Posted in Encouragement

Since my husband started his job three years ago we have struggled off and on with routines. He works mostly out of our home, but he is often out in the field working. My hubbs was on a "staycation" for about three weeks. During that time him and I have been able to really talk about how to make our home run more smooth.

First thing we did was go out and got new bedroom furniture and a new mattress. We've been married almost 17 years and never had bedroom furniture. We'll be painting our room her soon, too. We figure that we'll sleep better on a better mattress and if our room is more of a sanctuary we'll want to go to bed earlier and spend more time in there. I tell ya, after getting our new stuff yesterday I was anxious for bedtime. Our old bed left me sore and in pain every morning. My couch was more comfy than it was.
I didn't have any pain last night nor did I wake up with any from sleeping on the new one. Praise the Lord!

Next, in hopes that we get better sleep and we go to bed at a decent hour we'll have more time in the mornings to spend together as a family for breakfast. We used to all the time and we really miss it. It's amazing how your day can go when you start it with a good family breakfast.

We also want to start exercising together. I usually exercise after he's at work and the kids are getting started on "seat work."

Those are at least a start to a few changes around here. I'm  excited about it and I pray that getting us, my hubbs and I on a good routine that our home will start to run smooth again.

What about you? What helps your home run well?

Posted in Encouragement

I have been learning a lot today! I had composed a heart felt post about when I am a sour apple the whole bunch (my family) are also rotten.
Then the blog post monster ate my words! Really, I meant to hit "Ctrl C" but pushed "Shift C" instead. Poof!

This will be the shortened version.

Our attitudes affect more than just ourselves. When we have sour attitudes they usually end up spreading to our spouse and to our children.  Children can read feelings well. I have learned that when I am a sour apple my children act out, they don't obey, they are rude and often will not listen. It has been in these times where I have had to take a mommy time out, calm down and then humble myself and apologize for being rotten.

As homeschoolers we are on the lookout for teachable moments to teach our children, but more-so we as the teacher need our teachable moments, too.

 

Posted in Encouragement

I have not been able to get away from Psalm 19 this week. I've set up camp. My tent is up but my sleeping bag is out in the wide open next to the fire pit. What a place to be under the poetic words of Psalm 19:1-6.
To feast on burnt marshmallows and s'mores while telling stories is as devouring the words of Psalm 19:7-11. Sitting peacefully recalling the days events is as ruminating on Psalm 19:12-14.

Camping is one of my favorite spring, summer and early fall activities. It brings me refreshing, relaxation and joy to be out in G-d's glorious creation. It is pure enjoyment to teach my children the skills they need to be in the outdoors. They need to know how to fish, gut a fish, put up a tent, make a fire, make marshmallow roasting sticks from willows and many other things to make a successful camping trip or for survival if need be.

As parents it is our responsibility to train our children, to prepare their hearts and minds so that they will be successful adults. It is our responsibility to teach our children the ways of the Lord - to teach His laws, His testimony, His statutes, His commandments and to fear Him. His way brings our souls closer to Him. They give us wisdom, understanding, joy and strength.

Psalm 19:12-14 set before us a way to clean up camp and to make things look better than when you first set up camp.

"Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.
Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my Redeemer."

What comes out of our mouth that is directed at our children, ( or anyone) can cause encouragement or hurt.  What is in our heart is bound to come out of our mouth.

"But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man." Matthew 15:18

Ouch.

As parents we need to allow the Lord to prepare us so that we can teach and prepare our children with  the heritage that Christ has given us.

I encourage you to find a place in the Word and set up camp. Listen, chew, enjoy.

Posted in Encouragement

Getting back into the home school learning routine after the Holiday's is not always easy. I went to bed last night looking forward to getting back into our groove again, but when I woke up this morning I didn't feel the same enthusiastic groove.

My kids are doing fine with getting back into our routine. I'm the one with the problem. Could be combination lack of sleep, lack of chocolate and lack of motivation.

For the fun of it I thought I post what I'd rather be doing instead of our normal routine.

• Blowing bubbles in an open field of wild flowers.
• Skiing
• Hiking
• Blowing zerberts on open bellies. (Only my kids belly's though! Hubbs, too)
  
• Blowing raspberries until my lips go numb.
• Reading
• Crocheting
• Giving out random hugs and kisses to family members
• Making up nick-names for the dog - McPooper, Fart-bag, Happy-butt, McBarker
• Spreading the highly infectious "Earworm" to others (Songs that get stuck in your head.) 
• Exercising
• Sleeping! Yes!
• Blogging
• Tweeting

Enjoy getting back into your routines today whether it's at home or work.

Posted in Encouragement

This year I will be continuing what I was doing last year. I don't need to make any resolutions as this isn't a new season in my life - just new dates on the calendar. The season's that are laid before me often don't follow the numbers that are nicely hung on my wall.

I will continue to...

• Pray for my husband, children, family and friends.
• Be thankful, content and joyful.
• Lose weight, eat healthy and exercise.
  

It's simple and I could probably add more to that list, but those things are my core. Everything else is just added perks.

Posted in Encouragement

A dear sweet friend of mine started a blog. "Joy for the Journey"
MamaTLC will be blogging about the "journey of their family homeschooling adventures as they deal with health issues along the way." Her blog is be a must read for anyone who has health issues or takes care of loved ones with health issues. I think you'll find her blog encouraging as she reminds us that we all need to stop and take a breath.
MamaTLC is one special lady. Through her frustrations, her sadness, her questioning, and in her weakness she still finds "Joy for the Journey."

Posted in Encouragement

It's true! You never really realize how much you need something until you lose it or it breaks.... or in my case it gets clogged!

This past Wednesday my kitchen sink clogged up. I didn't get it fixed until late Friday night. I am so happy it is working again. It was one tough clog! I'm no longer doing dishes in my bath-tub. My kitchen is clean again! Dishes aren't piled up around my sink.

I function better when my kitchen sink is clean.

I guess I can say that about a lot of things. I sleep better when I have clean sheets. I don't step on legos when the floor is clean. My body feels better when I "eat clean." I love better when my heart is clean. I am able to serve others better when my heart is clean. I am a better wife to my husband, and I am a better mother when my heart is clean.

It is hard to go through a heart de-clogging. When all the bitterness, unforgiveness, frustrations, anger... all that gunk gets clogged my heart doesn't flow the way it should. Being humble enough to get heart de-clogger in there to push those things out is a hard thing to do, but once they are taken care of then joy, love, peace and comfort can flow!

Posted in Encouragement

Do I have true grit?

I don't mean the kind of grit you find in your yard or a sandbox. I don't mean the kind of grit you get in your teeth from driving on a dirt road or from eating meat.

I'm talking about firmness of character - determination.

There are times I find myself relating to Mattie Ross in the movie, "True Grit" . She was a stubborn gal and she was  a determined gal. She was determined to find her father's killer in Indian country. She wanted a man with "True Grit" to help her so she hired Rooster Cogburn. Rooster was known as being able to get the job done, and fearlessly even though he was a stubborn drunk. I think Mattie had more grit than Rooster did.

I often find myself having to have "true grit" as a wife, a mother and as a homeschooler. There are many times where I have to either clench my teeth while under stress, or to grit my teeth and endure whichever situation comes without complaining. It's not always an easy task, but in the end comes peace and comfort in knowing that I got through.

Do I  have 'true grit.?' Not always, but I'm learning. I have learned over and over to just get through it. Prayer and seeking Christ also plays a huge part in getting through, because it is Christ who gives me the strenth so that I can have true grit.

The next time your kitchen sink doesn't drain, your kids are hyper, the dog poops on the carpet, the baby spits up on your new black shirt, your hubby has to work over time, just remember to grit your teeth! If you are too busy gritting your teeth, then it means your mouth is shut so that you can't complain. Endure to the end! It's not always easy, but it can be done.

By the way, I love a good John Wayne movie or other good westerns.

 

Posted in Encouragement

Things that I have learned this week from doing the dishes the "old fashioned way." I chose not to buy soap for the dishwasher this week.

1. I have more time to think. I'm a thinker anyway, but I've been finding that I can give thought to more pressing things.. the budget, lessons, what to do for dinner.
2. It gives me a bit of a break for the the day. My kids don't really bother me while I do the dishes. I think it is because they are afraid I'll make them do the dishes.
3. I think my kids need to know how to wash dishes, not just rinse them off and to put them into a dishwasher.
4. Doing dishes reminds me to be thankful. I have dishes and I have a wonderful family that uses them.
5. Doing dishes brings back memories of me doing dishes before dishwashers. I remember when my parents got their first dishwasher. You know, the kind that had wheels and you had to scoot it over to the sink and hook it up.
6. Dishwashers are nice because they allow more time to devote to hubby, children and other things, but I've been finding it nice spending time with my hubby and children doing dishes together. Plus, the water fights are fun!

My children are asking to go without the TV for a week again. Yes!! I love that idea!

 

Posted in Encouragement

My grandpa passed away this week. He was fighting lung cancer that was caused from him having to work with asbestos.

I am praising the Lord that I was able to see him back in June/July this year. We had a good time together. The Lord's timing was perfect in me being able to go see him and for that, I am very grateful.

My Grandpa, also a WWII veteran lived a wonderful life. The stories and memories I have of him will continue to live on. Through the years my grandfather would write down his stories of him and my grandma and he'd send them to me. What a neat heritage to be able to sit down and read about his life that he shared with my grandma.

My grandpa spoiled me. I was his Princess. He'd buy me things that I wanted while we walked the flea markets. He took me to museums which were often followed by a game or two of put-put golf. He taught me a lot about gold prospecting, rockhounding and metal detecting. He gave me great advice when I was being taught by my dad how to use a rifle and a pistol. He gave me great gardening tips and even encouraged me a few times to become a bee keeper.

He was a kind, gentle man. He loved life. He loved adventure which in his eyes was a good treasure hunt or a gold prospecting trip.

He didn't want to have a memorial service, instead he wanted all that knew him to celebrate his life in their own way. I think for me I will go gold panning at one of his favorite places.

I will miss you, Grandpa. May my life be as wonderful and fulfilled as your was.

Posted in Encouragement

Journey - process of development. A gradual passing from one state to another... from innocence to mature awareness.

We've all been on journey's and have gone through seasons. Praise God for them so we can grow.

Of course my latest journey has been weight-loss. Who would of known that it is more of a mental journey on the path to huge weight-loss. The past five months have been hard, but I have learned a LOT.

I have learned to think and eat like an athlete. I have learned that I enjoy a good challenge. Pushing myself is quite a rush. I learned how lazy I used to be! Oh my word! Even though I was busy before I still was not at par due to lack of energy.

My family is benefiting from all this too. They enjoy long walks with me. They like to exercise with me. The other day my son asked me to help him gain muscle. His words after feeling my triceps and my tummy, "Mom, I want muscles like you!" Aaaaaah, music to my ears! Granted there is still flab on my arms and on my tummy, but underneath I've got a six pack, baby! Doing almost 1,000 crunches, push-ups, 1/2 get-ups, squats and other exersices per week is paying off.

I feel stong, I feel good, I feel healthy. I still have a ways to go to reach my goal, but this time next year I will be half the woman I am today. =)

I took tears to get to where I am today. Tears of frustration. One night in prayer I asked the Lord to help me and to plant the desire to physically become the woman He wants me to be. That night He planted new desires, new energy and new motivation in me. It is to God that gets the glory everytime I sweat!

Loss so far - 22 lbs. 30 inches.

Posted in Encouragement

What a journey I have been on this past week. I am amazed at what I have been through. I haven't really been through that much really... which doesn't make much sense. I have realized and learned a few things about myself that I didn't know! How cool is that? For some what I have went through might not be much, but for me they are milestones!

I realized that I am even stronger than what I thought I was. I've always been tough, but... wow... I've suprised myself this week. Glory to God, He is the One that has given me the strength, the morivation and the joy to do what I have done.

What have I done? Besides doing a hard physical challenge I have learned that getting past that one has made me hungry for more! I've always liked to push my limits with myself. I have learned that when I humble myself and completly let God take over areas in my life that I become stronger. Weight has been a struggle for me and now I am doing things I would of never considered doing - like these challenges I'm doing. I find myself pushing even harder on a daily basis because I desire a healthy, strong body.

Now I just have to get back to getting up early in the mornings again! Wake-y wake-y!

Exercise today: 30 min. on recumbent bike and 40 min. BL Cardio Max.

Posted in Encouragement

From now on any type of post I type I will include my exercises for the day at the end.

Here is what my weekly workout looks like.

Mon.-Wed.- Fri. : 45 to 60 min. Cardio plus 30 to 50 min. Strength. I also do challenges with a group through Sparkpeople.com.

Tues. - Thurs. : 50 to 60 min of Cardio. (rest from strength)

Saturday: 30 to 60 min. Cardio. (rest from strength)

Sunday: Rest

My favorite exercise is: Crunches

Exercise I hate, but try do it anyway: Planks

Today: 3 mile Walk of the Pounds (50 min); 2 minutes of step-ups; 10 min. streching.

Posted in Encouragement

My blog post about how I exercise with 5 children follows my exercises.

My Exercises for today: (All complete!)

Circuit training: The goal is to complete this the quickest you can. Make sure you do not let time compromise good form!

3 sets of 10
3 sets of 9
3 sets of 8
continuing in descent to 3 sets of 1 (if you are tough enough)

push ups
dips (tricep dips, you can use a chair, but I use my stairs)
crunches
squats (jump squats if you can do them, but don’t injure yourself. Do what you are capable of.)
lunges (each leg)

Today I did this in 27 minutes compared to Saturday's time of 36 minutes. This is a challenge from one of my teams on SP. (Go Project Mayhem!)

50 minutes of Power sculpt. This video is a major rear end kicker. I highly recomend it!

30 minutes on recumbent bike.

Approximate calories burned: 1162.6 (Yeah!)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I copied the following from my sparkpeople blog. It was in response to a question that was raised about finding time to exercise with 5 children.

I have 5 children and on top of all the child rearing, house work... I also homeschool them.
Getting times in to workout is probably the hardest challenge I have yet.. it makes the "Mayhem Project" a breeze! LOL.
I don't have a workout partner. Maybe someday I will. I do have the support of my husband, whom I'm trying to get to workout with me. I also have the support through SP and other online buddies. =)

My children also workout with me.
It makes a huge difference to get them involved in what you are doing. Go for walks or hikes with your children. While they are playing at the park, play with them or walk around the park. Get some low impact exercise videos that they can do with you. I think Leslie Samsone has a family walking video out.
Even smaller children have fun exercising even if they aren't as coordinated yet. (It also provides great entertainment!) LOL.

Some of my more intense workouts I do in early morning before anyone wakes up. Often late at night after they are in bed I'll get about 15-30 min. done on my recumbent bike. Often I'll give them a project to work on which also allows me to get some exercise done.

I have also started doing squats, lunges, walking in place or other simple exercises while I cook dinner In between stirring the food is a great time get some exercise in.

Another thing is to set a timer for 5-15 minutes and go up and down the stairs or crunches (something) while the kids do a chore for the amount of time on the timer.
Speaking of stairs, I also put more oomph into climbing them. I'll swing my arms and dip my knees more when going up them.

If you have younger children that still need to be picked up, make it an arm workout. At least once a day I'll lift my 1 yr old. I'll sit on the couch, put my elbows on my knees, then I'll pick her up, give her a kiss and then put her down. I do this about 10 times and of course she loves it!!

You can do it! Children love to be involved with what you are doing. I know it has been great for bonding with my kids.

Honestly, nothing compares to your children telling you to keep up the exercise because your butt is getting smaller! My kids have been excited for me because they are eagerly waiting for the day (which will be soon) that they can play soccer or basketball with me.

Oh, and for bonus... for me when I am more active during the day, not only do I sleep well, but so do the kids!

 

 

 

Posted in Encouragement

Spring is in the air... kind of. The robins have been showing up on our trees, so that means spring is near! I am looking forward to getting out and hiking! For my hubby and mine 15th wedding anniversary we bought an 8 passenger 4WD SUV. I can now go to even more places in the mountains! I'm totally siked!

Since January I have lost 16 pounds and almost 20 inches. I've been working hard! I'm thinking about adding my weekly workouts here on my blog. What do you think? If your interested and  are tough enough to join me in my workouts you are more than welcome to. I've been getting great results! My workouts are not easy and they make you sweat buckets! They will kick your behind as they certainly kick mine and they'll boost your metabolism! As a result my behind is quickly getting smaller and I am getting stronger!  I have energy and I feel great!

I will have to come back here and brag on my daughter for a bit. She has been busy sewing quilts, pillows, dresses, skirts. She is becoming quite the little seamstress. I am so proud of her. I never really liked sewing, but it tickles me that she does. My mother has been teaching her. My mom is the best sewing teacher! She taught me, but I'd rather play in mud and catch lizzards and snakes than sew.

I'm also shopping for our homeschool learning stuff. I don't like using "curriculum" as I don't use any set curriculum. I use a bit of that and this.

 

Posted in Encouragement

I'm lovin' life. I've always loved my life, but I don't think I've ever sat down to write about how much I love my life. Well, I don't really love my life, but I love the One who gave me life. G-d has blessed me with a great life no matter what I've been through. I've been through the "ringer" a many times, but I've always come through stronger. I've had many joys and gobs and gobs of things to be thankful for.

*finger pause* (Wow, so many things to remember, and to see G-ds hand in it all)

Over the past year I have struggled with motivation in a few areas in my life. I have gotten past those motovation humps only to fall back on them again. This time it has been different. It is like I have jumped over a few motovi-humps (like my new word?) and found a refreshing pond that has given me the much needed desire and strength that I have needed to overcome.

I am thankful. I have energy. I have strength.

 

 

 

Posted in Encouragement

My faucets drip! On purpose so they won't freeze at night when our temperatures have been in the low single digits. 

I drink about 64 oz. of water a day, but I still find myself very thirsty. I'm not just thirsty for clean, clear purified water. (I put a filter on my faucet in the kitchen last week.) I'm thirsty for more of Christ. I've been through "spiritual" type thirsts before, but this one is different. I can't really explain it because I can't think of the right words... but this one is more intense.

When I turn on my faucet late at night when the temperature is in the low single digits the water first comes out in a quick stream until I turn it so that it drips, rather than running in a stream.

I feel the opposite. I've been a drippy faucet with getting just enough so that I won't freeze, but somehow I can see myself through this new desire, this new thirst in Christ to become a steady stream. I am so thankful for these times of growth. I am always amazed at what the Lord does when I humble myself and desire for Him to continue His work in me. It's not all fun, but boy is it worth it!

"I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land. Selah." Psalm 143:6

Posted in Encouragement

I found it funny today as I was carrying out my normal routine that I have been doing a few things in five's. I know it's a bit silly, but hey, it gave me something to blog about.

• I ride five miles a day on my recumbent bike. This also provides me some time to get reading done while I peddle too. One of the requirements that I had when I was shopping for an excercise bike was it had to have a book holder!
• I make a list of five things to do each day. This list helps me stay on top of the home blessing stuff.
• I eat five small meals a day. I should eat six a day, but currently I only eat five. I am trying not to eat in the late evenings.

Posted in Encouragement

Stew, it's what is for lunch today. Plus it gave me a title for today's post.

Gravy, potatos, carrots, BEEF!

Life is like a good pot of stew... the good, the starchy, the fatty, the meaty... all together is enjoyable when it is mixed together with love.

Posted in Encouragement

My hubby and I had a very interesting conversation last night. It was a lovely time together and we talked about all sorts of things.

Then the unexpected happened...

He told me that I should write everything down - to make a list. I cracked up! By nature I am NOT a list maker, so me making daily lists (so my dh can see it) and then writing my crazy whacked out list yesterday is something that is totally a step out of my comfort zone. I am dyslexic, so the last thing I want to do is write it down when I can picture it in my head. I wrote that 41 (so far) list down yesterday, and now I have a mental picture of everything on that list, so I won't have to go back to it expect to cross things off. I am the same with going to the grocery store. I know what I need, then I map out the store in my head, then each item is then in its own isle in the store all stored in pictures in my head. I haven't forgotten anything yet. Sound confusing? I sure confused my hubby when I tried to explain to him how I see things. He says he goes into the grocery store and if he sees what he needs in a isle he picks it up. He normally doesn't know where to go - he also carries a list with him.

My awesome hubby is the organized checker board and I am the abstract painting on the wall. I think he is weird and he thinks I am weird.

Making that big, crazy list yesterday was one way to show my hubby how much I love him. (Even If I won't look at it much. LOL)

Shhhh - sometimes before I go to the store I'll carry a blank piece of paper to make it look like I made a list.