for the girls, a small Lego set for Jonah, coloring pages, Velvet Art coloring pages, Bendaroos, play dough and some little art projects. The key is finding them things to keep their hands busy. If their hands are busy so will their minds be! And yes taking the time to wrap them makes it all the better. We've never had any problems with wrapped presents before!

2. Munchies to Munch! Just for good measure, assume your kids aren't going to like what the airline is either selling or passing out. And there are tons of great single packs of snacks from applesauce to m&m's. Seriously don't bother with what you aren't sure your kids will like, bring only what you know they will eat, and enjoy. If you don't normally buy processed snacks like Goldfish, this might be a good time for a treat! We always pack a few juice boxes per child (and yes this is allowed for your children) but this year we've also packed some small drinking containers for the on-flight drinks (which are free and they do offer healthy options). It's always nerve wracking to try and hold on to all their drinks, so invest in a few of these and sit in peace.

3. Storytime! If your kids love story time at home, extend it on the airplane! A good Chapter book will do the trick and usually induce sleep as well! If you can, read slowly and clearly, and extend the time you would normally take to read a chapter. If you have independent readers, some new books (really, it's worth it) that THEY can read to the younger ones will be priceless for a few minutes if rest yourself. Readers are light and thin and can double as a present!

4. Movie night! If you are taking a long flight like we do to get from Hawaii to Florida a movie is a must. Preferably a NEW movie none of the kids have scene before, or a favorite for younger kids. Either way, almost 2 hours of your little one sitting peacefully is very valuable. And you can charge the DVD player between flights in the airport.

5.Get in the Action. You can pack that magazine, book or knitting. But don't start huffing when things don't go your way. Just go along with what the kids are doing, if they want you to color, grab a crayon. Play with play dough, start molding. BE WITH your children instead of trying to entertain them. Trust me, keeping busy yourself actually makes the trip go by quicker. I almost feel sorry for people traveling without children, their flights are much longer than mine ;) Bring along some travel games as well. They have magnetic checkers (so you don't lose all those little pieces. Go fish, old maid. And plan on playing along with them!

6.Act like a new Mom. Meaning, when the kids sleep, YOU sleep. Do what ever it takes or at least put your head back in some mostly uncomfortable position and close your eyes. You may not get a chance to do it again. Even in the middle of the day, you'll need as much rest as you can get traveling, don't waste this time!

7. Layover Madness Most people hate layovers, but if you have lots of little ones, you need to see them as a sanity break for both you and your children. Find a place (and some airports actually have play areas) where your kids can run, jump, roll around on the floor and get all that energy out. Seriously ignore the looks you get from the strangers and the "I don't have kids but if I did I would never....." people. Trust me, you won't see them again and if you do. Oh well.

Hopefully this was helpful, it's really not rocket science, but doing a little planning ahead of time can make for a more enjoyable trip! Stay tuned for my Tray table cover tutorial!

Updates

2010-12-11T00:06:00.000-08:00

First of all I cannot express my gratitude for those of you who prayed for us this week. It's been quite the roller coaster, but through it all we have clearly felt God's hand and peace on us.

There is really nothing like hearing there may be (or IS) something "wrong", "not normal", etc with your little babe. About 18 months ago we were in a similar situation with Jonah and his brain infection. At the feet and Mercy of God and he was gracious. He healed our Jonah faster than anyone expected. We believe those of you who prayed, who laid his name down at the throne of God had everything to do with that.

This week it was Liora there was concern about. I took her in to make sure the cold she had was not in her lungs, and for her 6 month check up. To my surprise the visit took a much more serious, drastic turn. All of a sudden I was in the parking lot, sobbing, trying to relay to Dave what the Doctor had said. I was in shock.

I came home and instantly plugged myself into google, which can be good and bad. Trying to find out about Hydrocephalus. Her Dr was pretty adamant something wasn't right.

When we had her Ultrasound and talked to the radiologist, our fears weren't completely dissipated. He said her ventricles were enlarged a little (more than average), she did have a little extra fluid, but not enough for a diagnosis or treatment. He also didn't see any reason for the enlargement from tumors or anything. He recommended we keep an eye on her head size and development. To me that was saying for us to wait until she was brain damaged and then come back in for more testing. NOT good enough for my fears to be relieved at all. But he said we didn't need the CT scan. I was not convinced.

I called our Pediatrician as soon as we left and many times this morning. We couldn't reach the Dr, we were given the run around and finally we left messages in 2 different places. Dave had stayed home from school thinking we might have to go in anyway. So we headed out to do a little shopping for some last minute things for the trip in 4 days. While Dave and the kids were eating lunch and I was shopping alone (Mommy needed a break!!!) I get a call from our Pediatrician. He basically said, "Her head shape is not normal, there IS something wrong and we need to find out what. How quickly can you get down to the hospital." This time the diagnosis being her scull was prematurely fusing. So we literally headed down there immediately, and you know. God worked it all out.

Had we done it earlier, she would have had to have been sedated. But she was exhausted and was wanting to be nursed when I left the store. She was SO mad and crying the whole way down there (which was heart wrenching) but, when we got to radiology, I checked in and nursed her right to sleep. Not only that, she was so out that I put her right on the table, they scanned her, I picked her back up and she was still asleep. Within minutes the radiologist and our DR. were looking at the scans, he called us and said she was fine! Hopefully her head just had a little growth spurt and the rest of her will catch up.

There is still concern with the extra fluid, but it could be very normal for her, and right now it poses no risk for her.

We praise GOD for her life and her health and for the blessing we have in everyone involoved in supporting us during this time.

You really find out who your prayer warriors are! And we are blessed to repay the favor any time any place.

Pray for Us!

2010-12-09T14:58:00.000-08:00

We are leaving in just a few minutes to make the drive to Kapiolani Women's and Children's Hospital.

During a Dr.'s appointment on Monday the measurements of Liora's head circumference were found to be almost 2 inches larger than the average baby of her age.

Though we are hopeful, there is a chance the large size is due to something called Hydrocephalus or extra fluid surrounding Liora's brain. If that is the case we'll have to discuss other options to relieve the pressure in her little head.

Developmentally she is right on target, so we are praying her big Noggin is just some extra smarts God put in there for her. Of course if not, we'll coninue to lean on Him for Peace, Grace and guidance.

We appreciate your prayers today and tomorrow for a possible CT scan!

My Father's Eye

2010-12-07T23:17:00.000-08:00

Funny how a Mother's eyes don't see the imperfections. Though everyday I saw, I question did I really look. I should have noticed, should have seen. Instead we ended an appointment making more appointments and asking more questions instead.

Of course it could be or maybe or what if is there lingering in the space between conscious and un. That same space filled with busy hands to keep my mind from wandering too deeply, into a place I cannot fathom. A place no parent, no spouse, no child wants to be. But it's in that space......

"What you meant for evil, I mean for good." spoken from the One whose arms are filled with my tears and fears, my could be, would be, what ifs.

Funny how a Father's Eye doesn't see imperfections, but the plans He has for us. Plans we know will change, and teach, though we don't know how~ or even why.

Will she be the tool to teach me to walk closer? To find Grace? To live for Him? To kill my pride, reach out, reach within, lose control. What is it? What is it that I must learn?

We know this life is but a vapor......what a precious little vapor she is. They all are. And yet the days slip through my fingers unnoticed, brushed aside as if there are no miracles. As if we are not miracles breathing and dancing through this gift of hours, minutes, seconds. How many times have I wasted this miraculous breath on the useless? How many days not spent as vapor but as labor?

I so easily forget they are on loan, they aren't even mine though I carried them and birthed them and nurture them still, for what and whom, from whom?

Once again brought to my knees out of desperation to reach into some kind of control over that which I have non of, the only thing I can hold on to is prayer. And that we will do......

Because He sees, and knows and Wills. And we will ask for normality and monotony, and boring. And if we get otherwise, we'll be down on our knees again.

Multitude Mondays

2010-12-06T12:11:00.000-08:00

17

17. the prayers of friends and family

18. little boys with army knives

19. making houses out of cardboard boxes

20. making new friends

21. Christmas music being played non stop

22. travel plans

23. news of a new addition to the family making his way closer to meeting us

24.Homemade cookies

24. and this:

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Weekend Finds

2010-12-06T00:00:00.000-08:00

I love finding great ideas, even more than that I love sharing great ideas. So here a few finds I fell upon over the weekend worth sharing!

Kids
I'll be getting this Nativity pack ready for the plan ride in 9 days!
And probably this Christmas pack as well!

Just Because

Recycled Kitchen There are some pretty fancy Mini kitchens out on the market these days, but this one was too cute not to share!
Traveling this season? You want to read this Mom's idea for keeping eveyone in fun spirits when traveling gets tough!

Christmas

These paint stick ornaments are adorable and practically FREE! If you must pay for the sticks, our were .32 at Walmart (that may be cheaper in the mainland) Each stick makes 4 ornaments. The printable is {FREE} follow the tutorial and make your self or others some ornaments for pennies, literally!

Fabulous Freebies

Free Digital Scrapbooking downloads! I have spent a lot of time over at Shabbyprincess this weekend!These are not only great for Scrapbooking, but why not create your very own Christmas or New Year's Photo Card this year! Get them printed up at your local Costco or Photo center, personalized them the way you want them!

A little disclaimer, this isn't our Christmas Card. In fact the kids are STILL sick and we haven't even gotten to take family photos yet, so we are planning on sending new years cards!

A Challenge

Are you up for it? Head over to Courtney's Blog for a great challenge. Starting this week would be great since the challenge is to take a bubble bath!

Digital Scrapbooking Addiction

2010-12-04T18:33:00.000-08:00

Oh Wow.......I was up with a sick little girl last night and started clicking around the web reading up on Digital Scrapbooking. I love Scrapbooking, though I don't have the time for it anymore.

The above layout was made all for free {FREE}with downloads from

Shabbyprincess

The coolest thing is, you can get FREE tutorials on this site that walk you step by step through the entire process AND you can get these pages printed at your local Costco!! (as well as a million other places!) Or on a photo printer (which I have, but I am wondering if ink costs are more than printing....)

I think I have found a new addiction brewing.

I want to be a good keeper of Memories for my children, I enjoy photographing them but have little time to create something! This way I can create and stop with no mess and no cleaning up! Oh wow. I know I'm coming a little late to the game here but....sigh.......I'm in digilove......

Handmade Christmas

2010-12-04T00:00:00.000-08:00

Every year I come upon this way too late, the desire to make things handmade for Christmas. I love creating for other people, whether it's sewing or crafting or knitting. I really do enjoy choosing things I think each person will like, thinking about these items in their homes, or of them wearing them. (I do realize this is cheesy but I really am thoughtful about it) Ahem.

There are many reasons for making Christmas handmade, including the desire to do something extra special, keeping costs down (thought that isn't always the case with handmade!), the chance and excuse to be creative. I love it for all of those reasons. We have a BIG family so doing handmade is serious business, it can be time consuming and expensive, and so wonderful! As an Artist (did I say that outloud? I was an Art major but hardly consider myself an "artist") there are times in life I feel the overwhelming need to make something, anything! Christmas always brings that about in me. And even though I penciled "start Christmas gifts" somewhere in August or Septmeber, I missed it, next year I'll have to write in in every week......

So I thought I had missed my chance, almost did. It was so on my heart I actually took it to God in prayer, I did. He knows how crazy my life is and how I don't have time to sit and make aprons for every woman like I did 1 year and Table runners and matching towels like I did another year, He knows all that. But He also knows my desire to create. And maybe it's silly, but this is what I'm doing this year......oh and by the way, if you are on my list, here is how to make your refill.....

This year the kids and I are making Sugar and Salt Body Scrubs (not mixed together)! It was extremely easy and plenty of supplies to choose from, I'll show you what we did! I had a lot of ladies on my list this year, we'll get to see both families for the holidays and all my girls here in the islands as well, so this was a way to make something special that could stretch costs.

Your supplies are:

Oil base ~You can use baby (mineral) oils, cococut, almond, grapeseed, macadamia (without the garlic unless you are married to an italian). You could even use Olive, vegetable, corn, but those have a more distinct smell so I stayed away from those.

Sugar or Salt~ No need to get fancy! Regular sugar and salt will give a softer scrub, raw sugar or rock salt will give a rougher scrub, both work great.

Scent~Pure Essential oils is a necessity. Some drug stores, health stores, GNC even carries them!

Jars~I used canning jars and made my own labels on Publisher and printed them on label paper.

Because I knew I was making about 6~ 8oz jars per scrub, I mixed my ingredients in a bigger bowl first and then scooped into the jars. You could do it per jar though if you are only making a little at a time! My ratios were: 4 cups of salt or sugar to about 1 cup of oil. This doesn't have to be exact!

The sugar or salt should appear wet, but not necessarily dripping with oil. When that is well mixed, add in your essential oils, at least 15 drops, but go by scent!

Don't forget about letting the little people help, they love to mix! Just no tasting the contents!

I made round labels, tied a bow around each bottle and there you go!

There are so many mixes you can try out, scrubs are awesome on that dry skin for those cold winter months, or those hot sunny ones!

Our combos this year were:

Lavendar Vanilla Sugar Scrub

Shea Cocoa Sugar Scrub

Tea Tree Salt Scrub

Bergamot Salt Scrub

I hope you give these a try, if not for family for Church friends, employees, peers, teachers or yourself! Enjoy!

The Ministry of Motherhood

2010-12-02T11:51:00.000-08:00

I'll admit, some days it doesn't feel like a ministry. Some days I feel dumped on and used, invisible and forgotten. I secretly harbor thoughts of why....why can't I be called to be a missionary to some far off place? why can't I write a book or adopt a child or change the world with an idea.

why am I just a mother waring paths in the house as I go from filling stomachs to laundry to diapers? It doesn't feel special or important. It feels hard, and exhausting, and endless.

This is your mission, this is your ministry.

He whispers when times get really tough. When my arms are tired of holding a baby while juggling another task. When my back and head ache. When I lose the motivation to even look in the direction of laundry getting out of control. When I wipe the bottom of a child or a pan.

That's how I need to see it. To see it any other way would be a waste. To desire a life other than the one He called me to, wrote out eons before I was dust, would be wrong.

I need to see this life through the spirit, through His eyes, and these....

Romans 8:5

"Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires."

For every Mother it's a ministry. A ministry to love, train, teach.

"They need the authentic strength that comes from the true foundation of a biblical world view and a proper understanding of the real Christ who is worthy of their worship.They need an unwavering, internal moral and spiritual compass that will help them weather today's storms and tomorrow's and will guide them for the rest of their lives. They also need to see what real faith looks like when lived day in, day out, so they will have a pattern to follow. The process of providing such gifts to my children is what I've come to think of as the ministry of motherhood. I believe it's central to the calling of anyone God has privileged to bring children into this world." ~ Sally Clarkson, The Ministry of

Motherhood

So when my tired feet are beating the same patterns and rhythms I do daily, sometime unnoticed. When I'm completing tasks that should be featured on "Dirtiest Jobs", when I just don't want to go anymore. It's then, I need to walk with the Spirit, listen the that still voice reminding me of my ministry, and carry on in His strength.

Mom on a Mission.

Wordless {wet} Wednesday

2010-12-01T12:18:00.000-08:00

You know I could do a whole blog post about what happens while I've excused myself to the restroom. But today I captured hard evidence.

I could hear the water running.....and running .....and running.

And found a little mermaid in the bath tub.

I'm glad I got there when I did......we were a few short inches from disaster.

I see it as flexible

2010-11-29T09:45:00.000-08:00

What I am most grateful for today, as I sit in this completely trashed house, is the power and permission to say NO.

No we will NOT start up schooling with 3 sick little kids, a tired Mom, and a disheveled house. To some that may seem irresponsible.

I see it as flexible.

Instead of trying to cram learning in through snotty noses and hacking coughs, getting desks and books in order, clearing counters, locating my pencil bag with all my color coded goodness {MIA at the moment}. Yes instead of all that, we'll switch up our schedule.

Read wrapped in blankets, nurturing fevers. Crowd by the computer watching videos on animals. Try our hand at making some homemade goodies to give as gifts for Christmas. Whip the house back into shape maybe.

And thank God for this amazing opportunity to be with my kids, this crazy thing called Homeschooling. As stressful as it can be and very well is at times, it's the neatest thing ever.

It's where we are, and where I pray God keeps us in the future.

It's all about the {tree}

2010-11-28T12:48:00.000-08:00

Oh it's that time again. It is. SO quickly it has come again for us to drag box after box out the attic, to scour through our clearance items we gathered post season last year, to set the whole house into full twinkle Christmas mode. But of all the things I went looking for this year......it was our Jesse Tree.

I had only heard about the Jesse Tree for the first time last year and it quickly became our favorite time of the day, and our favorite tradition of the season.

There are many ways to celebrate advent with calendars and socks and cute crafts hiding treats, but the most blessed way is to walk through the line of Jesus, truly unfolding the history and the mystery of His birth and His sacrifice.

We want Christmas to truly be about Christ for our children. Of course the smells and sounds, traditions and gift giving are a part of it all, but the one gift that truly mattered, the only gift that will carry you on to eternity wrapped and cooing in that little manger. That is the gift that we want our children to think about and celebrate.

So that when the wrapping paper is ripped and crinkled, the toys broken or forgotten about, the food eaten, decorations re-boxed and tucked in dusky hot attics. What is remembered is more than what won't last, what is remembered is truly the greatest gift of all.

The gift of life, of light, of forgiveness and salvation.

The gift of Jesus.

We start tonight, around the dinner table, the Tree in the center waiting for our hearts to tune in.

For more ideas about the Jesse Tree you kind find wonderful resources in the links below.
http://www.eriercd.org/jessetree.htm
http://www.aholyexperience.com/2010/11/free-jesse-tree-advent-devotional-book/

http://images.rca.org/docs/disciples
The ideas and possibilities are endless!

Did you Survive?

2010-11-26T16:43:00.000-08:00

We did and we had a blast! We had a house full of friends and family, way too much amazing food and desserts and lot of little kids running around entertaining each other. Of course being the head chef, I didn't get photos of the people, but I was able to snap a few of the decorations and such.

The stretch of tables that ran all the way through the house, after over 20 people ate we hardly left a dent in the food!

I tried my hand at a few fun and edible decorations....okay so my fruit gobbler looks more like a duck.....

This pizza dough cornucopia took only 20 minutes to make, so fun! I"ll be doing this again!

Very tasty little pilgrim hats! The kids and I had fun making them Thanksgiving morning, found the idea on my new favorite site Familyfun.com http://familyfun.go.com/

Probably the most fun I had planning and prepping was in the decorating. I was so blessed this year to have been in my parents house which was incredible for entertaining, it's huge! But also my Mom left all sorts of fun thing for me to gather from around the house from candles to faux fall leaves. I think I may have spent a total of maybe $6 to decorate everything!

I found some great {and totally FREE} printables from Craftily Ever After

I tried to make the kids table a little special this year, the kids had some candy to snack on and some coloring sheets.

The food was amazing. My husband tried out his new smoker and made a Kiawe Turkey, Gina brought homemade Green Bean casserole that I'm still nibbling on, the "red stuff" (a jello dessert tradition for us) as well as all the usual yumminess.

Most of all was the incredible spirit of the whole day. I love watching kids go flitting by, people munching in Santa Fe Hot dip, men shouting over football and new friends being made through memories.

I can't wait to do it all again next year.....now on to Christmas!

Pre Thanksgiving Moment

2010-11-24T10:13:00.000-08:00

Where are we today.....are we running around trying to get everything done? Are we stressed, tired, worried? I can answer yes to those! I want everything to be great, all my ideas to come together beautifully.

But not at the expense of my children. Often time when I am stressed or anxious it shows, and they know. They now the wide eyes, scared spacey look. The frazzled hair, sweaty brow.

But Holidays (however you celebrate) are about families, about spending time with each other and enjoying each other, regardless of how the table is decorated or the Turkey is brined.

Today I'm reminding myself to be mindful or the tastes, the sounds, the little witnesses. Who undoubtedly will remember what it was like to celebrate in your house, was it fun to prepare or was it a sham for your guests?

You don't need to be lectured on how much there is to be thankful for, and neither do I.

Sometimes though, we need to live it.

{FOTO} Friday

2010-11-19T14:17:00.000-08:00

Psalm 19:1

The Heavens declare the glory of God;

the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

Taken at Haleiwa Beach Park

Chalkin' it UP!

2010-11-19T02:46:00.000-08:00

Last year for Valentine's Day giveaways I made crayons out of well....crayons. I know creative right? Okay so if you missed that post you can catch up on the idea here {and no, I didn't come up with the idea, I just bought a cookie pan with the fun shapes to melt them in. Anyway, they turned out great and were a big hit.

So this year for Christmas, I sprouted another idea. Something fun without the sugar and allergy warnings! Plus spreading a little creativity along the way!

So this year we are making.......

Homemade sidewalk chalk! And let me tell you it's way easier than pealing all those crayons! Especially the ones you hadn't even used yet! You need a few simple ingredients and you are on your way to some sidewalk art fun!

Gather your indredients: Plaster of Paris, Powder tempera paint (liquid would work, but you'll end up with very light colors), cookie tins (I bought girl shapes and boy shapes at Target), a tuperware bowl, measuring cups and spoons.

Chalk recipe: 2 cups of plaster to 1 cup water , 1-2 T of powder tempera paint. A few notes about the recipe: You ratio of plaster to water may be different than mine. The thicker it is the faster it will set BUT the harder it is to pour, you have to find a middle ground. You can use tempera paint but your colors will be very muted, if you do that add the paint to the plaster first and then add water. Since you are adding a liquid you'll add less water than the 1st recipe called for. There is a lot of wiggle room, you can always add water or plaster if it doesn't seem right. If you have disposable bowls and mixing spoons I'd use those....

Measure your water first, add the plaster and paint and mix......

and mix.......

and mix some more!

Pour your concotion into the molds and wait! It takes about an hour (sometimes longer) for the plaster to harden and dry enough on the outside. They are pretty hard to get out of the mold so don't be afraid to wack the tin against the counter or tap the back of the mold itself. We didn't have any chalk break and I was pretty rough!

Cute huh? And of course we tried them out and they work great and wash right off! You have to wait about 24 hours for the inside of the plaster to fully dry, but have fun. Oh and if you are coming over for Thanksgiving....your kids might be going home with a few of these......

The Beauty in the Midst of the Mess

2010-11-18T11:22:00.000-08:00

Today is one of those days I wake up, not wanting what I know is looming.
The clutter making it's own home around the house.
The laundry so behind I could donate it all and dress a family of 6 for a month.
The schooling, left unplanned because of lack of time over the weekend to do it.
The empty fridge lacking the essentials to get us through even breakfast.
The errands and tasks needing to be accomplished.
The growing list of things "to-do" that always seem to get added to instead of crossed off.

Today is the day to feel like a failure. To look around and know I'm not measuring up (but to what and who?).
To question myself as a Mother, a wife, a friend, a teacher. Maybe I should send all the kids to public school. My house would be so much cleaner, my laundry would at least have a chance at a Mole hill instead of a mountain, errands would be easier with fewer kids in tow.

But you know.........I didn't sign up for an easy clean life when God blessed me with children.

My house is a mess because the kids are busy learning and enjoying life.

My laundry is piled high because I spend my days with my little ones, measuring my time by them and their needs.

The planning was unfinished because of fellowship with family and friends that happily gobbled up my free time.

The shopping, cleaning, lists upon list of things needing my attention, all of these things I cannot accomplish, cannot get done, feel like a complete failure at. Remain, because when it comes down to it, it's because I spend that time with my children. Pouring the best of my energies into them. It's not because I'm lazy, incompetent, in need of re prioritizing or in need better planning.

So my house will remain cluttered, laundry piled, tasks left undone with the evidence of a life given to my children. It may not look beautiful to you, you may question my abilities at holding down the fort, keeping it all together, making it work-or not. But our days are beautiful to my children, when you ask them what we've done during our time together.

Countdown to Turkey Day!

2010-11-16T11:07:00.000-08:00

If you are inviting tons of people over for a Thanksgiving dinner, having just your family or travelling somewhere else, there is always prep involved. If you are like me, I hate rushing and scrambling at the last minute, so this year I'm trying to plan ahead instead of find myself behind. The day of Thanksgiving, I really want to be able to enjoy my guests and not be running around trying to keep everything together. SO here is a list I've come up with to help me keep my head on my shoulders! Let the countdown begin!

10 days and counting{Nov. 15}

Finalize your menu (at least what you are cooking if your guests a bringing sides and deserts). Use this dandy worksheet:: {Home Ec 101} By the way Heather is amazing, she's also got great ideas so head on over there and read up!
Gather ALL your recipes and put them in one place. A File folder, binder (or use your binding machine to make your own Thanksgiving planner ;) Use this Recipe maker Free! And this worksheet!
Start your Amish Friendship starter, didn't know you were making this for your guests did you? This year I am giving guests a starter and sending each family home with a mini sample loaf!
Homeschoolers:: decide NOW next week will be an easy one, give yourself permission to take it easy and enjoy cooking with the kids (as I walk away from the mirror after talking to myself!)

Day 9{Nov. 16}

Making shopping list (with all your nicely gathered recipes), make sure you shop your cabinets first!

Final shopping for non perishable items
Start cleaning out the fridge and freezer and making room! Cook with what's in there and don't restock things you don't really need! Clean out any food that is growing, items that are expired or that your aren't using.

Day 8{Nov 17}

Start thinking about the little ones visiting. We are having lots of kids of different ages join us (as well as our own clan). I think it's best to plan ahead! Will they be seated with parents or at a "kiddie table", how many are coming, how many boosters and highchairs do you need (consider asking parents to bring those if necessary) will babies need a place to sleep/nap? Do nursing Mom's need a quiet nursing area? Maybe considering have chicken nuggets and other kid friendly foods on hand that you can easily prepare.

Kids craft ideas! It may seem crazy to try and stick craft activities in such a busy day, but having things ready for them to do will knock out the boredom and maybe stop them from tearing apart the entire house.....(or maybe not!) You can print off some simple Thanksgiving coloring sheets or go with something a little more crafty. I would keep it relatively mess free ie: no paints and glue!
Gather some things for the adults to do as well. The game of Pit is always a hit, but maybe a puzzle or a board game would be nice to have on hand!

Day 7{Nov 18}

Start thinking and gathering decorations. Pull out all your holiday candles, table clothes, etc. Launder anything that needs it or buy those fancy paper plates and napkins! What ever you decide think about it now so you aren't scrambling trying to decorate the night before! Use Paperglitters Free printable fall kit! (in the kit there is a sheet of black and white fall cartoons that I am planning on printing off on label paper for the kids to color and but out and stick on construction paper as a placemat~mess free fun!)
Assemble any decorations you need to.

Day 6 {Nov 19}

Start any major cleaning projects you've been meaning to tackle. The toy pile in the living room, the cluttered bookshelf you want cleared, the shoe mountain by the door! Make a list and start cracking on those things that you'll want looking good by the big day.
Make your Sweet Potato Casserole and freeze (you can freeze this for up to 3 weeks~ see you could have started weeks ago!)
Assemble your Holiday Punch and Freeze in a round bowl that will fit in your punch bowl (double check!!)
Whip up some great dips for those coming early to watch Football! You can Freeze these and pop them in the crock pot Thanksgiving morning! Oh and Borrow this book from your library!

Day 5 {Nov 20}

Shop for last of perishable items needed (consult your master list from day 10!)
Start working on cooking timeline, use this one from Life as a Mom

Day 4 {Nov 21}

Print and assemble your thank you boxes and recipe cards for Amish Friendship bread (If you aren't doing this you could take the day off!)

Day 3 {Nov 22}

Start your Deep Cleaning. Fly lady has some very complete lists of how to clean each area of your home!
Thaw your Turkey (or Turkeys!!) in the fridge.

Day 2 {Nov 23}

Brine your Turkey!
Make your Cornbread and hard boil your eggs (if you are making homemade stuffing)
Start setting up your tables and chairs (if you need to borrow some, this is the day to pick everything up!)
Make a final headcount.
Start that Jello desert! Around here it's called "The Red Stuff" Oh so Yummy!

Day 1 {Nov 24}

Make your pies
Finish your "red stuff"
Put together the stuffing (except for raw eggs and Turkey broth)
Make your Mini Amish Friendship Bread Loaves (now you are wishing you would have done this, really)
Pull your Sweet Potato Casserol and Dips from the Freezer and put them in the Fridge
Peel and Chop Apples for this Pie
Do a final straighten of the house before you go to bed so the littles don't undo it so quickly
Decorate the table!

Thanksgiving {Nov 25}

Follow your Timeline you filled out on Day 5
Put your punch in a bowl, pour Club soda over the frozen mixture!
Give your house a quick Swifer Vac and check the guest bathroom again to make sure it's stocked and clean!
Light your candles and enjoy your guests!
Get your Jesse Tree out and have your first Family devotion in preparation for the Christmas Season! (That post is coming up soon!)

Okay so now is your chance to let me know what I have forgotten! I am praying this plan will help lead up to a stress-less holiday this year! I love Thanksgiving, so we are looking forward to having guests in our home this year.

Simple Fall Crafts

2010-11-12T13:01:00.000-08:00

Living in Hawaii doesn't exactly make for the best hands on teaching when it comes to learning about all four seasons. Here you can learn about summer, rain, summer and summer! Believe me~ all you who post creative and beautiful ideas on what to do with all those beautiful fall leaves I am jealous! You should send me a box, help a Momma out!

Well, that just means we need to be a little creative when learning about fall and leaves! Being an art teacher I find myself adding arts and crafts to everything we learn. Here are a few ideas I have tried out with the kids that we loved.

We did an overlapping fall leaf painting. This one is great for any age, with a little help even Gracie got involved (and in the process also painted the sidewalk).

Overlapping Leaf Design

First gather your supplies: watercolor paper or card stock, watercolor paints or watered down tempera paints, paint brushes, fall leaves or a print out of fall leaves.

Step One: Have the artists trace or draw fall leaves. We traced them from a sheet of fall leaves, you can use a free printable like THIS or THIS.

Step Two: Over your initial drawings, trace or draw another set of leaves making sure to overlap whenever possible. You are striving for a whole lot of leaves resembling a nice fall pile.

We talked about the Element of Line in art and how important it is, how overlapping creates interest and depth in a work of art, and warm colors (red, orange and yellow).

Step Three: Painting! Have the artists work with one color at a time. Painting entire leaf shapes in one color only. I tried to have them color leaves that weren't touching. When it looks like about a third of the leaves are painted, move on to the next color. This time though you want to choose some of the leaves that are already painted with the first color to add some depth and change the color of the first wash. Repeat with the 3rd color until all leaves are filled in!

Ellie's Art

Jonah's Art

This is a great project for kids who are older than 6, they can focus and really do a great job adding layer after layer of leaves and colors. This project can be worked on over a period of time, allowing colors to dry in between washes or all at once allowing colors to run together. My kids are more the spontaneous action art type. So here is a project that suited them a little better:

Wet on Wet Accidental Design

Using the same supplies, only this time we filled the paper with a humongous leaf. Starting with the lightest color (yellow) we painted the entire leaf generously, making sure there was a lot of puddles!
Next we sprinkled, splattered, action art-ed our way into making fall leaves by dropping the orange and red paint on the wet yellow and letting the leaf "paint" itself! The accidental designs were beautiful! My kids had a really fun time watching the paint "paint itself".

In Art terms this is called "wet on wet" meaning a wet surface with wet paint.

Another fun idea is to cover the entire paper and then cut fall leaf shapes out of the paper and use those for various crafts!

Spandex

2010-11-11T03:00:00.000-08:00

I was asked recently what it was I thought God was trying to teach me lately. I'll tell ya, to be spandex. To stretch and bend around and over things that {sometimes} don't seem they should be stretched and bent around. That's what my time has been this school year.

Stretched, changed, tweaked, stripped down.

You name it, anything but consistent for more than a short period of time. A few short months ago that would have me completely unraveled. But now, in the midst of God's power and Grace, it's truly changing me. He is changing me. He is stripping away my comfort zone, my perfectionism, my time, and transforming it into something so much more beautiful than it's ever been. Into His time and His terms.

I've always been a perfectionist. But there is a problem with perfectionism, it doesn't jive with realism, with living especially with 4 small {very real} children. Perfectionism and the pursuit of it is prideful and ugly. It's selfishness and haughty and envious of others, or at least their appearance of perfection.

What comes with breaking the routine, the schedule, the plans laid up in my own space is stress, anxiety, fear...of life not being perfect. But when we submit moment by moment to Him, the creator of all time and circumstance, transformation takes place. When fear creeps in~prayers must be whispered out. Voices of imperfection stomped out into silence.

Because I am imperfect and God loves me....even though His blood has washed me clean, He loved me before that....in all my imperfectness. He wants to lavishly pour out His rich Grace on my life, this very day, this very moment!

Ephesians 1:7 "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of all sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding."

He doesn't hold back....He knows what He is doing in your life, and He's doing it for you.

You were made, created, fashioned to do good! You are God's Masterpiece a work of fine art! Really you are, just the way you are. Not as a perfectionist....the way you are. He has created you to do good through Him, in advance! He knows what good you will do. He knows your struggles and your ugly imperfection, but He also knows how to help you over come that.

Ephesians 2:10 "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

So be stretched with me, learn to be spandex. It's painful some times looking in the mirror to see what the truth is, but over time when we conform to His plan for our lives, we'll see the beauty in it all.

The spirit of Thank{ful} Giving

2010-11-05T13:40:00.000-07:00

I've fallen, quite literally, over these verses the last few weeks. Through them and in them I hear God calling me to more than what I have been in the past. More than what I am capable of giving. He is calling for me to rely wholly on His Grace. That is a difficult place to be at times.

With Thanksgiving and Christmas, the season of giving, around the corner. It's no wonder God has laid these verses on my heart and soul in a time to reflect life and our time here spent well or ill.

2 Corinthians 9:6-7

"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."

God leads each family to live in individual ways. He has given us individual passions and interests and wants us to use those for his Glory. We have made commitments and should fully commit to them. Some, like our family, has made the commitment to homeschool, but am I giving what I have decided in my heart to give each and every day? Or am I reluctant to throw myself in and focus on the teaching, do I do it out of guilt? (somedays, yes) But it is oh.so.difficult. some days.....yes.

2 Corinthians 9:8

"And God is able to make all grace about to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."

Because even though some days I feel like I can wear the super woman cape, I am not able. I am not. But He is! He is! In everything I do from homeschooling to discipline to serving in the church, when I submit to God and His gift of Grace in my life, that gift is multiplied in me! Trusting him fully will allow me to give freely and generously to those commitments He has put before me. If I cannot or will not trust, I will not sow generously into the lives of my precious children or others.

2 Corinthians 9:10-11

"Now he who supplies the seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store o seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will me made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God."

God gives us generously, those resources to use and invest for Him! When we in return use those for Him, he blesses us. Maybe it's singing, writing, hospitality, teaching....when we are sowing with what He has given, cultivating and watering those commitments using His Grace, He provides more crops! What we sow using His Grace we will reap gracefully. And in that blessing we can serve Him even more!

2 Corinthians 9:12

"This service that your perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God."

What I desire more than anything else, is for my children too see Christ living and working in me. Not for them to have lived a perfectly kept home, with every thing made from scratch. I want them to see someone who relies on God's strength to keep giving in all times, one who goes in prayer to the Creator of the Universe in all things big and small.

Whisper His name into the tornado, chaos, screaming times and He will answer loudly, reverberating off of the walls of your soul, your needs and Grace. Fall upon Him, those times where you can not lift yourself out of the mire or out of bed. He will provide more Grace than you ever imagined. He will bless you heart to help you serve those who you have been blessed with and have committed to.

Moby Review

2010-11-05T03:00:00.000-07:00

I admit, this was my first wrap experience......and I loved it.

After making and selling all sorts of baby carriers, the wrap was one that I was still intrigued about. To be honest it looked complicated, it looked hot, it looked claustrophobic! In reality it's non of those things.

When I first received the Almond Blossoms Moby with UV protection to review, I was excited to try it out, though a little nervous! Even an experienced babywearer, looking at the book (I literally mean book!) that came with the carrier I had my fears! As I flipped through the booklet I really really liked what I saw!

Moby shows step by step details about every position you can wear your baby and toddler in {8 holds in all}! Including breastfeeding and twin holds! There are so many carriers that advertise those two specific holds but few explain them in detail, and showing a precious mom breastfeeding!! I was very impressed and pleased to find this info in the first few pages of the booklet! I'll go on to say that Moby also has a wrap called Best for Babes promoting and supporting breastfeeding!The booklet also included tips on baby massage while wearing the Moby as well as safe exercise positions!

So what about the complicated, hot and claustrophobic? I tried the Moby for a good 6 weeks, my goal is to give an honest review of the product.Within that time I like to use the product in different occasions, weather, situations. I was able to use the Moby on both Liora (3-5 months) and Gracia (2 years/30 pounds) My real opinion?

The Pros:

It feels wonderful! The material is amazing and soft, it molds to your body and the baby! My back doesn't get sore from extended wearing!
Every position was comfortable and easy to put Liora into and out of, with basically no practice!
It's not hard to put the carrier on. It takes between 30 seconds to 1 minute to put the wrap on after only a few tries. It's not at all complicated! There is one basic way to wear the wrap, and an additional sling hold (which is SO cool!! and awesome for toddlers who want to hip carry!)
Because of it's stretch, there is very little adjusting to the carrier once the baby is in. I didn't find I wanted things tightened or loosened.
It is very secure and safe. Once baby is in the sling, even Cartwheels and trampolines couldn't shake her out of there (although not recommended~please don't try that at home!)
The wrap offers a comfortable breastfeeding hold and doubles as a cover up for modesty while you nurse!
It can double as a blanket, nursing cover, baby shade, changing pad.......
Both Mom and Dad can wear the same wrap! Not all carriers can boast this! It also fits all sizes of men and women!

The Cons:

It is bulky to pack into a diaperbag.
Putting it on places other than your home (namely outdoors) can be tricky without it hitting the ground, though it is possible.
It can get a little warm if you are outside in direct sunlight, otherwise I was extremely comfortable in it!

Over all I was pleased to review the wrap, and still grab it when I'm on the go and at home. And if I've got numerous errands to run, you might even see me pulling through starbucks making a fashion statement sans baby!

Menu planning in a {pinch}

2010-10-29T03:00:00.000-07:00

We've all been there haven't we? "Honey DON'T spend anything for the next ........!!!" YIKES! You think as you remember you just cooked your last "planned" meal and you've got a whole bunch of hungry mouths to feed! Well before you freak out.....here are a few things you can do!

1. Shop your Cabinets.
Since you can't shop at the store, start with what you have. Take a good look at ALL your ingredients and canned items. Pay close attention to produce that might be going bad and try and use that up first. From there you can start building meals and recipes using the most of what you've got. Don't be afraid to substitute items that are similar. Can't make a Beef Stew using cuts of Beef? Use ground beef instead, it will still taste great! Go through your freezer as well, sometimes there are little ingredients hidden in there!

2.Gather your resources.
Use websites like Kraft Foods ! On the right hands side of the website there is a "Use what's on hand" tool. This is amazing! I love this website because it uses a lot of things you've already got in the house! I've built many a great dinner around this website, and honestly they have all been delicious! (no I am not being paid by Kraft Foods!) This recipe for Creamy Italian Chicken Fettuccine is awesome! And really only 1-2 chicken breasts can feed a whole family of 6 when you chop the chicken into little pieces! Sift through your recipe box or binder and check out what is in there. Chances are you'll find things you can cook!

3.Go with Soup!
Soup is a great thing to make when you are low on food! Water makes the meal a lot larger! Often times it can feed you more than once! It's also easy to add or omit ingredients you don't have! Some of my favorites are Chicken noodle (again 1-2 breasts shredded go a long way!) Chicken Tortilla, Lentil Soup, Vegetable Stew (with or without beef). If you only have a little ground beef or a little chicken breast or ham, shredding it will make it go a lot farther and help everyone get a little fuller!

4.Try Homemade.
Homemade bread only takes a few ingredients, so do tortillas! You may find that you have the ingredients to make these items instead of buy them! The French Bread recipe is the best! It's easy if you have a mixer and only requires yeast, sugar, salt, crisco and flour! This makes 2 loaves!! Even Pasta can be made with a few ingredients! If you've never tried it why not! Make it an event! And homemade pasta sauce is very simple! Noni Bianci's Recipe : Either Tomato sauce or paste (thin with water), onion, diced peeled tomato, meat, Garlic, Basil, Rosemary and Oregano. Mix it all up, the secret is letting it simmer for a few hours! You can add just about anything to spaghetti sauce and it will taste delicious!

5.Mix it up!
Who says you can't have breakfast for dinner or hotdogs for breakfast?? Call it backwards day and then eat Ice Cream for lunch! Get creative with what you do have! My husband's family had a tradition on Sundays to have a big lunch, then at night have popcorn and snacks for dinner and watch a movie! You can add snacks, veggies or fruit, gogurt Popsicles, granola bars.....you get the idea.

6.Plan for the next time!
If this has never happened to you, consider yourself very blessed. It's happened to us quite a few times. There are a few things I like to do on a just in case basis. When canned or frozen items are on a great sale, I'll get an extra 1 or 2 of them. Tomato soup, cream of mushrooms soup, frozen mixed veggies, dried beans, ya just never know. Take the time to shred that whole chicken breast you cooked for dinner one night. Pick out all the meat, bag it and freeze it. A quart sized bag will make a nice hearty soup for later! Don't throw away that one extra french toast or the extra batter for pancakes. Make them, they freeze wonderfully! And make for a great quick breakfast when you've run low! If you can buy in bulk, having yeast and flour on hand can be a life saver for a lot of things!

This is how {we} homeschool

2010-10-27T17:17:00.000-07:00

I suppose I could start with the "why" we homeschool. There are so many reasons and benefits that are obvious to every other homeschooling family, that the why seems redundant. SO......I won't start there.

When we made the decision to homeschool I instantly started researching curriculum and quickly figured out that homeschooling is not cheap! Yes there are free routes, cheap-er routes, inexpensive with the right coupon code routes. Either way shelling out a load of dough was not unheard of. And that is just for curriculum. To provide a full education with manipulatives and art supplies.....well that could mean you are taking out a small loan! So we started out using free printables I would gather from different sites and blogs. And it worked great, it really did. But then I found a better way, for us, for the time being.

We homeschool Jonah (6) and Ellie (4) through an online academy which is considered a Public Charter school. Interesting isn't it? Have you heard of homeschooling this way before? If not, let me introduce you to a great way to have a little of both worlds, especially if you are nervous about starting out in the homeschooling world at all! So here is how it works:

You enroll your child in the school following all the proper steps, this could mean providing surveys from previous teachers, informing past schools if your child has attended any....or just signing the waver like we did! You go through an online slide show which gives you the rules and expectations of you the parent/teacher. Then comes the fun part!

The school provides you with $1500 per student as well as a list of providers from where to buy your curriculum. The awesome part is you can even choose Christian curriculum providers such as Sonlight, Abeka, AO Publishers and tons more. What I really love about this is that you can try curriculum risk free! At the end of the school year you are given a list of the non-consumable items that need to be returned. These are things like readers, teachers manuals etc. You keep any workbooks or items that you've used up during the year. At first I was a little disappointed about having to return the curriculum but after realizing I'd run out of storage in about 2 years, I wasn't that upset! Of that $1500, you need to use at least half the money on curriculum of your choice but the other half can be used to pay for non-competitive activities or lessons (such as ballet, gymnastics, karate, piano, ukulele, voice, etc) or field trips, year passes to museums, galleries or other educational locations.

The school also provides you with some places to purchase you consumable (and not to be returned) school supplies as well as Art supplies. This year we purchased items from Lakeshore Learning as well as DickBlick. And get this.....you have an unlimited amount of money to spend! That's right Unlimited! Okay I say that but within reason. I'm sure if you tried to foot them with a $5000 bill it wouldn't be approved. But anything you need in the way of markers, crayons, glue paint, stamp pads, dot-dot markers! You don't have to pay for! This has really made homeschooling incredible for us! I'm a hands on teacher and LOVE including art and crafts projects with any subject! These are yours to keep and yours to use!

So by now you are thinking the school has us by their little finger right? They supply all of this, but it can't really be a real homeschool experience.....what's the catch????

The only thing you are required to do is have your child attend 2 classes a month. The teacher provides you with a schedule of class topics for the whole semester, from those you choose 2 per month. You can choose from a list of times and days OR your child can attend the web class! Through the year the teacher provides classroom opportunities for your child on a variety of subjects from Math to Science to Reading.

There are many reasons why I have really enjoyed this aspect of the online school:

It gives my child classroom experience, a teacher who isn't "Mom", to listen to, follow directions from, obey. I think this accurately models life and gives my kids a chance to practice those character traits they've learned at home!
It also gives my child a different learning location. Classrooms are fun places, they are decorated and have different learning stations and Bulletin Boards! (man do I miss Bulletin Boards!)
I get to choose the subject, and with that I try to choose something we are currently working on, or something I know Jonah and Ellie would benefit from. Maybe hearing it in a different way, explained in a different way will make something click for them! This means I can also avoid subjects I would prefer to teach my kids myself!
The classes are only 2 hours long (the webcam class is 30 minutes), I treat it as a field trip! They do a variety of things in 2 hours including crafts!
I love that my two social bugs have a chance to interact and make friends with other students their age. Of course we have friends at Church and at Awana, again, I think giving them bits of time to practice those character traits is important!
It gives me a chance to interact with a trained teacher about my child. The teachers are there to offer up support, resources and advice when needed. That is a huge help! I can ask and receive help with certain aspects of their education, I can have them evaluated for progress if I want. And they are on your side, they are there to support you in homeschooling!

At the end of the year, you return the list of items they ask for, and that's it! You don't have to turn in any work or portfolio, or have your child tested (although you can if you feel it's necessary).

Now I know this doesn't appeal to every homescooling family. For us it's been amazing! It's been a blessing for us in many ways! About 48 of the 50 states now have an online option though it will be very different for each state.

DO you homeschool online? Do you have any questions that I didn't' cover here? Don't hesitate to ask!

Some links for those who are looking

Online Public School

Charter Schools by State
Cyber schools by state

No do evers

2010-10-22T21:58:00.000-07:00

It hit me last night....really hard, like a brick to the chest.

I can't do it over, can't take it back, can't start from the beginning again. Each day is NEW. Each day is fleeting and fast and full, and once it's over it's over. And your babies are turning into toddlers, milestones are piling up into walls, independence and maturity and life lessons....all at once.

I sobbed and sobbed as I folded the little clothes that the four of them are constantly growing out of. Never to wear again. I can't take back the rough days, though they were meant for me. I can't hold onto the good days, except through photographs or words, which only go so far to really convey the emotion and senses of that moment. I can't do anything to stop time and yet......it is a gift.

Even though it seems like the same things happen each day, the same mess to clean, the same discipline issues....the next day really isn't the same. Its a new day the Lord has made, your children have gotten a little older, a little taller, a little wiser. And soon you'll add all those littles up to one big chunk of time. When we aren't paying attention that time escapes.....and we find ourselves staring into this kids almost as tall (or taller) than we are.

And we can't take it back. We can't redo the wrongs we have done, we can only move on. So cherish CHERISH each day. (talking to myself here) hug and kiss that little toddler running around in her little pink panties and pink camo hat, tickles that little preschooler who is scared of the poisonous dart frogs (but only at night) who dreams of crazy ways they "just might" make it to hawaii, have special talks late at night with that 1st grader about love and life and God, and snuggle that little babe, so quickly piling up her own milestones.

Crafting Each Moment

2010-10-21T12:50:00.000-07:00

Even though life has been nothing short of a tornado lately, it's also been a huge time of stretching and learning about myself. That is not always good, nor comfortable, however necessary. The long and the short of it is that I struggle with JOY. It's probably something I'll always struggle with. Not contentment, because I am content with where we are and what we are doing. But Joy is a different story.

Joy: Intense and especially ecstatic or exultant happiness. To take great pleasure; rejoice.To fill with ecstatic happiness, pleasure, or satisfaction.

Let me be the first to tell you that hasn't described me these last few months. Do you know what the opposite of joy is? Sorrow. SORROW! Okay maybe that doesn't describe me either, I'm somewhere in between that. But neither of those makes for a fun Mom to be around most days.

It's downright ridiculous. The gratitude I should feel in my heart and wear on my countenance should be exuberant and yet it's not. Maybe we aren't taking Bahama vacations and wearing Prada but we are rich, we are blessed beyond belief! If only I would stop and take a look around! The extent of my complaining lately has been because we have too much stuff! Too much to pack, unpack and move!

I've been pessimistic about nearly everything lately. Why because yes, this life is hard. In fact Ecclesiastes 7:14 says, "When times are good, be happy (rejoice!!); but when times are bad, consider: God has made the one as well as the other."

Did you catch that? (excuse me while I talk to myself here for a second) Did you catch that? God has orchestrated in your life, incredible times of happiness and ease of life....and other times of exhaustion and stretching, growing, molding. To teach us about ourselves and even more about Him. To give us an opportunity to cling to Him and feel first hand is Grace and Love and Mercy. Because honestly when life is too easy, it's also too easy to walk away and take credit for the "good" in life. To pat yourself on the back and say, "Look at all I've done and we've accomplished."

The truth is, while life seems controllable, it isn't..... Ecc 8:7 "No man has power over the wind to contain it, so now one has power over the day of his death." We don't run things around here! And the sooner I truely come to grips with that the easier it gets!

Ecc 11:10 "SO then banish anxiety from your heart and cast off the troubles of your body!"

With God's grace you can banish anxiety. Refuse to let that negative voice rule your thoughts and your body.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-17" Be joyful always.Pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

This IS God's will for you. It is. By praying and giving thanks continually in all circumstances, not only are you doing the will of God but you are taking on the yoke of joy. Because Joy does not come about with an easy time in life, it's a state of mind.

Photo Update

2010-10-20T00:52:00.000-07:00

I'm still trying to get my photoshop up and running, heck who am I kidding. I'm putting in 19 hour days these days (14 hours of those solo with just me and the kiddos).

In an attempt to stay sane today I took the kids to the field across the street from the house. Liora screamed through MOST of the photos......here are two I liked. One of which she was screaming....but you can't see her face in it.....

These precious feet rely on me so much these days. I keep failing them over and over.....but it drives me to be a better Momma to them. They deserve only love.

Hot Dots

2010-10-18T23:59:00.000-07:00

Have you ever heard of Hot Dots?? I fell upon them recently while perusing a local educational store and was totally sold! So I've tried making my own little Hot Dot's cards.....here is a link to something I've made. Let me know if you can download it and try it out!

Letter Mm Pdf

This download is for the letter Mm.....just a trial run! If this download works, I may be adding a whole bunch of free printables!!!!

I'm a little slow on this stuff.....bare with me!

Where in the world.......

2010-09-20T23:35:00.000-07:00

have I been? Yeah I know you've been wondering....me too actually.

Well. We are here, still, even though time is ticking by rather quickly. I literally haven't had time to read or write blogs which I suppose is both good and bad. I enjoy the outlet, the keeping of memories and times, but also getting to know, pray for and glean ideas from others as well. And really I haven't had the time for any of it.

For the last month we have been in full-tilt-boogie- move-in-mode. I would love to say I handled it all with Grace and gratefulness. The truth is , I haven't. It's been harder than I had imagined to move us in, sort through the remains of what my parents left (and sold some of what they still wanted-sorry Dad!) and begin to get comfy. It's been the perfect lesson for me about getting out of my comfort zone and having to rely on faith to carry me through. To be honest it took me a few weeks of being miserable and stressed out to my core to realize I was going about this move in all the wrong ways. Putting my priorities back into line, and aligning myself with God, joining His team, has made a big difference.

Our office (known as "hoarders paradise" for the last few weeks is finally functional, which means I can get to the computer without going through a maze and finding all my slings and shipping supplies to finally get those slings shipped off that were ordered right when everything exploded.

If you think to pray for us, even though we aren't going through anything horrible and earthshattering, we'll still covet your prayers for peace and sanity during this crazy time. We are still waiting on God to give us peace about what to do with the house....sell....rent....which ever.

And pray God keeps forcing us out of the box. It's a hard thing to do, change is difficult for one who hasn't had much of it in her life. But change is good, it isn't always easy....but it is good.

And if you are looking for a challenging, amazing book, check out the new one by Max Lucado.....Outlive Your Life.

Britt Nicole Hanging on LYRICS!! HD Lost Get Found

2010-09-03T15:34:00.000-07:00

Hanging on. Literally.

Living with CONFINDENCE in a CHAOTIC World {Review}

2010-08-17T12:06:00.000-07:00

As the introduction unfolds in this book, the Author, Dr. David Jeremiah, excellently describes how effected everyone has been by the current economic, financial, environmental and moral catastrophes of the last few years. Globally there has been a new era descending over the earth. One of Chaos. To be honest, I wanted to stop reading right there. The reality of where we are headed as a Nation and Globally is both unsettling and nerve-wracking. But in continuing through the rest of the book, Dr. Jeremiah's scripture filled reminders of how we as Christians are to live in times as these were Calming, Constructive, Challenging and Convicting.

Dr. Jeremiah has provided some practical, scriptural reminders of who and what we are to Center our lives around. I found this book full of Biblical truth and scripture urging us to live according to the Word of God in these times. Expect this book to be full of highlighting, underlining and scribbling moments. What I loved as well was the integrated real-life situations with Living-Word examples to back up the concepts of the book. I also thought this books was very well researched and very current. The author highlighted many of the current events causing chaos and strife in lives across the world. For anyone in these days, whether you've lost your job, had work decrease or been affected by natural disaster, this book is a solid and positive source of encouragement for a very bleak and depressing World.

Disclaimer: I recieved this book for free from BookSneeze in return for my honest review and opinion! You can too! Visit the link below for more information!

First School Days

2010-08-16T19:53:00.000-07:00

The scientist

The newest Student in the house

Today we started off the first of many school days in the 2010-2011 school year! Of course I stayed up way too late trying to make sure everything was ready, and it wasn't. But I wasn't disappointed, why? Because I have a new mantra....High goals, low expectations.

My Class of 3 waiting for Mom to stop snappin pics and start teaching!

What in the world does that mean? It means I have goals of keeping everyone on track and on time, completing everything planned every day, cramming loads of knowledge into the kids and enjoying the process. But what is realistic for me to expect? The reality of teaching a First grader, a K4, Tot-school with a 2 year old while nursing and loving a 3 month old is that diaper explosions and interrupted naps will throw us off schedule. Some lessons will take longer than allotted for or not go as planned cutting into other time, and there will be enough frustrations, disobedience, complaining and tears to go around. So with that in mind, I will determine to accomplish my goals, but when things go haywire as they oft do......I'll have expected that!

With that being said, Today actually went unexpectedly well! We ate lunch 15 minutes late but ended 30 minutes earlier than scheduled! Don't ask how....I dunno. And even with Liora waking early and snack messes and phone calls.....the kids had a great time getting back into things....and in all honesty, so did I!

How we do it:

1. I use the workbox system by: Sue Patrick. It's amazing, I'll tell you why. All the student work is organized into workboxes (each subject having it's own box), this way materials for each subject are located in the box~you prepare them the day, night or morning before school. They help with scheduling, planning and organizing all your materials! You can use just about anything from shoeboxes on a shoe rack to what we are using this year~ plastic drawers purchased at Walmart (see photo below). In short, each child is given a schedule and (I call them "tickets") with clip art images of each subject. Each drawer has a number that corresponds with their schedule, in that drawer is everything they will need for Math, Spelling! It also helps the kids know what they have finished and what is coming up!

Here is a close up of the boxes, full of supplies and finished for the day~you can see the kids have added their "tickets" to the box as a sign they have worked on that subject.

2. We are including Gracia in Tot-school this year. Okay maybe that is a fun way of saying, I am trying to include Gracia and have some fun/educational activities for her to do so she'll be less of a distraction and be part of the fun! It's only fair, besides she's just-turned-two-going-on-four anyway!

Lapbooks that add fun AND learning in one folder!

3. I've written out a schedule for myself and all four kids (including potty breaks~okay I'm kidding about that) in order to make sure everything gets done around here. It may sound restrictive and totally un-fun, but it's actually kind of freeing. And along with my "low expectations"....I know we might not always make it everyday, but at least there is a plan!

4. I've written out a daily subject list. I won't do every subject everday (Bible, Lang Arts and Math are everyday)~ Thursdays are special Science Experiment Days, Tuesday and Thursdays are Art......That way I have a little leeway each day, and each day is a little different.

5. Sneak in the fun. Any subject can have hands on activities involved, and at these young ages I think that is a must. There are great websites and blogs out there to glean great ideas from! Like Confessions of a Homeschooler and Homeschool Creations. Include art projects or activities from Making Learning Fun. It does take time and effort to add a little pizzaz to your current curriculum if you aren't happy with what you've got or your child seems a little bored. But it's SO worth it. It really is.

We are making Observation Journals here....colored cardstock, Nat Geo Mags, glue stick and I get to use my laminator AND my Binding machine to finish them off!

6. I'm starting circle time with the kids this year. I've found some great printables from both Homeschool creations as well as 1+1+1. These are talented, dedicated homeschool Mom's that have made tons of free printables for you to download and use! From lapbooks, to filefolder games to great ideas all around! USE them!!! Our circle time will include Awana verse review time as well as "discussions" from Ellie's Calvert curriculum and some of the components of what I've found. I think it's a great way to start off the morning right!

Our circle time and reading~aloud nook

7. Use your Computer! My Mom blessed us by leaving her desktop for us to use. I am going to convert it into our school computer, making a little "computer lab" for the kids. Whether you use Starfall (a free phonics and reading site) or pay for Click n Kids (an awesome phonics program, you can find 40% off coupon codes for! ) or buy educational CD's from Walmart......use your computer! I have found this is an excellent way of teaching the same subject to 2 kids at once. One day Jonah will start off on the Computer with a Click n Kids lesson while I give Ellie some one-on-one time with phonics or spelling. Then they switch! It's Ellie's turn for some computer time and Jonah and I have some one-on-one time!


The dark little area on the right hand side is our computer lab! All in one room making it easy for me to help both kids at once!

8. Teach the same curriculum to as many age groups as possible. For Language Arts and Math Jonah and Ellie work with different curricula. But for all of the other subjects we are using the same across the board. that means for Bible, Science, History and Art we are learning the same things together. I have opted to stay at Jonah's level for all of those subjects. Ellie may not grasp all of of the concepts, but there is no harm in being exposed to a little higher level. In fact I have found that she does really well learning right along with us, neither of the kids is bored, it's a win~win!!!

I really do have high hopes for this school year. I am such a teacher at heart, I can't help but to jump right in and over do it......yup right in over my head as usual. But I'm also not afraid to let go of what doesn't work and try new things that just may work. Hopefully you'll find a few helpful hints in this post, Happy New School Year to YOU!!!

These are some happy faces (sorry they are dark, I don't have photoshop running 100% to lighten them up yet!)

Dramatic Ellie~kins

Moving on and Moving Up!

2010-08-09T14:05:00.000-07:00

I haven't shared all the details on here in full....but we are moving!

No not the blog, our family is officially moving! It's a longish/shortish sort of story....it begins like this:

My parents have lived here in Hawaii for over 35 years, but they both love the mountains, taking road trips and seeing more nature than cockroaches and mongoose. Around 7th or 8th grade we started taking Skiing trips to Angel Fire, New Mexico where my parents bought a small condo. We would return every year to this small, cozy little town for fun and adventure and snow! Something we are a little short of here in the islands. It's a place they've dreamed about living for quite some time now and finally that dream is becoming a reality.

They found a house they love, one they can create anew as their own. They've worked over the last year to get it ready for them, the final push coming with the movers taking away their treasures and us piling up ours within their house.With that there came the question of whether to sell their home or keep it, and thankfully they've decided to keep it, and let us live in it, potentially own it somewhere in the future~those details are yet to be finalized. Keeping the house also allows my brother to remain here, working for the family company. It gives my Parents a place to come to when they travel back and forth from NM to Hawaii on Business or for visits.

It's been an emotional and stressful journey trying to pack up us and move in to them. I've been spoiled with having my parents live so close for so long. Through all my pregnancies and babies being born. The good times the bad times. All of it. So with the moving in we teeter on happiness and sadness, excitement and exhaustion all at once.

For the last two weeks we've been trekking back and forth, slowly transitioning our lives from here near the coast, to the middle of the island. It's been rough to say the least. The realization of just how much JUNK we really own is overwhelming. Then deciding between what really is Junk and what is loved and treasured junk is exhausting! Further more packing, hauling, unpacking is well........draining.

But this morning I was reminded by

Philippians 4:8

⁸Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

This move, though difficult, tiring, exhausting.....is incredible. It's a HUGE blessing for our family. A chance to start over financially and be debt free, and chance to spread out in a home that actually fits our growing family. A place where we are closer to our church family and friends. A fresh start at reorganizing and purging what we've crammed into this little home. THAT is what I need to focus on now and in every situation. There is good even in that which is difficult. Though sometimes it's hard to see the good, hard to focus on the truth, hard to see the light at the end of the proverbial tunnel. It is there.

Gods {LIVING} Word

2010-08-04T06:00:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I honestly glaze over the fact that God's word is living and active. Given to us for encouragement, teaching, rebuking, wisdom.

I've been reading through Ecclesiastes and found this bit of encouragement for my tired, stressed out soul.....

Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8

There is a time for everything, a season for every activity under heaven.
(even the activity of packing and moving and unpacking)
A time to be born, a time to die
(all my babes have been born in this house, making it a home~now it is time to move that home to another house)
A time to plant and a time to harvest
(we've planted our lives and memories here, in this humble little home and now it's time to take what we've grown and move on)
A time to kill and a time to kill
(well, we do have weeds to kill before we try and sell this place!)
A time to tear down and a time to rebuild
(removing photos from walls, taking apart furniture, to be re-placed and built again in a new home)
A time to cry and a time to laugh
(very vivid memories of both of these...both crying and rejoicing over moving our home and life)
A time to grieve and a time to dance
(parts of us are very sad to leave our first home together and the memories we've made here, but we are dancing for joy at the new memories we'll make in our new home)
A time to scatter stones and gather stones together
(we've spread out in this house filling every available space, now we gather our things and head on to scatter again)
A time to embrace and a time to turn away
(we are now embracing a new life, a new town and new memories and turning away from this past)
A time to search and a time to lose, a time to keep and a time to throw away
(okay I had to laugh at this one.....we are in the process of throwing away and donating a LOT of stuff right now!)
A time to tear down and a time to mend
(again we are "tearing down" the way we've done things/stored things etc in this house only to mend and fix in the next!)
A time to be quiet and a time to speak up
A time for love and a time to hate
(let me just say I have formed a love/hate relationship with moving and have a whole new appreciation for those in the military!!)
A time for war and a time for peace.

I realize this is not what Solomon had in mind when he penned these popular words. But they were so comforting to me when reading this and comparing them to the events going on in our lives right now.....God is so good!

Home Decorating ideas

2010-08-03T16:02:00.000-07:00

I know I haven't been around in a while. We are in the {crazy} process of moving....which I will eventually go into. I've been dreaming of a few different home decorating/creative projects for a while and today was able to finish a really really quick one!

The fridge at the new place has wood panels instead of metal so we can't put any photos or art work up with magnets, so I am improvising! For an area by the doorway I am making a little "command center", which I'll photograph when we are actually moved in and set up. But for now, here is a little project on making your own little bulletin board.

Here is what you will need:

Cork board tiles (cheapest at Wal-mart in the office/school section~$6)
High heat glue gun (and some steel fingers to go along!)
material (I went shopping in my own material bins and used what I had)
Scissors
Ruler

Placing the Cork board on the wrong side of the material, cut around the board leaving about 1 1/2 inches as a boarder. Hot glue each corner first.

After all 4 corners are glued (not shown in this photo) Add a liberal amount of hot glue and glue down one side. (I also used my metal ruler as a press to keep from burning my fingers!) Next glue the exact opposite side gently pulling the material to pull out wrinkles. Then glue remaining edges.

That's it! I like using different but coordinating materials. You can mount them together like this, or with a little space between them. Add push pins and you are done!

I have more home decorating ideas that are pretty cheap that I'll hopefully be doing in the next few weeks. I'll share what I do!

Holy Experience

2010-07-28T16:11:00.000-07:00

If you haven't already subscribed to Ann....you should.

She has a new book coming out in January 2011.....

Take time today to read what she has to say about listening to God.... then get caught up there reading.

Just don't forget you still have to cook dinner, you could be there a while!

Sewing your own sling!

2010-07-22T06:00:00.000-07:00

I know it seems like a lot of work, but I wanted to offer some sling tutorials to those who are interested in sewing their own sling but don't know where to get started!

First here are some links to different kinds of sling patterns!

Maya Wrap

Padded Sling

Sling a ma Bob (probably the easiest sling design to follow, the most similar to ours!)

Jan Andrea (EXCELLENT instructions with photos and drawings to help you make a sling!

Sewing slings are really an beginner project at it's finest! You are sewing a rectangle! No fancy edges or stitches to sew. If you can sew a straight line, you can sew a sling! Take a look at the different options above, if you would like to try your hand at sewing a sling, see my website for a kit! It inlcudes material as well as the rings that you need for the sling (they have to be specially ordered from Sling Rings.com otherwise)

Thank you for all your kind words and compliments about us closing up shop for a while! Slings are going pretty quick. I may try and sew up some more that I have all the parts to laying around to move things as well as raise money for this family.

You know when you feel kinda helpless in a situation, you don't know quite how to help? Well I asked God what it was He wanted me to contribute to this adoption. Prayer I could do, really that requires nothing more than time right? But as the days went on I kept thinking about their burden to adopt, their obstacles in bringing their baby home, their passion to fulfill James 1 :27. And at first I felt guilty. I didn't have that same burden! I have 4 kids of my own and never dreamed about adopting or helping orphans anywhere! Then I started asking God what it was He wanted me to do, because I felt there was something there....but I didn't know what it was! A few sleepless nights and weird dreams later, I had my answer.

I had written and scheduled the post about closing up shop before this had even become a seed in my heart. I was sad to close doors, happy to have a chance to recover some of the money we had spent on materials and such. But it still felt incomplete. And then in the middle of the night, literally, I felt like God put the 2 of them together for me. Here was a chance I had to help. I pray now that God blesses what we have to give and helps Tiffany and Jim get a little closer to what they know to be God's will for them! I am excited to see what God has for them! And I feel like God has planted a bigger seed in me. One that for know remains a whisper and a secret. But something happened there in the middle of the night, something unexplainable....only God knows at this point where it ends and blooms, for now it remains watering what others are planting.

SO if you want to help Tiffany and Jim AND need a sling, sling kit or some Hawaiian Print Fat Quarters...you can visit the Keiki Kuddlerz website where 20% of your purchase will be donated directly to their fund to bring their baby home. If you don't need any of these I urge you to take james 1:27 literally and be a part of rescuing orphans. There is so much you can do.....you can start with prayer as I did and see what the Lord has for you! To donate directly to Tiffany and Jim visit Tiffany's blog and click on the upper right hand corner Chip In! EVERY cent counts towards helping save one of God's children!

Lapbooking Mania

2010-07-21T06:00:00.000-07:00

So I wanted to share a little more about what we are doing this school year for Gracia...and they are centered around LAPBOOKS! I am just loving this idea the more I find and make them! I've made 4 of them now...and printed off enough materials for a few more! Here are some photos of one of them to give you an idea of what it looks like::

On the Farm

This is the cover, a regular file folder opened, and re-folded so the opening is in the center.

Activity pockets are attatched on either side of the file folder, and filled with various activities!

This particular folder had a lot included! I didn't add anything to it! Everything tucks away neatly into it's own pockets!

Activities like sequencing, matching, coloring, puzzles and more!

Because I LOVE my laminator so much I even laminated the coloring sheets! You can have your child color on the laminated sheets with dry erase markers OR.....

Cool huh? Found em at Toys R Us but I'm sure you can find them else where! They even come with a little eraser mit! So I have those stashed away for Gracia to try out!

I've tried this lapbook out with Gracia and here is what I can tell you to help you along the road:

For her age (she JUST turned 2) you'll have to do a lot of working along side her. As she gets a little older she'll be able to do the activities on her own.
Laminate EVERYTHING! Little hands are NOT gentle with the parts to the lapbook!
Break down the activities into smaller activities. For instance, for with the head and tails matching I would have 1 head and give her a choice of 3 tails to choose from, too many options seemed to overwhelm her.
Some of the activities have a lot of cards that go with them, it gives you a bit more room to use a larger envelope for the holder and past the title on the envelope. That way the lamination doesn't pull away from the file folder::

This folder has 2 alphabet pockets with 26 letter each, that makes for a lot of cards for one little pocket!

I found great bold colored business sized envelopes at Office Max, sealed them, cut the end off and glued it open side up to the file folder, then when you laminate over it, take sharp scissors or a razor blade and gently cut the lamination right about the envelope to make it a pocket!

I would also Book rings (found at Office Max) to keep the letter and color books together. I've seen some lapbooks with them staples but, being a Mom of 4 kids and knowing that ALL 4 are going to want to flip through these, I think the rings will make them more user friendly for a longer time!

Use your older kids to "teach" the younger! Within each school day I have time set aside for each child to work (or play!) together. It's a time they really look forward to as a treat! Using a lap book with an older child would be a great way to reinforce what the older child knows already as well as create a bond with the younger!
Don't forget those older kids! They love lap books and file folder games as well and Homeschool Share has lapbooks for ALL ages! You can look on their Scope and Sequence for science, phonics, history (anything!!) and surprise them with a lapbook all of their own!
Using your publisher program (or windows) you can spend some time and make your OWN lapbook! I've got a few in my head floating around that if I get around to them I'll be glad to share the pdf's for!

So get started on those lapbooks! They are very easy to make if you can print, cut and glue you are on your way!

Ergo Performance Carriers

2010-07-20T05:00:00.000-07:00

Announcing a NEW product from ERGO!

I love my Ergo! Over a year ago I was sent an ERGO to try out when Gracia was a little wee one. We loved it, infact she STILL loves it and she's now 2! But ERGO has added yet another great product! Read below to find out what!

We are thrilled to announce the unveiling of our innovative new line, the ERGObaby Performance!

The ERGObaby Performance carriers are made for babies, moms and dads that are active and love to be outside in almost any climate.

ERGObaby Performance Carriers
The ERGObaby Performance carriers feature a high-performance polyester exterior, ideal for outdoor activities in all climates; a breathable mesh lining, keeping babies and parents cooler and more comfortable; and a CoolMax panel for extra moisture absorption and protection.

This sleek, streamlined design offers a smooth, supportive fit for parents and babies of most sizes and, as with all ERGObaby Carriers, can be used to carry babies from newborn to toddler on the back, front and hip positions.

Of course, like every other ERGObaby Carrier, ERGObaby's Performance line supports the correct ergonomic position for both babies and parents.

Performance Special Features

Lighter weight (1/3 lighter than our Standard Carrier)
This lighter weight fabric, with mesh lining, is ideal for active parents who want to be on the go and bring baby along.

Durable, quick-drying outer layer, ideal for outdoor sports and activities
The rugged, quick-drying exterior is perfect for the outdoors, and can be worn in water!

Stylish with a rugged outdoor look and feel
Two great new colors and a handy Cargo Pack

Comfort contouring on shoulder straps
Contoured shoulder straps keep your baby close to your body. Non-water-absorbent foam padding provides cushion without bulk.

Chest strap on slider for easy adjusting
Easily adjust the chest strap to accommodate your own comfort with the sleek and streamlined slider.

Waist belt extends 5" longer than Standard ERGObaby Carrier
Extra length in waist belt provides a better fit for babywearers of all sizes

Just for {U} Review and giveaway!

2010-07-19T07:30:00.000-07:00

It's not common that something comes along for Hawaii customers only....but we are in luck! If you've been in Safeway lately you'll have noticed all the advertisement for their new program "Just for U". If you are like me you retrieve the coupons out of the newspaper each week as well as print some off of your own. Well most people get to the trimming and organizing of those coupons as well but honestly....I can't tell you how much printer ink and paper I've wasted on printing coupons! In the shuffle of things I usually forget to cut the coupons, leave them at home and then find them once they've expired! No lie! But Safeway's Just for U program changes all that!

Now you can "load" your Safeway card with all of those great printable manufacturer's coupons, print off a list of what you have (all on ONE sheet of paper!!!) and have all the coupons automatically deducted with NO extra work from you past putting the product in the cart!

On top of that great perk Safeway also looks at your purchasing history and offer's you personal deals based on what you buy!

There are rules and conditions you need to follow so you can check here for those.

I tried it out last week with the $50 giftcard provided by Safeway and it was great. It really was as quick and easy as it was advertised to be! And I didn't waste 15 sheets of paper and tons of printer ink. In fact I purchased items and had a fun fondue night with the family! If you'd like to win a $50 giftcard here's what you can do::

Leave a comment below telling me what you'd buy with the giftcard

Leave a status update on Face book about this giveaway

Sign up for Just for U!

Winner will be chosen on July 21!

The Story of Easter by Gwen Ellis

2010-07-18T01:34:00.000-07:00

I received my first book from Book Sneeze.....okay to be honest I received it around Easter time, but.....it's now that we are getting around to reviewing it as well as blogging about it! But really do we only have to teach about Jesus' gift during one time of year? Of course NOT!!

The Story of Easter, Retold By Gwen Ellis

I acquired this book from Book Sneeze absolutely free to review with my kids as well as my Sunday School class. It's been tried out on kids ages 1-6, quite a wide variety of ages and understanding!

Because the book was broken into events of Passover to the Ascension, I chose to read sections through out the week to the kids and include an easy craft that coordinated with each section. This book was easy to read and understand for all ages, the illustrations were bright and wonderfully drawn, enjoyed by the kids. It delicately handled the death and resurrection of Jesus without watering down the message or changing it. It also included Biblical references that you could use to further the study of each section, especially helpful with older children!

The book also came with a 15 minute DVD that covered the same sections as the book and then extended it's coverage all the way up to the Pentecost and beyond! It was an excellent addition to the book and we used it as a completion of what we learned, sort of as a review of all we had covered throughout the week. The kids really enjoyed this set, and since they've referenced both the book and DVD since we've read it! Definitely worth they buy!

Closing up Shop {for a bit}

2010-07-17T15:18:00.000-07:00

We stared making slings 4 years ago with the birth of Ellie, our oldest daughter. I remember seeing another Blogging mom wearing her baby and I was amazed! I leaned in close to the computer screen with my mouth wide open, just staring. What was that thing???? Of course I asked her, it was a sling! I was a new mom, I had a Bjorn but it wasn't as comfortable as I had hoped.......oh I needed a sling!

After googling and searching I saw that slings were not only gaining popularity but they were.....expensive! Something I definitely could not afford. But being the crafty art major I was I again started searching the internet for instructions on how to make them. I found them easily enough and that very day I was a the store buying fabric for my very first sling. That is how the ride began.

It took months before we had what we thought was a great product. I had tried pleated shoulders, unlined, lined, flannel, cotton, closed tails, open tails, new folds around the shoulders, steel rings, aluminum rings, adding toy tags and inseam pockets. It was an adventure, and I loved it. I still do.

In lean financial times God provided a way for our family. We had the privilege of meeting tons of parents, inviting them into the world of baby wearing and sending them away with what we thought was a stellar product. We were proud of our work done late at night when everyone else was sleeping! We had fun picking out new fabrics and trying out new ones for ourselves. We were proud to be a small business at the Big Baby Expo, born out of necessity, grown in love.

But sometimes in life we have to make hard decisions....heart decisions. The idea of closing up shop has been lingering for over a year now, maybe even longer. I am so hard headed I didn't want to believe that closing the business and shutting down the website was even an option. It wasn't something I was ready for. But sometimes when you hold onto something and continue for it to be a burden and a stress, well it turns into being a huge negative mentally, physically and for me even spiritually.

Life has seasons, and though my babywearing season is far from over, my sling making season needs to be on pause. I can't say I'll never make another sling (especially for gifts AND myself!) but to try and run a business, care for a family, homeschool and serve in Ministries at church.....it's all too much. So after much prayer, muh sadness and even tears, we've decided to pack it up for a while.

Now while it's sad for us, it may turn out to be a great deal for some of you! If you are looking for a sling to buy OR make. I've decided to sell off the slings I have made and packed at our wholesale price, and to sell sling making kits as well. The kits will include the top material cut and ready to go, the rings, toy tags and instructions for sewing. You provide the liner of your choice! I might even go as far as to sell some fat Quarters of my material because boy do I have a LOT!

Here are some links to the website highlighting all the deals for anyone interested.

Keiki Kuddlerz

Let me know if you have any questions and don't forget to check back, I'll be adding already made slings as well as kits and fat quarts as I locate the images in my computer! If you see a material you'd like in fat quarters but not a kit, please contact me at:: keikikuddlerz@earthlink.net and I'll let you know what I've got available!

Rockin' the {Green}

2010-07-14T08:00:00.000-07:00

And I ain't talking about golf green.

In our home we choose to use cloth diapers most of the time. For a variety of "green" reasons, one of those being money! After crunching the numbers, we came to the conclusion that cloth diapering is much more cost efficient than buying disposables for a family that has at least 2 kids in diapers and one in pull ups some nights. That's a lot of cash and a lot of trash! (especially for living on a little island!!)

We started out when Ellie was a newborn and we've been able to use the same cloth diapers for our now 3rd little cloth baby. Of course we've experimented with styles, matierials, AIO's covers, soakers.....we've done it all. But that isn't what this post is about........

I am a bit embarrassed to admit that after 4 years of cloth diapering I have never even heard of cloth diapering soap! My routine was to rinse, soak in Oxyclean to take care of stains, hot water wash with no soap (or a little Felsnaptha) and line dry. And that has worked really well, but there is a slight odor that comes out when the diaper is soiled.

So after doing some research I found Rockin Green. And let me tell you I love it! They were awesome to send me some free samples to try out so I am spreading the green love!

Here in Hawaii we have some very unique water conditions, lots and lots of minerals in the water that leave nasty rings in toilets and sinks and don't come off with CLR and other mineral cleaners. SO naturally our water is hard and on top of that DIFFICULT!

I tried 3 different washing routines with the Classic Rock formula as well as the Hard Rock formula and the results were amazing!

Trial One:
I soaked the diapers in hot water overnight in Classic Rock and Oxyclean, prewashed and washed in the morning with an extra rinse. After they were dried there were no odors or stains!

Trial Two:
I soaked the diapers in Oxyclean over night and washed the diapers the next day using the Classic Rock formula, still no odors or stains!

Then I toughened up. I thought we are really gonna try this...NO SOAK! (I always soak because little newborn poo tends to stain)

Trial Three:
I did a pre rinse in cold water, washed the load in hot water with Hard Rock (mmmmm watermelon) and did an extra cold rinse.......guess what???? NO STAINS and NO ODOR! Seriously I almost can't believe it except I 've closely examined and sniffed the diapers.

AND....the bonus was using the diapers after being washed, there was no odor when the diaper was soiled! None! Well, there was an odor....just not the same one I had noticed before. This is one very happy customer!

So I am going to place my very first order of Hard Rock diaper Soap....in watermelon scent!

It's that {homeschool} time again!

2010-07-13T13:29:00.000-07:00

I said I would never home school my kids....after all aren't they a little weird? Yup they sure are, in a brainy, nerdy, sweet creative sort of way. Just the way I like em! I really did say I would never ever home school. Especially being an Education major, how could I!

But as time grew closer and closer for Jonah to enter the public school system (because private school wasn't an option for our location or budget) my heart and my anxiety level took a turn.We decided when he was 4 we would start home schooling for specific reasons (mostly based on fear), but then as time went on, those reasons have transformed into reasons entirely different! And though right now I couldn't tell you if we will always home school, I know that in this moment it is the absolute right choice for our kids. And for that I am thrilled!

We started really when he was about 3 working on "Hooked on Phonics". He was quick with the Literary concepts which kept me motivated. Then at 4 we started informal preschool a few times a week, lots of hands on "fun school" activities geared towards learning the basics. Last year we were able to enroll him in an online Kindergarten even though he was only 4 at the start of the year and he flourished! I had to order the 1st grade reader to keep up with him. Ellie joined us for subjects like History and Science and I started teaching her Letters, numbers and such and of course Gracie has to be in the mix coloring it up next to those two until she gets bored!

But this coming home school year is going to be a challenge for me for a variety of reasons....I now have 4 kids to care for, Jonah will be in 1st grade and Ellie is now enrolled in K4 with her very own classes and curriculum and Gracia just has to be involved! Of course we'll have to add in nursing and diaper changing/potty training breaks as well.....and Mommy sanity checks now and then! And on top of that I am highly considering homeschooling a daughter of a very good friend of mine.

As curriculum comes in the mail every few days.....boxes are opened and manuals are flipped through. I am beginning to get more and more excited about the whole year. You see I AM a nerd at heart. I love spending long hours in the Library and writing lesson plans till wee hours of the night. And as of late I have a new obsession.......Lapbooks! And because I am already addicted to my laminator, well that just goes right along with it!

To be honest I am hoping that along with some creative scheduling, blanket training, rotating hands on activities and lapbooks, homeschooling with Gracia this year won't be as stressful and chaotic as last year. My Motto is if you can't beat em, join em! Gracia already thinks she's 4 years old, just ask her! So instead of trying to shuffle her out of the room or off the table.....I've decided to enroll her in Totschool.

Okay so it's an unofficial enrollment, but she's in there alright! This is by far one of the best links I have found in a long time. It's kept me up late at night and gotten me out of bed early in the morning! I've been devouring her ideas and burning the midnight printer ink in preparation for the school year just for Gracia, and I can't wait! It's all I have in me not to try out the lapbooks I've made on Gracia today! But I've been a good little home school mommy and have them hidden. I've got 4 so far and I'm out of ink so I need to get another cartridge and get going! But before I do here are some of the ideas I have for Gracia this year, granted she's only 2, but she really wants to be involved like the big kids so my theory is to start instilling a love for learning now with lots of hands on fun activities geared for her age level!

Lapbooks and file folder games on subjects like colors, shapes, sorting, sizes, etc
Puzzles of all types!
Lacing beads and lacing tiles
Felt counting fish and games (currently in the process of making!)
Books, books and more books!
Alpha activities of all sorts
Bible stories with the big kids
Coloring....lost of coloring!
Playdough and crafts!

I'll have to update you a little later with some photos of all the fun things I've made! For now, take a peek at the links I've posted! You'll be inspired! Link lup below if you have any fun ideas to share about home schooing with toddlers!!

Service with a smile

2010-07-02T01:32:00.000-07:00

How has selfishness and me~ism seeped into our hearts and minds? Well for me it's an internal attitude and thought process that continually puts myself at the forefront. It's a selfish desire on my part for someone else (namely my husband) to help out when it is my own servant attitude that needs a check up. I'm not saying a husband can't help with the house or the baby. But how is my attitude?

I have been catching myself more often (as I believe the Holy Spirit is working on me) identifying these attitudes. One night after I had cooked dinner, cleaned up the kitchen and bathed the kids, I asked Dave to get their toothbrushes from downstairs. He did, and left them on the counter. Was I thankful or grateful he helped by doing that? No, my immediate thought was, "Well sheesh you could have brushed the kids teeth for me! I just made dinner, cleaned up, AND bathed the kids!" Right away I was stung with the reality of my lack of a servant attitude and grateful heart. Even though most times these thoughts don't escape my mind, they are dangerous and damaging in the thought process alone. They speak volumes of where my heart is in all of these matters.

Matthew 20:16

¹⁶ “So those who are last now will be first then, and those who are first will be last.”

Serving others is laying down your life, and taking up theirs. Honoring them and placing them in a position of utmost importance. Serving others is often times doing what is necessary instead of what is convenient.

1 John 3:16

¹⁶This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.

I have heard so many times how the woman needs to put herself first, take care of herself because no one else will. Look out for #1. Yet this is the antithesis of what they Bible teaches! Our lives are to be layed out in service to others, there is no greater love than this! And yet we are fed lies that we should be above others, we have a thankless job of service, we are doormats that everyone rubs their muddy shoes on. We've heard some of these things so often I think we have become brainwashed into thinking we deserve to be treated better than others. And when it doesn't happen we are bitter and angry about being left in the dust. For me this is pure selfishness!

True servant-hood requires and expects nothing in return, sometimes not even a thank you or acknowledgment that something has been done! It can be so difficult to lay down the act of serving, get your heart in the right place, ready for your service or work to be ignored by man. We long for human praise and acknowledgment like the pharisees in Matthew 23, lengthening our meaningless tassels, enlarging our empty phylacteries. But never forget that God sees your service. But He also sees your heart, if your heart is not in the right place, what good is the service!

The joy of true serving is in knowing you are meeting the needs of others as well as serving God in the process.

Clean up you act! {fun ideas for getting kids to clean up!}

2010-06-30T12:35:00.000-07:00

I've tried many things over the last few years to get the kids to clean up. And through the trials I've learned a few tricks......

Number One:: Do not under any circumstance tell the kids you are "cleaning up". Some how they are programmed to rebel against those very words. It's no fun! So we use a few other words and techniques that still get the job done but introduce a little fun in the meantime!

The first is a Counting Game:: I give the kids a number of toys to pick up and PUT AWAY (my kids have a tendency to get the toys off the floor and pile them on a bed or dresser). It works great for a quick room rescue when the room is not totally out of control, just a little messy.

The Toy Scavenger:: is for total chaos. When every bin has exploded (er been played with) and there is no floor space left, we have a little treasure hunt! I give the kids toy "groups" to hunt for. Like legos, dolls, cars, ponies, army men, etc. I think it helps little minds focus on one thing and not feel so overwhelmed about cleaning up ALL the things on the floor!

The Race:: I set the timer and we "put toys in their homes" for 15 minutes. When the timer goes off we are rewarded with a nicer room AND usually a treat. If you do this before snack time or meal time it works well. You can be preparing the snack or meal while they work. And the faster they do it the better but again, with my kids I have to make sure things are actually being put away and not piled up!

And last but not least......my favorite......

Mission Impossible:: I LOVE this one. I use it for the living room, an area in our house that gets messy quick with it being the living room, dinning room and school room all in one! Each child has their own name....We've got 001, 002, 003 (I know creative right??) in their birth order. Kids love whispering and secrets so much I incorporated that into this method. I'll look into the living room and find something that each child can do, or identify something of that child's and then give them a mission. I bend down and whisper into their ears, "Ellie, I want you to pick up all the princess shoes and take them upstairs and put them in the shoe bin." And she's off! I have NEVER had a complaint about cleaning when I do this! Each child gets a little competitive with it, wanting to hear the other person's mission or know how many missions each on has done! It's too cute! Even Gracia gets missions (she's 003)! And in no time the whole room is cleaned up and lookin good! I usually do this when I am cooking dinner in the kitchen so I can see what they are doing and what needs to be done, and can get something done myself! And if an spy get's of track I can call out, "002~Is your mission completed???" They really love it. It helps teach them obedience, following directions and being responsible all at the same time!

What do you do to get your kids to clean up with out prodding and yelling???

Feminism can take a Flying leap!

2010-06-26T02:12:00.000-07:00

SO I've been doing a lot of blog hopping and book reading lately on the subject of The role of a wife and mother. And let me say for beginners I am quite shocked at what I've found. There is a growing group of meek yet not so timid women who are actually joyfully raising their little girls to be homemakers, to stay at home and serve their husbands and children. Now the question is are you offended or intrigued?

To tell you the truth I was at first, a little offended. Not because I see anything wrong with being a homemaker (I should hope not since my mother an I are both homemakers!), but to intentionally and specifically train your daughter to be a homemaker? I had never heard of such a thing! Many thoughts ran through my mind, what about your talents and gifts? What about security of having a career and job in the event you lose your husband? What about your education? What about your contribution to the finances? What about..........what God wanted for your life? This was my first clue I had been brainwashed by feminism.

From the time I was a little girl, everyone asks what you want to be when you grow up. What do you want to do, where you want to work. To be honest my first thought was never to be a Wife and Mother. I can give you a long list of careers I dreamed of having as a young girl, none of them included the two most important roles a woman be. The two roles that we were created, gifted and blessed to be. I never realized that this was the ugly face of feminism, telling me in secret that being a wife and mother weren't roles to aspire to.

You see feminism is clothed in bright, beautiful garments, whispering in your ear and telling you that you are so much more than just a homemaker. That you were made to do and be all that a man can and is. That if you don't enter the work force, get educated, {conform} you aren't worth as much as those who do. It has told generations of women that choosing to stay at home wasn't acceptable or valuable. That you were worthless. Worth less than those who pounded the pavement and held their degrees, attaining and surpassing men in rank and wage. I know because my own Mother suffered from this prejudice. Her idea of her own worth and the importance of her career were damaged because of this.

Feminist Simone de Beauvoir states, "No woman should be authorized to stay at home and raise her children. Society should be totally different. Women should not have that choice, precisely because if there is such a choice, too many women will make it."

Vivan Gornick states, "Being a housewife is an illegitimate profession...The choice to serve and be protected and plan towards being a family-maker is a choice that shouldn't be. The heart of radical feminism is to change that."

And unfortunately for many, it has done just that. Wages for men have gone down making it nearly impossible for the average husband to support his wife and family forcing scores of women into the work force. Woman have been lied to and convinced that taking care of those most important to her isn't a job, isn't important, isn't valuable. I have even made the mistake of saying, "I don't have a job!" I've been a wife of 11 years and a mother for almost 6 and it's only now that I am beginning to embrace and understand my role. And the more I learn and study, the more I can identify the areas where feminism and a world view of service has damaged my attitude as well as my identity as a housewife. What I should be and will be focusing on from now on, is my Biblical view of a wife and a mother. Because according to the Word of God, without me, man is incomplete.

Reading the creation account in Genesis 1 we find a few things. God was pleased with His creation, many times He called it "good". One time though, he looked on all that had been formed and declared something "not good". You know what it was? Loneliness and need. Adam was in need of a companion. He wasn't just bored being by himself, didn't just want someone to talk to, he needed someone, his existence was incomplete. Nothing could complete him other than someone who could help him, be with him, someone compatible. Not of dust, like man was formed, but from his side, God formed his helper, his mate, his companion. And when woman was made and God's creation was complete what was it that God said? It was good? No, He said it was Very Good. We are a special part of God's creation that He sees as very good. Our role as wife not only compliments our husbands, it completes the picture of what God says is very good. Adam alone, without a helper, was incomplete. We weren't an after thought or an "Oh yeah!" We were the final touch, the icing, the perfect compliment, that "special" creation that was needed, for God's creation to be deemed very good.

Let's take a quick look at the "illegitimate profession" of Keeper of the House. According to Proverbs 31 an excellent wife is one that is hard to come by. Why is that? If anyone can do it and do it well, aren't we a dime a dozen? Isn't it a talentless, menial job? No, she is trustworthy and loyal to her husband, she is thrifty and industrious and adds to his wealth, she is talented in many areas, she is a seamstress (a creator of beautiful things) she is a talented chef, providing healthy and delicious foods some of which she may have grown, she is resourceful and has an entrepreneurial spirit and mind, she is strong and willing to work hard, she is up early and to bed late making sure her house and those in it are cared for~it is her priority, she is generous and cares for the poor and needy, she speaks and does good to her husband, her service to him and their children allow him to fulfill his God-given duties and roles as she fulfills hers, she contributes to her husbands success, she has strength and dignity, she fears the Lord, she is wise and plans for the future, she is a teacher of wisdom, tempered with Mercy and kindness, she is skilled at managing the home and all that goes along with it, she uses her time wisely. And because of this, her children will bless her and praise her. Her husband will have a good reputation.

The saying, "Behind every good man, is a good woman." Is true! If it weren't for the dedication and hard work of a willing wife, the husband cannot be successful in all that God has called him to be. In my season of life I am seeing this first hand as Dave has been called to the Ministry. God has been opening up more and more doors for him to share His word and teach! God is transforming Dave's love for teaching science, and using it for His glory. If I am not capable of caring for the kids and the home, for making meals and training our children, he cannot fulfill his calling.

I hear you, you are chanting along with the feminists, "What about your calling? Your talents?" I use them everyday! I majored in education, homeschooling our children I use that talent and passion every day. I majored in Art, I am free to create and "do art" all the time, though it may look different than Painting 101, I create! Having 4 children has allowed me to study and research pregnancy and birth which I am passionate about! I have a love for learning that keeps me quite busy all week long! Scores of other women are using their talents in running their homes everyday! It's no small task to run a small business such as a family. It takes intention, organization, shrewd business skills in many areas. It takes hard work and determination, kindness and love, patience and mercy. It takes brains to be an excellent wife.

Many people have asked if I will return to teaching (in a school) once the kids are all in school. I always answer, "I don't know! Maybe!" For many reasons. More recently I have actually started to enjoy my role as a wife and mother, which for a long time I didn't think was possible. I thought it was normal to struggle with this stage of my life and basically not enjoy it. I don't give a clear answer because I don't know the future and life has been so full of God's desires and plans rather than my own, that I have a hard time focusing on the future in that sense. I think "maybe" because I like my peers, I like working for and with my best friend, he's a lot more forgiving and friendly than those I've found in the world. I can't be fired from this job;)

My heart has been opened to fulfilling my role as wife and mother in a way that is pleasing to God. I desire to serve my family in a new light, one that previously hadn't shined in a way that it does now. I supposes I didn't realize just how special my role was. Through my role I am serving not only my family but my God.

Matthew 25:37-40
³⁷ “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? ³⁸ Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? ³⁹ When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ ⁴⁰ “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters,^[f] you were doing it to me!’

Hitting the wall {head on}

2010-06-18T17:38:00.000-07:00

Hitting the wall ::
In endurance sports, particularly cycling and running, hitting the wall or the bonk describes a condition caused by the depletion of glycogen stores in the liver and muscles, which manifests itself by precipitous fatigue and loss of energy.

I would liken my job as a mother to that of an athlete in an endurance sport. We do and run without stopping, sometimes grappling for the occasional handout of water or food. There is no baton to pass, this is a race we are to do ourselves. We are the maid, the cook, the teacher/trainer, launderer, chauffeur. We are expected and needed to have endless, boundless energy and to run this great race with smiling faces and right attitudes. This week I have definitely hit the wall.

I am depleted, I am fatigued, I have no energy and possibly on the verge of being depressed.

Put in perspective I do this to myself quite often. I have this super woman complex....in that I think I am superwoman. Which I am not. I cannot do all things nor make all people happy. Unfortunately I talk myself {quite often} into thinking I can and will. But I can't and don't.

Right now, from my perspective life looks more than overwhelming. Summer is filled to the brim with activities and functions both fun and stressful. And even though we've cut back on some activities, it is still full, leaving us little time for relaxation or family time. This is never what I want for summer vacation, and always what seems to happen!

We are also anticipating a move in August/September which has started to plague my brain. It's something we've prayed about for years, being closer to the church and being able to better serve where we feel called. But when I look around my small crowded house, even though I look forward to having more room, I am overwhelmed at what it is going to take to actually move! It's like one giant puzzle that isn't fitting in my mind. I suppose it's because change isn't always exciting to me as it should be. Of course there are tons of positives (like the house is bigger, closer to church,cheaper), but actually getting there is uncharted territory. I think about the days I will have to be moving and shuffling with Dave at work and me trying to both homeschool and move/rearrange life, and watch all 4 kids with tears because I don't know how I am going to do it all.

And most of those are insignificant, {like where will I fold my clothes with no folding counter? or where will we put all our shoes???} silly I know. But they are things I think about when I walk around here looking at all the stuff we have! There are other questions that are more significant, like where will we fit everyone, the shapes and sizes of rooms are different and mathematically things don't fit quite like they do here. We can fit beds, dressers and toys if some are upstairs and some are downstairs, but who goes where? What makes the most sense? I don't know.

Mostly we've become accustomed to life here. I will miss living near the ocean, in our first home, where all my littles have been born so far. And even though we don't fit in this house and really can't afford to live here at this point, it's been home for so long, it's hard to imagine us anywhere else, even if that somewhere else is a step up.

So I lack the energy to do little else but make it from sun-up to sun-down. And I suppose that is okay for now. The laundry is piling up, the house is unraveling more and more each day, and Sunday we'll be heading to Awana camp which means tomorrow I have to pack up 5 people to survive a week away from home. Maybe the time away will help clear my head a little.

A {little} peek

2010-06-03T11:50:00.000-07:00

I love this phase. She's only a few days old here, sleepy and chubby and good smelling.

We are doing good. All of us.

I really thought having 4 kids would be overwhelming, and believe me there have been times! But all in all it's been wonderful. Dave and I have always tried to foster independence in our children (age appropriate of course) and we are seeing that more and more. The milestones are other 3 children are coming to as we've added a newbie is amazing, and sad all at the same time!

With summer in full blast it's already been full of late nights, movies and slumber parties. The next few days we'll be setting up the above ground pool! We'll all be nice and tan!

We'll also be continuing school for the summer. Two months seems like a long time for little minds to retain all that they've learned this year! And in all honestly my kids go a little crazy with nothing planned. The house ends up a wreck, they jump from activity to activity chaotically. It's not good. So we'll continue with reading, math, Bible and ART and science. But only a little each day, no more than an hour a day, and mostly FUN stuff! But I do want them to keep up with what they've learned!

We've also got VBS this summer in July, Awana camp in late June, Dave teaching summer school.....so we will be busy! But busy is fun. I am really hoping to get a little sewing at some point, maybe some knitting. But my main goal is just to enjoy the summer. To take it easy, not have too many expectations, and just enjoy my little family!

Introducing Liora Tresa

2010-05-20T11:47:00.001-07:00

Liora (Lee-{OR}-ah) Means the gift of God's light in Hebrew, Tresa is my grandmother's middle name (Italian spelling)

She is a gift of light to us.......here a few photos of the new babe. Unedited, because we had to wipe out the computer and my photoshop isn't up and running yet....but I'll edit them later and add to them.....here she is as photographed by a friend.....

She is such a sweet and easy baby....so sleepy I have to wake her up to eat all the time!

Today we had our first day without Daddy home (though Aunt Steph is here so I am not alone!!!) We actually had a very normal day! School work got done, naps were taken, I even had a small amount of time to myself!

It's still hard to believe there are four little Heldts running around here (okay 3 running and one sleeping). I know the crazy times are ahead when Liora has more wake time and needs more entertainment, but I am enjoying the peace now.

We also had our first day of cloth diapers which I just love....newborn cloth diapers are so little and cute!

Our {home} Birth experience

2010-05-11T15:37:00.000-07:00

I know for many people home birth may seem a little weird, rare, dangerous....maybe even stupid!!! But for us it was nothing short of amazing.

We chose a homebirth for many reasons. When we got pregnant with Jonah, Dave and I decided we wanted to go as natural as possible with all aspects of the pregnancy and birth, we wanted no interventions, we educated our selves. We still gave birth in a hospital, had my water broken and an epidural. Yeah that didn't go as planned.

With Ellie we got a natural birth, she had a slight shoulder dystocia, still weren't totally thrilled with the delivery but happier than with Jonah.

Gracia was the same, slight shoulder dystocia, we were less than thrilled with the hospital. I won't go into too many details but, we didn't know the doctors who delivered Gracia, didn't like their orders or bedside manner and just were not pleased with the experience.

With this baby we wanted something different.

I have heard some many wonderful things and read so many wonderful experiences with midwives and homebirths it had been something I had want to try but never really had the nerve or comfort level to do. Then when Gracia's labor only lasted 2 hours and we barely made it to the hospital, we re-thought the homebirth idea. The idea of us delivering a baby on the side of the road was a real fear of mine. The idea of having people come to us while we labored and prepared sounded heavenly and it turned out it was.

Here's our story::

Labor usually starts with the loss of a plug for me, so that was what I was waiting for. When I started having some contractions at church around 6:30pm, I truely didn't think it was "it". I just thought they were Braxton Hicks contractions and thought I had about a week until the baby would come.
About 7:30 I just didn't feel right. I had an urge to get home and get in my bath tub, though I still didn't think I was in labor. But Dave was awesome at listening to me and getting us in the car and home by 8pm. I got in the tub immediatly and could hear Dave downstairs getting stuff ready, even though I hadn't officially told him this was it. Around 9:20pm I gave the midwife a call. I told her I didn't want her to come out if it wasn't real labor, there still wasn't any plug, but contractions were coming closer together and getting more intense. She said she could hear it in my voice and that she was coming.

So from 8pm till 10pm I just hung out in our tub upstairs. During that time I was going through a wide range of emotions. A big part of me didn't believe I was in labor, another part of me didn't want to be in labor yet! I know it sound so weird, but we wanted Dave's sister to be here, we weren't quite ready with what we had wanted to get down from the attic, etc.....you know the list didn't have everything crossed off of it! So for a while I feel like I was mentally fighting my own labor. Dave would come in and check on me and I would share my fears or concerns with him and he is so wonderful. It's so nice to have someone that I can be totally honest with and just talk to and know that he won't think I am crazy. He's there with me and is present and knows exactly what to say to get me into the right frame of mind.

Around 10pm I went downstairs to get into the birthing tub, Dave had everything set up and ready. The tub wasn't full but the water was deep enough to still be relaxing. I started feeling the urge to push the baby down and after a few pushes my water broke, nice and clear fluid. The midwife arrived shortly after that and the real work began.

Poor Dave was running around bringing in bags and getting everything in order. Finally the doula (who had arrived right after I got in the tub) asked Dave to get in the tub with me. That helped so much. He was behind me, making it more comfortable and encouraging me.

It was almost like I was pushing and going through transition at the same time. I could feel the baby filling up the birth canal and I thought and verbalized that I was not going to be able to get the baby out! She felt huge, and I didn't feel like I was going to be able to push her anywhere! I felt like pushing was really not doing anything! Though I know it was, mentally it felt like nothing was happening. It was incredibly painful, more than the other births. But everone was so encouraging. Then all of a sudden her head was there, I reached down and could feel it there! That was really amazing. Everything slowed down and Miriam told me to just breath, and I breathed her head out gently without tearing. That was one thing I wanted so badly....all my other births seemed so chaotic and quick.

Then it happened, she was stuck....like the other 2 girls! I changed positions after a few intense tries of pushing without anything happening. This one though was stuck because she was trying to get out with both hands above her head! A few pushes in a new position wasn't working, so Miriam suggested getting out of the pool, well as soon as I stood up out she came! I remember saying something like "Here she comes someone catch her!" and the term "Babycatcher" came to life. Both Dave and Miriam caught her and she was born. She was handed to me and we stood there meeting for the first time face to face. I was so thankful it was all over! So thankful she was safe and breathing and that I had just given birth to a 10 pound little healthy chunky baby, in my own home, with my husband and midwife and doula....and everything incredible.

Honestly I was in a blissful shock for the next few hours. I really truly had a hard time grasping the fact that the baby was here! That we were okay, the midwife had made it in record time and just in time for the baby! Even though the delivery had been hard, pushing had been difficult and painful, I had done it! We had the experience and the location we wanted. The doula helped clean everything up and tucked me into bed with my new amazing little miracle. This soft, plushy chubby little thing that I couldn't stop staring at....and still can't. I wouldn't have changed a thing about the birth, though it was the hardest of all the babies (besides Jonah's 3 hour push-a-thon). The biggest of all my babies, but being here at home.....well there is nothing like it. Really. Nothing like it. Even Dave was thrilled and he had to do most of the work of setting up and cleaning up!

If we do this again.....cause really we don't feel like we are in total control of that, though we've tried unsuccessfully, we will have another homebirth as long as the conditions are right and we are healthy. It was the greatest gift, and the best thing to wake up to a new baby in my own bed and introduce the rest of the kids to their newest addition......there is more to tell at another day and time about our exerience.

We are still deciding on the perfect name....so a name and photos will be coming very soon!

What's to come

2010-03-25T11:49:00.000-07:00

So our home PC just fizzled. Well....not the entire PC {seriously thanking the Lord} just a virus that attacked the use of the internet! So while all my files and photos are safe, I can't get on the net to post all the things I am falling behind on! I've got some give aways and some reviews all lined up and ready to go, but all my photos are on the other computer so doing a little catch up and switch-a-roo are in order to get everthing up and running! but here is a little taste of what is to come::

I'll be reviewing the the following products :

The Farber and Castell young Artist Texture set. Incredible! The kids really loved it and I can't wait to share with you the fun they had!

The Baby K-Tan sling, a hybrid sling I am waiting to arrive so I can try in out!

The Story of Easter by Gwen Ellis. A fun condensed version of Holy week with easy to absorb facts and descriptions of the last week of Jesus' life on earth. I'll be including fun crafts you can do with your kids as you read the sections in this book. It also comes with a DVD!!!!

Here are some giveaways headed your way!!!

An Apron giveaway from fewofmyfavoritethings Fabulous hand made creations including my favorite Mother/daughter matching aprons. Amazing creativity and craftsmaship!
A giveaway from Picky Sticky These great little stickers are perfect for keeping tabs of your babies age OR your pregnancy! Just stick and click!
My very own giveaway......a Keiki Kuddlerz Sling! In anticipation of getting to sling my own newborn again!!!

So stay tuned, it'll take a bit to get these up, but I will....along with some photos of our adventures taking 11 kids to the beach last sunday! Thankfully at least 4 of them could swim! Fun times here as the weather gets a little warmer, the waves get a little smaller, and summer vacation can be seen in the near distance!

Stepping into Spring like a {sNaIL}

2010-03-22T22:58:00.000-07:00

Phew! Where on the island have we been!??! I hadn't realized it had been so long since I had posted anything, but alas, when real life takes you on a journey you follow! Last week was spring break meaning Dave was home! In our house that always means we are way more busy! Even though the kids don't have school either, we are either working on some home improvement project or taking the kids on mini adventures around the island trying to squeeze in memories and family time. Last week we were able to do both! The first 3 days of the week Dave and Jon stripped the tile, refinished it and the shampooed all the carpets in the house! It was a bit challenging to move the furniture and the kids around, so during this time I took the kids to the Ho'omaluhia Botanical Gardens for a Pre-school activity (free of course!!)

The kids had a blast and we all learned a LOT about snails!

A "GarDeN variety" snail

[did you KNOW that shell is made of dirt eaten by the snail?]

Peeking in at an African Snail

[look but don't touch!]

Making a snail craft!

Snails on a log

A very cute and easy craft the kids loved!

A series of shots...none of which are good, all of which are funny.

Ya think my fishing pole is long enough or should I find another one?

Feeding the fishes our sandwich crusts

Sweet Sisters

Good Friends

We had a really great day. We love hanging out with Pua and Phoebe. And the kids love each other. Ho'omaluhia Botanical Gardens is located on the Windward side of the island up against the Ko'olau Mountain Range. It's gorgeous over there, so green and lush. I even found Soap Berries, I'm currently trying to figure out how to make them into usable laundry detergent!

When going on family field trips I always dress the kids in like colors. Of course I love having them all match and coordinate but really for sighting purposes I try and make it easy on myself! That's why today is all about the orange!

What tricks do you use when taking all the kids out?

Baby Sling Safety Guides

2010-03-11T15:31:00.000-08:00

A day after I decide to write a post of wearing a sling the news erupts with babies possibly suffocating while being worn! I've got great timing! Being an avid baby~wearer, and also the owner of a small business that makes Ring Slings, I want to clear up some of the fear in the air and give you exactly what these articles are talking about.

First the dangers of babywearing. Nothing comes without risk. Even riding a bike (or walking down the street for some of us) can pose a risk if you are as graceful as I am! So of course when wearing (or carrying) your baby you need to be cautious. Two not-so-common dangers are ::

1) Suffocation~ this can happen if you are using a sling improperly or using a "bag style" sling such as the Infantino Sling (7 babies have died due to suffocation using a bag style sling)
2) Concussion, bruises, serious injury to baby~ over 11 years 37 babies have fallen out of sling causing injury to the baby, but thankfully no deaths.

You can read more about this at Consumer Reports

In fact an RN conducted some studies on the bag style sling and you can read about her findings here.

A parent needs to be cautious when using a sling, and there are guidelines for safe positioning and babywearing. Here is a great video explaining some safe babywearing practices ::

Take the 5 minutes to watch this if you have questions or concerns about wearing your baby. She does a great job of giving some tips on making sure your baby is safe, secure and suffocation free.

Some important tips ::
1. Always make sure your baby can breathe! You do want to be hands free while wearing your baby but obvously NOT at the expensive of their respiration! Never wear your baby in a C position where their bottom is the lowest point in the sling, leaving the head and feet higher than the head. This causes the babies chin to press firmly against his chest making breathing difficult. (this is the only position the bag style carrier allows you to wear your baby~not safe!). You can wear your baby in a cradle position but always make sure the baby is laying in a diagonal with his head at the highest point, his feet at the lowest, not vertical!

2. Don't do anything with the carrier your wouldn't do while holding your baby! This includes activities like running/jogging, jumping, driving, swimming, roller blading, riding a bike, mowing your lawn (do you get the idea??) etc. Carriers are for babies to be held securely, any of the previous activities could injure or harm your baby! Walking, rocking, dancing, gentle motions are the best for protecting babies neck and spine in or out of a carrier!

3. Make sure your carrier is appropriate for your babies age, developmental stage and weight. There are lots of carriers to choose from. They offer different positions and different weight limits. Every carrier is different. It's best to go to a store that offers slings and carriers to try and see which one feels right and comfortable to you! And while you use that carrier, make sure you are using positions your baby is ready for! In a Ring Sling we don't suggest you use the back or side carry until the baby can hold his head up very well. Find out the requirements for each carrier and follow them!

4. Follow the directions and guidelines correctly for each sling. Make sure your read through those directions and find additional tips online and especially on Youtube. There are a plethora of baby wearing videos offered to help make wearing your baby easy the first time and safely!

5. Make sure your baby is being carried securely. The sling or carrier should be buckled or adjusted to support and hold baby in. If you bend over to pick up an item, place you hand on baby for extra security and monitor your babies position periodically. In all honesty it's hard to wear your baby insecurely because it won't feel right to you, but it's always a great practice to be proactive and check their position! Also a newborn should have their head and neck secured and not bobbling around, make sure the sling comes up to their ears, but not over their head or face.

Hopefully this was helpful! Baby wearing is wonderful for development and contrary to some beliefs it is not a "fad". It has been done for centuries, we are just figuring out how to do it more comfortably and stylishly! And with the lack of need the western world has had with all the fun gadgets and toys you can buy to entertain and "hold" your baby for you, baby wearing has been lost for a while. So I'd say it's not a fad, but it's making a comeback!

happy Baby~Toddler wearing!

{Child} Wearing

2010-03-10T13:11:00.000-08:00

Many think that baby wearing is just that. For babies! And while it is easier to carry your baby with you at all times, I am finding it is so important to wear your toddlers as well.

Dr. Sears highlights the benefits of babywearing ::

In order for a baby's emotional, intellectual, and physiological systems to function optimally, the continued presence of the mother, as during babywearing, is a necessary regulatory influence.

You might have even heard the terms "Nine in Nine out" being that the womb period for a baby is 9 months in the womb and 9 out, making slinging and baby carrying important for babies development. But does it have to stop there? Absolutely not!

Let's face it, toddlers have it tough. From about 18 months they start really exploring and testing out those individual interests (which happen to be the toilet, toilet paper, markers, brothers' collection of cards, Mom's Tupperware, sister's shoes). They are realizing the world is SO COOL! And they want to be a part of it in a big way!

It's a time when they understand speech and what is going on around them, can mimic behavior and actions so well, but can't quite get those words out to express themselves! It's a time of great joy and great frustration for them (and for us!) as they waver between turning into that "big kid" and still wanting and needing to be a baby. It's a tough time! The balance of letting them explore and teaching them obedience and self control and still letting them be the little baby is a hard one!

For me to continue to wear them through these tough toddler times helps us find a middle ground. Particularly when we are having a hard day, when my arms need to be free but my toddler needs to be close to my heart. When I can't stop the activity and the momentum of the day, and the little one wants to be close. For me it's so comforting to have her near me instead of at my feet pulling down my pants begging to be held. I can cook or fold laundry or school and love on her all the same.

A week ago Gracie had a slight fever (temperature taken by Mom-kiss thermometer) and she was grumpy. After a little while in the sling she was ready to play again, I lift up on the rings and slide her down my leg. A little while later, she came dragging the sling into me and asked to be held again. I love it. How can you say No to that?

When we are out and about I have a sling in the car at all times. She doesn't always want to be held in my arms, and she's forever trying to climb out of shopping carts and such. But for some reason in a sling, she lasts much longer, she is more content to be closer to me, more secure.

So don't forget to sling those toddlers and children too. The benefits are huge! Other parents have said toddler wearing helps with potty training (for que reading), sibling rivalry when a new one arrives, tantrums, teaching (like in the kitchen where they want to see what's going on but safety is an issue~back carry!), and travel!

Don't pack away that sling after the baby starts walking. Most slings have a weight limit of around 30 pounds (ours can go above 45) so keep them out and handy! Even Jonah can still back and side carry in a sling!

God wants my House to be dirty

2010-03-08T17:45:00.000-08:00

A while back I shared a little about how I was struggling. Well I am still struggling, just in a different way.

I guess I should start by saying in pregnancy I've been a bit spoiled. With Jonah pregnancy could not have been easier. I had NO morning sickness, I had no aches and pains, I had swollen feet by the end and that was it. I loved being pregnant, I loved looking round and full of baby!

With Ellie I had some morning sickness in the beginning, all the normal tiredness etc. I still loved being pregnant and everything that came with it! I dealt with PPD after her birth and that was a long dark struggle until getting help when she was 8 months old. Only by the Grace of God did I survive until I got help.

With Gracie I had the same sickness, but then hypothyroidism also kicked in as well as sciatica making it hard some days to even walk. My low energy level because of the thyroid condition made everyday hard especially with a 3 year old and a 1 year old. But we made it through.

And now, at age 33, weighing the most I've ever weighed, still dealing with thyroid/energy issues, having been "diagnosed" with an irritable uterus (still contracting daily), sciatic pain on both sides making some days seriously almost impossible to walk around my house without tears, and then this weekend being wiped out with Mastitis (which don't even ask how I got an infection without currently breastfeeding!).......I kinda wonder if God just wants my house to be dirty!?

Okay that's silly I know. But in a way, it's serious for me. Now don't get some image of a perfect house with no dust bunnies and sparkling toilets. That's not what the house looks like at all times. But cleaning and keeping things relatively neat and orderly are important to me. "Keeping" my house is something I take pride in, it IS something I value.

But maybe, just maybe this is something that has become too important to me, and has taken a higher priority in my life than it should have. I say this because at this point I cannot physically do it. I have never been in this position before. Ever. Even exhausted after just having birthed a new baby, I've always forced myself to do what "needed" to be done. I've always worked myself beyond what was necessary, but not without a cost. Maybe the price was me having a bad attitude about their being messes around the house, or the cost was not spending time with the kids because I was trying to catch up with the thing I was most behind on. Regardless I always got the work done, no matter what the cost was, the house was important.

But these last few weeks have been an honest struggle for me to let go of what I deem important and take care of what IS important. Today all it took was making the kids lunch and the getting a pot of stew started (a total of maybe an hour standing), I guess not to mention the up and down of schooling and diapering and a few loads of laundry. But to me that didn't seem like over doing it! Where it left me was hobbling across the room and crying myself into a ball upstairs after laying the kids down for rest time.

In all of this, how silly it must seem to some, I hear God calling for me to give it ALL to Him. To just give in to being cared for by Him and giving up control of things that really aren't important and to grasp on to what IS important. To perhaps again change what I think is a priority into what He knows is a priority for me right here and right now.

He is chipping at my pride. I don't like asking for help. I don't like others to know just how much I am struggling or doing things for me. Including Dave. I hate the idea of him working a 9-10 hour day to come home and pick up the house and take the kids and have to do part of my job as well as his own. He is willing and cheerful and so loving as he does it all, but deep within my I feel guilty and think I am being a wuss, I should just suck it up and "do it!" until I can't walk again.......I suppose I am a stubborn one.

I pray God doesn't give up on me. I want to be in His will, I want to listen and obey, and if that means giving control to Him and letting go of my pride, even in the littlest things like keeping up with the house and laundry. I want to be obedient to Him.

A {Rare} day

2010-03-04T16:25:00.000-08:00

I looked on the Calendar today and I had written in Library. I love the Library. I love having the kids come home with 50 pounds of books to look through. It's the actual Library trip that can be a little rough. In fact we haven't been there in a while because the last trip was disastrous.

Jonah and Ellie are great.....they love the library and love making a huge pile of books from all over the kids section because they know I won't say no. We went from taking 1 reusable bag to 3! We usually borrow around 40 books, today's count was 48. I'll look up what we are studying for the next three weeks so I have some goals in mind, usually I also have a few to pick up that I've requested ( I don't even bother looking down the adult isles at this point!) and then let the kids pick out whatever looks interesting to them.

Gracia on the other hand? Well honestly what can one expect from a 20 month old? Nothing less than running, giggling loudly, climbing on the tables, throwing the stuffed animals in the reading corner, climbing on the kiddy book shelves.....yes with little destructo around the trip can be quite tiring!

But today for some reason was delightful. No one got any warnings (except Gracia to get off the top of the bookshelf and down from the table top). No tantrums, no disobedience. On the way out the Librarian even commented on how well behaved my kids were....now that is a rare treat to a mother's ears. And it really made my day.

After editing with a little Graussian Blur

So much so we made a spontaneous stop to borrow "Where the Wild Things Are" (with a FREE movie coupon of course!) and make tonight Spaghetti and Movie night. It's days like this when I can breathe and just enjoy, and it is a rare treat with 3 little ones always needing something!

The Original

One more edit just for fun.

I wish all my days went this well...but that is what makes this one so rare, one to cherish. Easy days are hard to come by, easy outings with 3 little ones and a huge belly are even harder to come by. So I cherish this one day and remember it, even though it was simple, just a little Library trip. It's one I'll remember with a smile!

** Make sure you visit Pixel Perfect for some great photo editing blog hopping!**

{On} getting your kids to eat healthier

2010-03-03T15:09:00.000-08:00

It seems as if these days it's a battle to eat the healthiest foods possible. Quick and easy choices are all around, prepackaged processed snack foods, fast food, vitamin enriched everything entices us! But the question is in the long run, how good is it for us? We all come up with excuses on grabbing the bag of goldfish instead of the strawberries. The price difference is a huge consideration! Let's face it fresh produce can be pricier than processed snacks. But again what is the value difference between those two snacks! The difference is unbelievable.

I recently read a book suggested by a friend called Disease-Proof Your Child. Now I admit the Title is a bit deceiving, seeing as we live in a sinful world full of diseases some of which you have no control over! But one interesting fact Dr. Joel Fuhrman notes is that what we put into our bodies from birth to about 14 years is the most critical for fighting disease later in life! Why? We are building a fertile cellular foundation for disease and cancer later in life when we aren't feeding our cells the powerful cell-healing nutrients they get from fruits and vegetables! Read an Article on Feeding your Child and yourself for that matter! And if it amazes you or astounds you I encourage you to borrow or buy his book! One of the best quotes from the book (in my humble opinion) is that it's not what you are eating it's what you aren't eating that matters. Most likely if we are stuffing ourselves with processed foodlike substitutes, we aren't eating enough raw, whole foods!

So I have been on a journey these last few months, maybe prompted by this pregnancy and the need to eat and feel healthier, wanting to educate myself a little more on nutrition or because I also have hypothyroidism which makes both gaining and losing (in my case) very difficult! My journey started with researching raw foods, whole foods and just plain healthy foods. Over the last few months we've made a transformation in our house to eat healthier, and I've done it all without making a big fuss about it, holding a family meeting and tossing out all the processed foods in dramatic fashion. In fact what I did was the opposite of all that. And the family is currently riding on a little train, hopefully to better health without really knowing it!

So what did I do????

1.Stop stocking. I stopped buying processed snack and lunch items and just started letting them eat raw and whole foods instead. When the huge box of (carcinogen loaded) chips from costco was gone, I replaced them with dehydrated apple chips, pear chips, strawberry/banana chips.....and don't buy chips anymore. Instead of Goldfish and Teddygrams, I started offering sliced fruit, yogurt, fruit smoothies, granola, trail mix for snacks instead. When the questions was asked if we had any [fill in the blank] I would just say, "Nope we are out of that! But we have [replace the old blank]!

2. Be stealth. Don't announce you used whole wheat flour instead of white for those yummy cookies, just let them enjoy! I don't notice the difference and neither do the kids when I exchange the whole wheat for the white flour in certain recipes (except my *famous* french bread, but you can make that whole what as well!). Slowly make switches from white rice to wheat, make it hapa style or half white and half wheat if you want to start slow.

3. Enjoy the homemade. Okay I love oreos and I am pretty sure those are full of processed foodlike substances. So when you want something not healthy (or semi healthy) make it yourself! Make your own cookies (and please let me know if you find a homemade recipe for oreos!). No preservatives, no dyes, you can change up the flour or eggs or butter with substitutes (or add blended veggies!) and still enjoy the sweets!

4. Don't go overboard. We aren't perfect or adamant about people not feeding our kids sugar or processed foods. But what we offer them now are much healthier alternatives. My kids are in my care and under my watch most of the time so I get to decide what they eat most of the time. So if they get something we aren't buying as snack at Awana, etc. I don't care. Like I said it's more about what they ARE eating most of the time.

5. Become a self appointed nutritionist. (without going overboard!!) Do a little reading and research about what is in foods! For instance did you know that a cup of peas has 10 grams of protein???? I was floored by this little bit of info, protein in veggies???? You'd be surprised what a little time reading about what is in healthy foods will encourage you too want to eat those healthy foods!

6. Cut down on animal products. You absolutely do not have to become a vegetarian or vegan (though you can!) but cutting down on animal products~ especially hormone/steroid/antibiotic fed ones can dramatically improve your well being and health!

So what about kids who don't like fruits or veggies? Enter Ellie. She likes apples (sometimes) bananas (on occasion) and licking the ranch dressing from carrots. Okay....so this girl is a meat eater, especially pork products. So we do tastings with her. She does eat corn and some veggies and she isn't a gagger (thank the LORD!) but she won't choose fruits and veggies over the processed stuff. SO each week I buy a different fruit along with the ones we always have on hand and for either snack or lunches we taste! Studies have shown a few things about kids and food ::

It takes between 10-15 tastes to be accepted by the buds, so don't give up the first time your baby spits out peas or gags. Try it day after day after day! Even as kids get older and you want them to like or try certain foods. Keep offering and have them taste each time, one bite will do. They don't have to eat the whole bowl of sliced pears, just a taste! Now this doesn't guarantee they will eventually eat everything, but they will enjoy a wider variety of foods this way!
Monkey see Monkey do! If your kids see you munching on some watermelon or a pear or an avocado, eventually they will at least want to try it. They will copy our habits if we let them! And healthy habits are the best to copy! I didn't get ALL the kids drinking green smoothies by force feeding it down their throats. I drank them everyday! And eventually even Dave wanted to try them!

I know that buying fresh fruits and produce can be hard on a budget. But here is the interesting part. Since we've replaced the processed foods like chips, crackers, cookies etc with healthier foods, our grocery bill has not gone up, we are just spending it differently! You can get a bunch of bananas for less than a bag of chips! Once a month cooking has really helped us spend less as well, and costco has quite a bit of organic goods at great prices. Most things you can't use quick enough can be frozen! I bought a huge bag of Broccoli for about $4 (way cheaper than the regular grocery store) and froze half of it, slowly using it for cooking while the kids ate most of the other half with lunch and dinner raw or cooked! You just have to change your way of thinking about food and maybe be a little creative with it. Frozen fruit is awesome for
green smoothies! And an incredible way of getting all kinds of nutrients into you and your kids! (yes even better than chewing all that spinach!)

It's been an adventure for our family, and Dave even admitted all this "healthy eating" is rubbing off on him! He's cut down on one or less Pepsi a day and eating healthy snacks too! And I didn't even have to nag him at all. I just stopped buying the junk we had laying around!

{Speechless in Blog~land}

2010-03-01T17:23:00.000-08:00

I've never been given a blog award before!

I'm speechless!!!

Thank you Gina for your thoughtfulness!

Free Books!!

2010-03-01T10:57:00.000-08:00

I found this awesome opportunity to get Free books in exchange for a review of that book! You can to apply and get accepted so I was a little nervous, seeing how I've only done one actual book review. But guess what? I got accepted and so can you!

I've said before I am a slight book nerd. {we borrow no less than 40 books at a time} but I really don't have the funds to buy every book I want to read. I borrow about 99% of the books I read. If it's a great book and one I know I'll reference again and again I buy it used (mostly off of amazon...love those $,01 books!!). So when I saw this opportunity for FREE books in exchange for my personal opinion! No brainer!

Visit this website, spend about 1 minute filling out a little application, wait a few days and you too might be accepted to receive free books in exchange for reviews! You can even choose the catergories that you are interested in! From childrens' books to Spiritual books to fiction. Anything and everything! Plus YOU get to choose the books you review! They do NOT send you random books that you have to review! When you are done reading, you post a review or a link to you blog where the review is and you are eligible to receive another book! That's it! Don't know how to write a book review!? They even give you tips and guidlines to follow and stress honesty about the book based on your personal opinion!

I'm pretty excited about it! I had a hard time this morning picking books! Since Easter is around the corner I had been looking for something to do with the kids (kind of like the Jesse Tree at Christmas time) and found this book as an option::

From the Read and Share Bible brand, this retelling of the Easter story is explained in a way that helps young children understand the life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.
Based on the International Children's Bible, this story walks through the last week of Christ's life and is told in a way that teaches children about the amazing gift Jesus gave us. Events include His triumphant entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday through His appearance to the disciples and His ascension. The "Can You Retell the Story" activity at the end of the book is a fun way to hide the Word in their heart.
The animated DVD includes a 15-minutes of stories plus coloring pages and other bonus features.

It comes with coloring pages, an activity and a DVD.....so we'll see!

There is NOTHING to lose with Book Sneeze! Try it out and let me know if you are accepted so us book nerds can share the wisdom!

Tsunami Warnings and evacualtions!!

2010-02-27T07:30:00.000-08:00

Please pray with us this morning! We have a Tsunami hitting the Islands in a few hours. We are only a few blocks from the beach so we are evacuating up the valley. Please pray for the safety of our Islands, our family and loved ones!

Your Secret Name

2010-02-27T00:23:00.003-08:00

I am ever so intrigued by this upcoming book. It is written by a former college classmate, he has written other books as well. A powerful spiritual leader of our time. Visit his blog for more information on his book coming out March 15th! Great prizes but more importantly spiritual truth waiting to change your life!

YOUR SECRET NAME

Flaunting the Belly {GIVEAWAY}

2010-02-25T18:32:00.000-08:00

Let face it, maternity styles come and go, but do you ever get tired of that soft comfy tee shirt? You know the one, the one that fits throughout your pregnancy and beyond? Now you can return your husbands shirt to him, and have your own stylish maternity shirt that is just as soft, way more comfortable and has some cute designs to boot! Now you can Flaunt it with a Flaunt It! Maternity shirt!

All shirts are actually maternity shirts, made to fit the expanding belly! They are Poly/cotton and all decals are put on using a heavy duty thermal heat press.

I was gifted with 2 of these shirts during my last pregnancy and let me tell you they are the first shirts I dig for in my drawer! I wore them after I gave birth because they hid the extra bump that was still there and I couldn't give up the comfy shirts!

Are you ready for some sad news? After much consideration, Jodi has to close up shop. After her current selection is gone, so will her shop be. So don't delay! Visit

FlauntIt! Maternity

But guess what???? You can win THIS SHIRT::

Follow the instructions below for chances to win!

For one entry::

Leave a comment below and follow my blog (if you aren't already!)

For ten extra entries::

Visit FlauntIt! Maternity and let me know which shirt you think is the cutest! {1}
Purchase something from FlauntIt! {4}
Update your facebook status with a link back to my blog {1}
Grab my blog button and add it to your blog {2}
Blog about this giveaway {2}

**Please leave a seperate comment for each entry. Don't forget to add links to your blog and facebook or the entries won't count! A winner will be chosen next Tuesday, March 2, 2010 using random.org. All winners will have 48 hours to contact me after the announcement so check back often!**

Cupcake {winner}

2010-02-25T17:17:00.000-08:00

is.........

Bec

Okay Bec you've got 48 hours to contact me at keikikuddlerz@earthlink.net! Email me your address so I can pass it on to Christie!

It's not to late for the rest of you to get your sticky paws on these delicious little package! Visit her Etsy site::

ChristieCreations

and her website::

http://notanotherdiapercake.blogspot.com/

Contact her on facebook and Twitter

Please note also that ChristieCreations only ships within the US, all shipping prices listed reflect US shipping only.

Irritable uterus:: Very irritating!

2010-02-25T13:34:00.000-08:00

Let me preface this post by saying, I'm not a hypocondriac. In fact I am probably the opposite. I am also a seasoned Mom and birth~er. After going into labor 3 times, and being pregnant for the 4th, you know what feels normal and what doesn't. Yesterday really threw me for a loop!

We ended up spending the day in L&D yesterday.

Okay rewind. Yesterday morning I woke up feeling motivated and determined to get things done! Started the day off with about half a cup of coffee and my Bible Study {2 Corinthians 12:9-10 proved to be a hands on learning experience}. Went downstairs with the girls to make a wonderful breakfast.....and about half way through that I had a contraction.

Okay, no big deal, I thought. I always have a lot of Braxton Hicks contractions. They are uncomfortable but nothing close to painful. But this contraction wrapped around my whole abdomen, really tightly and boy was it painful! So I finished making muffins and bacon and bananas, sat down with the kids and read Proverbs 3:3, talking about what it means to always have love and kindness as a part of our character. All through our talk and eating, I kept having contractions! We finished breakfast and I filled up my huge jug of water, sucked that down completely, refilled it and announced it was playtime upstairs. Okay so it's 8:30 am but hey, we are having recess first today!

I layed down on the bed on my left side, continued to drink water, but it didn't help. These contractions were so strong, and so close (about 2-3 minutes apart) I couldn't even walk or talk through them. After about an hour of laying down I really started to worry. Lil' girl in there would be really still during contractions and then when one would let up she would kickbox and punch all around the inside like she was upset at me! What concerned me the most is that they were more painful than my actual labor contractions with Gracia!

After talking to the midwife and the doc they said I needed to have my cervix checked to make sure the contractions were not dilating me. So Dave got someone to cover the last class of his day, grabbed Jon and headed home. My amazing sister let me drop off all 4 kids at the office and Dave and I continued on our way.

During this time the contractions were weakening but not lessening. (They weren't as painful but they were still happening) So after a long wait in the ER and the L&D waiting room we were finally let in, undressed (lovely) and eventually checked. I was ordered to keep drinking water. Baby's heart rate was great the whole time. They tested the likelyhood of me going into labor in the next 2 weeks (negative) they checked my cervix (long and closed) though the contractions were still happening. So they sent me home after a few hours of observation.

The contractions continued last night and then this morning, Dave stayed home so I could take it easier than a normal day. After a talk with my midwife I am pretty sure I have an Irritable uterus. Between all the frequent Braxton Hicks and even the loads of contractions I've had with this baby, it seems like that is a likely diagnosis. It's not dangerous (in most cases) just well....irritating!

So I've been given some orders about what to do and what not to do. Though I admit upfront some will be hard to follow! I mean how does a homeschooling Mom of 3 littles actually relax and rest. Inquiring minds want to know! I suppose we'll be doing schooling upstairs on the bed, Roman style. And listening to my body and getting LOTS of fluids, and maybe a few herbs my midwife is dropping off will help. As long as my water doesn't break, I don't lose my plug and the baby is still jumping and a jiving, I think we'll just have to deal with the discomfort.

I'm thankful we got away with a little warning this time. I am so thankful we weren't ordered to bedrest and that little girl in there is just fine, it's me who is just a little irritable! I've already been told by Dave that cutting back on the cleaning, cooking and housework is a must....but knowing me, we'll see just how much I can give up. I'll just have to be more intuned to my body instead of my self proclaimed superwoman title. One little day at a time!

What did {YOU} do today? ~Link up~

2010-02-23T13:35:00.000-08:00

I know there are common misconceptions of what exactly a homemaker does. Though I haven't ever been personally asked or offended by anyone (that I can remember offhand) thinking that homemakers do nothing all day. But there are many days that come to and end, where I feel like I've done nothing! Now logically I know this can't be totally true. Sometimes though I think it's Satan's way of getting to me, trying to make me feel like a failure, like I have no "real" job or purpose other than babysitting. Again, logically I know this isn't truth, but when emotions run wild, this is where they lead me some days.

So yesterday I decided to write everything I did down. I was impressed. I hadn't done anything especially big during the day, in fact, yesterday was a little void of real cleaning which I try and do a little of everyday. But just the regular routine of what needs to be done actually shocked me as it started growing. And I didn't include everything like changing diapers and things like that.

SO here it is...what I do in a day {warning::it's not that interesting!!}

make breakfast
start dinner
clean kitchen up from breakfast
morning devotions
sweep floor
check computer
clean up Gracia's art on the floor
school prep
clean school area
collect dirty clothes
start a load of laundry
Read books to the kids
straighten bathroom counters
straighten bedroom, make beds
get kids a snack
clean more dishes in kitchen
clean Gracia the pudding Monster (mini bath time)
wipe down the bathroom
check computer
fill kids laundry baskets
switch loads
start a new load of laundry
Bible Lesson with kids
made
lunch
clean kitchen after lunch
fiddle with dinner
wipe table and wipe down kitchen counters
school with kids
planning for school (next day)
switch loads/ put in a new load of laundry
get kids snack
fold laundry
put school stuff away
straighten livingroom
finish dinner
shower
spent time with the kids
spent time with Dave
got dinner on the table
cleaned dishes and kitchen after dinner
family devotions
worked on sling stuff and sewing

That pretty much covers it! It was an encouragement to me to see that I was doing all day long, even on days like yesterday, the little things add up, and they count! Not to puff myself up and look like superwoman. Like I said this list wasn't some special day of big projects, it was just a regular day that any mom can relate to!

So here is the challenge! If you are feeling deflated about how little you are doing at home, or you just want to see exactly what you do all day every day, make a list everyday for a week. Try to add in every thing you do. Now this list isn't to prove to your spouse how much you do or validate your worth through the task of "doing"....it's just to help get a realistic view on what {YOU} do all day. Maybe you'll discover you do too much.....maybe you'll discover the 4 hours you spend surfing the net or watching Lifetime movies is kinda a waste of your time. I don't know.......But it's given me a little better perspective on what happens around here on a moment by moment basis!

Don't forget today is the LAST DAY to enter to win in my latest giveaway::
The Cure for the Common Baby Gift
Winner will be announced tomorrow!

Add your link below so we can encourage one another and get a feel for the real life of a homemaker or Mom!

Acidic Photos {AKA Cheating in Photoshop}

2010-02-18T13:19:00.000-08:00

The Before::Jonah watching the surf

I admit I am a cheat artist. I know a lot about Photography from teaching it for 4 years {and boy do I miss the darkroom!!}. But when it comes to Photoshop, I know so little. It's one of those areas always tempting me to learn more about, but with everything going on I just never have enough time to sit down and devote the energy to. So I cheat. I use free photoshop actions I find in various places around the net. I have taught myself little tricks and tips for editing, but in the vast world of Digital Editing, I truly know practically nothing. That doesn't stop my love for photography from being a hidden passion in my life. And even though I know I can't devote much of my time to it right now, I am thankful for the background knowledge I have in order to capture memories and moments that are so fleeting as my children sprout before my eyes!

One of my favorite actions is "Acidify"...it's makes the photo look kinda grungy and fun....it just changes the mood a little enough to make a difference.......

The After:: a little Acid and some burnt edges

Before:: too dark!!

The After:: popped some of the colors and lightened it a bit

One day I know I will have the time to get more into photography again, but for now I'll settle with the little ones in my life being the main focus of my photo shoots!