Learning at Home

I remember when I was a little girl, I wanted to be a teacher. I never knew I would be teaching my own children at home. I didn't even know it was an option up until  several years ago. I know it has been around, well since there has been parents but then public school seem to overshadow this option in today's world. Now more and more are bringing back this other educational option.Once I started knowing about it a bit about it, I may of at first had a not so sure opinion about it. I thought parents should have the option but I wasn't sure if it was a necessarily great idea especially for our family.

As Yahweh grew me in faith in my walk and I started praying for wisdom and discernment and understanding the public school and were it has been heading over the years my heart changed to think that maybe it is something I should research more and think about.... I also prayed that he would help me be able to find ways to spend quality time with my kids and help me have more of a schedule that would work for us. Not a rigged, controlling schedule that wasn't flexible but something to help us utilize time better but still have room for spontaneity and fun learning.Yahweh changed my heart to help me understand why homeschooling is important and could work for us and I obtained a deep desire to home~school my own children. coming from having had many reasons and what I thought were valid reasons not to.My husband did not like the idea at first even after my heart had been changed. I prayed on that as well and he started to become more open to the idea. I tried to plant little seeds but not press too hard but I think I may have gotten possibly too passionate but Yahweh still worked it out for good. He started to come and around and finally told me I could do it last school year after they finished our their year. So here we are in our new school at home.

I praise Yahweh for this opportunity. He put everything together for me. This summer I was excited but I didn't know where to begin. My husband found some books for me at Goodwill and I looked up ideas online. I started putting together our schoolroom this summer. My husband painted a chalkboard in our dining room even before I knew for sure I would home-school one day. I started finding great school items at the dollar tree,Goodwill and yard sales. I went from absolutely not having a clue how to begin to things coming together at the right time and having a understanding on how to start.

I owe all the praise to Yahweh for this great opportunity. We are trying different methods of homeschooling, and unschooling :) It is a awesome adventure and the kids are enjoying it for the most part. Sometimes my 2nd grade son gets tired but we take breaks and it helps. So far I have a 3rd grader and 2nd grader I am teaching and I am slowly trying to teach preschool to my almost 4 year old. I am not saying there isn't challenges or frustrations,  but overall we are all enjoying it and I am so grateful Yahweh has made me a teacher for my kids and showing me my purpose. I know parents are always teachers at all times but he really is helping it come full circle for us. I also feel more of a sense of happiness and accomplishment for it and it has really helped my creativity to bloom again. Thank you Father for putting this all together for us, you have broaden our horizons and helped our family grow more together and close. May you use our learning for your glory and good and continue blessing our family in this great new adventure. In Yahshua's name! HalleluYah!



A few scriptures to ponder on how our children are a wonderful blessing and gift from our Father and we are to teach them about him; 

 Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate. Psalm 127:3-5

And all thy children shall be taught of the YHWH; and great shall be the peace of thy children. Isiah 54:13


 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates. Deuteronomy 6:6-9


Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6


 

Ten Ways to Love Your Husband

This is my best friend and I know that sometimes as a husband I take him for granted. Yahweh speaks to me and asks me, "Are you treating him as your neighbor and loving him as Yahshua loves the church"? Sadly at times and more than not I am selfish. I am selfish with my needs and wants and expect him to be a mind reader and if things don't go my way I tend to be demanding it. I praise Yahweh for speaking on my heart. I know I was created for this man as a companion and help meet. In this I am honoring Yahweh and his son Yahshua whom died for our sins. Yahweh made this beautiful relationship to show his covenant of unconditional love and commitment between him and us and no other. It teaches us a very important role on how to serve like his son Yahshua! His son is our high priest and example of that love. He made marriage so beautiful that if the wife respects and honors her husband then he in turn will love and cherish his wife. That is the truth! The woman plays a very important role in this and the ball is really in her court to play fair and well.

Genesis 2:18 And Yahweh Elohim said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him

 Genesis 2:21 And Yahweh Elohim caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; 22 And the rib, which Yahweh Elohim had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. 23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. 24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.


1. Love him unconditionally- Try to stay away from nagging. I am not saying you shouldn't share your feelings but do so at the right time. Wait on Yahweh to tell you. Make sure you have not gone all day without complimenting him or praising him. Show him affection and set the mood for a peaceful talk. Pick your battles ask yourself if it is something that is even worth picking at. Little things may not even be worth wasting precious moments complaining about when you could be spending quality time with him.

2. Praise Him - Our husbands take care of the family financially and protect us. I know mine is great at fixing most anything even if he has never fixed the particular item before. He finds out how to do it. He also fixes up our home and makes it comfortable and safe. Stay away from putting him down and instead lift him up.Avoid trying to "change" your spouse. Love him for who he is and you will see a change.

3. Show your appreciation- Make him his favorite meal/dessert or buy him his favorite drink of choice. This will go a long way in showing him that you care for him and appreciate all he does. I know there are other special ways to show him your appreciation that is just between the two of you :)

4 Listen- When your husband talks to you, put down whatever you are doing at the moment and give him your full attention and eye contact (if you have children try to work around this and teach them to not interupt, I am still working on this). This is a huge respect and love thing. He wants to know that you value what he says as important.

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: James 1:19

 
5. Offer your help- If your husband seems stressed and overwhelmed. Ask him if he needs help with anything. If he can't find something help him look. Offer your assistance it goes a long way. Matthew 20:28 - Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.


 6. Don't talk bad about him- I cannot stress this enough. This is a major trust error and can really hurt your relationship. I have been guilty of this in the past and thought I was venting but it really hurt him. Have one safe person to get advice from and keep your husband in a positive light.
Proverbs 12:4 A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.

7. Honor his parents/family- Avoid talking badly about his family. Love them and show them. Find ways to love them as your neighbor and show Yahshua's love which in turn shows your husband his love as well.

8. Compliment his appearance- we usually only think women need this affirmation, but men like to know you find them attractive as well. Also make sure you always make time to love him (if you know what I mean) even if you are tired. A husband likes to show his love in different ways. We don't want to reject his love :)

9. Spend time with him- Find something you both like to do and suggest you do it together. This is so important and will strengthen your bound and marriage.

10.  Apologize - Always apologize for anything where you were not putting your best effort forward or it seemed a terrible argument occurred and said things that were regretful even if you thought he deserved it. Repeat this on a consistent basis and I know you will see awesome things occur. I know I have! 
 Proverbs 21:19 - It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.


So if we want a truly "happy" marriage it is up to us for the most part! (I am talking about healthy marriages not abusive ones that would require some counseling and accountability) Thank you for reading and I praise Yahweh for teaching me his son's ways so that I can be more like him and I say this all in Yahshua's precious name.

Why we won't be celebrating Halloween anymore

Joshua 24:15

King James Version (KJV)

 "And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.

-- Ephesians 5:8-13

Times are changing and seem to be spinning into chaos and leaving Yahweh (hebrew name for God) and morals behind. For the past couple of years I felt it was layed on my heart to not celebrate Halloween. Yet, I gave in to my children and those around me and found ways to try to justify it.  I pray for Yahweh to forgive my sins and disobedience. It is a holiday that seems to embrace and celebrate evil. Not only that, but it is in fact a wiccan and satanic holiday. It is easy to find out the purpose and history of this devil's holiday. A holiday for witchcraft to be practiced that most of the USA celebrates. Do I like dressing my kids up? sure, but what is the cost and if I put dressing them up first is it not idolizing them? What is it really teaching my children about obedience to Yahweh and how is is showing we don't follow the world?  A church is doing a festival this Sunday where they won't dress up and I will take my kids to ease out of the evil and darkness. At this time they attend public school so I think I will keep them home that day and do something fun with them that doesnt have to do with the holiday. Yahweh thank you for showing me my disobedience and disregard for your instruction for my and my family's life. Thank you for the wisdom and discernment I have been praying for. I appreciate all you do for my family and I.  We will serve you and though it is getting more challenging in this changing world, we will rely on you for our strength, wisdom and instruction. Thank you for Yashua (Jesus) and his and your sacrifice for our sins. In Yashua's name, Amen!

Romans 12:2

New King James Version (NKJV)

"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."

1 Thessalonians 5:22: "Abstain from every form of evil."

UPDATE: Yesterday my mother in law invited us to a hayride and trick or treat in her town. I asked if there was going to be scary things and she didn't think that it was going to be scary. I honestly wanted to spend time with her and our family so I agreed.  The trick or treating part was decorated scary and people were dressed in scary attire. I asked for Yahweh to forgive me for not seeking his counsel in this matter, I was very uncomfortable during this portion. I slipped and fell but I am still not going to celebrate on October 31st. I learned a lesson and have repented of this and will pray before all decisions whether big or small.
   

God's Love Letter to Us!

The Bible is the "Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth"  God loved us so much that he wrote a book on how to live on earth with Peace and joy and how to get eternal life. His word never fails or changes. In a world with constant advancements in technology, the written word is still one of the most powerful tools available to us. Words can encourage, educate, demonstrate, engage, enlighten, strengthen and the list could go on and on. Words can destroy as well but that isn't what my post is about today! Writing can lift a writers spirits as well and get their feelings out into the world.

Today face to face contact is replaced with texting,emails and social networks. Face to face contact with a loved one or even meeting new people can be some of the best medicine. Sometimes it is hard to get out and meet with others because of  the distance or opportunities but we can always write to a person to encourage to tell them how we feel about them and lift them up and send them some of God's word which is alive with the holy spirit.  These are just a few scriptures on the power of God's word.

In the beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself. John 1: 1

For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart. Hebrews 4: 12

The world can feel like it is spinning out of control and getting darker everyday but there is always something we can do to bring light. It may seem small but if we do it together and spread love to more than one person... I know we will reap a mighty harvest. I challenge myself and readers out their to write to one person a week. Just one person a week. It can be anyone from a friend or loved one you haven't seen in awhile to someone you just met. As long as you know their address, you can write a letter. You can send little gifts and pictures if you would like as well. Letters to God are encouraged as well. We don't have to mail our words to him, he know our hearts. As you write letters, tell me a bit about your experience. I will as well and keep track of  whom you write to. I think we all will be blessed for it! 

I already mailed out a letter to my Grandma on my husbands side. Let's start our project and see what develops. Heavenly Father thank you for this opportunity to bless others with words you have created. Please bless the recipient and give us the wisdom on the kind of letter of encouragement and love each individual needs. Thank you again in Jesus name Amen!
 

My Ministry- My Heart

 Three of my children started their first day of a new school year today! It was bittersweet excitement for me. My kids got a much needed break and now they will have some structure. At this time I don't homeschool and I have thought about the idea of homeschooling and weighed the pros and cons and prayed about it. I believe God has called me to help and volunteer at my children's school and classrooms at this time. ( I have 2 in elementary and 1 in Middle School.) I feel called to serve my children as well as the children who are in public school. One thing I am going to do is be ready to talk to my oldest son when he gets home. He starts earlier and gets out earlier. I believe will be good for both of us. I will also be ready to chat with my younger two when they get home.

John 12:26 "If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him."

God has truly blessed me with five wonderful children. I pray that I recognize their gifts, differences and needs. I also think all children are truly a gift from God! I truly enjoy serving the Lord and feel blessed to be able to do so. I want to share Christ's love with each person I might whether big or small. I believe it is important to pray for students, teachers and staff everyday and to have your time with the Lord.

 Psalm 127:3-5 NIV
"Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate."

and lets not forget: Mark 10:14 NIV
"When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them " Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." 

That being said I look forward to the opportunities the Lord gives me to serve my children and our community. Thank you Heavenly Father for another school year to serve my children and their educational community. I pray that I arm my children with your armor and guide their hearts with your word. Thank you again for giving me a wonderful family. I pray for my wonderful husband as well. Also thank you for Brooklyn's successful tonsil and adenoid surgery on August 22nd, 2013!

My son Nolan is in first grade and Brooklyn is in 2nd grade. My oldest son starts school earlier, he is in 7th grade. The first picture it was still dark so I played with the camera a bit, my toddler Logan is in the picture with him. The second one it was getting lighter outside. I love taking pictures of my kids.

Dear God

Dear God:

I am writing to praise you for all the work you are doing in my life and others lives. Thank you first of all for Jesus! Thank you for doing works in me. Helping me to get rid of anger, gain some patience, and love my fellow man. 

Please help me to see the good in all! Let me not talk negatively about others yet speak the truth in love. Help me to reach my potential as a wife, mother, friend, daughter, sister ect. and most importantly believer in Christ. I trust you Lord and know that you know what is best for me. 

I cannot do anything without you! I lay everything at your feet. 

I pray for all of my children to grow in Christ and my husband as well. Also let me be a great example to others including my family. Though I will fail at times. I will learn from it and not give up the race.

It is very important for me to love my neighbor at all costs with your approval. In fact, I need to look for your approval and not others. Although, we all need love and acceptance. Let it be at your will.

Thank you for being there for me and I pray that you heal my c-section scars so that I can bring this beautiful new baby into the world naturally. Thank you for this gift of life growing inside of me.

I pray for all of my family and my in-law family. Thank you for all of them. I pray for my enemies and that their hearts are opened to your love and life. I pray for my daughter and all my kids to be protected at school and that they be a positive influence on the other students and staff. Thank you again for all you do. I praise you! I don't want to doubt your love. I see it all around me and need to know that in adversity and pain it is for my good. "And we know that all things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28 

Let me forgive freely (even if it make take some time) and not judge others but love them for I am a sinner myself who is only saved by your Grace. Let me be more like Jesus and grow everyday. Help me to fulfill your purpose for my life. Thank you so much for all you do. I cannot thank you enough. Thanks for loving me as is, but changing me for my good and the good of those around me. "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God". – Romans 12:2

Love,

Your Daughter, Amber

Let go of the Past to be free as a bird

In life, mistakes will be made. Hearts will break including your own. Sometimes, thoughts of how will I measure up on this journey of life?,may enter the recess of your mind. Am I ever really going to fulfill God's purpose for my life? Maybe I should give up...... I screw up so many times, I don't see how anything I do will ever matter. These are all normal types of thoughts but they can only become a hindrance to our life if we allow them to manifest into truths. Know that with God we will be able to do his will.

Do not give up and let go of past mistakes and free yourself from hurts of the past by forgiving others and yourself.  "Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,  I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13-14. Forgiveness doesn't give the other person a free ride it lets you remain free from bondage and allows you to fully receive God's purpose for your life. "For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. (Matthew 6:14-15 KJV)"

We must let God mold us into his son, Jesus Christ. "He must become greater, I must become less" John 3:30.  This doesn't mean to not love yourself it just means to be love Jesus more than yourself while loving the new person you are becoming. "I like the person I am becoming" ~Mayo Angelou  Sometimes we forget to forgive ourselves. Remember that God is not finished with you yet. He is forming you into a new creature and the process can sometimes be painful and hard but the results are absolutely beautiful.. "And we know that all things work together for the good to them that love God and are called to his purpose." Romans 8:28. Remember the trials that are faced in life are for our benefit. Trust God in everything! He has a plan and a purpose for each and every one of us. Do not give up and carry on to win the race of eternal life. To be free of the past let go and let God make a future for you. "For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, ''Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future".Jeremiah 29:11 God bless you all!

My son's surgery

My oldest son Kellan, is resting from his appendix surgery done on Febuary 14, 2012. A Valentine's day to remember :) It started the day before (Monday) at about 3 or 4 am. He decided to reenact some scenes from Heaven is For Real. He said his stomach was hurting. I gave him some liquid pain medicine that he did not keep down. At first I thought to myself is he getting the stomach flu again? It seems a bit strange when he just had it a few weeks ago. He stayed home from school to rest up. I made sure he had plenty of water and ginger ale which he managed to keep down and some saltine crackers. He didn't have much of an appetite but was thirsty.

The next day, instead of getting better he seemed to get worse. He was in so much pain. Kellan usually has a high tolerance of pain. I thought about the book and started to think something wasn't right. We went to urgent care and then were transferred to the emergency room. The doctors were leaning to a appendicitis. He was sent to have a CT Scan which confirmed that what was 98% the problem. A while later he had surgery done to remove the pesky appendix that had started to burst. Dr. Lindsey was able to use a scope to extract the appendix. Kellan has three cuts on his abdominal that are healing. I praise God for giving me the wisdom to take him in. I also praise him that I was able to finish the Heaven is For Real book in December. God saved Kellan's life and I am sharing to give all the glory to him. Kellan is resting and on the road to recovery.God is good all the time. I thank him for saving my son and for giving his son on the cross so that we could all live.

I would highly recommend the book Heaven is for Real.

Also here are some symptoms of a appendicitis from the Mayo Clinic:

Symptoms

By Mayo Clinic staff

Signs and symptoms of appendicitis may include:

• Aching pain that begins around your navel and often shifts to your lower right abdomen
• Pain that becomes sharper over several hours
• Tenderness that occurs when you apply pressure to your lower right abdomen
• Sharp pain in your lower right abdomen that occurs when the area is pressed on and then the pressure is quickly released (rebound tenderness)
• Pain that worsens if you cough, walk or make other jarring movements
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Low-grade fever
• Constipation
• Inability to pass gas
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal swelling

Happy New Year!

I hope everyone had a safe and Happy New Year!

I will continue with my life long goals that God is helping me with. I don't call them resolutions, but they could be considered as such.

• God is teaching me patience on a daily basis, Thank you Lord :)


• I will continue on my health and lifestyle change and hope I will be a great influence to my family. I have asked God for help with this as well.


• To be the best possible mom and wife I can be and to rely on God fully to do that.
  
  
• To praise God on a daily basis and to teach my kids about Jesus by what I do rather then tell them how to be. Even in my mistakes I can teach my kids about God's grace and how we are imperfect but Jesus will love us and continue to change us.


• To cast all my cares on the Lord, he knows what is best and is in control.
  
  

What are some of your resolutions/goals?

I am Thankful For.............................................................

I am thankful for so many things and even in these hard times I strive to say Thanks to my Lord and thanks to all the people I encounter whom have given me a service and those I have never met but are serving (for instance all those in the military). Some days can look pretty bad or something can go wrong, but I must remember that God is still God and in control. Everything I have is because of him and I am here today because of him. He has met my families needs and continues to do so. He has shown me he cares for us. Thank you Lord for all you do in my life. I will fully rely on you. Thank you for your blessings and love. I not only want to remember you on this Thanksgiving holiday but everyday that I have breath.

I am grateful for:

Jesus, my savior
My husband
My children
Military
Food
House
Vehicles
Bills being paid
All right Everything and everyone in my life :)

I just want to take the time to tell God how much he means to me and give thanks for my life. I hope everyone has a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

Cloth diapering

I have found another way to save money and it only took me four kids to try it. I actually thought about doing it with my third child but my husband was not on board at the time and I went back to work which would have made it more of a challenge. A friend told me a bit more about it so I was prepared. Since I am home right now I thought "Why not try it". I was getting tired of shelling out money for disposables. So, I have converted to Cloth and I am loving every minute of it.

I started out buying some pre-owned pocket diapers from E-bay to test the waters. They are Fuzzi Bunz brands. I got 6 with inserts for about $27.99. I ordered three more pocket diapers, one being a another Fuzzi Bunz (two of which were from ebay but a China factory), and some covers for Pre-folds. I got a gift card to use a Babies R Us. I bought some G Diapers but knew I would use reusable inserts instead of flush able. I also picked up some pins. I wasn't sure about pre-folds at the time. I picked some up on a whim on one of my trips to meijer.

I decided to get some cloth wipes from ebay as well. Click Here to learn about making wipe solution. I joined a cloth diapering group on Facebook and learned that due to little space a hanging pail liner would be great to store my dirty diapers in. A wonderful green Fuzzi Bunz (with a zipper on the bottom) liner now hangs in one of my bathrooms which is also my laundry room. Great resources on cloth diapering are on the web. I found a site that shows you how to make your own spray for cloth wipes. Click Here for more information on cloth diapering.

It cost me about $150 dollars to start out. I know this will save me money in the end. The one thing that I will have to be careful of is that they are so many cute prints and diapers out there that it can get expensive. Some mom's sell some of their stash on Facebook so they can buy others. Trading is available as well. I have found the cloth diapering group on Facebook very helpful. It may not be necessary to use a detergent that is made specifically for cloth diapers but a gentle detergent may be required if your baby has sensitive skin (which most do). I purchased a travel wet bag to go in my diaper bag so I can try to use them everywhere we go. There are many moms out there that make some adorable hand made diapers. I just had to buy one of those as well LOL

Other things that may come in handy is a sprayer that hooks to your toilet to help you spray off dirty diapers. I don't have one yet but that may be my next purchase. I find that I like Pocket diapers the best and Fuzzi Bunz are my favorite. Click Here to learn more about them. This has been a pretty good experience and I plan on continuing to use them until Logan is potty trained.


Reasons why I love Cloth Diapering:

1. Better for Baby
2. Saves money in the long run
3. Better for the environment
4. Fun to try different diapers
5. Great designs and colors

Lingo

Pre-folds - Old school diapers Covers- Plastic covers with Velcro or without to use over Pre-folds All in Ones (AIO)-These types of diapers don't require covers or inserts One Size- This adjusts to fit any size baby on up to pre potty trained Pocket- Diapers with a pocket to put in inserts Wet bag- lined bag to keep wet diapers or clothes in. Hanging Wet Bag/pail- Is bigger than a wet bag. About the size of a pail liner but hangs up. Pail liner- Washable Liner to go in a diaper pail.


Logan in his polka Dot China Pocket :)

My 30th b-day

I had a pretty good b-day. I hung out with my 4 kids and hubby, cooked on the grill (of course my husband did this LOL). We had a delicious ice cream cake and enjoyed the day. It was a beautiful day and it wasn't too bad turning 30. I got some birthday money from my hubby. I shopped for myself today and picked up a very comfortable and cute suit that was 40% off at Peebles. He insisted I buy something for myself and so I did :) I have it pictured above. I can retire my maternity suit and wear this when I take my kids swimming.

Turning 30

In less than one month I will be turning the big 30 (May 12). In honor of turning 30 I am thinking of one of my favorite movies 13 going on 30. It depicts 30 as flirty an fun:) A thirteen year old whom can't wait to be thirty. In fact she wishes to be thirty and her wish seems to come true. She has a successful job and famous, good looking boyfriend. She later realizes that there were great things around her as a thirteen year old that she was overlooking.

Although I have not accomplished all of my dreams, I figure I have a pretty good life. I have a husband whom loves me and four great kids. I enjoy posting and writing on my blog. But, most importantly I always have a heavenly father to talk to about anything. I also can thank him for the many blessings he has given me. I look forward to turning over a new leaf and entering a new chapter in my life. I am excited about what God may have in store for me and enjoying the great people in my life today. Cheers to turning 30 and did I forget to mention that my husband is turning 30 this Thursday :) Happy 30th to him as well.

Power of Prayer

This is my youngest baby Logan. He will be 4 months at the end of this month. I thought it looked like he was praying and it reminded me of one of the most important things I can do before I do anything else. Whenever I am troubled I can pray. If I am worried about something or someone I can pray. If I don't like the things I see going on in the world I can pray. Praying is versatile and can be done anywhere. As a mother it is very important that I pray for my children and pray that I continue to become the mother God planned me to be and pray for my husband.


"Seek The Lord and while He may be found, call upon Him while he is near" (Isaiah 55:6)

"And whatever you ask for in prayer, having faith and [really] believing, you will receive" Matthew 21: 22


"Don't worry about anything: instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank Him for all He has done"Phillipians 4:6

Our 5 year Anniversary

Last Thursday was our 5th wedding anniversary. On October 14, 2005 we got married at our local courthouse. Yes, I was pregnant with our first child together and due with her in December. We decided to have a church wedding with a reception later. So, about 6 months later (April 29th, 2006) we had a nice church wedding. We celebrate our October Anniversary and about 2 years and one day later we had our second child together.

Both days turned out to be beautiful and special. I will never forget either day. Our church wedding was shared with many special people. Some of which recently passed away. Two uncles and an aunt on my dad's side recently passed away this year. One passed away this summer and two this fall about 3 weeks apart. It is sad time for all of us, but I will cherish our church wedding day because it is the last time we were all together at the same time. We had a wonderful time together. I have some great pictures in my album to ponder over and remember them.

We had a great anniversary despite our losses and had a nice dinner out just the two of us. I hope to have many more years together and feel blessed to have my husband and to have shared our special day with our loved ones.

Back from Camping

We are back and it was a great time to be with the family and relax with no internet, tv or phone. The first week at home I went one whole day without internet on Sunday and the second day I did get on to check my e-mail and then by the third day I eased back into facebook LOL

I admit I didn't give it up the first week as planned but I did learn self control and how to limit my tme on the computer so I am greatful for that. The week of camping I did not have internet, tv or a phone and I read more and spent more time with the family and lived without it happily and joyfully. Overall I learned that I can limit my time and spend some quality time with my family. I am looking forward to doing it again.

Unplugged

Since we are going camping soon, I have decided to not be on the internet for two weeks. Starting tomorrow August 15th until August 29th. I think I will spend more quality time with my kids, read more, learn and grow. I will report back on how the two weeks went. I hope to be refreshed and renewed and learn more about my family and myself. This is a part of my intentional living.

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My Ebay Adventure

Ebay is another way to make some cash on things you have that you no longer use nor want. you can research what sells first to see if it is worth your time to list. Have some extra coupons lying around that you won't use? You can sell them on ebay in lots and make a few bucks. You would be surprised what folks are willing to pay to save. I received some formula checks in the mail. I am not sure why since my youngest is 2 but I just listed them on ebay. They also sent me some formula but I think I will donate that.

In the past I have sold some kid and maternity clothes in lots and made a few bucks. We usually have a yard sale every year so I sell those items first at our yard sale. I usually end up donating what is left but this year I may take the best items left and sell them on ebay. My Goodwill job did not pan out so I am looking for other ways to make a little money. It is all right because I know God has plans for me. I am going to enjoy taking care of my kids and doing some work for the Lord and our church. In the meantime I will make a little fun money for the kids and I this summer. If anyone is interested in learning how to clean out their house and make a little money, research ebay. It can be a great place to unload and receive monetary gain. You may not become a millionaire but a little can go a long way for your household budget.

Learning a New Hobby

Last weekend, I strolled downtown to the Yarn Garden shop we have in town. I am trying to learn some new hobbies and I figured if I get good at it, I could make some pretty nice gifts. The owner gave me a website which shows hot to videos. I am going to give it a shot but I can't guarantee I will be that good at it ;)

I hope to be good and make some amazing things but I have never been coordinated or especially talented in making perfect stitches but I do have an advantage of long fingers. Fingers which should be learning to play guitar or piano but I never got serious about either. I always jump around from idea to idea but as I am getting older maybe I will learn the art of sticking to something until I perfect it. We will see, for now I have some weekend plans of learning to knit. I will let you know how that goes.

Happy New Year's Eve 2009

2009 has been full of challenges but it also has been full of blessings. As we enter into 2010, my hope is to grow more in Christ and become a overall well rounded person who uses the time God has given me wisely and spend quality time with my family.

I praise God for putting another year under our belts. I know no matter what is around the corner for us God is one step ahead to clear out a path for us to take. It is up to us whether we choose to take it or not.

I am happy and blessed with a wonderful family and my health to which I owe to my savior. I am excited and happy to be able to spend this New Year's Eve with my family with some snacks, pizza, movies and games. I will treasure the memories we will share and the time to come.