CROUP

We've got it here...

... started last night -- well actually 2:00 a.m. is TODAY isn't it. Whew... it's been a long one already.

Lucky 5yo baby -- he's napping right now. I should go grab a few winks.

So -- My 5yo son is getting to use a steroid legally for the next few days. I wonder if he'll bulk up any? I don't care -- as long as he doesn't cough like that any more at 2:00. Why is 2:00 a.m. the MAGICAL "I must be sick as a dog" hour? Either that or 4:00 a.m.? Either way it means a lack of sleep for moms!

Well -- at least we know where we are standing for now. Thanks for any prayers you may be shooting our way. We'd appreciate them.

Beautiful Sun Rise

Thanks to my friend Amber... this morning I got to see a sun dog. I've never seen one before. She called me a little before 8:00 and pointed it out to me, then I ran upstairs and shared it with my kiddos.

What a great friend huh?

What an awesome God we serve to create such beauty for us to enjoy -- just for the fun of it. Ü

Did any of you get to see it this morning?

Favorite Photos

My Horse Lover- 11yo

The Wrestler - 7yo

My Preschooler - 5yo

Our Princess - 3yo

Wild Child - 1yo


Ü I love to look at others photos -- so I thought I'd share a few of my own.

HOPE YOU ENJOYED THEM!!

Book Crossings

I got a book today from PaperBack Swap.

It had a label inside. The label reads like this. "I'm a very special book. You see, I'm traveling around the world making new friends." Interesting.

So of course I went to www.BookCrossing.com to check it out. The book I received was released "into the wild". I didn't know my neighborhood was concidered WILD, but maybe it is. I've heard we have mountian lions roaming free around here. Pretty WILD I guess.

So - here is the deal. You can get labels from them, or print off some of your own. Register a book, get a BCID #, (each one is unique), then release the book. Leave it some where, give it to charity, or exchange it on PaperBack swap. Your choice. Then you journal about it on the web-site and you can track your book as it travels around the world. My George Mueller book came to me from Portland OR, and I can see that on the web-site. They found it at a church book sale. Read it, then released it.

So I registered it and said, "I'm keeping it." HA ha... but maybe someday -- after my kiddos have all read it and my book shelves are sagging under the weight of all the books -- I'll weed some out and send them on their way... but not before I register them.

If you click on the recycle symbol on the left hand side, then I get a referral. I'm not sure what I get for getting a referral -- since it's free to join. But -- it would be fun to know if you did join -- I guess that's what the referral is for.

Anyway -- HAPPY RELEASING! Share the joy of a good book. Ü

Jennifer

ROLLER SKATES

"Lucinda, how would you like to stay in the Park? How would you like to stay always ten? You could tell Tony and Uncle Earle, perhaps; and Mr. Gilligan. They'd keep the secret for you. Winter you would sleep with the bears in their caves and come out in the spring. Come out every single spring always ten year old, never any older. That's what I'd call a perfectly elegant idea!"

Today I finished reading Roller Skates by Ruth Sawyer. I'ver never even heard of it until I saw it at our Public Library last week. It had a Newbery Award sticker on it. Somestimes those are good books... sometimes not. This book -- it is a winner. A classic written in 1936.

Here is one of my favorite passages.

There were her books, too, to put on their shelf; and there was the new diary that her mother had bought her and that she had promised to write in often. The books she handled and put in their places with loving care. They filled a large portion of her inner world -- a sanctuary built securely to keep out Aunt Emilys and French governesses. She smoothed her copy of Tanglewood Tales, with a gold Pegasus riding over a crimson cover; she patted Water Babies, without pictures and a feckless binding that matched the King of the Golden River and Plutarch's Lives. There was Hans Anderson, with a frontspiece of Little Ida and her flowers. ... Next came Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.

Then she goes on to list The Peterkin Papers; Uncle Remus, Hans Brinker, Jan of the Windmill, Robin Hood and Swiss Family Robinson. A dictionary, Our Boys in India round out the list.

You know where I'm headed next. That's right. PaperBack Swap. My "wish list" is getting quite lengthy. I can't wait until my bookshelves are full of the classics.

If you haven't taken Roller Skates off of the shelf yet -- I recommend you do. I even feel this would be a wonderful read-aloud with your kids. It would be a good conversation starter about life and death. Growing older, and taking on more responsiblity. Even temper tantrums -- are they necessary? Can they be prevented. LOL

Thank you Ruth Sawyer -- Roller Skates was a good read.

I COULD WIN AN APRON

And So Could YOU!!!

Here is what it looks like. Pretty huh... made out of oilcloth -- I've never heard of that before -- but she says it's easy to clean. I'd need that. LOL

Go to SmockityFrocks and enter to win.

I'm in an apron exchange over at CMOMB. I'm thinking one of her aprons would be fun to enter into the exchange. Tee hee... If I win -- I'll exchange it -- I promise. If not -- some poor lady gets one that I sewed myself. HA ha haaa...

So -- go check them out. They are cuTe... with a capital T! °Ü°

"Sir, we don’t differentiate between 3 and 33"

This story is incredible.

A 3yo girl is throwing a temper tantrum and the family gets booted off of the plane.

I wonder how our family would have tolerated that incident? Would we have reflected Jesus in our countenance. Would it have come down to getting ejected at all?

I wonder if I would have felt free to utilize the bathroom with my 3yodd in tow?

Yesterday I was in Target and our 3yo dd was touching things and lagging behind the cart. After being told 2-3 times to not touch something... I just instinctively bent down to her level and really gave her an "I mean business" swat on the bum. When I stood up I looked right in the eyes of another mom. She smiled sweetly. WHEW... then my 3yo ran up to the cart and held on like she was supposed to. (Dad was pushing the cart and had walked on ahead). I didn't even think ahead of time -- "Oh I shouldn't." Praise the Lord He protected our family during that incident... but on a plane full of people -- with every one staring and one offering a lollipop. Would I feel comfortable walking the mile to the "restroom" for some "relaxation"?

I'm not sure.

What would you have done?

Too bad they had to miss work and their luggage and car seat went on ahead... it seems to have been handled rather poorly on the air lines end of the deal.

3 or 33... tantrums are all handled the same. Well -- That's probably not the case at our house... but where do you draw the line, I wonder?

COSTCO

We are going to COSTCO today.

They have the BEST EVER ice cream bars.

I love ice cream.
I love chocolate dipped ice cream.
I love chocolate dipped ice cream drizzled with nuts!!!

Yummmm....

And the price -- it can't be beat. $1.50 or less. (I can't remember exactly). BUT definatly a GREAT deal.

Dessert after all those samples. Oh, I love COSTCO!

Ü

Crying Out To God

"What experiences have caused me to cry out to God, and what were the results?"

I must tell you about an experience we've had around here, for I must give all the glory and honor to our Lord and Saviour!

My dh Dan works at Pella Corporation. They build wood windows and doors that go into new and used houses. Obviously in the winter that slows down, and during a building slump, it slows down even more.

Well -- this past week they've reduced assembly line workers hours down to 32 a week. Maintenace workers, which is what my dh does are cut to 36 hours. He has been wise and saved 2006 vacation to use at such a time as this. So we will continue to get a 40 hr a week paycheck for several more months, perhaps until the slow season is over.

Well - I had a few days of Bible reading about letting my light shine, and as a result generosity. The Bible study mentioned "Crying out to God." Giving the burden to Him, letting go and following His will! So I did just that one day -- when the fear was that we would be reduced to 32 hours. (Keeping in mind that we are a one income family.)

Well -- he has answered my prayer in several ways and I MUST give Him the glory.

* Dan saved vacation.
* Dan's hours have only been reduced down to 36 hours - not 32.
* We have a lot of assets we could sell in order to continue eating. (We discussed that).
* I have set up a very strict budget, and our tax returns are going to be GREATER than I budgeted for.
* I felt at peace even BEFORE I knew how He was going to work. (That's probably the biggest answer to prayer of all!)

PRAISE GOD!

God is good!

We finished up Pride and Prejudice last night. Dan and I watched the first part on Friday night, then we let the 11yo stay up last night with us. Oh... at the end when Mr. Darcy asks, "Please do not toy with me." I was pleading, "Oh Lizzy -- be honest!" Like she wouldn't... Hooray! She spoke candidly. And he was rejoicing inside -- but used much restraint and just kept on strolling along at her side, not even touching her. Oh I long for those days. I like their manners.

My 11yo mentioned that they don't shake hands. I wish we could get back to that. I'd much rather bow, then shake a man's hand. Why am I such a old fogey at heart?

Lizzy was my 11yo's favorite.

I thanked Dan for watching a girly movie with me. He said, "It was a good story." He didn't mind. What a guy!

I gave it 5 gold stars at NETFLIX.

Counting

I've always wondered if people are looking and not commenting. Now I'll know. ;) I've got a counter. Ü NEATO!

01.18.07

Today is it feeling cozy outside. A whole 30° right now. WOW...

I think we'll get school done this morning, then I shoo the big kiddos out doors to play this afternoon, while I clean. I normally have them clean with me on Thursdays. But if I send them outside, I'll get it done quicker, and better. I need to do the "better" every once in a while. I notice we have a speck of mold in the upstairs bathroom... comes from not scrubbing regularly probably. So I'll roll my sleeves up and get it done. Ü Leave the training for another week.

We have a some movies coming today from NETFLIX. PRIDE AND PREJUDICE... the review says, "In this beautiful adaptation of Jane Austen's much-loved novel, wealthy (and proud) aristocrat Fitzwilliam Darcy (Colin Firth) matches wits with witty, prejudiced Elizabeth Bennet (Jennifer Ehle). In order to win Elizabeth's hand and heart, Mr. Darcy meddles in the love lives of each of her sisters -- but just as she realizes her true feelings, she might have lost him forever." I think I'll call my dear husband and ask him out for a date. Ü Last week we watched a manly "Remembering the Titans", so this week... it's a girly one... but I don't think he'll mind, if he watches it with me.

My 7yo is going to go wrestle this weekend. My dh...oops the 7yo rather... LOVES these tournaments. LOL Yeah -- they both do. They are so funny to watch. Man alive... some of these parents really get into their son's wrestling match. OK I'll confess... sometimes they get into their daughter's match too. BLECK... I hate that. I sincerely have been praying that our wrestler will never be scheduled to wrestle a girl. Too bad that has to even be prayed about. Some things are not meant for girls to do and this is one of them. No way you can be lady like and don a singlet. Not possible. So once again, I'm whispering a prayer as I send my little boy out with his dad.

Well -- I hear that the kiddos are done with breakfast...

On with our day.

Jennifer

Have an "real life" friend over for tea 6 times. (6 different friends... if I can find them... one at a time)

I can't wait to get started on this goal. I'm going to have an old HK friend and a new HK friend over for lunch. I know -- it's not tea -- but I'm counting it. Ü I can't wait -- maybe I'll post some photos of me working on this goal. What fun... I know there will be at least 10 kiddos... I'm not sure how many the new friends has... could be more. Ü Wouldn't you love to be a fly on the wall?

Never watch TV unless my dh is watching TV.

It's a good thing I wrote these goals down. I'd forgotten about this one. So -- obviously I've cheated a little... since I forgot.

BUT -- hey, Pro 24:16 For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief. OK .. so I'm not getting into mischief here... I'm back on track.

I guess I'll just TAPE the TLC specials about large families and watch them with my dh sometime. LOL (Is that cheating?) Kids by the Dozen... neat series.

Our Anniversary is coming up soon -- maybe that could be our date. Watch TLC. Ha ha ha...

Books, books, books.

I set my goal of reading 12 books this year and that seems easy enough to reach. But now that the month is more than 1/2 way over, I'm begining to think. Oooowww... I may not reach that goal. I don't have one book done yet.

Setting goals can sometimes cause anxiety in me. That's crazy! Ü

So I'm going to remind myself of all the books I'm reading right now, so I can show myself -- that I'm still on track.

I've joined a Charlotte Mason e-mail loop and am going to read Vol 3., School Education, by Charlotte M. Mason. That will really be a challenge for me. It's the old language... not mondern dumbed down stuff (like I'm writing in currently). BUT... we are going to read only 1 chapter a week. That ought to take 6 months. So I'll get one book read... but not until 6 months from now. This is probably going to be my most challenging. I need to read it. I need to know how Charlotte Mason thought, if I'm going to be using her methods to teach my children.

In addition to that I'm currently reading Rewards of Being Reviled, a booklet by Bill Gothard. I probably shouldn't even count that -- it's so small -- but I'm going to becuase it is FULL of imformation that I need to know. Really teaching me how to apply scripture to my life. Practical tips.

Oh I'm also reading, upstairs, The Magician's Nephew, by C.S. Lewis. That is in interesting one... I just got to the chapter last night where the Lion is singing.

I've been brining home books on tape from the library. I'm letting the kiddos use those to bulster their Pizza Hut Book It minutes -- earning free pizza. I brought home The Mgician's Nephew and The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis. I'm not going to count those for my reading, because I am usually listening to those while doing something else (folding laundry, baking bread), so my full concentration isn't on the book. So that's cheating. Not really reading for me. I count it for the kids, because they are usually laying on the floor, only listening to the books.

I'm also reading With Christ in the School of Prayer by Andrew Murray. Slow by sure. I don't want to skim through this one and miss anything.

So see... that's 3 books right there. But I won't be finished by the end of January. I'll not meet this goal by doing something "once a month". It will be 4 in 3 months or something like that.

That's a CM thing. Reading good books nice and slow. Letting them sink in. Letting them become part of my life. Reflecting on them as I'm doing dishes. Really absorbing the material. I've read that I should probably be narrating what I'm reading to make sure I'm catching what I'm reading. That's what a book journal would be good for. ;)

OK -- so now I feel better... I'll probably meet that goal. If I keep up at this pace... LORD willing!

Working Out

Today I got up at 5:50 a.m. so I could work out with Cathe Friedrich on FitTV. Shewww... she works ya. Ü

I'm at a platau with my weight. Funny how you lose a few, then stay the same for several weigh ins, then lose some more. I've got 4 more pounds to lose to meet my short term goal. Then my plan is to maintain it for 2 months before I try to lose any more. The maintaining it is the trick. If I can train myself to NOT GAIN... then I think that will be the key to losing this weight and keeping it off.

Boy -- Cathe really worked me this morning. I was trying to keep up with her with my heaviest weights. I can't keep up with her amount of weights -- she is strong. But using my heaviest here at home. Finally with the biceps, I had to drop a few pounds. Whew... I'm sitting here this morning... feeling worked. LOL I bet I'll be sore tomorrow. But you know -- that sore is a great feeling. And I pray that I'll be able to get up tomorrow at 5:50 a.m. and work out again. I praise God for good health right now, and energy to be able to get out of bed and get a little excercise. I'm thank for that.

So -- I'm still working on my goal. Get down to 140 by the end of the year. Sill working... (I know... this is still only January) Ha ha haaa... but some have quit already. Praise God -- with His help. I haven't quit yet.

Me and My Children

Philippians 2:14–15

“Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.”

I really like how when I cry out to God -- in the next few days, I'll see answers to my questions. In this post... I seemed very distressed... but in my daily Bible reading, I've been reassured over and over again that I'm not doing so bad. And it's not ME... I'm a tool that's not doing so bad. The Holy Spirit is speaking to my kiddos through me.

Philippians 2 is one way He is speaking to them. Through my good works. Working with out murmurings and disputings, or grumbling and complaining. Robertson's Word Pictures says murmurings means muttering. Ü I think I mutter sometimes. So I'm going to eliminate that. Snap -- just like that? NO... but I'm going to cry out to God about that. LORD help me! Because I want to “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

Here is another reason to not murmur which leads to disputing.

Phi 2:15 -
That ye may be Rather, “that ye may become”
Blameless Free from censure
Harmless Unmixed, unadulterated as in Rom_16:19.
Without blemish Without spot, “unblemished in reputation and in reality”
In the midst of
Crooked. Old word, curved as opposed to orthos, straight.
Perverse to distort, to twist, to turn to one side

I thank you who were praying. Don't give that up -- will you?

Brrr...

It's -6° right now. 6:56 a.m. It's even cold in AZ. My sister said their puddles have frozen. WOW... I bet the snow birds are mad. Ha ha...

AND...

We have to leave the house today for a field trip. Ü I'd appreciate your prayers. LOL

Today will be full.

Field Trip - to the Print Shop
Library - take back 20 or more books, I hope we find them all.
Post Office - sending out some packages.
Plush Pony - I have to get a 2T winter coat for next winter.
Home - to fold mountains of laundry.

BUT -- not as much laundry as the ARNDTS have. WOW. 8-10 loads a day. Goodness me. Did you watch that show last night? NEAT stuff. Now -- that's one organized mom.

Oh wow -- I just heard the school bus drive by. I'd hate sending my kidlets off on the school bus on a -6° day. Eeekkk... I'm so selfish. I'd rather then get in my nice warm mini-van, then an old BIG COLD school bus. Actually -- the bus looks new...

Well -- I'd better get started on my day. Shower before the littles wake up -- that way I'm one step ahead. LOL

Hey Dad and Mom

I'm going to try a new setting so you can see my blog when ever I publish something. You let me know if it's too much. ;) LOL

I don't e-mail much now that I'm blogging... since you don't surf the inter-net much, you may be missing out.

What do you think? Will this work?

Jennifer

Passing it on to our kids...

We do so desperately want our sons and daughters to know the reality of a living God and to walk in fellowship with Him all the days of their lives. They need to know God is real, even in the dark, even when they are tempted. They need a deep assurance that what they have been taught is true. They need to know that they can build their lives on it.

When you come to the end of your days, will your children say, "Dad was really a happy man, wasn’t he?"

I read this statement by Ken Pierpont this morning during my devotions. This sums up one of my greatest fears. That my up and down relationship with the people around me, and with my Lord will influence my children, and they will be ruined spiritually. Oh... I cry out to God for wisdom, but when the rubber hits the road and I act instead of reacting and TOTALLY fail, I really shudder to think of the long term results.

I've seen soo many Christian families who children abandon the faith. So many teens decide that NOPE -- it's not for them.

I know - I was one of them. Back then my biggest beef was the hypocrisy. I have found with myself, that my biggest pet peeves in other people are often the things that bother me about myself the most. I can't stand a hypocrite... yet the hypocrisy in my life is outstanding. I really struggle with attending church regularly, going and sitting in our pew each church service, then heading home and TENSION, looks of disgust, reviling... all the way home, and through the week. What in the wide world? Why go to church. What is that benefiting us if we can maintain a walk with the LORD each and every day. I really struggle with that.

I think to myself (probably once a month), why am I even trying. I never succeed at having an even keel, steady Eddy, mostly successful walk with God. Why would my kids want that? What have I got that they want?

I really try to be transparent with them. When I fail -- I try to take each one aside and apologize. Tell them that what I did was sin. Reassure them that I love them. Try to get these words out of my mouth, "It won't happen again." Then 3 months, 6 months later... I'm back to apologizing again.

I'm wishing today that there were a pill I could take once year that would eliminate emotions. Then I could walk through my day and nothing would fluster me. I would never get irritated at my "perceived" wrongs. Never would I feel slighted, or abused. I'd never want to defend myself against some misuse. Just float along. Bumping from place to place, at peace with the world around me... but wait -- then there would be no joy.

So why did God create me with such extremes? No one would ever want what I have.

Our Pastor has ended his sermons this way before: "If you were to die tonight, who's spiritual walk here on earth, would be impacted by the loss?"

Yeah... I'll have to think about that one...

Working on my Weight

Get my weight down to 140, and maintain that until 2008.

That's one of my goals. I'm working on that this month -- strenuously... and I'm getting a bit closer.

Only 29 more pounds to go. ;)

Love this about Ambleside Online

Today my 11yo said a sentence, using a new word.

I thought to myself, "I do believe that is those classics rubbing off on her." Neat side effect... broader vocabulary.

We finished up listening to the Tom Sawyer audiobook. She asked if we had any more books like that we could listen to. Of course!! Anything to compete with the TV. GREAT!

Tomorrow we are going to use our Pizza Hut "Book It" coupons. My dd is up in her bed as I type, reading with a flash light, and racking up some more "free reading" minutes. LOVE IT!

I'm so glad I ran across Ambleside Online... I owe it all to Barb. She led me there and she doesn't even use it... as far as I know. What a friend!

THANKS AGAIN HIPPIECHYCK! Ü

BUSY DAY!!!

I'm going to be running thither and yon today.

I would appreciate your prayers!

THANKS

Have you ever heard of a Rhema?

I was reading at the IBLP site today and came across this...

The second primary Greek word that describes Scripture is rhema, which refers to a word that is spoken and means “an utterance.” A rhema is a verse or portion of Scripture that the Holy Spirit brings to our attention with application to a current situation or need for direction.

Every word of God is inspired, and “all scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (II Timothy 3:16). It is the Holy Spirit Who illuminates particular Scriptures for application in a daily walk with the Lord.

The words of Jesus are significant on this point. “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word [rhema] that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). Jesus also stated, “The words [rhema] that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63).

When God gives a rhema for us to act upon, He often confirms it by a second rhema, that “in the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word [rhema] be established” (II Corinthians 13:1).

I think what I liked most about what they said was this...

How do I “get” a rhema?

In the regular course of our daily reading of God’s Word (logos), we need to ask God to speak to us through His Word and give us insight into it. The Holy Spirit can cause certain passages to stand out with significant meaning or application for our lives. These are the rhemas of Scripture and should become a part of our daily thoughts and actions.

I think I always call that a "prompting of the Holy Spirit". I think the VINES definition of Rhema will agree with that too. It says, "the individual scripture which the Spirit brings to our remembrance for use in time of need, a prerequisite being the regular storing of the mind with Scripture." Which would lead us to believe that it would be important to memorize a Rhema. Or perhaps journaling it -- so that it could be referred to quickly, or referenced regularly.

What prompted this rabbit trail of mine this morning was this question...

As these rhemas are engrafted into our souls and made a living part of our lives, they produce special joy. (See Jeremiah 15:16.)

So I went and looked up Jeremiah 15.16, "Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts."

This tangent of mine all stemmed from studying about the character quality of JOYFULNESS vs. SELF-PITY. If I'm reading God's Word, then EATING them... I should have joy and rejoicing in my heart, which will overflow in my daily life. I'm farily certain I need to be asking the Holy Spirit to guide me through my daily Bible reading, and I need to be digesting what jumps out out at me. Slowly meditating on it all through the day. Letting the good of what I'm eating give me strength. Using it, burning the energy, and not just eating it then sitting around watching TV. Using that spiritual insight He has given me to train up my children in the way they should go.

And doing all this JOYFULLY! Ü

What a great time of fellowship I've had with my Father in Heaven today.

"Kids by the Dozen"

I stopped by the Jeub Family web-site today. They are excited because the "Kids by the Dozen" series is about to air on The Learning Channel. If you click on that -- it will take you to the place which will e-mail you a reminder to WATCH! Ü I need reminders. What a neat tool.

I hear through the grapevine that it is a neat series. A mini-series on large families. This ought to be informational. I've learned so much from the DUGGAR shows. I'm planning on watching them, and I hope you do too!

Moms for Modesty

I added a new button... See it on the side. The cute little girl in the ballerina outfit. Ahhh... so cute. So -- here is what that button means:

Moms for Modesty Mission Statement

• As a Mom for Modesty I believe in common-sense modesty for girls and young women.
• I believe in refraining from sexualizing our girls and young women.
• I believe that it is unwise and unfair to taunt boys and young men by permitting my daughter(s) to dress in an immodest manner.
• I believe that true beauty comes from within and I strive to teach my daughter(s) this truth.
• I will loyally shop at retailers that provide girls' and young women's clothing that is modest, affordable and stylish.

Ü Our inner beauty comes from having Jesus Christ as our Saviour. With out Him -- it doesn't matter what you wear... your eternity will be long either way. But while we are here on earth... I'm going to strive to do my best to dress myself, and my girls modestly. Why? Because I've got boys!!! I know better. At our house -- it doesn't just matter if all the skin is covered... if its TIGHT... then it is also immodest. Man alive -- we don't want to see what size undergarments you are wearing -- through your t-shirt. Put on a sweater!!!

We are acquainted with some girls that, I swear -- they are stealing t-shirt from their little brothers. Long sleeve t-shirts -- 2 of them layered no less, with a long to the floor skirt, but every thing is strangling tight. How do they get those clothes on anyway? NICE. I want to carry my bathrobe to loan them when we are together. HELP. One of my on-line friends suggested I buy them clothes that fit and give them to them. HA HA... well -- if I had the money I would. (OK -- not really... I'm too chicken to do that.) Plus... would that be a waste of God's $$? I'm not sure. My dh didn't go for the idea anyway...

OK -- done ranting. I pray that you will dress prayerfully! For my boys sake!

THANKS --

Well -- it didn't take long.

I've received my first spam this afternoon. 2:37 p.m. That dork.

I changed address to keep from getting the spam. TRIED MY HARDEST to not click on anything suspect... Well -- I'm NOT moving. But I may start forwarding all my spam to Iowa Telecom. They say they will protect me from some spam... but not all spam. It's extra for all the spam. I'll give it to them for free. Ü I'm so nice! Won't even charge them a cent.


Well grouchy guss just came waddling up to the desk, lifting his hands up and saying, "Down, down." Up -- down... what's the dif when you need a nap?

Ta tah...

All moved in...

Whew... it works. Ü

Now -- I have to un-install and re-install our printer. Why does it do that every time? A little irritating... but not a BOTCH job. At least I know how to fix it. Just... don't have the time right now.

Woo Hoo... I've joined the AO/HEO blogging ring. Ü I like that thing... I can keep up with some neat blogs that way. I hope you will enjoy it as well. That's much safer than hitting "next blog" at the top of the page. Woo... I tried that once. Only once. Too many "evil things" set before my eyes that route.

OK -- Off to read KEMPIS. I pray you enjoy your Lord's Day today!

Jennifer

Moving Day

I'm going to move my computer from the "classroom" to the Den. We don't really use the classroom for school -- mostly for storage. Books, e-bay stuff, crafts, winter coats...

I'm going to move it to the Den where it is warmer, for one thing, and it is a room with out a door. Much traffic through the den because it leads into the bathroom. Ü I want the computer in a more public place.

So -- pray for me and the computer today -- will ya? I don't want to botch it up too much. Hoping all will be safe and sound on the morrow.

Jennifer

NETFLIX

We use NETFLIX...

I recommend it -- I'd like to invite you to as well. If you click on the link above -- I'd love to have you as a friend. Ü

What I like about it:
movies with no commercials
cheaper than satellite
save $$ on gas (as opposed to block busters... why is that better?)
GREAT selection - really varied
being able to keep the movie until we are done with it
less $$ spent then a night at the movies, or the rental place
not having to keep kiddos away from the sleazy movie selection while trying to pick out a movie
did I mention no commercials? (That's crazy!)
ETA: And NOW - you can watch a movie from your computer -- no waiting time.

What I don't like:
I'm not sure yet -- but I'll come back and edit this when I discover something

Jennifer

Resisting Temptation

I'm reading The Imitation of Christ by Thomas Ë Kempis.

In Book 1, chapter 13, there is a chapter on resisting temptation. I'd like to review it here.

SO LONG as we live in this world we cannot escape suffering and temptation. Whence it is written in Job: "The life of man upon earth is a warfare." Everyone, therefore, must guard against temptation and must watch in prayer lest the devil, who never sleeps but goes about seeking whom he may devour, find occasion to deceive him. No one is so perfect or so holy but he is sometimes tempted; man cannot be altogether free from temptation.

Some things I am tempted by; overeating, anger, laziness, not honoring authority. I think they all boil down to pride don't they? But overeating is one that I'm focusing on this year. Trying to defeat this vice. I would like to be able to say "Once and for all!" Ü So -- it's spiritual warfare, I'll agree with that.

Some so holy, no place so secret that temptations and trials will not come. Man is never safe from them as long as he lives, for they come from within us -- in sin we were born. When one temptation or trial passes, another comes; we shall always have something to suffer because we have lost the state of original blessedness.

Temptations are useful. The more weights you life while exercising the stronger the muscles will get. So the more one would use the muscle of resisting temptation, would that muscle become stronger as well? Strengthening our walk with God. Drawing us near. Walking in the LIGHT.

Try to escape temptations, only to fall more deeply. We cannot conquer simply by fleeing, but by patience and true humility we become stronger than our enemies. The man who only shuns temptations outwardly and does not uproot the evil will make little progress; indeed they will quickly return, more violent than before.

from temptation then tackle it. There Running away from the temptation. I guess fleeing temptation is a temporary fix. In order to really remedy the situation, we must meet it head on. That is so hard for me. I'm a runner... well -- not physically -- I wouldn't be obese, if it were physical. But emotionally. True humility. Get to the root of the issue. Why am I over eating? When I'm losing weight, I'm eating less at the dinner table, but I'm also not snacking all day long. Were this becomes sin for me is where I 'hear' the prompting of the Holy Spirit, but I don't heed it. I hear -- "Oh I should wait... It's almost supper time." But instead I open the cupboard and grab a handful of goldfish, even though I'm not hungry. Now for the normal average sort of person -- that would not be sin. But for someone who is battling the bulge, and trying to lose weight, trying to master self-control... that would be sin.

Little by little, in patience and long-suffering you will overcome them, by the help of God rather than by severity and your own rash ways. Often take counsel when tempted; and do not be harsh on others who are tempted, but console them as you yourself would wish to be consoled.

Severity and our own rash ways are counting this and that to me. Demanding childrne to clean their plate, unless they are being a naughty child are counting this and that for me. Cutting out carbs, adding in "free" things. Those are rash ways. Eating normal, what ever is served is my goal. I want to sit down to the dinner, eat until I'm full and stop eating.LOL.
Then there is the do not be harsh with others who are tempted. Oooo... This is a big one for me. Usually -- if there is the sin in my life, then that is where I'm judging others more harshly. Obese people -- they get no sympathy from me. I just came to a realization these past few weeks, that I may be wrong. (WHAT??? Can that be?) I had to take an antibiotic for an infection (yes another UTI). It was a very strong sort, and one of the side affects were hyperglycemic symptoms. Boy did I ever eat. If I wasn't eating, I was either way high or way long. Napping and eating... that was my norm for 7 days. I gained... I really did. I gained proably about 7 pounds. So... that being said... there are folks who are on meds that are hyperglycemic. Do they carry around signs saying, "My medicine makes me fat?" NO... BUT -- I still believe that an overwhelming majority of us are obese, because we lack the self control we need in order to NOT be fat!

The beginning of all temptation lies a wavering mind and little trust in God, for as a rudderless ship is driven hither and yon by waves, so a careless and irresolute man is tempted in many ways. Fire tempers iron and temptation steels the just. Often we do not know what we can stand, but temptation shows us what we are.

Like the waves of the sea... James.

Above all, we must be especially alert against the beginnings of temptation, for the enemy is more easily conquered if he is refused admittance to the mind and is met beyond the threshold when he knocks.

So for me -- that would be the very first, "Hmmm... what's in here that I can munch on." I need to stop it before I open the cupboard door. Not even take a step over there. Don't even take ahold of the fridge handle.

S

omeone has said very aptly: "Resist the beginnings; remedies come too late, when by long delay the evil has gained strength." First, a mere thought comes to mind, then strong imagination, followed by pleasure, evil delight, and consent. Thus, because he is not resisted in the beginning, Satan gains full entry. And the longer a man delays in resisting, so much the weaker does he become each day, while the strength of the enemy grows against him.

OK -- I was not fat as a child. So for me... this didn't start then and blossom as I got older. I believe that I gained momentum with each kid that I bore. I gained 10 pounds while nursing each kidlet. Which I wouldn't lose before I got pregnant with the next one. I don't this I realized that until it was too late. Now I'm not nursing or pregnant, I'm really working in this issue now.

BUT -- what habits, or vices do I need to watch out for with my children. I've often told them, "As a child, you will be as an adult." These small things will become permanent then, and that isn't always good.

Some suffer great temptations in the beginning of their conversion, others toward the end, while some are troubled almost constantly throughout their life. Others, again, are tempted but lightly according to the wisdom and justice of Divine Providence Who weighs the status and merit of each and prepares all for the salvation of His elect.

I'll let you know when we get to heaven -- where my most temptations were.

We should not despair, therefore, when we are tempted, but pray to God the more fervently that He may see fit to help us, for according to the word of Paul, He will make issue with temptation that we may be able to bear it. Let us humble our souls under the hand of God in every trial and temptation for He will save and exalt the humble in spirit.
In temptations and trials the progress of a man is measured; in them opportunity for merit and virtue is made more manifest.

Here is the fix: 1. Pray to God more fervently. 2. Humble our souls. So there -- I was right... it is a pride issue for me.

When a man is not troubled it is not hard for him to be fervent and devout, but if he bears up patiently in time of adversity, there is hope for great progress.

So it comes down to this again... temptation may cause growth, if handled properly.

Some, guarded against great temptations, are frequently overcome by small ones in order that, humbled by their weakness in small trials, they may not presume on their own strength in great ones.

I'm learning how to react to great temptations. Ohh... I get it. ;)

This is a great little book. It can be found at as a down load from e-sword.

I pray that your walk with the Lord will be an encouragement to those around you.

Jennifer

What's the going rate...

... for the tooth fairy?

My kiddos all know that Dad or I am the tooth fairy. (What are male fairies called?) But they don't know how much the fairy is supposed to leave.

I hope they never find out... it's usually different every time, at our house. I gave my oldest a HUGE sum when the dentist has to pull the 3 teeth out at one time. That's not fair... deserves a crisp bill of some denomination or another.

But these front teeth that fall out by themselves, and hardly bleed, because they were just barely hanging there by a thread. How much are those puny things worth? Small change if you ask me.

Jennifer Ü

Rocks and Sticks until they're Six

Earlier in the year I signed up to join a "Preschool Activity Bag" Swap... ever done one of those? Well -- I hadn't. But I thought I'd give it a try. Boy am I glad I did.

My theory has most always been "My kids play with rocks and sticks until they are six." Ü We start kindergarten around here at the age of 6, and that's only because the law says we have to... then I only do 100 EZ lessons, and some Wal-Mart math to get us under the wire. Very laid back that first year.

Then I discovered Charlotte Mason and Ambleside Online... Woo hooo... see... I was right. She says the same thing I do. Just leave them alone... Let 'em play!

Now -- that's all fine and dandy. But what's if it's only 45° outside, and a muddy mess to boot. Do they bring the rocks and sticks inside? No way -- LOL... So... I joined the group... we swapped some baggies. Here are 2 of the "pre-schoolers" doing some "school". Hooray! They love it. As simple dimple as string beads on a string, or a pipe cleaner.

Which b.t.w. they thought the pipe cleaner was for cleaning and not for playing with. I wondered where their pipe was. They wanted to clean something. So I had to show them how to play with it. They caught on quick.

Too fun! Now I sit down with my 5th grader, and my 1st grader and do some math with them, while my 3yo and 5yo do some "pre-school". My 1yo gets to learn how to entertain himself in his pack-n-play. He is doing very well in there.

I'm praying that they will last until the snow flies. When is it ever going to snow? Do you know?

We'd appreciate some here... we've got perfectly good snow clothes sitting down in the basement, waiting to be used! Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

Until then -- we'll be string beads, and copying shapes, and tracing numbers... and trying to be a kid!

~*~ Some Snapshots While I Have Time ~*~

The 11 year old
Man alive -- look how tall she is. Sigh... That's even barefoot.

The wrestler- 7 years old
He has lost a front tooth, and another is not far from falling out. He has begged for his hair to be long until today. Today he said, "I changed my mind. I want a hair cut." Hooray!!! I love close hair cuts on boys. I was not willing to make a battle of the hair doo at this stage. Praise God -- he wants a hair cut. LOL

The preschooler- 5 years old
This guy cut his own hair a while ago. LOL

Our Princess - 3 years old
Whoa -- look at that hair. Ü Her pony tail must have fallen out or something. LOL

The wild wild child - 1 year old
It only took about 15 photos to get one of him smiling.. he was not happy about this...peek-a-boo did the trick! Ü What a grin. I'll cherish this photo, I'm sure!

I'm posting these photos of the kiddos -- so I can come back here Jan 1, 2008, and see how much they have grown. It goes so quick I hear. But as they grow before your very eyes... some times you miss it.

I pray daily that I will have the wisdom I need to instill in them a LOVE for Jesus. A longing to serve Him. A desire to walk with Him for the rest of their lives.

Jennifer

January 2, 2007

Good morning.

I didn't exercise this morning, because for some reason, DH went to bed real late, and went in to work late. (After confirming with his boss of course). Apparently there was a really good football game on last night. Ü

So I'm already off my game. No exercise this morning... maybe I can squeeze a plank or two in today.

BUT -- I did do my devotions. Reading in Matthew this morning.

Noticed it says, "Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors." Ohhh... do I really want to pray that? As I forgive others? Do I do that well enough? Do I want God to forgive me in that same manner? How come I've repeated that over and over again... and just now noticed that?

We start school today. My 11yo is late getting up. The 7yo is rip roaring to go! The 11yo thinks she should be able to stay up later, because sometimes she goes to bed and doesn't fall asleep right away. But until she starts hopping out of bed right on time... it's not going to happen. 8:00 p.m. bedtime for her. I'm going to skip out of choir - so the kiddos can start getting home at a more decent time on Wednesdays. I think getting regular sleep is important for kiddos. (Me too!)

Laundry day today too... it's been piling up all week-end. I took the week-end off from laundry. Took a holiday. Ü I'm going to climb Mt. Stinky Clothes today. It'll build character.

Thanks for reading... can't wait to hear from you.

Jennifer

IN 2007 I WILL...

1. Get my weight down to 140, and maintain that until 2008.
2. Have an extended fast every 3 months.
3. Find good for us snacks for kids.
4. Look into diet change for MILO.
5. Have my devotions regularly - after exercise - before computer. Finish Thomas E. Kempis, find more A.W. Tozer.
6. Work on my meek and quiet spirit, pray before responding, each time.
7. Go 365 days with out cutting my hair.
8. Never watch TV unless my dh is watching TV.
9. Read 12 books. (Keep track on my blog.) Some of which should be the Charlotte Mason series.
10. Have an "real life" friend over for tea 6 times. (6 different friends... if I can find them... one at a time)

These are not listed in order of importance.

Now -- often times I struggle with keeping these, so I'm going write here why these are important to me -- in case I need to "encourage myself in the Lord". ;)

Get my weight down to 140, and maintain that until 2008.

(1Co 6:19) What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
I need to get it together here... I remember blogging about this before. I think perhaps I've had a baby since then. Now baby is 18mo... time to whip the old temple back into shape. Keeping up with 5 kiddos is important to me. Being a good example to my children is also important. In order to do this -- I have to exercise 4-5 times a week. Maybe even 5-6 times... but I'm not going to push it. CATHE on FitTV is a great one for me to do right now. I'll do it as long as my knees can take it. Some days I have to skip her... too much jumping... but the weight lifting days are excellent work out for me.

(Mat 18:6) But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
Yep... that's one of the really big reasons why I need to use self-control in this area. Offending little ones... it's a big offense in the sight of the Lord.

Have an extended fast every 3 months.
(Mat 6:16) Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
Yeah -- I noticed that too.. it says WHEN ye fast. Not IF. So -- I'll fast. Actually I did a REALLY LONG fast this year. My word folks -- if you haven't done it for one reason or another. Start praying. Fall on your face before God and see if it's not something you should be doing. It's amazing how your walk with God changes. I'm chomping at the bit to get back to that again!! I can't wait to feel that special closeness again... with my Heavenly Father.

Find "good for us" snacks for kids.
Is this one biblical? I think it's important for me as a parent to train the kiddos how they should be acting as adults. So if they get used to the "good stuff" when they are young... perhaps it will be easier as an adult to maintain good health with good eating habits. I guess this verse would apply... (Pro 22:6) Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. I think their eating habits are effecting their behaviour. Some more than others... thus the next one.

Look into diet change for MILO.

I don't believe in medicating for ADD -- for my family, just yet. I'm going to really read about this. Make sure it's not a sin issue, make sure it's not a laziness issue, make sure it's not a maturity issue, not a mom's not consistent issue, and not a food issue. If we can just change the diet a bit, with good results... then I'll keep digging.

Have my devotions regularly - after exercise - before computer.
Devotions before exercises is a new one for me. I'd sit down to read my Bible early in the morning, and start dozing off. I didn't want that. So I switched up my schedule. After exercise my blood is a pumping!! Excellent time for me. The kids are still in bed, and I'm alert. But I have to get it done before I sign on here. Other wise I get sucked in. Ahhh... I'm such a wimp. Self-control... what is that? Oh, I'll just check this... WAM...what? 30 minutes already? Woah... how did that happen? So the after exercise part is o.k. with me. It's the BEFORE COMPUTER that's the kicker. I'm going to try to not even get on here until after kiddos bed time. Ü That will be a drastic change... we'll see.

work on my meek and quiet spirit, pray before responding, each time.
I discovered this fall that I DON'T NEED TO RESPOND sometimes. I can just sit there and be praying, "Lord what do I say?" And if nothing comes to mind... then I need to say nothing. BUT that means I need to be praying... almost with out ceasing. Novel idea. Oh look it here... (1Th 5:16) Rejoice evermore. 17) Pray without ceasing. 18) In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Go 365 days with out cutting my hair.
That's just a personal preference. Ü I want long hair -- well, long for me -- one more time. I hear you are supposed to have short hair after you turn 40. (Obviously, my sister is a hair dresser). So... either I'll grow it long enough for a bun, or when I'm 40... I'll cut it. But can I make it 1 year with out cutting it? I don't know... I love cutting hair. My poor kids... none of them have long hair either. Especially my boys. LOL

Never watch TV unless my dh is watching TV.
OK -- now this one may be harder than I first thought. We just signed up for Netflix. I do normally shut off the electronics during the summer months... and now my dh is going to suspend the dish service during the "off season". (He loves football and wrestling). So we thought a good alternative would be Netflix. It's waaay less expensive than the Family Video in town. Plus gas. Plus the selection is better... But I want to be a good example to my kiddos again. There is always something better than TV. No matter what is on. So I need to reinforce that in their minds by... if it's my choice... to not watch TV. I'm not going to sit in the other room while DH is watching... he likes to watch WITH me... so I'll be his TV pal... but if it's up to me... we'll chose the BEST thing. (Good, Better, BEST!)

Read 12 books.
I have not arrived. I need to ever be learning. BUT -- keeping in mind, that the one who knows more on judgement day... will be kept to a higher standard. So... read wisely. Apply biblical standards, and obey them! I want them to be goodies too... not novels. Charlotte Mason -- at least 3 of hers. A.W. Tozer is a goodie. I hang out at Paperback Swap some... so I hope to find 12 good ones there. Iliad... I just found that -- can that count for 2 books? It's thick. Ü Maybe I'll tackle that this summer when school lets out.

Have an "real life" friend over for tea 6 times.
(1Pe 4:9) Use hospitality one to another without grudging. There were 4 verses on hospitality actually... all good. That goes to show how important it is. I don't do it enough. Always some excuse! But I really want to walk with God. I feel I need to obey in this area. So -- I've bought my biscuits. I have my flavored coffee... now... to find a friend. ;) LOL

OK -- there it is... if you have blogged about your 2007 goals. Will you share about it in your comments? Maybe I'll get inspired and add a few more. If not -- I'll know how to pray for you better. Which I might add -- wouldn't be a bad idea for you either. You could print off my list, and start praying! Even before 2007 sets in. I wouldn't mind that one bit!

If you are still reading... thanks for taking the time to stop by. I really appreciate it... and look forward to noting my progress here. Giving God the glory of course... because if I could do it on my own -- it would be done already... right? Can't -- so I'm getting down on my face, humbling my self, and pleading for God's help! LORD -- if it is your will that I succeed with this list... so be it! Show me the way, guide me.

Jennifer
p.s. Yeah -- this is the same post... but I want to save it here, so I can keep myself updated.

In the beginning...

Hello --

My first post here. What a neat experience this has been. I'm thoroughly enjoying myself over here. I'm a homeschool blogger reject. Or maybe convert is a better word. This seems easier, and quicker.

I hope my friends follow me over here. Ü

Thank you for accepting me... I pray that if you choose to follow along this journey with you -- it will help prod you closer to our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ!

Why Gabby Gwenhywfar? Because mostly that is what I do... just gab. I usually don't post about "official" anything. Not official home schooling, not official weight loss, not official book reading list... just gab.

ENJOY!

Jennifer