The other night I was typing on my laptop and the backspace key fell off. I still had a few more emails to reply to, so I decided to keep going and try to fix it when I was done. For someone who makes a few typing errors, that was hard. I kept going for that button, but it wasn't there. It was just a tiny button that I wasn't used to.
Later that night I was thinking about what happened with the key. And it got me thinking...
How often do we waste time backspacing - or looking back? How often do we think about our past - mistakes, things we should have said, people we shouldn't have let in, places we shouldn't have gone, things we wish we had done differently.
Do you realize that time wasted on thinking about the past is robbing you of your present? If you are thinking about what could have been, you are missing out on what is.
I'm not saying we should forget the past. The past has helped to form you into who you are today. And the Bible talks about remembering God's blessings in the past and telling your children about them. And fond memories are ok too. But I think there are times when we think about the past too much. And if something in your past is effecting you negatively today, then you need to let it go. For instance, if you are so full of anger over something in your childhood that you are a bitter person, then you need to let that go. Let go of the past, and embrace the present and the future.
So the next time you use your backspace key, remember to think on God's blessings in the past, but not to dwell on the other stuff. Leave the past in the past.
and just for the record - I did get the backspace key back on. ;)
Blessings to you!!
Friday, August 3, 2012
Friday, July 27, 2012
Yes, they are all mine...
I just have to laugh when we all go out as a family. There are 7 of us, and we almost always get looks and comments. The most frequent ones are ...
"Are they all yours?"
And
"You must have your hands full."
Sometimes these comments are obviously from people that enjoy big families, but there are times when they are accompanied with looks of annoyance. As if my family size is somehow effecting them in a negative way.
Today wasn't much different. I took all 5 kids with me to a doctor's appointment for the youngest. I normally don't but this was the only time they could fit us in, and it was last minute. The nurse comes in and makes some comment about it being like a zoo. That was a new one. But I didn't respond just waited for her to start asking the normal questions. Fast forward about an hour.... My troop and I are headed into a favorite store. A man who is in the medical field (based on his clothes and the fact that we are across from a hospital) holds the door open for us all and says "only 5?" with a smile on his face. "For now." I reply. He then tells me he has 4 and makes small talk with my oldest about being the oldest. It made me smile. Someone who enjoys large families and has one of his own.
Later we all went to another store where the clerk makes the standard comments "are they all yours? Boy you sure have your hands full." Then she said something that made me think - "I bet you're glad it's almost time for school to start." ..... I thought for just a moment and then honestly said "actually, I miss them when they are in school. " She got the most shocked look on her face. I think she was speechless. But I meant it. I do miss my kids when they are away from me. Yes, my life is chaos. Yes, my life is crazy. Yes, I do enough laundry for a small army. But I LOVE IT!!!!! I can't imagine any other life. I wouldn't trade my family for anything.
Although there was a moment in the store when 1 was crying, 2 were running crazy.....no. nevermind. Still wouldn't trade 'em. ;)
I'm glad I got that reminder today.
Blessings to you!
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Summer update
Our summer is going great! I finished my home management notebook, and it is keeping us organized. I'm sure I'll make changes as we see what works and what doesn't, but for now it's done. This was the first full week of using it, and I must say - I love it! It really helps to put the week in perspective, and I'm actually able to get more done. The kids are excited about using it as well. Every day they ask me - what's our cleaning chore for today? They know that besides he everyday stuff, there is one more extra cleaning chore that changes daily. I love that we are all on board and on the same page!
As for the behavior - the kids have started lagging. We've talked to them again, and I am sure they will improve. Some are pushing the limit more than others, but we are working with each one, so I'm hopeful things will get better.
My hubby has gotten a new job. He will be teaching again. He's back at the same private school he was at before. They had to let him go before b/c they didn't have enough students enrolled. But now they do, and they were thrilled to have him back. I am excited also. This means evenings at home, weekends off, holidays off, all school holidays off, and a set schedule that won't change week to week. It's going to be so much easier on all of us!! Thank you God!!
My hubby will still be preaching at the church. We have encountered a few minor issues with the church, but we are praying through them, and I am hopeful God will work in these situations. Christopher still believes we are where God wants us, so I will trust that. I find myself wanting to close off from making deep friendships here b/c I have been hurt before. But I am trying to not let my personal fears get in the way. I am here to love these people and serve them. I can do that. :)
We start VBS on Sunday. I am teaching a class and will have one of my sons in my class. Should be a great week!! I feel prepared, and my room is ready to go. woohoo!!
That's my mid-summer update.
HUGS!!!
As for the behavior - the kids have started lagging. We've talked to them again, and I am sure they will improve. Some are pushing the limit more than others, but we are working with each one, so I'm hopeful things will get better.
My hubby has gotten a new job. He will be teaching again. He's back at the same private school he was at before. They had to let him go before b/c they didn't have enough students enrolled. But now they do, and they were thrilled to have him back. I am excited also. This means evenings at home, weekends off, holidays off, all school holidays off, and a set schedule that won't change week to week. It's going to be so much easier on all of us!! Thank you God!!
My hubby will still be preaching at the church. We have encountered a few minor issues with the church, but we are praying through them, and I am hopeful God will work in these situations. Christopher still believes we are where God wants us, so I will trust that. I find myself wanting to close off from making deep friendships here b/c I have been hurt before. But I am trying to not let my personal fears get in the way. I am here to love these people and serve them. I can do that. :)
We start VBS on Sunday. I am teaching a class and will have one of my sons in my class. Should be a great week!! I feel prepared, and my room is ready to go. woohoo!!
That's my mid-summer update.
HUGS!!!
Friday, June 8, 2012
It's Summer!!
It's summer!! I love summer break! I do not like all the heat, but I LOVE spending time with my kiddos! I am not a homeschooling mom, so during the school year my kids are in school all day. I am not one of those moms that enjoys sending the kids to school so I can "have a break." I send them to school b/c they need an education. I love my kids and love spending time with them. Don't get me wrong, a break every once in a while is nice. But I don't need a daily break from 8:00-3:00. But I digress...
This summer we are making some changes around here. The #1 thing we are working on is behavior. Memorial Day weekend is usually seen as the summer kick-off, and this year my kids took turns going to the lake with their grandparents. The girls went first, everyone was home for church, and then the boys went. We took the time when we only had half the kids to do something special (dinner and a shopping trip), and then we talked to them about what was expected of them this summer. Things like: do your chores without complaint, only say kind or loving things, talk to your parents with respect, no yelling, no hitting, etc. So far, it's going pretty well. The kids are actually getting along better than they have in years. And if things start getting heated up, I remind them of our summer expectations, and they get back on track. I am so proud of the kids. We have had a few off days, but we talk to the kids in the evening about what to do better, and explain that if they behave appropriately we will reward them (trips to the library, a game of bowling, etc). But they also know that when they act up, we spend the day at home. It's hard enough taking 5 kids somewhere, but 5 misbehaving kids isn't doable! Well it is, but it leads to one stressed-out momma, and that ain't good!!
The other thing I'm working on this summer is being more organized about the house. I've read a great book - Large Family Logistics, and now I'm starting to put into practice what I've learned. I never understood the importance of a home management notebook, but I am learning. It's a great way to stay organized. You set it up so that if you were sick or away someone could step in and keep your house running. It is a daily guide for cleaning, organizing, to do lists, projects, cooking, etc so that your days don't get away from you. You can look at your notebook to see what needs to be done, what's already been done, and when you need to do it. I haven't actually put my notebook together. So far it's hand-written notes in a spiral notebook. But I am working on computer printouts, etc and soon it will be completely organized. How have I gotten along all these years without one??!?
Do you use a home management notebook of some sort? Leave me a comment telling me about it. What works for you? How is yours set up? etc
Summer is off to a great start! Can't wait to see what each day brings us!
Blessings to you!!
This summer we are making some changes around here. The #1 thing we are working on is behavior. Memorial Day weekend is usually seen as the summer kick-off, and this year my kids took turns going to the lake with their grandparents. The girls went first, everyone was home for church, and then the boys went. We took the time when we only had half the kids to do something special (dinner and a shopping trip), and then we talked to them about what was expected of them this summer. Things like: do your chores without complaint, only say kind or loving things, talk to your parents with respect, no yelling, no hitting, etc. So far, it's going pretty well. The kids are actually getting along better than they have in years. And if things start getting heated up, I remind them of our summer expectations, and they get back on track. I am so proud of the kids. We have had a few off days, but we talk to the kids in the evening about what to do better, and explain that if they behave appropriately we will reward them (trips to the library, a game of bowling, etc). But they also know that when they act up, we spend the day at home. It's hard enough taking 5 kids somewhere, but 5 misbehaving kids isn't doable! Well it is, but it leads to one stressed-out momma, and that ain't good!!
The other thing I'm working on this summer is being more organized about the house. I've read a great book - Large Family Logistics, and now I'm starting to put into practice what I've learned. I never understood the importance of a home management notebook, but I am learning. It's a great way to stay organized. You set it up so that if you were sick or away someone could step in and keep your house running. It is a daily guide for cleaning, organizing, to do lists, projects, cooking, etc so that your days don't get away from you. You can look at your notebook to see what needs to be done, what's already been done, and when you need to do it. I haven't actually put my notebook together. So far it's hand-written notes in a spiral notebook. But I am working on computer printouts, etc and soon it will be completely organized. How have I gotten along all these years without one??!?
Do you use a home management notebook of some sort? Leave me a comment telling me about it. What works for you? How is yours set up? etc
Summer is off to a great start! Can't wait to see what each day brings us!
Blessings to you!!
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Is God telling me something?
Do you ever feel like God is trying to tell you something? Maybe you hear a sermon on a verse of Scripture, then a friend gives you that same verse, then it's the verse of the day in your inbox, and you read a devotional with that same verse. To my way of thinking, that's God giving you that verse. That happened to me a few months ago with Ps. 37:7 "Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for Him to act." Every time I turned around that verse was in front of me. And we were definitely in a time of waiting. I felt God saying "be patient. I'm working on it. Give it time."
Well, that same thing has been happening again. But this time not with a verse, but with an idea. When people hear we have 5 kids they usually say "oh, do you home school?" (that's what they say after they say things like "wow, that's a lot of kids." or "you must have your hands full." or something to show their disbelief.) At first I would always "oh no. I don't have the patience for that." But the thought has been starting to stay with me - what if I did home school? I know several families that do. They all think it's wonderful. It's an alternative to private school which isn't in our budget, but a dream of mine. And with public schools the way they are, and the way they are heading, I have been thinking of ways to get our kids our of that system. My kids come home knowing the lyrics to songs that we don't listen to. But they hear it at lunch time, PE, and in their classrooms. I don't like that. I don't like the movies they show, the books they have access to, etc.
Now don't get me wrong, my kids are great kids! They know what is allowed in our family, and what isn't. They have taken books back to the library without finishing them when they realized they had bad language. They know what music we allow and what we don't. But some of the stuff is unavoidable for them. And I don't like it.
So besides everyone asking if I home school (I get asked about once a week), I've been reading some books on being a Godly wife and mother, and they all recommend home schooling. We were at a "Kidfest" recently - all booths were geared towards kids or families - and both my husband and I (without knowledge of the other doing it) picked up literature at a table about home schooling. And today I got a letter in the mail from the private school I attended asking if I had been thinking about home schooling, and all the helps they offer.
So now I'm wondering, is God telling me this is the path He wants us to take now? I will be praying about this, and if you think of it, will you pray for us?
Thanks for reading! Have a blessed day!
Well, that same thing has been happening again. But this time not with a verse, but with an idea. When people hear we have 5 kids they usually say "oh, do you home school?" (that's what they say after they say things like "wow, that's a lot of kids." or "you must have your hands full." or something to show their disbelief.) At first I would always "oh no. I don't have the patience for that." But the thought has been starting to stay with me - what if I did home school? I know several families that do. They all think it's wonderful. It's an alternative to private school which isn't in our budget, but a dream of mine. And with public schools the way they are, and the way they are heading, I have been thinking of ways to get our kids our of that system. My kids come home knowing the lyrics to songs that we don't listen to. But they hear it at lunch time, PE, and in their classrooms. I don't like that. I don't like the movies they show, the books they have access to, etc.
Now don't get me wrong, my kids are great kids! They know what is allowed in our family, and what isn't. They have taken books back to the library without finishing them when they realized they had bad language. They know what music we allow and what we don't. But some of the stuff is unavoidable for them. And I don't like it.
So besides everyone asking if I home school (I get asked about once a week), I've been reading some books on being a Godly wife and mother, and they all recommend home schooling. We were at a "Kidfest" recently - all booths were geared towards kids or families - and both my husband and I (without knowledge of the other doing it) picked up literature at a table about home schooling. And today I got a letter in the mail from the private school I attended asking if I had been thinking about home schooling, and all the helps they offer.
So now I'm wondering, is God telling me this is the path He wants us to take now? I will be praying about this, and if you think of it, will you pray for us?
Thanks for reading! Have a blessed day!
Thursday, April 5, 2012
hip update
For those of you that are following our hip journey, time for an update. Madison will be having surgery to remove the plate that was put in during the first surgery. Originally they had to cut through her bone, and adjust her leg. They put it back together with a metal plate. Now that plate needs to come out. The surgery itself shouldn't be a big deal - go in and remove the plate. One complication could be a stripped screw that won't come out. But if that happens, the doctor will just leave it in. He said it would be harder to get it out, then to just leave it. It wouldn't cause her any problems.
But the hard part is going to be after the surgery. She has to be on limited activity for 6 weeks!!!! And by limited I mean - she can walk, and if she trips that's probably ok. But other than that - nothing! How do you keep a 4 year old inactive?? Her doctor suggested a wheelchair, but said I would probably only need it when I will not be able to supervise her. But since I'm blessed to be a stay-at-home mom, I am rarely not supervising her. So I think we will be ok without the wheelchair. We do have a double stroller, so we will just use it all the time. And when we go shopping, she'll ride in a shopping cart. It won't be easy, but we can do this!! After what we went through 3 years ago, this will be nothing!!! But prayers are still appreciated!
But the hard part is going to be after the surgery. She has to be on limited activity for 6 weeks!!!! And by limited I mean - she can walk, and if she trips that's probably ok. But other than that - nothing! How do you keep a 4 year old inactive?? Her doctor suggested a wheelchair, but said I would probably only need it when I will not be able to supervise her. But since I'm blessed to be a stay-at-home mom, I am rarely not supervising her. So I think we will be ok without the wheelchair. We do have a double stroller, so we will just use it all the time. And when we go shopping, she'll ride in a shopping cart. It won't be easy, but we can do this!! After what we went through 3 years ago, this will be nothing!!! But prayers are still appreciated!
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
projects
It seems like I am in the middle of several projects right now. Maybe it's the spring weather causing me to start my spring cleaning. :) I started painting the master bathroom. It had been wallpapered before - and it was some ugly wallpaper! But other things seemed more important that our bathroom, so I let it go for years. I had finally had enough of the shiny birds, so I just ripped it off the wall one night. Then I had to clean the walls. Not a fun job! Last night I started the priming, but since I didn't get started till late, I didn't get very far. I have a feeling this project will take a while, but there's so much other stuff that has to be done every day.
I've also brought in the next size clothes for Mikayla. She just turned 18 months, and she has outgrown her 12 month clothes. Those of you will lots of kids will understand this - I had to go to the garage, find the tote of clothes I wanted among the many that are out there. Then find the ladder and climb up to the ceiling to get it. I know some people get rid of their kids' clothes as soon as they outgrow them, but as someone who knew I'd have MANY kids, it made more sense to save them for the next kid. Once a kid outgrows a certain size, I divide the clothes up - trash (those that are too stained or have holes), give away (stuff that we didn't really wear or don't like), and keep (the stuff that goes in the tote for the next kid). And while it drives my husband crazy to have so many totes of clothes in the garage, he appreciates the money saved.
I must interject here to say - our garage is VERY well organized thanks to my hubby. All the totes are on one wall that is lined with shelves. We still have enough room in our 2 car garage for both cars!
I let the boys go through their closet last night - they pulled out clothes they don't want or that don't fit, and then we moved the short sleeve clothes to the bottom rack and the long sleeve up. I will help the girls do theirs later in the week.
We've given away 2 more puppies. We are down to 2 - the one we are keeping (Ariel) and one other one. So the carpets are staying a little cleaner now. My spotbot gets to take a break. ;) The puppies actually do a good job of using their puppy pads. And with the nice weather, they spend most afternoons outside.
Well, it must be time to end this post. I have a baby climbing all over me. Guess it's time for another project.
Hugs!!
I've also brought in the next size clothes for Mikayla. She just turned 18 months, and she has outgrown her 12 month clothes. Those of you will lots of kids will understand this - I had to go to the garage, find the tote of clothes I wanted among the many that are out there. Then find the ladder and climb up to the ceiling to get it. I know some people get rid of their kids' clothes as soon as they outgrow them, but as someone who knew I'd have MANY kids, it made more sense to save them for the next kid. Once a kid outgrows a certain size, I divide the clothes up - trash (those that are too stained or have holes), give away (stuff that we didn't really wear or don't like), and keep (the stuff that goes in the tote for the next kid). And while it drives my husband crazy to have so many totes of clothes in the garage, he appreciates the money saved.
I must interject here to say - our garage is VERY well organized thanks to my hubby. All the totes are on one wall that is lined with shelves. We still have enough room in our 2 car garage for both cars!
I let the boys go through their closet last night - they pulled out clothes they don't want or that don't fit, and then we moved the short sleeve clothes to the bottom rack and the long sleeve up. I will help the girls do theirs later in the week.
We've given away 2 more puppies. We are down to 2 - the one we are keeping (Ariel) and one other one. So the carpets are staying a little cleaner now. My spotbot gets to take a break. ;) The puppies actually do a good job of using their puppy pads. And with the nice weather, they spend most afternoons outside.
Well, it must be time to end this post. I have a baby climbing all over me. Guess it's time for another project.
Hugs!!
Thursday, March 8, 2012
New year, new changes
So I am horrible at blogging. It's just not something I think about doing. But I'm going to make another attempt at it. So here goes. :)
For starters a quick update on the kids - all are doing good. The older 3 LOVE to read, and Conner even got a reading award pack from the OKC Thunder for his reading last month. Everyone's doing well in school. Madison will be joining them in the fall. I can't believe she's ready for PreK already!! Mikayla is growing like crazy! The 4 oldest just started a new season of soccer. Hard to believe it's soccer time again.
We are still "attending" a church, but not as staff members. This is so hard on Christopher. He is called to be a minister. He's a teacher. And it's been a while since we were in a ministry position. We thought we were going to be called to a church, but at the last minute things changed. I was disappointed, but ultimately it's God's will we want to follow. I know He will provide something else for us.
I'm focusing on pouring myself into my home and family. I believe this is God's call for me (well, for all married women with kids). I believe it's His will for me to be the keeper of our home, and that's what I'm trying to do. I read a wonderful book recently - Passionate Housewives Desperate for God by Jennie Chancey and Stacy McDonald. It really helped to put things in perspective for me. I need to focus on God's role for my life and not what society says I should be. I want to be "old-fashioned". I want to be a homemaker - taking care of the kids and home (and *gasp* being submissive to my husband). I have no problem being that parent that monitors what their kids read, watch, listen to, and play. And yes, I seem strict to some people. But that's ok. I don't think my 10 year old needs to see PG 13 movies. I believe it's my job to raise our kids the way I feel God wants them to be raised. Maybe if more parents were parents and didn't give it to pressure the next generation wouldn't be in the shape it's in.
Anyway, that's a quick recap of what's been going on around here. I hope to be able to blog more, but life with 5 kids, 4 puppies, a dog, and a hubby leaves little time for internet these days.
For starters a quick update on the kids - all are doing good. The older 3 LOVE to read, and Conner even got a reading award pack from the OKC Thunder for his reading last month. Everyone's doing well in school. Madison will be joining them in the fall. I can't believe she's ready for PreK already!! Mikayla is growing like crazy! The 4 oldest just started a new season of soccer. Hard to believe it's soccer time again.
We are still "attending" a church, but not as staff members. This is so hard on Christopher. He is called to be a minister. He's a teacher. And it's been a while since we were in a ministry position. We thought we were going to be called to a church, but at the last minute things changed. I was disappointed, but ultimately it's God's will we want to follow. I know He will provide something else for us.
I'm focusing on pouring myself into my home and family. I believe this is God's call for me (well, for all married women with kids). I believe it's His will for me to be the keeper of our home, and that's what I'm trying to do. I read a wonderful book recently - Passionate Housewives Desperate for God by Jennie Chancey and Stacy McDonald. It really helped to put things in perspective for me. I need to focus on God's role for my life and not what society says I should be. I want to be "old-fashioned". I want to be a homemaker - taking care of the kids and home (and *gasp* being submissive to my husband). I have no problem being that parent that monitors what their kids read, watch, listen to, and play. And yes, I seem strict to some people. But that's ok. I don't think my 10 year old needs to see PG 13 movies. I believe it's my job to raise our kids the way I feel God wants them to be raised. Maybe if more parents were parents and didn't give it to pressure the next generation wouldn't be in the shape it's in.
Anyway, that's a quick recap of what's been going on around here. I hope to be able to blog more, but life with 5 kids, 4 puppies, a dog, and a hubby leaves little time for internet these days.
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