Since I meant to do one all week and tomorrow is Friday-- how about a re-cap DAYBOOK?
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Black stretchy pants (to sleep in) and a pink turtleneck-- yes I still wear turtlenecks-- I'm not quite as bad as I used to be--I used to ALWAYS wear turtlenecks and sweathers-- I am WAY to hot blooded (since having children, really) to wear all that now...
Towards a real education ...
Around the Hobby Farm
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:
Oh what a JOYOUS day at our home today---
We were able to score a toddler bed on Craigs list for $25!
Dh brought it in and set it up after breakfast.... and then of course he tried it out--
I left the room for some reason-- and when I returned-- he was in his bed covered with a "bink" in his mouth (pacifer) and his "servants" (father and brothers) all kneeling at his bed (what a picture)....but i said "Oh No--- No "bink" in this bed-- this is a BIG BOY BED-- No Binks!!" so they threw it in the crib (which we left up just in case).
So 11am came and it was nap time-- and up he went (he is a GOOD napper-- always says "okay" when I say it's nap time) and crawled in to his "big boy bed" and I covered him and THAT WAS IT!! Off to dream land he went!!!!!!!! WHAT? Really? No putting him in 10x, no long lecture about staying in bed??? NO BINK!?!
Well when he woke he SCREAMED and CRIED (like always-- I don't think he thinks I can hear him otherwise) and he waited for me to get him out of his bed!!!!!!!!!!! WOW!!!
Well I was still a bit skeptical....however 7:30pm rolled around and at bed time-- up the stairs he climbed (happily) and in bed he crawled-- I covered him, kissed him and left the room-- and I haven't seen or heard him at all!!! WOW!!
SO a change in bed made losing the BINK just that easy? REALLY???? WOW!!!! ( we tried losing the bink a while back but it was just too much crying for my nerves).
Then my loving husband says to me "well if you just get him potty trained you'll be set". The thing is I really beleive he was READY for this bed-- and when he is READY to use the potty-- he will let me know-- (right??)
That is where I am... there are just not enough hours in my day(s).
So many times this week I have thought "Oh, I'll have to blog about that" and well it hasn't happened. I don't think I even checked my e-mails a few days there-- life is just sooo very busy with 3 little ones 2 and under!!! WHEWWW.. I know it will get better-- but wow-- it is incredible....
We are in the process of tweeking a new schedule-- and it is working (kind of) it is very loose-- I put in some benchmark times that we "should" be doing certain things-- and then in between there are things that "could" get done...... if that makes any sense-- I am really short on time, or I'd post more about that.
I am currently trying to get some keifer made for Rebekah...we'll find out tomorrow if that works out....
Oh how funny-- so many things I wanted to share and now my mind is completely empty-- I'm ready for bed-- and since Nathan went to bed an hour early--- I guess I'd be smart to follow behind....
PS: I am getting highspeed internet Monday-- so maybe there will be more pics on the blog SOON!!
Cold, dark and rainy.... not a good combination.... I am still having a hard time with it getting dark so early. It will be better when people have their Christmas lights out (although I wish they were not "Christmas" lights but "Winter" lights-- and would stay up much longer....it helps the DARK COLD OUTSIDE be more bareable. Although as the boys and I talked about on the way here-- this is part of Gods plan-- we are to REST in the Winter (imho) the Summer, Spring, and FAll we plant, grow, gather, store-- in the winter it is time for us to "rest".... and enjoy. I need to focus on that....
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A jean jumper dress that I LOVE and would like to take a part and have someone make me a FEW more-- (different fabric) but it is SO perfect, size, for nursing, and I just REALLY like it!
Towards a real education ...
Around the Hobby Farm
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:
I love it when I can share the TRUTH of God's word in tangible ways with my children. I am not at all sharing this to "brag" but because this is "my" personal record of our days--- and this was such a blessing to our family....
Last weekend we indeed did go and help my mother with her wood needs. It should've been an easy trip-- go get wood, split, stack....but many things came up which tried to steal our joy and (money). I didn't realize first of all it would cost more $ to take our trailer on the turnpike (due to more axels...Jason may have realized this, I was a bit shocked at first).... then when we got to my mothers with her first load of wood-- we realzied a bearing broke-- and the wheel was SMOKING!! It took a few parts and tools ($$$$) to fix the wheel. Then when Jason began to chain saw some wood that was already on the ground at my mothers-- there were some REAL chainsaw issues that required some parts/chains etc... We were determined to do this for my mother, as we wanted to bless her and have her warm and toasty over the winter... so we kept working-- no one mentioning where this $$ was going to come from-- but realzing that this was a task that was needed and would be completed.....
At this same time I was made aware of a family (local) who is going thru some problems (out of their control) and the Lord has REALLY been laying it on my heart to bless this family in SOME way-- and I wasn't sure where exactly that would come from--- but when God lays it on your heart-- it STAYS there until it is delt with.... so I knew he would make a way--- and he HAS!!! (not to mention as soon as I told Jason he knew JUST how we could bless them and help meet some of their physcial needs).
Low and behold I am about ready to do bills for the week-- and guess what? Jason received a BONUS on this paycheck and a cost of living increase (not big-- but every bit counts)... so we have JUST what we need to cover those unexpected expenses....and I am so thankful we did not let those "little" hang ups slow us down-- and I am more thankful to GOD for seeing us thru and blessing us in the end with our needs continuing to be met.
The saddest part to my flesh is I can now see when we are "in GOD's will" he will make a way and the road will lead down the path we are to take-- but sometimes I try PUSH and PULL a path of my own making-- like my DESIRE (fleshly, selfish) desire to have a BIGGER vechicle-- A VAN.... do we all fit in our current vehicle? Yes, it isn't the most pleasant arrangement right now-- but it works-- and I can see-- that WHEN God feels we are ready and the time is right-- HE WILL MAKE A WAY-- so I might as well QUIT PUSHING and PULLING!!
As a matter of fact the older 2 and I were talking last evening about our "trips" outside the home and how they have DWINDLED greatly in number...and they said "well it is because all of the babies". And to the human eye-- that is true-- it is a fact. But then Zachary said "If we didn't have these babies we might be out more and get the flu".. (TRUE) and then Zachary said "If we were out more we would EAT OUT more" (SO TRUE-- that was always our biggest budget pitfall) -- and then we tied that in to that money can now be used for helping/serving others AND we are TRYING to be healthier and lose some weight-- and eating out DOES NOT HELP THAT!! So this 'lack of running errands" will help us in MANY areas-- it might seem like a 'set back" at first glance-- but if we are quiet and seek God-- we can see him working IN MANY other areas... and how sweet that the older 2 boys could SEE IT TOO!!!! Praise God!!
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Luke 6:38
If I had more time I'd LOVE to share about our new church and how I have NEVER EVER in my LIFE seen a BODY OF BELEIVERS take this verse PUT IT INTO PRACTICE so literally:
They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:42-47
-- REALLY-- Maybe this week I can share a bit-- The boys too seeing this-- and realzie this is not "the WORLDs" way-- this is God's way-- and is very rare-- yet such a blessing--- and such a visable way to see God Work:
Oh please not this time---
My son has talked about almost NOTHING else other than taking some $$ out of his bank account and buying a PIG!!
Why? Because that is what Almonzo did when he asked his dad for .05, his dad gave hime .50 and he bought a pig (so he could sell the babies-- whatever baby pigs are called-- I'll know the answer to this tomorrow).
All weekend-- everyone he came in contact with he told "I am going to take MY $$ and buy a baby pig".
The draw back to this? Almonzo's father owned a VERY large farm (and was pretty wealthy) and the book never mentioned how Almonzo FED this animal!! (Zachary is planning LOTS of scraps-- tried to start saving some today)..... The bigger drawback to all of this? Jason has ALWAYS wanted to raise a pig---
Oh how I DISLIKE PIGS!! VERY MUCH. When we go the farm show or fair-- I try to walk quickly thru-- and to be honest they SCARE ME VERY MUCH!! Have you ever seen a PIG get loose at a Farm Show? I have and it takes a FEW MEN to get them back in!!!! Oh dear... they REALLY REALLY do scare me!!!
So guess what filled Zachary's library bag today? Books on pigs-- you guessed!! (lol) I have a friend who has her daughters write a paper or notebook about things like this-- do some REAL resarch before they are able to "jump in" to things like this-- and that is JUST what I have planned for Zachary.
PS: I did throw in a few books on rabbits-- incase the pig idea doesn't 'fly".
If only he "took" to our Missionary book on the Fiji Island like he did Almonzo's pig!! LOL
Oh yeah-- read alouds are great!!! LOL
That is what we will be doing this weekend....
Tonight we are having a fellowship meal at our church for our pastor and his wife to celebrate their anniversary. Just last week we had a celebration/meal for another couple who celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary.... I just love how serious this church takes and MAKES families. The couple that celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary also had a wedding quilt / throw hand made for them by ladies of the church (not me, I am not good with a needle...and it was also made during Nathans birth and there-after). My older 2 were at first surprised that we were having a dinner to celebrate an anniversary-- but now that this is CELEBRATION #2-- I think they get the idea-- Marriage is SUPER special and we all need to encourage and celebrate it with each other!!
Then tomorrow we are heading home (to my home) to help my mom who really needs some wood cut and split and stacked for her. We just found out about this yesterday-- but I am so thankful I have a husband and children who realize that this is what families do for each other-- we HELP and SERVE whenever and wherever needed. Jason works all night tonight but will still be the only "MAN" there-- and I know he is going to be so tired-- but he still stood right up and said "Yes, if your mom needs help-- WE WILL BE THERE." (That made a wonderful impression on the boys too-- ).
I have a friend who is considering homeschooling next year- and she asked me a few questions (I LOVE TALKING ABOUT Homeschooling-- even if we are becoming Unschoolers)....and the one she asked was "How long do you homeschool your boys each day?" Ummmm how do you answer that to someone who sends their children to school all day with out getting THIS look... 
LOL So I gave her the ol' standby (and TRUTH) "Oh we are homeschooling all day--everyday-- my children are always LEARNING.... it is just a matter of WHAT they are learning." (and I must BLUSH and add that since Nathan has been home and we have been watching FOOD NETWORK and the DO IT YOURSELF channel VERY frequently-- they have had a WHOLE lot of Home Ec. and Industrial Arts... LOL-- really though-- they can tell you many things they did not know before-- and are very ANXIOUS to help in the kitchen!! LOL) Oh and don't for get life science-- raising 25 meat chickens from 2 day old babies to the freezer to the kitchen TABLE (last nights dinner) But I did tell her the truth- "sitting and desk time is about 3 hours"-- (because I KNOW that is what she is considering school-- but hoping she will see school is SOOOO much more) I did re-state that that was not counting read aloud time and hands on learning-- and learning to "serve and help" as members of a society (the home and more).
Boy this was a rambling post, huh??
I'm blessed beyond measure!!
Oh the looks we get when we all go out in public right now-- you can see people counting heads--- at first it was funny-- sometimes it is annoying... how do REALLY big families do it?
The hardest part for me right now-- is STUFF-- I feel like I am somehow DROWNING in STUFF again-- and I am not at all a pack-rat-- or anything even close to that-- I just feel a new baby brings some BIG things with them-- (swing, pack-n-play, chairs, car seats, and on and on)-- plus the other 2 littles have STUFF-- (thankfully the older 2 have mostly small toys (legos, matchbox cars, etc)... but oh I really feel like STUFF has over taken me-- and the ONLY reason I haven't taken CHARGE-- is I'm afraid-- I am SOOO frusturated I'm afraid how BARE BONES I may make things---- (I can get crazy sometimes you know.. LOL). Seriously--- it could be bad.....
Wanna know HOW CRAZY I CAN BE? SHould I tell you?? hmmmm some of you will really get a laugh-- but today on Craigslist under HOMES I found a listing for a "hunting cabin" (knotty pine-- BEAUTIFUL) on 20 acres with a self composting toilet!!!!! (in our price range) -- It is ONE big room as far as I can see with a BEAUTIFUL WOOD interior--- but oh my-- dh laughed-- and said "Yes, we would definitly be disowned then!! " LOL Then he said "maybe we should drive by and look at it!!" (He is not a dreamer, or visionary-- so don't worry)
Today we went to Bass Pro Shop for hubby to get a few things-- and this lady who works there said " Hi, there, are you finding everything okay... is there anything I can help you find? Maybe a BABYSITTER?...holys smokes you have a lot of kids!" I don't know why by that really rubbed me the wrong way.... Later at the customer service desk a gentleman said he was one of 5 children and he imagined we were what his family looked like and 2 women behind the counter working there -- said--" Not me I could never imagine so many kids-- No way". What a shame-- Children really are not considered a blessing in this world are they????
Well I do feel blessed-- and as Doug Phillips said (can't find the link) but the jist is this: In the Bible children are called a blessing and debt a curse, so why do so many of us try to LIMIT our blessings yet APPLY for our cureses?????
Love that---
I have spent almost an hour on this stupid comptuer-- trying to download some pics-- UGHHHHHH
Nathan:
"watching mamma wash dishes"
BEAUTIFUL.... sunny but I'm told "cool".
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I bought some kuddleduds-- finally- I have heard many praises of them-- as they keep a woman warm in the winter in her dresses. So yesterday I ran to Bonton (the only local store that carried them) and bought a pair with a few knee sox to go with -- and ahhh they are SOOOOO comfy and warm!!
Towards a real education ...
Around the Hobby Farm
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:
I cancelled Baby Nathan's wellbaby appt today-- nothing like taking a 1 month old out to the Dr.'s office during FLU season!!
