I thought my club days were over....

....but I recently joined a new club.  The 5 o'clock...A.M.....club!  Yes, 5 o'clock in the morning.  Bright...well...actually dark and early.  There is something about having 2 hours each morning to get myself ready for my day. I found it hard to get up at 8 a.m with the majority of my children who like to "sleep in" and get my time in with the Lord that I desperately need and crave each day.  The days seemed to simply blow by and by the end of the night I am to tired to spend time with God the way I desire. My ADHD brain is far spent and I could not even hope to concentrate.  I find myself rereading the same verse five or six times before I finally even realize that I am rereading the same verse. 

So when I came across a post on this blog GirlTalk, I groaned at first, but saw the true beauty in intent behind the club. Giving myself two hours to delve into the word, to pray, or watch/listen to an encouraging message would be such a beautiful jump start to my day.  Some mornings I have a snuggly little one who rises early at my side, or a teen who wants to watch a message on youtube with me and today I coaxed Tim out of bed thirty minutes early to have some time together before he left for a long day at work.  Reading the Bible and praying with Tim before he left for work....that was a great way to start my day!!!!  

It has only been a few days, but I hope to post again next week with a good report that I am still a member of the 5 o'clock club!

One of my heroes!

 

You don't raise heroes, you raise sons.  And if you treat them like sons, they'll turn out to be heroes, even if it's just in your own eyes.  ~Walter M. Schirra, Sr.

The Simple Woman's Daybook ~ Week 3

Outside my window....Beethoven, Morgan's dog, is barking in excitement for her nightly walk. The sun is quickly setting and the night air is getting colder.

I am thinking....about all the fun books we received from a friend.  At least 200 wonderful books to read with my kiddos.  Jane Austen, Mark Twain, L.Frank Baum, Betty McDonald, Grace Livingston Hill and many more amazing authors!  The kids and I have had a great time logging them into our book files and finding new homes for them.

I am thankful....for the time I get to spend reading with my children each day.  Fairy Tales for littles bedtimes, Tolkien sitting in front of the fire while kids knit, crossstitch, draw or play quietly with Lord of the Ring Legos, Jannette Oke laying on my bed with my older girls, Sugar Creek Gang sitting around the lunch table each day.  I am thankful for the time to read with my children each day we can.

In the kitchen....Morgan is making a nighttime treat for us.  Cucumber and Tomato Salad over warm rice. A meal/treat she and I have at least once a week.  SO GOOD!

I am wearing...black capri sweats and a blue tshirt. PJ's!  End of the day comfies!

I am creating...a list of all the books we own.  They are organized by author.  It will be beautiful when it is finished.  Morgan and I thought it would be a great idea, since we have 100's of books all over our home, to know what we have would save me from accidentally buying a duplicate. Which I have done...a few times already.

I am going....actually...no where. No plans...no busy schedule...no running around.  Just...home....and it's wonderful!

I am wondering...if I can get another shelf put in our hallway for our new books.  Wondering if I can get it done this week.....

I am reading...Chapter 2 of Crazy Love by Francis Chan.  I will start reading it tomorrow morning that is.

I am hoping....to finish the organizing of the books this week.  That would be pretty great!

I am looking...forward to this weekend.  We have a pretty good weekend lined up and I am looking forward to all of it!

I am learning...to put down the phone, laptop, tv controller, busy schedule, TO DO lists and look in my children's eyes.  To hear them, really see them and not miss moments with my children.  I read this wonderful post by Hands Free Mama.  It was a great read and reminder for us mammas and daddies!

Around the house...are piles and piles of books.  Tons of books!

I am pondering...on actually nothing at this exact moment.

A favorite quote for today...Chains do not hold a marriage together.  It is threads, hundreds of tiny threads which sew people together through the years.  ~Simone Signoret

One of my favorite things...snow falling outside, a warm fire, playing in the snow and coming in to hang our wet things by the fire to dry so we can go out once again into the snow to play.  (This doesn't happen often since I live in Georgia, but growing up in Idaho...this is still one of my favorite things to do when we do have the opportunity  to enjoy the snow.)

A few plans for the rest of the week:

Tuesday: School, organizing books

Wednesday: School, some more organizing of the books, tea party with the kids, and church

Thursday: Even more school and more organizing of the books!

Friday: Fun School Day, YMCA Homeschool Swim, trip to grab groceries, Family Fun "Talent" Night!

Saturday: There is talk about bike shop (my husband fixes any bikes that need repair...which is a few) or possibly a complete day of comfy clothes, snacky foods, and games (board, Wii, Xbox), movies and whatever else we decide we want to do!   It's kids choice day!

A peek into my day:

  Morgan and Becca having fun!

 Please follow this link TSWD if you would like to read other daybooks!

A most fantastic Saturday!

How does a fantastic Saturday start?  Little people fresh from their beds, snuggly blankets, Disney cartoons and a fire!  That is how our's started anyway.  There was a whole day of:

Sisters playing together!

Lots of baby doll time!

Big brothers wrestling with little brothers who are trying to kiss them! :)

There was a ton of wrestling!

Kisses all around!  

Lots of beautiful smiles!

Even more smiles!

A day does not go by without some Yoda snuggles and lovins! 

Holly put on a fashion show!

It was delightful!

Precious times!

Our day would not be complete without Becca trying on one of her prom dresses.  

Then a pile up intended to squish Max turned into a great photo opportunity for mom!

The more the merrier!!!!

Full Friday!

(Johnston)

After school was done Morgan, Johnston, Jensen and I started on the long list of errands I needed to cover.  We made it to the bank in time to cash the kids checks they had from babysitting.  They were very excited to have that task done.  Next was a quick stop at DFCS to get some paperwork one of the kids needed.  They were shooing people out as we left so we barely made it in time, but are SO thankful we did indeed get that errand over with.  Next we stopped in at Verizon, because wouldn't you know that my phone died this morning.  It's won't charge....and we don't have a new upgrade for 6 more days.  So...either pay full price for a phone or wait 6 day to get it free or half price.  Wait I shall.  

Morgan took the boys next door to Atlanta Bread Company and grab us all a special drink as a treat.  Our next stop was my friend April's house for hair cuts.  It's been awhile and kids were in great need of trims.  Tim was able to meet me there and after Morgan got her hair done they ran to Sam's club and Walmart for groceries.  I love my man so very much!  While Johnston and Jensen had their hair trimmed Tim and Morgan were able to get our last, and by far largest, errand finished.  My friend told me about Nicole's Diner that was located right across the road from their complex and since it was past dinner time I decided to give them a try.  Sure enough, good prices and the kids said the food was very good. 

 

(Johnston & Becca)

Our running around lasted a little later then we had anticipated so we were not able to do our usual Friday family night, but it has been rescheduled to be a full family day tomorrow!  Good swap I think.  Tim and Johnston decided to hang out in our room and watch the last Star Trek movie in the series...Nemesis.  Justice and Max decided to go to bed as they were both tired.  This left Morgan, Becca and I to watch a new movie....Three Coins in the Fountain.  We are loving these oldies, but goodies!

The Simple Woman's Daybook ~ Week 2

Out of my window....it is dark.  The sun has long gone to bed.  The house is settling down for the night into quiet, peaceful, rest.

I am thinking....about  the book/devotional we are doing as a family.  "Crazy Love", by Francis Chan.   I was able to start working through this weeks homework with Johnston.  We had a wonderful discussion about what will we say when we come face to face with God.  Johnston pondered for a few minutes and then replied, "I would be speechless."  How true....what words would I speak...how could I speak upon seeing my Heavenly Father for the first time. Speechless.

I am thankful...for the way God gently brings things to my attention.  Usually through a perfectly timed devotional, a fellow blog post, a scripture from a daily reading, my hubby, one of my children, He is faithful to guide me.

In the kitchen...all is quiet.  Faint smell of freshly baked apple pie lingers teasingly.

I am wearing...grey sweatpants and a pint tshirt.  Comfy homeschooling attire!

I am creating....some new videos for my younger students to watch for school.  Tim gifted me with a new program, Corel VideoStudio Pro5.  It is a wonderful program.  We are learning to make Lego Brickfilms as well.  What fun it has been!  I look forward to watching the finished product.

I am going...to take a few of the kids to get much needed haircuts tomorrow.  We might make a day of it and add in a stop to INK, the library, grocery shopping, and possibly a visit to a park (weather permitting).

I am wondering....what we are doing this weekend.  Nothing on the calender as of yet.  

I am reading....Crazy Love by Francis Chan.  Amazing book so far...I've only read chapter one.  We purchased the small group workbook to go with it and are doing it with our oldest five children. 

I am hoping....to get back to playing the piano daily again.  I have one of our keyboards set up in my room for the kids to practice their lessons, but I would like to get back to playing myself.  I well remember how I enjoyed playing as a teen and young adult.  

I am looking forward to....starting our garden this year.  It will take many years to get it just right, but phase one will go in this year.  Each of the kids will have a private garden as well to do with the veggies as they wish.  

I am learning....to let go of people who I thought were my friends, but ended up not being what a true friend should be.  I have learned much in this area and as painful as the learning is....I am thankful that God has taught me this much needed lesson. My prayer, "Lord, please remind me to be a true friend, not scared to speak up for and into my friends lives, not to turn away from a friend just because they might stumble or make a mistake (as I have done plenty in my life).  Help me to use You as my example of a true friend.  May I not judge, but stand true."

Around the house....nothing much has happened this week.  We are digging up tree stumps...or should I say the kids have been given the challenge to dig up tree stumps in our back yard to earn some extra money.  A few of our go getter's have already started working on their stumps.  This is the next step in preparing our new pool area for this summer.  

I am pondering...on the topic of getting chickens or not getting chickens.  The thought of fresh eggs is very tempting.  Much prayer and thought is going into this project before it can become a reality.

A favorite quote for today....When we walk in the will of God, we find safety. But when we live outside of God's will, we forfeit His protection. - Stormie Omartian.  My daughter, Morgan, posted this on her Facebook wall.  

One of my favorite things....sitting on the couch after everyone has gone to bed, working quietly on my laptop, random hymns playing from our Pandora channel, and having Morgan on the other end of the couch quietly working or playing on her laptop.  Enjoying the peaceful ending of our day.

A few plans for the rest of the week:

Wednesday: Haircuts, grocery shopping for end of our week, stop at the library, 1/2 price fruit slushies at Sonic.

Thursday: School, Bible Study at a friends home, Justice has his TAPP (group for young adults on the Aspergers/Autism spectrum) meeting,  Tim and Becca are going on a dinner date, working on Johnston's film project.

Friday: School, family night!!!!!  

Saturday: I HAVE NO IDEA!!!!  :)

Sunday: A day to worship, fellowship, rest, regroup for the new week!

A peek into my day...

 Johnston and Ratatouille

  Jensen and Catnip

(The kids received these two cuties for Valentine's Day and cannot stop spoiling them)

Please follow this link TSWD if you would like to read other daybooks!

Around you.....

...just the nearness of you.

Tim and the girls went out and about today to grab a few needed supplies for the kids new pets they received on Valentine's Day.  While they were gone Tim picked up a special Valentine's gift for me...a new Willow Tree figurine! 

 It is beautiful!

“Sometimes your nearness takes my breath away; and all the things I want to say can find no voice. Then, in silence, I can only hope my eyes will speak my heart.” 

~ Robert Sexton

What is love.....

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. 

~ 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Happy Valentine's Day ~ 2013

We love because He first loved us. ~ 1 John 4:19

 

My Valentine's Day buddy for 14 years and counting!!!!

(Holly's Valentine)

We planned a homeschool Valentine's swim party at the YMCA. It was so much fun! Six families were able to make it...so about 30 kids all together.  The kids had a great time swimming for two hours with their friends.  We had lots of chocolate afterwards and sent the kids home with bags of goodies to sugar them up even more!!!  I loved catching up with my sweet sister-in-love Kristin who was able to come from Athens with her two children.

 (Max's Valentine)

Today was my 14th Valentine's Day with my best friend, my love, the person who makes my heart soar with happiness!  We decided instead of having a private dinner to have a special dinner with all the kids.  So we planned a perfect dinner, got all the ingredients, everyone was excited about our plans...but last night Tim came down with a bug.  Poor man. He is miserable...really miserable.  So we changed plans....once again I so proud of my kids....not one pout or complaint...they just changed gears.  Sometimes I think we are like a school of fish...just changing direction without loosing formation as we swim through life.  Happy doing whatever as long as we are doing it together.   (Of course there are plenty of times we are spread out and not together, but we do enjoy being together) 

(Becca's Valentine)

So we decided to make homemade pizza's as a treat for our dinner.  We tried a new crust which turned out perfectly.  I will post about it next time we make it...it turned out great and was SUPER easy to make.  Something our littlest of kids can make without help! We just happened to have the ingredients for pizza in our pantry so I didn't have to make an extra trip out for anything.....which I was truly grateful for!!!  The kids had so much fun making the pizza...way better then buying frozen or premade pizza crusts.  It turned out yum!

(Jensen's Valentine)

We watched Road to Avonlea the wedding episode.  We had been waiting for it  to arrive from Netflix and it came just in time for our Valentine's pizza dinner!  Perfect timing!!!!  We have really enjoyed this series.  I will be sad when it ends, but we are already discussing our next series to watch as a family.

 

(Johnston's Valentine)

I decided to give the kids tomorrow off from school so they can play in the woods to their hearts content.  It was my Valentine gift to them!  ;)  So this meant they could stay up extra late and sleep in tomorrow.   Johnston and Max went back into my bedroom to watch a movie with Tim while Becca, Morgan, and I watched Emma.  I know our movie was better because Tim and Max ended up falling asleep!  We loved Emma!!!  Becca has begged me to find another one similar to watch tomorrow night after all the littles are tucked into bed.  I'm thinking Pride and Prejudice maybe....

 

 (Davidson's Valentine)

I wanted to work with my camera and editing program a little this week so I thought it would be fun to make some Valentine cards.  I think they turned out really nicely.  It helps having cute subjects to work with.  I am thankful for such nice weather Tuesday.  I let each of the kids help me design their own cards which was an added blessing having some one on one time with each of them.

Happy Valentine's Day!

The Simple Woman's Daybook ~ Week 1

Out my window....it is dark.  The sun has yet to peep over the horizon.  The house is covered in sleepy silence.  Hymns play quietly on a Pandora channel pipped through our tv speakers bringing a beautiful presence to the room.

I am thinking....about the plans for my day.  Tim will not be working today so we will have a "daddy day".  Readjusting my day to prepare for daddy making plans for our day.

I am thankful....for the rain that is to fall today.  We need the rain here in North Georgia.  I'm thankful that we get another day with daddy due to the rain.

In the kitchen....all is tucked away...dark and awaiting the new day.  Soon people will bustle around to get breakfast started, and wonderful smells will permeate the air.  Spills will happen, jokes will be told, school will be done, life will happen....but for now...all is quiet...peaceful.

I am wearing...my comfy clothes. Sweatpants and tshirt.  

I am creating....a new school room.  Still organizing, rearranging, purging old unused school books, making lists of things needed.  A project that is ongoing.

I am going...to get started on our day on time.  Enjoy our day with daddy home and go with the flow on how today comes about.
 
I am wondering....how things will unfold for Morgan going to Uganda sometime this year.

I am reading...nothing at the moment, but hope to stop by the Family Book Store tomorrow to pick up Crazy Love to read.  We have been watching Francis Chan's videos on youtube and are looking forward to reading this book by him.

I am hoping....that I can learn something new this week about photography and have the opportunity to get out and take some pictures with my precious kids.

I am looking forward to...celebrating Valentine's day with my children and their friends (and my friends and fellow homeschool mommas), celebrating my 14 Valentine's day with my bff Tim, and getting closer to finishing our school room.

I am learning...that God can change how we view life.  How He can help you through something and change what you see into what He sees.  I want to see my life how He sees it...my view can be pretty unkind.

Around the house....a lot has been going on since the beginning of 2013.  We are doing small projects each week.  So far in 2013 we have finished the new school room, put the first set of shelves up above the piano, purchased new rolling heavy duty shelves to organize school stuff, put new wood shelves into the boys and girls closets upstairs and reorganized them, and quite a few outdoor projects as well.  A very productive 2013!  :)

I am pondering....about changing our Math curriculum to Teaching Textbooks.  Still some praying to do...but have heard really good things about it.  Nothing wrong with our current curriculum...but I have a couple children who learn better seeing and hearing then just reading.  They are all doing very well...but is there a better way.  Maybe...so...I am pondering.

Favorite quote of the day....well since I began this post my little princess woke up to use the restroom.  When she was on her way back to her room, I quietly called her in to the living room and asked if she would rather stay up or go back to bed.  "I think I would rather be out here with you."    So she is drawing sweet pictures here beside me.  (This literally is the first thing I have heard today so it's my favorite so far! ;) )

One of my favorite things....sitting in my living room or on my bed with my older kids...ranging from 12 to 18.  Sipping on smoothies, talking about whatever comes up, laughing with them, crying with them, learning with them.....it is a blessing to have this time with them.

A few things I have planned this week:

Monday: Today...school, changing plans to whatever Tim would like to do with our day!
Tuesday: School, trip to town to get Valentine card supplies and supplies for cupcakes, possible date with my friend Veronica, Johnston's basketball awards dinner.
Wednesday: School, finishing up Valentine cards for party, work on school room, bake cupcakes, church if Tim gets home in time to take us.
Thursday: Valentine's Day!  Personal party at the YMCA, and dinner at home with my man!
Friday: School, deep clean the house, work on the school room, Family Fun Night!
Saturday:  I have no idea!  :)

A peek into my day....so far....

 Oh Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth.  ~ Psalms 8:1

(I am not sure if I am doing this correctly, but this is the link to where I got the above questions. It was a lot of fun I must say and I hope to do this again next week.)

A Boy and HIs Dog

A boy and his dog make a glorious pair: No better friendship is found anywhere, For they talk and they walk and they run and they play, And they have their deep secrets for many a day; And that boy has a comrade who thinks and who feels, Who walks down the road with a dog at his heels.

He may go where he will and his dog will be there, May revel in mud and his dog will not care; Faithful he'll stay for the slightest command And bark with delight at the touch of his hand; Oh, he owns a treasure which nobody steals, Who walks down the road with a dog at his heels.

No other can lure him away from his side; He's proof against riches and station and pride; Fine dress does not charm him, and flattery's breath Is lost on the dog, for he's faithful to death; He sees the great soul which the body conceals-- Oh, it's great to be young with a dog at your heels!

~A Boy and His Dog, Edgar Guest 

I read this poem recently and thought it so right for my household.  When I enter my living room each morning I find my children with schoolwork on their tables in front of them diligently at work.  Tucked sweetly in each four laps are precious pets.  Davidson (top two pictures) has his Lily, Jensen (bottom two pictures) has little Tinkerbell, Johnston has his ever loyal Yoda, and Becca has Thumbalina.  All sleep contentedly in the laps of their loyal keepers, content to just be where they love to be.

When the kids go out to play in the woods I watch as Yoda faithfully skips (he has a funny little run skip thing) beside, behind, or in front of Johnston, his loyal human.  Yoda watches Johnston so intently...Yoda's world falls apart if Johnston leaves the room and doesn't take him.  Lord of above help us if Johnston goes to stay at someone's house over night.  Yoda spends the first two hours pacing and listening for his return...then he settles in my lap until Johnston returns.  Johnston doesn't leave him much...we even take him on all of our out of town trips...because poor Yoda doesn't eat or drink well when he is separated from his human that he is so protective of.    

There is just something so special in having a special pet.  Especially a pet that connects so deeply with you.  Pet's can even be so healing to ones hurt soul, they can be the listeners when you need to talk and are not ready to tell fellow humans, they listen without judgement, and love you no matter your failures.  They are a silent friend, always there when you need them.

Our dogs are greatly loved and spoiled, but they give so much love to us as well....it is well worth it!

Stay-at-home Saturday!

Robin Hood and his merry men got geared up with swords and bows to work outside today.  With the upcoming rain they spent a few hours doing some touch up work on our drain ditch.  We do it once a year to keep things flowing around our house and not coming around in front of our home.  Johnston headed up the crew and they did a fabulous job.  Looking out every now and then I would glimpse some fighting going on as they defended their ditch.  ;)  Nobody said work had to be boring!  :)

 

Even Robin Hoods faithful sidekick enjoyed time outside with him today! 

Little Miss Holly and her sweet baby stayed inside to be a very helpful little bee.  We cleaned the kitchen, living room, and a few other little things.  With the weather being just to beautiful I kicked her outside after she was done helping to go play with the band outside.  She put her baby to bed and grabbed her sword and shield that her brothers made her for Christmas and off she ran to the woods!

Tim and the boys got quite a bit accomplished on their todo list.  Tim and Max finished the basketball hoop!  It is now usable.  Wood was purchased for the girls closet to reorganize their closet.  They hope to instal the new shelves tomorrow so the girls can get their room put back together.  Tim purchased some beautiful wood for our bedroom for a project he is going to surprise me with.  I am looking forward to seeing just what he has up his sleeve.  

Justice, Max, and Becca fixed Open Face Salami sandwiches for dinner.  Yum!  They did a great job..once we taught them how to use the new stove.  I enjoy seeing my kids expanding their cooking skills and talents!

Poor Morgan came down with a 48 hour bug and is on forced couch duty.  She does not like being sick or out of commission.  She is a go getter and does not like to miss out on what is going on.  If something is being done you can bet that Morgan is at the heart of it.

Enjoying a night just relaxing with the family.  So blessed.  

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ ~ Ephesians 1: 3

Family Fun Night!!!!

Ice cream sundaes and an episode of Road to Avonlea. 

Daddy brought home ice cream, four different toppings, Spanish peanuts, yummy whip cream as a surprise for us.  From the face's above one would think they were excited.  ;)  We have such a great Daddy!!!

The kids got their school work done yesterday so they could have today off from school.  They spent the day turning the entire school room into the Star Trek Enterprise.  So after dinner, desert and the movie the little ones scampered off to sleep in their "rooms" on the Enterprise.  *chuckles*  My kids are so much fun.  Some of the older kids will be sleeping down there as well, but right now they are watching Star Trek: The Motion Picture for the first time.  They are getting ready for the May release of Star Trek: Into Darkness at the theaters.  The older kids are already saving their money to go see this at the IMAX.

Looking forward to a weekend at home with my family.  Lots to do...just happy we will be together.

Throwback Thursday!

Throwback Thursday...remembering these precious moments from the past.  I took this on February 8, 2008 at Tim's mom's house.  Tim was in Georgia Tech finishing his Civil Engineering Degree.  The boys and I went over daily to Tim's mom's house to watch his Grandma who had fallen and hurt herself.  It was a time when God provided our every need.  We sacrificed so Tim could finish school in two years instead of 6 by him not working except during vacation months and the summer.  Tim stayed in his car in the parking garage Monday thru Friday so we could save the gas, travel time could be used for study time, showers and exercise at the Olympic pool on campus, food was prepared and sent with him for the week.  Having the weekends to ourselves.  When he would get home on Friday nights it would be party time.  We locked ourselves in the house and just soaked up our family time, recharging for the upcoming week apart.  We made it through and grew so much as a family.  I will cherish those times.  Little did we know that one year and two days later we would go from having these two munchkins to having twelves kiddos in our home. 

 Give thanks to the God of heaven, for His steadfast love endures forever.

 Psalm 136:26

Wonderful Wednesday!

Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; ~ Ephesians 5:20

Twas a full moon....

 

Becca and I took advantage of the last full moon.  So beautiful to try and capture the beauty of the moon in the blackness of night.  I wasn't even sure that I would be able to capture anything, but I got a few that were beautiful indeed.  Becca climbed up a hill to try and touch the moon and decided she might have to climb a tree. By the time we were done I could barely push the button to snap the picture.  It was COLD!

 

Like the moon it shall be established forever, a faithful witness in the skies. Selah ~ Psalm 89:37

 The wonders He has created are vast and never ending!