Half Dozen Blessings

Im still here!

2010-09-20T17:38:00.000-07:00

my baby (almost 1 yr old)

Boy oh boy does time have a way of slipping by. Were still and doing just fine. We've had a sick baby in the house for the past few days, but he's feeling much better now, thank you Lord. I think it was mostly teething combined with a little bit of a cold. He had a fever for a couple days but today he has been much, much better! So now Im able to get a little bit done that I haven't been able to do with him being so cranky.

We've been back in school for a few weeks and its doing good. I'm loving the Charlotte Mason method. Its so great for our family. Were able to get so much subjects in a day, but it doesn't feel that way and it doesn't take all day either. Were just finding the "learning moments" in life outside of just curriculum. Right now the kids are watching "America-The Story of Us" about the great depression and WWII. We just studied the great depression the last couple weeks and were going to start on WWII this week. So they're really putting a picture in their mind and reinforcing what they learned.

Jeremiah is doing well also, he's learning more letter sounds and starting to do a little copywork. Were going slow but he's making progress and were enjoying it. The boys (Jonathan, Nathan and David) are going to play baseball this spring. So that will defineately make for busy saturdays for us, but they're so excited. So that'll be fun!

This friday Joseph turns one! I cannot believe I am typing those words. Its been hard for me dealing with him turning one. I usually dont get sad about my kids turing one, but maybe I'm getting sensitive with my age or something, but I think this year went way too fast and I dont like it one bit!!! He is my sweet baby though. A cuddler still and starting to say words. He says "bye-bye" and waves, he says, "no-no-no" and "ni-night and he'll lay his head down. He's such a blessing to us , as all of our kids are! Anyway, that was a brief update and I"ll be back with pics of Joseph's birthday party this saturday! Also, I have a picture appt for him this friday. So I'll be updating with pics soon!

Love and Blessings,

Heather

First Day Back...in pictures (and other stuff)

2010-08-30T14:19:00.000-07:00

Jonathan practicing his violin

Miah learning a new letter

my new red front door

Miah's work

Kids working

a nice way to start the day....

First Day Back

2010-08-30T07:28:00.000-07:00

First I'll start with some pictures...

( My monkey climbing the tree out front)
(tree house Daddy's working on for the kids)

(cousin Ashley with JoJo)

(My JoJo)

(my mouse )

Were offically starting school today! Praying for a wonderful start to an exciting school year. I'm very excited to be started the Charlotte Mason method of schooling the kids, so we are all very excited to be getting started. I will have pictures and updates after our day ends and hopefully it'll give me a chance to get back on here and do some house cleaning. It's been way too long again....

Updates however...our dear friends had their first baby on Friday. Gracie Mae came into the world at 1:00 in the afternoon happy and healthy and mama is too. So we are so super excited for them and hope to see them soon. They live in Colorado and we dont get to see them as much as we'd like but pictures are priceless!

Where oh where has the time gone????

2010-08-11T21:39:00.000-07:00

Are you kidding me that it's seriously August and I havent been on here since the end of June. Life is busy yes, but seriously, over a month!!! I"m a horrible blogger...lol!

Well lets see its been summer, so days have been blur and turned into weeks. But that's the fun of summer I guess. We've been just really hanging out and not doing anything too exciting, aside from painting! Yes, in my world thats very exciting. Our house when we bought it was painted brown....everywhere....it started feeling like a dungeon. So we decided it was time for a change and went with a very light cream color! What a difference, it feels like a different house! That's been taking up most of my time lately.

The kids and I are taking a break from school and just enjoying the lazy days of summer. I just ordered most of their books for this year, so we'll probably get started the end of the month or early September. I am getting excited to start, and we have such a great group this year with so many activities planned.

My sister is pregnant and having another girl due in January. My sweet neice Kate just turned 1 a couple weeks ago, our dear friends in Colorado are expecting their first little girl anytime so its an exciting time right now.

The kids are doing great, happy and healthy and that's all you can ask for right! Joseph is 10 months old now and crawling all over the place, pulling up on everything he can. He plays peek-a-boo now and says mama and dada and waves bye bye. He's growing up way to fast for me I'll tell ya!

Well we just got home from church and I"m getting tired so I'll sign off for now, and defineately try to make more of an effort to update more often!

Blessings,

Heather

Wordless Wednesday

2010-06-30T17:16:00.000-07:00

2010-06-30 jojo crawling (6-30-10)

2010-06-30T11:44:00.000-07:00

Today is a bittersweet day. JoJo decided to crawl today.. I'm proud of my baby but not too happy that he's growing up so fast!

Blessings!

Heather

They took the plunge!

2010-06-28T09:26:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! Well let me say that this weekend turned out to be awesome! We were so looking forward to seeing family we haven't seen in several years when last minute the plans got cancelled...:-( It was very dissapointing for all of us, but the Lord has ways of turning our mourning into dancing right! So last minute we decide to go to Spring Valley Lake where our church was having a picnic and baptisms. It was so wonderful to fellowship and meet some new people. There was playing in sand and water for the little ones and relaxation for us grown-ups. We also had worship and some teaching and then the baptisms! Thirty-nine were baptized in all, 2 of those were my boys....
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(Acts 2:38) - Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

(I Corinthians 12:13) -For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether bond or free; and were all given to drink into one Spirit.

(I Peter 3:21) - This is a symbol of baptism, which now saves you—not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Blessings!

Heather

My daughter the entrepreneur

2010-06-16T13:39:00.000-07:00

My daughter has such an entrepreneurial spirit about her! She has made several notebooks completely from scratch with cardboard and fabric and has even sold them! She sold them for $1 each and sold four of them! I do not know where she got her creativity and ambition from, but wherever and whomever I'm super proud!

Blessings!

Heather

2010-06-05T19:28:00.000-07:00

1. If you could go back to college would you change your major? Or, if you were to go to college right now...what major would you choose?

Well back when I was in college I was taking law classes to become a paralegal. If I were to go back now, I would probably take history classes. It interests me so much now as I'm getting older and I cant get enough of it. I would defineately also take some college level bible classes as well! Hmmmmm.....you never know maybe I'll just do that some day!

2. What do you love most about your home?

I love the people inside it! As corny as that sounds its true. I love all my decor stuff and crafty stuff but without everyone in it it just wouldn't matter.
3. What types of books do you like to read (if you like to read at all)?

I LOVE to read! I dont get to do as much aside from the bible as I'd like but when I do I love christian fiction, history and biographies!

4. What is the grossest thing you've ever eaten?

Hmmmm....this ones hard because I'm extremely picky so I dont go out of my comfort zone that often. But I'd have to say fish of somekind that hubby had me try. I finally, after much pursuading tried it and with my luck it had a bone in it! YUCK!!!

5. If you HAD to be a character on a TV show, whom would you be?

Oh this one's easy, I'd be Caroline Ingalls from Little House on the Prairie. I wish always I could have her patient and quiet spirit!

Blessings all!

Heather

Memorial Weekend

2010-06-01T09:17:00.000-07:00

Happy Tuesday, Happy June and hopefully a Happy and safe Memorial Day weekend to you all! We had a wonderful weekend around here, a bbq here on Saturday and another one at my sisters yesterday. The kids got to see their cousins plenty and fun was had by all! It was a great weekend of family, relaxing and appreciation for the sacrifice made by the many, many men and women's who paid the ultimate price for our freedom.

My flag is still raised and blowing gently in the breeze this morning. I won't take it down, I usually have one out year around. I think it's beautiful and love to see it daily! I'm so thankful for the life I've been graced with. It can only be by the grace of God that I've been given everything and everyone that I have. Certainly nothing I've done would or could warrant such favor. Six healthy kids who love Jesus, a husband who support and leads his family in the ways of the Lord and tries to live his life by His standards, and family who is supporting and always there no matter what, a home, a free country, an awesome church, the blessed opportunity to homeschool all my kids...I'm awestruck today and beyond thankful....

Some pics of the past few days...

My beautiful Mama!

My handsome hubby

my oldest son, Jonathan

my second born son, Nathan

my beautiful sis and her miracle baby, my neice, Katie...

Grammie and all 10 of her grandkids!

my sweet boy, Joseph

precious Katie

a beautiful hibiscus in my sis' backyard

I also got to meet a sweet friend face to face at the grocery store over the weekend! Her name is Marcia and she has a beautiful blog http://blessedmomssimplehome.blogspot.com . I was a blessing to meet you in person sweet friend!

Blessings!

Heather

Five Question Friday

2010-05-14T18:50:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday everyone! Again it's 5 question friday...you can click on the button on the left of my page and it'll take you to My Little Life where I get these fun questions!

1. Take your pick...date night, girls night out, or night out alone?

I"d probably have to say date night....with 6 kids we dont get to go out very often!

2. Can you touch your nose with your tongue?

Uh no...if you can...wow that's quite an accomplishment~:-)

3. What is your favorite flower and why?

Well if you know me I could hardly pick one, but I will say right now probably an Iris. I have some outside that are in bloom and they are BEAUTIFUL!

4. If you could go back in time, what advice would you give yourself?

Walk with God...I would've avoided a lot of bad choices if I did.

5. If you won the lottery, what is the very first thing you would do?

Tithe, then buy houses for all my kids!

Blessings everyone!

Heather

My! Where has the time gone?

2010-05-13T07:48:00.000-07:00

I'm finding is easier and easier to have a couple weeks go by and not even realize it! Its been crazy around here lately. Let's see we've had butterfly life cycle co-op last week, swim date, camping for Mother's day weekend, butterfly co-op part 2 this week and the museum of natural history and California science center, oh yeah the the "pavilion of wings" yesterday! Phew....I'm tired....Very happy to be home with nothing on the agenda till this weekend....

Let's recap....

in the past couple of weeks Joseph has started babbling...something like "bababababa...." and "dadadadada...." and "gagagagagaga......" my plan is to get him on video today as soon as my battery charges and post that. It's too cute for words and typing it does absolutely no justice! Jeremiah can write his name now. I"m so proud of him and Jeremiah is not an easy name to master! Here's is first time writing it on his own....

I have many, many pictures of our swim date and our camping weekend, click here to see those. The swim date was fun at a dear friends house who I"ve gotten the pleasure of getting to know more the last couple months. The kids had great time in the water and Nathan really mastered swimming! Hannah is running a close second and Jonathan did great, he's just a little more cautious than the others. David and Jeremiah stayed in the shallow part and played. It was a lot of fun!

Camping was great! It was much colder than we expected though. Saturday when we got there it was hot but my the late afternoon the wind kicked in and it got really cold at night. Sunday was off and on clouds, and windy at times. But despite the weather it was a lot of fun and the kids played and played and got filthy dirty! But that's camping right? I loved it! We cant wait to go again, hopefully during the summer!

Anyway, I hope you are all having a great month of May and that you enjoy the pictures of the kids. Again,I will try to post a video of JoJo "talking" soon...

Blessings,

Heather

5 Question Friday

2010-04-29T20:19:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! This is my first time doing this blog party called "five question Friday", it seems like a fun way to get to know everyone and spark some interesting memories maybe..:-) I put a button on my page to Mama M's blog My Little Life or click here and it'll take you to it! Here we go...

1. If you could, would you go back to high school?

NO WAY!!! I was very shy and never felt like I connected with anyone...I envy my kids being homeschooled...I wish had been several times...but life happens for a reason and I'm sure I'm the person I am today because of those experiences...

2. If a genie appeared and granted you two wishes, what would they be? (And, no saying "more wishes".)

No saying "more wishes" ...bummer...well, hmmm...I"d probably say the salvation of all my friends and family and second health for all my friends and family....

3. What kids show do you secretly like?

Phineas and Ferb is pretty funny...

4. What is your beverage of choice?

Oh man I so want to say soda, but I"m off the stuff so I will have to say V8 splash or V8 fusion, anyone try the blackberry pomegranate????? so so yummy, there's no way theres a full serving of veggies and fruit in that stuff but it says there is and that enough for me!

5. What is something that you would change about yourself (or are working to change in yourself)?

Patience....I don't have much...anyone have any to spare??? I'm looking for some, seriously, I pay ya!!! ;-)...the Lord know how hard I'm trying and I'm so grateful for His patience with me and His loving grace....

Blessings all!

Heather

growin seeds

2010-04-23T10:54:00.000-07:00

Nathan and his sunflowers
Jonathan and his peppers (that haven't yet sprouted...:-( )
Jeremiah and his white morning glories
Hannah and her cosmos
David and his blue morning glories

The kids planted some seeds for a science project about 3 weeks ago and they're making some progress! Well all except for poor Jonathan's....I don't know but we might to go start a new pot with him...:-( Poor guy was so excited to grow pepper and none of them germinated! So we may get some new seeds today and start again. The other kids however are making great progress!

Blessings all!

Heather

Baking bread during a springtime storm

2010-04-23T10:05:00.000-07:00

Hey all! Well we've had some interesting weather around here the past week. Last weekend felt like summer and by Tuesday morning it felt like the middle of winter. We got snow on Wednesday night and tomorrow its supposed reach 80 degrees! Its been crazy! Anyway to pass the time yesterday while it was still cold the kids and I decided to bake bread. It was a first for me and turned out to be really, really good! Here's some pics of that and the beautiful sky after the storm...

Weekend fun!

2010-04-11T19:30:00.001-07:00

Well we went to Brea this weekend to see hubby's family for Easter since we didn't see them last weekend. The kids had an Easter egg hunt, again, and we visited there for awhile. The weather was beautiful and we were able to get some really cute picture outside. Above is a snippet of those. Afterwards, we ended up driving down to Newport. The kids waded in the water and play in the sand. Again, a beautiful ending to a perfect day! I hope you all were as blessed as we were this weekend!

Shalom!

Heather

Easter 2010

2010-04-07T07:38:00.000-07:00

Hey all! Okay it's Wednesday....its been a long weekend for us. The kids and I aren't doing school this week, so were on our spring break and I figured while they're all sleeping I should get caught up on this stuff, (uploading pictures and blogging, email and such). So my pictures are uploading as we speak and let me say there's much more than Easter on my camera.

Last week, for science, the kids each planted their own seeds. They are responsible for watering them often so they sprout and then were going to watch them grow and blossom into a plant and when its time, were going to harvest the seeds so keep and plant again. So I got some pics of them planting.

Of course Easter was on Sunday and the kids had a blast, we did too by the way! It was really a nice Easter. We went to church that morning and it was wonderful! Joseph slept through the entire service which added to the blessing! He is getting checked into the nursery starting this weekend though. He's 6 months old now and Mama needs a couple hours! :) Oh yeah and the kids and I made it to good Friday service at noon that Friday and took communion also, that was really nice.

Anyway, after Easter the boys (Jonathan and Nathan) spent the night and Auntie Annie's and the girls (Ashley and Hailey) spent the night with us. Two night actually. And yesterday my sister and my mom and dad came up and Annie and I took the kids to spend their Easter money at the mall while Grammie and Papa and Daddy watched Joseph and Katie. So it was nice to get out minus babies!

So there has been a lot going on. I have a quarterly homeschooling meeting tonight which means I have to take all the kids since Chris will be at work. So I hope they're well behaved and its not too long of a meeting.....wish me luck!

Enjoy the pics! Click here to see them!

Blessings!

Heather

Virtual Easter Basket

2010-04-03T21:23:00.001-07:00

Thanks Melissa at My 2 Blessings for sending me this virtual Easter Basket!

This basket didn't cost a thing but it's worth 10.00 to the Children's Miracle Network! Here's how it works:

Hershey's is partnering with bloggers to donate $5,000 to the Children's Miracle Network! They are hosting a blog hop and for each blog entry, Hershey's will donate $10 to the Children's Miracle Network.

Hershey’s Better Basket Blog Hop Rules

1. Copy and paste these rules to your blog post.
2. Create a blog post giving a virtual Easter Basket to another blogger — you can give as many Virtual Baskets as you want!
3. Link back to the person who gave you an Easter Basket.
4. Let each person you are giving a Virtual Basket know you have given them a Basket.
5. Leave your link at Better Basket info in the comment section. You can also find the official rules of this betterbasket blog hop and more information about Better Basket with Hershey’s there.
6. Hershey’s is donating $10 per blog participating in the Better Basket Blog Hop to Children’s Miracle Network (up to a total of $5000 by blog posts written by April 4, 2010).
7. Please note that only one blog post per blog url will count towards the donation.

Hopefully the following bloggers will also participate and accept my virtual Easter Basket!

Marcia at Blessed Mom's Simple Home

Shanna at Learning at His Feet

Serving Him at Home

Blessings,

Heather

C-R-O-S-S

2010-03-30T13:37:00.001-07:00

This is taken from an Easter flyer I was given by one of our neighbors!

The C in cross is for Christ. Christ, the Son of God, died on the cross.

"But God proves His own love for us, that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" Romans 5:8

The R is cross in for Reason. The reason Christ died is for sin.

"For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous [that was Jesus] for the unrighteous [that was us], that He might bring you to God." 1 Peter 3:18

The O in Cross is for Outcome. The outcome of sin is death.

" For the wages of sin is death." Romans 6:23

The S in cross in for Substitute. Jesus was our substitute on the cross.

" He made the One who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. " 2 Corinthians 5:21

The last S in cross is for Salvation. Because Jesus is our substitute, He is the only one who can offer salvation.

Salvation includes the forgiveness of sin and the gift of eternal life.

My prayer is that all would see the gift they have in Christ. That He is a gentleman and is waiting patiently to be invited into their hearts. May we all see many more miracles this Easter in the salvation of our family and friends!

Blessings!

Jeremiah

2010-03-28T07:27:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Jeremiah and Chris went to Lowe's to get a few things for the house. As they were driving Jeremiah (out of the clear blue) asks-

"Daddy, why when you go to Northrop Grumman (chris' work) do you always kiss Mommy?"

Chris- "Because I love her"

Jeremiah-"But why do you always kiss her?"

Chris-"Because I'm leaving for work and I love her and that how we say good bye"

Jeremiah- silence

Chris-"Do you think that's silly?"

Jeremiah-"Yeah" (smiling)

It's so cute the things they notice everyday and the most random time they'll choose to bring it up. I'm sure it was because he had one on one time with Daddy yesterday so he felt that was a good opportunity to ask. LOL! He's so cute....here's one more from Friday....

were getting ready for bed and all the kids are sleeping in the boys room together (a sleep over) my kids do this alot. Jeremiah comes out...

Jeremiah-"I dont want to sleep with kids anymore"

Mommy-"why?"

Jeremiah"because they keep being mean, they wont let me talk anymore"

Mommy-"miah, its time to sleep you cant keep talking"

Jeremiah-"well I want to"

Mommy-"I know but the kids are tired and they want to sleep now. Do you want to lay on the little couch out here with me?"

Jeremiah-"well were is daddy gonna sleep? cause when hes sleeping he keeps "noring" and it's to to to to to to to loud and I keep telling him, Daddy can you stop making that noise it keeps waking me up!"

LOL!

Blessings!

what we'e been up to!

2010-03-27T09:49:00.001-07:00

Hey everyone! Here's some pics of what we've been working on...The patio is done. I mean we still need to get some furniture in there eventually but for now, it serves as a great place for school and for play. We also painted the shed (we call it the barn now :-) ), I think I mentioned that in an earlier post. But here's some pics of that too!

Blessings!

Heather

Were still here!

2010-03-22T19:43:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! My goodness I dont know how long its been since I"ve been on here! But were still here, still alive and kickin! It's been super busy and I "ve been adjusting to homeschooling as well. Which has been going great by the way. We have our moments of course but for the most part its been a really good experience! Here's what what weve been up too...

We had a field trip last wednesday...a community events trip. We toured the fire station, animal hospital and went to pizza hut where they got to tour the kitchen and make their own pizza! Saturday we had a family bbq and Sunday we had a 90th birthday party in murrieta hot springs for Chris' uncle. We had park day today, which I missed...I mean I seriously forgot about it until Hannah looked at the calendar and said we had park day at 10:45 today and it was like noon! AAAAHHHHH....oh well that's what happens to a busy Mama sometimes I guess :-)

We also painted and carpeted our patio, which I"ll get picture of as soon as I get everything back in there. We also have been painting our shed (it looks like a red barn)....

Oh yeah my son also turned 11 during all this too! :-)

Blessings,

Heather

The Heart of Worship

2010-03-10T21:10:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone! Just got back from church tonight! It was great, as usual. :-) But one of the songs we sang is really why I'm writing tonight. "The Heart of Worship" by Matt Redman. Here's the lyrics:

When the music fades
And all is stripped away
And I simply come
Longing just to bring
Something that's of worth
That will bless your heart

I'll bring You more than a song
For a song in itself
Is not what You have required
You search much deeper within
Through the ways things appear
You're looking into my heart

I'm coming back to the heart of worship
And it's all about You
All about You, Jesus
I'm sorry Lord for the thing I've made it
When it's all about You
It's all about You Jesus

King of endless worth
No one could express
How much You deserve
Though I'm weak and poor
All I have is Yours
Every single breath

I'll bring You more than just a song
For a song in itself
Is not what You have required
You search much deeper within
Through the way things appear
You're looking into my heart

I'm coming back to the heart of worship
And it's all about You
All about You, Jesus
I'm sorry Lord for the thing I've made it
When it's all about You
It's all about You Jesus

Its all about you
Jesus

Anyway I haven't sung this at church for quite awhile, but every time I hear it I think of the same occasion. Almost 10 years ago now, it was right after I got saved and we were living in our apartment in Corona. My Dad was over and he gave me the Matt Redman CD with " Heart of Worship" on it. And he told me " listen to this song, full blast, (LOL) because this is the best feeling, right now, just being saved. Your not always going to feel like this. It fades and gets harder."

But right then it was so new and the fire so strong and the hunger for God and everything about Him is so new. It like having the scales taken from your eyes and seeing everything for the first time. And in a sense you are. The Holy Spirit comes into your heart and you do see things differently. You can't have the right perspective without Him.

Anyway, as I think back about that time. It's funny how you remember certain things. But I just remember that so clearly for some reason. And every time I hear that song I think about my Dad. I am so thankful for him and my mom. For their relentless prayers for me and my hubby! Now fast forwarding 10 years. I cant believe that! 10 years this July to be exact! But its true what my dad told me. It fades. Its not so easy all the time. Sin creeps back in, temptation knocks and I fell. I got back up again, but still....Its like going on a hike. In the morning, the sun is shining and beautiful and everything is new and fresh and off I go with a spring in
my step. Everything is new and exciting. And noon comes and the sun is still shining but its getting hotter, the spring in my step is now a steady slower walk, I'm not looking around and enjoying the view as much but more concentrating on the walk. Thirst starts settling in and sweat forming, legs aching, back cramping....still walking...but really tired now and stumbling on branches and tree roots. Now I'm hungry and have skinned up knees, thirsty and sweaty....The walk never changed. The sun never changed. The trees and the birds and flowers never changed....I changed. My focus changed. Reality sets in. Its the same exact thing with my Christian walk. But when I stop and rest in Him and drink from His Spirit and eat from His word. I'm revived again and my whole perspective changes. That song does that for me. It a wake up call for me about not letting the mundane redundancy of life turn my walk with the Lord into a chore, but that it may turn back into "the heart of worship"!

Blessings everyone! Have a great night!

Heather

Our Journey Begins....

2010-03-03T16:15:00.000-08:00

With much anticipation I write this post today. After many, many days, weeks even of prayer and conscious thought and years of it being in the back of my mind, I can say now that its official....I've officially surrendered to what I've known for a long time I should do, that God wants it of me and my husband that maybe after a long time of wondering what my gifts are and how I should use them, I now know.

A couple weeks ago I got a call from the kids school and my oldest was in the office, again. Usually never sick, though while there, he was. It started becoming a pretty regular occurrence around here. I chalked it up to typical kids stuff at school and they'd get over it. Although I wouldn't. It started coming to me, to the surface and I realized I need to deal with it in prayer and talking with my husband.

We sat down and talked about it and both of us prayed about and we both came to the decision that to home school our kids was what we needed to do. No, not because the kids were getting messed with at school, although that is never a nice thought for a mother, but deeper and much more powerful than that.

I've been given 6 kids, a husband who somehow in this economy provides for us, for all our needs and more without me having to work. And I though yes, my kids would probably be fine in school, they'd grown up and everything would become a memory and they'd go on the live productive and meaningful lives. But what if I could give them more? What if I could do more?

So I started really giving this real thought. Not passing and fleeting ones. Real thought that I could do this. So Chris and I talked and decided to look into our options and after much, much studying on it we decided that we were going to teach our kids at home through a private christian school. Meaning we supply the curriculum and teach them but we meet every 3 months with the school and go over work and stuff and make sure the kids are where they need to be. They are also state tested every April. This for me was a good place to start. I'm not completely out there on my own filing independently and floundering but with enough help and guidance to give me confidence and support. It also doesn't hurt to have a great circle of ladies around me who do home school and to get their encouragement and support is so valuable. I could not put a price on what that means to me.

I haven't told anyone, only a select couple of people to get advice and information from. And I did that because I wanted to make sure this was from God and not something I wanted only. But I do have the confidence and faith to know that God wouldn't want this from me if I wasn't designed to do it. It's going to be hard, I'm sure I'm going to have days where I question my decision, but to give my kids a quality education with one on one attention and to be able to share and learn with them, isn't something I"m willing to give up because I'm scared of what people think or because it might be hard sometimes.

So....there's it is. Our journey begins....I hope you enjoy the ride with me and I try to document our days as best I can and keep you all posted as to how do starting out! I've been blessed with so much encouragement and advice and have already stockpiled many, many books from very generous people! I'm excited and and scared all at once and your prayers would be coveted!

Love and Blessings!

Heather

All kinds of weekend happenings!

2010-03-01T07:40:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone! Well we sure were busy this weekend! I hope you all had a great weekend just as we did.

Saturday we had a family bbq and my sisters house! Rain or shine, and it sure did rain, but I think thats part of what made it so much fun. The kids had fun running and playing in the rain (even though they weren't supposed to!) But they were jumping over puddles and the little ones, jumping in them. We all hung out in the garage and had some yummy bbq and playing pool and stuff. It was just a great day of spending time with family, so much fun!

Sunday was church and then we prepped and painted the enclosed patio. It came out so good! I'm glad were getting it done, I've got big plans for that room but I'll get into that another time....It's not completely done we still have to do around the windows and the baseboards will come after its carpeted. Should all happen in the next couple weeks. We had some water damage from all the rain and the patio not being properly sealed when it was built. But were drying it out right now and as soon and thats ready we'll do ahead with the carpet and then the baseboard will be last. Then I can get start getting set up how I want it!

I have pics of our weekend too, click here to see those!

Well I sure hope you all have a wonderful week! By the way, please say a prayer for my sister in law and brother, she lost her job on friday that she had for 5 years. Please pray for open doors and a better opportunity to come their way!

Love and Blessings!

Heather

Homemade laundry soap

2010-02-25T16:19:00.000-08:00

Hey all! I've been a busy, busy bee today! Gotten a lot done and that's always awesome for me! I was able to get the floors vacuumed and mopped, dusted, watered outside and even made our own laundry detergent! Yep the kids and I just finished and it was so fun to do. I got the recipe from my friend Tara (thank you friend!)and got what I needed today at the store! Here's the reciped for those of you who want to try:

Homemade Liquid Laundry Soap-Front or top load machine-best value:

4 cups- hot tap water

1 fels-naptha soap bar

1 cup- arm & hammer super washing soda *

1/2 cup Borax

-Grate bar of soap and add to saucepan with water. Stir continually over medium-low heat until soap dissolves and is melted.

-Fill a 5 gallon bucket half full of hot tap water. Add melted soap, washing soda and borax. Stir well until all powder if dissolved. Fill a bucket to top with more hot water. Stir, cover and let sit overnight to thicken.

-Stir and fill a used, clean, laundry soap dispenser half full with soap and then fill the rest of the way with tap water. Shake before each use. (will gel)

-Optional: You can add 10-15 drops of essential oil per 2 gallons. Add once soap has cooled. Ideas: lavender, rosemary, tea tree oil.

-Yield: Liquid soap recipe makes 10 gallons.

-Top Load Machine- 5/8 cup per load (approx. 180 loads)

-Front load Machine-1/4 cup per load (approx. 640 loads)

*Make sure you buy Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda NOT detergent. It must be sodium carbonate!

Ours is now sitting overnight to thicken. I'm going to add some oils to it make it smell oh so pretty! And then we'll try it out! It was a fun experience for us. Weve never made our own detergent before so its always a good learning adventure for all of us!

Anyways, let me know if you try it!

Love and Blessings,

Heather

And he laughs...!

2010-02-22T11:16:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. We did despite the yucky weather...I'm sure happy the sun is starting to shine again! Well I got Joseph to laugh yesterday. I've been able to get some chuckles out of him but last night I was getting him to laugh and Jonathan got him on video... (please go to the bottom of the page and pause the music on the playlist to better hear the video, thanks!)

Last night Chris made a cake for dessert and gave someone a taste of the frosting...

He must have loved it because he was licking his lips for a long time afterwards! :-)

Blessings!

Heather

Life sure is busy when your....busy

2010-02-20T18:59:00.001-08:00

Hey everyone! Again, yes, I am still alive and well! Very busy though. But no excuse to not get on here and keep everyone updated. Let's see whats been happening. We've been working alot around the house. Trying to get the patio, that did leak horribly during the rains we got. We sealed it off today and are beginning to empty it out. Were going to have carpet put in there, but before that were painting. Yay! Yes that's not sarcasim, I love to paint. We picked the color out today and I hope to get started on that very soon, maybe within the next week! We also picked out the carpet and should have the estimate done this week hopefully too. I'm super excited about that. Eventually our current living room furniture will go out there and a tv too so the kids can play their playstation and stuff out there and not in the living room! It'll be nice to have that extra space.

And yes, our newest addition, Bailey. She's doing great also. A rough couple of nights at first, but the crate training is doing really well and she is too. The kids are having a great time with her although, the "pooper scooper" job is still a fight! (Big surprise though right?)

Joseph is doing great also. Growing like a weed! He'll be 5 months old in about 4 days! I cannot believe that. He's giggling and smiling all the time, blowing raspberries, making all kinds of sounds. He's still my cuddle bug, ( a very nice way of saying that he loves to be held :-) ) He also is eating cereals, pears, bananas, applesauce and carrots. His favorite by far is pears though!

Otherwise were all doing fine. Happy and healthy. I could use prayer though. I'm feeling really lead by the Lord right now and really could use prayer for my heart to be sensitive to His voice. I'll get into it a little more when I know more, but would covet your prayers greatly!

Love and Blessings to you all!

Heather

something this pretty could only come from God

2010-02-12T14:30:00.000-08:00

"Every good and perfect gift is from above."

I have this thing for clouds....they're mesmerizing to me.....something so perfect and beautiful could only come from God!

Blessings!

I'm still here...

2010-02-12T09:08:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone, yes I am still here...just busy I guess. The kids have had science projects, some have been sick, Joseph's been inseparable from mommy, and with the rain our patio has some leaking issues were dealing with. Today were bringing home our puppy, yes, I said I"d never do it I know, but were really gonna try hard and make this one work. She's a 7 week old basset hound and we've named her Bailey. I have a pic on my cell but I'll take some today when we get her and post them. The kids are on a 4 day weekend from school and super excited, so you can imagine the excitement level of the house right now....!

Weve got some family coming over tomorrow to hang out, church sunday and then dinner with the fam monday evening! So it should be a fun and busy weekend. Have a safe and blessed day everyone!

Blessings,

Heather

Multitude Monday

2010-02-01T07:38:00.001-08:00

(my cousin Emily)

(My neice Katie)

These two picture speak to a mulitude of blessings. Both of these little girls were very sick in 2009 and both are very healthy in 2010...

7~Prayer-2009 was a year where my faith was really put to the test, and when you back is against the wall you truely find there is only one place to turn.

8~Healing-it's not always God's will but when it is, it's beautiful.

9~Family-a gift of being surrounded constantly by people who understand you when your okay and when your on the floor in grief. A soft place to fall...

10~Church-a priceless tool. I would not have been able to cope hadn't I had church. Knowing I had a place full of God's people was so comforting.

11~Compassion-it's hard to see compassion unless your suffering. I was given a gift through "bad stuff" of `09 to get to see true compassion in people's eyes. People really, really care and you dont get to see that layer of people very often, but its still there....

12~Internet-I was able to update, vent, and give and get A LOT of information with the internet. When used properly it's a wonderful asset!

13~Doctors and nurses-Wow! I could not do what these people do, but I am so thankful God has gifted people to take care of our medical needs. Especially since medical problems are usually when were left completely helpless.

14~Technology-Awesome!

15~The Great Physician-Our Jesus who worked through the hands of doctors, nurses, friends and family to get us through a difficult year!

16~Happy endings-Doesn't always happen, but to have one and not tell it would be a crime! And these little girls stories were both very happy endings!

Blessings,

Heather

And he's off...

2010-01-27T08:05:00.000-08:00

Well I finally figured out to get a video on here! Here's Jojo rolling for the first time!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-01-27T08:04:00.000-08:00

Blessings,

Heather

Happy Sunday and Happy 4 months to Joseph!!!

2010-01-24T08:25:00.001-08:00

Hey all! Happy Sunday and I do empasize the SUN. Yes its finally out after almost a week of gloomy rainy weather. Man we were flooded! But now the beautiful sun in out and shining and it's been a great weekend so far. Were heading off to church this morning and then home to watch some football playoffs, but hopefully get outside before the afternoon game to plant some flowers I got. Any excuse to get outside after that long week. We had some snow on and off but mostly rain. The kids 2 days off of school due to bad weather so they've enjoyed a nice 4 day weekend!

Joseph is 4 months old today! I know! I cant believe how fast time goes by. He's now babbling, squealing, he turns in response to my voice and daddy's! He rolls over, smiles and is starting to laugh. He loves to be silly and LOVES to be held. Were going to be starting some rice cereal today probably so that will be a lot fun and great picture taking opportunity I"m sure! I have a video of Joseph rolling over but I cant figure out to insert one into my post. When I do I'll definatly get that on here!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Blessings,

Heather

Multitude Monday

2010-01-18T08:16:00.000-08:00

Reading through some blogs a couple days ago, I came across a beautiful one. Anne has a beautiful blog with beautiful words called A Holy Experience. It's so inspiring to me. So I decided to venture out and try something she and many others have been inspired to do as well. It's called Multitude Mondays. All about giving thanks to God and His many graces in a thousand ways, from the great to the smallest, to the most quiet ways your hear God and feel His presence.

Here I go...

#1~ No particular reason this picture is first, however I could probably do all one thousand from it alone. I will say a sleeping baby speaks to me of God's sovreign grace and protection over His kids. How we like my baby can rest peacefully under the shadow of His wings...

#2~His handiwork. Hands, skin, every hair, eyes. I studied every detail in constant amazement of what God can do. His attention to detail is a picture of His boundless love for us. His desire to be a part of the smallest detail of our lives....

#3~The gifts He gives to His kids. Men and women so gifted to inspire and open my eyes to the layers of God...

#4~Books, reading, quiet moments I can grab and in an instant be taken to a different place...

#5~HIS Word. God's thoughts on paper, His voice in ink for us to read and delve into at any moment. How I take for granted this book but eternally grateful for it and determined to make a bigger part of my daily life...

#6~Music...my kids love hear it, sing it and play it. Listening to my son play the violin and thinkng how wonderful God is to give us things that bring us pure joy. We can worship Him with music that blesses Him and puts a smile on our face...

I pray God is blessed as I take this journey. I pray He opens my eyes to things I've taken for granted or let go un-noticed. I pray He is glorified in this and draws me closer to His heart in the process...Amen....

Blessings,

Heather

Why are we here?

2010-01-15T09:20:00.000-08:00

I have a habit of listening to christian radio while I'm in the car driving. The little nuggets of truth I recieve just tooling to the kids school and back are priceless.

This morning in particular we were listening to a broadcast and the pastor was teaching about glorifying God with our life.

My oldest son, sitting up front, asks, "is that why were here? to glorify God?"

.....Wow....

I've always kind of worried about how I would answer that question should it present itself. And that question bears, I think what every human being on the planet wonders. Why am I here? What does it all mean, etc....

So I say yes. God created all humans. But He created us with a choice to love Him back. He didn't make robots because He wanted a true relationship with His kids. So were born and we all make our own choice to love and except Him as our creator and savior or not. The ones that do, our main purpose in life is to glorify God, therefore showing those that didnt choose Him how wonderful He is, that He is Love, and the easiest way to do that is to be loving to others and be a light to the world.

Sadly though I think those that don't truely ponder this question and probably walk around feeling something is missing or that life doesn't have meaning, at least the way God created it too.

Long story short, because I could seriously go on and on about this, is that I am so grateful for those little seeds planted daily in the heart's of my children. I hope they blossom into something great for the Lord. That they have a heart for the lost and show the world how great is our God!

Blessings,

Heather

He Lives in You

2010-01-13T20:51:00.000-08:00

Another devotional I love! Taken again by the great Max Lucado~

He Lives in You

I work and struggle, using Christ's great strength that works so powerfully in me.
Colossians 1:29

God was with Adam and Eve, walking with them in the cool of the evening. God was with Abraham, even calling the patriarch His friend.
God was with Moses and the children of Isreal...He was with the apostles. Peter could touch God's beard. John could watch God sleep. Multitudes could hear his voice. God was with them!
But He is in you...He will do what you cannot. Imagine a million dollars being deposited into your checking account. To any observer you look the same, except for the goofy smile, but are you? Not at all! With God in you, you have a million resources that you did not have before!
Can't stop worrying? Christ can. And He lives within you.
Can't forgive the jerk, forget that past, or forsake your bad habits? Christ can! And He lives within you.

(Taken from Next Door Savior, by Max Lucado)

Blessings,

Heather

Wordless Wednesday

2010-01-13T12:10:00.000-08:00

Blessings,

Heather

Jesus heals the blind man~as told by Jeremiah

2010-01-11T08:05:00.000-08:00

We were leaving church yesterday and we always ask the kids what they learned in class today. Here's the story of Jesus healing the blind man as told by Jeremiah my 4 year old.

Keep in mind that Jeremiah cant say his "r"s yet...it sounds so cute when he tells it, I need to get it on video because Im sure this isn't doing it much justice!

"There was a guy and he had a blind. Jesus came and spit on the ground and put mud all over his hands and put the mud on the mans eyes. And he said "please put water on your eyes" and the man put the water on his eyes and he could see! And the man was so happy and the other man was a doctor and his name was Jesus.

He made glasses out of black construction paper and when he told us the story he would put those on to be blind and then take them when he's healed! So he was doing it with all the kids in the car on the drive home! So cute, but speaks greatly about how much he learned! He can tell the story and knows that Jesus heals! Makes for a very happy Mama!

Blessings,

Heather

Grace for the Moment

2010-01-07T19:51:00.000-08:00

Here's a devotion I read yesterday and just thought I'd share it~it's taken from "Grace for the Moment" Volume II by Max Lucado.

Miraculous Moments

"In Christ there is all of God in a human body."
Colossians 2:9 TLB

Jesus was not a godlike man, nor a manlike God. He was God-man.
Midwifed by a carpenter.
Bathed by a peasant girl.
The maker of the world with a bellybutton.
The author of the Torah being taught the Torah.
Heaven's human. And because he was, we are left with scratch-your-head, double-blink, what's-wrong-with-this-picture? moments like these:
A cripple sponsoring the town dance.
A sack lunch satisfying five thousand tummies.
What do we do with such moments?
What do we do with such a person?
We applaud men for doing good things. We enshrine God for doing great things.
But when a man does God things?
One thing is certain, we can't ingnore Him.

Next Door Savior

Blessings,

Heather

Wordless Wednesday

2010-01-06T12:31:00.000-08:00

(he will stick out his tongue if we stick ours out at him! so cute)

(rolled to his side yesterday!)

(my little chunky monkey!)

A look back...

2009-12-31T08:37:00.000-08:00

The last day of the year. I heard a pastor teaching on New Year's Eve on the radio saying, this is the last day of the year. Tomorrow starts a year that has never been done on earth ever. Completely uncharted territory. A time to start fresh and try to stick to those resolutions that seem to fade away by the end of January....for me it seems to happen every year. Yet I say with a smile that I stand in awe and praise of God as I did on January 1st of this year! However I do call myself to new resolutions for this new year. To make my walk with Jesus more of a top priority. To consider the value of growing more like Him and to take His word more seriously. To talk to Him more often and spend in silence listening to Him, to set a more Christ-like example for my kids and a better friend to my friends and family. Such high hope I have but thankfully not on my own to accomplish them!

As I look back on 2009 I have to say this has been probably the most "roller coaster" like year I've lived. A year full of turns and valleys, straight paths and peaks and definate surprises. I think of last year at this time, never would I have imagined what this year would contain. Such a nugget of faith that this. Nothing is impossible with God! Examples? Sure....

Chris' job loss-                                                       New job in January of 09, even better job in Dec of '09.
My neice Emily's battle with kidney cancer-             Home and doing great now and chemo and surgeries!
Renting a house we couldn't afford-                         Purchased a home of our own paying almost half
Mother of 5 healthy kids-                                        Now the mama of the "half dozen blessings"!
My neice Katie coming close to death-                    Completely healed and a happy healthy 6 month old!

Just a few examples of what our God does! When a door closes He opens a better one, He gives and takes away and usually gives something even better. My resolution, I think would be to look back at what God has done and continues to do and leave it at that. He is faithful, always! What better target to keep my eyes focused on than the God who can do all that, in one year! There are millions of other things He does for me everyday and I am so thankful to have Him!

A verse I think is appropriate as we embark on a new year with unforseen events and surprises would be this...

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
                                                  Jeremiah 29:11

Blessings in 2010!

Heather

Where did '09 go?

2009-12-30T08:29:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone! I cant believe were almost to the end of 2009! I think we say it every year but this one really seemed to slip past me. I guess with everything that's happened this year it's not to hard to figure out why. But the Lord has seen us through an incredible amount this year and for that I end the new year praising Him just as I started it!

Anyway things have been so busy. I have about 500 pictures on my camara that I want to upload so I can post some pics. But its taken me a couple days to get this house back from Christmas! With us being gone almost everyday over the holiday weekend, the house really took a backseat to everything. So I've been trying to catch up on it. I do plan on posting pics very soon though.

Christmas was wonderful! We had a great Christmas Eve at chuch. They even blew "snow" for the kids and the kids at heart, which was sooooo awesome! Christmas morning was great! The kids opened their presents but we all did pray before, wishing Jesus a happy birthday and thanking Him for the day! We spend the rest of the day with Grammie and Papa and the whole family! And on Sunday we went to Chris's mom and grandma's house and had another Christmas!!! So needless to say, the kids are spoiled and we are tired! LOL! But all of it a blessing and were so grateful!

Joseph is making strides like crazy! He's smiling constantly, cooing and "talking". Loves peek-a-boo and when we stick out our tongue at him. He smiles and shows us his, it's so cute! He's constantly studying his hands and trying to grab toys on his toybar too. And last night he slept through the night! Literally, from 10:00 to 4:50am. The only reason he woke up then was because Daddy's alarm went off! He's growing up so fast but still my baby! He loves his sling still. I'm using the sitting kind now but he loves it and falls asleep in it, still loves bath time too!

Anyway, just a little wrap up from around here!

Blessings everyone!

Heather

Happy Birthday Chris and Merry CHRISTmas

2009-12-23T08:27:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas everyone! My family and I are praying for a safe and blessed holiday for you all! Life has been super busy the past week or so, explaining why I haven't been on here in so long. I've gotten wrapping done and and some baking and last minute shopping too! So I think now were officially ready! Today is my husbands birthday as well. 34 years old today and still handsome, fun and my best friend! I am going to bake him a cake today for when he gets home from work and tonight I hope to have pictures to post. The kids have all made him cards, at his request so I will definately blog all of that tonight.

December is such a busy month for our family. With our anniversary, Chris' birthday and Christmas it seems that we blink our eyes and it's New Years! But with much gratitude I look back at this year and stand in amazement at our God! He's brought us through a tremendous amount this year. Job loss, cancer, new home buying, child birth, new jobs, moving, brain surgeries....and that's just the big stuff. And at the end of it all, He is still on the throne and has given us more than we could have ever imagined.

So on Christmas we all take pause and consider the gift we've been given. Jesus, God's son was given to us as a gift from our Father. And those of us who have excepted Him know what CHRISTmas really s despite the spin the world tries to put on it, we know and we celebrate. Because really that what it is and big birthday day party for the Savior of the world!

Blessings,

Heather

Vintage Christmas Monday

2009-12-14T07:49:00.000-08:00

Okay guys here I go again...

These are all stockings made by my mom. She's made one for my husband and myself and eachone of the kids. Their based on an old pattern. The last picture is mine when I was little. She made me an updated one at my request :-). But I kept my original one as well.

Merry Christmas!

Heather

Baby, its cold outside!

2009-12-09T11:07:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone! As most of you probably know, its been freezing here the last couple days, literally. Anyway, we were really hoping for snow, didn't get much of it. Maybe next storm! Here's a few pics of the yard in its frosty glory!

my beautiful crunchy grass!

frozen water in my bird bath...

I took another one closer because the leaves were

frozen inside the ice, cool looking huh?

Anyway, the boys had their winter concert yesterday. Nathan is in beginning band and plays the clairinet and Jonathan is in advanced strings and plays the violin. I'm super proud of them both they did great! Here's some pics of that too...

Here's also a link to see videos of the boys playing. Still cant figure out how how to upload a video directly to my blog but for now just click here to see them.

Well I hope you have a great wednesday! I'm off to feed the baby and then try to read my devotion for today!

Love and Blessings,

Heather

Vintage Christmas Monday

2009-12-07T06:38:00.000-08:00

Good Morning Everyone!

Well my friend Marcia is doing this that she got from another blog, Anything Goes Here. It's a really cute idea, so I thought I'd give it go! It's called Vintage Christmas Monday and you post some pics with stories of Christmas's past.

Here I go...

These are a collection of ornaments I have that were my great grandmothers "gramma O". I remember her tree so vividly from when I was little. It was so bright and had tinsel and these kinds of ornaments all over it! I'm so glad to still have these around they bring back such great Christmas memories for me!

Here's an ornament I must have gotten when I was little, it says "Heather '82'" on it. I'm not too sure of the details but it's vintage none the less!

This one I remember being at my house growing up. I want to say my mom made it, but one of my grandma's could have made as well. It's handmade and so vintage looking, I loved it as a kid! It says "Bongiorno's" on top, my maiden name.

This is a christmas tree ornament I made as a kid in school. There's no date on it, but has to be 25 years old at least!

This my mom gave me. Just looking at it tells me it's probably from when she was little! I just love it!

This is another that was around my house as kid. Its Mrs. Claus. Again not sure if my mom or my great grandma made it, we were all very close. There's a Santa to match, but I'll save that one for next monday maybe....

Have a wonderful Monday everyone!

Blessings,

Heather

11 Years!

2009-12-05T21:39:00.000-08:00

Today Chris and I have been married for 11 years! I cant believe that 11 years and 6 kids later were still best friends and able to talk and laugh! We've been through just about everything a couple can go through and by the grace of God were stronger than we were back then. I should tell our testimonies sometime, but to make a very long story short we got saved together! At church we both went forward and excepted the Lord! Not to say there hasnt been struggles since then, because my goodness there has been, but always our hearts belong to Jesus. And that's the only reason we've gotten through half of what we've been through!

Anyway, when he got from work he had a gift for me. Thats one thing about Chris that I never question. He always acknowledges anniversaries, birthdays, mothers day, valentines day, all of it!!! But he brought me a present. I had no idea what it was. But I opened it and......its a parallel study bible. The NIV and The Message!!!! AAAHHHHH! I love him!!! He remembered that I've been wanted the message bible for awhile, just for personal reading. But the have the study bible also to do my devotions! I love, love, love it! It doesn't hurt that its pink!

Happy 11 years baby! I love ya!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Heather

Christmas time around our house

2009-12-04T15:14:00.000-08:00

Well I've finally gotten around to taking pictures of the house decorated. I would've done it earlier but I needed to make the house presentable for pictures as well. Which hasn't been as easy with Joseph aka my little piglet, still wanting to eat around the clock. Anyway here's a look at christmas around our house right now....

I still have more decorations but getting around to it a different story. Ha!

I finally got Joseph smiling on camara....

He's been smiling for awhile now but getting it camara wasnt so easy. But finally I got it! Completely melts my heart. Just to see emotion and joy on his face is awesome and never gets old! We find ourselves making fools of ourselves to get another one. :-)

Well he's sleeping on my lap as I type this so maybe its a good time for me to get some stuff done, besides blogging. Ha! I'm trying to get my fall bulb planting done. Got several different kinds of bulbs this year, and I'm excited for spring to see what pops up. Now that we've bought a home I know I'll be here for awhile able to enjoy them! So I better get out there and plant them or nothing will happen!

I hope you've all had a wonderful week, and a wonderful weekend to come. Chris starts his new job on monday so any prayers would be greatly appreciated. I know he's nervous. It's never easy to start something new, being the new guy. But hopefully, God willing, this will be the place he retires from. I know he's tired. Tired of new jobs and new people starting over and over does get old. But praise God for this opportunity. We are truely blessed, beyond what we deserve and I know that, and daily thank God for the things that I probably take for granted moment to moment. Thinking back a year ago, never would I have imagined that from a job loss God would allow us to buy a home and have a new baby! What a wonderful maker we have, an awesome God who gives freely. I love Him! And I've grown so much spiritually lately. Changes have been made, only be the Lords leading and I'm so glad our hearts have been intune to the Holy Spirits voice and guidance. I"ve been reading the daily walk devotional everyday. It gets you to read the bible in a year. I find myself so looking forward to that time of my day. I read outloud while nursing the baby. Who knows maybe he's starting to retain some in his little mind already! :-) Definately cant hurt right. The kids are also growing and being challenged in the Word and they need it so much to battle the world. I'm so happy and blessed!

Well like I said earlier I've got to get some planting done!

Blessings,

Heather

I cannot believe I forgot to blog this!!!

2009-12-03T07:54:00.000-08:00

Hey guys!

Yesterday when I was updating my blog I forgot to tell you all something....

On Monday night Chris and I were watching tv. Kids all sleeping, house quiet, enjoying a cup of coffee together when we hear a rustling sound. Slowly we turn to our right, and down went our christmas tree!!! We go to a tree farm and pick out our tree and cut it down. So their usually big. This year its a 9 footer. All decorated, lighted and trimmed with bows, and down it came. Needless to say it was shocking. I didn't believe it happened at first until reality set in and we looked at eachother and it was like "what just happened? Did our tree seriously just fall down?" I'm kicking myself now that I didn't get a picture of it down. But I did get some of the aftermath....

(yeah, it was a mess)

I"m still sweeping up glass! But it's up and so far still is.....LOL! Anyway, just thought some holiday humor would fun!

Love and Blessings!

Heather

Couldn't do a 'Wordless Wednesday"

2009-12-02T07:59:00.000-08:00

Hey all! I cannot believe it's wednesday again! Have I really not blogged at all in a week!!!! Crazy how fast time flies when your this busy. Our Thanksgiving was wonderful and I hope all your were as well. We had a wonderful day spent with family, with lots memories and pictures to boot! There's so much to be thankful for and it was such a blessing to be able to do that with family. It's been quite a year for our family as most you know, who follow my blog. Job loss, home buying, new jobs, babies born, babies very sick, its really been a year. And I've never needed the Lord so much like I have this year and I wouldn't trade that for anything. Anyways, I took lots of pics of our thanksgiving day, click here to view them all! Hope you enjoy getting a snippet of our day!

Well thanksgiving night, we took our nephew Devin home with us and Hannah went with her Auntie Annie and Uncle Richie. So the cousins got a sleepover for a few day and had a lot of fun. We've since got our christmas tree, hung lights outside and decorated the house. So it's really feeling like christmas around here now. I plan on taking some pics as soon as get the house cleaned.....hehehehehe......

Joseph has also had a big few days. He's now smiling all the time, "talking" to us with the most beautiful little coo's and noises. He also discovered his hands a couple days ago. It's cute to watch him look at it in sheer amazement! He's also gaining weight like crazy. I weighed him on thanksgiving and he was 11 lbs. 9 oz. So I'm sure he's passed the 12 lb. mark my now! He's getting so big and so much fun!

(bathtime, is one of his favorites!)

Blessing to you all! Love ya!

Heather

Thanksgiving Blessings!

2009-11-25T17:28:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving Blessings everyone!

Wishing you all a blessed Thanksgiving! I hope you all have a day filled with family, friends and wonderful memories! Eat and laugh lots and lets make sure to keep our Lord at the forefront our minds always praising God from who all blessing flow.

Safe traveling everyone and have a wonderful day!

Blessings,

Heather

Baking, new jobs and a 2 month birthday!

2009-11-24T12:34:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone!

Well is tuesday and I meant to get on here yesterday but I was on a roll getting caught up on housework and stuff. So I'm on here today to catch you all up on what's been going on around here the past couple days.

Let's see, on Saturday the kids and I had fun baking. We made our first batches of sugar cookies and I made a pecan pie. It was my first time making one from scratch and it came out really yummy! So that was a lot of fun and such a good way to get in the spirit of the season.

(decorating the cookies!)

(our first batch)

(the finished product!)

(the first cookie of the season!)

(my first pecan pie...Mmmmmm.......)

Sunday, we went to church and after that we got the hooks up on the house to hang lights. So hopefully in the next few days we'll be able to get the lights up. I'm also planning on decorating the day after thanksgiving. Yay! I also made our own Thanksgiving dinner on sunday night. Since were not having Thanksgiving here this year and I love cooking it so much I thought it would be fun to have our own little Thanksgiving feast. It was so yummy and now we get to look forward to having it all again. Hey it's only once year, why not right? :-)

Yesterday, was a good day too. The kids and I got a lot of yard work done and I caught up on the housework too. Then we played catch outside for awhile. And while we were playing I missed a call from Chris. And when I called him back he had some great news. He had gotten the call from Northrop Grumman saying he got the job!!!! Such a huge praise! God is so faithful!!! And never, ever fails His kids. He would've been praise even if Chris didn't get the job but how wonderful that he did!

And today my Joseph is 2 months old! So super bittersweet for me. I am so in love with him and enjoying watching him grow and starting to interact with us, but time really goes by too fast and I sure wish it would slow down a bit. I've had to put away so many clothes that he's grown out of already and I hate that. But such is life with growing babies.

(Happy 2 month birthday JoJo! Mama loves you soooooooo much!)

Anyway, I've got to be off to make lunch for the kids. Have a great Tuesday everyone!!!

Blessings,

Heather

Divine Romance

2009-11-21T12:02:00.000-08:00

I am sitting on the couch listening to the music from blog page. Loving the quiet time I've been given to sit there with my eyes closed, holding my baby against my chest and sing. And let my heart open and receive love as I give my heart over to worship. I was really hit when "Divine Romance" started playing. One of my favorite all time songs to worship too. But for some reason this time was different. As I sang the Holy Spirit gave me something. Before I go on here's the words to this beautiful song:

"Divine Romance" by Phil Wickam

The fullness of Your grace is here with me

The richness of Your beauty’s all I see
The brightness of Your glory has arrived
In Your presence God, I’m completely satisfied

For You I sing I dance
Rejoice in this divine romance
Lift my heart and my hands
To show my love, to show my love

A deep deep flood, an Ocean flows from You
Of deep deep love, yeah it’s filling up the room
Your innocent blood, has washed my guilty life
In Your presence God I’m completely satisfied

(Its probably playing right now, since its first on my playlist :-) )

So, as I am singing softly, with my baby against my chest, I am struck with Love. Not love like I am normally used to experiencing. But the overpowering love that I feel for my infant. My innocent helpless child that is sleeping against my chest listening to my heartbeat as he rests. And is in complete peace. And how much I love him. I love him with a love that hurts. It's so overpowering that the thought of him in pain or suffering pains me greatly. Yet to hold him and listen to him breathe is enough for me. To look at him brings tears to my eyes. What kind of love is this? Something that only God can create and give to us. So how much does God love me? His word says:

"For You created my inmost being;
You knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from You
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
Your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in Your book before one of them came to be.
How precious to me are Your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand.
When I awake I am still with You.
Psalm 139:13-18

That is on another level. I love my children with a full love that God has given me. I think maybe a form of the love that God has for us. But not the same. Because were not the same. Were made in His image but were human and our humanity puts limits on even our very emotions. However, it gives me a taste, a glimpse of the God's love for me and his Son Jesus.

The thought of any of my kids suffering in any capacity pains me. To look at Joseph so helpless and dependant. And to think that was Jesus when he was born. Helplessly dependant on His mother to feed Him and care for Him. That He left the right of God to come into the world helpless and God allowed, no not allowed it, but planned it just so I, you, all of us, could be with Him. I dont think I could love someone so much to allow my son to be brutalized and tortued before my eyes just to show how much I love my other children. That's even hard for me to say outloud but I dont think I could. Although God knew that that's why He did it.

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends . John 15:13

There is no greater love. And God is love.

So as I sing those words, I am struck that God allowed all that just for this. For worship in its purest form. That doesn't have to include a worship team, and hundreds of people. It doesn't have to magnificent, I dont have to sound wonderful (thank Him :-) ) Just a moment of pure worship. Where my heart is with Him. My mind is thinking and trying to grasp what kind of Love is this? And when that's all I need. When I realize even for a moment that everything can be taken away, but you cant take away my God. I can be alone, with nothing and no one, I still have that. Him. That is what the Holy Spirit gave me today. Peace. And a greater understanding of what that means. That no matter what I am going through, no matter the trial, the fear, the pain, the worry, the anger, the guilt, the end result is always Him. So why do I stumble on the path and get worried and scared when I know the end is and will always be Him?

"Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age" Matthew 28:20

I wrote yesterday about worry. I came again today. But instead of feeding it I closed my eyes and listened to the music. I didn't give room to the enemy. And this is what God gave me. A deeper look at Him and who He is. A treasure to hold on to. And none of this is me. Will I mess up again? Sure. Will I doubt and worry again? Probably. But God will be the same. There. On the throne. In control as always and faithful to lift me up when I call to Him.

Not to us, O Lord, not to us
but to Your name be the glory,
because of Your love and faithfulness.
Psalm 115:1

Everything always points back to Him. Even my failings and mess ups. Because I can still call on Him and He will be there. Faithfulness. When I repent, he forgives. Grace. When I deserve death and grave, He gives me life and that more abundantly (John 10:10). Mercy. And those all add up to Love. Him!

Love and Blessings,

Heather

God's Grace (right in my face, as always...)

2009-11-20T14:40:00.000-08:00

Well the first half of today was not the greatest. Nothing specific happened. Just my own weakness and lack of faith I guess. You see everyone I think has their weak points. Mine happens to be worry. I tend to be a pretty cheerful and optimistic person. But sometimes Satan finds that window of opportunity and really goes to town in me. Mine is worry. So everything is going great, a nice morning and I'm in a great mood, getting excited to hang the christmas lights this weekend and stuff. But when I go to check my email I decide to check our bank statement, which I ususally dont do because hubby takes care of the finances (I used to but because of my worry he took that off my shoulders a while ago). Thats when is started for me. A downward spiral of worry and "what ifs". I know its wrong and is shows a tremendous amount of lack of faith on my part but its like it takes life of its own and I cant stop it. I did pray about it but instead of waiting on the Lord I call Chris to vent and he was busy and not able to give me the reassurance he usually does. So I hang up the phone feeling worse. Does this happen to anyone else? I should not have called him. I cant expect him to give me the faith that only comes from the Lord. I felt so bad afterwards too. And to top it off he send me a text saying he was sorry he didnt reassure me and that the Lord was going to see us through like always and that were being refined. The troubling part for me is one, that I shouldn't put unrealistic expectations on my husband that I should be bringing before the Lord and two, that I need to stop focusing on the miniscule "what ifs" and enjoy the hope set before us. Like the job offer that Chris recieved. Were waiting on the the background check to come back. I dont know why I allow myself to get so caught up the negative when the positive is jumping up and down right in front of my face. The Lord always, always, always proves Himself faithful to me and I never seem to get the message. Or I do but when the next attack from Satan comes I fail. But I need to remember constantly not to give Satan the chance. The next time I fell worry setting in I need to approach God's throne with boldness, knowing and believing that He is in control of everything and that His plans for me are plans to peace and a future. How blessed we are to have His word to bring us comfort and any time! So being that were days from Thanksgiving heres some of what I'm thankful for~

~Jesus. His sacrifice gives me the promise of eternal life in Heaven. Even on my worst of days I know I'm going to heaven.

~The Bible. Gods word, living and true that I have access to at anytime.

~My family.

~My kids.

~My husband.

~Church

~My Health

~My kids, husbands, and family's health

~My home

~My husbands job

~Food on our table

~Clothes on our backs

~Transportation

~Laughter

~Nature, Gods masterpiece, the sky, stars, galaxies, the sun, rain, snow, trees flowers, animals, the ocean.....it goes on and on....

I have too much to be thankful for, there shouldnt be any time for me to focus on the negative when the positive is endless!

Love and Blessings,

Heather

Oh what a week!

2009-11-19T09:49:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone! I am still here. What a week its been too! I never realized how dependant I am on the computer until I was without it...kind of.

The kids spilled water on the keyboard a couple days ago and half the keyboard wouldn't work. So I was literally forced to not be on here, being that I couldnt type or anything I felt it was just easier if I didn't even come on and check things because if I wanted to respond I couldnt have. But thankfully my hubby, the thoughtful man that he is, bought one last night. So I am able to get back on here.

Monday morning before the keyboard incident, we awoke to find Chris' car broke into. Thankfully no damage was done, they took his radio, speakers, cell phone charger and ash tray, (yeah, I know, weird). But like I said no damage just irritating I guess. But so thankful to the Lord for watching out for us as we slept. Things could've been so much worse. Chris said, hey I could've awoken to a severely damaged car, or no car at all. Or worse even someone breaking into the house. So were grateful that it was as minimal as it was. But frustrating none the less. But such is the world we live in, but for a short time only I hope.

Anyways, just wanted to let you all know I'm still here. I'm off to take David to school. But I"ll be on later this afternoon with some pics of the kids stuff.

Blessings,

Heather

November?

2009-11-13T12:15:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone, I was outside yesterday looking around my yard and was struck with the thought that it's November! Thanksgiving is 2 weeks away and from the looks of things, you'd never know it. At least here in Southern Cali. Anyways, I just thought I'd put a few pics of what is growing around here still even in the middle of November!

Love ya!

Heather

Jeremiah's 4!!!

2009-11-12T11:43:00.000-08:00

Hey all! Yeah, I know, I'm a little behind on blogging this week. I dont know why, but for some reason I just never got to it! So here I go. Monday was Jeremiah's birthday so after we took David to school we went to Albertsons and picked out his cake. It was really cute because the ladies behind the counter were talking to him and he was telling them he is 4 and today is his birthday. He also introduced them to his baby brother Jo Jo. So she put some extra embellishments on his cake for him and gave him two cookies. And as were shopping we hear them on the intercom announce a special happy 4th birthday to a special customer Jeremiah who is 4 years old today! It was soooooo cute to see his face light up when he heard them say his name. Those kind of moments are priceless and I was so thankful for the ladies for giving him that!

So then after waiting all day for his daddy to get home, he finally gets to open his presents. He was so excited he was literally jumping up and down. He loved what he got and was super hyper, it was funny. Then we ate dinner, of his choice, spaghetti and meatballs (Jeremiah's favorite) and had cake and ice cream. So we had a really fun night. And not long after he was crashed out the couch. Still a lot of excitement even for a big 4 year old!

Joseph is 7 weeks old today and growing so fast. Just about as fast as time seems to be going. Chris and I weighed him on Tuesday and he was 10 lbs 2 oz.!!! I cant believe it! He's very alert now when he's up and really starting to make some sounds other than crying and he's even trying to smile. So I"m anxiously awaiting that. He perfect in every way to me and I stare at him still all the time. I'm amazed at God's handiwork!

Chris went to do his drug test and sign papers for the background check this morning. When he gets back were going to pick up the kids from school. I have a conference with David's teacher and after that we'll head down the hill to pickup the pictures from JC Penny's! I'm excited I cant wait to see them!

Anyways here's a few pics of the last few days around here~if you want to view them all just click here and here!

(Jeremiah's birthday cake that he "lubs")

(LOL! that's my miah)

(his "wabber" toy)

(my little man)

(looks a lot like a smile to me....)

Shalom,

Heather

Weekend wrap-up

2009-11-09T14:46:00.000-08:00

Oh it's sweet monday, this Monday is sweet because it's my Jeremiah's 4th birthday today, but I need to catch up the weekend first!

Hmmmm...let's see, Saturday was pretty much a lazy day for me and the kids. We just stayed home and I caught up on some house work while the kids played outside, especially since were still enjoying almost spring like weather here in So Cal! Yesterday, Sunday, was a busy, busy day. Since Jeremiah's birthday is on a Monday this year and Chris works and the kids have school we decided to do something on Sunday. After church, which was great, we went down the hill and ate lunch at Red Robin, then we went to Bass Pro so Jeremiah could see the fishys. After that we went to toys r us and Jeremiah picked out a toy with his birthday money and then we headed to the park and the kids and Chris played baseball, I even hit a couple times in between feeding Joseph. So needless to say it was a busy day but a lot of fun family time.

So today being Jeremiah's offical birthday we are going to have cake and ice cream when Daddy gets home and then Jeremiah can open his presents, so I'll have pics of that tomorrow. But for now here are some pics of our day yesterday~

(The face of utter joy holding his balloon while they were singing Happy Birthday to him at Red Robin)

(Mmmmmm.....yummy birthday sunday)

(Baby Joe Joe at the park in his stroller)

(daddy coaching David)

(steeee-rike, good try Nathan!)

(Jonathan ready for some action)

(go Miah!!!!)

(good swing David)

Love and Blessings,

Heather

Oh wow its friday, again

2009-11-06T14:41:00.000-08:00

I seriously cannot believe another week has just flown by, and I'm still trying to adjust to the time change. You'd think the extra hour would have helped but when its pitch black outside and it's only 5:00 pm, that's hard to get used to, although I am enjoying the early morning sunshine. The morning person that I am really loves to wake up to sunshine and not darkness.

Well yesterday we went down the hill to JC Penny's and had Joseph, Jeremiah and David's pictures taken. We got some really cute ones and I am so excited to see how they all turned out. We pick them up next week so I'll definately post my faves.

Joseph was 6 weeks old yesterday! I cannot believe that! His little life is flying by already and I wish it would slow down a bit. He's grown out of clothes already and that's a hard thing to face. I dont want to pack cloths up for him already. Although he's starting to respond socially and make other noises aside from crying, I'm still waiting for my smile though. I'm sure its coming because he's really focusing on our faces and follows the direction of my voice, so it'll be soon.

Other than that, everything is pretty much quiet around here, thankfully. Have a happy friday everyone!

Love and Blessings,

Heather

The new me, or should I say the natural me!

2009-11-03T09:32:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone, I decided to go natural. On Sunday, I dyed my hair back to my natural color!

(Sorry about the quality of the pic, its an upload from my phone.)

So funny that almost didn't remember how dark my hair really is. It's dark blonde, but seems soooooo much darker compared to how light I was doing it. But there's something about going back to the way God created me. It's a nice change, and Chris loves and that's always nice. He kept telling me yesterday, you look so pretty with your hair like that. It was the first thing he said when he woke up. Oh that man can be so sweet sometimes. I'm very lucky to have a hubby that says things like to me!

Have a great day everyone, I'm on my way to the store!

Love and Blessings!

Heather

Halleluia Party

2009-11-01T08:02:00.000-08:00

Okay guys, I cant believe I'm already uploading pics from last nights Halleluia party but maybe that extra hour of sleep is helping me out! It was so nice to wake up at 6:30 am and have the sun up already. It sure makes for an easier start to my day.

Well we went to the Halleluia Party last night at Calvary. The kids and I got there right when it started and Chris met us there. (He had to work until 5:00). They had alot of games and face painting, even free popcorn and cotton candy. They also had hot dogs, nachos and drinks for .50 cents. The weather was great too, not too cold at all, we stayed almost the whole time and then got some dinner and were home by 8:00 pm. Very thankful that we all had a great time and got there and back safely.

Well as usual I took tons of pictures, here are a few, but if you'd like to see them all just click here!

Love and Blessings!

Heather

Happy Harvest Day!!!

2009-10-31T10:05:00.000-07:00

Hey there party people! I first of all want to wish all of you a happy and safe night tonight. I hope everyone has a fun and safe night with your familes! We are heading out to church tonight to the halleluia party. The kids are excited to play games and get their candy, along with learning more about Jesus! A perfect combo! I remember last year we went and Jeremiah slept through all of it, so this year were excited for him to get to play and experience the fun too!

I am currently uploading some pics on picasa, you can click here if you'd like to see them. I'm trying to get caught up on those before the halleluia pics and Jeremiah's birthday coming up. I'm sure I'll be taking tons of pics then. Were taking Joseph and Jeremiah on thursday to have their pictures taken. I'm excited for that and hoping the Joseph is full and cooperative for that appointment! I cant wait to see how they turn out. Jeremiah is so overdue of pictures so that works out perfect because it'll be just a few days before his 4th birthday. Hopefully since he's older he'll be cooperative as well. He wasnt for our family portrait and that was quite an adventure trying to get that one done. Which we now need to redue because Joe-joe is missing from it! :-)

Anyway I also would like to tell you about a book I just finished reading a few days ago. It's called Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. If you haven't read it yet, I highly recommend it. Its a beautiful retelling of the book of Hosea in the form of love story. It was so well written and really captures the love that God has for us, no matter how far we stray from Him. Even into the ugliest forms of sin we willingly walk into and away from Him, He's waits patiently for us to return to Him, or even sometimes rescues us from it. Read it if you haven't yet, I guarantee you'll love it! This was first book of hers I've read and I'm looking forward to reading others.

Well I hope you all have a wonderful night tonight and dont forget to fall back (clocks back one hour tonight). And we change our calendars to November tomorrow! Can you believe it! I'd ask were did October go, but where did 2009 go! Time is going by so fast, lets all stop and enjoy the small stuff before its gone!

Love and Blessings everyone!

Heather

Wordless Wednesday part 2

2009-10-28T13:40:00.000-07:00

Flowers on my porch

Joseph on our way to church all dressed up

really not wanting to be in this carseat!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-10-28T07:54:00.000-07:00

Brothers reading by the fire

Baby Joe Joe almost one month old

how cute is he?....

Jeremiah climbing a tree

"ebo" flexing....(papa will understand this one LOL)

sweet baby feet

playing baseball

daddy teaching Jeremiah to hit a baseball

Jonathans new haircut

Is is really friday already?

2009-10-23T17:18:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! Is it seriously friday already? Is it almost the end of October? Is my baby Joseph really one month old tomorrow? How is time going be so fast? Wow!

Anyway, what a week it's been. Everyday seems to fly by, especially nursing a one month old who seems to eat round the clock! LOL! When he's sleeping I'm trying to get everything else done and it seems the computer is the last place I get too. Maybe I need a laptop then I could keep up on all this while on the couch breast feeding! Hehehehe....yeah I would probably NEVER leave the couch then would I?

But I'm on here now and ready to update. Yesterday Chris had an interview in Fort Irwin for Northrop Grumman. He interviewed with the head of HR and 6 supervisors of various departments in a board room. He was not expecting that, but said everything went well. They did say he was qualified to be a mechanic there. So now is the waiting game to see if he gets a call. But how encouraging to have interviewed. It gives us renewed hope. And that is a gift we will hold on too.

We also took Joseph for his circumsicion yesterday. Yeah that was NO fun at all. But it's done and thankfully he's young enough to not have memory of it. He's healing well and doesn't seem to be uncomfortable much either. He got a shot after that too which was just sad but like I said, it's over now! They weighed him and he's now 8 lbs 8 oz and 21 inches long! He's really growing fast and gaining fast too! He weighed 7 lbs on the dot 2 weeks ago, so he's gained a pound and half in two weeks. Yay Joseph!

The kids are all doing great also. Hannah lost another tooth on wednesday and has a couple loose still too. The boys are all doing great, enjoying the nice weather and playing outside as we speak. I can hear them running around and laughing! A very nice sound. Chris is out getting firewood right now and when he gets back he's going to take Jonathan to get his haircut. I will definately post a pic when he gets back. It should be a big change.

Well thats about all for now!

Love and Blessings,

First bath...finally

2009-10-20T08:42:00.000-07:00

Hi all! Yes, finally baby Josephs first bath. Chris and I gave him one last night. He's 3 weeks and 5 days old now and finally gets to take a bath. He didn't lose his umbilical cord until he was three weeks old! I guess my kids dont want to be separated from mama quite as early as they should...hehehehe. Anyway so we finally got around to doing that last night. He loved the water! I've washed his hair a few times and he really loves that, but being submerged into water I wasn't too sure about, but he loved it! He never cried just layed there completely comfortable with mama pouring water on him and washing him. It was soooo precious. Afterwards, I lotioned him up and did some baby massage which he also loved. Hope you enjoy the pics!

Blessings!

Good Morning, Lord!

2009-10-17T07:42:00.000-07:00

Psalm 5:3-

"My voice You shall hear in the morning, O LORD; In the morning I will direct it to You, and I will look up."

That verse caught my eye this morning. That needs to my thought every morning, first thing. In my bible the commentary said there are two kinds of people, those who say, "Good Lord its morning" and those who say, "Good Morning, Lord." I definately need to work harder on being the latter. I find my day and my patience so much greater when He is the first person I spend time with in the morning. Even if its a quick "good morning Lord" type of thing. So as busy as I can be, the Lord gave me these children and this large family to glorify Him and if I'm seeking Him first He will absolutely give me the time to spend with Him and the opportunities to glorify Him in my day to day life.

On the family front, things are great here. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful family! God must think something of me to trust me with six kids! And I'm humbled by that.

We are all good and healthy. Praying that will continue through what it seems will be a terrible flu season. We are going to reserve our christmas tree at a tree farm tomorrow after church. That is always so much fun and we all really enjoy it. So it will be nice family outing. Chris wants to go chop some firewood also, so if time allows he and the boys will do that tomorrow also.

Anyway, thats about all for now here. I pray for a blessed weekend for everyone!

Love,

2 week update

2009-10-10T09:35:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! Yes were still here. Just not as easy to find time to blog lately. Were all doing great. Joseph is growing faster everyday, which is bittersweet to me. I am so blessed and happy that's he's healthy and thriving, but again time goes so fast and I want it to slow down. So I am trying to enjoy every minute I have with him. He had his 2 week check up on thursday and he was 7 lbs. 1 oz. and 19 1/2 in. That means he's gain almost a pound since the thursday before! So he's doing great and I am so happy! I hope all is well and I will definately try to get on here a little more often!

Blessings!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-09-30T17:02:00.000-07:00

sweet baby feet

so peaceful...

Happy 6th Birthday David!!!

Jeremiah having fun

baby Jo Jo awake

Introducing our newest blessing

2009-09-29T08:30:00.000-07:00

Well I 've been watiting a long time to finally be able to do this....

But I'm here to introduce to you our newest blessing, Joseph Levi. He came into the world on Thursday, September 24, 2009 at 8:22 pm. He was 6 lbs. 3 oz and 19 inches of complete perfection. He and Mommy are healthy and happy, praise God.

(love at first sight)

We are so in love with this little boy already. He's the perfect addition to our family and fits right in, spoiled already. There's hardly a time when he's not being held or gazed upon by someone. Were so blessed and so humbled that God has entrusted us with yet another gift. Its beyond me to understand how He can be so generous and loving to me. But when I think of the love I have for Joseph already it gives me a glimpse of the love that God must have for me.

It's been beautiful to see Chris with him too. We both have grown spritually and closer together in the last few months, especially with everything that has happened with baby Katie, who is doing awesome by the way. Praise!!! But to see Chris as a new father again is very beautiful. He's so in love with his newest son and so gentle and tender with him. The kids all are completely enfatuated with him, which can be hard at times because there's usually someone inches away at all times, but I"m really trying to be understanding that they love Joseph as I do and this really is a special time in our lives right now that I do not want to rush through.

I am also so grateful to all my family and friends who have come to visit us and help out. I was completely spoiled by Chris and my mom and dad who came and spent the night with us. My mom and Chris cleaned and did laundry and my Dad spent time with all the kids so I could relax. It was also so nice to us to share some time just talking and visiting. Another wonderful memory. I am truly blessed beyond words and so thankful to God for His abundant grace.

Love and Blessings,

Waiting, waiting, waiting.....

2009-09-18T07:41:00.000-07:00

"So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor."

That was the verse in my inbox this morning. I love that, especially the "at the right time" part. At the right time He will life me up in honor! Wow! Why should I be honored? Anyway, it was just one of those things really stuck out my mind this morning. That if I humble myself before Him, He wants to give me honor. A gentle reminder from Him that no matter how chaotic life is I need to find that time with Him daily and He'll even reward me for it! Not that I need a reward for spending time with Him but that's just His heart.

Pretty cool!

Anyway, yesterday I had a doctors appt. Not much has changed except that my cervix is very soft and that I could go at anytime. I guess its out of my hands and a waiting game is what I'm in for. I'm still at a 2 but my midwife said that by the time I have a couple contractions I'd be a 5 or 6. She was very understanding about how fast my labors can be, which was nice. She said don't wait. If I feel anything just go even if I have to walk around the hospital for a couple hours at least I'm close. So that's the plan. We'll see.....

When I got back from the doctors we took the kids to the mall. Hannah still had birthday money that she watned to spend at Clairs, an 8 years old girls paradise. And we walked around a little bit and headed home. A pretty quiet day. I guess I should really start appreciating those while I have them. :-)

Well that's about all for around here. I'll everybody posted on any changes!

Oh yeah, Katie is still doing great, smiling all the time, just happy to be home I bet! Annie has sent me some pics of her smiling and I"ll have to post them on here when I get a chance, she's really adorable. But as for right now I have to little boys ready for a bath so off I go!

Love and Blessings everyone!

Home Sweet Home

2009-09-16T07:43:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! I know this is supposed to be a wordless wednesday but I haven't posted in a couple days and I wanted to make sure I posted a full update.

Katie is home, she went home on Monday night with mommy and daddy. She's doing great. As I posted before she passed her hearing test and the MRI and surgery to repair her broviac went great. The adjustment to home, although a miracle and huge blessings, is still an adjustment. I know Annie took Katie to have her 2 month shots yesterday and she had her first dose of antibiotics at home as well yesterday. As of last night Annie had given her a dose of antibiotics herself, which will make things easier since she won't have to depend on a nurse coming twice a day. But she did say Katie has been very clingy and not sleeping well. I do believe as great and wonderful as it is to be home its still going to take some time to adjust and poor Katie is probably so scared of ever having to do that again that she's going to want to be in mommy or daddy's arms for awhile.

So anyway, all is well on that front as of now. So now my prayer is of course is for the continued health of Katie and no remissions, but for Annie and Richie to really continue to draw upon the Lord and seek Him and give Him the credit for the healing of their daughter. It seems harsh that God might have allowed that to happen so they would have nothing else but to look to Him, but God knows better than we do what we or others need or have taken away to fully depend and have faith in Him. I know for myself, I've never been closer to the Lord than when I'm in a "valley" of some kind. And for those "valleys" I end up thanking and praising Him even more. Thank you all again for your prayers, support and thoughts. My family and I are more thankful than you know!
On the homefront, everything here is going fine. Working and living. Nothing exciting. Yet. I have a doctors appointment tomorrow that should tell me if anything more is happening. Last week my midwife told me I was 2 cm and about 50% effaced so tomorrow should be telling. It's just a waiting game and a very anxious one. I keep asking myself "is today the day?". And I know my day is coming soon but its constantly in the back of mind, if not the front!

Anyway, I wish you all a great wednesday!

Love and Blessings,

God is good!

2009-09-14T16:16:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! I just wanted to give you a quick update! Katie is going home tonight! She passed her hearing test with flying colors, her MRI looked great and the surgery to repair her Broviac went without a hitch. They have home health coming in the morning to give Katie her dose of anitbiotics and she gets immunizations tomorrow as well. She has a check-up with the neuro surgeon next week as well as a scan. But how wonderful to be going home~ I think we all doubted this day would come, but as we well know by now~ "with God all things are possible".

Thanks for the continued prayers and support! I'll continue to keep you updated as well!

A frustrating Katie update

2009-09-12T07:24:00.001-07:00

Hey everyone, well they moved Katie to the recovery floor yesterday. A very good sign and one step closer to going to home because she's so stable. Well I get a call from my sister late last night. The nurse who came in to give Kate her antibiotic left the cap off her broviac, which is her permanant IV line in her neck, therefore exposing her very bacteria in the hospital for 2 hours. Now Katies on a third broad spectrum antibotic to kill whatever she came in contact with because of that. The night nurse comes on and tells her what happened, they check Katie and realize the Broviac is now clogged, and the nurse goes about to flush it out with an entire siringe full of fluid! Cause Katie to jerk up in massive pain and scream and break the Broviac. Now my little neice has to have another surgery this morning to repair the Broviac if possible. Katie also isn't supposed to have morphene or anything close to it and the night nurse gave her codene, which is in the same family, and that affected Katies breathing again. My sister raised heck last night and demanded to be moved back to the PICU and they said no. The charge nurse said they'd only be assigned top nurses on that floor from now on. The two nurses they had who made these mistakes were new! Why are new nurses being assigned and not even checking her chart is beyond me! Anyway, I really need prayer for them. Katie has been through enough and now to be subjected to another surgery because of total and complete incompetence is very frustrating. Annie just wants to take her home and let her recover and that's going to be set back even further. Please pray for all of the family and Katie and for them to be assigned competent nurses that won't set Katie progress back further!

Happy Friday

2009-09-11T07:50:00.000-07:00

"You thrill me, Lord, with all you have done for me! I sing for joy because of what you have done."

Psalm 92:4

Reminds me a lot of this last week and half or so. What is possible with God. I can say I couldn't even have imagined it could be. From the depths of complete agonizing grief to perfect joy in days. And even with the ups and downs that have happened since, nothing compares or even shadows what we know God has done through Katie.

She's doing great and feeling great. The picture above is from yesterday, the same day that she smiled for the first time! What a blessing to brighten a drab hospital. To experience your childs first true smile. I think its a picture of what's to come for Annie and Rich. And future full of brightness and smiles. I also have linked her picture to the left on my sidebar to her care page at CHOC if youd like to send a message directly to the family or just check in on how she's doing.

Well on the homefront~things are good. I'm just ancy as I know I could go into labor any day now. I have a doctors appointment yesterday. Everything looks good and baby Joseph seems to be doing great too. My midwife examined me and said about 2 cm and 50% effaced so it could be anyday or a couple of weeks. Now is the waiting game....the hardest part for me I think. I just want him out of my belly and in my arms. I want to see him and touch him and smell him, but I'll have to wait for God's perfect timing and trust His timing will be perfect.

For someone like me with anxiety and the desire to plan every situation, labor can be a tough lesson. I cant plan it, I can make a plan of action for when it does happen, but I cant plan its every details, so this waiting is REALLY hard!

I also want to remember that today is 9-11. Eight years later but still fresh in our memories and hearts. I'm remembering the heros and loves ones that we all lost that day and that God's presence is strong with the family members left behind.

Anyway, that's about it for now. I hope you all have great day! Oh yeah, please keep my mom and dad and my sisters 3 other kids in prayer. They are all really sick with the flu...I appreciate your prayers and support!

Love and Blessings,

The Latest

2009-09-10T07:30:00.001-07:00

Here's the latest everyone! Katie is scheduled to have the 2 drains removed today from Tuesday's surgery. She's doing great, hardly on any pain meds and nursing. They're even talking about getting her out of the PICU and transferring her a regular recovery room in the hospital. I'll let you know anything I hear about that. I'm continuing to pray for Annie and Richie, they're very homesick and miss their 3 other kids. And I know Richie has to go to back to work soon, so I'm praying for the adjustment to be as smooth as possible and for Katie to begin her recovery at home soon! Thanks for the continued prayers and support!

Love,

Heather

Baby Katie 9-8-09

2009-09-08T17:09:00.001-07:00

Hey guys!~ Katie came out of surgery at 3:30 pm. She did very well, the surgeon said there was no puss just a small amount of fluid where the big abcess and small abcess on the left side were. So that sounds positive. She was already off the ventilator and breathing on her own and wide awake. She's obviously going to be in a lot of pain. This is the second surgery in a few days and reopening her head cant feel very good. She's also not being kept asleep like she was last time either. Which is a good sign but very sad because she will feel the pain. They are going to give her pain medicine as soon as she's out of recovery. (Which has already happened, I'm sure).

Were still left with no answers. And with that we still have to maintain a positive attitude and total faith in the Lord and the Great Physician. He has brought her such a long way and I think compared to where we were last week as this time (life and death, literally) she's a miracle!

My dad and Richie's dad were able to see Katie in recovery very quickly and they were both also able to talk to the surgeon. Who told them exactly what he's been telling Annie and Richie. They have no answers. They still do not know why it's in her brain and what the long term affects will be because of it. Her brain looks great. But the left side is smaller than the right because of the pressure of the abcesses and fluid. So her developemental delay will remain to be seen. They cannot say how she's been affected by this and what kind of damage has been done to her brain. They did say that her right side looks great and the right side will be able to compensate for left side in learning things if it has too. But again, it's going to be a waiting game to see exactly what, if any, damage was done.

Again, Annie is super positive and grateful for Katie's strength and amazing ability to come out of these surgeries so well. She is so strong and already a hero to the whole family. How many more surgeries will there be if any???? Remains to be seen. But the scans this week will give more answers and for that we have to be grateful and really hold on to the positive.

She has made remarkable progress and hasn't taken any steps back. No new abcesses have formed and no puss either. So that tells me that the medicine is doing its job. But again, doctors have NEVER seen this before. So they are really being cautious, and understandably so.

Anyway, that's the latest. I will continue to update whenever I hear anything new! Thanks again for prayers and thoughts!

Holiday wrap-up and of course, Katie....

2009-09-08T14:41:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! I hope you all had a great and safe Labor Day weekend! We were pretty busy around here, has we have been for the past week. Wow, what a rollercoaster life has been lately. Let's see, on Friday I basically caught up on housework that got put on the back burner because of going up and down the hill to the hospital. Saturday was Hannah's birthday. We hung out here at home and she opened one of her gifts and her card from Grammie and Papa. Then when Chris got home we went to church, had cake and ice cream and watched Hannah open the rest of her presents. Sunday we headed back down the hill. We stopped by Chris' grandmas house and had birthday cake for Hannah there as well. We also made our way to the hospital and hung out there with Annie and some the family too. It was nice to visit and I know they love the distraction also. After that we took the kids to the park and then to target where Hannah spent a little of her money and I got some stuff for Joseph also. Yesterday was Labor Day and we bbq'd here at home with a couple friends and just relaxed. A nice way to end the weekend and start the week. Everything here is going fine. I'm getting closer to my due date now. I'm 36 weeks today, so that gives me about 4 weeks left but most likely 2 since I tend to deliver at 38 weeks. So I'm getting nervous, excitied; all kinds of emotions rolled into one. I have a doctor's appointment on thursday, I'm going to ask my midwife to check me and see if anything's starting because I've had some signs that I'll spare the details on, on here. :-) But I'll be sure to let you know what happens with appointment.

Now on to Katie....

She's been doing great! What a miracle baby she is. A perfect little picture of God's glory. She has had her MRI and is in surgery as we speak. My heart is at the hospital right now for sure. She is so strong and amazing and after the journey the Lord has taken on with her I don't doubt for second that she'll be fine and we'll have a wonderful testimony to God's grace and what is possible through faith and prayer. I'll never again see God the same or be the same again. He's taken my relationship with Him to a new level and for that I wouldn't trade any of the pain and grief I suffered.

Annie and Richie are seriously the strongest people I know right now. They know the Lord but haven't been walking with Him. And through this they've been seeking prayer and finding comfort in God's word. It's been so exciting for me to see them comforted by God and giving Him the credit for Katie's amazing turnaround!

I can't express my gratitude enough to all you prayer warriors! You cant know how much peace and strength you've brought, not only to Annie and Richie, but to our whole family! It's appreciated more than you can know. It's amazing what can be done when God's people come together!

Anyway, I'm off to do homework with David. I hope you all have a great Tuesday!

Love and Blessings,

Miracle Katie

2009-09-07T07:21:00.000-07:00

Katie is doing very well as of last night. EKG came back fine, her heart rate has been dropping because of the surgeries, which they said is very normal, but they aren't taking any chances and really taking everything very seriously. She is scheduled for surgery tomorrow (tues) to go and drain whatever fluid is there and make sure there is nothing else. The CT didn't show anything else so far...Praise God!!!! She's an amazingly strong little girl! She's off morphene and very alert just sucking on her binky like crazy, really wanting to eat. Finally, after 18 hours, Annie was able to feed her again! I will continue to keep you updated and feel very blessed to have all of you so concerned for my family. I'm also feeling fine as well. 36 weeks and counting. I have a dr. appt on thurs and will also let you know how that goes for me. Let me say this birthday and preganacy will never be forgotton but have drawn me closer to the Lord in a way that is unexplainable and for that I am so grateful! Love you all!

Heather

Katie update- afternoon of Sep. 5

2009-09-05T13:37:00.001-07:00

the lastest as of this afternoon is that the MRI showed that there is a small abcess recollecting on the left side of her brain. She goes into surgery on tuesday. I believe its to remove it, I'm waiting on the details. Continue praying warriors! We've prayed through the worst of it already...

thanks,

Heather

Happy Birthday Hannah and Katie Update!

2009-09-05T08:18:00.000-07:00

As of Sep. 5-
Katie update:my sis got to got nurse her for yesterday 15min on each side! The vent and drains are all out, the neurosurgeon examined her head and said it felt a little larger than he'd expect but it could've been swelling from the surgeries, they're doing an MRI this morning to be sure. Pray for unwavering faith for annie and richie, we know God is bigger than this but they are nervous and need to be lifted up! Thanks for all your continued prayer and support!

On another note. Today is my only daugther birthday! 8 yrs. old today and 8 years that have flown by way too fast. Sometimes, well most of the time, faster than I'd like. Were going to do presents and cake tonight after church, then head down the hill tomorrow to visits Chris' mom and grandma and take her shopping to spend her money most likely. We also plan on visiting Annie and Richie too. She would like to see Papa and Grammie, but we'll have to see.

Anyway, I promised the birthday girl pancakes for breakfast so I better get on that! Thanks for continued prayer and support for my family I so appreciate it!

Love and Blessings,

Friday Morning...

2009-09-04T09:06:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! Wow what a ride this past week has been! But I wouldn't have changed it for the world. Not after what I can humbly say I was blessed to be a part of. The pain is so worth the closness I feel with God. Being front-center to a miracle isn't something that I can say I do everyday or will ever do again. Although I don't doubt anything anymore.

Here's the latest:

As of last night, they were thinking about taking out the ventilator. They tested her breathing first. Basically they shut off the machine competely and let her breathe on her own. She does but she's not breathing out enough carbon dioxide, which is completely normal for someone after surgeries. She also is much more alert, and therefore, fussy because of all the "stuff" she's hooked up to. So when she cries it affects her breathing. The docs just want to play it safe and sound, now that she's come so far, so fast. They said the vent will most likely come out this morning, I'm waiting to hear. Two drain tubes should be coming out today as well. She's scheduled for an MRI on Tuesday so see if everything is still looking good.

They said the most amazing thing about yesterday's CT scan was was that when you drain abcesses there is empty pockets left in the brain from where the abcesses were. But in her case, there's not even that. Not only are they completely gone but there isn't even the empty pockets. Which left the surgeon completely baffled again. Also the pathology came back that the only bacteria is strep phneumo. Which doesn't cause abcesses but the infectious disease specialist said "well they did here". So she said she's going to be studying this case and investigating it. I'm sure all the surgeons will be too.

Anyway, that's what our God can do. Leave specialists baffled and us speechless! He's awesome! He would still reign no matter what the outcome, but how wonderful to rejoice in such happiness!

I will keep you all updated! Thank you again for the prayers, they are appreciated more than words can express!

Katie last night (thursday night)

Katie-Sep. 3 11:00pm

2009-09-03T23:19:00.000-07:00

Just got back from the hospital! What a turnaround from last night! Katie was awake and alert. Playing with her Daddy's hands. She would stick her hand out and he would play with her fingers and then she would grab his fingers so tight. Then she'd let go and he'd play with fingers some more. She was kicking her feet and letting everyone know she cant wait to have all this stuff out of her. I've some pics on my phone of her tonight, but I'm not able to get them on facebook for some reason. But I will try again tomorrow.

So nice to see smiles and joy, instead of the tears and pain of last night. God has used "Kater" as a vessel to glorify Himself in the most spectacular way I've ever seen. And I am so humbled to have been this close to it! I sent a verse to my sister yesterday from Romans: "Rejoice with those who are rejoicing and weep with those who are weeping". And I told her I am weeping with you now and praying that we will rejoice together soon! Never did I imagine this! I pray we all never forget the power of God and what He can do. I can say I've witnesses a true miracle and for that I'll never be the same! Love you all! And thanks for praying....lets pray without ceasing....we're all witnesses to it's power!

Miracle

2009-09-03T14:03:00.000-07:00

I have no words to explain what has just happened...other than its a miracle! God still does miracles! I was in the middle of writing a very angry blog about everything that is happening and my phone rings....it's Annie....

My heart sinks.

I say hello. She sounds normal, almost happy....

She says, they just did a CT scan of her brain and the abcesses are gone! Her brain is perfect! There's nothing there anymore except a small amount of fluid that they used yesterday to flush the abcesses out. I am at a loss for words. My pounding heart is praising Him for now!

Katie Update as of 10:00am Sep. 3, 09

2009-09-03T10:58:00.001-07:00

Okay guys, here's the latest. I was there at CHOC for a few hours last night. Annie and Richie are holding up as well as can be expected in the situation. They are amazingly strong people for what they're going through. As you know they cant fully remove the abcesses because they've taken over half her brain, but they did put drains in the drain the abcesses and flush them out. That procedure went extremely well for what they're dealing with. She is stable and they're waiting on MRI results today which is huge and pathology results as well. Thank you so much for your continued prayer and support, it is appreciated more than you can imagine. Katie is an angel, she is astounding doctors, nurses and all of us with her strength.

Jesus hasn't changed! He STILL reigns!!!

Wordless Wednesday exception

2009-09-02T07:30:00.000-07:00

I think you'll understand the expection of my words on "wordless wednesday". If anyone follows me on facebook you'll understand the depth these pictures this morning. But here's is an update from my facebook note:

Okay everyone! We need you prayer warriors. Here's the update about what is going on. I know my sister and her husband will appreciate any prayer you can lift up on their behalf. Baby Katie, my neice, is very seriously ill right now. Annie took her to the doctor this morning because she had a gut feeling something was wrong with Katie. She said she just wasn't acting right. The doctor immediately had her transferred to CHOC hospital. They did a brain scan and found several masses on her brain. They have since done a brain biopsy where they found 5 open, infected absesses on her brain which are producing huge amounts of puss. They removed a cup of puss from her brain and she is scheduled for brain surgery tomorrow where they are going to remove the absesses and the puss. The problem right now is that they are completely baffled as to what the infection is and where it came from and why she has it. There is an infectious disease specialist there asking a ton of questions. She is completely baffled how a 2 month old has this amount of infection in her brain and isn't seizing or even having a fever. So please pray for Katie for Annie and her husband. Pray for the surgeons and for the lab techs to have wisdom to get the answers they didnt as soon as possible. I keep telling myself that God is still on the throne and He's bigger than this! Thanks guys for all your thoughts and prayers! I will keep you all posted as I hear any news. Please keep in mind tomorrow for Katies surgery. I dont know an exact time but God does! Thanks and God Bless!

Since I wrote that yesterday evening there have been some changes. Not good ones. They got the MRI results back and the abcesses are the biggest they've seen on a 2 month old. They are not sure if the surgery will work because of the size of abcesses they cant be sure that her whole brain isn't infected. They wont know until they get in there. They kept her asleep all night in case the abcesses grew at all they would rush her into surgery. Thankfully she made it through the night.

Today is a different story.

I was awoken this morning with a text from my Dad to get on my knees and pray for healing. There was no new news but his spirit was stirred to pray and so I did. And I had been off and on all night long. But I went to my knees and pleaded and petioned to the Lord like I never have before. "Can we see your glory in that hospital and still keep Katie? Can we praise Your name and still hold her?" I was led to a verse in Mark chapter 9 verse 23, Jesus said "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes". I believe!!! I dont doubt with one ounce of my being that my Jesus can cast a passing glance upon sweet Katie and she would be instantly healed. But what if the Lords will isn't to heal her? Will I still believe? I am so overcome with emotion. I don't know who to handle pain like this. This is beyond anything I've even dealed with, ever in my 32 years. But God is still on the throne. Jesus still reigns. And in my pain, through my tears that's all I have.

I didn't think it was possible to physically ache in pain or cry and sob so loud that used a towel to quiet them for my sisters grief. She is beyond grieving and I dont know who else to help her but to pray and cry for her. This is the valley of the shadow of death....I have a new understanding now.

He still reigns,

Monday, Monday

2009-08-31T07:24:00.000-07:00

Today sure feels like a monday...there's a huge fire here in Southern Cal., so the beautiful morning sky that usually awaits us is instead a orangy haze with spinkling of ash raining down. I'm praying for the firefighters who are so bravely putting their lives on the line as we speak. I'm also praying for a better start to the week than the end was. Yesterday was not a good day, on many levels. I wont get into it on here, but anyone who reads and has a spare second, please pray for me, God knows the details. Its nothing serious but a lesson could be learned and my part I'm sure. Anyway, the kids are great, off to school this smoky monday morning and Jeremiah and I are enjoying the quiet time before our day begins. David is still sleeping, which is great because he usually gets woken up too early anyway. So I'll leave todays short, sweet and to the point. Just wanted everyone to know I"m still here...

Love and Blessings,

Wordless Wednesday-Flashback

2009-08-26T08:28:00.001-07:00

So glad its not Monday anymore!

2009-08-25T09:03:00.000-07:00

Wow I am so super glad that its not Monday anymore! I haven't a bad day like that in awhile! Nothing major mind you but it just wasn't good. The kids got up in bad moods, so the morning was rough. Jeremiah was crabby all day. I had a raging headache and really bad allergies yesterday which is weird because I haven't had them all summer so I don't know what that was about! To top if off I was super tired all day. Like ready to fall asleep if I sat down, so I avoided that which just made me achy and more grumpy. Lovin my cheer this morning?....LOL!

There was much more but little stuff that just added up. I was just down and discouraged and stressed and worried, all the things I'm not to be. But I did watch a really awesome CD called the truth project, and it really helped me. I was tired and not really wanting to stay up and watch anything but I did. And for a reason. I really spoke to my heart about how my worrying and discouragement puts limits and boundaries on my God who is limitless and boundless and above, far above, my problems. Not in a bad way, its just that nothing in this world could ever compare to who He is or what He is capable of. There's so much I could get into about that but I wont this morning. I'm just so thankful for His word and for the people that He gifts with the ability to teach His truths!

On the home front, everything is fine. Our needs our met the kids are healthy and that's what I have to focus on. God is providing for us and were are learning to depend on Him like we've never had before. Which is probably why were in this situation. Is to strengthen our dependence on Him. It's an uphill battle but I'm learning slowly to surrender things to Him and wait on Him. And when I feel like I'm ready to just cry with stress or worry, I call out to Him and His faithful, gentle way, He always brings me comfort!

Anyway, I have to get ready to take David to school. I hope you all have a great Tuesday!

Shalom!

My Prayer

2009-08-20T06:32:00.000-07:00

I woke this morning and read my devotion. It was so touching to my heart and I wanted to share. It was called "mother of the year". And basically was a devotion for mother's who at times feel they are failing completely, messing up and struggling. I think every one of us mothers as been there ( I think I'm there on a daily basis). The devotional verse was out of Proverbs 31; "her children will rise up and call her blessed; her husband also and he praises her".

The devotion went on to give a couple of examples why this mother felt she was failing and what God had put on her heart. You see her son started kinder that week and she forgot to pick him up twice in one week because she was distracted at home working. Well by the second time she felt completely humiliated and discouraged. The next day "parent life" magazine named her one of the 8 Mother's of the Year.

She didn't understand how they could think that or how is could possibly be because of how she messed up. Her husband pointed out to her that it was God's way of telling her that "your doing better than you think you are and I am not the only one who sees it". That touched me because as mom's I think we tend to focus on comparison and all many ways we "mess up" and not on the daily blessings we give to our kids. But God sees. He sees me care and nurture, love and discipline, pray for them and teach them about Him. He sees it. And that's what we should gauge our motherhood journey on. On being the mother God created us to be and seeking Him for guidance. My kids will rise up on day and call be blessed, not because I was perfect but because in my humanity I loved and raised them with the strength that came of the Lord and despite my mistakes I continued on and never gave up. Children see that, just like God does....

My prayer this morning for all us mommies:

Father God,

I pray as I start, continue or end this day that you would help me to see my kids with Your eyes. That I would see them as the mosaic masterpieces that You created. From the foundations of the earth You knew their face. You created them specifically and deliberately, with decision and great care. You made them with needs and wants, likes and dislikes, talents and desires and gave them to me. Help to not focus on what mistakes I've made or how I don't measure up, but give me the constant desire to mother them as you made me too. And may I delve into Your peace and knowledge daily through your Word and prayer for guidance in raising these gifts You've given me. Father, you handed me Your creations and trust me to raise them. May I daily walk in the confidence that You have in me. I pray for the Holy Spirit to fill me with Your love and understanding, and may I set an example of You for my kids. I also pray Jesus, for all the mom's in my life. May they be inspired my You and Your word. May this speak to their hearts and give them strength where it's needed. May be lifted up in spirit this morning and every day.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Love and Blessings,

What a week!

2009-08-17T07:26:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! Man it's been almost a week, what a horrible blogger I am! Well lets see the last time I was on here was last Tuesday so I guess the rest of the week was basically adjusting to having the kids back in school and getting on a school day schedule. I think the nights were the hardest. Just trying to get them in bed at a decent time so that they aren't exhausted for the morning. It's been going fine though. They all like their teachers and seem to be adjusting just fine. David is doing great in kinder. Thankfully the school was able to secure a third kindergarten teacher so his class size will drop significantly today, (from 45 to 30), so that will be wonderful! I think last week was basically just trying to get through the week. Which is kind of sad but, if David handled that so well he'll just thrive now that the class will be at a more realistic size! And I'm so grateful to God for answering that prayer!

Saturday was my baby shower! It was so nice. Very relaxed and so much fun to see everyone and visit. I got so much stuff for Joseph and for that I am so completely blessed! We even got some gift cards. So it'll be so fun for Chris and I to go get what we still need and stock up on diapers and stuff! I also got to see Katie again, which I was so excited about. I don't get to see her as often as I want to and I don't want to miss out on her growing! She's in the 8lb range now which is so awesome! I'm so proud of Annie for sticking it out breastfeeding and being such a good mommy to my little niece! Katie's thriving and it shows!

And yesterday was Sunday (probable my favorite day of the week). We went to church, which was awesome as it usually is. God has been speaking to me so much lately and I'm thankful that the Holy Spirit has softened my heart in such a way that I've been hearing His voice so clearly lately. I want to be a better wife, mom, daughter and sister. I want badly for people to see God through me in the everyday! Which is something I really want to work on. I also am so thankful for God speaking to Chris is ways too. Living out and taking action on what God's been saying to his heart as well! When we got home from church we did a little prepping in the backyard and Chris and Tom worked so hard laying the sod! We planned on hydroseeding the back like we did the front but with the amount we payed in water to do the front it basically cost the same to just sod the backyard. It looks so beautiful back there. What a difference!

Well I pray for a wonderful week for everyone! I have got to get going here on my day as well. I've got to go grocery shopping after I take David to kinder, but I figured I'd better get on here before another day goes by!

Love and Blessings everyone!

Back to School

2009-08-11T08:57:00.000-07:00

Well yesterday was the first day of school! As I've said before, it was bittersweet. It's always hard to feel like I"m sending my babies into the big, bad world when they've been home safe with me all summer. But it was, as usual, harder for me than it was for them. The older kids were fine. And I knew they would be. I walked Jonathan, Nathan and Hannah to the playground, and of course Jonathan spotted his line and was off. I helped Nathan and Hannah to their lines and walked with Hannah and her line to her class. I was able to get a couple pics of her at her desk (she's still not old enough to be humiliated by that yet!) I had to sneak a couple pics of the boys though.

So a couple hours later it was time to take David to kinder. I had butterflies in my stomach to the whole time. While he was fine. We got to the school, met his teacher, she walked us to the classroom and we parents stayed for attendance and watched as she showed them around the class. Where the bathrooms are and what to do, where to hang backpacks and put lunches or snacks, etc....

While they all walked to the office to bring the attendance folder is when us parents made our exit. I waved to David and he smiled and waved. And there I was, walking out with Jeremiah and one less child. It was hard for me. I think it's harder as I get older. You'd think with this being my 4th starting school that it would be a breeze. Not so! It's worse. I think I"m more senstive as I get older. But he had a great day and all the kids were excited to fill me in on their first day! I prayed as I left that Jesus would be in the midst, and of course He was. They all had a great first day and I"m so grateful!

Hope you enjoy the pics! Have a great tuesday everyone!

Happy Friday

2009-08-07T07:54:00.000-07:00

Hey all! Happy, happy Friday! The weekend is almost here and this marks the last official weekend of summer vacation for my kiddos. They're off to school on Monday! Yesterday, David and I went to his kindergarten orientation. It was good for him to see his teacher, his classroom and the playground where they'll eat snack and have recess. It was bittersweet for me though. It does not get easier no matter how many kids you have. This being my 4th one going to school and it's as hard as the first. The budget crisis California is experiencing DOES NOT help either.
He will be in a class of 41 students. That sickens me. I can only pray he's not lost in the bunch. And I keep reminding myself, that I am his primary teacher. Chris and I are his primary foundation and will make every effort to see that he learns and keeps up on his work. But nevertheless I'm praying for peaceful transition for him on Monday. He's in the PM kinder too which helps. So he'll start at 10:11 and get out at 1:47 with the other kids.

We go to the school this afternoon (after 5 pm) to see the class lists for Jonathan, Nathan and Hannah. I hope they got the teacher they wanted, but with the cuts the schools are being forced to cope with, who knows. So prayer for that will be greatly appreciated.

Yesterday afternoon Hannah had her last dental appt! Yay! She's finally done! Grammie (my mom) also came and visited yesterday for awhile and picked up Nathan to spend a couple days with her and Papa. I'm so grateful for the one on one time they get. Especially being kids from big families, its a wonderful time for them to be the sole center of attention. So I"m so happy for them to have those times.

The visit with my mom was so nice too. She, Chris and I got to fellowship and talk about America and Israel! We need to be praying for Israel guys! We need to be in deep prayer for our country as well. And no matter what choices our legislation makes we, as Christian believers, need to be constantly in prayer for Israel, the apple of God's eye, and support them always!

Rom 10:1 -My hearts’ desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they might be saved.

1 Sam 12:22 -Far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you (Israel).

*parenthesis added my me

Anyhow, after Hannah's appt, we went and got a dresser for Josephs room. It looks like an official nursery now. And I"m so excited to get some of his stuff put away in there! I'll definitely post a pic of the finished product when I'm done!

I'm also trying something new. In the left column of my blog have a little text that says "what I'm thankful for". I'm to do my very best best to update that daily. I think it'll help my perspective to stay positive and give God the thanks He deserves for the many blessings I have!

Please comment anything your thankful for and I'll add those daily as well! The Lord is so good to us!

Love and Blessings,

Wordless Wednesday

2009-08-05T17:39:00.001-07:00

"Oh...."

2009-08-02T21:04:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! I hope you've all had a great weekend. It's been wonderful here. We went to church on Saturday night and it was awesome! Worship was great and the message was well..."oh"....

That probably doesn't make much sense if you didn't make it this weekend or if you don't attend our church but that's pretty much what you left the service thinking. It was on Romans 11:33-36 and that's basically Paul's reaction to what he's taught so far. About where we've been and where we are now and who God is.

"Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgements, and His paths beyond tracing out! "Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counselor? Who as ever given to God, that Dos should repay him?" For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen."
Rom 11:33-36

We we taught in church this weekend that the "oh" is exclamatory. Meaning that Paul didn't intend on going here when we was writing. But he was basically so overcome with what he's learned of who God is thus far in Romans that he basically looked back and thought "oh!"

Just thinking of creation. I mean space, the sun, the stars, how vast, how innumerable the stars are and the how vast the galaxies, that we cannot even begin to grasp with human understanding and He spans them with His hand. It does change the way I look at God. It humbles me, and changes the way I pray. God doesn't need my advice or counsel in prayer. He doesn't even need my prayer or worship. But He wants it, He loves it, and He waits for it. So my outlook on prayer and worship is so changed by that word "oh". I'm so humbled that God would bend His ear toward me, and He would rejoice over me and that He would humble Himself to come to this little blue dot of a planet to save me!

On another note...we took a little family outing today to Oak Glen. A little town outside of Yucaipa. I've never been and never knew it existed. But I"m sure glad I know now. It's a quaint little town full of ranches and orchards. Apple stands and bakeries line the streets. It's a place for wholesome family fun and well worth it today! The kids pick some blackberries and ate them as we walked. We intended to pick apples but they weren't quite ready picking yet so were planning on going back in a few weeks to do that. Anyways, as usual I documented our little adventure with many pictures, if you'd like to see them click here.

Have a wonderful week everyone!

Blessings,

Why dont we do this more often?...

2009-07-31T09:48:00.000-07:00

Hey all! Yesterday we went to the beach. We met Grammie and Papa there and Devin, Ashley and Hailey (cousins). We didn't get to the sand until 1:00 because we had doctor and dentists appts. in the morning and didn't want to reschedule those. But what a great day! There is nothing like the beach especially a day like yesterday. The water was so warm, unbelievably warm like 72 degrees and perfect weather! It made me ask myself, "why don't we do this more often?" We up in the desert yes, but what's an hour and half when that's the destination.

Anyway, the kids never left the water. Jeremiah played near it but stayed on the wet sand mostly building sand castles. Jonathan and Nathan body boarded the whole time with Devin and Hannah played in the water with David, Ashley and Hailey. Daddy got in the water and body surfed, so did papa and played with kids the rest of the time.

It was really good memories and so so so much fun! Worth the packing, clean-up and yes, sunburns too. These days are why I love California so much! I guess born a cali-girl always a cali-girl! :-) But there's immense beauty and power in the ocean and I'm so thankful the Lord made these beautiful places for us to get a glimpse of His creative side. The water, sand, sound of the waves and kids playing made for a perfect day and I'm so grateful for it!

Many pictures were taken, (as you should well know by now), but to see the pictures of our day
click here.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-07-29T10:50:00.000-07:00

Pump it Up

2009-07-25T18:42:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! This will be short and sweet today! But we headed down the hill for a birthday party this afternoon to a place called "pump it up". It's an indoor place with bounce houses and slides and stuff. The kids had a great time playing with their cousins and Mama had a great time watching them and visiting with the family! Lots a fun and many pics were taken. If you have some time and want to check it out click here!

Hope you all have a great weekend!

Love and Blessings!

Weeks worth of catch-up...pretty much

2009-07-24T12:06:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! Just catching up with ya! Been busy here the past couple days with errands and Chris being off yesterday, we always seem to find something to keep ourselves busy with. As I'm sitting here typing this the baby is doing what feels like somersaults! Gosh he's been active lately! Anyway, yesterday I had to have some lab work done but I was back early and then we did some yard work and went to a nursery and picked out a couple trees for the backyard. One really big one for shade and a couple small ones also. The backyard is a work in progress but its coming along and a fun job to do. Yes I love yard work but that one of my quirks I guess, playing in the dirt! :-)

The front yard looks great and the grass has come in beautifully so it's nice to go out front and see the green. Chris and Jonathan mowed the lawns yesterday evening and Chris started the holes for the trees and other plants we already had from the other house. He worked so hard yesterday on his day off and I'm so grateful for that.

On Tuesday the kids painted some little canvas art that I got for them at Michael's. They had a great time creating their own little masterpieces. Hope you enjoy...

Tomorrow were going to a birthday party at pump it up and it'll a much needed and well deserved day out. The kids are at the end of their summer and very much getting ready to head back to school so this will be a great way have them exert some energy! Well that's about all for now. I hope all is well and have a blessed weekend!

Yes, by the way I just went to take some pics of the backyard and my battery died on my camera, so I will get those up tomorrow. When I came back in Jeremiah had turned off the computer-thank goodness that blogger saves my post as a draft every 30 sec. or so! LOL!

ngfdfghggffffgtghggtgtgfhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhtgfggbgggffrrrttttthhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

(That is from Jeremiah while I stepped away to take pics of the yard) :-)