Where I've been or rather, WHY I've been gone...

After my last post, I sort of decided to take a little break from blogging for awhile. I had several reasons, but none of them would probably make sense to you, if that makes sense. :o) In other words, it was totally a personal thing.
After I got back into the attitude of blogging, I discovered that all of the sudden I could not find time to blog. I was really tired and went to bed early every night. I was not as faithful to my early morning times with God, even though I almost always got up before the kids, in time to get my Bible reading and prayer in. It was rushed though, and I'm so glad that I'm settling back into the 5am routine. My body is getting more rested and it seems I do not have as much of a need for sleep. Finally. I've known the reason for a while. I've been wanting to share it with you too.
I'm expecting! A new blessing for us is coming around September 14th. I'm 11 weeks along, so I'm starting to get a tad more strength for my duties and other things that are exhausting, like blogging. :) We are excited and are looking forward to this new baby. We have received mostly positive responses, a couple negatives, but I've heard about a few negatives that were not mentioned directly to us. :) Just makes me sad all over again to think that a GIFT from God (Ps. 127:3) derives such negativity from people with misplaced priorities. I'm sure that's another post for another time.
The kids are doing well. The oldest is doing well with his schoolwork and I still love homeschooling. Youngest is talking up a storm and all he wants to do when he gets up in the morning is to put on shoes and go outside! We all have spring fever, I think more than we have ever had! The kids have come down with the sickies and we hope we still get to go on a trip that we have had planned for some time now. We are using a variety of natural remedies and a little Benadryl on the side for hopefully a speedy recovery.
I'm sure I've failed to mention a few things that we've been up to, but at least you have an update!
God is still good. I hope you and yours are doing well.

Update coming soon...

I have not died and I will be updating very soon!!

:o)

Don't give up on me!

Getting Up Early Part 2

I'm going to attempt to start another post on this topic. Yesterday I got to the Title and that was it. Mothering duties called me to other things. :o)

This morning I would like to post about how I came to getting up early and give you some tips on making this transition easier. I now love getting up early and look forward to my morning time even the day before!

First of all, the Lord led me to a couple of blogs in whom the authors have become mentors to me (without their knowledge! ha). These women got up early and sought the Lord. One of these women, Jewel at Eyes of Wonder, has a really large family and you can tell that she loves her time in the morning as well. My first thought was, how can she speak so fondly about getting up early? She has never spoken about being frazzled, harried, or having an awful day. She always sounds so calm and peaceful. She can't help but to talk about God's goodness in her blogs. From her website, I found Laine's Letters (http://www.lainesletters.com/) which is letters to readers from a wonderful, inspiring lady who felt the nudge several years ago to get up at 4am. She speaks, almost in every letter, about the numerous benefits of her following after the Spirit's leading. I feel like the Lord led me to these sites because, quite frankly, I was so complacent I don't know if I would have heard the Lord if he had tried to speak to me about getting up early. I just loved to sleep. I still love to sleep, but I look forward to going to bed early to sleep instead of staying in bed late to sleep. I love forward to getting in to my soft, comfy pajamas and laying in warm sheets (warmed in advance by my heating pad..:o), reading a bit, and then going to bed. I even enjoy setting my alarm because I know it means time to get up and be with the Lord. Think I'm weird? :o)

Anyway, I felt like the Lord saying 5am. A few mornings I ignored or wasn't as faithful. When I was feeling frustrated by my day, it's like the Lord would whisper, 5am. I would repent and try again. The Lord always has the answers.

The benefits for getting up early and having time with the Lord exceed the time or the space I have to type on this blog. Just try it and you'll see the benefits for yourself. A few benefits that pop into mind are: strength (both physical and spiritual), wisdom, peace, self-discipline and control, patience, and many more.

Now, the downside is that the devil will HATE what you are doing. He will prey upon your weaknesses for awhile. When he sees he can't move you, he will move on. Yesterday, I had a bout of anxiety come upon me. You may know the feeling--worry in the pit of your stomach. I had a few things that I had to do that was at the back of my mind (or at the front of my mind)--A few things I dreaded without really a cause to dread. I was out hanging out clothes and I thought, "Why am I feeling so anxious?" And the scripture came to me, Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. I immediately gave my worries over to God and this morning in prayer I was reminded of how anxious I had been feeling and I thought, you know I wasn't anxious anymore the rest of the day! I'm not a person who worries, normally, but since I've been getting up early, I feel like I worry more about the unknown or what will happen, etc. I feel this is an attack on me. But, you know, it's nothing God can't handle. He knows what's going on.

Here are a few tips to help you want to get up early (or to motivate you):

Find a cozy spot for you to have your devotional time. A cozy recliner, a nearby lamp (who wants all the lights on in the pre-dawn?), a fleece blanket, whatever you need to get comfortable with the Lord.

Here is my spot:

Fix your favorite drink. I like a cup of coffee or herbal tea in the mornings. If I'm really sleepy, I will go for the coffee. Hot chocolate is another good choice.

Of course, those things are not necessary for your time with the Lord, so onto spiritual tips:

Read your Bible. I wouldn't use a devotional book or anything as a substitute. You can use one as a compliment, but use your Bible foremost. I read 4 chapters a morning, but you may want more or less. Pray about it. Pray about where to start. I'm in Genesis since I'm starting at the beginning and reading through the Bible. It is a wonderful book filled with exceptional stories of God's goodness and men of faith. God will give you a love for His word.

Pray. Sometimes I kneel at my 'altar' (see pic below) or sometimes I pray in my chair. Be careful not to get into a 'routine' prayer where you feel like you have to pray from a 'mental' list. This may be harmful to your prayer life. If you get to where you feel obligated to pray from a mental list or you will feel bad or like you haven't done your duty, then your communion with God may not be what He intends for it to be. Instead of praying from a list, pray what's on your heart. Pray for wisdom and patience. Of course, give Honor and praise to God first. Pray for a burden and for God to lay someone on your heart instead of praying from a list. I hope I'm clear on this and it doesn't sound like I know just how you ought to pray. That's not it. The Bible says, Teach us to pray. He will teach you to pray. Anyway here is a picture of my altar. It is just right.

Now you may have time to get a few chores done before the children wake up, which is an added bonus. I find that I might have time to wash dishes or to sweep, but most of the time, my littlest one will wake up a little after 7 or a little before. If I feel like I'm getting way slack on my housework, I will try to get up even earlier. I almost always have time to get on a load of clothes (which is what is easy to get piled up...laundry for 5 people...ha).Another bonus to getting up early is to see wondrous sites painted by God like this:

Lastly, you may fail. In fact, you probably will fail. But, God will give you grace to try again. There will be times when you sit down to read or to pray and the baby chooses right that moment to let out a wail. One that the husband may not be able to take care of. :o) You will be surprised at how the Lord will strengthen you that day for your efforts. Don't be frustrated at the baby. God will help you. He may even allow another opportunity.

Another bonus that I've noticed is that I'm not even really sleepy during the day. Sometimes, I will sneak a little 5 minute nap in while rocking the baby or something and it will help so much (used to that would just make me ill). You will be sleepy when it is time to go to bed, though. But, that's good, right? ;o)

God Bless You. It has taken me awhile to write this post, and I've felt inadequately more than a few times. In fact, I think the enemy has tried to make me feel like I'm not adequate enough to even blog about this. You know why--he doesn't want YOU to get this message. I'm NOT adequate, but I am a vessel of God and I pray that He will bless you and make you a Proverbs 31 woman and some day you can be a mentor to a young woman just starting out. YOUR blog can be read like dear Jewel's or Laine's and you can be a God-ordained help to many.

My children need me. Have a blessed day. PS. Quoted by my daughter--in play--right before I was about to send this post: I'm going to get my Father...He can do BIG things. Wow, that spoke to my heart.

Getting up Early...

If you would like to start getting up early, or you really don't want to get up early, but you feel the conviction to get up early, I want to give you a few tips on making it easier.
First of all, getting up early is biblical. And it's very beneficial beyond words.
The Bible says, She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. It also says, O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; And lastly, With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.
If you have young children or several children or if you just feel frazzled or frustrated at the lack of time to get things done, then you need to consider getting up early. If you find that you have no time for spiritual things or you just feel like you are fine in your spiritual condition (which probably means you are lukewarm), then you need to consider getting up early to get closer to God.
A personal testimony: For years I have felt fine in my spiritual condition. I was pretty comfortable where I was. I had good works, knew I was saved and felt like I rarely sinned. I didn't read my Bible on a steady basis and my prayer life was way sporatic. In other words, the devil was so happy where I was. I loved to sleep and would just wake when the kids would wake up. Rarely would I wake up before them. I felt like I was due sleep.
The scenario would usually go something like this: We would roll out of bed about 8:15, of course, husband has already gone to work without breakfast, without my ironing his clothes (which he never complains and does a great job, but...), and without some rare one-on-one time with each other. The kids would automatically be hungry and I felt like I had to get a few chores done first. Namely, things like bed made, dressed, living room straightened, things like that. Well, no spiritual food first thing and the kids would get ill waiting on breakfast.
Now, I get up anywhere from 5-5:30 (sometimes 6 or so, but always before the kids), have 4 chapters read and studied in my Bible, have a time of communion with my Saviour, and have some chores done before the kids wake up (usually a load of clothes washed, the living room swept, dishes washed if left from the night before, breakfast considered). I usually cook a little breakfast for my husband and have done better with ironing for him. We get to talk a little, hug some, and just be together for a bit.
The extra bonus is that I feel so much closer to God and can feel Him poring wisdom on me (because I have asked for it faithfully, every morning). I LOVE His word and I feel so terrible about the scriptures that I haven't read or studied the past 30 years.
Anyway, tomorrow I will get to those tips on making the transition to getting up early. As for now, I've got a little one playing with the printer to attend to. :o)
PS. Things are not perfect, for example, this morning I was just about to pray and the baby wakes up crying. So, I went and laid back down with him (he doesn't cry if he's done with sleeping for the morning) and I had to pray little snatches here and there while my body tried to drift back off. I finally got to get back up to see my husband off. Things aren't perfect, but I'm so happy.

Blessed Schedule

First of all I want to say a huge CONGRATULATIONS to a dear friend, "kugoi", on the birth of her first at-home-born SON! You can read her blog by following a link in my sidebar. I hope she will post some details of her birth very soon as I am way interested in homebirths! :o)

Yesterday we started back on our 'school' schedule and I kicked myself in the 'pants' to get back up early. It is so nice being back on a schedule. The kids enjoyed the 2 weeks of holiday break, but sometimes unstructured time leads to more idle time. Idle time is not good for children (or adults). Let me say again that I love, love getting up early and having my time with the Lord. I believe this is God's will for me and anyone else who wants to get closer to the Lord. I have fallen in love with His Word and He meets me in prayer so sweetly. I can feel the results of my putting Him first throughout my day. I pray I never go back on this. I certainly don't desire to.

Yesterday I decided to try something different with our homeschooling. My dear friend (a new friend) does homeschooling with her kids in one of the rooms in our church. So I thought I'd try it. I am bad about leaving oldest to himself in his schoolwork and just checking on him when he needs me. I am distracted by getting other things done. So, I used our fellowship hall, which has a gym attached and it worked out great. No distractions. I got to work with both children. The baby played in the gym and the kids got to play after school. It was cool. My friend and her children got to have 'recess' with us. Anyway, I think maybe it is something that we might enjoy doing.

Anyway, that's a good bit of rambling, but I did want to have a post up. :) I'll leave you with a sweet picture of my youngest.

Goals for 2008

I trust everyone had a pleasant transition into the new year. Make any resolutions? I don't, but I did make a few goals. Resolutions and goals are different. A resolution is something you resolve to do. A goal is something you achieve or aspire to do. Here are a few goals I'll share with you:

1. Continue having my morning devotional time w/God--continue getting up at 5am. (The past 2 mornings I have done awful with this--sleeping until almost 8am! I know that I will get 'back on board', that I'm just going through a tired phase, but I'm so ready to get back to my early mornings with the Lord)
2. Do not fall into the snare of procrastination. (Staying up to snuff with my housework and not putting things off to a more convenient time. If I see that the trash needs emptying--do it--don't wait until I clean up the whole kitchen)
3. Read books to help me become a better wife and mother. (Primarily the Bible, of course, but I love to read books by Godly authors to help me be the woman God wants me to be)
4. Stop being late to church and other places. (If I say I'm going to be somewhere at a certain time, then I need to be there at that time. I am really going to do this because it makes my husband so happy when we are early or on time for church. I should make an extra effort if for no other reason than for him. )
5. Maintain integrity--do what I say I'm going to do.
6. Be a better helpmeet to my husband. (Don't put off doing those things that I know would help him--for example, ironing his clothes for him so he is not late for work)
7. Be consistent and firm in my disciplining the children. Do not accept any unacceptable behavior.
8. Have a more scheduled week--especially with homeschooling time for the kids.
9. Be a better, more prepared Sunday School teacher.
10. Do more random acts of kindnesses.
11. Cultivate relationships--do a better job of maintaining old friendships. Some I need to renew that have dwindled some over the past few years.

I have a few scriptures I also jotted down in my journal--scriptures for me for the year 2009, but I will have to share those later. With my slothfulness this morning, I have not read my Bible yet. :o/

Ode to my Home

As I walk from the wheelbarrow, arms loaded with fresh firewood, I know there's no place like my home. For, you see, my home is special enough to have a wood burning fireplace as its main source of heat.
As I open the screened door that needs to be replaced, the ever-familiar creak and slap! of the door reminds me, there's no place like my home. For, you see, my home is special enough to have a screened in front porch, complete with old rockers.
An aroma greets me as I enter my living room--the smell of fresh bread mixed with equal parts fireplace smoke--that reminds me, there's no place like my home. For, you see, my home is special enough to have a mama who stays home and bakes fresh bread because she knows she has some little young uns (and husband) who are delighted when Mama's bread machine buzzer goes off.
I stoke the fireplace, renew the blaze and head off to give my children a surprise, when I notice the pieces of Play-doh all over the table and floor. Kids' creations don the table as food never has before. I'm reminded, there's no place like my home. For, you see, not ever home has children to make 'culinary' creations with colored dough. My home does.
I get my children settled, head to take a soak in the bathtub, and really take a glance around. An old-fashioned tub--one that you could get bubbled up to your ears in--and still not get any on the floor--that's my home.
Ah, the clothesline. How could one find such pleasure in a handmade, wooden clothesline with ropes connecting? Why? Because it's here. Here I feel the wind on my face, cool wind bouncing off of wet clothes. It's here my eyes glance heavenward and I see the bluest sky around. Not a cloud in site. It's here I gaze out over acres of field lying dormant until spring's plow slowly turns over soil. It's here I envision a chicken coop, hear goats bleating, see more children playing. It's here I do see the beautiful pines and cedars swaying in the breeze, wood stacked neatly--reflecting hours of strong man's work. It's here at my haven. My home.
The back screen door opens with a familiar sound. I look up and see a familiar face. My husband. 'Just came by for a few minutes'. Drove several miles for a few minutes at his home. And, you see, not any home has a husband and father. My home does.
Home calls. I answer. Happiness reigns.

Lord, you know my home is not a castle by far. In fact, others may have to pick and prod to see what I see, and still some may not see it. But, my home, dear Lord, is a castle to me. A shelter from the biting cold and evil forces of this cold, dark, and self-centered world. A shelter for my children. Lord, you know I am the keeper of my home. Help me, dear Saviour, to care for my home as I would a tiny infant. Thank you Lord for the inhabitants in my home. Lord, you are the greatest inhabitant. Ever abide here, Lord. Thank you, Jesus for our home.

Dinner Guests

I will getting the house extra spiffied-up today. My brother and his family will be coming over for supper tonight (if noone gets sick between now and then...). I have a slight idea about what we will be having, but it's definitely not set in stone. (probably a roast and the trimmings... think, new slow-cooker...;o)
I will not be posting a Tuesday's Topic today because I frankly don't have time, but I might do it tomorrow. I have read through the Bible this year (minus a few chapters when I wasn't so faithful) and so I'm in Revelations. Hence, all that is on my thoughts throughout the day is vials, beasts, seals, angels, torment, etc. Not much for a good topic, eh? I guess just, "Be Ready". :o)
Have a good day, folks. Amy, I'll be looking forward to seeing you very soon at our New Years' Bash at your mother's. :o) Don't worry about procrastinating with the gifts--YOUR present still isn't wrapped. Your's and Emma's. I'm not really procrastinating--I just know that it will probably be tomorrow or Thursday before I wrap. Better yet, I will have a nice gift bag for you. :o)
I will still be decluttering some. I only made it to 80+ items yesterday, so I've got some catching up to do!

Update on Decluttering...

I'm about to head out of the house for the first time in a few days, but first I wanted to update that I've already purged 74 items this morning just from my bedroom. Old underwear, pajamas (who needs 12 pairs of pajamas?), t-shirts (I never wear t-shirts), old pantyhose, Old things of dear husband's, things like old shorts were the elastic was rotten, etc.
I knew I could get to 100!

Updating on my condition...

I am loads better--almost normal. The flu really wasn't that bad this time around. Way worse back in February when I had the flu. This time I took Flu Homeopathic tablets around the clock and took Elderberry Syrup as well--so I don't know, but they sure seemed to help. Then there's this nagging thought that I wonder if I did have a severe kidney infection? I don't know. It sure seemed like the flu just not as long in duration. My back hurt so much during the course. Anyway..I hope you and yours stay healthy. I'm ready for our house to be pretty close to normal!!
Next week will find me decluttering, preparing for the new year. I aim to throw away or Goodwill (don't you like how I've turned that into a verb) 100 items a day. I'm not kidding. I wish I had the time and energies to Ebay things, but I don't.
Want to join me? I would love to have a simple, clutter-free home. I guess my house is simple, but not clutter free. Definitely not after Christmas.
Sigh. I know my Living room floor is under here somewhere.

PS. Like my new look? It is so me. I just love it. I keep coming back to my page so I can look at it. :o) Silly me.

Sickies for ME!

No wonder I felt so disoriented this morning. Around 10:30 or 11 I felt the flu come on me with a attitude! Chills, fever, aches, headache (awful headache), etc. Dear husband came home a little after 2, I think. I've been in the recliner with blankets, a heating pad, a hot water bottle and nearby are my flu tablets, water, tons of tissue, and some hot and spicy soup I made earlier this morning in my new Slow Cooker. My fever broke about an hour ago so I have been up and about for a few minutes.
I do have to report that youngest son, who was the sickest, is feeling SO much better now. He has been in here playing, playing, playing. I'm sooo thankful that he is back to his normal self. It's been a long road for him...
Well, my suspicions are confirmed that I believe my children did have the flu last week. And you know that the Lord did care enough for me to hold this off until after Christmas! He is so mindful of us.
Well, going back to my tissue and blankets....

Joy

Well, this morning finds me very sleepy (I'm out of coffee) and pretty disoriented. I did my quiet time, but I was so sleepy, that I may try to squeeze it in later on today. I'm coughing tons this morning (leftover from a sinus infection) and that is pretty aggravating. Anyway, it wouldn't seem that I would be posting on a subject like joy, but I wanted to do a hopefully, quick, post before I head into the kitchen to clean it up from yesterday's baking (the cinnamon rolls weren't the best...I didn't leave the dough sticky enough and the icing was too thick).

I have noticed over the past few days that I haven't seen many smiles around. In fact, if I were keeping a record of smiles vs. frowns, I'm sure frowns would win over. This is what I've noticed during the Christmas season.

Now, I don't feel joyful all the time and sometimes I'm sure my joy is hid inside and may not show on the outside. I'm praying daily that it will show on the outside. I don't want to be fake about being happy. I want to be genuinely joyful.

From the scriptures I've found that JOY can be found in:

1. Serving--Nehemiah 8:10

2. Salvation--Psalm 51:12

3. Loving--John 15:11

4. Temptations/Trials--James 1:2

5. God's Presence--Psalm 16:11

First, as Mother's we serve more than anything else I believe. This can be cumbersome and tiring, or it can be joyful because of the servitude of our heart (This goes against what you will find in popular magazines with articles like, "How to take time for YOU", etc). Next, we can find joy in loving our husband and our children. We can also find joy in loving other people. It seems in these days we live in (days of selfishness) that it is hard to love people like we have been commanded in the Bible. I'm praying for the love I need to have for my fellow man. I think that is why it's hard for us to witness sometimes--because we don't love others like we should. Anyway... I won't stray off the subject too far. :o) We can even find joy in trials. According to the Bible, the trying of our faith worketh patience--something we mothers can use a heap of! We can be joyful over a bad day. We can glean wisdom from certain situations that arise--learn from experiences--and gain patience. And the last two are my favorites.

We can be joyful in our Salvation. Glory to God! Just think of what was done for the sins of man and rejoice in the God of your salvation. Send up your "Hallelujahs" and "Praise Gods" throughout your day and you will fill joyful right quick.

We can be joyful in God's presence. In His presence is fullness of joy. The ultimate joy. I want to stay in His presence. I remember back in the summer, I remember praying that the Lord's presence would just fill me even while I'm in the laundry room putting in dirty clothes. Whatever we do, we can stay in God's presence.

So...a cure all for the blahs? I believe so. Now, if I could get this message out to the world, namely some gloomy family members I saw lately...:o).....

I know ppl hurt and this message isn't really for them. This message is for all mothers who have children at home and who have had children at home. Mothers who have lost their joy.

Be joyful. Always looking unto that blessed Hope....

Just a note...

It's hard for me after being at my Savior's feet not to do a huge post about His goodness and how He is so meeting with me in my early prayer, but I really just wanted to drop in and say a huge to my dear readers! If you don't celebrate the actual Christmas holiday then I still hope that you will reflect on the birth of our dear Saviour and that the Lord will bless you on this day.

I will be posting some pictures over the next day or so of our festivities. As for this morning, I have cinnamon rolls to make (my first...I hope they turn out well), a few more presents to wrap (we, too, do the 3 present per child thing, Amy) and a bit of straightening to do. Who can feel the *peace* of Christmas in a unkempt home? :o) Then we'll venture over to the in law's (we'll miss you, Amy, sniff, sniff) and do a bit of Merry Christmassing with them. Lastly, we may go back down to my parents and eat leftovers from yesterday.

I hope you are having a wonderful day. Oh my, it is a busy time. But, here in the quiet of the morning, all the babies asleep, nothing on except a small lamp and my Christmas tree, it is ahhhh...peace and how my heart is so joyful after I've just been at my Redeemer's feet.

The Babe who is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.

The Groom who is getting ready to come back for His Bride.

A Bride who is spotless, without blemish. A direct contrast from this world.

If you don't stand out from this world, are you a part of His Bride?

Just as a Bride prepares for her wedding, sometimes taking months to get everything ready, daily I want to be preparing my heart--searching, seeking, removing any dross--for my Groom. Just as a Groom is breathless when His bride walks down the aisle, I want my Saviour to be pleased with me. We have communed together many, many times through a glass darkly. But when we finally get to meet face-to-face, I want my Saviour to look upon me as a Groom looks upon his bride as she walks down the aisle.

"She's mine."

"Doesn't she look beautiful."

I want to be a part of this Bride.

Merry Christmas!

Procrastination Unmasked

Before I get into Tuesday's Topic, I will update on my childrens' sicknesses. They are slowly getting better, but getting better nonetheless. We are still hearing sounds of coughing, ill temperaments, and complaints of taking medicine, again, but we are getting better...just in time for Christmas. Dear Daughter just had a bad cold, but it was a mean one. One with fever for 4 nights, stomachache, headaches, etc. She *may* have had the flu, but the dr. didn't test her for that, so I don't know. Oldest Son had the same, but did get an antibiotic for a staph infection on his stomach. I don't know how he got staph, but he had a place on his leg last year (that took *forever* to get well) and this place is on his stomach. I hate to give antibiotics and know all the nasty things it can do to one's good bacteria, etc., but I also don't want to *play* with staph infection. Youngest son had the stomach virus (FIVE days of it) and a left ear infection. He has never had an antibiotic (but I know he has had an ear infection before now) but I went ahead and got it filled since he is so sick. They both are taking a Probiotic for kids to hopefully combat the bacteria issue. I went ahead and got them a good *whole foods* multivitamin and my mom ordered them some chewable Elderberry tablets, so hopefully we are on the road to better health! This past week, I changed about 20 diarrhea diapers (4 avg per day for 5 days...he still is having a spot of it) cleaned up vomit 4 times (twice in the vehicle) and felt of feverish heads countless number of times. Any good mother would have done it, I'm not bragging, but I just look back and see how God gave me strength and his grace was sufficient and his *strength* made perfect in weakness. He also kept me from getting sick during that time (and my husband) so I could take care of my babies. We all know how contagious the stomach virus is, so I know it was the Lord's grace that sustained me.

Anyway....now something I'd like to discuss with you is a topic that has been in the back of my mind for some time now. Procrastination. First of all, I think procrastination mostly affects those *naturally* most organized and those who like perfection. Sounds totally wrong, doesn't it? Where things go wrong is lack of self discipline. Self discipline to do things now. Putting things off until it can be done perfectly or at a more convenient (perfect) time.

Case in point, you are walking from your room after laying your child down for a nap. You see two toys in the hall, a shoe without a pair, but you just walk over them because you know that eventually you will clean up that hall and you will pick up the stuff then. You want to wait until you can sweep the hall, mop, and just have a set *time* to do that chore. Next scenario, you open the door of the refrigerator and see that something has spilled in the bottom of the refrigerator. You shut the door and don't worry about it because you know that you will get to it when you clean the refrigerator out, of course including taking everything out, checking expiration dates, dumping out leftovers (that have been there for a month because you are going to get to it). You see the trash piling up in the bathroom, but you just know that you are going to clean up the bathroom, including bleaching the tub and scouring the sink, so you will take it out then.

You are not lazy, dirty, or a messy person. In fact, you can't cope with things messy. You thrive when there is order in your home. You are cheerful and you think more clearly. You don't have a 'don't care' attitude. You just put things off to a more *convenient* season (like Felix in the Bible)--a time when you can do things perfectly and right. Procrastination is making you stressed. Procrastination is keeping your home from being presentable to those dreaded drop-in guests.

I've viewed both my mother and my mother-in-law *in action*, so to speak, with their cleaning of both my home and their homes. When I was still at my childhood home, I never remember our house being messy and chaotic. I never have seen dishes on the counter waiting to be washed. My mom was always cheerful (except for a small season of depression due to hormonal imbalance). My mom always hummed while she worked. She never, ever snapped at us because she was so stressed at the house being a mess. A dear friend of mine and I have mentioned a few times about how we are just amazed at what our mothers can get done when they come to our homes to clean or how we don't remember our childhood homes ever being a mess. Well it isn't that they have extra hours in the day. It is this: They just *dive in* and get it done. They don't walk over shoes and toys and put it off to a more convenient season. If my mom (or MIL) is taking my trash to the *master* trash can in the kitchen and walks into a toy or a piece of clothing that has lost its place, she will pick it up then, put it away, and keep on the the trash. Let's see how much time has been lost. Bending down to pick up toy: 2.5 seconds. Putting it away: 10 to 15 seconds. Total time lost: 12.5 seconds. Achievement: a clear, straightened hallway in 12.5 seconds! Wow! Amazing! Someone should write an advertisement about how to acheive results in 12.5 seconds! :o)

I watched my MIL the other day in my kitchen (bless her, she had come over to clean since I had been holding sick babies for 4 days). She tackled a clutter spot that I had been putting off to a more *convenient* season and it took her maybe 5 minutes. The other day I watched my mom (who was here visiting the kids but can't help but to help me with a chore or two--one that has been put off due to procrastination), take the trash out and wipe down the trash can (another yucky chore that gets put off) which took maybe 3 minutes.

My challenge to you today is do something as you see it needs doing. If the baby has fallen off of the couch and you trip over a toy getting to the baby, please go to the baby, by all means. But if you are going about your duties and you see something that needs doing, do it then. Your house will always stay straightened. Don't put things off until you can do it perfectly. Don't wait to pick up the toy until you can Lysol it and change the batteries (hey, we procrastinators love perfection and things done right). Don't wait to sweep the rug until you can get under it and get the crumbs. If you have company, who is going to look under the rug? But that nosy visitor (supposing you have one that is not a *kindred spirit*..smile) just might inspect the top of the rug. :o) You will be ready if you don't procrastinate.

And by all means, do it for yourself over visitors. You will be stress free and happy that your home is presentable most of the time.

On a personal note, after my mother and MIL came Saturday to clean up, I've vowed that I will not procrastinate. My home has stayed orderly and I've tried to do things as I've seen their need of doing. I have found that I'm not going around cleaning all day--in fact I've had more time with my children. Try it--you'll see.

I think this is the secret, ladies. The secret that our mothers have kept because in fact, they don't even know that it's something they hold secretly. They just do it without question, without thinking. It's the trait of a hardworker. A trait most procrastinators have. They just have to get the spirit of procrastination out of them to get to the hardworking spirit. :o)

I know because I am the chiefest of procratinators.

PS I would love to hear your comments on this issue, including any advice or tips you have on conquering this issue that I believe the devil may be using to sap our joy as homemakers.

Sickies Day 4

Well we are off to the dr today...babies are way sick...update later.

More Sickies...

Well, today is Sick Day part 2! Thank the Lord, He has blessed me to be well to take care of my sick babies! Evan is still having a small bout of diarrhea, but has felt better today. He has eaten just barely today and I'm nursing him pretty regularly. It is a blessing that I haven't weaned him already, because I'm glad to have the extra nourishment to give to him at a time like this. Erin ran a high fever last night, felt pretty good today (played outside some), just had a bad runny nose, cough, and hoarseness. Well, tonight her fever got back up to 103.0 and she is a sick girl! Emory stayed in bed all day with a stomachache and a fever of 103.8 (at one point). He hasn't had diarrhea, just lots of bloating, some coughing and congestion. It is so weird all of these different bugs striking at once! Dear husband stayed home with us today to help out. I felt strenghthen by his being here. We slept in until 8am because we (I) were up and down all throught the early hours of the morning. I did so miss my quiet time and look forward to it in the morning! Now, if I could just get on up at 5am! :o)
It was very warm, almost hot today and we enjoyed the varying of the temps. I *do* hope that Christmas Eve/Day is a bit cold, though. Anyways, the kids played outside and such (sans Emory) and enjoyed dressing like summer! :o)
The last 2 days have found me frantically finishing my Christmas shopping, mostly online via Ebay and Vision Forum.com. I really hope all of my Ebay toys & such get shipped by Christmas. Such a risk I have taken. I have been really pleased with my deals for the most part. Have you finished yours??
To change the subject, I read that Michelle Duggar gave birth to baby #18 today! A girl, Jordyn-Grace Mikaya Duggar. Cute name. I also didn't know that their eldest son had gotten married. You can go to http://www.duggarfamily.com/ and click on his son and wife's website. Pretty cool. I love reading about good godly young ppl making god-centered decisions. It's a breath of fresh air in this evil day!
Another thing I wanted to share is that yesterday while surfing, I found a really inspiring blog at http://www.aholyexperience.com/. Check it out and let me know what you think. Be prepared to stay there for awhile! :o)
Keep us in your prayers. My home is pretty much a wreck and I'm fighting the procrastination spirit. lol. I hate when my house gets really destructable...it affects my inner being. But, sick children come first and I have tried not to focus too much on my house. I *could* do better, though. I know that within my spirit. I just have a procrastination problem. I believe I'll blog on that pretty soon. :o)
Here's hoping that you and yours aren't sick during the Holidays!

Sick Day....

Well, today everyone is sick, so we are taking a sick day. We are piled up in my bed, with a stack of movies, eventually a stack of books, and my computer. On the nightstand is a roll of tissue for runny noses, honey lemon water for hydration, plenty of wipes and diapers (Evan has the virus), and the phone. Mine and Em's symptoms are sinus infections, Erin's is tonsilitis (she has horrible tonsils) and Hubby has borderline pneumonia. He went to dr yesterday, so he is at work today.
It is sorta fun and cozy lying here resting, watching Beverly Hilbillies, but I would rather not be sick--esp Evan.
Hope YOU and yours are well.

Monday's My Day...

Hello, everyone! I hope you had a pleasant Monday. The weather was fairly warm today. Actually it was one of those days in which you go out and feel nothing. Not a chill or heat. The sun wasn't out or the breeze blowing. We spent a good bit of time out of doors and I really enjoyed getting out without freezing! :o)

Well, my day started a little after 6 this morning. It was nice to get up without having to build a fire. I do *so* enjoy sitting by the fire, reading my Bible, but it was nice not freezing until the fire catches up! :o) I really love my old-fashioned home! :o) My devotion this morning was from 2 Timothy and after a quick prayer, I started on my day. My goal is still to get up at 5 consecutively and I know I would really reap rewards. Anyway...

The house was pretty messy a gift from our Sunday's being so busy now (Christmas play practice on Sunday afternoons), so I had my work cut out for me. Making bread, cleaning the kitchen, straightening and sweeping the Living Room/Dining Room...whew! The kiddos got up...Evan officially pitter-pats into the living room now instead of calling me until I come in to get him. It is sooooo stinking cute! Erin is a really late riser, which works out fine because she is no-napping right now (except on days where I know she will get into bed late). We had hashbrowns for breakfast, which were really good, but once again, I didn't cut up enough potatoes. Mental note to self, *use 4 potatoes instead of 3*. Yours truly got the slighted plate. :o)

During Evan's nap, we did our Bible reading and Read Aloud. We have 2 more chapters in Black Beauty. That book is really, really good. I don't know if the children have followed every single happening, but for the most part, they are attentive (not as much as with Pinocchio). The next book we will read is The Call of the Wild by Jack London. I have never read that one before, so I'm excited! :o) Oh, I fogot to mention that while I was doing some of my usual kitchen/Lr/DR straightening, the kids pulled all the cushions off of the couch, sheets off of the beds, comforters, pillows, etc. and made *caves*. Do your kids do this too? It drives me crazy if it is not laundry bedding day! (But of course, I just let them be kids, but inwardly it is driving me bonkers). Today happened to be laundry day for our bedding (oh and that is so *not* today's laundry pic above...it was definitely not a clothesline kind of day) so they had a good time playing on the bedding.

Daddy came home during this time to get our van to take it to get the brakes fixed. They were scrubbing something horribly. This took a nice chunk of Christmas spending money, but oh well, I'm just glad we had it! Poor hubby, he is having to eat liquids and broths for several more days now! Please pray for him that the Lord will give him strength to make it through these next few days.

We spent a lot of time outside, playing with Emory's remote control airplane and swinging and such. At one point we played freeze tag and even Evan would join in (*unfreezing* us). We had a 3 car pile up one time--with all 3 kiddos on top of yours truly! I got to do a little bit of yard work which is something that *desperately* needs doing. My yard is very unkempt right now. I love being outside, but preferably with the conditions are favorable. :o)

We did our schoolwork in spurts, with Reading taking the longest. I really am having a problem with losing my patience with Emory during Reading. I am having trouble deciphering whether or not his trouble with deciphering is legit. Some words like *has* and *had* or something like that, he has been saying for several months now. All of the sudden, he will have trouble with it. He spilled the beans to me one day a few weeks ago that he had *known the word, but just didn't want to say it*. I have been leary of his ability since then. He is definitely the *son of Adam*. :op Anyway, it took us an hour to read our lesson. Really. I was so tired and frustrated, but the Lord helped me with most of it. ;o) Science and History were a breeze. Daddy did his Language with him (English buff that he is). I still love homeschooling! My goal is to get homeschooling to where I just do *that* during the day (like from 9-2pm or something). I'm sure that's what I'll do when I have 2 or 3 in school at one time.

I got my favorite magazine, No Greater Joy, in the mail today, so I read it while the kids and I ate Spaghetti for a late lunch (did you get your magazine?). It proved wonderful yet again. So encouraging--the articles were so timely. Praise God for a ministry like they have--unashamed to bodly proclaim what we *must* hear for the sake of our families!

This evening was spent cleaning off my porch while the kids played in the *ahem* mud outside. They weren't literally *in* the mud, but they had toy horses, cows, etc., who were *drinking* the muddy water. They did get a bit dirty! :o) So....my porch got clean. :o)

We didn't have supper, because I'm having somewhat of a reprieve in my cooking since hubby can't eat just *anything*. I'm enjoying it because I know I will be ready to cook again when it is time. The kids and I had applesauce or yogurt.

They got baths and after a few stories *told* by daddy and read by me, they are tuckered out. Another day, more memories. Speaking of one, I was on the phone talking to a dear, dear friend (our pastor's wife who has become a wonderful friend to me) when I suddenly didn't hear my littliest one and I suddenly remembered that we had been painting in the living room which prompted my thoughts to the paints lying *open* on the chair. Evan had *painted* the chair and had spilled the water that we were dipping our brushes in. He had streaks of paint on his face and of course, was looking so innocent! It was a video moment. :o)

Well, as for me, I'm feeling a bit under the weather today. I've pressed on, ignoring the bulging sinuses and scratching throat, but I'm scared at what I might be feeling like tomorrow (some faith, huh?). My mom has the, get this...FLU, so I'm really, really unsure of what tomorrow might bring. I have my cup of Elderberry/Peppermint tea and have gulped it down as if I've *found the cure*. :o)

Well, I hope you've had a lovely day. Thanks for reading about mine. You would've had lots of smiles and laughs had you been here today. I would've had you folding laundry or something! :o) Which, wait....you probably had lots o' laughs at your place and probably a *spot* of laundry folding as well????

Good night and God bless!

Friday's Fotos

Just a quick blog here with some photos...the fire has gone out, everyone has gone to bed, and I'm just starting to shiver! :o)

Erin with my neices, Reilly, and Chloe. This was taken after my grandmother's funeral yesterday.

My sister and I decided to get us and the kids together to make some gingerbread cookies. Here are a few pictures of the kids decorating them.

My pretty neice, Chloe, showing off her gingerbread man.
Erin, really doing some serious decorating!

Voila!

Now...onto a few Christmas decorations....

*THE tree*--I think it is soo pretty! I hope it has been kept from any further dying, thanks to a few more inches cut off of the bottom of it. It hosts mostly felt ornaments, so it is really kid friendly.

Daddy, recovering from recent weight-loss surgery, continues the story of Beauregard. He is a superb story-teller. I love this man!

And a pic of my current obsession: wearing an apron! Oh, and *I* am my son's current obsession! :o)

Blessings!

My Grandmother....

...passed away Tuesday evening at a little after 6 pm. She was 84. *Granny* was one of the godliest women I ever knew and her ultimate desire was to give praise to the Lord. I remember staying with her some during my childhood and it was not uncommon to here her going around her duties praising the Lord. She was a believer in modesty and godliness to the ultimate. She thought women should even wear pantyhose always to church. :o)
I so appreciate the heritage she left me. Because of her and my grandfather (mostly her, because he didn't get saved until later on in life), my mom is a godly woman and I, in turn, desire to be godly and holy toward the Lord.
Praise the Lord for my wonderful Grandmother! The funeral is today at 2pm. We have nasty weather here (may snow, but it has been really rainy and cold) and the two oldest has nasty colds and coughs. Should make for a bitterly cold graveside service.