One of my goals this year was to read every day but that has been somewhat of a challenge. To help get me on back on track I joined the 30 Day Bible Challenge. If you join I would love to know what book you are reading :-)
30 Day Bible Challenge
One of my goals this year was to read every day but that has been somewhat of a challenge. To help get me on back on track I joined the 30 Day Bible Challenge. If you join I would love to know what book you are reading :-)
Saturday's Sunshine
Saturday was a beautiful day, highs in the 80's and a party in the afternoon. To buy us some time before we had to be at Grandpa's yesterday afternoon we went to the Arts & Craft Show in town. We walked through all the booths. Micah stopped to make a college at the Museum of Florida Art table, while Xavier became a party pooper complaining about being thirsty. While hanging out with Micah at the art table we ran into my sister and found out that we could pick Emily up for the party this afternoon. Soon we found the lemonade stand, I love the fresh lemonade they have at these things. Micah and I both ordered a large one, Xavier opted for a coke but soon he was helping himself to my cup. We saw some awesome artists and neat crafts. The boys had to buy a photograph from Feathers and Fur Photography. Micah picked out an owl and Xavier got a raccoon. I think they would have spent a lot more than $15 if I would have let them. They love animals and wanted quite a few of his photographs. Our final stop was at a chainsaw art display. Some of the pieces were totally awesome!
On the way to the store we picked up a cake and the boy's cousin Emily. Melanie and the girls were already in the pool when we got to Grandpa's house. Emily and the boys quickly joined them in the freezing water. At 64 degrees the adults were not getting in but that didn't stop all the kids. 12 out of 13 kids swam for a little bit (Miss Kayla said it was way to cold). Isaac and Jake played on the steps a little but without an adult that was as far they were going :-)
What else can 3 birthday kids ask for? Yes, I said 3. Xavier, Jessica and Kayla all have birthdays within 3 weeks of each other. The cake displayed their ages nicely but Xavier accidentally blew out Jessica's candle also so her mom had to relight it for her. After swimming, hamburgers or hot dogs, cake and ice cream it was present time. A mixture of Hannah Montana, dragons, Nerf & Lego's. The kids liked their presents and it was time to head home. After dropping off Emily we didn't get back to our house until almost 7 (the party started at 2).
Xavier did not even say hello to Granny and Papa J he went straight to building his Lego. Micah played with other Lego's and Isaac decided to try and feed. Soon bedtime arrived and we hit the sack. Everyone was exhausted from the day but Praise the Lord we had a wonderful time.
On the way to the store we picked up a cake and the boy's cousin Emily. Melanie and the girls were already in the pool when we got to Grandpa's house. Emily and the boys quickly joined them in the freezing water. At 64 degrees the adults were not getting in but that didn't stop all the kids. 12 out of 13 kids swam for a little bit (Miss Kayla said it was way to cold). Isaac and Jake played on the steps a little but without an adult that was as far they were going :-)
What else can 3 birthday kids ask for? Yes, I said 3. Xavier, Jessica and Kayla all have birthdays within 3 weeks of each other. The cake displayed their ages nicely but Xavier accidentally blew out Jessica's candle also so her mom had to relight it for her. After swimming, hamburgers or hot dogs, cake and ice cream it was present time. A mixture of Hannah Montana, dragons, Nerf & Lego's. The kids liked their presents and it was time to head home. After dropping off Emily we didn't get back to our house until almost 7 (the party started at 2).
Xavier did not even say hello to Granny and Papa J he went straight to building his Lego. Micah played with other Lego's and Isaac decided to try and feed. Soon bedtime arrived and we hit the sack. Everyone was exhausted from the day but Praise the Lord we had a wonderful time.
Ephesians 2:1-3
1 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.
How Awesome is Our Lord! It is by His grace we are saved. When I look back over the places I have been the last 5 years it is truly amazing. In 2002 I was saved and although I am not where I would like to be in my walk with the Lord, I am moving forward. I still walk in the world in many ways but by His grace I am saved and with His strength I will overcome the obstacles and desires of my flesh. I am so grateful that I have the Lord by my side and am covered by the blood of Jesus.
How Awesome is Our Lord! It is by His grace we are saved. When I look back over the places I have been the last 5 years it is truly amazing. In 2002 I was saved and although I am not where I would like to be in my walk with the Lord, I am moving forward. I still walk in the world in many ways but by His grace I am saved and with His strength I will overcome the obstacles and desires of my flesh. I am so grateful that I have the Lord by my side and am covered by the blood of Jesus.
Cleaning Out the Closet
A few days ago I started the dreaded task of cleaning out my closet. Living in 1 room means I either have to be really organized (which I am not) or live among stacks of papers and books (which I do). My closet has stuff piled up to the clothes and the shelf above, well there is not any room up there either.
Here is the disaster...
After stealing the shelf that held Isaac's toys and heading to Wal-Mart to pick up a new shelf (to replace the one I stole) I finally finished cleaning the closet out. I have managed to go through most of the school books and all of my clothes. Yippee! Of course I now realize I have nothing to wear and I still have 2 boxes to go through which are full of paperwork. But at least I can open the closet door without stuff falling out on me :-)
The end result...
You have to admit it is a lot better. Now if I could only keep it this way ;-)
Here is the disaster...
After stealing the shelf that held Isaac's toys and heading to Wal-Mart to pick up a new shelf (to replace the one I stole) I finally finished cleaning the closet out. I have managed to go through most of the school books and all of my clothes. Yippee! Of course I now realize I have nothing to wear and I still have 2 boxes to go through which are full of paperwork. But at least I can open the closet door without stuff falling out on me :-)
The end result...
You have to admit it is a lot better. Now if I could only keep it this way ;-)
It is done...
Joel turned in the paperwork this week to get out of the Army. It will take about a month to find out if it has been approved or not. He sent it up the proper channels and considering the last time he tried to turn it in the paperwork was shredded he decided he would give it one more go and whatever happens is the Lord's will. So now we wait, regardless of the outcome I will be happy when we have our final answer.
Thursday's Photo
Xavier working on spelling
Micah reading his Nature Reader
Isaac playing with his books
Micah reading his Nature Reader
Isaac playing with his books
Conviction or Condemnation?
I recently heard someone say the difference between conviction and condemnation is that a conviction moves us to take action while condemnation doesn't. How often are we convicted of something but still refuse to take action? Over the years I have been under conviction to change the way I dress. I have read numerous articles, searched the Bible, and looked for guidance in this area. Yet, after all I have learned when it comes to what the Bible says about modesty I still have not taken much in the way of action. Which is heartbreaking to the Lord. Why do I fight the changes he wants for me? Why do I look to my own ideas and not to the ideas of the Lord? My flesh seems to be stronger than my faith in God in this area. How do I overcome that? I finally started sorting through my clothes and have a bag of shorts and pants to get rid of. I could get rid of more but that would involve not having anything to wear. I go to the store and am lost. It would be easier if I had a friend in this area who I could go to and speak with and I do but rarely do I go to Him. I know the Lord will guide me if I was to truly seek His will in this area. I know that He would show me the way but out of condemnation I do not move. I sit and wait for no movement is sometimes easier. Eventually my faith in the Lord will overcome and my obedience will improve. Maybe today will be the day.
Definition of God
We have some of our best conversations while driving around town. Yesterday as we were heading to the store Micah asked if me if I wanted to know what his definition of God was. Yep, I want to hear this as I have know idea where you are coming from since we were talking about something totally different.
Micah's definition of God - "a holy and just and righteous Lord who saves us"
Do you like my definition mom? Yes I do Micah :-)
We listen to Christian talk/preaching in the car. When I first started listening to it in the car the boys would beg for me to put in a cd within minutes of turning it on. Now days they rarely ask for the music and they listen to the pastor on the radio. On the way home from the store the pastor was talking about the end times and the doctrine of demons that would be prevalent in the world and also how the church would fall away from the Lord. His example of the doctrines of demons was 1) forbidding to marry & 2) those saying you can not eat certain foods. The pastor used cheeseburgers as an example explaining that you will not become a holier person because you don't eat certain foods but there are those who will try to teach this as God's way. Xavier not quite understanding what he meant cries out from the backseat of the car "Mom, I'm not allowed to eat cheeseburgers?" After I reassured him that he was allowed to eat a Quarter Pounder from Micky D's. He moved on to the second part of the pastor sermon about falling away from God. "How does a church fall away from the Lord? Why do people (because they are the church) walk away?" Wonderful questions from a 9 & 10 year old...
Children think so much simpler than we do. One of my favorite books is "The Little Prince". In the beginning the prince asks the man to draw him a sheep. The man goes through a couple of drawings trying to draw the picture of the sheep which the prince refuses until the man draws a box (the sheep is inside). Perfect for the little prince. My children remind me of the little prince, while they want to be so big and grown up. It is the simple things that matter most. As we grow up we loose our childish faith and the world takes over. We think and act according to what society dictates. We believe in the Lord but we forget to put him first because our way is faster, better, the right path. Children on the other hand tend to "call a spade a spade". We reason that they do not understand life, they do not know about grown up things. But maybe we would be better off looking at our grown up things with the eyes of a child. Then we would not be fighting the Lord so much trying to get our way. Maybe if we were simpler in our thinking we would see the beauty of His creation more often, the plan He has laid out for us more clearly and the blessings He has bestowed on us more easily.
Luke 18:17
Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.”
Micah's definition of God - "a holy and just and righteous Lord who saves us"
Do you like my definition mom? Yes I do Micah :-)
We listen to Christian talk/preaching in the car. When I first started listening to it in the car the boys would beg for me to put in a cd within minutes of turning it on. Now days they rarely ask for the music and they listen to the pastor on the radio. On the way home from the store the pastor was talking about the end times and the doctrine of demons that would be prevalent in the world and also how the church would fall away from the Lord. His example of the doctrines of demons was 1) forbidding to marry & 2) those saying you can not eat certain foods. The pastor used cheeseburgers as an example explaining that you will not become a holier person because you don't eat certain foods but there are those who will try to teach this as God's way. Xavier not quite understanding what he meant cries out from the backseat of the car "Mom, I'm not allowed to eat cheeseburgers?" After I reassured him that he was allowed to eat a Quarter Pounder from Micky D's. He moved on to the second part of the pastor sermon about falling away from God. "How does a church fall away from the Lord? Why do people (because they are the church) walk away?" Wonderful questions from a 9 & 10 year old...
Children think so much simpler than we do. One of my favorite books is "The Little Prince". In the beginning the prince asks the man to draw him a sheep. The man goes through a couple of drawings trying to draw the picture of the sheep which the prince refuses until the man draws a box (the sheep is inside). Perfect for the little prince. My children remind me of the little prince, while they want to be so big and grown up. It is the simple things that matter most. As we grow up we loose our childish faith and the world takes over. We think and act according to what society dictates. We believe in the Lord but we forget to put him first because our way is faster, better, the right path. Children on the other hand tend to "call a spade a spade". We reason that they do not understand life, they do not know about grown up things. But maybe we would be better off looking at our grown up things with the eyes of a child. Then we would not be fighting the Lord so much trying to get our way. Maybe if we were simpler in our thinking we would see the beauty of His creation more often, the plan He has laid out for us more clearly and the blessings He has bestowed on us more easily.
Luke 18:17
Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.”
Cranes
Micah decided to hang out with a crane today after school. He was able to get really close to him so he could take pictures. Unfortunately he didn't get pictures of Xavier dancing around in front of him trying to get the crane to do its "mating dance". But trust me it was hilarious to watch.
Resurrection Sunday
Hope everyone had a Blessed Resurrection Sunday! We went to church with my mom, sister and her fiance. It has been quite awhile since I have been to the Methodist church and it was nice to be sitting with my mom again. My older boys enjoyed their Sunday school class but Isaac was not thrilled that he was left in the nursery. Mommy soon saved him and we went to my Momma's house for Easter lunch. Soon my brother and his wife arrived and that was when the war began. The water gun war that is. Dak had promised my boys a
water gun fight and today was the day. Granted I had a little bit of a heads up so the
boys were prepared. It didn't take long for all of them to be soaking wet. Isaac and I stayed out of this year's war but everyone agreed it should become a new tradition. So next year - It's On!! After lunch we headed home to have another Easter dinner with the rest of my family (Joel's side). It was a lot of fun and the food was wonderful. The boys played with their cousins and had a blast. By the end of the day we were exhausted and everyone crashed for the night.
Water Gun Fight
Egg Hunt
Hanging With the Cousins
water gun fight and today was the day. Granted I had a little bit of a heads up so the
boys were prepared. It didn't take long for all of them to be soaking wet. Isaac and I stayed out of this year's war but everyone agreed it should become a new tradition. So next year - It's On!! After lunch we headed home to have another Easter dinner with the rest of my family (Joel's side). It was a lot of fun and the food was wonderful. The boys played with their cousins and had a blast. By the end of the day we were exhausted and everyone crashed for the night.
Water Gun Fight
Egg Hunt
Hanging With the Cousins
Camping
The boys and I headed up to Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park yesterday for a family camping trip. We met at Grandpa's house at 9 a.m. Friday morning so we could all caravan up to the park. There was a total of 8 adults and 10 kids going. Once at the campsite we set up camp, ate lunch, and then Uncle J & Aunt J, Aunt K & Uncle M, & Grandpa took all but 1 kid down to the lake and playground. Isaac & I stayed at the camp with Aunt M & Grandma J. We sat around and talked for awhile.
That evening we had a campfire, cooked hot dogs and hamburgers and had a wonderful time hanging out as a family. The kids played well into the evening and the boys went on a hike late that night. The only downfall was the temperature dropped and it was cold!
Micah and Xavier went canoing this morning before we headed back home. Unfortunately we could only stay one night but we are looking forward to doing it again. Only next time I have to remember my camera. Luckily everyone else took a lot of pictures and I should be getting some soon. Once I do I will add some to this post :-)
That evening we had a campfire, cooked hot dogs and hamburgers and had a wonderful time hanging out as a family. The kids played well into the evening and the boys went on a hike late that night. The only downfall was the temperature dropped and it was cold!
Micah and Xavier went canoing this morning before we headed back home. Unfortunately we could only stay one night but we are looking forward to doing it again. Only next time I have to remember my camera. Luckily everyone else took a lot of pictures and I should be getting some soon. Once I do I will add some to this post :-)
YMCA ?
I joined the YMCA today, not quite sure how that happened to be honest. I am not the type person to work out AT ALL. I was planning to start walking a few times a week but it just hasn't quite worked out.
So there I was having a nice day at home with the kids. The boys are working on the computer, Isaac is playing and it occurs to me that I should put the boys in something. Not quite sure what that something is...
I decide to look in the phone book. A hundred martial arts listings flash before my eyes. Now Micah does not want to take martial arts but I think he should give it a try. (Micah is not the type of kid who wants to do anything outside of his comfort zone). Xavier on the other hand would love to get back into it :-) Hmmm... what about swimming? Somehow between martial arts, swimming and I wonder if they are having tennis lessons soon I ended up at the YMCA.
We signed up and I found out about all the classes they offer. The boys can even go in the fitness center (great, I may actually end up having to do something other than swim?) and they seem to be excited about the possibilities. Well except for the Micah having to give tae kwon do a try, he is not excited at all, lol.
I just pray that they will keep Isaac in the nursery (since he does not believe in being away from mom) so I can lay by the pool. A mom can dream can't she?
So there I was having a nice day at home with the kids. The boys are working on the computer, Isaac is playing and it occurs to me that I should put the boys in something. Not quite sure what that something is...
I decide to look in the phone book. A hundred martial arts listings flash before my eyes. Now Micah does not want to take martial arts but I think he should give it a try. (Micah is not the type of kid who wants to do anything outside of his comfort zone). Xavier on the other hand would love to get back into it :-) Hmmm... what about swimming? Somehow between martial arts, swimming and I wonder if they are having tennis lessons soon I ended up at the YMCA.
We signed up and I found out about all the classes they offer. The boys can even go in the fitness center (great, I may actually end up having to do something other than swim?) and they seem to be excited about the possibilities. Well except for the Micah having to give tae kwon do a try, he is not excited at all, lol.
I just pray that they will keep Isaac in the nursery (since he does not believe in being away from mom) so I can lay by the pool. A mom can dream can't she?
Scripture For the Day
The other day I was talking to someone about something I have been praying about. I have been praying for guidance and about Joel getting out of the army. I have been praying for the Lord's will to be done but I have been feeling totally lost, I have no idea what I am suppose to be doing. The advice given to me was to ask for a scripture. As I studied my Bible this morning the Lord answered that prayer, He led me to
Psalm 27:11 - 14
11 Teach me Your way, O LORD,
And lead me in a smooth path, because of my enemies.
12 Do not deliver me to the will of my adversaries;
For false witnesses have risen against me,
And such as breathe out violence.
13 I would have lost heart, unless I had believed
That I would see the goodness of the LORD
In the land of the living.
14 Wait on the LORD;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the LORD!
In some ways it totally makes sense in others I am still trying to figure it out. The waiting part is the hardest. When we wait upon the Lord we are to have hope and confidence that he is preparing the way. That the outcome is where He wants us to be and we take comfort from knowing He is in control. Hard for a control freak like me to give up control... Another scripture comes to mind
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Psalm 27:11 - 14
11 Teach me Your way, O LORD,
And lead me in a smooth path, because of my enemies.
12 Do not deliver me to the will of my adversaries;
For false witnesses have risen against me,
And such as breathe out violence.
13 I would have lost heart, unless I had believed
That I would see the goodness of the LORD
In the land of the living.
14 Wait on the LORD;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the LORD!
In some ways it totally makes sense in others I am still trying to figure it out. The waiting part is the hardest. When we wait upon the Lord we are to have hope and confidence that he is preparing the way. That the outcome is where He wants us to be and we take comfort from knowing He is in control. Hard for a control freak like me to give up control... Another scripture comes to mind
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Birthday Boy
It is hard to believe that 9 years ago Xavier was born. Where does the time go? He has been waiting impatiently for his birthday present for the past week. He wants his present... and pizza for dinner :-) Okay so not much has changed... He has always been a monkey of a guy :-)
He looks so young here (I don't have a baby picture I can put up)
Not that he is all grown up but he thinks he is :-)
He looks so young here (I don't have a baby picture I can put up)
Not that he is all grown up but he thinks he is :-)
Day 1 - Time 4 Learning
Day 1 with Time4Learning... I had planned for the boys to only be on it for an hour or two today but I ended up letting them do almost all of their school work on the computer. At first Xavier said "ewww, I don't like it" but that did not last very long. Micah could not wait to try it out so I let him get on my computer and there went the day. Xavier was on it for about 2 hours before lunch an hour after lunch and then another hour that afternoon. Micah was on it for an hour before and after lunch and an hour in the afternoon. No complaining was to be had and they enjoyed it a lot. I was impressed with the parts they completed but we found that using our DSL connection the playground doesn't load very fast but we had no problems loading the lessons :-) So instead of allowing them to use the playground I figured for every so many minutes they do school I will give them a certain amount of time on the computer to play games. Which means if they are not on Nick they will be playing UBFunkeys or Zoo Tycoon. Overall I think that it would work out well as an add on to their school but not as their entire school program.
Acts 1:8
"But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
Time 4 Learning
I have heard a lot about Time4Learning on a yahoo group I am on and after reading a review in this month's Practical Homeschooling magazine I thought we would give it a try. Plus I wanted to check it out :-) After reading a few of the concerns on the parents forum and checking to see how fast it would load using one of their demo's I signed up. There is a money back guarantee if I am not happy with it and decide to cancel within the first 2 weeks. The cost is relatively cheap, for 2 children it is just under $40 a month. Okay so it is not that cheap because $40 can add up real quick but I am interested in seeing if it is worth it and if my boys actually learn using this type of "school work". The downside is that they review a few of the questions you answered pertaining to the placement of your child so they can set up their account. Which is a good thing except I am an impatient person and want to get started using it. So for the time being I get to sit and wait... It can take up to 24 hours for the boys accounts to become active depending on how many people have signed up. I sure hope it doesn't take that long but if it does then I guess we will add it to our school Tuesday instead of tomorrow. I have not told the boys they will be doing some of their schoolwork on the computer yet. Knowing them they will be excited at first I just hope that the excitement stays. We will know soon enough. Wish us luck :-)
Another Week...
I honestly do not know where this week went. It seems like it just flew by which is always a good thing :-) I spent most of the week taking care of sick children. Micah is fighting the sniffles. Xavier seem to catch a 24 hour bug, he ran a fever for a day and that was it. Isaac has the worst of it he has a runny nose and had to have breathing treatments but praise God he has not had any today.
Co-op was canceled because of so many kids having a cold. Unfortunately it keeps making rounds there and I wonder if it is worth going to.
We are still working on the Creation unit. I like it a lot but we are not that good at pulling grammar, penmanship and the what not from a unit. So we are going to continue it but are going to stick to some texts for the 3 R's. We have been using a hodge podge of stuff this year and some has worked while other things haven't. So it was time to switch a few things, add a few things and rework our school. After much deliberation we are going to try Christian Liberty Press. I only ordered the things we need to finish the school year (English, spelling, penmanship & science) because the boys have almost finished those subjects with the books we have. I can't wait to get our stuff. I am not to thrilled with CLP readers but maybe I will change my mind. I know other people love the Nature Readers. I am praying that his is the answer to prayer and we will be able to stick with it next year and add on the Saxon math.
On another note... we went to a block party at a church today. The church seems ok but I was surprised that 1 - more people were not there and 2 - that the people were not as friendly as I would have expected. Not that I expect to talk a whole lot but only 4 people said hello and welcome. Not what one would expect if a new person came up to their "block party" which the public was invited to. I was hoping for more I guess, I did manage to find out what time the Sunday Service was before I left but then I found out that Joel's Papa is suppose to speak at his church Sunday. So I guess I am going to hear him speak ;-) As long as I get a message tomorrow I will be happy, I don't know what it is but I need the Lord to speak to me about a few things. Well I hope you all have a good night.
Co-op was canceled because of so many kids having a cold. Unfortunately it keeps making rounds there and I wonder if it is worth going to.
We are still working on the Creation unit. I like it a lot but we are not that good at pulling grammar, penmanship and the what not from a unit. So we are going to continue it but are going to stick to some texts for the 3 R's. We have been using a hodge podge of stuff this year and some has worked while other things haven't. So it was time to switch a few things, add a few things and rework our school. After much deliberation we are going to try Christian Liberty Press. I only ordered the things we need to finish the school year (English, spelling, penmanship & science) because the boys have almost finished those subjects with the books we have. I can't wait to get our stuff. I am not to thrilled with CLP readers but maybe I will change my mind. I know other people love the Nature Readers. I am praying that his is the answer to prayer and we will be able to stick with it next year and add on the Saxon math.
On another note... we went to a block party at a church today. The church seems ok but I was surprised that 1 - more people were not there and 2 - that the people were not as friendly as I would have expected. Not that I expect to talk a whole lot but only 4 people said hello and welcome. Not what one would expect if a new person came up to their "block party" which the public was invited to. I was hoping for more I guess, I did manage to find out what time the Sunday Service was before I left but then I found out that Joel's Papa is suppose to speak at his church Sunday. So I guess I am going to hear him speak ;-) As long as I get a message tomorrow I will be happy, I don't know what it is but I need the Lord to speak to me about a few things. Well I hope you all have a good night.
Scout Sunday
We joined up with the other scouts for Scout Sunday. Xavier handed out the church bulletins while Micah opened the door for those coming to church. They did a good job and were wonderful witnesses to those in their pack who are not believers.
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