The Jobe Abode~On the Road!

Trying to Follow

2011-03-05T19:54:00.002-05:00

What is God Doing?

2011-03-01T19:09:00.002-05:00

Things have been pretty crazy around here. Getting used to living in a new city is tough. But God has been using the situation to work changes in me. Working to increase my dependence on Him. Some days it goes smoothly. Some days I go kicking and screaming. Stay tuned for some new things, maybe a new blog. He is calling me to some things, some I know some, I am still waiting for some answers as to what to do! Pray for me!

Haven't Been Around Here Much....

2011-02-16T09:12:00.000-05:00

Here is a great post that kind of explains why....

Weight Loss Update

2010-11-13T10:11:00.000-05:00

6 pounds gone this week! I feel like I am on the Biggest Loser!!! (which, by the way, my children are way obsessed with!)

He Leads Us - Faith Walkin' to Kaleb

2010-11-12T09:29:00.000-05:00

He Leads Us - Faith Walkin' to Kaleb

Help my friend bring her son home! She is doing a couple of awesome fundraisers!

iPod Touch, $150 & $100 Visa Cards & More

Check them out!! And, the first week on Dec. I am teaming up with Anita and my etsy store where 50% of my sales will go to helping to bring Kaleb home!

another Josiah story

2010-11-08T17:31:00.000-05:00

Although, this may be more about the ladies at our church!

Yesterday at breakfast before church service, Josiah was drinking chocolate milk. At some point he decided to pour it evenly between 3 cups. (Don't ask my why, I don't know.) When I came up he had coffee stirrers in the cups and was trying to drink out of 2 cups at the same time.

The next thing I know one of the ladies, I'll call her Carol (because that is her name!) was egging Josiah on to try to drink out of all three at the same time. Never one to back down from a challenge, Josiah figured out how to position all three cups so he could drink from them at the same time, while the ladies cheered and took pictures! Oh, my.....now I understand why Preacher's Kids turn out like they do!

( I must say he was disappointed to not finish all three cups at the same time.)

My Son

2010-11-07T16:47:00.000-05:00

My son is just the coolest little guy. He has a heart of gold. He is sensitive and super sweet, yet doesn't hesitate to stand up for himself when he feels he's being taken advantage of. He's surrounded by 4 sisters. Two older and two younger. He handles it really well, although sometimes he is heard to voice displeasure with the situation, "Dad, I am tired of playing with my sisters," he says. (We haven't found any boys his age in the neighborhood yet.

He is way too smart. Today he informed his ~~hot~~ Sunday School teacher that the word JOY is alphabetical. Hadn't really thought about it, but he is right. I haven't told him or the girls this, but the school called asking if we wanted him moved up to second grade. Nope! Yes, he is a couple of grade levels about first grade, but he fits in beautifully socially. Moving him up could change that. It could make middle school really difficult on him, so he stays in first grade, reading 3rd and 4th grade level books, working on the 5th grade word list and going to the gifted math program. At home he is learning Spanish.

We watch the Biggest Loser on Tuesday nights together. After the first episode he asked me how many calories in milk. I told him. Then he asked how many calories in water. I told him. He told me, "I will have water because I don't want to be on the Biggest Loser."

Recently, he has been working out on the wii to the Biggest Loser. He comes upstairs panting and saying, "Bob really killed me with that workout! See how skinny I am!"

He is addicted to the computer. And he is good on it. I do have to keep an eye on him because he has discovered Google. We are on safe search of course, but you never know. He loves Google Earth.

At the bus stop, no matter where he is in line, when the bus comes, he drops out of line and gives me a hug, putting himself at the end of the line. EVERY DAY!

What a great little guy I have. He never fails to make me smile.

Every Child Deserves a Family

2010-11-03T10:39:00.000-05:00

A friend of mine has started a new blog. It is called A Family For Everyone. You should check it out!

Back to Weight Loss

2010-10-30T13:31:00.001-05:00

Here I am, still struggling with weight loss. Yes, I have lost about 55 pounds. And it feels GREAT! But I still have 35 to go and have been at a standstill for about 8 months. There has been a lot of stress in our lives, so I am grateful to be hanging out in the 180s, but don't want to stay there. And the holidays are coming up. Starting TOMORROW!!!!! Halloween. Boy do I struggle with that one, in many ways, but that is not what this post is about.

I have to say that eating, for me, is really a spiritual issue. I do a lot of self medicating. If I eat myself numb I don't have to feel, right? But how healthy is that, really? Eventually those feelings have to come out or they take more and more food to stuff them down. There goes my 55 pounds. So, I am dealing with the spiritual issues I am facing. And I am facing them! Not eating them away.

On Monday, a friend and I are starting Faithfully Fit. A 40 day journey to getting at the heart of it. Yes, I hope to lose some weight on this journey, but more importantly, I want to loosen the grip that food has on my life.

So, I ask that you pray for me. Spiritual warfare is never fun and never pretty, but it sure is rewarding!!

In Him
Tonni

Things I Am Learning

2010-10-23T17:18:00.000-05:00

This is not an easy post to write. It has not been an easy week. I am supposed to be at our Saturday evening service right now, but had to come home because 2 little girls could not behave. We gave up wrestling with them and, since I was the one with a headache, I came home. The house is really quiet right now. They are both sleeping. Hmmmmmm..... I wonder if waking up at 7 on a Saturday is catching up with them. Personally, I have been awake since 3, (yes that is 3 AM) so 7 sounds like sleeping in.

We have a house still not selling in Cincinnati. Yes, we live in Toledo. No, we aren't rich. Yes, it is frustrating. But, ya know what? I can't control that! (The selling of the house.) I got a substitute certificate so I can sub in our local school district to help ends meet. But, ya know what? I haven't gotten a single call to sub! I can't control that either. ~~Whining~~ Worrying about it doesn't change it.

God and I had a talk about that this week. He's not been looking at my planner. Or following what I think needs to happen. Oh, it is a good thing He is a patient Father. He keeps reminding me: (from Proverbs 3)

⁵ Trust in the LORD with all your heart
       and lean not on your own understanding;
⁶ in all your ways acknowledge him,
       and he will make your paths straight. ^[a]
⁷ Do not be wise in your own eyes;
       fear the LORD and shun evil.
⁸ This will bring health to your body
       and nourishment to your bones.
⁹ Honor the LORD with your wealth,
       with the firstfruits of all your crops;
¹⁰ then your barns will be filled to overflowing,
       and your vats will brim over with new wine.

Then He reminded me of all the ways in which He has provided for us (monetarily) as I have been so concerned about our financial situation:
        ~people have brought us groceries
        ~we have had to buy almost no clothing for our five children
        ~we have been given a van for free(!)
        ~we have almost never paid for a baby sitter
        ~free movie tickets for our date nights
        ~free clothing for me and Kevin
        ~strangers handing us money when we were commuting between Cincy and Toledo to help pay for food and gas
        ~and many other things!

(If you have been the hand and feet of Jesus for us, thank you. If you have prayed on our behalf, thank you.)

And I have always struggled with headaches, depression, etc...I don't usually blog about those things but God has been talking to me about them, too. I was whining to Him about them

⁹But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.

Okay, I may not be where I am gladly boasting my weaknesses, but I am starting to understand that grace is enough for me!

Shopping

2010-10-21T12:01:00.002-05:00

Today I went here. My husband will be so excited! And you will be jealous! YUM!

More Money Saving!

2010-10-14T08:08:00.000-05:00

What I am about to say may be shocking to you all, but here it goes.....I PAY for coupons!! Huh? How is that saving money? How can paying for something that is free save you money?

Easy, it's all about volume! I go here . And buy coupons in bulk. There is a nominal "handling " fee. Truthfully, I look at as if I am paying someone to do the cutting for me. I really dislike cutting coupons and the whole mess of it. But I can get multiples of coupons for things I really use! (Hint: do not get coupons for foods you don't normally keep in the house. For me that means sweets and desserts. Then I take these multiple coupons to Kroger or Meijer (both places double coupons) and use them when the items are on sale. I stock up on what I need.

I got 10 boxes of free pasta! They were on sale for 10 for $10. I used $1.00 off of 2 coupons. My Kroger doubles up to $1.00 so each dollar off was actually $2.00 off! FREE PASTA!! I got the Ragu for 62 cents a jar. Yep, I can feed my family of 7 for 62 cents!!! Wonder how much spaghetti they will eat?

Most groceries with double coupons only double up to 50 cents and everything above 50 cents is raised to $1.00. Still, that would have been pasta for 50 cents a box! (Not store brand!)

This does take some practice and planning, but I save 45-70% off of my grocery bills!!

You Just Never Know What They Are Going To Say

2010-10-11T12:42:00.000-05:00

Charis: (with Wide, Expectant Eyes) Mom, Mom, Mom, do you know who's Mary?

Me: Mary?

Charis: Yeah, do you know who's Mary, the REAL Mary?

Me: Mary? You mean Jesus' mother?

Charis: No, Mom, the bus driver is Mary! (of course, can't imagine why I didn't catch onto that!)

Strange Day....would you expect anything less from the Jobe crew??

2010-10-10T16:24:00.000-05:00

Today my kids went to church full of their usual energy. Two were a bit grumpy because we tried a little experiment and let them spend the night at friends' last night. Josiah went wearing his bright blue cape with a yellow star and a red J on the back. After the Sunday School hour we found out that our girls told the teacher that she was "hot." (Lord, help us!) She said that she asked them exactly what they meant, we waited on edge for their answer. According a 5 and 6 year old girl, "hot" means you are cool and cute! (whew) Our grandmotherly teacher was happy with that definition. (So were Mom and Dad.)

I took Charis to get her hair cut this afternoon. It was well past her shoulders, mid back really. So, I had it cut into a cute bob just over her shoulders. The hair dresser asked her if she liked it. Charis said, "no." (!) Then proceeded to tell Nice Lady Hairdresser that she wanted it cut up over her ears (think bowl-cut!) Needless to say, she has a really cute bob.

Afterward, we headed to the Wal-Mart next door. ~~Surprisingly~~, She was so good! Picked up a few things. It is a minor miracle to get out of that place under $100 and I was well under $50!! On the way out I saw this in a mini-van window.

Did not think much of it until I saw THIS outfit hanging in the van also....

(Yes, Tracy, Elvis is alive and living in Oregon, Ohio!)

Did I mention it has been an interesting day?.....Didn't see anyone who looked like Elvis in Wal-Mart, but will be checking the People of Wal-Mart website later tonight!!!

Saving Money!!

2010-10-09T18:04:00.001-05:00

These days I am all about saving money. So, I am going to occasionally let you in on some of my "secrets". These are some of the sites I have found that have really helped me!! Some of these are city specific, but even these have helped me, no matter where I am living!

I really got started at Cincinnati Coupons. Lots of great deals and where to find them. Be sure to read how to save money shopping at Kroger. I think she explains Walgreens, too. I haven't really gotten started on that yet, but I do save 40-60% on my grocery bills!

Conversations with Ella

2010-09-25T02:59:00.000-05:00

Overheard this evening:

Ella to big sister Olivia: You're not beautiful. Because you think you you're beautifuller than me!

WANNA TRADE?

2010-09-24T09:15:00.000-05:00

Okay, friends,

Christmas is just a few ~~weeks~~ months away. (That sounds better doesn't it?) And, if you are like us, money is way tight this year. So, I was thinking maybe we could help each other out. LET'S TRADE!!

Could your daughter/niece/sister/friend, etc....use some hair bows or headbands for Christmas? Great! What do you want to trade for them? Do you make tutus, jewelry, dolls, toys, blankets, etc.? Let's use what we already have and help out all of our wallets!!

In the comments, post what you are looking for and what you can trade for it!

Link to this entry and see if we can get others to join in.

Honestly, I am not 100% sure how this is going to work, but I thought it was worth a try! What do you think??

More of the Tour! THE BASEMENT

2010-09-16T06:00:00.000-05:00

This is one of 2 finished rooms in the basement. All of the books and games are down here. We spend a lot of time here as a family.

Here is the room from another view. Yes, our only tv is down here. The laundry room is through the door on the left.

Here is the bedroom in the other basement room. The kids refer to it as Tio Jose's room.

Don't you just love the elephant on the wall? To the left is a door that goes into basement storage.

And Sometimes It is Hard Being the New Girl

2010-09-15T17:41:00.000-05:00

In general, Grace is adjusting really well to her new school. She seems to love it. I am, overall, pretty impressed with the school. The teachers really seem to care about the kids. They put a lot of responsibility on the kids, but don't just push them over the cliff, if you know what I mean.

The week after Thanksgiving break, they are taking all 180 sixth graders to camp. For a week. As one who has been in the trenches of teaching middle school, I can say it takes a special kind of crazy to teach there. They are going to Camp Michindoh. Silly me, I thought that must be an Indian name. Nope. Mich=Michigan. Ind=Indiana. Oh=Ohio. Duh.....

Anyway I went to the parent info meeting last night and they said that each child chooses a bunk mate. Someone they know who be in their cabin so they feel like they have a friend. Then the teachers mix up the rest of the kids so they have opportunity to meet and get to know other kids. Sounded good. Except Grace hasn't been able to find a bunk mate. Everyone she asks has already found theirs.

Oregon is very much like Norwood was. There are not a lot of new students. So, in the case, the new girl is left feeling left out.

Yesterday, I also went to pick up the four younger kids up from Bible Club after school (Yes, a Bible Club held in the public school!!!!) And as we were all standing around waiting for the kids to get out, all of the parents chatted. Except with me.

Being the new girl can be hard whether you are 11 or 43.

Can You Keep A Secret?

2010-09-14T12:38:00.002-05:00

I just went to the bathroom, with the door open, and no one walked in, or called my name, or anything! I love school!

The Tour....

2010-09-03T01:33:00.000-05:00

I cannot sleep....again, so I thought I would start to give you a tour of our new home...

This is the living room, to the right as you enter the front door. Love this room. Cannot wait until the house in Cincy sells so we can have some wall hangings! LOL

One of my new pieces! Displays my Willow Tree statuettes as well as many of our favorite pieces from Cuba.

The piano is on the wall of the steps leading to the second floor. Pardon the clutter!!


The little girls' room


Love their closet!

More to come!!!

I Guess If You Are Tired Enough

2010-08-24T20:35:00.000-05:00

Ella, sound asleep. Slept like this for 40 minutes.

The House

2010-08-24T00:00:00.001-05:00

This is the new Jobe Abode! Looks small for 7 people doesn't ?

Back to School

2010-08-23T18:14:00.001-05:00

Grace went to school looking way too grown up and oh so beautiful. She loves middle school. She has already brought a new friend to the house. That's just the way Grace rolls. Not a shy bone in her. I wouldn't have her any other way!!

Olivia is such an amazing big sister. She really liked school too, but she is more shy than her big sister. She'll take a little longer to make friends. She really leans on Gracie and big sis just isn't in the same building this year.

Charis LOVES her new teacher! But, like last year, her big brother is her choice of playmate at recess.

Carrying all of the supplies. It is amazing how much they ask us to contribute on top of school fees. But I guess if the state would get it's act together and fund schools legally it would make a difference. (Now I will step off of my soap box.)


And our little man. All personality. Also loved school. Josiah has such a thirst for learning!!

Ella doesn't start until Thursday. She is none too happy about it and threw a major fit when the bus left without her. Shocking, I know....

Starting To Update

2010-08-17T18:14:00.001-05:00

Here we are! We moved to Toledo on the 3rd of August. We love the house. Although it is stressful to still own a home in Cincinnati. I guess I will start with now, and eventually move back to how we got here.

Today we went to visit the elementary school where 4 of the kids will attend starting next week. Coy Elementary is a new building. The kids are really excited about it. (I think the younger 4 are most excited because they are in an air conditioned building.) The very nice lady principal gave us a tour. We got to meet 3 of the 4 teachers that will have my kids.

On Thursday, I will take Grace up to to Fassett Middle School on Thursday. I hope I am ready to have a middle school student! It didn't seem like a big deal when my niece, Maddy, went to middle school as a fifth grader. In fact, I remember reassuring my sister that it would be just fine. No big deal. It is different when it is your own, I guess. Unfortunately, Grace is NOT in an air conditioned building. Something her siblings love to remind her of...often!

Oregon (pronounced Oregone) Ohio is a really pleasant little town. Toledo is so different from Cincinnati. Much less suburban sprawl. On one side of Oregon is Toledo proper, on the other side is farmland. The school district goes right up to Lake Erie, although we haven't made it to the lake yet.

I haven't really met anyone yet, besides our neighbors. On one side there is a very nice couple with a 14 year old son and 17 month old daughter. A single man lives on the other side. I am hoping to make some friends with parents once the kids are in school. I am going to start to work on paperwork to substitute in the Oregon City Schools. That should give me more opportunity to make friends.

I know all of us are missing our friends and family in Cincinnati (but it is such a blessing to have my mom closer as well as my cousin.)

I will start to get some pics and give you all a tour of our new home later in the week.

Our Last Sunday at Grace Church

2010-06-19T08:13:00.002-05:00

I cannot believe that last week was our last Sunday at Grace Church. What an amazing 6 years we've had there. We've been so blessed. I was not nearly as emotional as I thought I would be. I just want to share with you some images of that day.

Trust

2010-06-02T17:32:00.003-05:00

Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3: 5-6

I've had this running through my head that past couple of days. Trust....trust....trust....

We went house hunting again yesterday in Toledo. We are supposed to move up the week of June 20th. Trust....trust....trust....

We cannot go until our house sells. Trust....trust....trust....

I just find it so hard to let go sometimes. Yesterday, stress level was ~~pretty good~~ better. Maybe because I felt I was doing something? Today, not so good. Trust...trust...trust....

So just not really sure how I am supposed to be praying. Do I pray for the number one house on our list? Do I pray that our house sells?

We've only had 2 couples look at it. No feedback from the first couple. The second couple liked the exterior of the house, but wanted something more modern on the inside. Of a 99 year old house? Really?

So I feel like I should be doing something, yet there really is nothing to do. Trust...trust...trust....

Creativity

2010-05-25T07:39:00.000-05:00

For her birthday, Charis wanted paper and tape. So with her birthday money from Nanny, I got her some on Saturday. She has been busy ever since. It is amazing what she creates! Although we couldn't decide if she was a Storm Trooper or the Flying Nun with a lance?!?

Learning a Few Lessons

2010-05-21T16:59:00.000-05:00

This has been quite a week for me. I am learning a lot of lessons and some times that is pretty humbling.

Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" (Mark 9:24)

This is one of my favorite verses. I love that God wants our belief, but if we are not believing as we should He will give us faith if we ask for it.

What does this have to do with my week? Well (digressing again) a few found a house we love in Toledo. Just perfect for our family. Move in ready. So we put in a bid and it was accepted. With a contingency. Because we needed to sell our house first.

(yes, this house!) Anyway, we knew there was a possibility that we could lose the house in Toledo. They were still open to bids since we needed to sell our house to buy theirs. So, this week it happened. They got another bid on their house that they wanted to accept. So, yesterday around 2, we got the final word. We had 48 hours to come through on our offer, or we lost the house.

I don't know about you, but we don't have the money for a down payment on a HOUSE just lying around. So, it was going to take a miracle for us to keep the home in Toledo. So we prayed and our friends prayed.

Guess what!?! Ha, fooled you, no miracle!! Of course, there are still 20 hours until we lose the house, but no one has shown interest in coming through the house. Now, I know God can still make it happen, but I don't think He will. I think He has a lesson He wants to teach me.

Kind of strange, I KNOW that He has called Kevin to our new church in Toledo. No doubts there. We wouldn't be going if we hadn't prayed about that. If we didn't feel sure. Kevin would have left the ministry rather than accept an assignment he didn't think was God's calling on our lives.

So, what is the problem? What is my lesson? It has become very clear to me in the past few days that I don't trust God with every aspect of my life. I trust Him to tell me what city to live in, but I don't trust Him to lead me to the right home. I don't trust Him to make sure our house here sells. I don't trust Him to meet our basic needs....

²⁵"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? ²⁶Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? ²⁷Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life^[b]?

²⁸"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. ²⁹Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. ³⁰If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? ³¹So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' ³²For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. ³³But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ³⁴Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 6:25-33)

So, I have got to learn this one. To give up this control. To trust HIM to take care of even the little details.

Lord, I believe! Help me overcome my unbelief! Give me the trust I need to trust you!

Publish Post

Fun Run at School

2010-05-20T15:20:00.003-05:00

Looks like fun to me!!

Dining Room Make Over

2010-05-19T07:38:00.002-05:00

This is the dining room floor before work was done. We figure it was last finished during the Great Depression. The floor was not finished where the rug was to save on materials. As you can tell it really needed love. What you cannot tell is that the boards were slightly spaced apart. Any spill would fall right through to the basement! Spill milk on the floor? Clean up in the dining room and the basement!

Here is the finished floor. And furnished dining room, of course. Isn't it a pretty room?

The Jobe Abode...

2010-05-18T15:59:00.005-05:00

has been resurrected! I figure with all that is going on in our lives, it is appropriate to start blogging again.

In case you haven't heard, about a month ago, Kevin was reappointed to a church in Toledo! So we have been in the crazy process of preparing our house to sell and finding a new home. As well as dealing with leaving behind family and friends who we love and will miss beyond words.

We've painted, put down new floors, painted, fixed a chimney, painted, cleaned, painted, put up wallpaper border, cleaned, painted....you get the idea.

I'll post some pictures. My house looks great, just in time for us to move.

I've been stressing a lot about the house selling . We found a great house in Toledo. But it is on a contingency. In order to get it, we have to sell our house. If they get another offer, we have 48 to respond, but we can't do it without a down payment and we don't have a down payment without selling out house.

There was an open house this weekend. Only one couple came through and they were not too interested. So, for the time being, I'm trying to rely on God's timing. Because, honestly, I have no control over the situation, as much as I would like to. Right now, the best I can do is to do laundry and keep the house cleaned up as much as possible with 5 little monkeys running around!

My Right Brained Children

2010-01-05T15:59:00.008-05:00

I guess it is no surprise that our children are right brained. If you are not sure which you are, you can take a test here. Try it, it is fun!

Kevin and I are both waaaay right brained. He is a musician, actor, writer. I write, create, vision, etc. But our kids make us look systematic and orderly!
For example, our kids cannot just drink a juice bag....you know pop in the straw and suck it down. No, we have to cut off the top put it in the freezer and eat it as a slushy.

Play doh. Can we simply build things out of Play doh? NO. We have to break it up into all sorts of little pieces and then reconstruct them into little balls of many colors. Then chop them up and, well, I am not really sure what they do with them after that.

Yesterday we watched Charis destroy several gift bags from Christmas as she tried to stuff full size comforters into them.

For Christmas this year we had to replace several board games. And lay some rules in place. They are no longer allowed to use game pieces for other things. They would use them in pretend play, even the little pieces from Sorry. What can you possibly do with those??

And did you know that if you blow on the pieces of Trouble that they whistle? Trust me, they do.

Guess what their favorite thing to play without side is? Come on, guess! Okay, you'll never guess, it is

WOOD CHIPS!!!! (Which by the way, they are not allowed to play with.)

Most days I think that for Christmas next year, I should just wrap up a bunch of junk to see what they will do with it!

January Fun!

2010-01-03T19:06:00.000-05:00

Give away!

2009-11-23T14:40:00.001-05:00

Check this out! http://arewethereyetla5.blogspot.com/2009/11/day-2-of-our-blog-party.html

Got A Dollar?

2009-11-15T18:06:00.001-05:00

A very dear friend of mine is embarking on her 5th and 6th adoption journey. Check it out here!

So....

2009-11-10T15:53:00.002-05:00

Is it a bad thing if you are hoping that the piece of broken brown crayon is an unwrapped Tootsie Roll?

Is it a bad thing if you are not excited that the kids are off school for Veterans Day?

Is it a bad thing if your favorite time of day is THEIR bed time?

Is it a bad thing if you are counting down the days, hours and minutes until the kids all go to spend the night with other people???

Happy Halloween!

2009-11-06T15:43:00.001-05:00

Too Funny

2009-10-30T06:35:00.000-05:00

My kids are all watching Diego.

Josiah: How do ALL of the animals know Diego???

How do you answer that one??

Fall Fun 1

2009-10-29T18:04:00.002-05:00

Fall Fun! 2

2009-10-29T18:00:00.001-05:00

Back to Health!

2009-10-22T10:21:00.002-05:00

Yeah, everyone is feeling better! Charis and Ella are home today as a precaution, but the are feeling great! Making a palace out of couch pillows right now. With periodic breaks to watch the Curious George Movie, of course. I might even go crazy and put clothes on them today. Although that could be a battle, because, I know if I had been in pjs for almost a week, it would be hard to take them off and put on clothes. They did get a bath last night and fresh pjs if you were wondering.

Olivia is on a field trip today to the theater. They were supposed to dress nicely. So my daughter, who usually dresses nicely, decided she wanted to wear her favorite shirt. Which would be okay, except she wore it yesterday. And spill dinner down the front of it. I just put my foot down. She tried to lift it a few times, but she is a tiny little thing so..... Anyway she finally left in clean clothes. A silky top shirt of black, pink and red flowers. Over top of a high school musical t-shirt. So Gabrielle and Troy are peeking over the top. At least it was clean, right??

REALLY???

2009-10-19T13:59:00.002-05:00

I feel like my blog has been such a downer lately....unfortunately, this one is too. I've got four sick children. You heard me, FOUR!! Can you feel the panic???

It started with Olivia on Friday. By Sunday she was in Urgent Care. They did a flu test. No results yet. Because, what fun are the results (and being in UC for 5 hours) until after she is feeling better? She is feeling well enough to whine and fight with her siblings today. That has me thinking she is on the upswing.....

Or is would except the other three sicko kiddos are fighting too. Is it wrong to not medicate your kids for their fevers? (I'm just kidding, relax!) But when their fevers go up, they are much easier to deal with. When the fevers are down, the bickering begins. But when they are sick, it's not fighting over toys, no, we fight over the blanket and pillows and couch! (Wait a minute, they fight over the couch all of the time.....never mind.)

So last night, we got the kids to bed and settled in to watch The Amazing Race. Would you believe that it was an hour late???? Stupid football game. Grrrrrrr........

Well, time to go fill orders....snacks, drinks, get so and so out of whosits way....you get the idea. Apparently, by the complaints and the "mommmmmmmy's" from the other room, I am not meeting their every demand nearly quickly enough!

(Good thing God's given me a sense of humor!)

Starting to see some light....

2009-10-17T14:55:00.001-05:00

Things are still really up in the air here, but the guidance we have been praying for is starting to emerge. Pray that we will travel the path the Lord has intended for us.

In Case You Were Wondering...

2009-10-16T10:43:00.002-05:00

We're still a crazy as always around here! Always the hams, never missing an opportunity for a picture!

My Kiddos

2009-10-16T10:39:00.001-05:00

The Amazing Race

2009-10-13T10:44:00.002-05:00

Okay, if you know me at all, you know I love me some Amazing Race. Our household STOPS when it is on. The children are put to bed and threatened within an inch of their lives to stay there! It is the one night that I allow myself an evening snack. But that is not the race that I am talking about.

I'm talking about THIS race:

Acts 20:24

²⁴However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.

And recently the race has all been up hill. I think I'm halfway up the Rockies about now. I'm just feeling unsure of what our future is going to look like. Does the congregation at Grace want us to stay? We can't live on the salary so I will have to look for work. But where? And how do I maintain a house for 7 people, laundry, dishes, etc, for 7 people? It is a full time job for me now.

I've been so blessed to be available to my children during the school day. That probably won't be the case next year.

I'm not complaining, really, just ruminating. (I love that word!) Wondering what God has next on the map for my race.

There are some things that God has put on our hearts, real passions, and yet, I am not sure that they are open to us right now. In fact, I am sure they are not open to us right now. In HIS time, right?

So, right now I am going on faith, in a way I am not sure I ever have before

Hebrews 11:1

By Faith

¹Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

That is so hard sometimes! Kind of like in the Indiana Jones movie where Indy has to step out onto the pathway across the chasm. Sounds easy, except the pathway is not visible to the human eye.

My Answering Machine

2009-10-09T16:24:00.003-05:00

Although, I guess it is technically my voice mail. Anyway, the light is blinking again or is it still? I've been home for over 4 hours and keep wondering if I should check it....or maybe not, it's a lot of work. And most of the time it is a recording of a recording. But what if it's really important? Oh the dilemmas that I have to wrestle with. My life is so difficult!

I'm Fired!!

2009-10-05T10:17:00.003-05:00

Elliana: Mommy, you are fired!

Me: Really?

Elliana: Yes, call your mommy!

Me: Who will do all of the laundry and cooking?

Elliana: Nanny! (duh) That's why you are calling her!

Yeah, who' s the diva??

Some New Things At.....

2009-10-03T14:02:00.003-05:00

Check them out at 4 Princess Bows

Clothes, Clothes. EVERYWHERE!!

2009-10-02T15:44:00.002-05:00

Oh. my. goodness. I have been in the process of changing over from warm weather clothes to cold weather clothes. For. 5. Children.

Let me start by saying we have been incredibly, incredibly blessed with hand-me-downs. In 10 years and 5 kids, we have bought almost nothing except underwear (hee hee I said underwear! That would cause my children to collapse in giggles.) shoes and socks. It has literally saved us thousands of dollars I am sure. If you wonder if friends would be blessed by hand-me -downs, the answer is YES!! YES!! YES!! And we do pass the blessings on when ever we can.

This is more than pulling a few sweater out of some rubber bins. This involves going through dozens of bags of clothing to determine what will fit who this year. The boy is easy, keep the t-shirts and change to jeans, add a few sweatshirt. For the girls it is a major process.

Ella is soooo picky about clothes. She hates socks and hates to have anything around her waist. She would wear her summer dresses and sandals year around if I let her. Which I don't.....But I have given in on the socks issue. IF her feet get cold enough, I guess she'll wear them. AND don't tell my mother-in-law (whom I love dearly!) that you cannot catch a cold by not wearing socks. Unfortunately, the dress supply is not as abundant this winter as it was in the summer. Three days in a row, she has worn *gasp* pants. Up until now, she was known as 'the girl in the dresses' by several of her preschool classmates.

Charis, well, it's jeans all the way, baby. And that can be an issue when your waist is still a size 12 months and your legs are 4T tall! Thankfully, Olivia wore 4 Slims when she was 3 (Charis is 5 1/2) that are adjustable at the waist. I just cinch them as tightly as possible. (And they are still roomy!!)

Olivia.....I can't even begin to describe her fashion sense. She always looks adorable in what would look ridiculous on anyone else. The biggest problem for her is she needs a 4T in the waist and 7 in length....

Gracie? This year she'll wear whatever is in her drawer. But she's in 5th grade. I doubt I'll have that luxury for long. She was so excited today because she wore a new (to her) shirt to school. "MOM! Guess what happened when I got to school today? Some sixth grade girls came running up to me to tell me how much they loved my shirt!!!!" She was so excited!

So, I've gone through what was in the attic. A clothing monster threw up all over it. Now I am down to getting all of the summer clothes washed, and sorted out and put in the right bags, bins and boxes. The trick is getting it done before the kids rewear their favorites making them need washing again. How can someone who has a family of 7 hate laundry so much? Maybe that is WHY I hate laundry so much!

Do You Ever Wish God Would Show You His Planner?

2009-10-01T17:55:00.000-05:00

Wow, I do. Life is changing and we don't know exactly how, but we know it is changing BIG TIME. We are spending lots of time praying for God to show us exactly where he wants us and what he wants us to do. We trust him, but we want to know what direction he wants us to take. Please pray for us!

Conference

2009-09-30T08:40:00.003-05:00

And the correct guesser was (drum roll please....) My mom! (She commented on Facebook in case you were wondering.)

My conference this morning was for Josiah. Mrs. Phelps, his teacher, is a doll! And she really cares about her students. I am so glad that Josiah has her as a teacher. I requested the conference because I, if you'll excuse me while a brag, because Josiah is just to darn smart. The little guy taught himself to read while he was in preschool. (Of course it was because he wanted to be able to play on the computer without needing help. But that is besides the point.)

Now, I didn't want to come off as one of those parents. Remember I used to be a teacher. Those parents are the ones that think their child is the smartest child since Einstein. (Yeah, right, Einstein didn't speak until he was three or four, Josiah was reading by then . Just kidding!!) I just wanted to make sure that he was being challenged so he wasn't becoming a disruption or distraction for the rest of the kids. Have I mentioned how much he loves to talk? I had visions of him finishing work and then talking to his neighbors.

But, thankfully, Mrs. Phelps has it all under control! Yay for good teachers!!!

First Parent Teacher Conference of the Year

2009-09-29T17:57:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow 9:00. Any guesses as to which child it is for??

check out this blog!

2009-09-28T10:13:00.001-05:00

LOVE IT!!!!!!

Disappointment

2009-09-24T00:11:00.001-05:00

I don't usually post here about political things or television. But I am greatly bothered by a new show on F0x. It is a show that I really really wanted to like. You have to know that I am pretty much a geek and LOVE music. I love singing. Any guesses? (And I am really excited about the new Fame* movie coming out this week.)

I really really wanted to like Glee*. REALLY! I'm married to a music teacher! And I look just like the actress who plays the wife of the show choir director on the program. (Okay, not really.) The first episode I liked a lot. I thought the Celibacy Club thing was little tasteless, but that's okay. Something I could overlook.

I've been so saddened by the turn the show has taken the last two weeks. I don't need to watch teenagers singing about sex, engaged in sex, etc. Okay, yes, I know that lots of teenagers have sex. That doesn't mean I need to watch it. I am even more saddened that we, as a society, have condoned this behavior by turning it into entertainment. I am angry that the target audience of the this show is obviously, as evidenced by it's 9:00 time slot, teenagers. I am angry that the teenager girls in the "Celibacy Club" use sex to control the behavior of the teenage boys. I am angry that praying to Jesus (in the first episode) to remain celibate is seen as a joke. I am angry that what could be a wholesome family show is what it is.

I am saddened that some Christians I know think that this is wonderfully written and funny. I personally think that a teenage boy 'servicing' adult women that he works for is not original or funny. I am saddened that the network thinks that we (the general public) are not smart enough to enjoy a funny, well written show that isn't smothered in gratuitous sex.

Maybe I have offended you, or made you think. All I know is that this is not what I would allow my children to watch at any age if they are living in my home. Because I don't want them to find it funny or to think that this behavior is okay. And it is not what I want on my television if Jesus should come back tonight.

7 Years Ago...

2009-09-23T06:50:00.001-05:00

A Princess joined our family!

Not Again!

2009-09-22T08:14:00.002-05:00

Remember Barf Fest a few weeks ago? Well, other than Ella having a cold a last week, we've been pretty healthy.

But then, last night Charis started running a fever. Yes, Charis. The one who never gets sick! I should have seen it coming when she came home from school, turned down a snack and took a nap in the middle of the living room floor. NOT the safest place to lie down in our circus. The kids kept running through, narrowly missing her head while I cringed and cried out warnings.

She skipped dinner, but by about 7:00 the Tylenol/Advil cocktail she was on kicked in and she was feeling well enough to start to pick on the other kids. (I wonder if it is considered child abuse to NOT medicate your child for a fever?)

So, once again, my grand plans for today are rearranged. But that is okay.

AND on the good side, I found my keys!! Of course they were in a place I had looked at least two other times. I think the kids were moving them around just to drive me crazy and I finally just lucked out and came across them before they moved them again. I am sure that several of you were up all night wondering about my keys, so I thought I would put your mind at rest so you can sleep tonight!

Things I Have Found While Looking For My Keys

2009-09-21T15:30:00.004-05:00

1. The missing umbrellas
2. An attachment to the vacuum cleaner (one is still missing)
3. The floor of the closet
4. A lot of dust.
5. Missing books.
6. A diaper bag (haven't had anyone in diapers in a couple of years.)
7. The missing hair brushes (a blog entry unto itself.)
8. Glow in the dark bracelets
9. 5 headbands, so far....
10. Where one of my precious children wrote on the kitchen table WITH MARKER!!
11. The USB cord for my digital camera (didn't know that was missing.)
12. Olivia's library card
13. The bandages (always a necessity around here)
14. My scissors
15. Scotch tape (which is like finding gold in our house)
16. My kitchen counter (I'll bet my hubby doesn't believe that!)
17. The missing Littlest Pet Sh0p monkey

Is anyone else noticing what I haven't found????????

If You Want to Make God Laugh....

2009-09-19T15:53:00.002-05:00

Tell him your plans!!

I had such grandiose plans of what things I would get done once school started. You know, four kids in school all day. The baby in preschool four half days a week. Wow, time to do what I want to do! And that is when God started laughing!

My attic is still a train wreck. I haven't even vacuumed the upstairs! The bathroom floors still need scrubbed. Clothes still need switched over from summer to fall/winter. The ugly wall paper still needs to come off of the upstairs bathroom. The border in the dining room still needs taken off and replaced. I still need to find cheap bedding for our bedroom. And the list goes on and on.

Why? Well, I was blessed with three hair bow parties in the end of August. One of which was huge! And I am still not done making the bows ordered there, although I am close. AND someone has been sick ever since school started, minus a day or two here and there. Ella had a stomach virus that lasted a week. Then less than a week later, most of the rest of us had it, including Ella who had her second bout. My migraines have been out of control. I have started a new Sunday school class for third through sixth graders. (I'll post about that later, I found a great resource on knowing what is in the Bible, how it is structured, who wrote what, etc....)

Have I mentioned how crazy it is to try to keep up with homework for all five kids? Yes, even the preschooler comes home with homework. So three of the kids have it every night. So I have to make sure it gets done. Sign behavior sheets and homework planners. Make sure Grace works on her multiplication fact. Listen to Olivia read for 15 minutes (which includes an additional five to ten minutes for whining.) Help Charis with her alphabet.

Oh, did I mention laundry for seven? And meals?

And did I mention I am babysitting a precious little one two days a week?

It's all good, but, WOW, I am not getting much done...

Thirsty For God

2009-09-15T14:55:00.002-05:00

1 O God, you are my God,

earnestly I seek you;

my soul thirsts for you,

my body longs for you,

in a dry and weary land

where there is no water.

Psalm 63:1

Recently, you may remember, we were all sick. I mean really sick. And I was thirsty. Really really thirsty. Dry mouth, dry throat, cracked lips thirsty. And I wanted a drink of water so badly. It was all I could think about. I couldn't drink, or I'd just be sick again. I was so thirsty I was dreaming about drinking water. Not that there was a whole lot of sleep going on that night.

Several years ago, I got into the habit of praying when I cannot sleep. I makes me a whole lot calmer than lying in bed getting upset because I cannot sleep. God and I have lots of really good conversations when I cannot sleep. Sometimes I think he keeps me up just to talk to me.

So, I'm lying in bed talking to God. Mainly telling him how incredibly thirsty I am. And he could have reprimanded me. Reminded me of the 40 days (not hours, DAYS) he spent in the desert without food and water. But he listened to me whine for a while. Then he whispered in my ear, "I wish you were that thirsty for me."

A Clean Kitchen

2009-09-07T17:36:00.002-05:00

On Saturday, before the black death settled in and took out 6 of the 7 of us, I spent almost the entire day cleaning my kitchen. (In case you are wondering, Risi is the only one who did not end up sick. According to Sheri, Ris probably scared away the virus....she's probably right.)

So my kitchen looks great, wiped down everything, cleaned up my hair bow stuff, scrubbed the stove. It looks great......unless you open the cupboards or the fridge or the drawers. Didn't make it to cleaning those.

On the outside it looks great, on the inside, not so much.

And that really got me to thinking. I've spent a lot time on my outside recently. In the past year, I've lost a lot of weight. And mostly for health reasons, but, truthfully, I wanted to look better too.

But I got to thinking, what if someone one opened my drawer? Pulled out my silverware drawer? Would they find crumbs? Cupboards that need wiped down?

We are so aware of our appearances. I wonder what life would be like if we spent as much time working on our insides as we do on our outsides. What if I spent as much time in my Bible everyday as I do taking a shower and fixing my hair? What if I spent as much time in prayer as I spend on the computer each day? What if I spent as much time in worship as I spend watching the news each day (and let's face it the news is pretty depressing!)

Just some thoughts, for me and for you.......

How do you look? On the inside??

Welcome To Puke City!

2009-09-05T18:08:00.003-05:00

Last week my poor Elliana was sick for several days with a stomach bug. She dehydrated and looked and felt awful. We eventually had to take her to the doctor to get an anti-nausea so we could rehydrate her. If it didn't work she'd have had to be admitted to get IV fluids. Thank God it worked and within 24 hours she was fine.

We all were. For almost a whole week. Then Josiah started in. I don't think he got it from his sister, because, after all, it had been a whole week. He missed his first day of Kindergarten. He wasn't thrilled about that. Within 24 hours he was fine. Up running around as always.

Then this afternoon, Ella started again. Then Josiah. Can I tell you how much fun we are having??

AND we are supposed to go my mom's tomorrow to see her and my sister that I haven't seen for over a year. AND the kids are really excited about going. AND, now, at least one is staying home with Kevin.

So please pray that no one else gets sick. And that everyone feels better. This is just not fun.

Yep, we got it. 6 of the 7 of us. So much for the plans to see my sister and her crew this weekend. THANKFULLY all are well enough to go to school tomorrow! They are way too energenic today. It's kind of a bummer when you still feel rotten and the kids are high energy. Ah well, did I mention they go to school tomorrow??

Ella Starts Preschool

2009-09-02T13:43:00.001-05:00

Looks pretty proud doesn't she? I admit, I had a pang I didn't quite expect....

Too Funny!!

2009-08-26T19:34:00.003-05:00

I had a really rotten day with my kids today. Then someone sent me this....PERFECT!!!!

The boss wondered why one of his most valued employees was absent but had not phoned in sick one day. Needing to have an urgent problem with one of the main computers resolved, he dialed the employee's home phone number and was greeted with a child's whisper. ' Hello ? '

'Is your daddy home?' he asked.

' Yes ,' whispered the small voice.

'May I talk with him?'

The child whispered, ' No .'

Surprised and wanting to talk with an adult, the boss asked, 'Is your Mummy there?'

' Yes '

'May I talk with her?' Again the small voice whispered, ' No '

Hoping there was somebody with whom he could leave a message, the boss asked, 'Is anybody else there?'

' Yes , ' whispered the child, ' a policeman .. '

Wondering what a cop would be doing at his employee's home, the boss asked, 'May I speak with the policeman?'

' No, he's busy , ' whispered the child.

'Busy doing what?'

' Talking to Daddy and Mummy and the Fireman , ' came the whispered answer.

Growing more worried as he heard a loud noise in the background through the earpiece on the phone, the boss asked, 'What is that noise?'

' A helicopter ' answered the whispering voice.
'What is going on there?' demanded the boss, now truly apprehensive. Again, whispering, the child answered,

' The search team just landed a helicopter '

Alarmed, concerned and a little frustrated the boss asked, 'What are they searching for?'

Still whispering, the young voice replied with a muffled giggle...
' ME . '

Josiah and Grace

2009-08-25T07:54:00.002-05:00

This morning....

Grace: JOSIAH, STOP PUTTING PILOWS ON MY HEAD!!!!! (Grace yells everything!)

Josiah: I'm just making you into the Eiffel Tower!!

Josiah's eye and first days of school 2009

2009-08-20T17:43:00.004-05:00

It is hard to see, but Josiah has 5 stitches in his left eyebrow from falling down the stairs. Lots of bruises, too. The stitches come out tomorrow morning.

Grace and Olivia on their first day of school, Gracie is in 5th and Olivia is in 2nd. When did they get so big.

Don't ya love the matching outfits? I wonder how long they will think matching is cool?

Josiah and Charis leaving for their first day of Kindergarten. Charis was the only girl in her class today. There are only 12 girls in the whole Kindergarten class, so each class will only have 4 girls and probably 12 boys! Aye, yi, yi!

They really were more excited than they look! They are in separate classes, but guess who they played with at recess today???

I think

2009-08-15T16:10:00.004-05:00

Charis needs her own blog. The things coming out of her mouth are so funny, I can only imagine what is going through her mind~

At Kindergarten Screening:

Teacher: Why do we go to school?

Charis: Because my mommy says I have to!

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

On the way out of the door from Kindergarten camp:

Day One

Ni Hao! Ni Hao! (Chinese for hello)

Day Two

Adios! Adios!! Adios!!!

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

Number of curtain rods that Charis has destroyed by swinging from them: 2

Kindergarten Camp

2009-08-11T11:13:00.001-05:00

Charis and Josiah went to Kindergarten Camp today. It is a great opportunity for the incoming Kindergartners to come in for a few 1/2 days and get to know the building, the teachers, etc without the big kids being there.

Afterwards I asked what they did. And Charis put her hands on her nonexistent hips and said, "Well, we DIDN'T camp!!"

What If The Church Danced??

2009-07-29T21:38:00.006-05:00

12 Now King David was told, "The LORD has blessed the household of Obed-Edom and everything he has, because of the ark of God." So David went down and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-Edom to the City of David with rejoicing. 13 When those who were carrying the ark of the LORD had taken six steps, he sacrificed a bull and a fattened calf. 14 David, wearing a linen ephod, danced before the LORD with all his might, 15 while he and the entire house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouts and the sound of trumpets.

II Samuel 6:12-15

What if the church dance? Really danced? Just because God is God? Danced for joy??

2 They will come and shout for joy on the heights of Zion;

they will rejoice in the bounty of the LORD—
the grain, the new wine and the oil,

the young of the flocks and herds.

They will be like a well-watered garden,

and they will sorrow no more.

3 Then maidens will dance and be glad,

young men and old as well.

I will turn their mourning into gladness;

I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.

Jeremiah 31:12-13

By now, you've probably seen THIS video....If you haven't you really should....and leave your inhibitions and how you think things 'should' be done, and allow yourself to be caught up in the joy displayed here.

What if the church displayed this kind of joy? See, to understand what I am talking about, you have to watch THIS! I can only imagine people would be drawn to it! We are all looking for a measure of joy in our lives. I challenge you to try God as He really is the only source of true joy. Of course there are many things that can give us happiness. Our children, our marriages, our friends, our hobbies. But, for me, only God can give me true joy. The kind of joy that lets me do this:

with a migraine. Dancing for joy in the Lord!!

A couple of years ago, Kevin had the kids at our sister church, Sharonville UMC and my kids were having a blast. They were running around the lobby like it was their personal playground. And some of the 'Propriety Police' were frowning on it. Kevin was trying to calm them down, when our dear friend, Pastor Jim said, "That's right kids. Stop having fun! If people knew that church was fun, they might want to come!"

What a statement.

If people knew that church was fun, they might want to come. If we danced for joy before the Lord, people would want to come!

Oh, the freedom that comes from dancing for joy before the Lord!

What if the church danced?

Reasons I Love My Kids

2009-07-28T18:23:00.005-05:00

Josiah: Don't you wish VBS went the whole summer?

Charis: Don't you know VBS is all the time? It's everywhere......

I think she has some holes in her theology that might need filled in......

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
While eating ice cream:
Charis: Everyone, you cannot be messy, eat like me! Eat like a prince.

Ella: I can't eat like a prince, I'm a princess!!

Josiah: And I'm a king!! I know!! Let have an ice cream eating race!!! ('Cause that all makes sense together!)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Josiah: MOM, WHERE DID YOU GET MY NAME???
Me: From King Josiah in the Bible
Josiah: OH, I THOUGHT YOU GOT IT FROM JOE!!

HUH?!?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tonight we took Charis, Josiah and Elliana to Kr0ger. Interesting to say the least. I made my list based on LAST week's ad. There was only one (can you believe it?) race car cart, so they had to take turns. I had to separate Josiah and Charis from the front of the cart because Charis's insistent kisses for her big brother were getting loud and drawing attention. Elliana only almost got hit by another cart 3 times. AND my husband took us and our 467 items through the Express Lane. I think they were glad when we left! I know I was!

Thankfully the police officer that Charis ran up to and hugged last time was not on duty today!

I love being the mom!!!

How Cute Is This??

2009-07-20T15:18:00.002-05:00

4 Princess Bows

Jury Duty, Day 1

2009-07-20T15:05:00.003-05:00

I sat...for a long time......and sewed about 50 bows.....a really long time. At one point I called to check and and Kevin says, "I hope you don't hate what I've done to your dining room." (That was reassuring. ?)

Then I sat more. Watched a little CNN, spent some time playing on line, had a little lunch. I was called back at 1:45 (At least it was supposed to be at 1:45) to be told the trial had been continued and I was not needed. Sniff, sniff......Everyone wants to be needed, well, except at jury duty!

So I am home, and I am back on call again tomorrow. Jealous aren't you??

And my dining room looks great!!

The shelves are new. All of the items on them or hanging are from our mission trips in Cub@.

Jury Duty

2009-07-19T17:36:00.004-05:00

Tomorrow I start 2 weeks (yes, you read that correctly) 2 weeks of jury duty! Pray for me and my family! Kevin will have the kids. Wow.....I might get caught up on a few things! Did I just say that out loud????

Community Dinner

2009-07-18T08:00:00.000-05:00

Every third Wednesday of the month our church holds a Community Dinner. Just to serve the community. No strings attached, no heavy "churchy sell, " no 'come in to Bible study.' Just dinner. In the colder weather we have spaghetti and salad and garlic bread. During the nice weather we grill out. It is such a blessing to serve the community, to get to know new neighbors or just catch up with old friends! The kids play corn hole, run around, chalk, blow bubbles and just generally be kids!

Friends enjoying each other's company

Thank God the predicted rain didn't fall!

Mmmm, burgers and dogs....we had so many people to serve that we could hardly keep up!

More from our trip

2009-07-17T08:00:00.000-05:00

Praise and Worship......there are no words.......

Finally! Back in the Blog!

2009-07-16T19:22:00.001-05:00

Mission work is such hard work......

Us

2009-06-30T00:36:00.001-05:00

19 years today! Kevin, I love you more than 19 years ago, in fact, I love you more today than yesterday! Te amo mucho, mi mango!

I Am So Proud

2009-06-29T07:11:00.003-05:00

of my kids! Friday night we were at Relay for Life. Grace and Olivia spent a long time selling refreshments. They stayed longer than I did! They were polite and eager to help.

Then on Saturday the kids from church, including my Tribe of Five, went to an area nursing home. They sang a couple of songs and passed out gift bags to the residents. They loved it, probably more than the residents did!

I plan to seek out a whole lot more opportunities for my children to serve others. What a gift it is to me to watch them bring joy to others! And to love doing it!

VBS

2009-06-23T07:54:00.003-05:00

My kids are at VBS this week. I love VBS! 2 1/2 hours with Kevin or by myself every night! LOVE IT!!

With the series this church uses, every night the leader has a phrase she shouts to the kids and they respond with a phrase.

On the way home on the first night, my kids were practicing. They think that if they are screaming about God it negates the 'No Screaming In The Car' rule. Sigh.

So here is what we heard the first night.

Grace: God is ALWAYS there!

The Crew: Beer Nuts!

Beer nuts???????????????

Oh, FEAR NOT!!!!

Maybe they should teach annunciation at VBS too, what do you think?????

I Cannot Believe I Said That!!

2009-06-19T07:47:00.002-05:00

One Wednesday night a month, our church hosts a free community dinner. This month we cooked out. I was serving up burgers and dogs. I told one of the boys who just graduated to get his own hamburger bun.

Me: That way I won't be fingering your buns.

The line grew really quiet.

Me: That didn't sound very good.

The Line: Laughter.

I think they were relieved I said that. They were trying to be so polite and not laugh. It's not often you hear the preacher's wife make a comment like that!!!!

A Good Parenting Moment

2009-06-18T12:18:00.002-05:00

Last week, a friend, whose daughter is a good friend of Grace, sent me an email that her daughter was upset with Grace and then proceeded to give me a list of reasons why. Initially, I was kind of hurt, this was a friend of mine that I've known for years. I really wished she would have called me rather than emailing me. But it ended up being a good thing, because I was able to think rationally about the situation rather than responding ~~like a mama bear~~ emotionally.

So, I didn't respond to all that was mentioned in the email. Instead, I emailed her suggesting we meet for lunch with both of the girls and and discuss the sitution. Teach them that they can disagree and discuss and still be friends. She agreed and yesterday we met at the park with lunch.

And it was good. We both really encouraged the girls to discuss the situation. To take responsibility for their roles in the situation. The girls were very hesistant at first, both afraid of losing a good friend (and this really wasn't a very serious matter.) But we got them talking and expressing how they felt, without being accusatory AND without allowing them to make excuses for their behavior.

Every now and then I do something right in this whole parenting thing.

One of Those Things You Never Knew You'd Say

2009-06-17T08:13:00.003-05:00

We had a friend over for dinner last night. And Ella decided to throw one of her monster fits. One you can mop the floor with. Screaming, wailing, begging, crying. It wasn't pretty. The cause of the fit? She was playing on the computer when the others went for a walk. That was fine, until she decided to get off of the computer. Then she wanted to be with the others....and the screaming started.

She collapsed at my feet, under the dining room table at one point. Our friend asked what she was doing.

Me: Groveling. And wiping her nose up the length of my leg........

Now why did he find that so funny?

Woo Hoo!!!

2009-06-16T08:20:00.005-05:00

I have my computer back!!!! Thank you, David! It's working great and I am so thrilled!!!! I know that you all are sorry you cannot hear the song or see the dance my family is privileged to see and hear!

I got my computer back!!!

Conversation between Josiah and Charis

2009-06-09T13:16:00.002-05:00

Josiah: How would we get 100 camels up the stairs?

Charis: One at time!

Josiah: What about when they have to poop?

Charis: We'll let them in the back yard!

The imagination of 5 year olds!

Catching up

2009-06-05T13:29:00.004-05:00

Okay, I know it has been a long time, when I log into my blog and don't recognize it! Thank you to all of you who commented on my last post. My daughter is an amazing lady and is doing well. We are both glad that school is out.

I am so ready to get the summer into a routine. The girls were out of school last Thursday. Friday night we had a Cuba meeting. Fun, but they were all up way too late. Saturday morning we all loaded up and went to Lima to visit Nanny and Paw Paw. Kevin and I left the kids with Nanny and Paw Paw and drove to Van Wert for a graduation party. Lots of fun. We headed home on Sunday with my niece Rebekah with us. 8 people in a 7 person van. We call it riding Cuban style. Rebekah was here through Thursday. What a great young lady she is and so much help with the kids!

Bek watched the kids one night so Kevin and I could go celebrate our nephew's 21st birthday. We swam one day. On Thursday, we met Bek's mom, my sister in law, at Chuck E. Cheeses. Wow! My first time.~~Hopefully the last !?!~~

Today, well, the kids realized that they are going to have chores this summer. ~~that went over like a sled ride in July~~ They are so excited! I have decided that, having a 10 year old and a 7 year old, I don't need to do dishes this summer!

I had a hair bow party on Thursday. It was lots of fun. But now I am making bows like crazy.

Hello, Summer!

Girls

2009-05-27T13:48:00.005-05:00

Sigh.....and it has begun. Gracie has some girls at school who are just down right mean to her. They make fun of her clothes. She's wearing jeans or shorts and t-shirts like everyone else. Nothing that should cause her to be ostracized. One girl has told Gracie she needs new clothes. Another one says she is trying to dress like them. ~~I guess I didn't know that they had invented t-shirts~~. So the Mama Bear in me comes out.

One day this week I parted Gracie's hair to the side and brushed her bangs over. Now these girls say that she is trying to wear her hair like them. One even messed up her hair. These are 10 year olds! Grrrrr. Yes, the same one who was making the clothing comments. Charming huh? And the others just go along with it.

One of the other girls in this trio lives right down the street from us. If she is not in school she is down here, playing with Gracie, or calling her, or inviting herself to dinner or to spend the night. I know the situations at home for each of these girls. . But I can't tell Grace that. ~~although it tempting to tell her why they act like such brats.~~ This is one of those lessons she has to figure out and learn for herself. There are lots of really nice girls in her class. She just has to figure out that it does her no good to hang out with girls who are just being mean to her.

I can only imagine what it is going to be like when she is in middle school. And I can only imagine how I can go through it 4 times!! I am just praying for wisdom. For the right words. For these little girls who feel so badly about themselves that they have to pick on girls who have done nothing to them.

Prayers

2009-05-21T12:53:00.001-05:00

http://chapmanchannel.typepad.com/marybeth/

A Funny Thing You'll Never Hear

2009-05-16T00:00:00.000-05:00

Josiah: Quick! Here comes a tornado!! Get in the helicopter!

My Computer

2009-05-15T07:29:00.004-05:00

Let me start off by saying, "my husband is awesome!" He has left his laptop at home for me for the past 2 weeks! But I am missing my computer. I love to blog with pics and can't on his laptop. I don't want to slow it down more by adding more pics. So I'll just add some of the pics he already has. In no particular order, with no particular significance:

Things Only MOM Can Do....

2009-05-08T08:16:00.003-05:00

Flush the toilet
Clean out the drain in the kitchen sink
Bend over to pick up something on the floor that doesn't belong there
Open the dishwasher
Put the lid down on the toilet without dropping it
Change the toilet paper roll
Put paper towels on the dispenser
Take pictures
Match socks
Clean the bathtub
Kiss boo-boos and make them better
Write things on the grocery list

.....more to come!! Leave your list of things only mom can do in the comment section!

Out of Commission

2009-05-04T20:35:00.002-05:00

My computer has a nasty virus. You all probably won't be hearing much from me for a week or so until he gets back from the computer hospital. I can check in occasionally when Kevin isn't working on his lap top.

Thought for the Day

2009-04-30T11:38:00.004-05:00

Fake eggs have no taste, but, apparently, have protein. Figure that one out!

*****Update*******
I couldn't do it, I couldn't eat them....yuck!

Anyone Want a 4 Year Old??

2009-04-29T09:55:00.004-05:00

Wow! My precious little Ella. She is the cuddliest little thing, when she is not screaming, jumping up and and down, screaming, stamping her foot, screaming, whining and did I mention screaming? I will be so glad when she is out of this stage. (Is it still a stage when it has lasted for 18 months??)

I don't know, maybe it is just because she is the youngest and feels like she isn't heard unless she is screaming. Maybe it is just because she is the most stubborn of the crew, also a product of being the youngest, I am guessing.

She is amazing when she and I go shopping. Not only does she not touch anything, but she doesn't ask for anything either. She LOVES to laugh and sing (and often does it as loudly as she screams!) I am grateful she leaves the fits at home, for the most part.

Sweet, little curly haired, big blue eyed, Ella. Looks are deceiving.

Computer Issues

2009-04-28T09:24:00.002-05:00

Sigh....again.....my computer seems to have a bug. Grrrrr...... I have Spybot and and anti-virus. What's up with this??? I did take all my pics of yesterday, close to 12 Gs. That helped to speed the old guy up a bit, but the internet still freezes up on me. A lot. Sigh.....

-35 Pounds! Yeah Me!

2009-04-24T13:02:00.002-05:00

A little hard to see, but I can sure tell the difference!!

So....

2009-04-23T07:26:00.003-05:00

How do you catch up on a blog when it's been this long? We've been crazy busy!!! So these are just a few images from the past two weeks. More to come!!

My Baby Girl

2009-04-11T06:58:00.003-05:00

My beautiful baby girl, my first born is 10 today. I can hardly believe it. She is a sweet tender hearted young lady with a heart for God. I could not be more blessed!

Conversations with Elliana

2009-04-09T07:23:00.002-05:00

Me: Ella, we are going to hide these (birthday presents) in my closet so Grace and Charis don't see them. Don't tell them okay.

Elliana: Okay, but you can't put dem in your cwoset!!

Me: Why not?

Elliana: Because E.T. is in dere!! He's been in dere five times!! (holds up 5 fingers)

Wow!! I've never noticed him there!!

Our Cub@n Visitors

2009-04-08T06:32:00.002-05:00

I'm kind of without words right now...shocking, I know. Here is one friend's account of our praise and worship concert on Saturday night.