Aug. 25, 2008 - Monday
I thought I should let you in on the air matress story. Lonny and I have a horrible mattress (although a blessing at the time we received it). We at one time tried using our air mattress for a bed instead but were ending up on the floor by morning because of a slow leak that I couldn't not find (I even took soapy water to it tying to locate the leak, no success). To make a long story short, a few days before the party a couple from church stopped by to visit and we got on the topic of furniture and the above story was related to them. Thus the air matress as a gift at the party.
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Aug. 18, 2008 - I have the best friends...
Saturday a couple of my friends threw me a surprise house warming and boy was I surprised. I balled like a baby. There were about 35 ladies there, most from church. My sister came which was an absolute blessing to me. I received a porch swing, two pillows to go on it, a floor lamp for my sitting room, pretty bathroom towels, an air mattress (there's a story there, but I'll save it for another time), and two small trees with money tied to the limbs (I've been gauranteed they are hard to kill 
).
We are starting our third week of school and on a good schedule. Our life is slowing down quite a bit. We have one event on the calendar and it's not until the 5th of September. So we are going to enjoy the down time. Maybe we can get a few more days in swimming at the spring before the weather turns cold.
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Aug. 13, 2008 - It's Wednesday...
...and I'm dragging. Can't seem to get to bed on time, but still have to get up on time. It's the last week of summer for all our public school friends and family so we are trying to get some time in with them before the school year takes over. All three girls are going to a birthday party tonight and then having three girls over for the night. The boys had a friend over last night and DDN had a friend over Monday night. I keep thinking after this week things will calm down, but I think I need to change my thinking and just start praying for energy until the kids are out of the house (not that I am in a hurry for that).
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Aug. 11, 2008 - Week two...
Okay, so it's week two of school and things seem to be on the right track. Today was my first day back in prayer with my MIL and SIL since summer started and it felt sooo good. The leadership summit last Thurs. and Fri. was awesome! I could've preached a sermon on all the things God showed me over those two days, but I will spare you all. I will say there were two things that were said by two different speakers that basically said the same thing which was WE are God's plan to bring in the Kingdom of God, he has no plan B and when Christ returns there will be Justice but until then it's JUST US. Wow how simple and yet so profound. I have recommited to showing up in the morning before the Lord, receiving my marching orders from the commander in chief and executing those orders without delay. Thank you Lord for your Rhema words.
The kids are pressing in and I believe actually glad to have some order back in their days (although some would not freely admit that :)). We are still enjoying "summer" although the temp today is beautifully in the lower 80s. We have our homeschool group picnic the 5th of September and are all looking forward to getting involved with the group again.
The cousins are here today while my sister attends an orientation before she begins nursing school next week. It is a little busy!
I am trying to figure out how to post pics of the house and when I do, you can see the progress we've made.
Until next time,
Be blessed
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Aug. 6, 2008 - August 2008
Okay, so here we go again. Jus a little background maybe? What a busy summer we've had. It started in May with a vacation and packing to move. We found our new house in mid April and began packing to move on the 22nd of May. We had the whole house packed before we left on vacation the 10th. We went to Michigan for 1-1/2 weeks to visit dh's family and had a wonderful time. Came back to AR prepared to move on the 22nd and ended up putting off that move four weeks due to construction not being finished on the house on account of all the rain :). We finally moved our things in on June 20th. The house is a two story, four bedroom, two bath and we moved into one bedroom, the living room and the kitchen in the downstairs so that we could paint the upstairs. Well it is now the second week in August and the upstairs is done (heehee).
So, back to our eventful summer, July brought children's church camp (two separate weeks, 5-9 yr olds the first week and 10-14 year olds the second week). Dh and I drove the kids up on the church van with another couple. DDN and DDT went to the kids camp with DDC as workers and DSC and DSM went to spend the week with an Aunt and Uncle. Mom was home alone and didn't know what to do with herself. All the dc except for DDC went to camp week two but I had enough other kids to keep my busy. I kept my sister's kids for most of the month so that she could attend a summer college course before starting nursing school in the fall (I'm proud of you little sis). On top of that I keep a little girl who is 8 months old 2-4 days a week. And then one of those weeks I had three other kids three days for a homeschool friend (think I'm crazy huh, I love it!!!!!).
So that brings us to August. The first weekend mom took a much needed weekend with a couple of ladies from church to go camping and spend time in the word. That was refreshing! Now it is the first week back in school since May and we are getting down to business! I have the leadership summit again this year and it is Thursday and Friday. Today, Wednesday, I am going to lunch with a friend for her birthday. It is also DDC's birthday and we will have a small celebration this evening at dinner.
School this year is:
Jesus Freak for devotionals
Learning Language Arts Through Literature
Bob Jones for Math
Exploring Creation with Flying Creatures of the Fifth Day
Mystery of History
Typing
Hebrew (mom, I think we will be ready to start something with this in September)
DH is hoping to get his mechanics ministry off the ground in the near future, just need to take that step of faith. We are praying for the Lord's direction in so many things.
That is all for now. I pray for each of you daily. Be blessed!
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Aug. 31, 2007 - It's Friday......
And we have a multitude of things going on here today. DDN is going to scrapbooking at the church today. DSC is finally having his birthday sleepover. We have homeschool park and school on top of all that. But, I know that God is faithful to strengthen me when I cry out to him. So with my lips I will praise Him that I have five beautiful, active, creative, friendly, intelligent children.
We are ending our fourth week of school and doing well. This will be our first Holiday weekend so, no school on Monday. We have a full weekend though. On Sunday we will be joining our church and another church at a park here in town for a day of praise and worship and a picnic lunch. Then on Monday we will have my sisters dc for a few hours in the afternoon.
That is all I have time to write at the moment. Hopefully I will have an opportunity to write some this weekend.
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Aug. 30, 2007 - Wow, God is awesome
I am constantly amazed at His faithfulness to show us in His word what we need the moment we need it! My bible has daily devotional pages in it. Today I was reading in Job and there was a devotional page right next to where I was reading. So I casually decided to read it too - what a blessing I recieved. So, I am going to share with all of you:
Are you going through a difficult situation in your life right now? Are there circumstances that you cannot understand? Instead of trying to fix it or control it, rather than trying to figure out the what, when, where and why of your struggle, focus on Who:
God is Elohim - the Creator, who made you for a purpose.
God is El Elyon - God Most Hight, whose ways are higher than your ways.
God is El Roi - the God who sees and knows where you are and how you feel
God is El Shaddai - the Lord God Almighty, the one who can change you or walk you through your circumstances as surely as he can send rain from heaven.
I hope this blesses you as much as it did me. Be strong in the Lord today and in the power of HIS might.
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Aug. 13, 2007 - Week two and doing well.
Well, we got through the first official week of school - granted it was only three days, but three days all the same. I think we are all somewhat glad to be back on schedule. The house tends to suffer more when our days are focused on school, so I am really trying to find a balance between the two.
This week's plan is to stay inside as much as possible. We are in the triple digits all week. So, we will be spending the mornings doing school and the afternoons around the pool or playing games inside.
We have a field trip on Wednesday to a Butterfly Garden I will try to take and post some pictures.
I am looking forward to the week and will post more as time permits.
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Aug. 8, 2007 - Another year......
And maybe I can do better about keeping up with this blog.
Well, we started school on Monday and boy was that a day. We accomplished everything set out for us and even took a nature walk. It is hot here with heat indexes over 100 and so it is not real hard to get the children to stay indoors :).
It will be a busy month for all of us, but September should slow down considerably. This week I have the leadership summit (http://www.willowcreek.com/events/leadership/) Thursday, Friday and 1/2 a day Saturday. Next week we have a field trip on Wednesday and then I have a ladies retreat on Friday night and Saturday. Then that Sunday I have my sister's children for the afternoon. So, really need to plan well. Will be spending today schooling and getting prepared for next week.
Ok, need to go and get ready for the day. Will fill in some gaps in time during quiet time today.
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Feb. 2, 2007 - Psalms - what a wonderful book
Psalm 20
May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble;
May the name of the God of Jacob defend you;
May He send you help from the sanctuary,
And strengthen you out of Zion;
May He remember all your offerings,
And accept your burnt sacrifice.
May He grant you according to your heart's desire,
And fulfill all your purpose.
We will rejoice in your salvation
And in the name of our God we will set up our banners!
May the Lord Fulfill all your petitions
Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed;
He will answer him from His holy heaven
With the saving strength of His right hand.
Some trust in chariots, and some in horses;
But we will remember the name of the Lord our God.
They have bowed down and fallen
But we have risen and stand upright.
Save Lord!
May the King answer us when we call.
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Feb. 2, 2007 - It is already FEBRUARY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh, my goodness. So, school is going good - on a good schedule there. I have established a good morning routine and beginning work on a good evening one. We are in the process of buying the home we have been renting for 2 years and that is coming along - all in God's timing - if only we would always rest in that. Also, my mom has been staying with us since before aThanksgiving and has decided to make the move from Fort Worth, TX to Mountain Home, AR. We are delighted! That is taking some of my extra time right now, trying to help her get everything set up. She has already found an apartment - it will be ready towards the end of Feb. Now it is just a matter of getting her stuff here and her utilities set up. I pray that all of you are in good health and blessing the Lord in service to Him. I love and miss you all.
In His Service,
Rene'
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Dec. 7, 2006 - Why is it that.....
When the children want to do something fun, they are able to get their school work done quite quickly. I will be gone today and we have our homeschool group Christmas party to attend tomorrow. So, the kids were able to get four days worth of school done in two days. AMAZING. However, on a regular week, we are doing good to get a days worth done in a day. Go Figure. Oh well, gotta love 'em.
Dh and I are going shopping today with the staff at church and to have dinner. It is an annual thing that the church staff does. First year for us though. I am looking forward to it. A day out shopping, with my dh, with no dc, I don't remember the last time that happened. Be Blessed today.
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Dec. 3, 2006 - Sunday at our house
I love Sundays! We get up, get ready as a family and head out the door. Probably the only time we all head out the door together anymore. We take our 20 minute drive to our destination, talking about our week and our plans for the day or the coming week. We spend the next 3 hours attending church AS A FAMILY. Then it is back in the car for our 20 minute drive home, talking about what we learned today, what our friends have been up to.
We then spend the afternoon lazing around the house. Eating lunch, watching tv, playing with friends, I usually fall asleep on the couch watching whatever is on - Nascar when it is on, whatever else when it is not.
Right now, the dc are all watching a movie with dh. What a treat for them. I need to get ready to back to church this evening. Sundays have always been family days for me and I am glad that I can continue that tradition with my own family.
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Dec. 2, 2006 - Has it been that Long?
Wow, I am so bad at keeping up with this. It is a Saturday evening and we are settling in for the night. Getting showers and all of our stuff ready for church tomorrow. The dishes need to be done and the coffee maker set up. As I sit here typing this I hear giggles coming from the kids room, I think they are watching TV. My mom is staying with us and she is working on finishing a dress I cut out, oh 2 years ago. Dh is playing the video game.
School is going well. I started averaging grades for the first 2 six weeks today. I know I am behind. It seems that just keeping up with the dailies takes all my time, but the Lord has been multiplying that lately. You know, He will do that! The more I seek Him and desire to know Him, the more my life just works.
I am reading this book that my MIL suggested. It is awesome! The title is A Heart Ablaze. Let me warn you though, don't read it if you don't want to change.
I need to go get myself ready for tomorrow - be blessed and stay warm.
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Oct. 23, 2006 - Monday, Monday.....
Ok, it is definitely fall around here. It was cold getting out of bed this morning. I think it took all of us a little time to get the blood pumping this morning. Today is laundry day at our house. Although I was able to get quite a bit done yesterday, today I will finish up what is left and fold and put away. I also focus on getting the kitchen clean today. We have the 1 yo back after not having her for two weeks, so there will be some adjustment there. School of course. We will do the basics and history, science, and hebrew today. I also have to get some church work done. All in all a full day and we will no doubt keep busy.
Did I mention that we had a fall festival at church last night and all the kids came home with goody bags full of candy and will be on sugar highs for at least the next two days? Yeah that too. LOL
I pray the Lord's peace is with each of you today and throughout the week.
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Oct. 21, 2006 - Angel Food
Wow, what a ministry. Are you familiar with this? If not look it up. With the price of food continuing to rise, this is awesome. Just wanted to share.
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Oct. 20, 2006 - Today.......
Wow, what a day. Does life ever catch up with you? It did me today. Laundry, school, housework, car stuff, dh, dc, friends, etc........ But you know what? My God is able to do exceedingly above and beyond anything I could ask or think. I had an interesting day (not a bad one). Call those things that are not as though they are, right? I am more than a conqueror. I am blessed and highly favored. I am a child of the most High God. I am a joint heir with Jesus Christ. My Father in heaven pours out blessings upon me according to His riches in glory. Now, I feel better. The word will do that you know. He is faithful to lift us up out of our miry clay and set us upon that firm foundation. Will you allow Him to do that for you today? I pray that you will.
Blessings to you all!!!!!!!
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Oct. 19, 2006 - Schedule
OUR DAY
5:30 to 6:00 Mom Up
6:00 - 6:30 make dh’s lunch and get cup of coffee
Make my bed, Tidy my bedroom
6:30 - 7:00 Quiet Time
7:00 - 7:30 Open up house and windows, unlock door
Computer time - check e-mail, write e-mails, post blog
1yo arrives and has breakfast
7:30 - 8:00 Wake children
Breakfast
8:00 - 8:30 Morning chores
Make beds, Get dressed, Brush teeth, Gather laundry, Tidy bedrooms
8:30 - 9:30 Mom assisted independent work
Math, Reading, Spelling
9:30 - 10:00 morning break - nice weather outside, poor weather in rooms
10:00 - 10:30 History and/or Science
1 yo down for nap
10:30 - 11:00 Grammar
11:00 - 11:30 Hebrew review
11:30 - 12:00 lunch
12:00 - 12:15 Table and Kitchen chores
12:15 - 12:30 work on unfinished school work
Mom grades school work
12:30 - 1:00 chore time
1:00 - 2:00 game time
My chore time - weeklies, monthlies
2:00 - 3:00 game time
My planning time - plan for tomorrow
3:00 snack time
3:30 outdoor play
4:00 start preparing for dinner
Ready house for dh’s homecoming
Ready things for tomorrow - set up coffee maker, start dh’s lunch, get my things together (for school or work)
5:00 dinner
5:30 kitchen and table chores
Time with Lonny
7:30 kids get ready for bed
8:00 youngest dc bed time
8:30 Oldest dc bed time
Mom gets ready for bed
9:00 Read / Watch TV
9:30 Bed time
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Oct. 19, 2006 - Did you know.......
DD # 1's favorite subject is reading?
DD # 2's favorite subject is science?
DS # 1's favorite subject is reading?
DS # 2's favorite subject is grammer?
DD # 3's doesn't have a favorite subject - she would rather not do school at all.
Mom's favortie subject is History! I am loving this new history curriculum - The Mystery of History - It takes biblical and world history and puts it together so that you can see what was going on the world at the same time as events in the Word. I think I am learning more than the dc.
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Oct. 16, 2006 - Vacation......
We just returned from a week in Texas. We thouroughly enjoyed being able to see family. Thanks to you who housed us and visited with us. We so miss you all already. DH - who stayed here and held down the fort - was glad to have us home, although, I think it took him a day to get used to the noise level again 
.
We are back in school after a week off and the children did quite well. Dad was home Monday because of rain, so I got to go restock the pantry and fridge without the little ones. We are back on schedule with school. However, not so much with the housework. Oh well, we will just keep plugging along and know that everything will work its way back to "normal" before long. Hope all is well with each of you and am saying a prayer for all.
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