Our Birthday Boys!

We celebrated two special birthdays this month!  Jonathan turned a big 8 years old this year!  He is our fun-loving, ever quizzical son that makes life an exciting adventure!!   We had a wonderful day complete with dark chocolate cake topped with cream cheese frosting and chocolate strawberries...YUMMY!

Luke turned 14...I can't believe it!!  He has grown several inches during the past year and shows no sign of slowing down!  He has the heart of a true southern gentleman.  We enjoyed his favorite cake...strawberry with cream cheese frosting...Delicious!

We are so thankful for our two birthday boys...it is a blessing and an honor to be your parents!

Wordless Wednesday

A PEEK INSIDE A THOMAS KINKADE WINDOW

I found myself completely spellbound as I lingered in front of the various pieces of art in the Thomas Kinkade gallery.  Each painting was captivating, illuminating, and inviting.  One can close their eyes and feel that they are transported to one of the quaint, little villages where peace and perfection abound.  

I find myself at times looking at another woman and imagining that her life is just as perfect as a Thomas Kinkade painting.  After all...she sure seems to have it all together...she looks great, wears a smile, and don't even ask me about her hair!!  She has a wonderful husband, great kids, and all of her meals are nutritious and served on a beautifully decorated table.  She teaches a Sunday school class and visits the elderly weekly.  She maps out her curriculum a year in advance.  She is the ultimate Proverbs 31 WOMAN!!

Now, turn that last paragraph around...and imagine that someone is watching your life and sees you as all the things mentioned above!!  We do put our best foot forward when interacting with others...especially when outside of our own home.  We usually take the time to fix our hair, dab on a little color, and press our dress...and slip on shoes(my kids know that I am getting ready to go somewhere when I slip on the shoes).We clean up pretty good...as my mama always said!  

 For the LORD seeth not as a man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.

But the truth of the matter is...if someone takes a peek inside the window of my life...it isn't going to look like a Thomas Kinkade painting!

I remember reading a homeschooling magazine as a young, new to homeschooling mom, that featured a column that showed a day in the life of a homeschooling family.  I can vividly remember how totally inadequate I felt after spending a day in "their" life!!  Please don't misunderstand me...it was a wonderfully encouraging magazine.  It was a great blessing to our family during those first few years of homeschooling.  I later realized after a few years under my belt, that most of these were veteran homeschoolers...and let's admit it...most of us are going to report about a good day in our life.  But honestly...it probably would have helped me more at that point if the article went more like this....

A day in our life....

I reached over to hit the snooze button one more time on the obnoxious racket that was loud enough to wake the dead!!  At this point, my husband bounded out of bed and shouted, "I have a meeting this morning...did you turn the alarm off?"  The baby woke up screaming at all the commotion that was taking place in our room.  My husband got dressed in record time and puckered his lips in my general direction as he raced for the front door.

I changed the baby and sat down to nurse him as the two year old appeared at the door to let me know that he was wet along with his sheets and teddy bear.  I placed the baby in his bed, to which he responded with shrills of disagreement, as I cleaned his brother up and started the washer full of bedding.  The two year old finally settled in the rocking chair with me, the baby, and a dozen or so picture books.  After much rocking and a half a dozen or so readings of Are You my Mother, I put the baby down for his nap...or really the night since he had only slept for four hours!

By this time the four and six year old were up and having a difference of opinion as to the ownership of a chunky green tractor...I quickly dealt with that issue and we were off to see what our breakfast options were for the morning.  We were out of milk and only had enough bread for two of the children...so I divided the toast and added fruit to each plate...note to self:  Add milk and bread to the list.  At this point the baby could be heard by the four year old who decided to try to gather him up from his bed just as I steeped in the room.  Thankfully she had not had much success on her attempt to "get" the baby.  

The six year old was yelling that there was a man at the front door and I could hear him telling the man that his mommy was probably breast feeding his baby brother but he could come on in!!  I grabbed my rob and ran to the living room to greet the U.P.S. man whose face was the color of the tomatoes in our garden!!  

I bid him good day and sat down to have a talk with our little man of the house about strangers and the rules of the house which stated that he wasn't allowed to open the door.  It was now 9:30 and we were all in our p.j.s and a few of us....had jelly stained lips and sticky fingers.  The baby reminded me that he was still alone in his bed...and once again needed changing.  After clean up, I snuggled him in the swing by my chair in the living room and then gathered the rest of the chicks in hopes of restoring some sort of order!

After some whimpering, mostly mine, we marched to the bathroom and proceeded to scrub hands and faces, brush little teeth, and hopefully begin our day. And of course after a few potty breaks, clean up, and the like,  it was 10:30 when we finally settled into the big fluffy couch to enjoy read aloud.

The phone rang on our second page of Little House so I paused to answer.  It was the doctor's office...as I was explaining the symptoms of the two year old to the nurse, I heard a crash in the general direction of the living room.  I finished up the phone call and sprinted to the living room to see all three angelic children standing in a circle around my great aunt's vase...or should I say what was left of it.  

As I was placing each piece in a box...hoping to glue it back together, I heard my six year old yelling at the back door that he wasn't allowed to open the door because the U.P.S. man didn't really want to hear about breastfeeding and that grandma should come back later when mama was through picking up the broken pieces....to which my mother's laughter assured me that it was indeed grandma at the door!! 

I would fill you in on the rest of our day but it was pretty much down hill from here...so what's going on in your home?


O.K. so I may not have learned much about which language arts program to use or which math program works best for the kinesthetic learner...but it sure would have made me feel better...to know that I wasn't alone... and if that lady could persevere than so could I!!  My kids would grow and lessons would be done and life would still move forward...I would learn and grow too.  Real life, even for a Christian, is seldom a Thomas Kinkade painting...and that's O.K.  My Father sees my heart!!

Outside My Window

We have been snowbound off and on for the past couple of weeks...which has been wonderful for the most part.  The kids have loved playing in the white fluffy stuff and we've enjoyed watching movies, playing games, and chatting as we sip hot tea or cocoa.  I tend to love the cold crisp weather but a few in our home don't share my sentiment and are looking forward to a spring thaw!  I must admit that travel is not something that I care to participate in during these times of snow or ice....especially on our winding, rolling, country roads!! 

We have been disconnected from the world in more ways than just the snow...we haven't had internet service for the last couple of weeks!!  After I recovered from my initial withdrawal...I turned my attention to a few  neglected projects around the house...and  Paul and I began reading a book.  My dear friend, Jane, met the author and sent us an autographed copy!!   



I spotted three sets of cardinals visiting our feeder during the snow storm.  I quickly snapped this photo of one of the males while the female was perched on a limb above.

Reflections... 2009

January was a busy month!  Ethan attended Teen Pact Leadership School and was elected representative for the first time.  Lauren, Megan, and I were in the thick of wedding planning.  We had a lovely "girl" day as we assisted Megan in and out of a rack full of white, lacy, billowing, wedding gowns!  It was a "mama" moment when I saw the look on my daughter's face as she smiled at her reflection in the mirror!!

February was filled to overflowing with wedding showers, bridal portraits, and shopping for all things "wedding".  It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...bittersweet...the girls and I paused at times to soak in the moment!  We celebrated Luke's and Jonathan's birthday at the local bowling alley...it was a great day! 

March...the count down to the big day began!  A haze of busyness filled the first weeks of March...dress alterations, final fit on tuxes, decorations, flowers, food, and all the final preparations were winding down.  Before we knew it, the rehearsal night was upon us...and after bidding the wedding party good night, the work began!  We finally put the finishing touches on the church and reception hall in the wee hours of the night.  The ceremony was precious and our bride was absolutely glowing...she was a beautiful bride!  And we added one more son to the family.

April...We rested!    We did find the energy to attend a local tea party!!

May/June...Samuel's11th birthday was in May!!  He was so happy that Megan and Andrew came back for his birthday!  He finally got a paintball gun!  We took a family vacation at the end of the month and the first week of June to Virginia...a dream come true for a history lover like me!! I will never forget the feeling I had standing on the battleground at Yorktown.  Patriots gave their lives on this hallowed ground so that we could have freedom.  Sadness filled my heart at the thought of what is going on now in our country and how far we have drifted away from the source of that freedom, Jesus Christ.

It did feel quite odd without our Megan on the second row seat as we traveled...the kids wanted to go by and pick her up on the way!  We celebrated Paul's and Lauren's birthday on the road. We did stop by to visit Megan and Andrew on our way back home.   June also included a visit from my sister and her children...we had a great time chatting, sipping coffee, and generally catching up!

July began with the celebration of our country's birthday.  This was also the first birthday in which Megan celebrated in her new home.  I am sure that Andrew created a very special day for our birthday girl!

August was here before we knew it and Caleb turned a very big six years old!!  Megan made a special trip home to spend a few days with us...and help Caleb make his birthday cake:)   I cannot believe that my baby is six!! 

September...We paused to honor those who lost their lives on 9/11...we will never forget.  The gang spent a fun day hiking the trails and taking in the view to celebrate Andrew's and Ethan's birthday.  Lauren caught up with us for supper at the Texas Roadhouse and then we headed back home for cake and ice cream.

October...We enjoyed participating in a fund raiser for St. Jude Hospital.  The weather was wet and cool but the kids had a great time at the pumpkin patch.

November...Thanksgiving at Paul's mother's house.  We paused to reflect and give thanks for the many blessings bestowed upon our family. Paul and I took a delayed anniversary trip to the Smoky Mountains.  It was a much needed romantic get-a-way.  Paul surprised me with a visit to the Biltmore Estate...I love that man!!

December...We remembered our Savior's birth...the event that has forever changed the world and our lives. 

Christmas 2009

The celebration of the birth of our Savior was the theme during the month of December in our home.  We love to read Luke's account of Jesus' birth aloud.  Christmas music resounds throughout the house and the aroma of cookies greet loved ones at the door.  Much thought is given to those special gifts selected for family and friends and then lovingly tucked under the tree.

A visit to our State Capitol is an annual event...it just isn't Christmas time until you see the huge tree and the hand-carved, life-size Nativity on the grounds of the State Capitol.  Laughter and delight filled the air as we enjoyed catching up with extended family and friends during the month of December.  One of the sweetest memories will be of a homemade gift package from my niece and her family which consisted of pictures of the kids, stickers, verses, and a donation to a worthy cause in our name!    

Paul and I felt blessed beyond measure to have all of our children, along with our new son-in-law, around the table for our Christmas meal.  We cherish these special times as a family and we look forward to the Lord's plan for the new year!

Chocolate Mess

Jonathan, Caleb, and I recently spent an afternoon attending appointments and running errands.  These two little guys have the idea that they are just as "big" as their older brothers!!  So as often as we can, we slip away and have a day of enjoying being the "little guys" and mom!!  I know that these sweet times are not going to last forever and so I delight in these days of "small things"!!

After a very good report from the dentist, we ran a couple of the errands on our list and then went to their favorite spot for lunch!!  We giggled and talked and colored the menu while we were waiting for our order.  I noticed that the two of them seemed to have a bit of a plan brewing.  I caught on pretty fast as I could see their eyes light up at the sight of a certain chocolate dessert passing by our table every few minutes.

"Mommy", they both said with big eyes, "Can we have that chocolate mess if we finish our lunch?"  Now we don't usually splurge on dessert when we go out as a family...but I have to say that I was a gonner when I looked at those toothless grins and twinkling eyes!!  I suggested that they might practice the art of sharing...and of course as they say, the rest is history!  And of all the messes these little guys can find themselves in...I say, it might as well be a chocolate mess!  What a day!  What a memory! :)

Window Shopping

The three younger boys and I have enjoyed various outings during the last few weeks and we have had a ball!  They provided me with endless hours of comedy, and they threw in a few thought-provoking questions, just to keep me on my feet.  

Decorations were being donned on the store fronts and my two youngest ones became so excited that they wanted to start shopping...for the name each had drawn...and for themselves!!  I had to take a few minutes to explain the concept of "window shopping".  They both looked very surprised and the older asked, "you mean people really just look at all this stuff but don't buy it?" 

It still brings a smile to my face!!  I did explain that people do indeed go window shopping...and we were going to do just that on this outing so that we could really think about what we wanted to buy that special sibling this year...and just to have fun!!  Samuel expressed consent as long as lunch would actually be enjoyed and not just admired!! :)

We looked at toys, games, electronics, computer games, sports equipment, music, and believe it or not...hamsters and creepy crawly animals (my term) and such...which was the best part of the day according to the boys!!                     

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands!

Come, ye thankful people, come,

Raise the song of harvest-home:

All is safely gathered in.

Ere the winter storms begin:

God, our Maker, doth provide

For our wants to be supplied;                

Come to God's own temple, come,                                          

Raise the song of harvest-home.

                                        George J. Elvey

(Art work by Samuel)

This is my favorite Thanksgiving poem...I am sure my kids grow weary of it year after year!  I love Thanksgiving...the aromas, the tradition, the history that surrounds the holiday.  As we read aloud about the Pilgrims, I always seem to learn something new!  Their story teaches us much about faith and gratitude in the midst of perilous times.  As I reflect on the faithfulness of my Heavenly Father in my life, I feel blessed beyond measure.  He is my strength and my shield.

I am so thankful for my husband, Paul.  He holds my hand and my heart!  I am thankful for eight wonderful kids... Lauren, Megan, Andrew, Ethan, Luke, Samuel, Jonathan, Caleb and a new son-in-law, Andrew!!  My kids have taught me so much about the love of our Heavenly Father.  I love being a wife and a mother! 

I thank the Lord for my parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, and cousins!

I love hearing all the stories of the past and having so many to share the future with!

My life would not be complete without the inner circle of kindred spirits that the Lord has brought into my life!

You have encouraged me as a woman to always seek the Lord, to love my husband, and to cherish my children.  We have shared laughter and tears through the years!  My prayer is that I will be a Titus 2 woman used of God and a blessing to my family and others.

Be thankful unto Him, and bless His name.  For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting; And His truth endureth to all generations.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

Is it Monday Already?

I must admit that after a week of travel and a little slower pace... Monday seemed to be screaming in my ear!!  Packing to go on a trip is so much easier than putting everything back into its proper place upon the return home!!  It felt so good to be reunited as a family that the task at hand became less overwhelming. 

We enjoyed Bible study as we sipped coffee, juice, or milk.  It was a crisp morning and a nature walk was the next order of the day.  The boys were excited to see the nearby creek flowing rather quickly and then our dogs jumping in for a swim.  They picked up rocks and sticks and anything that was of interest as we started the hike back up the winding road.


One is given many chances to be a man; one can be a boy but once.
                                                                                Emery Pottle


What we have a right to expect of the American boy is that he shall turn out to be a good American man.  The
boy can best become a good man by being a good boy-----not a goody-goody boy, but just a plain good boy..."Good," in the largest sense, should include whatever is fine, straightforward, clean, and manly.
                                                                                                                      Theodore Roosevelt