I don't know why it amazes me when God does something great in my life.  I know He WANTS to do great things in all of our lives. 

Do you have a want list?  You know, those things you want, but just don't want to spend extra money on them right now, because they are a want and not a need?  Well, thanks to our gracious, loving Father, mine just got shorter. 

We have been in need of a dresser for some time.  Douglas doesn't have one at all.  I hang most of his clothes up and the rest are folded on his changing table.  Being the boy that he is, I know it won't be long before he tries to climb up it.  Savanah & Alexis share a dresser.  Savanah is a neat, orderly person, while Alexis doesn't care if her clothes are folded, inside out or backwards.  It is starting to cause a problem.  I've had an eye open for a dresser, whether it be at a thrift store, consignment sale or new.  Well, Savanah and I were coming home from her eye doctor appointment (yes, she needed glasses, luckily our insurance is great and we only had to pay $30 TOTAL for the glasses and eye exam!  Thank you God!!!!) and we spotted a yard sale.  We looked around and I spotted a dresser.  It wasn't new by any means, it needed cleaning, painting or sanding and a little wood glue.  I didn't have a lot of cash on hand so I looked around more. 

I have wanted a CD rack to organize my computer CD's in for a while now.  There was one sitting right there and I grabbed it.  It only holds about 16 CD's, but it will definitely do!  I looked more and found a typing CD (Mavis Beacon) that I have wanted Alyssia to do for at least two years now.  I almost bought it from Rainbow Resource a month ago, but decided to wait, because I considered it a want and not a need.  Plus, there are many free typing courses online.  I grabbed it up off the table also.  The couple hosting the yard sale were very nice.  She confronted Savanah and said, "I have something I know you will love."  She handed Savanah a little leather type case.  Well, that was nice to just give her something, right?  I looked over the dresser again.  The drawers were in good shape.  The wood was all intact.   "How much for the dresser?"  They only wanted $10!  Oh, I love yard sales!  But even more, I love how God continously provides for my family and my wants even though I let Him down so often.  He loves me unconditionally!  I have been in prayer about some major things lately.  I know He is working miracles with those prayers.  It's very obvious.  Now, He is letting me know again, He cares about my little wants.

I didn't pay another penny for the CD rack or new CD typing software.  They loaded the dresser in my van and we were off.   Savanah opened her leather case and there was a shiny new digital camera!!!!

Today was a good day.   I felt as if we actually got things accomplished in school and on the home front.  We are learning about Hawaii and having fun with it.   Our homeschool group is having a "People & Places Fair" in about two weeks.  Savanah decided to learn about Hawaii.  It has been interesting so far.

Alyssia really enjoyed Mr. Stebbing's art class.  She went to WalMart with me tonight and with her own money, she bought some paint and paint brushes. 

We started a point system in our home today.  The girls have to earn priveleges with their points.  They start every day with 10 points.  If they disobey, etc., then they can have points taken away.  I'm praying this leads to better behavior, helping out more and better attitudes toward each other.  Oh, and that the "rolling of the eyes" quits!  URGH!

Douglas decided at nap time that he didn't want to stay in his crib today.  He is trying desperately now to escape it and climb over.  I'm just not sure that I'm ready for him to be in his toddler bed!

I've been reading about this "Tackle It Tuesday" phenomenom.  It has intriqued me.  I am amazed at what some women are getting accomplished in their home.  I want to get rid of my clutter hot spots.  I can clean them, then in a few days, they are piled up again.  I don't have much organization in this house since we are living in half of it and the other half is being remodeled.   This morning I felt totally overwhelmed when I couldn't find something we needed for school.  I decided to do a "Tackle it Thursday".  I don't like much on my kitchen counters.  I just like it to be neat and clean.  Here's a before:

Now, we don't have all of the cabinet doors on just yet.  Just the bottom cabinets, except the one on the left.  It really doesn't bother me as bad as I thought.  Right now it is MUCH more important to me to get the oak hardwood down in the girls room, so they can move in.  Anyways, here is my counter.  I just can't stand that clutter!!!  Here's after:

See how neat and clean?  I think I just may jump on board the "Tackle it Tuesday's".

I love spring.  Summer used to be the only season I really liked at all.  It's still my favorite, but as I've gotten older I have learned to appreciate spring and autumn much more.

I have ordered some things for our garden via the internet.  I haven't ever ordered such things from the net or bought them and had them delivered via postal mail.  I'm anxious to see how the plants look when they arrive.  This is what I bought:

1. 6 Big & Plenty Tomato Plants
2. Sugar on the Cob Corn - seeds
3. 6 Earliglow Strawberry Plants
4. Carrot seeds
5. Sunflower seeds
6. Quicklawn seeds (my front lawn needs grass!!!!)

I bought these items from  Gardener's Choice .  I didn't pay any more than I if I would have bought these items from Lowe's or WalMart.  The website looks promising, doesn't it?  I'll let you know how this years garden goes.  Remember last year?  I broke my foot planting a cucumber plant!      Savanah planted three watermelon seeds in a pod planter and it's already sprouting.  However, we plan to plant more than I've listed here.  Now, we just need to rent a tiller..........

My two older daughters are taking an art class by Barry Stebbing, creator of the How Great Thou Art , art curriculum.  Alyssia (12) is really enjoying it.  Savanah (8) is enjoying it some.  It think if she were older, she'd like it a lot more.  She really liked it today when Mr. Stebbing gave her an A+ on her homework!  Neither child has had any art instruction from me.  We have checked out the "Draw Write Now" books from our library and they did like those.  I have a feeling that Alyssia will be asking for some art curriculum next year.........

I have so many things to do here.  You would NOT believe my to do list.  So, what's my problem?  I'm a procrastinator.  At the end of my day, I look back and think, "What happened to doing such and such and getting this accomplished today?"

What makes things worse is that I'm going through some sort of depression.  I'd like to think it's mild, but I'm not sure. This has only happened once before and lasted for a short time.  I'm trying hard to stay close to God during this time.  Here are some blessings I'm thankful for:

1. My 12yo dd.  She sent a care package through the mail to a member of our church that hasn't attended since June.  She insisted on spending her own money to mail it.  I was afraid she was wasting her money, but didn't say a word.  The next Sabbath, the lady was at church, with the care package in hand.  ......to have the faith of a 12 yo.......
2. My 8 yo dd.  What did she want for her birthday?  Build a Bear? nope.  New Barbies?   nope.  New Polly Pockets? nope.   A new game for her Nintendo DS?  nope.  She wanted her own Bible, so she can read it and learn all the Bible stories herself. 
3. My 6 yo dd.  She is always concerned about others well-being.  Whenever we pass by a Salvation "red bucket" and person ringing the bells, she must put money in it.  She is a thankful little girl.  Whenever I take her anywhere, to the mall, Taco Bell or even the library, she always says, "Thank you mommy for buying me a burrito."
4. My 18 mo ds.  His grin will melt my heart in 0.5 seconds flat.  I am so thankful for the way he walks over to me, grabs my cheeks and kisses my lips at least 5 times.   AND, I'm VERY thankful that even though he has 3 older sisters, he is ALL boy!   He loves to climb, play and LOVES his toy cars.  He almost always has one in hand.
5. My dh.  For his sweet compassion towards me.  I'm thankful for such a strong & handy dh.  He is a hard worker and most weeks, he is working 60 hours for us.  He has a job that requires him to be on his feet at least 95% of the time. He is NOT a procrastinator!  That is a good thing with our home!  I'm very thankful that even though we spent 3 hours at the surgery center yesterday morning, the report from the doctor was a good one.  Under Jesus, he is my rock.
6. My mom.  I can gripe and complain all I want, but when it comes down to it, my mom is here for me and my family NO matter what.  I need to be more thankful for that.  She does so much for us.
7. For a Saviour that loves me no matter what I do.

We are moved in !!!

No, we aren't finished remodeling our house though.  We still have lots and lots to do. 

I do plan to start school next monday.  We were on vacation a few weeks ago then we moved in.  I'm still sifting through the boxes and probably will be for a while!!

But, I don't care, we are moved in!

Douglas is walking now.  I'm in the process of trying to wean him.  It's harder than I thought.  I try to nurse him only in the morning and just before he goes to bed (he's sleeping through the night too!!) but that doesn't always work.  He has a tooth coming in and I nursed him today & yesterday in the afternoon.   I'm not stressed about it.

Now that our computer is here I'll be able to post more....

I'm going to bed for now!

Yesterday was a busy day.  I had really hoped it wouldn't be.  I wanted to go swimming at Susan's  and just relax.  You always feel so at home there.  But, by 11 a.m., I knew it was going to be busy.  I had to get the kids lunch, go to WalMart, Lowe's and Home Depot, before swimming.  I ended up getting to Susan's about an hour late.  Then, our time was limited, due to the fact that I needed to get the things I bought at the stores, (ceiling fan, etc) home to Doug so he could install it.  Thanks for letting us swim Susan, even though we couldn't stay long!!

He did install our fan, and he even took pictures.  I almost thought about uploading pictures of our new ceiling fan, but I don't want everyone to think I'm insane!! LOL

We now have a couch, recliner, tv and ceiling fan in our living room.

The bunk beds and a twin bed are up in Alyssia's room.

I've been unpacking dishes, running them through the dishwasher and putting those away.  My major gripe right now is that I can't find our bath towels! 

I was really hoping Doug would say we could start sleeping there tonight.  But, after our discussion this morning, I don't think that will happen. 

Next week will be so incredibly busy.  We can actually move in next Wed. or Thursday.  Then the fair is Friday and it will be an all day event for me.  Saturday morning we live very early to go to Maryland for a week.  And, I'll pack for four kids and me when????? 

This morning, I've tried to compile a list of things I have to buy at the curriculum fair next Friday.  It's after 11 a.m. and I haven't gotten very far.  I need to get going and get some more things done so we can live in our house.

Thanks for listening to me ramble...... 

We have never grown strawberries.  I thought we'd give it a try this year.

We only have one plant, and one strawberry.  The birds have enjoyed the others.

Here's Douglas with our dog Belle.  Now, Douglas thinks Belle just loves him....but poor Belle really gets a beating when Douglas plays with her. 

Here are some pictures.

I love my doggie and my doggie loves me......

See how well we get along??

Belle, where are you going?  I know you want to play!

I know you will miss me and want to play so I'll get closer to you.....!

First of all, I need prayers for two people in my family.  My BIL had a tumor removed from beside his eye and while in the hospital recovering he had a stroke and heart attack.  A few days later, they found bleeding on his brain and an infection. 

Also, my cousin had a baby and the baby had several problems that we knew about before the delivery.  His intestines are pushed up which caused his diaphragm and heart to be in the wrong place.  One of his lungs wasn't developing in utero.  After the delivery, one of his lungs collapsed and he was placed on a ventilator.  He is doing better now, but I know they can really use the prayers for baby Wyatt.

  I can now walk on my foot!   The ortho. said it's almost healed!

I feel like a free woman!  My goal is walking at least 5 times a week and lose a little weight.

Ball season is officially over!  Alyssia's team was undefeated all season, but at the tournaments, they didn't do so hot.  The kids were really great about it and the coach did a great job of teaching good sportsmanship.

Alexis is doing fantastic with her speech therapy.  I just pray she can continue to see this therapist (only 2 sessions left this summer).  We won't go back to the other therapist next school year.  She did a very poor job.

Savanah & Alyssia had a great time at camp.  They were both gone for a week, at separate times.  My babies are growing up!!

I guess our big news is that we are moving into our house at the end of this week!

I don't think anyone can even imagine how excited we are about that.

Our hardwood floors look so beautiful.  I'm happy that we could keep the orginial floors and redo them.  I had to mow the lawn Thursday night.  Boy, was that a chore!

I know I had to mow over an acre of it.  On Wednesday night, I went over to try and find some of the things we will need, i.e., towels, dishes, silverware, etc.  I did find our silverware and a few dishes, but I spent 30 minutes vacuuming our couch.  It had so much dust from the sheetrock and sanding the hardwood floors.  We can't move any furniture in the part of the house we will live in until Wednesday because we have to wait 7 days for the polyurethane to dry and set.  But Wednesday Doug's brother will help us move the beds and couch over to that side. 

Anyways, enough talk about the house.  I'm just thrilled that we can live there.  I'll try and post pictures soon.

I've only got 6 more days until I see my orthopaedic.  I just pray he says I don't need surgery and my foot is healed!

Alyssia is at camp.  We will pick her up on Sunday morning.  It's been a little more quiet than normal.  We miss her so much, but I know she's having a blast.

Douglas has another tooth.  His favorite thing to do right now is to stand and clap.  He's such a cutie!!!

Alexis started her summer speech program through the school system.  I really liked her therapist.  I have another speech evaluation lined up.  We really don't want to send her back to the school system this fall for speech.  I just don't think the therapist is very good.

Savanah has really been surprising me more and more lately with how much she is growing up.  She is reading like crazy.  At her ball game on Monday night, she played first base.  She does so well.  Another thing, is that she is begging to go to camp.  Doug and I have agreed, but she doesn't know it yet.  We are going to have a long talk with her first. 

do so many things!  I'll try to explain...

1. Go for a walk.  I've been bored of just sitting around with my foot propped up.  I can't wait until I can just WALK!!!  I can't wait to go to the park and push the baby in a stroller and just WALK!!!  
2. Just clean.  Seriously.  Ok, stop laughing.  I hear the moms and ladies talking about having to clean their home and I can't wait to do the same!       I  thought I'd never say something like that!!
3. enjoy the summer with my kids!  Our school year if officially up.  Of course, we need to finish a few things, but our 180 days are over.
4. go camping!  We didn't go camping last year because of the baby and we were working on the house like crazy!  Last night, Doug and I sat down and planned a camping trip for August.
5. And I know the most obvious (especially those who know me personally) MOVE IN TO MY HOUSE!  We have to redo the hardwood floors in the living room and 2 bedrooms and one coat of paint in the kitchen and dining room and that's it!!!!

I don't know what I'd do without my family.

My grandmother has flown down from Michigan to help out.  I find it very hard to hear my baby cry and not be able to walk over and pick him up! 

He is at that stage where he will stand up and let go of whatever he is holding on to, so he is falling a lot.

I can't believe he will be one on thursday!!

On another note, my oldest completed her homeschooling testing.  Here in Georgia, we have to test every three years, starting with third grade.  I know where my daughter is, so the results aren't a big deal....it just feels good to have that behind me!  She is excited to have that over and is looking forward to camp.  She leaves Jun 4th and will be gone for a week.

My foot is doing ok, I guess.  It's really  hard to tell.  The pain comes and goes and so does the swelling.  It's been about 2.5 weeks and my foot is still very bruised. 

since I've posted. I just typed out a long discussion of whats been going on here....and it vanished into thin air!

So, here it goes again.....

We've been busy with the house. Here is what my dh has done lately. He's painted the kitchen, dining room, living room, bathroom and laundry room. In the laundry room he has installed my floor, utility sink and hooked up the hot water. In the kitchen, the cabinets are hung. We will prime and paint them later. We really needed to get the cabinets in order so we can order our countertops.

I'm seriously considering putting ceramic tile in the kitchen, but that will take at least 2 weeks to do...if not longer!!

Do I really want to wait 2 more weeks to do that, or do I just get it done and have the floors I want?

My oldest is enjoying her sewing lessons. Last month she made a cute African shirt. This month the country will be Australia. Can't wait to see what they make.

She's also decided she doesn't want to play ball. That's fine, but we know she needs to be active. So, we are going to find something to do, to get some exercise.

My seven year old is reading books for pleasure! woo hoo!!! I've caught her several times, curled up in a chair just reading. Oh, this makes me soooo happy!

She thoroughly enjoys her music lessons. She is learning to play the precorder. She hasn't missed a class yet and does all of her homework. She can't wait to play ball!

My five year old loves her speech therapy. It is slow going though.....I'm having issues with it, but won't go there today.

She can't wait to play her first year of ball. She really needs to exercise too!!

My baby is growing up so fast. He's nine months old now. He isn't crawling, but I don't put him in the floor much. He doesn't have much space here to get around. He'll definitely be a late crawler and walker. He loves to say Da Da Da and watch Baby Einstein.

Well, I'd better go and fix something for dinner. I'm going out with the moms from the homeschool group tonight!