Domestic Engineer AKA MOMMY!!!

My Vlog!

2018-10-09T16:38:00.000-04:00

The time has come! I have finally started my vlog. Go check it out!
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYjVWR7F2D_pfujbdS7EwBQ
But if you are more of a blog reader, don't worry I will still have it too! I must admit since I started this blog I have not been very consistent so I really thank you for sticking with me. My videos are not very consistent either but I feel there are times I may be able to do a vlog easier. Other days I like my blog. Everyone is different I hope you go check out my channel and like my videos. Subscribe so you won't miss any of my thoughts! I also have a Young Living channel if you are interested in essential oils!
www.youtube.com/channel/UCBH4X62VpdAcGx1jiCZVnWg

Let me know if you want me to blog or vlog anything! Give me all your ideas!

Young Living Premium Starter Kit

2017-08-17T22:19:00.001-04:00

I have heard of people throwing things away or not knowing where all of their goodies were. Open your kit all the way up. Watch this video and see what you could be missing if you don't open your kit fully.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-y_vQNeYFzY

Young Living Essential Rewards

2017-08-12T14:00:00.001-04:00

It is just what it says, Rewards!!! Must watch this!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXErL7EHwUE&feature=share

I am so happy I joined this company for so many reasons! I will blog or vlogg soon on why!!! :)

Life goes on (after a miscarriage)

2016-07-01T21:46:00.000-04:00

As I sit here only days from what is supposed to be my due date, I am sad to see other pregnant friends posts on social media. Of coarse I am happy for them and love to see the videos of their bellies moving as their little blessing does flips. I am excited for them that they will be able to hold their babies very soon. It is crazy that I have almost anger toward the post of frustrated miserable pregnant people so ready to get this pregnancy over. I understand but wish I was in their shoes of not sleeping at night because my belly was too big instead of having moments where I awake just to sit in silence missing my baby or having to wake several times a night to pee and knowing this will prepare me for my infant waking up for feedings. But all the time knowing it's all worth it because I will see my babies beautiful face before I know it. As the days, weeks, and months go by, after loosing my precious miracle I have learned life does go on. Sometimes I have to take it day by day and sometimes moment by moment but life is moving around me even when I am not moving from my moment. God is that good! I mean obviously right now is a good moment for me and I am able to see the blessings around me, but earlier I was blowing my nose and wiping tears from a short video of a sweet friends belly.

I also understand that my loss doesn't effect very many others and especially not in the same way. I am very grateful for my husband who is very strong and is especially strong and understanding for and of me when I do have moments. I am thankful to have a few close friends who listen to me even when they pray they never have to experience what I am feeling. I am so happy that God gave me my other children. I am so excited that I am a child of God because I can't imagine how I would cope with the pain I feel with out my faith in Him! He has carried me through my lowest moments! And he continues to be here for me always! I don't pretend that I am happy all the time but who is happy 100% of the time anyways! Although I do praise God especially in my good moments for letting me see how far I have came. And for knowing I will continue walking and standing strong because he is with me! So if you see me brake down in tears over something you don't think has anything to do with losing a baby or you see me tear up when I look a your pregnant belly

or your beautiful newborn, know I am so happy for you and I thank God for giving you the best gift! If you think I hold my other children too much or hug and kiss them a lot, or if you think I have a lot of patience with them it is because I am well aware of how fast life can go.

I want to enjoy the moment when I hold my 3 yr old or if I am watching my 13 yr old putting on her make up or hugging my son until he pulls away or if I have a hard time knowing my 17 yr old will be leaving the nest before I know it. I want to saver every single moment God gives me with them.

And if I could give one piece of advice to any parent, I would say hold your babies for as long as you can, hug until they pull away, and really enjoy every single stage your child goes through. Really pick your battles! Really show them love!!! God gave them to us only for a time. Love them to death!

Out of the country adventure for my child!

2016-02-18T11:05:00.001-05:00

This was written a while ago but just now finishing it and posting it!!!!!!!!

My daughter left this morning for her 1st mission trip and it is out of the country. (I haven't ever been out of the country) I am going through all of the emotions.... Happy, proud, sad, scared, excited, and even missing her already. On top of my daughter age 16 leaving us for about a dozen days. (leaving 2 days after Christmas, not coming home until after New Years and her 17th birthday) I also just went through a miscarriage less than 2 weeks ago. Part of me is feeling like I now have 2 less kids. Obviously it's not the same. Katie will be coming home when her mission is done. But my sweet little angel baby (Baby Tiny) will not be coming back. So I am surprised at how I am feeling today. Before I lost my baby I was super excited for my daughter and really felt so much peace.

After my miscarriage I felt a lot of fear for my daughter going and not coming home to me. With God's help I was able to take her where she needed to be and barley cried (&I am a crier). Let me mention that I do have a 2 yr old (along with 2 other children) that keeps a smile on my face and keeps me busy. I am very much looking forward to the day she comes home and being able to hear about all of her experiences. Please keep her and her team in your prayers.

She is in Dominican Republic for 10 days. Since I had to drop her off 6 hrs away, I took her the day before she left and I will be picking her up 6 hours away the day after she gets back since it will be so late when she gets back.

I miss my Katie Bug! Even my hubby is missing her so much! He is taking her growing up a little harder than me lol

She makes us so proud! I am so glad that she has a good relationship with the Lord! I plan on posting after she gets home! She sent us a photo the other day.

I think she is enjoying herself! I know she was excited to dive into the culture over there and share her life with them. She wants to be used by God and this time it was in a different way than normally. I think she will be making many more trips to many more places and sharing God's word with as many people she can.

Essential Oils

2016-02-18T09:26:00.000-05:00

I wanted to share today about a love of mine! I officially started the Young Living team Sept. 2015! I am now in the process of getting serious and building my business! I have used essential oils for years now. I put it in my homemade cleaners first. When I found out that there were different types of these oils I got very interested in learning more. I always want to do the best for my family and dislike chemicals. I don't want them in my body or my family's. Of coarse we do get some but we are working our way to a better life. Young Living essential oils have something that made me smile. They (we) have Seed to Seal which is amazing! Please ask me and I would love to take some time and tell you what this means. There are so many oils.

Whoever has been wondering about this "new" thing... Let me just tell you oils have been around since the beginning. Look in the Bible and do some research. Count how many times it mentions oils. Young Living has many many oils. Frankincense is mentioned in the bible.

When hosting a class, you are basically just supplying a place for me to teach. Then invite your friends. A class doesn't have to have a certain amount of guest. You can chose what time works for you and your guest. You can have little snacks. Sometime I will also have some others coming and sometime I will be bringing an oily snack. I will teach and give everyone some information. What you do with the information is up to you. I suggest praying before your class (maybe even before you invite people) If you are comfortable with it I can also open up the class with a prayer.

Your friends and yourself deserve to hear the information that I will be saying. It's not secret, I love God and some of what I say is really just an extension to what God says in the bible about taking care of your temple (body). Again, what you do with the information is up to you. God also gave us the gift of choice. You may not do anything with it but soak it in. That is ok. Enjoy getting together and fellowship with your friends and family.

If you have any interest or want to know more Please contact me. I have a facebook page www.facebook.com/younglivingessentialoilswithjen/?ref=hl

I hope you enjoyed this post and read my older posts! I hope you enjoy my blog and am still looking forward to eventually starting vlogging soon. Obviously I didn't start at the new year but it will happen in the near future!

Thanks for reading!

mending a broken heart

2016-01-04T19:44:00.000-05:00

The past couple days I have felt pretty good! I am able to stop be quit being so emotional about everything and try to live life with out sitting and staying in sadness. I am faithful! And I know God is faithful. He will see me through my grief and he is doing this. I have had to put one foot in front of the other and go on living. With 4 other kids, a house, a husband, and lots of things to do I have no choice. (actually I do I could just sit in my tears and let this ruin not only my future but my entire family's life) I have to go on and just know I will see my baby again someday! Baby Tiny is now our guardian angel. With the holidays and with my oldest having a mission from God to do. I realized things really do revolve around me in a way. Have you hear the saying if mama an't happy ant nobody happy. Well it's true a mother is the home manager especially when I am a stay at home and homeschool mother. The days I just did nothing and sulked, not a lot was getting done. Life doesn't run very smoothly when the mother is not able to manage at her job.

I am surprised in a way at how much at peace I am right now. With that being said it has only been a couple of weeks since baby tiny left us to go to heaven I am sure I will have my moments. But I think that is part of mending your heart it will never be exactly the same as before. It has been altered. But we learn a new way to go. I new way to walk.

My doctor called today and said I have to go in for more blood work because my levels are not down to what she wants them to be. The are at 69 and she wants them below 5. Hopefully this will be the last check, I just want to be able to move past the doctor stuff.

Through everything I have became stronger and more aware of people around me! Life is precious and we all have a purpose! Lets set our eyes upon the Lord!!!!

Trying to find my new normal

2016-01-04T19:28:00.000-05:00

I am having a good moment and thought I would go ahead and write a little. I feel like I lost my baby almost because God knew I would do anything to be with my baby again some day. I am being drawn closer to God . I want to do even better. I want to be the best follower of Christ I can be. I am not perfect but I want to try my best! I want to use my time wisely and read the word and pray often. I want to raise my kids to love and serve the Lord. I was always trying but now I need to do even better. It may not be the reason why my baby is now an angel but I will work hard just in case.

I wondered how does anyone ever move past something like this or how to I get to the other side of this mountain? Well I have figured out you don't.

Hopefully I will be able to continue to update you about my walk in this valley but I want to add so uplifting and encouraging words also.

With having 4 other children- 3 teenagers and a toddler- life gets busy, which can be good because it make life move on. I don't stop some days. I know my mind goes back to my angel a lot but as I keep moving it helps me to not get stuck. I have plenty of moments to cry it out. And I take those moments! But I also want to make the most out of the life here on earth. I know Baby Tiny is OK. I mean he or she is sitting in the lap of the Lord! So I need to do what I can do to teach my other kids about Jesus!

Christmas with out my angel baby- It was a very emotional day. I kept feeling overwhelming sadness. I wanted to be pregnant with my little angel. I held it while my kids opened their gifts but after I broke down and it was uncontrollable. I ended up going into the shower and had a good cry while having it out with God!!! I was upset and down right mad! It's not fair (when I get into this mindset nothing makes sense) I felt like a child throwing a tantrum but I didn't care. I wanted to be pregnant so I will be able to have my baby. I want to be able to hold my baby this summer. I was able to eventually pull myself together, make dinner and a cake and cupcakes. With the help of my 2 yr old. We sang Happy Birthday to Jesus and had a pretty good evening!

After shocks.......

2016-01-04T19:24:00.000-05:00

Will the after shocks stop??????................. Physically I believe I am fine but emotionally I am a train wreck.

One minute I am so positive and alive and the next I wish I could crawl under a rock. On social media I am getting so much support and prayers but in real life I am drowning in my own tears. I feel like I am not as strong as other woman. One moment I am praising God and doing positive/ feeling OK that our Savior was the one who got to hold my baby first and the next moment I am falling into a million pieces thinking about not being able to hold my baby until I make it to heaven. So then I take a breath because then my thoughts start going to me leaving and going to heaven. But then reality hits me and I think about my other 4. I know Baby Tiny is OK. I start thinking about how I am going to be the best parent to the ones I have, Start being the best me I can be, get in shape, so I can do more with my kids. Then I think about how my worse fear was made real when baby Tiny went away. My worse fear is something happening to one of my kids. And now it has. I am a mess thinking about why. WHY my child, what did I do to not be able to look at my baby's face and see him smile. I go through every emotion. I get mad thinking Shasta won't even remember that she had a younger sibling. Then I am back and watching Shasta playing with her dolls and think I have to be the best mom I only have them for a short time and we don't know when their time will be.
Pretty much the whole time I knew I was pregnant with Tiny 11/8- 12/15 I rarely held Shasta making sure I kept myself safe and Tiny safe. Yesterday I picked up Shasta and she said with excitement "mommy you are holding me" I say yes baby I can now. I tried to reexplain how baby Tiny wasn't in mommy's belly anymore. (our first attempt I was still going through the physically stuff so I didn't want to strain and pick her up (I didn't know how much it meant to her) I had told her the 1st time and she said "yes baby in mommy's belly" then gave me a hug I told her it was OK because she was still my baby) this time we explained again that Baby Tiny was with Jesus and not in mommy's belly anymore. She seemed sad. But happy that I could hold her. I wanted to cry. I didn't realize how much she missed me holding her. I held her on my lap, but I limited picking her up. I missed it too. At one time I was upset and said it wasn't fair I had to push away one child to save another. Of coarse I knew I wasn't pushing away Shasta but I wanted to be able to hold them both. And I still do. I want to be able to be mom to baby tiny. I want to have pictures taken to see all 5 of my kids together. I hadn't even gotten big enough to really tell I was pregnant. (I could tell and my belly changed but no one else would have known if we didn't tell them). So pics of me and the kids wouldn't have told the story now either. I just want them all to have the opportunity to enjoy each other. I wanted to name him or her. I wanted to share the gender surprise and have a baby shower. But most of all I really wanted to hold him and see his face. Kiss him and just love him. Which I do! More than some may think I should. I have loved my baby since I read the positive tests I took on my birthday . (my actual tests from that day)

I was so excited that God entrusted me with another gift. So why then was I being robbed of being Baby Tiny's mom. I mean I know I was mom for the weeks I had the sweet baby in my womb but sometimes that wasn't enough to me. I wanted more. I wanted to make him/ her real and I wanted our baby to be and stay a part of our family. But now how do I do that with out it being a sad moment all the time and over thinking the things we will miss out on. Someone said she was hoping we would be announcing a new little one in 2016. At the time I thought oh my goodness how could I ever do this again. I mean I would be so scared that I wouldn't be able to keep that one either but as the days have went on and I have had to cope with seeing other babies (which made me cry every time) I think I finally came to a peace that I think I would like to try again some day maybe. I am scared though because some have said my age is getting to old. I am 36 and just lost my baby. I have now been pregnant 5 times and if it's God's will I would accept anymore gift he wants to bless me with.

RIP Baby Tiny

Enjoy Heaven! Jesus give my precious baby a hug for me!!!!!

Baby Tiny's heart breaking story

2016-01-04T19:15:00.002-05:00

I was so excited on November 8th (my birthday) when I found I was pregnant for my 5th baby.

We couldn't go see the doctor until November 19th. I went and brought all 4 of my other kids and my husband. I did have the kids wait in the waiting room. I was so excited! I was hoping for an ultrasound! I wasn't sure how far along since my periods are always so weird. I went in thinking- okay I am either 14 weeks or 7 weeks. Well I guess it was closer to 7 weeks because they ended up doing an ultrasound and then an internal ultrasound. The doctor couldn't find the heartbeat or the baby. I was absolutely stunned! What!!! How???? Why??? What can this mean?I was feeling so good. But a little more nauseous than my other pregnancies. So we scheduled another appointment for Dec. 3rd. Well we had to go through Thanksgiving and everyday was so long. Not knowing what was going on with the baby inside me. When we got there (and I chose not to bring the other kids this time) I felt really good! The "morning sickness" feeling had pretty much went away. I couldn't wait until they called my name, they took me straight to the ultrasound room. The ultrasound tech once again had a puzzled look on her face. She had found the baby but it was measuring a couple weeks earlier than my sac did. She said I am going to get the doctor. My husband and I looked at each other and he said something is wrong isn't it. I said that's what it feels like. The doctor came in and like the 1st appointment started telling us she didn't feel like this baby was going to make it. Well we went for blood work and then 2 days later went back for blood work again. That night I realized while we were out earlier in the day the doctor had left us a voice mail. So I immediately call her at the number. When I was able to talk to her I put the phone on speaker phone because my husband was there, She said my hcg levels dropped drastically. They went from 43,000 to 33,000 in two days. And once again she was talking to me about abnormal pregnancy and how this baby had a very low chance to live. Of coarse this was very hard to hear. We all have been praying basically since we found out I was pregnant. A lot of other people have been too! Well from that point I put it everywhere.... Prayers for baby "Tiny" which is the name our 2 yr old gave the baby when we explained to her she was going to be a big sister. The doctor told me on the phone that evening that she would have her office call me 1st thing Monday morning to schedule more blood work and another appointment to see her and have another ultrasound.

Well Monday morning I was waiting eagerly. The office never called so I called them. I left a message then I called and left two more messages. I must say while sitting on pins and needles it is torture. So it wasn't until Tuesday when they called me. The lady on the phone said I could come in for an appointment the following Tuesday. She also said she would have to call me back about the ultrasound time since it must be done at the hospital this time. So at least I had my next day to wish it was. So Wed. I got another call from the doctors office and they said I could be seen on Friday. I was excited and said OK instead of coming in on Tuesday I will see you Fri. Then she stopped me in my tracks and said oh you already have an appointment. I said yes but I will come in earlier. She said no no you already have an appointment. See you next week. I was at a loss with words. OK well waiting is continuing. Before hanging up with the woman on the phone I asked about blood work and the ultrasound. She had no answers for me. She would have to call me back. (big sigh) I felt like the doctor was very concerned when I was on the phone Saturday so why was I getting the run around here. I felt like she had lost hope for my baby Tiny. I finally talked to someone on Friday and was told I had an appointment at the hospital for the ultrasound the same Tuesday as my appointment to see the doctor. I asked once again about blood work but still no answers. So I wait through the weekend and continue to pray and try to stay positive. I talked to baby Tiny very often. Telling him or her to really focus on growing and getting that tiny heart to beat big and loud! All of our family and friends were praying.So Monday came and I still didn't hear from the doctor about the blood work so I called and they called me in a script to the hospital lab and I headed over to get that done right away because I wanted to have those results for the appointment on Tuesday. On Tuesday morning I realize I was spotting but I kept hope that it was still going to be ok. But when we went to ultrasound, I knew the baby was gone.

I was obviously in the miscarriage process. When we went into the doctor after that God gave me a overcoming peace. She confirmed everything with the blood work results. My level were now down to 9,000. The next step was to figure out what was next. We chose to go ahead and accept the medication to help the process along a little faster. I had already started feeling pretty yucky all day and with the spotting it just made things more uncomfortable. To make a long story shorter after we got the prescription we went home to tell the other kids. It hurt but at the same time it wasn't a complete shock. It didn't make it any less sad though. We all expressed our sadness in our own ways and we all tried to remember to be sensitive to each other.That night I made sure I read the prescription and did it all exactly the way it said. That evening was exhausting. I had been doing more than my share of crying and praying.

It was a rough night of cramps, tossing and turning, and running to the bathroom. I was also trying to stay hydrated. Meanwhile my husband has been having a lot of sleeping issues with this night being no exception. He had to be up the next morning by 5 am. At 4:30 am I realized he was still awake and worrying a lot about me. I assured him I was going to be OK and he got ready for work.

(Some details were removed for time sake)

Look for future updates on our walk through this valley.
I hope that me sharing my story- it may give some comfort to other who may be walking through similar situations. Keep hope! Don't worry about things out of your control! Even though it didn't go the way we wanted, we have kept our faith. Remember how BIG God is! With God all things are possible!

Newest Blessing

2015-11-11T10:41:00.001-05:00

So my post have been far and in between. But I keep trying. My goal is to be vlogging by the new year also. I won't stop writing/ typing my blog when I do but I feel like vlogging may be easier on some days. It will also help to include my other family members in turn will make it easier to do. Since I enjoy and want to spend most of my time with my children and have plenty to do in the day which includes them, this will make it where I won't have to separate my self from them. The can help in either doing the videoing or whatever. I have to send a big thank you to all my followers for being so patient with me.

Another reason, I wanted to post today was to bring to everyone's attention how important it is to keep our soldiers in their prayers! They sacrifice them self in many scary situations everyday. And in the world we live in it seems to be getting scarier as the days go on. Make sure you pray for the families also as they are going through their own struggles and have to share their solider with the rest of us. I want to send out a HUGE thank you to all of them past, present, and future!!!May God Bless you all!

Our newest joy..........

We are being blessed again! I am pregnant with baby #5. We are all so excited that God would entrust us with one more. The Bible says Children are blessings, and a gift from the Lord
Psalms 127:3
Also It says As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. psalms 127:4
It continues in saying Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court.psalms 127:5

We know this baby is a blessing! We will need to train this baby up like our other children Proverbs 22:6 says Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

For anyone who think we are crazy- You will be calling God crazy! 5 babies God has now blessed us! We are honored and so excited to do our best to raise this baby as our other children to love the Lord!!!

The bible says from the beginning... God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground." Genesis 1:28

How we got the news...

I had been feeling pretty sick and had skipped a month (I am not regular so this wasn't a big deal) The last week of Oct. 2015 I was feeling different. I thought wow could I really be pregnant? Well I had decided not to tell anyone until I knew for sure. Since my birthday is November 8 I decided I would wait until then to take a test. So when our 2 1/2 yr old woke up early that morning as she always does, I got her some breakfast and had her settled in at the table. I went to take the test. Immediately 2 lines showed up. I had a little bit of mixed feelings! Of coarse overwhelming excitement came over me. But unfortunately the devil was working hard to scare me too. I thought I would wait and tell my husband after he came home But he had to work late shift this day and he was still home so I wondered if I should tell him or wait. On one hand, I was thinking what if this causes stress that will effect him at work on the other hand maybe this might make his day cheerful. In the end I was glad I told him before he went. I have never been any good at keeping secrets. Of coarse when I put the test in front of him face there was shock that filled us both. But that quickly faded as he pulled me close and said "really!" "We are going to have another baby!" So after we calmed down for a moment we call all the kids down and told them. Since I am only a handful weeks (or I think) I know a lot of people recommend not to say anything to anyone until we get past a safe mark. But I wonder who can say when is that safe mark and if something were to happen I would want every moment and I want to be able to share those moments with others in my life. All of this was a Sunday so when the kids and I got to church that morning we had lots to be thankful for and plenty to praise God for!

What do you think of vlogging?

2015-07-31T16:51:00.000-04:00

Well I am a blogger (I guess when I find time to!) And now I am thinking of stepping my toe into the world of vlogging! So the definition of vlogging is to my understanding: basically blogging in front of the camera and using your mouth to get your information out there instead of your fingers to type. So what do you think? Let me know yay or nay & why...... Also let me know what you want to hear about! I have some really great ideas but would love to get some input from my followers!

A video blog or video log, sometimes shortened to vlog /ˈvlɒɡ/, is a form of blog for which the medium is video, and is a form of web television.Vlog entries often combine embedded video (or a video link) with supporting text, images, and other metadata

REVISED: I have started a vlog!!! Finally, You can find my channel at
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYjVWR7F2D_pfujbdS7EwBQ

Date Night with your spouse!

2015-04-04T16:22:00.000-04:00

So I married my high school sweetheart and we literally had our first baby a month after we got married! I am so thankful we had "us" time in high school. But over the 16 yrs we have been married, we have both grew up a ton. I believe we have always been wiser than our age but we have learn a lot about marriage and love! Above all, we have learned a lot about what God wants our marriage to be. First, you can read my past post about marriage for some details. But for this post I want to talk about making your marriage and spouse a priority. Date night is important even when you have been married 16 yrs. and even when you have you have children. Communication is a huge part of marriage and you need make is clear what you are feeling. If you are feeling a little distant you may need some "time" together. Sometime even the best marriages need to just go get a bit to eat or take a walk alone. Some other suggestions would be a movie, or take a drive together. Also sounds a bit crazy but you could go grocery shopping just the two of you or walk around target. When it comes down to it, what you really need is to just spend time together with out someone or something getting in the way.

Since babysitter or lack of one can be a problem, I would recommend making date night a priority. would said to wait until the kids are asleep- trust me I get it you are tired and want to pass out when they do. But if you don't make time for you sometime, you can drift further a part which will only cause more issues. If money is a problem- do free things or cheap. Go get drinks and desert instead of dinner. Or go to the park with a picnic lunch. Go for a walk around your neighborhood. What ever you chose to do, do it with purpose! Love him/ her, flirt with each other. Compliment each other, hold hands, hug, kiss. We all love our families but it can get overwhelming trying to catch up with your spouse when there is always something that needs to be done. dinner needs to be cooked, lawn needs to be mowed, kids need bathes, you hear mommy, daddy, can I, why?, or what is..... (kids and others)

Please let me know of your ideas for date night, stories of your good dates with your husband! Thanks ~

symbrachydactyly

2015-04-01T22:49:00.001-04:00

What is Symbrachydactyly?
Taking the word literally, "sym" means joined (like "syn"), "brachy" means short and "dactyly" means finger. So, the word means "Short joined fingers."
Symbrachydactyly (sim-brak″e-dak´tĭ-le) occurs during normal embryonic development. When a baby’s hands begin to form in utero, they are shaped like mittens or paddles. Then the fingers divide. In babies with symbrachydactyly, the fingers (and sometimes the hand and arm) don’t fully form during this time. This may happen because the area doesn’t get enough blood flow or because of some other problem with the tissue. It’s not caused by anything the mother did or did not do while she was pregnant.
This hand disorder characterized by abnormally short fingers that are sometimes webbed or conjoined. Most children with symbrachydactyly have the "short finger" type in which the thumb is essentially normal but the remaining fingers are short, stiff and may be webbed. In other cases, only the thumb or the thumb and little finger are present. In more severe cases, all fingers are missing and small nubbins of skin and soft-tissue (little stumps) are located where the fingers would have developed. Research continues into further understanding why this happens.
This limb difference occurs in every 30,000 to 40,000 births. It’s not passed down in families (inherited). If you have a child with symbrachydactyly, you are not at any greater risk of having another child with the condition.There are 7 different classifications of symbrachydactyly. Nubbins, one of the classic findings in symbrachydactyly, can be present with any of these except the short finger type.

1.short finger
2.cleft type (thumb and small finger present)
3.peromelic (nubbins)
4.monodactyly (only the thumb present)
5.wrist bones present (but nothing more distal)
6.wrist bones absent (ie, arm ends at the end of the forearm)
7.transforearm (amputation at mid forearm level)

When my 1 1/2 year old was born we noticed her left hand was missing fingers, I held my baby & said "babe look" to my husband. He said "She is ok, she will be ok" I didn't realize how right he was. I was worried when I saw it because 1. I didn't know if she was in any discomfort. & 2. If she would be in the future. Plus I worried about if she would have struggles that other children didn't have. But honestly she showed me immediately she was going to be more than fine :) Some parents find out their child has this while they are still pregnant. We didn't- when we saw her ultrasound, it looked like she was making a fist. This is my beautiful- perfectly created by God, my sweet little gift from the Lord!! She is our baby girl!

One of the things I have done with all of my other children was teaching them (ASL) American Sign Language. When I thought about trying to teach her and if she would be able to, I got very determined. I was amazed on how well she picked up the sign with some exceptions. I love ASL & I love teaching my kids this so I was one happy mama when I realized my daughter was becoming very good with this!!!!

She has her left thumb which is a blessing in my opinion, she thankfully has shown me how she can still grip things. She could hold a cookie just as any baby. Now that she is almost 2 yrs old I can tell you there is almost nothing she can't do. Anyone who meets her is inspired by her as I am too!!! She make me a stronger person! I look forward to seeing all the future victories she will accomplish!

My advice to parents who find out you child has symbrachydactyly, Don't Stress!!!! You will be amazed! Let your child show you- God created them, he didn't make any mistakes!!! Be strong, Pray, Have Faith. I have learned over time, it is ok if she does things a little different. She is beautiful, and so perfect!!!

www.luckyfinproject.org/ is a wonderful organization!!!!

I would love to talk about this if you have any questions please let me know!!!!!

Have a wonderful spring!! ~Jen

Running Late!

2014-05-22T19:03:00.002-04:00

( ANOTHER POST FROM A WHILE AGO THAT WAS NOT PUBLISHED)

So I haven't been here lately! Sorry.

I will update,
Well we had our beautiful baby girl! It has been really crazy since. She was born at the end of April. It has been wonderful having her. We got through the first 5 months. August we started our 2013-2014 homeschool school year.
My first time homeschooling with a baby in the house. It has been a little different. Plus I have a highschooler now.
I was stressed thinking about having a 9th grader but it has been really good!
Another thing I wanted to say about having 4 kids & homeschooling, is I am even more often late than before. Since I have been here a little over a year now I thought I would have it by now. But I don't I get lost all the time. That makes me late! I am getting a little better about starting my travels earlier. But when I make a wrong turn, it throws everything off. Even my kids & our friends here have kind of labeled me. They know I will be late. This is my goal now to try & be on time more.

I am also to get back on our original homeschool schedule. My hubby has been working crazy hours and we (the kids & I) have not adjusted at all. Thankfully the baby is a good sleeper. If I lay her down when we go to bed she gets up at a decent time. I am so glad I breastfeed so I don't have to go get bottles. I always have milk at the right temp for her. Hopefully we will get adjusted soon & get more done during the day.

So I guess this post is going to be short & sweet! But I will leave you with a sweet quote too.......

I am hoping to try to post more soon! (no promises)

Cloth vs. Disposable Diapers

2014-05-22T19:00:00.000-04:00

(This is a post I never published but felt the need to now) :)

Well we have decided to try cloth diapers this time around. I am very excited about it! We are also going to have disposables on hand too since we are newbies. I wanted to talk to you a little bit about cloth diapers and why I am excited to do it. (not that I am a pro or anything lol) (I haven't even started yet) I have done a lot of research online & I know there are some old wives tales or myths out there that people automatically think of when they think of cloth diapering. So that's where I want to start.

1. They are SOOOOO expensive!

Well guess what they can be to start with BUT when you stop and do the math, you will actually be spending less if you do it right. Since I have been looking into cloth I have been trying to stay cheap. You can buy used. When you think of disposable you will be spending appox $80.00- $100.00 a month. Well I can tell you that you will need to do that for at the very least a year to 2 yrs. which adds up to about $24,00. OMG!!!! & I somehow did that with my first 3 kids. So another way to save would be to make your own diapers which is another thing I will be doing. So BAM you are actually going to spend less if you cloth diaper.

2. They are DIRTY!

ummmm yeah they are. Aren't all diapers lol!!!! So in case you didn't know it, you will be changing poo poo diapers regardless if they are disposable or cloth. They good thing is you can rinse & reuse :) Yes you will have to wash them but it's not as hard as it seems (or so I have been told lol) I plan on keeping everyone updated on out journey with this! Plus if you run out of disposable you have to run to the store. Hopefully you have money on you that day. If you are doing cloth you can just wash one up & begin again.

3. LEAKS!!!!!!

ok I don't know about you but I want to say I have had 3 other kids & yes we have had leaks!!!
So I have heard that you actually have less leaks with cloth and let me tell you why, because you can layer and make it as thick as you need it. So if you have a heavy wetter you can put extra layers. Or over night you can put thicker layers on your baby.

If you have any other worries & want to discuss them with me please let me know.

I like how pretty cloth diapers are. I will add some links on the bottom so you don't have to take my word for these things and get some advice from people who have actually done it. I am just glad to get you thinking about this subject. It is also better for the environment. Do your own research thats the only way you would be able to make you own discussion.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipMmpJkB8L4

http://awesomeclothdiapers.blogspot.com/

http://blog.thanksmama.com/search/label/advantages%20of%20cloth%20diapering

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-6ObCGoOI0

Sorry it has been so long since my last post

2014-04-07T13:33:00.000-04:00

Life it so good! This past year has went by so fast but so much has happened in the last year. I can't wait to update everyone one my life! The next post will be soon!

God is sooo good!!! I am Pregnant!!!!!

2012-10-20T11:53:00.000-04:00

http://youtu.be/UGwGiIWESyg

Just in case any of you didn't know, we have 3 other children so this will be baby # 4. Daddy & I are sooo excited! (& a little scared too of coarse)

This pregnancy was very unexpected. To give you all some back history, my husband & I decided about 9yrs ago for him to go through a procedure call a vasectomy. At that time we had a almost 5yr old, almost 3 yr old & our youngest was a month from being 1. Our youngest had several medical issues that we were dealing with & our middle child, he had jumped into full terrible two mode. We decide we should do something because we didn't think we could handle any more. So after talking to a doctor, my husband (barely 23yrs old) had surgery. It didn't take me long to wish I could take it back. But at the same time money was tight & we had a lot on our plates so several years went by.

A couple of years ago we decided we wanted another child, knowing we had already made it permanet, and knowing there were tons of kids in the foster care system we decided to start there. We did everything we needed to to adopt a child, but sadly it never happened. We were going to become foster parents right before we made a different life change. We moved out of state, which we knew would mean starting all over in the system. We decided to hold off for a little while.

After several months of living in our new state & life, I started not feeling very well. I already have a history of acid reflex & constipation so I figure it was partly from that. I also have always had irregular periods & hadn't had one for some time. Plus I was feeling tired & a little down. Which I thought was depression or being homesick (I had just left all my family & friends) So after a while I decided I needed to see a doctor. I search the area for gynecologist & gastrologist . I could not find a gastrologist so I went to see the first gynecologist I could find. (With little hope I always say a prayer every time I skip a period)

When I went in the office, they made me pee in a cup. With my (homeschooled) children in the waiting room also hoping for the best. They placed me in a room after a few minutes, the doctor & nurse came in & announced I was pregnant. I was in shock! After so long of longing for another child, it was going to happen?? I asked if they could be mistaken! I was so excited but didn't want to get my hopes up too high. Then they had me go to the lab to get a blood test that also was positive.

I am in such amazement After almost 9 years after my husband's surgery, we are going to have our dream come true! My husband is soooo excited!

That is the beginning of our new amazing adventure! I am about 12 weeks! My other children are ages 13, 11, & 9. They are all very excited too!

THANK YOU GOD!!!!!!!!

Excellent Wife/ Proverb 31 woman/ Titus 2

2012-09-27T23:00:00.002-04:00

I have been reading a new book

Large Family Logistics

by Kim Brenneman

I have read others & I will share some of them with you but I will always be looking for more on being the best I can be. Woman wear many hats & we do need help learning to do the best we can.

So I want to give you a little from our manual (The Holy Bible)

Titus 2:3-5 *Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. ⁴Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children,5 to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.

Proverbs

The Wife of Noble Character

10 [b]A wife of noble character who can find?

    She is worth far more than rubies.

11 Her husband has full confidence in her

    and lacks nothing of value.

12 She brings him good, not harm,

    all the days of her life.

13 She selects wool and flax

    and works with eager hands.

14 She is like the merchant ships,

    bringing her food from afar.

15 She gets up while it is still night;

    she provides food for her family

    and portions for her female servants.

16 She considers a field and buys it;

    out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

17 She sets about her work vigorously;

    her arms are strong for her tasks.

18 She sees that her trading is profitable,

    and her lamp does not go out at night.

19 In her hand she holds the distaff

    and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

20 She opens her arms to the poor

    and extends her hands to the needy.

21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;

    for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

22 She makes coverings for her bed;

    she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,

    where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

24 She makes linen garments and sells them,

    and supplies the merchants with sashes.

25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;

    she can laugh at the days to come.

26 She speaks with wisdom,

    and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

27 She watches over the affairs of her household

    and does not eat the bread of idleness.

28 Her children arise and call her blessed;

    her husband also, and he praises her:

29 “Many women do noble things,

    but you surpass them all.”

30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;

    but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

31 Honor her for all that her hands have done,

    and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Proverbs 31:10-31

An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands. She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar. ...

1 Peter 3:1

Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives,

1 Peter 3:2-6

when they see your respectful and pure conduct. Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, ...

The Bible says so much about what kind of woman we should be, it is the 1st book everyone should open when trying to be better. Don't forget to pray! Talk to God as a friend, cry out to him. He is listening & he knows you want to your best to please him. (& your husband)

The Bible says a lot about married, parenting, & being a Godly female.

I think my very favorite verse is

Then the LORD God said, "It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him." So out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to the man to see what he would call them; and whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name. The man gave names to all cattle, and to the birds of the air, and to every beast of the field; but for the man there was not found a helper fit for him. (Genesis 2:18-20)

~I tell my husband all the time I was made for him! He always smiles & agrees. It is so true I was created to help him! I am here to help him & to help him reach his goals. Yes I have to still have goals too & I do but my main purpose is to be his helper so I try to figure out what I can do to make his life better.

Some other books you may enjoy that I have read are.....

But there are many more!

Help! I have too much I have to do!!!

2012-09-11T14:54:00.001-04:00

Looking for tips to share :)

We all have tons on our minds & I would love your input on what you do when you feel like you have too much on your plate..

Things to think about:

Parenting, marriage, eating healthy, house work, jobs outside the home, homeschooling, church, being a good christian, reading enough books, finding new recipes, children, schedules, school, friends, family, hair styles, make up, your skin, shopping, coupons, in-laws, diets, having more kids, being a good friend, helping others, cooking, cleaning, pet care, keeping up with long distance family & friends, getting another pet, your community, sex, flowers, gardens, money, time, blogging, Facebook, the planet............ the list is never ending. So when you feel like you have to much to do, what do you do.

Your answer may be shared on my blog :) Happy Commenting!

Thanks!

Remember your community heroes!

2012-09-11T14:30:00.000-04:00

Today is the 11th anniversary of the attack on our country. Sept. 11th, 2001, many of us remember where we were the moment we found out about the twin towers attack. Well last year some friends of ours went to the fire stations around our town to give them some homemade sweets (cookies, cupcakes, etc.) So there I had decided that every year we would deliver & present our community heroes treats & cards on Sept. 11. Today we went to our fire department in our tiny new neighborhood and since it is a volunteer department we were unable to speak or present them. Also because of area being so small the police station was also empty : ( the good thing is we know that they check in there & we left the cookies & brownies with the cards in ziplock bags in front of the door hoping someone will see them. I hope they realize how much we are grateful for them. After 9-11 I would think of all the terrible events that happened and would morn all over again. Having a tradition like this helps me and expresses how thankful we are. We will never forget!

Thank you to our US Troops, Police, Fire, & EMTs!!!
Please do what we do & take some time to pray for the families of the heroes past, present & future. living & no longer with us. And also take some time to thank a hero if not every day than on a day like this.

Kids- God's gift to a parent!

2012-08-16T11:30:00.001-04:00

When my children were still babies, I had an experience I don't think I could ever forget. A family from my church had lost a child. I couldn't imagine the feelings the parents had & I hoped I would never have too. Since we were pretty close to our friends, and their children, my husband & I went to the little 2yr olds funeral. I wanted to show our friends we were there to support them. I wanted to be strong for them but inside I felt like there is no way I would be able to go through this. Seeing his little body in that pretty little box, he looked like a porcelain doll. As beautiful as he was made me cry even more. He looked so at peace as though he were only sleeping. I hugged my friend trying to hold myself together since she seemed to be doing better than me. When it was over my husband & I got in the car to leave I lost it completely. I kept thinking what if that was my child. Since the little boy had drowned & I already had a huge fear of the water & my children being around it my fear only got worse. Some how over the years of growing closer to God & going through our own experiences, I have learned to trust God & listen to my gut. I have finally came to a place where I can feel content and relax a little bit. All of my children can swim and I still am cautious about the safety of my kids though. It breaks my heart every time I hear of a child abuse case. I can not comprehend how in the world a parent could do the things they do sometimes. I want to remind you that we only have a time with them just like everyone else their life will end someday & you will not be able to get them back. My friends who lost their little boy were wonderful parents and continues to be wonderful parents to their other children. Remember we are told to train up our children in the way they should go & when they are old they will not turn from it Proverbs 22:6. What ever way you treat your child now will affect the way they are as adults. I just read a book called

"A child called it" By Dave Pelzer.

To pick up this book and read it, it just reaffirmed the fact that I want to adopt. I want more children. I have always wanted a large family. My husband & I have a heart for child & our heart has been pulled to the area of foster care in America. There are so many children out there that need a loving home. How their parents could abuse or neglect them is beyond me but I am going to continue in the direction to adopt. No matter how many children you have remember to love them, hug them, encourage them, teach them. I am not saying I am a perfect parent or that I haven't ever made any mistakes. I know I have & I have learned from them. So I guess what my point is..... Your child is a gift please treat them with kindness & respect. I have 3 gifts in the shape of children & I would take any others he would place with me.

Your child loves you & looks up to you!

The benefits from Basil

2012-08-16T09:50:00.000-04:00

FRESH SWEET BASIL

My daughter has been growing some herbs and I want to share with you some of the benefits from using some of them. The 1st one I want to talk about is Basil. I love the smell of fresh basil. Although it is pretty strong smelling, it is still very wonderful. In case you have no idea what basil is here is some information.

Description

Basil, also called sweet basil, is the dried leaves of the herb Ocimum basilicum, a member of the mint family. Basil is a small, bushy plant that grows to about two feet tall. Its botanical name is derived from the Greek, "to be fragrant."

Uses

Basil is used in tomato sauces, pestos, pizzas, and cheeses. It is used in green Thai curry blend, bouquet garni, and Italian seasonings.

Origins

Although basil is cultivated worldwide, Egypt is the principal source, followed by the United States.

Folklore

The early Romans made it a symbol of love and fertility. Through the centuries, it became a custom of young Italian suitors to wear a sprig of basil as a sign of their marital intentions.

Color

Uniform green color

Flavor & Aroma

Fragrantly sweet

Sensory Profile

Basil is characteristically tea-like, with green/grassy, hay-like and minty notes. It is slightly bitter and musty.

Some Yummy Recipes:

Four Cheese Margherita Pizza

Prep Time: 15min

Cook Time: 10min

Ready in: 40min

Ingredients

1/4 cup olive oil

1 tablespoon minced garlic

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

8 Roma tomatoes, sliced

2 (12 inch) pre-baked pizza crusts

8 ounces shredded Mozzarella cheese

4 ounces shredded Fontina cheese

10 fresh basil leaves, washed, dried

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

Directions

Stir together olive oil, garlic, and salt; toss with tomatoes, and allow to stand for 15 minutes. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Brush each pizza crust with some of the tomato marinade. Sprinkle the pizzas evenly with Mozzarella and Fontina cheeses. Arrange tomatoes overtop, then sprinkle with shredded basil, Parmesan, and feta cheese.
Bake in preheated oven until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, about 10 minutes.

Cherry Tomatoes Stuffed With Pesto

I've been serving these appetizers for decades. You can also make a warm side dish with medium-size tomatoes (see variation below).

1 or 2 garlic cloves, to taste

1 1/2 cups fresh basil leaves

2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds or Mediterranean pine nuts

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/3 cup (2 1/2 ounces) freshly grated Parmesan

1 pint cherry tomatoes

1. To make the pesto, turn on a food processor fitted with the steel blade, and drop in the garlic. When it is chopped and adhering to the sides of the bowl, stop the machine and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula. Add the basil, pumpkin seeds or pine nuts, salt, pepper and olive oil to the food processor, and process until smooth and creamy. Add the Parmesan, and pulse until well combined.

You can also use a mortar and pestle. Add the basil leaves gradually, and mash with the pestle. Add the pumpkin seeds or pine nuts, garlic, salt and pepper. Mash to a paste with the basil. Work in the olive oil and the Parmesan.

2. Using a paring knife, cut thin slices from the tops of the cherry tomatoes. Use a grapefruit spoon or small spoon to scoop the seeds and flesh from the center of each tomato. Lightly salt the hollowed out tomatoes if desired, and place them, cut side down, on a rack to drain for 15 minutes. Fill with the pesto, arrange on a platter and serve. Refrigerate or freeze any excess pesto.

Variation: Warm stuffed tomatoes with pesto: Use six to eight medium tomatoes. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Cut the tops off the tomatoes, and scoop or gently squeeze out the seeds. Fill with pesto, and place in a lightly oiled baking dish. Heat through for 15 to 20 minutes until warm; the tomatoes should still be intact. Serve.

Yield: Serves 12 as an hors d'oeuvre, six to eight as a side dish.

Advance preparation: You can hollow out the tomatoes several hours ahead; the filled tomatoes will hold for an hour or two in the refrigerator. The pesto will keep for weeks in the refrigerator if you cover it with a film of olive oil. It freezes well without the cheese; mix in the cheese when you thaw it.

Nutritional information per serving (cherry tomatoes serving 12): 67 calories; 6 grams fat; 1 gram saturated fat; 2 milligrams cholesterol; 2 grams carbohydrates; 1 gram dietary fiber; 39 milligrams sodium (does not include salt added during preparation); 2 grams protein

Nutritional information per serving (stuffed medium tomatoes serving six): 139 calories; 12 grams fat; 2 grams saturated fat; 4 milligrams cholesterol; 6 grams carbohydrates; 2 grams dietary fiber; 76 milligrams sodium; 4 grams protein

I guess this post has been SHORT & SWEET lol
Hope you find this informative

The Public Library! FREE RESOURCE

2012-08-10T13:56:00.000-04:00

Ok I am sure everyone knows about the Library, but does everyone utilize it. When I lived in Florida I was a book pack rat! I had tons of books in every room. I never had enough shelves. I had a dream of making one room a library with a big ladder & everything.

But making a big move to Ohio, I had to downsize a lot. It was a little crushing. I mean I LOVE books! Even though I felt like I gave up a lot, our moving helpers thought I was crazy for bringing sooooo many books with me.

My husband just laughed since he knew how much I had before. So, now that I am moved in, I have organized my books (one of the 1st things on my priorities list lol) I have a new re-found love for the library. (Thankfully walking distance from our new house) I have placed holds on tons of books! They get transfer to our library where I can pick them up. We can renew them if we want to keep them longer & when we are done, I don't have to find room to store them. We just take them back to the library.

The librarian knows us very well. She has commented on how punctually we are in returning the books. I love to hear the compliments she give me about how well behaved my kids are & how she just loves the enthusiasm they have when it comes to books. I passed down a great gene. My husband has even picked up on his reading which I love because he is a great role model for our children. His excitement about books makes me so proud. Books are extraordinary things. They can teach you anything or take you anywhere! I love books a great deal! I think my love for books is right up there with music which I would love to talk about in a later post! As a home school teacher to my children and as a parent, I love watching my children totally lost a book. It really does help in everything else in your life if you enjoy reading. It helps with the way you speak, spell, handwriting, confidence, and the knowledge you can have of so many subjects. I believe the younger children are exposed to books the greater love they have. It will help in how well they read & how early they start reading. Along with so much more! Pick up a good book today! Go try your public library! You will be glad you did! They will be happy to see you & your kids! :)

Living a Self Reliant Life!

2012-07-25T12:11:00.000-04:00

(a youtube that I came acrossed & liked) http://youtu.be/rq_Gt5GIznI

What does self reliant mean?

self-re·li·ance (slfr-lns)

Reliance on one's own capabilities, judgment, or resources; independence.

self-re·liant adj.

self-re·liant·ly adv.

Basically-

I take it as kinda being your own boss or having complete freedom. Not always depending on someone or something else.

I have been working on this for several years now, trying to learn to be more self reliant (which I started so I could save money)

I guess I started by making my own cleaners, taking my children's education into my own hands, then cooking more from scratch. (I am sure there are more) Along with all that I starting reading more. The main book I picked up was my Bible. It has really helped me rely on my God & myself for making decisions that I could have had low self esteem (which I have always struggled with) But this way, I feel so good when I have accomplished something I took on for myself. I think what has helped me take off with living more self reliant was moving to a small town in Ohio. (I am not telling everyone to move) For me, it took me out of the hussle bussle of the Florida life I had been trying to keep up with (& LOVED!) But now instead of running to the store for everything all the time, I think & research (gotta love the internet) (although gotta watch the clock while on it) If I can make it myself, I would much rather!

One of my other favorite books was

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3421541-made-from-scratch

That was one of the reasons I stopped just "being bored" with all my "extra time"

We already have a garden of vegetables, herbs, flowers, & we have been looking into berries & grapes. But I also wanted to start making even more "homemades" so I started making more bread at home (which I started before we left Fl) & I looked into sewing & crocheting more. I know the basics & plan to keep learning more. Why pay someone else for something you can make yourself. I have made my girls some aprons & dresses and my crocheting projects are coming along. I have made a "hot plate" just to get back in the swing of things. Now I am starting on a scarf for everyone for winter.

The best thing is because I homeschool, I have more time with my kids to teach them everything I am learning. My oldest could probably make our laundry soap with her eyes closed LOL We use a lot since there are 6 of us. The mountain doesn't stay down too long.

We cook as a group of I have one or two helpers at a time. They learn the joys of cleaning goes along with the fun stuff too. Cooking seems to be appealing to them all but the clean up doesn't put the smile on their face as much!

We also love entertaining ourselves. Aside from playing board games (which they all love) we listen to the radio or listen to the children playing their instruments. Teaching them more & more instruments (including their voices) is a great joy. My son doesn't like to be in the spot light though as much as my girls do so he does a lot of the behind the scene work, like taking pictures or video-graphing. I love to document everything. I tell the kids those pictures & videos are going to be my hobby when they marry & move out. LOL

Also we love to be outside, weather we are playing with the dogs, taking walks, riding bikes/scooters, rollerskating/blading, or just reading a good book under a shade tree. If it is cool enough, not in the 90s but warm enough too the you can find us outside. We like to take school outside then have a picnic or do some nature study.

Since I stay home & don't make a paycheck, I am also looking to save money as much as possible. So when we switched to homemade cleaners or starting to eat more at home, I felt like I was not earning money but spending less of what my hardworking husband makes at his job. Being at home is the best job for me to be able to live the life I have always dreamed of but it doesn't bring in monetary rewards so we have to be creative.

I hope to add more to this topic soon! Until then take this homework- Look around your house what can you do to be more depended on yourself??