The Joyful Housewife

Closing the blog...for now

2009-03-27T20:49:00.005-05:00

I have been MIA for too long!! I have realized that I have been filling my time instead of redeeming my time. I fill it with worthy pursuits...sewing dresses for my 3 darling daughters; knitting for my baby and others' babies; reading; playing on the internet. Once I understood that these things were taking up my time so that "I don't have time to read my Bible today." became a common utterance, I knew I needed to do some pruning. So, until I am able to slow down things in my family, blogging is one thing I can quit feeling guilt over. I did it for fun. I shouldn't be feeling any guilt over it. Feel free to leave a comment if you happen to come across my little corner of the world wide web. I will still read it. If you have any questions, I will email you answers. Although with 5 littles underfoot, I am a crazy lady!

BTW, I had little Henry on December 5th at 8:20 in the morning. It was an amazing homebirth. He weighed 9lb 4oz. He was 23 inches long. Yes, you read that right, it's not a typo. Here's a couple of pics.

Serving Him,
The Joyful Housewife

My beloved wanted to take a picture of my belly. I was walking around the house in labor. This was about 8 hours before H was born. Ok, I know the pictures are out of order, but I can't figure out how to fix it. Sorry.

Here's Henry about 3 hours after birth. He had a ton of black hair. But, he's head has gotten bigger, but he hasn't gotten anymore hair. So, he looks mostly bald.

Here he is hanging out. This was about a month ago. I would put up a more recent picture, but I can't find the cord to the camera. So, I feel like that Walgreen's commercial about having to delete pictures. Anyway, I'm rambling.

38 1/2 weeks

2008-11-29T10:13:00.002-06:00

I know this isn't all about my pregnancy, but at the end of pregnancies, it's all about the pregnancy. I am having trouble getting anything done, my ankles look really gross and my blood pressure is on the rise. But, I still love feeling him, I love my big belly and I'm excited about the delivery.

I am keeping the house REALLY clean, why? because he could come "at any minute." I hate that phrase. I wish I knew WHEN. The waiting is the hardest part.

I was up for a couple of hours last night with Braxton Hicks every 5 minutes. I thought it was "IT." When the contractions slowed and went away, I started praying. I really want to go into labor on God's timetable.

I prayed that God would line up my will with His will. I want what He wants. I know that God has chosen the birthday and that that day will be better than any day I could chose. Also, I am so grateful that the Lord has allowed me to have the chance to bear another child. I need to remember that at 3 am when I'm so tired and at 6 pm when my ankles disappear.

I have a midwife appt today. I'll let you know what she says.

36 weeks and SICK!!

2008-11-13T13:57:00.003-06:00

I have struggled mightily with bladder infections with this pregnancy. I'm on my 4th! I've tried antibiotics (which I hate and only did because I was pregnant), natural remedies and even just letting it run it's course. I am drinking over a gallon of water a day. I am taking double my vitamins. I don't know why I am dealing with this. But, any time I have a crack in my immunity, I end up with a fever and really bad back ache. It knocks me out for about a week. Not a lot of time, except if you aren't done getting ready for baby!

I ran a fever with chills most of last night. My poor beloved! He got very little sleep. I am feeling better now...2 this afternoon! I now just feel weak and tired. Baby Henry is moving and doing well, Praise the Lord!

So, I have learned some great things during this pregnancy and trying to treat UTIs. One of the best things I learned was about D-Mannose.

Go to the healthfood store and get some D-Mannose. As with any infection it is always good to begin treatment as early as possible.

Keep drinking lots and lots of water and cranberry juice. I add my cranberry to my water. Echinacia is also good.

Keep it Simple

D-Mannose is a simple sugar. Chemically, it is closely related (a stereoisomer) to glucose. It is a naturally occurring sugar found in cranberry and pineapple juice. When D-Mannose is ingested into the body, most of it is rapidly absorbed through the stomach and upper GI tract before reaching the intestines, emptying into the urine through the kidneys.

Only a very small amount of D-Mannose is actually metabolized by the body. What benefit, you might ask, could possible derive from something that the body treats essentially as a waste product?

Enter E. Coli

Escherichia Coli (or E. Coli) is the normal bacterium found in every intestinal tract as part of the natural microflora residing therein. These bacteria are necessary for maintaining a properly functioning intestinal tract, and when out of balance, can have a disruptive effect on overall health, especially immune system function.

The Result - UTI's

These same E. Coli bacteria can wreak havoc when they find their way into the wrong place, namely the urinary tract. In Fact, 80-90% of all bladder infections (cystitis) can be attributed to E. Coli entering the urinary tract, a problem 50 times more common in women and girls than in men. E. Coli bacteria present in the vagina migrate into the urethra and onward to the bladder, which is why many women end up with a bladder infection every time they have intercourse. The reason E. Coli bacteria present such a persistent problem is that their physio-chemical makeup enables them to stick like glue to the inner walls of the urinary tract and bladder.

Symptoms of Bladder / Urinary Tract Infections

A variety of symptoms may indicate the presence of a bladder / urinary tract infection, and the intensity of those symptoms may range from mild to severe or even life threatening in some cases.

Symptoms may include:

Incontinence
Burning sensation upon urination
Sensation of urgency to urinate without the ability to void completely
Reddish or cloudy urine
Foul smelling urine
Lower abdominal pain
Frequent urination
Symptoms of Kidney Infections (acute pyelonephritis)

Kidney infection is a potentially dangerous form of urinary tract infection that results when a bladder infection is left untreated and bacteria continue to migrate up the ureters to the kidney.

Symptoms of kidney infections include:

Burning sensation during urination
Frequent urination
Increased urgency to urinate
Lower back pain
Chills
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea

D-Mannose to the Rescue

The remarkable thing about D-Mannose is that its chemical structure causes it to adhere to E. Coli bacteria even more tenaciously than E.coli adhere to human cells. Normal urination, therefore, with a sufficient level of D-Mannose present, becomes a simple and effective treatment for the condition. E. Coli cells coated by D-Mannose in the urine become unglued and get flushed right out of the body.

Antibiotics?

Although they are often used, antibiotics are almost always an inferior treatment. Bladder or kidney infections can become a recurring problem or they can stop responding to the antibiotics. Long-term or often repeated antibiotic use can lead to major disturbance in normal body microflora, and sometimes to major disruption in health. Antibiotics successfully kill the unwanted micro-organisms, but they also kill many wanted micro-organisms as well. Use of antibiotics have caused many women to end up with yeast infections, as the friendly bacteria are killed off along with the bad bacteria, the antibiotic insensitive yeast can then grow out of control.

Cranberry Juice?

D-Mannose is naturally occurring and is found in cranberry juice. However, the amount in the juice is substantially less than in the 1 tsp. adult dose of D-Mannose, and is substantially less effective. D-Mannose is 10 times more active than the fructose in cranberries when it comes to dislodging the sticking of the E.coli bacteria from the urinary tract.

How is D-Mannose different?

D-Mannose does not kill bacteria, friendly or unfriendly. D-Mannose simply helps to remove misplaced E.coli from inside of the urinary tract by the natural process of urination. Use of D-Mannose is ecologically sound. The small amount of D-Mannose metabolized by the body and not excreted into the urine is harmless. It also tastes good!

D-Mannose.

has no side effects
is naturally occurring
does not kill friendly bacteria
does not disrupt normal body function
does not interfere with blood sugar regulation
is safe for pregnant women and small children
is hypo-allergenic
is dye free
is preservative free
is yeast free

Interstitial Cystitis And The Case For D-Mannose

Interstitial Cystitis (IC) is a chronic bladder disorder that mimics the symptoms of an ordinary urinary tract infection (UTI). Unlike ordinary UTIs resulting from E. coli bacteria, the cause(s) of IC continue to baffle medical researchers. Some researchers believe it is the result of an acid-alkali imbalance brought about by environmental factors and diet.
Some theorize that IC results from an infection caused by a more elusive strain of bacteria, undetected by routine IC screening methods. Still others suspect causes such as nerve function disorders, defective cells in the bladder lining, and allergic reactions.

Treatments for IC are numerous and diverse and include long term antibiotic use, herbal therapies, water dilation of the bladder, drug therapy (antidepressants) to effect a change in the bladder lining, and even surgery up to and including bladder removal. These treatments and others are normally employed in a trial and error fashion with varying degrees of success.

Can d-mannose be utilized as one more weapon in the arsenal of treatments for IC? Although there is no clinical evidence that it can be effective in every or even most cases, we have received anecdotal evidence in the form of customer testimonials from people who suffer from IC, and who have experienced relief from their symptoms as a result of using d-mannose. It is impossible to say by what mechanism this is being achieved since the causes of the disorder are so poorly understood.

Recent clinical trials suggest that d-mannose may be effective against strains of bacteria other than E.coli. Perhaps IC is an infection caused by "other" bacteria, as some believe, that are similarly dispatched by d-mannose. Interestingly, it is known that over two-thirds of all IC sufferers have a history of urinary tract infections. I s it possible that prevention and early treatment of ordinary UTIs with regular use of d-mannose may delay or even prevent the onset of IC? We can only speculate, but in any event, d-mannose is harmless and inexpensive, and certainly worth trying as part of any trial and error course of treatment.

How do you take D-Mannose?

Normal therapeutic dosage is 1/2 tsp. daily for chronic suffers of UTIs or weekly for preventative measures. It can be mixed with juice, milk or water. However, it is easiest to just take the powder plain.

According to Dr. Jonathan V. Wright, editor of Nutrition and Healing, during an infection it is recommended to take 1/2 tsp. every 3-4 hours. If the infection is not considerably better within 24 hours, it is probably not being caused by E.coli.

For women who experience bladder infections related to intercourse, it is recommended taking 1/2 tsp. 1 hour prior to and just after intercourse.

Long time no post

2008-11-12T15:18:00.002-06:00

Ok, so I'll brutally honest. I haven't been posting for 2 reasons.

1--Why would anyone want to read what I had to say? I mean, there are many, many smarter...more whatever that I'm not. I have nothing together. I have children still struggling to read and absolutely can't spell (much like me). I yell at my kids. I get my feelings hurt by my beloved. I let laundry pile up. I have bad days. Why would anyone want to read about that? When they can read about the women on the web that have it all together and can help someone like me?

I think I had these great visions for getting a large blog following. Does everyone do that? And when I ran out of "good" things to say, I got discouraged.

2--I tried to make it bigger and better. I am not the most computer literate person in the world. I was spending a great deal of time reading how to make my blog better and in the mean time not getting anything else done.

So, since I'm sure it's been so long since my last post I've lost the readers I had I can take a step back, give myself some grace and not try so hard. I'm going to be myself. Which I always was but this means that sometimes the post will be about how nothing got done today or about how I blew it and yelled at my blessings.

How to get your kids to read the Bible

2008-07-14T09:02:00.002-05:00

I am by no means a brain. In fact, things take me a LONG time to learn. But, I have stumbled upon a really great way to get my kids to read their Bible every day without nagging.

"No Bible, No Breakfast" Sound simple enough, right? Well, here's how it goes. If they don't read their Bible, they don't get to eat breakfast. If by lunch they still haven't read, they don't get lunch. If by supper they still haven't read, then we consider it a day of fasting. Now, my kids are smart and they haven't missed a meal yet. It's wonderful. My amazing hubby also made us up a family reading schedule so they know what and how far to read.

I wanted to share this delightful little plan.

Weekly Menu

2008-07-10T18:46:00.001-05:00

I make my menus on Thursdays. That's our errand day so that's when I get groceries. Since we've started school, trying to get everything done made today very hectic. I'm going do some praying and talking with hubby to see if I can re-work Thursdays so they aren't so crazy.

Anyway, all that to say, here's my menu. If you'd like a recipe, just let me know.

	Breakfast	Lunch	Dinner	Desserts
Thursday	Granola and yogurt	From the Store	Fussy Day Chicken Buttered Noodles Steamed Broccoli
Friday	Pancakes	Leftovers	Pizza and salad (I am taking a meal to a friend, so I will triple this)
Saturday	Biscuits and gravy		BBQ Glazed Meatballs, Sweet and Sour Green Beans, Rice (I am feeding company so I am tripling this meal, too)	Chocolate Cake
Sunday	Coffee Cake	PB & J Sandwiches	Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese
Monday	Yogurt and granola	Leftovers	Cuban Black Bean soup and Cornbread	Brownies
Tuesday	Toast	Black Bean Burritos	Taco Salad
Wednesday	Banana Bread		Orange Honeyed Chicken, Noodles, Salad

I spent more than I usually do on groceries this week, but stayed under budget. Our grocery budget includes all eating out and all household items (books, clothes and basically everything not bills.) So, dipping into the dining out part is better for us anyway, right? But, since we are feeding 2 extra families it makes since that I would spend more. I'll be honest with you, I hate spending money. But, I love to practice hospitality.

Send me your menu…that would be fun!

Seasons

2008-07-09T16:20:00.004-05:00

In Ecclesiastes, God tells us that to everything there is a season. Boy, I know that's true. As a homeschool mom our seasons sometimes seem never-ending and at other times over all to quick.

I forgot how the first trimester can kick a girl in the pants! I haven't been pregnant in 4 years. Not that I haven't begged God for the very nausea, tiredness, etc that took me out of circulation for a while. I didn't realize how crummy I felt until I felt better. It was just a season.

Now, that I'm feeling better, I'm currently in the season of "Quick, get stuff done before I feel yucky again." Although, I feel like I fall further and further behind. My to-do list is LONG and rarely gets things marked off. Oh, well. It's a season.

We have started back to school already. I wasn't ready. We only had a month off and I could have used more time. I'm trying to space out the buying. And that's a season in of it's self! So, we are using curriculum we didn't get to last year. So, it isn't as much fun for me. You know that fun season of heading to the conference with your list. You head into the vendor hall with your new SETHSA bag ready to be filled with brand new books. The hours spent on eBay trying to find the best deal on used curriculum. I love that season. My husband hates that season.

So, we are back into the schedule season. I'll post that next week. We are back into the "Either do school or housework season." But, I'll be honest with you. I love this season. I love watching them sitting reading books all over the house. I love having the computer time being regulated. I love "Happy Rest Time". Let me tell you about that. I have had a scheduled rest time in my house since I only had one little. Now that the majority no longer need naps, they have to finish school or read in their rooms for an hour and a half. It's called "Happy Rest Time" because the kids rest and mommy is happy!

I know that this season of school is at the same time short and never ending. I only have my oldest in school for 6 more years. And yet, I haven't started on the newest blessing I am carrying. So, I'll be at it for a while. But, I know from asking those that are out of it what a wonderful time of life homeschooling was. I try to remember that fact when I'm working on phonics with the 1st grader, telling the 4th grader how to address an envelope, helping the 7th grader make banana bread and telling the boy (I mean pre-schooler) that "No" he may NOT try to climb the walls...all at the exact same moment.

Right now, I'm also in the season of needing more clothes. And nothing fitting. I love this season. But, I know it may be my last visit into this season and I'm not complaining! I am loving every minute of it! Except on Sunday mornings when I realize, I have nothing to wear. But, that for another time.

I am going to enjoy this season - all of them - and not wish it away. It'll be gone soon enough.

I'm so sorry!

2008-05-02T09:06:00.002-05:00

I know that I've been MIA for TOO long. I'm sorry. I do have a very good reason for this...

I'm expecting! When I first found out I wanted to wait to tell everyone until I had my ultrasound. Then, after I had my ultrasound (which we saw a little flutter of a heartbeat) the morning sickness kicked in! I've been snowed under ever since!

I even failed getting my article into The Teaching Pioneer for SETHSA! I am barely keeping my head above water just doing school and housework. I DO intend to keep this site up. I DON'T intend this to become just a pregnancy update blog.

Thanks, dear reader if you are still reading, for hanging in there with me!

April Fools's Day

2008-04-01T08:54:00.004-05:00

Normally, we don't do much for April fool's day. This year, we made up for 10 years worth!!

First, yesterday 2 of my daughters changed the alarm time on mine and hubby's alarm clocks. We over-slept This morning.

Then, last night they froze our toothbrushes in water.

We, meaning the parents, tried to move everyone to someone else's beds while they were sleeping. One woke up and one just cried. The other 2 slept through the whole thing. This morning, everyone was in a different bed than we had put them in!

I sewed my hubby's underware together side-by-side so that when he grabbed one, he grabbed them all.

And at some point during the night, one sister got up and drew on the faces of the other two sisters.This was they woke up looking like. They are now in the shower trying to get it all off.

Then, hubby declared we where going to IHOP for breakfast. We all got excited...April Fool's Day!

Goodness!! As I post this, it's only 9 am! Needless to say, not much else has gotten done around here yet.

Happy April Fool's Day from our house to yours.

Is God trustworthy?

2008-03-29T15:01:00.000-05:00

I know some readers are now afraid of reading any further for fear of being struck down by lightening. I totally understand. To be honest, I’m scared just thinking it. Is God trustworthy?

He tells us in Isaiah that His ways are not our ways. I use that as reason to explain just about everything I don’t understand. But, then why did He give us reason? The reason I’m heading down this slippery slope is simple. I’ve asked Him for something He Himself has called a blessing and a gift. I’ve yet to receive it. He has told me in the New Testament that if I ask in Jesus’ name, it will be given to me. Yet, it hasn’t. He has also told me that He always keeps His promises.

So, is God trustworthy?

Am I waiting on God or is He waiting on me? Am I trustworthy? I believe that God does what is best for me (and for you) all the time and without exception. I also believe that He does what is best for me (and for you) not just for right now, but for the rest of my life on the planet. So, is the reason God is answering my prayer with a “no” or a “not yet” really have nothing to do with me personally? Is God doing what is best for my husband or my children by answering me that way? Or is He sanctifying me through this time of waiting?

Only a true, loving Father would do so much. Only one who would give up His Son to pay my debt would so lovingly control my world. He knows what I am going through. If He knows the number of hairs on my head, He knows the number of tears I have shed. He is not pulling strings without feeling like a giant puppeteer. He is intimately involved in my life. Although sometimes the only time I talk to Him is to ask Him to do yet another thing for me.

What an awesome God we serve. Is He trustworthy? Does the sun always rise in the east? Of course. God is not only worthy of our trust, but He is worthy of our praise and adoration. Glory to God in the highest! Yes, His ways are not our ways. Thank the Lord! If it were left up to me, well let’s just say, I would be living a much different life. I’m so glad He has told me “no” on more than one occasion. And I need to head back into the scriptures. I think I am reading things into His promises to fit my prayers. I guess I am not as trustworthy as I thought.

My Near Death Experience!!!

2008-03-22T21:34:00.002-05:00

In our family, I am the fire builder. Why? I don't know, probably because I went to Boy Scout camp. (long story, another time) The first morning we were there, I remembered that I forgot to bring the sausage and butter for breakfast. So, my husband, oldest 2 girls and son headed back into town to buy the forgotten items.

I noticed that the campsite next to us had a really great fire and ours was looking pretty shabby. So, because I have a really large competitive streak that I try to keep under control, I decided to cheat. I grabbed the lighter fluid. I know, I know! Did I mention that I positioned myself behind a tree so the neighbors wouldn't see me cheat?

I was just going to squirt a little down inside the fire to jump-start it. And as I was doing this I actually thought, "This could really be very dangerous." About a second after that thought the next thing I remember is a huge fire ball coming at my face. Ok, maybe not huge, but when a fire ball is coming at your face it's enormous! I closed my eyes and turned my head by instinct. I don't remember doing it, but I remember the sound of my hair burning. Snap! Crackle! Pop!

I immediately looked to see if the neighbors had seen this (they hadn't) and then looked to see where the child left in my care was (playing in the dirt and ignoring Mommy.) Then I pulled a camp chair WAAAAAAY away from the fire, which was almost out by now, and sat down. I reached up to my bangs to assess the damage. I had burned quite a bit of my bangs, eyebrows, and the hair that had fallen out of my pony-tail. Praise the Lord for my pony-tail!! My entire head could have ended up in flames!!

When my husband returned from the lake, I told him what had happened. He didn't seem to grasp the weight of the situation. He simply said, "You look alright. I can see you are missing some of your eyelashes. Are you ready to start breakfast?" Nothing like a good, strong man to bring you back to reality.

Camping!!!

2008-03-19T08:02:00.002-05:00

My family LOVES to go camping! We don't get to do it as much as we'd like, but we have tried to go for all the kids' birthdays. We are packing and leaving this afternoon to go for 3 days! We are so excited. I'm, as usual, a little nervous about making sure we get everything. We usually do forget something, but we survive.

I found this great link over at Amy's Humble Musings. It looks great! I am going to start making some of these maybe next week. Too cute.

I hope to get some pictures up when we get back.

Getting Paid to Blog!

2008-03-18T17:23:00.008-05:00

I have been studying homeopathy for about 3 years. I love to study it and I love to help people heal acute (short) illnesses. My husband and I have decided that I should study to receive a DHom which is fancy way of saying I'll be getting a diploma in homeopathy and become a homeopath. The class is $2200. I know! And we just don't have that lying around...who does these days...any day!

So, I've started fund raising. Anything not nailed down in our home is being sold on eBay, Craig's list or set aside for a garage sale. I really want to raise the money for this myself and not take it out of the family budget. No real reason for that, other than I want to see if I can do it. I'm that kind of girl.

One thing I've signed up for is Pay Per Post. I will be blogging about different subjects from time to time and I will get paid to blog! I am so excited! I read about it on another blog about making money from home.

So, I plan on using my earnings to become a homeopath. I will keep you updated as I get closer to my goal.

Enticing Your Husband Part 5

2008-03-14T12:31:00.003-05:00

This is my last addition to the Enticing Your Husband series. I have really enjoyed doing this. I hope you have too.

We have discussed enticing our husband using the five wonderful senses God gave him. Today is enticing his sense of touch. This can be a little steamy, but I'll let you use your imagination as to that part of it.

Here's a doosey...shave your legs. I hate shaving my legs. I love the way they feel when they are clean shaven, though. So does my MMD (man of my dreams.) So, I shave just about every night. And I scrub my heels with a pumice stone. I am a barefoot mama, so my feet have callouses and dry spots. I want my feet soft so I can play footsie under the covers.

Are your sheets soft? I like a lower sheet count because I like the crispness of them. My hubby likes a higher count because he likes the softness. We actually have a set of each and they go on the bed alternately when I change the sheets on Fridays.

What are your hands like? Try not to get so caught up in cleaning that you forget to take the time to make your hands really soft. Use lotion as much as you remember. You know, that good smelling stuff you bought a few days ago to tickle his nose. I bet I've started some creative juices flowing.

Think of your husband first. This is for him. How wonderful would you feel; how honored would you be if your mate worked so hard to entice your senses? Be careful to not turn this into, "he wouldn't do this for me, so why should I do this for him?" It's an easy trap to fall into. But it's a lie. You are being deceived. We are servants. As we serve our husbands, we are serving the Lord Jesus. If Jesus were to be sitting in your husband's chair this evening, how would you serve Him? I usually sign my emails with "Serving Him" and each time that reminds me that I am serving him (my hubby) and Him (my bridegroom).

Have a great weekend enticing and serving your husbands!!

Enticing Your Husband Part 4

2008-03-13T14:08:00.003-05:00

This one is another easy-cheesy one! Isn't this a fun series? I've had fun being creative.

The sense of taste. I don't know about your husband, but my husband loves to eat! So, enticing my MMD is simply a matter of cooking good food. Unfortunately, I have been trying to get to eat more healthy foods for the past 6 months. I am still learning and I don't always have successes. But, what I try to do is have a dessert (healthy, of course) the night we are having a new recipe. That helps smooth things over if it was failure of a meal...hey, it happens! But, in keeping with the idea of "Enticing" my husband, I have started to incorporate one of his favorite meals every week. I have been trying to keep it healthy, too. Not always that easy. He has really enjoyed my doing this. It really makes him feel special.

See, I told you that was easy.

Enticing Your Husband Part 3

2008-03-11T19:59:00.003-05:00

Ok, I have to admit this one, to me, is the easiest...and cheapest if that is an issue. Lovingly ask your MMD if he would like to go for a field trip. Children are optional. Head to a department store, Bed, Bath and Beyond, Bath and Bodyworks, or even Wal-Mart. Head to the lotions and perfumes and ask him to start smelling! What smells good to him? Which one is favorite? When you two find what he likes, buy it! Buy the perfume, the shower gel, and the lotion. Then, start using them!! I bathe in the evenings after the kids have gone to bed. When I get into bed, I smell good! I use my good smelling "stuff" then because that's when my hubby will notice. I have a friend whose husband wants her to spray perfume on just before he gets home in the evening. If you are a lucky one that gets to have her shower in the morning, think how lovely you'll smell all day!

How does your home smell? Is he welcomed home by the good smells of dinner? Or just a clean-smelling home? My mom was a stay-at-home mom. I loved coming home from school and smelling dinner. With 5 of us kids, she would start dinner right after breakfast. Even now, I love walking into her house with it smelling like supper! I try to have the same thing for my MMD. Since I don't have to worry about little ones coming home from school, I concentrate on smells for my man. I also try to keep "smelling things" around the house--like reed diffusers, plug-in, etc. I'm by no means the best at this. I have a nasty habit of putting laundry in the washer and forgetting about it until it reminds me with the smell of sour laundry. I don't like the smell it! Plus, I'm not a very good steward of our resources by having to rewash the load. That is not enticing.

My MMD has really appreciated me thinking of him like this. Loving our husbands is such a joy! It is what we were put on this Earth to do!

Out of time...

2008-03-10T16:02:00.001-05:00

Sorry, no post today. I teach a homeopathy class once a month, except this month I got REALLY ambitious and I am teaching 2!! So, I am busy preparing for the class. I will write tomorrow about Enticing Your Husband Part 3--the nose!

Enticing Your Husband Part 2

2008-03-07T10:19:00.001-06:00

Yesterday we talked about enticing your husband’s eyes. Today we’ll talk about enticing your husband’s ears. This one is a little different, but just as important.

What are the sounds your hubby hears when he walks in the door? Is there a lot of fighting? Is the TV blaring? My kids are wonderful kids and usually pretty calm kids, except the 2 minutes before Dad walks in the door. It doesn’t matter if he’s late; they seem to wait for him before they go nuts. They are wild! We have really worked on getting the wiggles out before he gets home. Running the stairs works if they haven’t been very active outside that day. J I try to have the house quiet in the hopes that they’ll be quiet. I will save our read aloud for then, or quiet board games…think chess or checkers. MMD (man of my dreams) likes to have the kids run up and love on him. He likes for them to all start talking about their day. He’s missed them. But, some husbands prefer to have a few minutes of quiet “down time” before the craziness of the evening.

Again, ask him! His opinion is the most important. It really doesn’t matter if you read a book, or a blog, that says you and your husband should do this, this, and this when he gets home. It really doesn’t matter if you think that he should behave a certain way the moment he gets home. In order to serve him, as we are told to do by Jesus, we must ask what he would like.

What is your hubby hearing from your mouth? Are they words that are uplifting? I don’t know about all husbands, so I will only speak from my limited knowledge. The business or work world is not an uplifting or encouraging place. Our men are being verbally torn down, maybe even a little, everyday. Traffic alone is enough to drive a person insane! Home should be the place that we build them up. We should fortify them for the day. Tell him how thankful you are that he is working so you can be at home. I have a friend whose husband can’t seem to get his act together. He is always in school or starting a new career. So she works so that he can do all these things. I told my hubby that I am so thankful that he willingly goes to work so I don’t have to work outside the home while others raise my children.

Tell him how nice he looks…maybe he’s lost a little weight? Women aren’t the only ones who like to hear that! Tell him how nice he smells. If he doesn’t, go and get him some aftershave that you like. (Make sure he does too!) Can’t afford it? Get him some nice smelling deodorant.

Tell him all the things he’s doing right. He knows the things he’s doing wrong. I’m sure the enemy has told him many times today. Be his haven, his safe place. We all need that spot in the world that makes us feel safe. I know he’s the protector. I’m not saying fighting his battles, but of taking care of his wounds when he gets home from the ~~fight~~ work.

Oh, and there’s the bedroom. I bet you can come up with a few ideas for enticing his ears in that area. Maybe a little music? Maybe kind, encouraging words in there, too? That one should be the most fun of all.

Tomorrow we’ll discuss enticing our husband’s nose.

Enticing your Husband Part 1

2008-03-06T08:11:00.001-06:00

Spicy title, huh? Well, this is something I've been thinking about for awhile. How to entice my husband. Why? You may ask. Good question. I had always thought that they didn't need much if any of a push in that area. Weren't they always enticed? But, the more I thought about it the more I disagreed with that thought. Bless their hearts, they are flooded with images that pull their attention away from home. They work hard and are tired. They drive to and from work where the billboards are terrible. They have TV and the internet. So, we need to bring their minds back home. I'm not talking about a husband that strays. I'm not talking about a terrible home life. I'm talking about your normal, loving husband. But, they need to be reminded of home. Is your home a haven? Why does he want to come home in the evenings if it's crazy there just like at work?

So, how to do that? I thought of using the 5 senses that God gave them. I decided I would entice his eyes. This is much more than my body. Is the house picked up before he gets home? We have "afternoon clean-up" where every child has their own area that has be picked up and vacuumed before Daddy gets home. I also try to keep our bedroom uncluttered and clean. My room for some reason is the home for everything in the house that we don't know what to do with. It's also the main laundry folding area. So, if I'm not careful laundry can pile up there.

Ok, now for the body. No, it doesn't look like it did when we first got married. I won't go into detail on how different it is, but I'm sure you get the idea. Exercising to make that better is a good idea. I walk on the treadmill, but I don't do much more than that. He knows I am doing that for him and it brings a smile to his face. He loves me no matter what, but it makes him feel good knowing that I get up early to exercise so that I'll look better for his enjoyment. We should thrill them with our bodies. How to do that and remain modest? Under the modest clothes of course! I wear mainly loose fitting skirts and tops. I feel more comfortable in them and my hubby prefers them. But, under my flowing skirts and tops I am far from frumpy! I won't go into details, but use your imagination. My husband loves the idea that he knows that little secret. Ask your husband. What would he like?

In Song of Solomon we are given wonderful examples of how she gets ready for her lover. He delights in her body. I understand being tired. I am one of those people that love going to bed early. But, my hubby likes to stay up late. So, I take naps. I sneak away for about 10 minutes in the afternoon. That also gives me the energy to make myself pretty for him. Does your husband prefer you with make-up or without? Ask him! I would rather not wear make-up if I'm not going anywhere, but he likes it when I have it on, so I where it 99% of the time. Do your hair. I get stuck in the rut of a pony tail too often! I have long hair and it's just so much easier. But, he likes my hair down. I've been known to wear it up all day until he's on his way home and then I take it down.

I know that you have probably read these ideas in other places. But, sometimes we simply need to be reminded of who he is. He is our protector, our provider, and our priest. He should be treated as the greatest super-hero your home has ever seen. Does he have his faults? Do you have yours? Of course. Just as we hate being reminded of ours, let's not remind him of his. Be the soft place in this world for him. Be his haven.

Part 2 (Enticing his ears) coming soon!

Happy Leap Day!!

2008-02-29T09:40:00.001-06:00

This day only comes once every 4 years. So, I have decided to make it a day to carry us until the next time. We had cake for breakfast, ok it was whole wheat, no sugar. And we are going to the movies (before noon when it's only $5 per person) and then out to lunch. Maybe even to a play that doesn't have a play-place. Maybe. We hurried and did our chores this morning so that we would come home to a clean house. We are having hamburgers tonight. What are you doing to celebrate?

Weekly Menu

2008-02-21T09:22:00.001-06:00

I have been using a weekly menu for most of married life. I don't know how to function without it. Well, we have to function without it sometimes, but it's not really functioning. We run to the store every day and spend a lot of money. But, what cracks me up is that no matter how long I make the menu for, I am always stumped about one meal! Every time! I usually surf the web or call MMD for an idea. So, I thought I would post my menu and if you get stumped you can borrow an idea from me.

	Breakfast	Lunch	Dinner	Snacks
Thursday	Raisin toast	Out	Chicken Pot Pie	Cheesy Popcorn
Friday	Pancakes	Leftovers	Hamburgers, Oven Fries, Frozen Yogurt
Saturday	Toast	Leftovers	Beef Stew, Oat and Corn Biscuits	Graham Cracker Treats
Sunday	Oatmeal Surprise	Veggie Soup	Waffles
Monday	Eggs and Bacon	Potato Pancakes Pineapple and Vanilla Yogurt	Mac & Cheese Tossed Salad
Tuesday	Malt-o-Meal	Leftovers	Chicken Quesadillas Black Beans Mexi Rice
Wednesday	Malt-o-Meal	Bagelwiches Tomato soup	Baked Potatoes Steamed Veggies Baked Brown Bread	Date Almond Granola Bars

I try to include a snack or dessert a couple times a week. I usually plan it on a night that I am not sure if everyone will like dinner. It's a bribe. What about it? Everything is from scratch because that's important to me. But, if you are borrowing an idea do what works for your family.

Thursday breakfast will be breakfast burritos. I shop for Thursday lunch through Thursday lunch. Weird I know, but it's how it goes for us.

Thursdays are errand day. We will be going to the library, grocery store, picking up milk for the milk co-op (I get raw milk), and small group Bible study tonight. So that's why we are going out to lunch. Not every Thursday is so busy, but today is.

If you would like a recipe of anything, just let me know. Most of these came from Sue Gregg. I love her cookbooks. In fact, I am ordering a couple more today, yeah!

Is it alright to not like your kids?

2008-02-20T14:45:00.002-06:00

Have you ever wondered if it's alright to not like you children? I mean, sure you love them. Goodness, that's why you have sacrificed so much for them, but, is it ok, to not like being with them? A few weeks ago, I didn't like anyone. Especially the wonderful blessings the Lord had seen fit to give me. Just about everything they did drove me crazy! One just talked all day. Had she been doing that all along and I just hadn't noticed, or was this a new thing? Man, their fighting was really bad, too. Has it always like that? Going to the store…well, let's just say that when we got home everyone, including Mommy, took a nap. I kept asking myself, "Has it always been like this?"

I didn't want to be around them. I was angry because I felt that I was the only one that ever did any work around the house. I am not the only one that wears socks, so why was I the only one that had to match them? I was nit-picking in the truest form of the word. I was frustrated with them and with my dearest love. He could do nothing right. If a neighbor has seen me those couple of weeks, I would have been the worst witness for the Gospel and for homeschooling. I even briefly daydreamed about public school. Not for long, but I did.

So, was it me or them? Did I have the problem or did they? I'm sure you know the answer to that. So like Moses, I asked the Lord why had given me such a stiff-necked people. I called out to Him. Not like David, but more like, "What are You going to do with them now?" Now, I don't recommend talking to the Lord in that tone of voice or in those words. But, He was gracious to me and didn't zap me on the spot. He gently nudged my heart to the real reason my home was so unpleasant.

I hadn't had a quiet time with the Lord in about two weeks. I also had gotten really lazy about the discipline with the children. I had stopped serving and was expecting to be served. Jesus came to be a servant. We are to be like Him. I was anything but like Him. In fact, you couldn't tell me apart from a non-believing homeschooling mom.

What happened? What's the rest of the story? I started meeting with my Heavenly Father again. I also asked the forgiveness of my children and my beloved. I repented of being self-serving and, well, being mean. I also apologized to the children for not keeping with the training of their hearts. They looked a little scared because that meant that discipline was once again flowing in our home. But, the Man of My Dreams seemed relieved.

I realized that when I was out of the role God had designed for me, I was very unhappy. You know the saying, "When mama ain't happy…" God's ways are not our ways. His ways don't make sense to those of us with sin natures. They seem so backward to what our flesh wants to do. But, everything about Him is opposite of our flesh. Giving your Son for the payment of your wrath, for the people that turn their back on you at every turn, is completely opposite of our flesh. But, that's true love. And when I decided that I was smarter than God and could change the rules, I was miserable.

I have recently finished Passionate Housewives, Desperate for God by Stacy McDonald and Jenny Chancy. In one of the chapters they write in the book about praying in droplets. If you have lots of littles and do not have the time or the energy for an early morning encounter with the Lord, then do it in little bits all day long. Keep a Bible by the chair where you nurse. Tape up scripture cards near the sink for meditation during evening dishes. Or, like me, keep a good Christian book in the bathroom for the rare and quiet moments we have in there.

Take a look around. Do you dislike your children because they aren't very likable? Do you need to sit them down and apologize for not training them like you should? It amazes me that when children are being disciplined how happy and content they are. We like boundaries and children are no different. Too much freedom is not good for children. Don't take my word for it, go look it up. God wanted us to know exactly how to raise these blessings, so He wrote it down in His Word.

Needless to say, my home is back to normal. Yes, she still talks all the time, but now I am talking with her and enjoying the young woman God is creating in her. Yes, they are still fighting. But, I don't get as angry. I'm still a work in progress, too. And the store, well we are working on it.

Happy Valentine's Day

2008-02-14T15:08:00.002-06:00

We have a tradition in my family for Valentine's. When my parents had enough children (there are 5 of us) that they going out was not as easy and I wasn't yet old enough to watch everyone, they stayed in. My mom made fried chicken (the only time we got it) and mashed potatoes and all the other fixins to go with it. My mouth is watering now just remembering it. She makes the best fried chicken. It was such a neat thing to be together listening to my parents talk about their early years.

Well, we have carried over that tradition, although we don't yet have five littles. We have done this for many years now and I don't think we will change it. I don't make fried chicken though. I'm not as good of a cook as my mom. I make fettuccine alfredo, salad, French bread, and corn. Then the girls and I come up with a fun dessert. This year we are having chocolate fondue. We are going to dip marshmallows, strawberries, and bananas.

The girls really get into the dinner. They decorate the table so beautifully. We take pictures of Daddy with his "sweethearts" and Mom with my little man. After dinner and clean-up the girls are planning a play for us to enjoy. It's cute listening to them practice, but they won't let me watch yet. Then we'll play Monopoly. We love that game!

I hope you enjoy your holiday.

Silken!!

2008-02-13T14:35:00.001-06:00

I am so sorry. I have emailed you twice, but I don't think I am doing it right. If you will just leave your address as a comment, I of course won't publish it, then I'll get the book in the mail tomorrow!

I will have a new post tomorrow. I don't have the time to sit down for a long one, but I've got one in my head.

Out of the mouth of babes...

2008-02-07T12:36:00.000-06:00

My 3rd daughter, C, is really funny. And she's a bit crazy...ok a lot crazy. But, she's too cute for words. This morning during her school (1st grade-My Father's World) she had to dictate a letter to her grandma. I wrote down everything she said, word for word, so that Grandma wouldn't miss any nutty detail.

Dear Grandma,
I love you very much. I am learning to read my Bible reader, but it's very hard. I have a new Bible notebook, too.
I wish you could come stay with us, but I know you have to stay with Grandpa. When it's my birthday, could you come again? I know it's a long time away, but I'm very excited. When I come to your house again, could you find the phone I like to play with? I love it so dearly much.
I love you,
C.

Now, some background. We live 10 hours from both sets of grandparents. It was a fluke that Grandma was here for C's birthday in January. And Grandma has this old rotary phone that got misplaced during a recent move. C loves to play with it while we're there.

At the bottom of the letter, she drew a picture of Grandma holding a little girl's hand and said, "that's me and Grandma."

I was telling C that the Bible is God's letter to us. Just like in her letter she told Grandma that she loved her and wanted to be with her, God's letter tells us He loves us and wants to be with us. She smiled sweetly, nodded and said, "You'll be with God sooner than me 'cause you're old."

Cracked me up!

Frugal Homemaking

2008-02-05T08:15:00.000-06:00

A few years ago my MMD's (man-of-my-dreams) grandmother hand embroidered some tea-towels for Christmas. I didn't want to use them and no one was allowed to touch them. I kept them in the same box for safe keeping. Fast-forward 3 years. I repainted my dining room this summer and tossed the old curtains. MMD came home this weekend with 2 inch blinds for all the downstairs windows. (we have 3 in front) They look so nice. Espically since we've had nothing for a while.

I purchased a $10 curtain rod from Wal-Mart, then I folded the tea towels and put them on the rod. It looks SO neat! I just love it. Everytime my eye catches it, I just do a double take.

This the window. The plates on the side were from my Mother-in-law. The center platter is from her mother.

This is a closer view of the towels. Don't they look so cute? I had heard about the idea using antique towels from antique stores or garage sales. But, I got these first.

And the winner is....

2008-02-05T08:11:00.000-06:00

Silken!!! Thanks for leaving me a comment. Send me your email address on the comments page (I won't publish it) and we'll get your information so I can send you the book.

I am so excited, I know you are going to love it! Thanks to the others that left comments. It was so much fun.

A Loving Tribute

2008-02-02T15:17:00.000-06:00

I belong to the most wonderful group of online ladies in the world. Last week a beloved friend from that group shared with us as her husband went to be with the Lord. We prayed for her and her family as a group and my family has remembered them this week at home.

Read Heather's words and learn about this amazing man. I wanted to pass this along because my hope is that more will learn about Eric and maybe deepen, renew, or begin their faith in The Almighty.

My House is clean!!

2008-01-30T14:33:00.000-06:00

Ok, I don't mean on-the-market-for-sell clean, but my-husband-likes-it-and-I-could-have-good-friends-over clean. Not that I could have "company" over, but you get the idea.

What's changed you ask me? Well, I have been "living in the box." I have been trying a new system of keeping track of household chores. We used to have a Cleaning day. All we did that day was clean. But, it was boring and what if people came over the day Before cleaning day? So, I've been searching for a better alternative. Plus, with me being sick a month ago no one knew what to do. I have a list in my head of what needs to be done and when. But, if I'm sick, no one knows what to do. (plus, any idea how frustrating it is on both sides to have to ask all the time?)

So, I reread Sidetracked Home Executives. I had read it many, many years ago. It's a very basic idea. You make up index cards with daily, weekly, month, etc. with a single chore per card. You take a index card file box with dividers numbered 1-31 and January-December. Then you file your daily card in front of the proper day. I decided to have 3 cleaning days spread through-out the week. So, I took the weekly cards and divided them up among the three days. Then I took the monthly cards and divided them up among the cleaning days of the entire month. I looked at a calender and counted how many there were in the month. I went a little further, but you get the idea.

I have done this for almost 2 months now. I waited to post because I wanted to make sure I could do it before I talked about it. Because if I can do this ANYONE can do this!

So, to help you out, I am giving away the book! It has chore lists which is great because it listed things I had forgotten about. The book also has ideas to help get your kids helping. My older girls have their own box and it has been wonderful! To be entered in the give-away, just leave me a comment and I will draw at random. I know I have not had many comments yet, but don't let that stop you from being one of the first!

The give away will be open until this weekend, so hurry up!

Do you have a thief in you home?

2008-01-26T10:01:00.000-06:00

I'm not talking about your littles (thank goodness!) I'm talking about the little things in our homes that steal from us. I've come to see the TV and it's garbage as a thief. This may just be me and my family, but if the TV is on--even to something "educational" like PBS before I know it everyone is sitting in front of it. We are talking Barney here! Not even something interesting to anyone over the age of 2! And, again probably just in my home, if we are only going to watch "just 1 show" that turns into 3 or 4. It's not that the TV itself is bad, we just don't have the self-control to stay away. So, TV is stealing our time. I am going to seriously limit our TV again. We went over a year without one, and just recently it came back into our family. We need to re-evaluate.

I've also noticed that the beloved computer is a thief, too. I sit down to check my email and before I know it, I've played several hands of solitaire, checked my favorite blogs (again that day), checked and replied to my emails, and checked the news. I don't have time to do that, dare I say, several times a day. It happens to the kids, too. They are going to do one thing on the computer and spend 45 minutes there. Again, it's not that the computer is bad, but when it begins to take away time from being a wife and mother then something has to change. I think I need to come up with a better solution. So, computer is stealing our time.

What else should we be using this stolen time for? All the things I say I don't have time for! Reading the Bible. I do that, but can anyone do that too much? I could be spending serious time studying the Bible instead of just reading my 4 chapters a day. Cleaning house. I do that too, but with four littles there is always something to be done. Maybe I would have time to clean out a closet or two. Or maybe I would have time to do the little things I envy in other's homes, but, well you know, I don't have time for. I could maybe do some hobbies that I love. Maybe we really DO have the time to do things, but we are using that time in places it shouldn't be.

What are the thieves in your home? And what are you going to do about "cleaning them out"?

Praise the Lord for having a choice

2008-01-25T10:41:00.000-06:00

With the anniversary of Roe v Wade just behind us, I’ve been thinking a lot about the choices we have in life. No, I’m not “pro-choice” in the way that the world has taken it to mean. But, when I was growing up, my mama always told me that I always had a choice. Now, this wise woman was usually referring to my poor teenage decisions. And usually that choice of words made me mad. I did say I was a teenager. Anyway, she was right. We always have a choice. The thought that has been flying through my mind this past month has been, “I choose Joy.”

When bad things happen to us, and they will happen – they always do – we have a choice as to how we react. We can be bitter about our circumstances. We can ask the pointless “Why me?” We can be angry and take it out on our loved ones. OR, we can choose joy.

Sometimes joy happens to you. But most of the time you have to get it. In Isaiah, the Lord tells us that when the fire is around us it will not consume us and that when the water surrounds us it will not go over our head. Why, because God won’t let it. So, if there’s nothing that will happen to us that we can’t get though with Christ, why not have joy.

There’s a saying that laughing about situations is like changing a dirty diaper. It doesn’t change anything in the long run, but it makes the present a lot more bearable. My daughter recently asked why I wasn’t more upset at a recent sadness in our family. I told her, “I am choosing joy, sweetheart. We serve a sovereign God. This didn’t surprise Him and He only allows that which is best for us. It may not be what I want, but His ways are not our ways.” I’m not sure if she understood yet, but my example is what she’ll remember. I would hate it if she looked back on this time in our lives and remembered an angry, bitter mother; a mom that refused to get out of bed due to fear of what was outside the door. I choose joy.

I don’t know about you, but sometimes the role God created for me, the role of submissive wife and homeschooling mother is a bit overwhelming. But like I said, I’ve been bouncing this joy thing around in my mind. So, I started to choose joy when I felt that familiar overwhelmed feeling coming on again. Boy, what a difference in my home. My littles are fighting less. In fact, they are being more helpful than I remember. Could this wonderful turn-around be due to the fact that I’m more enjoyable to be with? Possibly; I’m going to blame it on Joy.

I would like to challenge you to choose joy this month. See what happens. Notice the changes that occur in your home. Let me know what you see.

Please forgive me!

2008-01-23T21:40:00.000-06:00

I am so sorry I've MIA for a while. We've had strep throat going through my house. I've had it and now MMD has it. He's really sick. I took him to the dr yesterday and he's on the dreaded antiboitics. I hate those things, but they do have their place.

But, all that aside, I have a new post ready that I'll post tomorrow. Have a great night.

The Joyful Housewife

New Year, Fresh Start

2008-01-07T21:06:00.000-06:00

Don't you love the New Year? I love the fresh feeling, like laundry right out of the dryer. Oops, I don't want to mess up this great feeling by talking about laundry. I have so many plans for the year and right now at the beginning of January, I still feel like I'll get them all done. Everyday feels so shiny and new. With as fast as years go these days, the feeling won't last that long. I have a lot of plans for this blog, too. Keep checking back and forward this address to your friends. What a year we'll have!

Home at last

2008-01-04T08:17:00.000-06:00

We made it home...it took 11.5 hours! We brought back a piano in a U-haul, so that really slowed us down. But, the kids were amazing troopers. Praise the Lord for DVD players.

Now, I just have to detox us from all the sugar we ate while at 2 different grandmas! Yikes. Almost everyone in the family has the sniffles or a cough of some kind. My boy has the worst cough. I've tried to treat him homepathicly, but I think he keeps getting antidoted somehow. So, I've got a call into the chiropractor today. I think it's all viral and will just have to "wear off."

I am going to attempt today to conquerer my pile of laundry. We left with a lot undone, with the miscarriage, it wasn't worth it to me to get it all done and wear myself down. So, now that I'm feeling fine...I've got a lot of work to do! Landry is something that has always been a struggle for me as a housewife. It's not that I hate doing it, it just I have a hard time getting it all the way done or done at all.

Well, enough of that. Have a great weekend!

SNOW!!

2007-12-28T09:34:00.000-06:00

We made it to my in-laws yesterday. My children have been praying for it to snow when we got to this grandma's house. We got here yesterday and this morning everything is blanketed with a beautiful coat of white! I will try to post some pictures if I can get my hands on someone's camera.

Merry Christmas!!

2007-12-25T20:23:00.000-06:00

I wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas. Here's what our day looked like:

We traveled 10.5 hours to get to my parents home on the 23rd. The littles did just great traveling, what a blessing! We were welcomed with lots of hugs. I was feeling pretty good because I rested all day Friday and as much of Saturday as I could. I was tired by the time we got there, but glad to be with my family.

We went to a candle light service at my parents' church. The Lord revealed some really wonderful things during the communion. He reminded me how much He loves me. I wish I had not gone through this miscarriage, but it has been such a wonderful time of fellowship with my Lord. I have felt His presence everyday. I have felt such warmth from being in His arms.

After church we came home and sang "Happy Birthday" to Jesus. My parents are foster parents and currently have 5 little ones of their own. So, with my family (6) plus my parents (7) plus sister #1 and her family plus sister (3) sister #2 (1) plus my baby sister and her intended (2), we had 19 people opening gifts. (And we were missing my brother, his wife and two children) But, it was controlled chaos.

We stayed up late and were woke up early this morning. My parents save one big present for Christmas morning and they are always so excited that they wake us up early. We even had to wake up the children! How's that for backward?

Our traditional Christmas dinner is fajitas. Not that traditional, I know, but it is for us. It was so delicious! My mom is a great cook.

This afternoon we looked at my baby sister's wedding dress. I had a hard time even breathing. I still remember her as a 4 year old little girl that followed me around everywhere. I'm 12 years older than her and she was like my baby. I can't believe she's getting married!

Well, I hope you are having a wonderful day, too. Leave me a comment and let me know your traditional Christmas dinner.

Being Held

2007-12-22T11:25:00.000-06:00

I was so excited this week to be able to announce that we were expecting #5. We had so much fun telling the kids. They were as excited as we were. It was really sweet.

But, yesterday we lost the baby. I was less than 6 weeks along. I stayed at home and my family ministered to me. I have to tell you how much the Lord has been with me during this time. I had heard a song "Held" that said that the promise was that when everything fell, we'd be held. I just cried out to the Lord to hold me. I felt very much like I was in His arms. And I had a peace that passes all understanding. My oldest asked my why I wasn't more upset. I told her that joy is a choice. That God is sovereign. He did this for His glory. Yes, we cried. And I'm still crying today. The first thought on my mind this morning was, "I miscarried yesterday." But, I was never alone. He was with me.

Here's the Youtube of the song I was talking about. I heard it again today and sobbed. But, not about the loss, but about the gain. The reminder of Who allowed me to survive.

Encouragement

2007-12-16T07:35:00.000-06:00

"Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for the people, say it." Acts 13:15b

Are you an encourager? Sometimes I am, sometimes I’m not. Sad, huh? There are days that I am full of wisdom and compassion. Then there are days I’m simply full of myself. Sometimes we as homeschoolers, as Christians get caught up in the daily battle, the fox hole to notice the hurting family in our church or support group. I admit, I usually hole up in my home until I see a mom waving the white flag of surrender. I don’t take time out of my schedule to notice before then. By the time they wave the flag, there’s not much I can say and not much listening that can help. By that time, she’s usually been hurting for awhile. Do we only want friends who are healthy, wealthy, and wise? Are sick, poor, and foolish friends too much of a drain on “me”?

We have support groups. I love my support groups—I’m part of 2—but how much do I share with these people? I am probably not going to share how many times I threatened public school (ok, in a yelling voice.) I’m not going to share my fantasies of putting my littles up on eBay. Why? I’m afraid of judgment. I’m afraid of losing friends. I’m afraid of being told that if I’d trained them better, prayed harder, had a more consistent quiet time, etc I wouldn’t be going through this. Why would I even assume my friends would think like that? Because, I’ve judged. I’ve distanced myself. Shame on me! What is God’s will on this? I’m almost too fearful to ask. God tells us in the book of James that by judging his brother, we are judging the law. Scary stuff.

I think it’s OK to disagree with our friends’ parenting, homeschooling style. I for one am glad we don’t all look alike, how boring. But, that shouldn’t prevent us from listening. We should be on the lookout for our friends in trouble. We should bear each other’s burdens. We should love our neighbor as our selves. (Mark 12-31)

If you are hurting, don’t wait until the pain is so bad you actually DO have your children on eBay. Homeschooling isn’t easy. Raising godly children isn’t easy. If it were, everyone would do it. Keep your eyes open. God will bring help in the most surprising ways. Don’t miss it. It may not look like what you are expecting. You may be let down by your sinful friends. Ok, probably more often than not. Don’t take it personally and don’t hold grudges. We all let our friends down (think Peter the night of Jesus’ arrest.) But, God will NEVER leave your nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:6.) You are never truly alone or even on your own.

So, Christian soldiers, remember we don’t leave a mom down. We don’t wait for her white flag. And, if we are hurting, we need to call for help at the first sign of trouble. If God had intended for us to be super-moms, I think He would have given us more arms.

Nightly Activities

2007-12-11T06:30:00.000-06:00

We got rid of our cable service almost a year ago. There were a lot of reasons for this, but that's another post. ;) So, we suddenly discovered we had a lot of free time in the evenings. What do you do with 4 children and 2 adults who were used to being passively entertained? Well, I came up with activities for each evening. Now, we don't always get to use these every week. Some weeks are just like that.

Monday--Quiet Night. We realized that we had a large stack of books that MMD and I wanted to tackle, but when? Well, we decided that if we had a "quiet night" we could get it done. That means no movies, video games or computer. The children are allowed to play quietly or read. MMD and I usually read or do in-depth Bible study.

Tuesday--Read aloud night. Sometimes I read or we listen to books on CD.

Wednesday--Art night. We used to do this and it was so much fun. I wish I could say that I would highlight a different artist and we would talk about that artist and try to copy their masterpiece. I don't. I choose a different medium, ie--water colors, clay, origami, pencil, markers, crayons, etc, and we would play around with it for the evening. Everyone loves art night.

Thursday--Game night. I have it difficult to find games that us adults find interesting and the littles can keep up with. Believe it or not, we love Monopoly. MMD recently got the new electronic one for his birthday. It's a lot of fun. Sometimes we break off and play games that require 2 and sometimes we all play together.

Friday--Pizza and Movies night, of course. We have been doing this one for 5+ years! It's a great tradition.

There you have it. Let me know what you do on different nights. I'm always looking for ideas.

Busy day!

2007-12-05T14:02:00.001-06:00

Just a quick note. I am so busy today. I have been going to physical therapy with my SIL in the mornings. It's water therapy, so I get a great workout. The only problem is that I come home so behind! I'm trying to think of ways to make working out and keeping up with the house work. Any suggestions?

Money Making Monday

2007-12-04T08:26:00.000-06:00

I know it's Tuesday, but I had troubles with my digital camera. I didn't get them resolved until this morning. So, here's my post that should have been yesterday.

A couple of weeks ago I posted about making baby items. This past weekend a dear friend of mine had a baby shower and requested one of my "Silkies." That's what we call them anyway. It's about the size of a hankie. One side is soft flannel and the other is satin. I try to make them really bright--not just pastels. My babies have used their silkies until they were 3-4 years old.

This is what you'll need to make one. I use 1/2 yard satin and 1/2 yard flannel. Then I fold the flannel into thirds width-wise and cut it. I also use 10 2 inch pieces of ribbon. I like to match my material, but because I usually go with such bright colors, you can have a large variety of ribbons.

Once I have cut the flannel (approx 14" x 21") I need to straighten the edges. I do this on my cutting mat with my rotary cutter.
Next, I lay the flannel on top of the satin. It doesn't matter if it's right sides together at this point. I again use my rotary cutter to make sure the pieces of fabric are the same. I should have ironed these pieces, but I was in a hurry. You know how that goes, right? My "sewing table" is an old drop leaf dining table. My MMD removed on of the leaves. It looks nice in our bedroom, I think.

This is what you have when you are finished cutting. Believe it or not, this is the hardest part of the entire project. I think it is hard to get them both the same size. Measuring is not my strong suit, so if you are better at that, this thing will be a breeze!

Time for ribbons! I have a large stash of ribbons, but when I started I would just get ribbons that matched the silkie was making (hence, how I built up my stash.) I use 5 for each size. They are about 2 inches long each. I place one in the center of each short end. Then I "eye-ball" and place 2 at the ends and 2 more in between each of the others. I told you I don't do well with measuring. I pin them down on the right side of the flannel. Make sure that they are facing inward. If they are facing outward, you will have to rip out...ask me how I know. ;) Then pin the satin onto the flannel, right sides together. Leave about a 5 inch opening on one of the sides so that you can turn it right side out when you are done.

Time to sew! I'm not sure if it is better to have the satin side down or not. It's how it worked out this time. I usually use a 5/8 inch seam on this part.

When you are done with that, trim the corners. I have done that here, maybe you can tell. Turn it right side out making sure that the corners are crisp. Nothing says "homemade" as opposed to "handmade" like rounded corners that aren't supposed to be rounded. Head to the iron now and press it well.

Back to the sewing machine. I used to hand stitch the opening closed, but with some babies, it came undone. So, I started top stitch it closed. Much faster, and more staying power.

That's it! It took longer to type this than it does to make it! I promise. I will sometimes cut a whole bunch and pin them all together. I don't sew it up until I have someone to give it to, because I pray for that baby, and family as I'm sewing. I tried to sell them on eBay, but they are too much like another product. So, I just make them for friends and sometimes they buy them for other people as gifts. It cost about $5 to make and I usually sell them for $10. I hope you enjoy! Leave me a comment. :)I forgot to tell you how to use them!! Be sure they are washed a bunch of times to make them soft and to smell like home. I usually would put it bed with us for a week so it would smell like Mommy. Then, it was with the baby ALL the time. I would lay the flannel side up and lay them on it for naps. I would use it block sunlight for naps in the car or at church. It also became a burp cloth (because I never remember the diaper bag) or a changing pad. If you are a nursery kind of mom, it helps little ones not miss mom so much, because they can smell her. It also helps the nursling sleep better through the night. My four littles have all loved theirs. I hope your do too.

I'm in LOVE!!

2007-11-30T21:00:00.000-06:00

I am hopelessly in love with my littles!!! I have always loved my kids. But, I didn't fall in love with my kids until I started homeschooling. When I was with them all day, I began to notice their personalities. When I first became a mom I was NOT going to homeschool. My oldest 2 went to Mother's Day Out from the age of 6 months. My oldest went to all day kindergarten. Praise God that He woke me up within the first 9 weeks and home she came. It was then that I discovered what an amazing child the Lord had blessed me with.

She's 11 now and I think I marvel at her more now than I did when she was an infant. She's very concerned with her hair. She spends a lot of time and product on her hair. It's beautiful. It's just so amazing that she's learning to do this. She did NOT learn it from me, I'll tell you that. My hair is just hair to me. I shampoo, rinse, no repeating. I use conditioner only because I have long hair and desire to be able to comb it. She's also very into not being a kid. We've talked about that in the next six month she'll be 12 and will no longer be a baby. She likes to cook and wants to do that all the time. If only I can instill the love of cleaning after cooking. But, we still have 6 months, right?

My 2nd oldest is 8. She is so sweet you almost need insulin around her! Almost. If she says someone is pretty, she always follows it up with "but not as pretty as you, Mommy." And she means it. We do have an eye doctor appt to check that out. She's got great questions about God. Tonight she had the sweetest look on her face. I asked her what she was thinking about...the response..."I'm just so amazed that God chose me. Think of it, Mom, ME! Amazing." I agree.

My 3rd is almost 6. What is it about #3? She is the life of the family. She's always making jokes and just about the cutest thing. She's learning to read and really doing great. She has self-assigned "Hop on Pop." But, only 2 pages a day, because she doesn't want to "hurt herself." Teaching littles to read is one of the most best parts of homeschooling. And I say this as a mom who had a late bloomer. Everyone waits for them to take their first step. Moms and Dads don't want to miss the grand moment. But, parents will allow someone else to teach them to read. Walking--that is something God programed into most kids. They don't do it because you taught it to them. They do it because God did. But, reading. They won't learn it unless you teach it to them. Without it, they can't read God's love letter to us. When they start to decode not just the words on the page, but the signs and words they have written, now that's something to capture on video.

Now, my 4th is my first boy. And he's all boy (except that tiny part of him that screams like a little girl. ;) It's been an adjustment, trying to get used to a boy. He's 3 now. He LOVES Spiderman. And one of my favorite things he does is when the garage door is going up, he pretends that he is the one lifting it. Then he looks to me for approval. When I tell him how strong he is, he just glows. He's so cute that training has been more of a challenge. But, because I love him, I do train him. Did I mention he's really into Spiderman? He's even turned the sign for I love you into the sign for making a web.

As I was loading us into the van today, I thought "Man, I am in love with these kids!" Some days, I ask MMD "isn't today 'Take your whinny 3 year old to work day?' For some reason it isn't. Go figure. But, for the most part, when I remember who I am (the one chosen by God to be their mom) and who He is (the creator of all things) they are such blessings.

A video and Organic food Info

2007-11-28T12:59:00.000-06:00

I cracked up at this video. I was surfing some blogs (a favorite tool for procrastination) and came across this video over at Joyful Mama's site. Maybe her and I have a thing in common, huh?

Oh, I also found this info over at Our Family News. I love finding places where someone has already done the footwork for me! Thanks Laura.

Passionate Housewife

2007-11-27T16:33:00.000-06:00

I received my Passionate Housewives in the mail today. I ordered it for my two best friends (other than my MMD of course) for Christmas. I ordered one for myself too. I tend to do that...buy things for myself during Christmas---this is the only time I shop for things that different than groceries. Anyway, I have read the preface and I am so excited!! I admit that it made me want to get the house in order before I read anymore of it. So, I am finishing up laundry and getting this out quickly before I get back to it.

Just a little teaser---tomorrow I'll be posting about the different activities we do during the evening. It's a lot of fun, keeps us from being bored and keeps us from the TV.

PS--if you would like to read the preface you can download it here.

Media Fast

2007-11-27T06:55:00.000-06:00

Sorry, I've been MIA last week. I decided to take a fast from media during the week of Thanksgiving. It was only AFTER the week was done that I thought about posting that I was going to do it! But, I'm back now with lots of great posts rattling around in my head. So, keep coming back.

Make your own Soda!

2007-11-17T12:36:00.000-06:00

I promised some recipes yesterday. Here's one of our favorites. My MMD loves to drink pop. I don't like spending the money on them. I won't even get into how bad they are for you...maybe another post. ;) But, I found these recipes in Eat Fat, Lose Fat by Mary Enig. We love them and they have the added befit of being good for you!

Place all ingredients in a 2-quart glass container, add grains, fill with water to make 2 quarts, cover tightly, and leave at room temp for 48 house. Strain the liquid through a non-metallic strainer.

Kefir Cream Soda
1/2 c Rapadura, Sucant, or maple sugar
1 T pure vanilla extract
Slices of organic lemon, lime or orange (opt)
kefir powder

Kefir Ginger Ale
4 T coarsely chopped fresh ginger
Juice of 4 limes
1/2 c Rapadura, Sucanat, or maple sugar

Kefir Lemonade
1 cup fresh lemon juice
1/2 c Rapadura, Sucanat, or maple sugar

Kefir Limeade with Mint
1 cup fresh lime juice
1/2 c Rapadura, Sucanat, or maple sugar
Several sprigs of fresh mint

I hope you enjoy these. They are so much less expensive than the stuff in the cans. And they are really easy to make.

Frugal Friday: Make your own

2007-11-16T16:33:00.000-06:00

Today's Frugal Friday tip is simple and has been repeated a hundred different times, but it is one of the best ones out there!

Make your own! Make anything and everything you can yourself at home. I make my own cleaner, my own laundry soap, bread, most all foods from scratch, planners, clothes, you name it--I've tried to make it! I will a lot of times see something and think to myself, I bet I can do that! And I usually do.

I will be posting recipes for all that I listed and more later, but I just wanted to pass along that tip.

Visit Crystal over at Biblical Womanhood for more tips. I love Fridays, don't you?

Taking time off

2007-11-14T09:59:00.000-06:00

Taking time off

Do you take enough time off? Do you work your schedule or does it work you? Homeschooling is the absolute best place for your children. But, some days, if you are like me, it starts to feel more like a burden than a blessing. So can our children for that matter. I usually keep trying to “tough it out” and finish the schedule. If I’ve planned to continue school until X on the calendar, we will work until X. No matter that the kids no longer are enjoying the learning. No matter that I wake each morning with a sense of dread. No matter that my beloved is afraid of coming home. We will finish when I had planned! But, is that wise? What am I teaching my littles? When this spiral starts in our home, I try to take a step back and remember WHY I’m homeschooling. Oh yeah, to raise my kids in the fear and admonition of the Lord. Yes, sticking to the schedule is important. But, if I am whining as much as they are, it’s time for a break.

What does a break look like? I have a friend that schools for 6 weeks then takes a week off. They use that time to deep-clean the house (that would be nice) and go on field trips. I love that idea. I have friends that follow the school schedule that gives them time off during the year and summer. I love that idea. We are not planned breakers. When I notice that we are biting at each other or that school is a struggle for me as well as them, we take a day off. I try to do something fun on that day. One time during a really bad week I folded the books and we went to the movies—during the day! We then went out to eat for lunch. The kids thought I was the world’s greatest mom again and I remembered what great people the Lord had allowed me to take care of. But, just this week we started the day with a movie at home, then did school. It was just nice to curl up with them and hold them.

Here I feel I must insert a word of caution. If you are the kind of mom that has trouble getting back to school after a break (you know who you are) then your breaks need to be SMALL. A week off is too long for you and you know it. Take an afternoon. Take a day. The important thing is to use the break and not get caught in it.

The holidays are coming up. Do you try to school AND make 17 different kinds of cookies? How is that working for you? (In the words of Dr. Phil.) Maybe this year, try taking the month of December off. I remember the first time I heard about a mom doing this. My first thought was, “A whole month? But, can I DO that?” We tried it. The holidays were wonderful that year. The next year, I didn’t try it for whatever reason was important at that time. The holidays were very hard. In fact, I tried to cancel them a couple of times, but the news stations kept right on talking about them. We’ve taken December off since then.

In Proverbs 31 the Lord tells us that a wise woman “looks well to the ways of her household.” That means more than just the state of order within the four walls God has given you. It also means the state of heart of your family.

Enjoy your littles and your beloved.

Money Making Monday

2007-11-12T11:26:00.000-06:00

Crystal, over at Money Saving Mom has great tips for saving money. She also has some great ideas for making money.

Here's one idea I've done in the past. I like to make baby gifts. Here's how I turn it into a money making product. When at the shower and someone asked where I got _________ (I make baby beanies, pacifier holders, blankies, etc.) I say that I made it. I then say that I also sell them. Usually, I leave a baby shower with at least one (or more) orders for the item I brought. Baby items are great because they are small and quick to make.

It's so much fun to help MMD! I love to ease his burden in any way I can. The extra money usually goes to help fund our book habit. What does your extra cash go for? Leave me a comment and let me know.

I'm back!

2007-11-10T10:28:00.000-06:00

Ok, so that was unpleasant! I had a 103-104 fever for 3 days!! But, today I feel better than I have yet, so maybe I'm on the mend. But, the down time did give me some ideas for my blog. I'm going to be posting them this week.

Feeling sick

2007-11-07T12:12:00.000-06:00

How fair is it that as soon as I start blogging, I get sick? Oh well. I'm achey all over! I've taken some homeopathics. I should start feeling better soon. It's hard on the littles to see mom under the weather. I think it's good practice for them to take care of me. They are doing such a great job. I've asked MMD (man of my dreams) to come home early this afternoon. That is major for me. But, I need someone to keep an eye on the littles because I am fixing to go to bed an only come out tomorrow! We'll see about that. I never was one for staying in bed.

Keeping it Simple

2007-11-05T15:13:00.000-06:00

Some days I wonder how I'm ever going to get it all done. Laundry, homeschool, housework, fun time with the littles, and energy left over for MMD (Man of My Dreams.)

I've learned a few things in the 7 years of homeschooling and the 13 years of marriage that help keep life around my castle calm and simple. Not a lot of things, mind you, but a few.

Time with the Lord. VERY important! Can you imagine not speaking with you spouse for days or weeks on end? It wouldn't take long for you to begin feeling frazzled and paranoid. I try to get up a little early. I had to train my littles to let me do that.
Keep it simple! I love routines. They keep us trucking along without too many distractions. But, if the schedule is in charge of you, time to change it. Homeschool doesn't look like public school. And that's ok, in fact it's great! Many days you can find us all over the downstairs. One child doing math on the computer, another doing math on the kitchen table, while I do phonics with the 1st grader on the couch in the living room and the 3 year old plays with toys on the floor.
Train your children. Not too long ago while I was working with the 1st grader on her phonics, I realized I was having a very bad morning. Why? Because the other kids had been trained to interrupt whenever they wanted me. I was helping a little one and poor thing, she had 3 siblings trying to steal my attention. I took a "mommy time-out" and went upstairs. There, I called out to the Lord. I realized I had trained them that their time was the most important thing in the world. I had NOT trained them to value other people. Shame on me. I went back downstairs and explained that principle. Yes, it took some reminding, but a few days later and the budding reader has mom's undivided attention for those 20 minutes.
Pick up the house. Sounds silly, huh? But, being in a house that is disorderly makes it difficult to think. And it doesn't look simple.
Learn to let go. So, you house doesn't look like the ones in the magazines, mine either! I had to let go of the idea that it would be perfect. I also had to let go that my homeschool would look like the ones I read about before I started homeschooling. That one was hard. I was going to have a 2nd grader reading at a high school level. It didn't happen that way. But, honestly, that idea of attaining what we perceive as perfect destroys a lot of joy.
Take breaks. I have a wonderful friend that schools for 6 weeks on/ 1 week off. During that week, they go to museums, clean the house, and play. I am a big fan of just taking one day when we need it. We try to do a field trip or (my personal favorite) go to the movies. Getting together with friends for a lunch is also a great way to stay connected with friends and to take a break.
Learn to stay home. Last year we got really busy. Every day or night of the week was busy with something. This year we stopped a lot of those activities. Those people weren't all that happy about us leaving, but the understood. The kids were not too excited either, but now they are glad. We do a lot more fun things at home than we used to, but that's another post. :)

That's a long list for a "few" things I've learned.

Enjoy being simple!