We had so much fun this past friday! We spent the day together at the park.  The weather was as beautiful as it gets.  We walked around the lake, and talked, and let the children play. It was so nice. Afterwards we went to eat Chinese. Yum!

The girls are wearing the outfits that I made them the night before.  They need a few more of these culotte sets for Summer.  They are on my to-sew list.  I like to get plain t-shirts and embelish them to match their culottes.  These are one of the first things I made with my new serger (a babylock evolve, thank you my wonderful husband!).  They have a rolled hem. 

Here are a few photos from our park day.

Madison on the monkey bars.

Marendy made friends with another little girl.

Baylen's favorite part is catching little fish. He will take these home,and amazingly keep them alive for long periods of time.  The last batch lived a year, and then he released them into our creek!

Brady staying steady with the stroller. Benjamin was enjoying the ride!

Before we headed home, Madison loving on Benjamin.  I think he is about ready for a first hair cut!

Misty

I had a wonderful magazine come to my mail box this week.  It it such a treat!  As I nursed the baby I savored a few pages of it.  Last night I was able to read a few more pages.  What an encouragement it is.  This is not a whimpy magazine either! It has page after page of glossy goodness! The articles seem to center around things such as homeschooling, sewing, cooking, family projects etc.  There is also a section where you can sign up to be a pen pal with another like minded lady.  I think this will truly be a blessing.  The art of pen and paper coorespondance is definitely not being done much anymore.  Let me just clarify that I am not affiliated with them, just one very happy customer!

Here is the link:  http://www.joyoushome.com/index.php

Happy Reading!

Misty

This post is long overdue.  We have been so busy with our new baby, and all the other things that come along in life, that I haven't taken the time to update. Thank you for to all of you that were praying for us. Benjamin was born on December 21.  You know that I had asked the Lord to allow us to have him without a Cesearean.  That prayer wasn't answered.  I had a midwife that took care of me here. However, after 6 days of labor, we decided to transfer. I am not sure why he wouldnt drop down.  But upon being check on the OR table, I was still at 8cm dialation and he was so high, they couldnt feel him. 

The important thing is that Benjamin and I are doing great. I have to trust the Lord in all things. I was so happy that they said my uterus looked fine, and we would be able to have at least one more baby.  The Lord is so good.  My mom has been staying with us and was such a help during the last few weeks before he was born, and up until now. 

Everytime I look at this little miracle I am truly amazed at Gods goodness and his mercy and grace.  Oh at gifts he bestows upon his children! Thank you Lord!

This is at the hospital before comming home.  Daddy and the kids bought this sweet outfit and brought it to us for him to wear home.

Here he is in Mama made goodies. He was ready to nurse!

Six weeks old

Two Months

Three Months

Last week (3 months old)

He is a nursing machine! There is almost always a smile on his face.  He is such a joy to  have in our family. The children just adore him and spend so much time loving him.  He certainly has been a balm to our hearts. 

Misty

I don't think it will be long now and we will be meeting baby Benjamin.  We had another sonogram and we were able to see his little face, how precious! The cord was near his neck, but didnt seem tight which is good.  These were taken when we were 30 weeks and he was still in a breech position, I am praying that he turns soon. And that we don't have any cord issues.  I have asked the Lord for a long time to allow me to birth our next baby naturally. I don't want another cesearean. 

We are planning a home birth with a midwife in attendance. Please pray for us that the delivery goes well. My trust is in the Lord.  The pregnancy has gone well.  That has been an answer to prayers for sure! Here is a belly shot from about a week ago. We sure have grown!

I have still been sewing things for our little ones arrival. Here are some of the latest:

I still need to make a few more diapers.  I don't want to have to worry about that when he arrives.  I have also been making the girls some play dresses. I have alot of Christmas gifts I would like to do as well, but we are running out of time!

Misty

I have decided to cloth diaper this baby.  I have been interested in doing this since after having Marendy and knew that if the Lord ever blessed us again, it may be something I would do.  I had no idea that there are so many resources for this subject! I was able to find online free patterns, ideas, forums, and stores that specialize in diaper making supplies.  Most of my free time lately has been sewing diapers or browsing ideas online. 

So far I have made about 12 diapers, 2 covers, and a few that are AIO's (covers and diaper in one).  I also did one wool cover.  I think these will be my favorite! Wool is wonderful because it is breathable yet wont let a wet diaper leak onto babies clothes.  I would like to have about 20 in newborn size and 20-30 in the next size up.  I know he would wear these a while since the next size fits from 10 to about 16 lbs.

Here is a photo of my first few diapers. These dont have the closures on them yet, thats why they are held together with a strait pin.  I will try to get another photo up later of what I have made since then.

If you interested, here is a website that has some wonderful patterns and directions.  There are a million resources online, but I really like this pattern.  I altered it a bit by making the wings a bit longer and wider so they would fit for longer.

http://www.geocities.com/rew4birth/

Here is a link to the supplies shop where I order some elastic and such. 

http://www.diapershop.com/

 You dont have to order anything special though, most of the supplies you need can be found at walmart, and Goodwill carries plenty of wool sweaters to make soakers out of!

Misty

As I spent time this morning with my wonderful Lord, I realilzed once again how blessed I am.  It is overwhelming to me to think of at times.  The Lord is so very good to me and I am so undeserving.  He is so faithful to give me strength during my trials, and be with me in joy on the mountaintops.  There is no other friend so true.  I wonder why at times I try to stand on my own, in my own wisdom?  It certainly isn't long before I realize that I am not equipped to handle things on my own.  When I do disaster is sure to follow. How wonderful is His sweet reminder to let go, and give things to Him. 

I thought I would share with you some of the things that were on my heart this morning that the Lord has blessed me with.

-A husband that Loves the Lord and is faithful to his family.  He is a wonderful father.  I know what it is like to not have this and I consider it a miracle evertime my mind thinks of it.

-I am blessed with 4 wonderful children.  I know that they are a direct blessing from God and I never want to take that for granted.

-I am carrying a new little miracle in my womb.  This amazes me at all times.  The Lord could of left me sterile, as I chose this myself.  He was merciful to show me the err of my ways, allowing me to repent and make things right.  As if all that wasn't enough....after my tubal reversal he sent us yet another miracle! Due right at Christmas time!

I hope that you have a wonderful day.

Misty

We went for our sonogram on Monday.  We were all anxiously waiting as the wand went all over my belly.  It didnt take long for the tech to tell us the good news!  It is definitely a boy! I am so thankful to the Lord for this little miracle.  Everyday I think of how good God is to bring us on this journey, teaching and growing us as we go.  I can't wait to meet our sweet baby boy in December!

I find such joy in the small things, don't you?  Yesterday evening we spent the day around the property picking blackberries.  It was wonderful being out with the little ones with our baskets in hand, gathering something so wonderful that we were free to take from the land! I believe we made a few memories too! Later on this evening I will be making a yummy cobbler from them.  Here was what we came home with.   

Now Today we went shopping at some local bargain shops.  I was very pleased with all the goodies we came home with! The girls found dresses that were just perfect.  The boys found plenty of books for everyone and these were a steal at $.10 a piece! My two favorite finds were this wonderful birdcage, and a vintage shawl for Miss. Madison.  (I have big plans the birdcage!  It will be painted white and then distressed as the perfect accessory in my shabby cottage bedroom! )

I hope your friday went well! I would love to hear about it!

This has been a hard week for our family.  We have had a little boy since he was 3 months old and this week he was returned to his birth mother.  This is one of thoes things where you just have to trust the Lord.  We arent foster parents.  This was a young girl that we knew and after having her baby taken by childrens services, she asked us to take him.  So, he has been part of our family for the last year and a half.  We were Momma and Daddy to him, and all that he knew.  My heart breaks and we have spent this week praying and grieving.

I am amazed at my children though.  They are so strong.  They have been so sad and yet so trusting on our Heavenly Father.  The prayers that have come from their little mouths have been such a blessing to me this week.  They have been thoes of thanksgiving!  As they ask for strength and understanding they also thank our Lord for all he has given us!

I know that this little miracle inside me is a gift.  I can see even more now how perfect our Lords timing is.  He gives and he takes away amen? 

Here are the children together at Easter this year. They were at the nursing home where Gary preaches on Sundays.

Well, it has hit me full swing :)

I have never been this nauseaus with a pregnancy.  I am just about sick all day and night long.  I find sleep is what I look forward to the most because it relieves the nausea.  I have tried most of the common remedies for this from ginger candy to herbal teas.  I have found that sea-bands are wonderful little things some of time and seem to take the edge off.  Also saltine crackers and sprite and two very good friends of mine. 

I call this wonderful because it is.  It is a miracle that the Lord has lead me through a tubal reversal and on to carry a healthy child.  He is worthy to be praised.  He pours blessings continually out upon me which I don't deserve.  The sickness I feel is a constant reminder of the little miracle growing inside me.  It is also a comfort that things are developing well.  

I have my first appointment with a midwife at 12 weeks.   She sounds wonderful and I believe she is an answer to prayer.  I look forward to meeting her. 

I ordered one of the home dopplers.  They say it is possible to hear the heartbeat between 8-12 weeks.  How wonderful it will be to hear that little thumpity thump!! 

Misty

It looks like the Lord has decided to pour out a blessing upon our family.   I have gotten positive results on hpt (home pregnancy test) for the last few days.  (yes, I am one of thoes compulsive hpt takers...)

.  The first positive test was one I took very late at night.  I knew that it was under the counter and was trying to wait and be good and not take it until time.  When I saw that light little second line I had to just come in the living room, and get on my knees, and thank the Lord over and over.  Now the last two mornings, I have repeated the test.  I love seeing thoes wonderful double lines.

My faith hasnt been what it should in this area. I have been struggling with this.  I had my tubal reversal surgery almost a year ago.  I went on to have at least one but possibly two early miscarriages.  Now, its been months since we have seen anything positive.  I was fearing that possibly I would never have my womb blessed again.  Why do I have such little faith at times?  The Lord knows what we need and wants to bless us, and has perfect timing. 

This is a trying time for our family.  We have custody of a sweet boy that is now over  a year old.  As far as he knows, we are Momma and Daddy.  He has been in our home since he was 3 months old.  We have a court date drawing near where his birth mom is going to request getting him back.  I wont go into all of the details, but please please be in prayer about this.  I am asking the Lord to protect this little boy.  I love him as my own.  He has 2 brothers and 2 sisters here who love him so much.  I know the Lord loves him even more than we are able, and will do what is best for our family, and this sweet baby. 

All of this, along with not being able to conceive, has been heavy on my heart.  It blesses me because my children are so faithful to pray about these two things specifically.  We havent told them about the new baby on the way.  We decieded to wait a week, or so, when things are safer.  They were so upset with the first miscarriage, and now with the possibilty of loosing their little brother it has been difficult. 

I have given the Lord control in these areas of my life and don't want to ever take it back. I will never take the blessings of the Lord for granted.  No matter if  they arrive through my womb or another way, I will take as many as he sees fit to bless us with.  My husband and I share the same heart in this matter. 

Yesterday on our front porch I told my husband that we were expecting.  He got tears in his eyes and we both got on our knees right there and thanked the Lord.  We had lots of little nosy eyes peeking out the windows too!! Wont they be thrilled when they find out!!

I stayed up late last night to get things ready to leave first thing this morning to go to my parents house.  Other plans were in store for my morning though.  Miss Marendy came to my door this morning about 5 am crying because she had thrown up.  Poor baby.  It is so hard to see our little ones sick.  Since the whole house was asleep though, I was able to really give her some love and care with no distractions.  She truly enjoyed this time.   While I had in her the bathtub, I was washing her hair and she looked up at me with the sweetest eyes and said "Mommy, thank you so much for taking care of me". That truly blessed my heart.  What a treasure to hear from a very honest four year old.  Amist her feeling so bad she was thinking of her Mommy being good to her. 

On the duck front....One of the Mallards has been sick.  From what we can tell it is an infection in his legs.  This seems to be fairly common with ducks.  I have been administering an antiobiotic and giving garlic orally and with olive oil as a rub on his little legs.  We really don't know how he will do.  His spirits are good.  He eats/plays and does all the little ducky things they do.  Baylen is my 10 year old and this particular duck is his.  Since he isn't able to go out to the Chicken house, he is being kept inside with Baylen tending to him.  I think that Baylen has definitley imprinted with him because when he isn't in sight the duck cries and cries.   Last night the duck and his little box were on the floor, and Baylen slept on the couch.  Several times he woud remove his hand from hanging just inside the box, only to hear plenty of distressing cries.  So for now, the two are pretty attatched.  My little Baylen has spent hours singing to the little duck (Amazing Grace is the song of choice ) and sending up heartfelt prayers, full of tears, to the Lord to spare this little one.  I will keep you posted on his progress.

Last night was the first night in the new chicken house and everyone seemed to of fared great! I will have my bathroom back!! Yeahhh!! We all went out with them to get them all settled in they loved all the room and immediately started trying out their wings.

I will try to post more photos soon.

. 

Well, the title tells it.  There really are ducks in my bathtub.  We took the plung and bought chickens.  We have been talking about doing this for a while now.  We havent ever raised chickens before.  Neither my husband or I have even been around chickens before so this should be a very interesting journey.  We have 14 total.  We have  a mix of Arucana and Black Sex-Link Chickens.   Yesterday they were 2 weeks old. 

What about the ducks? Well, when my husband was visiting our local Farm and Garden shop to buy some supplies for our Chickens they had the -cutest- baby ducks.  He called home and I thought it would fun to try a few of thoes too! We have 4 ducks. Two are Mallards and two areWhite Pekin.  These photos are a week ago, now they are huge!! Ducks grow very fast. I will add more photos soon. Oh, and for anyone that has experience in this area, we now know that we shouldnt of let the ducks swim so soon!

We spent all day Saturday outside building the Chicken coup.  My husband is in the construction field so we were blessed to be able to use alot of scraps that didnt cost us anything.  Its all finished now!  I certainly enjoyed being together as a family and doing a project like this.  We all helped and got the job done.  In the next few days  I am hoping the weather warms up and we are able to put them outside.  I do love the chickens and look very forward to fresh brown eggs, but, I wouldnt mind having my bathroom back! 

The Lord is so good.  We are now in a new house.  It is more than I could of wanted and it has some land just like we were praying for. Its only a little bit, but just enough for us! I know that all of this is only possible because of his graciousness and blessings!

Well, there are boxes everywhere, so I have alot of work to do! I wasnt completely through with my sewing orders when we moved in either so I have to get caught up! This morning I have had a cup of coffee and am ready to get busy!

This year I want to decorate for Fall! It has been a few years since I wanted to do this!  I am looking forward to making our home warm, festive, and inviting!

Yesterday the kids and I rode around to a nearby small town. We stopped at a small flea market and came away with a vintage afghan, antique looking sled to use as a winter decoration, a shabby chic candleholder, 2 wicker gold stars also for christmas, and a hand full of garden fresh jalapeno peppers all for $6.00!

I know this was a hodge podge of writing and I will try to post more regulary in the future.

Misty

It has been almost 3 months since my tubal reversal surgery.  Last month several days before my expected period I got faint lines on a hpt.  I was so excited! Everyday for a week they were positive! After using all the internet strips I had to test with I even bought one of those expensive digital ones! We were so thankful and told our family, the children etc.

Well, Monday morning I woke up spotting. Not being able to see my nurse practictioner, I went into the Emergency Room. The whole way there I prayed asking God to keep this baby safe. To let it live to be with us. But above all to let his will be done.

I sat in that Er for 5 hours before being seen. The doctor ran test that confirmed that I was no longer pregnant. It was strange because the day before I was nauseaus, by breast wore sore, I was feeling very pregnany. But, Monday morning, I didnt feel any of those things.

I was heartbroken.  I wept and wept. Then I was thankful. Thankful that indeed my surgery was a success. I know that God allowed that to work, and that one day I will carry a new sweet blessing to term. I am so looking forward to that. And to heaven. For me, it just got a little bit sweeter.

Misty

This afternoon for lunch I made one of our new favorite soups. This is so good and can usually be made with things you have already in your kitchen. It is simple, warm, filling, and yummy!!

Heres the receipe:

1 stick of butter

1 can of chicken broth (14.5 ounces)

4 large potatoes peeled and cut into 1.5" chunks

3 cups water

1/2 cup milk

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

dash of nutmeg

dash of cayenne

First you melt half the butter in a large sauce pan and add the onions to that. Cook these until they are golden brown around the edges, about 10 minuites.

Next add the chicken broth, water and potatoes. Bring this to a boil and then reduce to medium heat and simmer for 20 minuites or until potatoes are soft.

Mash the potatoes with a large spoon or masher to make the soup thick, but still leave plenty of intact pieces.

Add the milk now, and remaining butter. Now season with salt, pepper, cayenne and nutmeg. Serve nice and hot you can garnish with chives if you wish.

Let me know how you like the reciepe! We certainly have enjoyed it!

Misty

We had an appointment tonight with a representative of a food delivery company. I am really excited about using them. They deliver 80% of what an average family will use, to your door. They use only grain fed meat, steriod, antibiotic, etc, free! We tend to eat out alot and I think having lots of groceries on hand will help us eat at home more often. If we decide not to use the company, the visit was well worth it.

The best part of tonight was that Gary was able to give the man the plan of salvation before he left. When Gary asked him where he would go if he died in a car wreck on the way home the man looked square at him and said "I have no idea". I think the Lord has been preparing this man for this. The seed was planted. He responded well, and promised to read the tracts Gary sent with him. I am praying that next time we talk to him he will be on his way to heaven. He is 52 with 8 children and many grandchildren. Oh what a wonderful army for the Lord they could all be. It could of all started tonight. If you think of him, please pray he will accept Jesus. His name is Ed.

The last time we had a meeting with them, someone else was suposed to come besides Ed, but, they canceled last minuite. God always has perfect timing.

Misty

My Madison is growing to be such a beautiful young lady! I had to share how pretty she looked in our last photo shoot, some of you may know she models the clothes I make. She looked to be such a princess. I am so proud mostly of her beauty on the inside though, she loves the Lord so very much! She helps so much with the baby too! She will be such a wonderful mommy one day!

Misty