ilovemy5kids

Toys that bring Tears

noreply@blogger.com (♥ilovemy5kids♥) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 19:40:00 +0000

My eldest was not the easiest baby to comfort.
He was just – how do I say this…spoiled.
Now let me just clarify –
I, his mother, am admitting that I spoiled him – and spoiled him rotten.
(At least the first couple of years of his life.)

He cried – I picked him up.
It was more like he whimpered – I picked him up.
He whined – I picked him up.
He pretended to whine – I picked him up.
He needed a nap – We both took one.
He acted hungry – he ate.
He was wanting a book – he got read to.
He wanted to take a walk – we went for a walk.

Did I mention – I was a first time Mom?
I had never been around children.
I had NO one to show me what I was supposed to be doing.
Then his world came crashing down – I got pregnant with his little brother.

I couldn’t do "his everything".
He had to learn to make himself content.

He had to learn to play by himself.
He had to learn to cry a little longer.
He learned to ask for a snack.
He went to bed at bedtime.
He learned to read faster than my other kids.

And guess what?

We both survived.

Last time we were at my Mom’s house – we found Elisha, the toy alligator.
Elisha had been a part of those first couple of years.
We couldn’t leave the house without him.

Before Elisha there had been a smaller version – Elijah.
Not sure where Elijah went to or if it even survived.

To this day, those days were so precious for him and me.

We both learned so much.
Babies are selfish creatures.
Adults are selfish creatures.
You never know how much - until you have a child of your own.

My son is now a teenager.
Yesterday, he was explaining to me about the Kings in Queen Esther’s time or at least trying to - I had little interest.
He takes joy in learning about airplanes and studying anything related to history. He now takes the dog for a walk – on his own.

I take joy in knowing that he loves the Lord and wants to serve Him.
I pray that all my children will continue to seek Him in all their ways.

Some toys will always mean more than others to me.

Blessings to you! You are loved!

Make-Up Prayer for Husbands by Wives (Re-Post)

noreply@blogger.com (♥ilovemy5kids♥) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:07:00 +0000

This past week has been hard. I've been sick. Not just a little sick, but didn't want to get out of bed for anything, sick. My wonderful husband, took up all the slack, with NO complaining.

Today is his first real day back to work. I'm so grateful for him.

He has changed numerous diapers, made me potato soup, made breakfast, lunch, and dinner for the rest of the gang, finished all the laundry, kept a clean kitchen, homeschooled, mowed grass, gave baths, took the dog to the vet, went grocery shopping, took me to the Dr., made more soup, still worked his "real" job from home, and just was a happy trouper.

All this time, I was so sick I knew he was there, but did not realize the magnitude that he was doing. I really appreciate and love him!

This past summer, I had a dear friend go "home" to be with Jesus. At her funeral, her husband, shared a prayer that she prayed as she put on her makeup every morning.

This is my version:

As I apply the foundation, I pray that my husband remembers his foundation and to stand on the Word of God as he is in the world.W

When I apply shadow to my eyes, I pray that he would see as God sees. Not evil but good.

When I glide the lipstick across my lips, that he would speak the Word of God and be a blessing, not a curse. He would tell people of a Hope and Peace, not of this world.

When I put on earrings or perfume behind my ears, that He and I would not only be hearers of the Word but doers as well.

I pray that this helps to remind someone to pray for their husband. They truly need our prayers!

Blessings to you! You are loved!

(Just a note: This has been a re-post from 2008.)

©www.ilovemy5kids.blogspot.com

Changes for ilovemy5kids

noreply@blogger.com (♥ilovemy5kids♥) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:10:00 +0000

I’ve been writing on this blog since August of 2008.

It has been and will continue to be a journey.

Blogging is not always easy. It takes time.

I have learned how to write html. If a dot or quote is missing, then you could make your entire blog look out of joint. It can be very tricky – like making a dessert without sugar.

I use the free server from Google called Blogspot. It has changed so much over the last 4 years. Blogspot is NOW more advanced than ever! In the past, I had to learn the hard way (playing with HTML) to make ilovemy5kids blog look like it does now. Now they have a template that does it for me. (Isn’t that the way life works?)

It wasn’t a simple task. It took months of research and reading HTML from other sites to get just where I wanted it.

All that jargon to say – I finally bought my domain.

In other words – the name of my blog.

This is something most “beginner bloggers” do at the beginning.

I’m slow in making decisions such as this.

Very slow.

Eventually, I plan to move my blog to another host. And yet design a more user friendly blog. But, that takes money and time. Two things that I plan on having in the future. The very far far far future.

(If you would like to contribute please click on the BlogHer ads or buy your Amazon groceries through my link on the sidebar. I know Shameless Plug.)

Since I opened up a new can of worms and now will be learning a new ball game, I thought I should officially announce that the new name is:

www.ilovemy5kids .com

Yep, so change your bookmarks to the new site name – www.ilovemy5kids.com not www.ilovemy5kids.blogspot.com.

Even if you do not change it – it is supposed to re-direct you to the new page. But, it has been having some hiccups so I thought I would just share it with you!

I also will start writing time to time for The Happy Housewife in the DIY section. And of course, I’m still contributing at The Homeschool Post – like this past week – How the Olympics Changed Me.

The Lord is so faithful during these times. I’m so unworthy. He gave me a wonderful understanding husband who encourages me in everything I put my hand to. He gave me five blessings that just bless my heart daily.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading my meanderings.

Blessings to you! You are loved!

Hot Chocolate that is GOOD for you!

noreply@blogger.com (♥ilovemy5kids♥) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 05:09:00 +0000

So, we have been on a serious diet. The South Beach Diet to be exact.
Both the hubs and I have lost weight. We are getting weak though.

We I wanted chocolate.

So I made this…low fat, low calorie, no sugar, dark hot chocolate.
Yeah, I know…low fat and good – they don’t match up.
But, this was soooo yum!

Hot Chocolate
Adapted from Hershey’s Hot Chocolate

1 packet of Truvia
2 1/2 teaspoons HERSHEY'S DARK CHOCOLATE Cocoa
Dash salt
1 cup Almond milk

I mixed all the ingredients and put in the microwave for about a minute.
Stir really good.
Then ENJOY the goodness without guilt.

I sipped with a smile.

Free to Pin on Pinterest!
Pin It

Yum!
Blessings to you! You are loved!

This Works for Me!

A Pig Farm Field Trip

noreply@blogger.com (♥ilovemy5kids♥) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 19:01:00 +0000

Back in the fall – we visited a friend’s Pig Farm.

Oh my. Think Charlotte’s Web. Think Wilbur. Think Stinky.

I wish I could say they smelled like roses. Or bacon. But, it wasn't either.

Actually, my friend’s farm smelled a lot better than I thought it would. It was cool weather and I’m sure that helped.

I’m thankful we read Charlotte’s Web last year.
I think my kids have a greater appreciation for the farm life.

This PIG was HUGE!These pictures do not do the PIG justice. We are talking HUMONGOUS! And too friendly! She wanted to be close up and petted. Or to eat me. Not sure which one.

She wouldn’t leave the front of the pig stall -
so John Deere PawPaw finally led her around through the walls.

She was definitely a people’s pig.This picture shows how big she is compared to his arm! When he left – she came back to me. I think we bonded in some weird way.Except – I’m not admitting that I bonded with a pig.
Or turkey. Or anything that could be considered road-kill.
I will not say “FREE WILBUR!” I will not.
I probably will.

Overall, we had a great experience.

We learned about pigs and that our family are not meant to be pig farmers.
We’d have no more sausage, ham or even bacon.
Yep, pig farmers we will never be. Live ON you piglets!

We love impromptu field trips to friend’s farms or roadside attractions!

Do you know of a neat FIELD TRIP that would be worthy of a visit?

Due to some life changes - we are going to be making more of these kind of traveling tales! Whohoo!

Go see our new life changes, if you missed reading about them! We are excited!

Blessings to you! You are loved!

Goals for 2012–PREPARATION

noreply@blogger.com (♥ilovemy5kids♥) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 18:53:00 +0000

Preparation is our word for 2012

1. We are hopefully going to put our house up for sale this coming summer. Surprise! We want to move to North Texas – that would be Dallas area for you non-Texans!

2. We still have to finish remodeling. (Not to much left but still a lot before we can officially say “For Sale.”) Please pray for us!

3. The main reason: We want to be nearer to family. My nearest family is about 8 hours away. My husband’s family - takes us three days to get there and 2 weeks vacation to really enjoy them.

So we are making a compromise and meeting in the middle. Close enough to take off fewer days and still get to visit or maybe meet in the middle for a camping trip. (Except that I don’t camp.) Sounds fun though, sort of. LOL!

4. Other benefits will be 4 seasons (we only have 2 now – hot and warm). We can’t wait to experience some cold weather. And people that say “Howdy.” AND the field trips! We love to visit the World’s Largest EVERYTHING! Can’t wait to visit all new things without taking weeks of vacation!

5. We are also preparing for our grandchildren. (I know this one causes most to laugh since we still have a kindergartener and our oldest is 13.) We want to be in the middle of the United States so any of them can come and visit regardless where our children move. (If it is to another country, we will be close to an international airport.)

6. We are also preparing our flabby bodies to become slim and lean. Ugh. Not my favorite subject. But, it is time to get back in the groove and some of our old pants. This is the first time - ever – that I’ve ever gone on a diet. I’m a little nervous. I don’t like to fail. Hopefully, because my hubby and I are doing this together we will meet our goals – the healthy way.

7. And the final preparation – Selling things!
I want to clean out closets. We have 9 closets in our home. They need to be emptied. I don’t want to to travel with these things. But, I also don’t want them to throw things away. Hopefully, we will find someone to take them on. (Including our beloved chickens.)

Also, our house. We need to sell our home. We need a job to open up (hopefully, with a HUGE moving package and a raise). My husband’s job does has an office in the area where we are moving, we just need it to open up another position.

We are not worried. We know God has PLANS for us. We know that our time here is about up. We also know that God always takes care of the tiniest details just not in our timing.

Yep, this is where we are headed in the year of 2012!

So excited!
Please be in prayer for us!
Blessings to you! You are loved!

2011 Re-Cap for ilovemy5kids

noreply@blogger.com (♥ilovemy5kids♥) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 01:09:00 +0000

2011 has came and gone.

I think 2012 will even be faster. More on that tomorrow.

In January, we welcomed a new family member to our clan.

In February, we had a HUGE FREEZE that some of our plants are just now recovering.

But Spring did come, a couple of weeks later.
We made Square Foot Gardens out of an old Fence. They are still being used.

We had a few parties.

A no-cake but ICE CREAM BAR little Girl's party.

A Mardi-Gras Party

Complete with a Margarita Cake, Creole Jambayla, and tons of shrimp!

Then there was the awful devastating plane crash that we witnessed
that ended in true tragedy.

Then we added more to our family by getting chickens!

We built a coop out of OLD FENCE!

Easter came and we made a Resurrection Pot.

We planted a Sunflower Garden.

And our GARDEN GREW!

Including our Green Bean Tepees!

And our SQUASH...

Plus, I learned what not to do with OKRA.

We realized we had bantam roosters. They are not quiet creatures.

We had to learn how to rid ourselves of roosters. Then we got more.

We learned how to make brown sugar.

We had a heart to heart with an Amish Family.

Then there was the post: How to expect to have perfect children!
I received so many emails about that one.

We made tons of Hobo Dinners.

We had an awesome Hummingbird Migration including a video, all in our backyard!

We also started making our own bread without using a bread machine.

We started a new series called Where in the World is That Proverbs 31 Lady? featuring some of the greatest authors in the blogging world.

Then came Pinterest! A new way to decorate , plan parties and cook.

We started making our own Tortillas.

Then we went to Egypt. Well, in school.

Then we made a homemade Ant Farm.

We became parents of a teenager.

Overall, 2011 was a very eventful year.
Next year will be busier and more eventful for our family.
We can hardly wait!

Thank you so much for being a reader of ilovemy5kids. It just blesses our socks off!
I pray that you have been encouraged and it will continue to be an encouragement to others.

What was your most favorite memory this year???

Blessings to you! You are so loved!

©www.ilovemy5kids.blogspot.com

Homeschool Planner FOR SALE

noreply@blogger.com (♥ilovemy5kids♥) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 21:26:00 +0000

My friend, Jolanthe at Homeschool Creations, who blesses me with so much wisdom and just makes me smile, is having a super sweet sale on her HOMESCHOOL PLANNER!

Let me tell you about this planner...

You can pick and choose what you want to use.

You can fill it out how YOU want it then PRINT ONLY what you need!

You can be more organized.

You can be prepared when your Mom or Hubby asks you what you have planned for Spring Break week. (I'm not that far ahead - so please don't ask me! My answer is to any question like that is: FIELD TRIP shoes are ready to be used!)

It starts today! School starts soon!
Don't forget the code to get a discount!

The discount code for the $12 price is: ORGANIZE12

Blessings to you! You are loved!

©www.ilovemy5kids.blogspot.com

Please note: This contains an affiliate link where ilovemy5kids gets a small percentage of any sale clicked through the picture link. Check out my Disclosure Policy.

Love that makes this Mom's Heart Smile

noreply@blogger.com (♥ilovemy5kids♥) — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 07:25:00 +0000

There are some days that I just want to cry.

Seeing my children love on one another,

without intervention,

well,

it is one of those,

better have a Kleenex,

kind of handy days.

©www.ilovemy5kids.blogspot.com

Texas Stuffed Biscuits

noreply@blogger.com (♥ilovemy5kids♥) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 01:21:00 +0000

A friend of mine (who actually is from Florida – go figure - gave me this recipe a long time ago.)
I tweaked it for my liking and what I had in the cabinet.
She is still my friend, I think, even after changing her recipe.

They are super easy and super fast - two things that are priority, for me, in the kitchen.

I made up the name – because she didn’t have one.
And we are in Texas.
Plus, they have a tad kick to them.

Recipe for Texas Stuffed Biscuits
at http://www.ilovemy5kids.blogspot.com

1 – 2 cans of Flaky Biscuits (or any of your choosing)
Package of Cream Cheese
1 small can of chopped black olives (or green)
1 small can of diced chilies
1 package of shredded Mexican Cheese (or something like that.)
1 to 2 cups of diced Turkey Ham (I brown mine.)

Depending on what type of biscuit you use is how many cans you need. If you use Grand or Super Large biscuit, you will probably just need one. If you use flaky biscuits – you’ll need two.

In a a bowl, make your filling by mixing all the ingredients. You can taste it. It is wonderful.

Take the biscuits and smash them flat in your hands. Then I put them in a muffin pan. Push a well in the middle for the filling.

Spoon about a Tablespoon or more or less or whatever you choose and fill those biscuits! (This will not be graded – feel the freedom to do as you choose!)

My blonde child – couldn’t quit eating these. He BEGGED for more!

I baked them at 350 until they were lightly brown. Maybe 9 to 11 minutes.

Next time, I might try them with ham, cream cheese, and cheese biscuits.

The possibilities are endless!

These are even good a few hours left on the counter. And even the day after. I guess you could heat them up in the microwave but we never have had any leftovers.

Tell me if you try them. Or what you did different.

Please feel free to pin this on pinterest - that would totally make my day, week, month and even year! (I'm easily amused like that!)

Pin It

You might like my other EASY RECIPES!

Blessings to you! You are loved!

My Fall Garden (Benefit of living in the South)

noreply@blogger.com (♥ilovemy5kids♥) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 10:07:00 +0000

Yesterday, I ran into my neighbor. She looked like she was pruning her Plumeria. (You know those beautiful flowers that they put around your neck in Hawaii.) I told her I’d take some if she was throwing them out. She said that there was a freeze coming and she was storing them in the garage in case she lost the ones in the yard.

Well…I hurried home and found tons of sheets. This is the prettiest garden and easiest we have ever planted. I didn’t want the FREEZE to get to our plants. My sons, husband and I were covering things in the dark. We looked hilarious, I’m sure.

I think they stayed safe. So, do you want to see our pretties?

Meet our Lime Basil. She likes to be picked on.

Our Cilantro Bed. We planted tons of this goody! YUM!

I can’t believe we still have OKRA in December. It thrives in HOT weather.

Another shot of our Lime Basil. We really like her.

These tomatillos are awesome in some green Salsa like Mama Ninfa’s. I found a recipe I’ve been wanting to try like the restaurants.

I think this is a Squash of some sort. I can’t remember. Can’t wait to see…

These are leftover plants from our Spring Garden. They quit producing in August but I didn’t pull them up now they are full of yummy peppers.

On sale they go for .77 cents a piece. I guess I could sell them.

Here is our Raised FALL lettuce, spinach, beets, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower bed.

I love picking spinach right before dinner. I put it in dishes and the kids have no idea. Sneaky and Nutritious.

I think this is either cabbage or cauliflower. I really can’t remember.

I think of it as a game. Plant it and be surprised.

This lettuce has been so good to us. Although it is a tad bitter. If you have any suggestions on how to make it sweeter – I’d love to have your wisdom.

Carrots. I know I should thin out and I have, some.

It is hard to know which ones to pluck.

I know I should probably labeled what this was. But, I have not a clue. I’m certain it was a veggie.

Our Vegetable Box

Our orange Tree. It is almost ready.

I love Citrus season.

Oranges, Grapefruits and Limes are everywhere.

Tomatoes Tomatoes Tomatoes

Thank you for taking a walk in our garden.

To God be the Glory because we have not a clue what we are doing!

By the way, I’m over here at The Homeschool Post
talking about Christmas Traditions. Wow, that sounded random. But, it is true – it is Christmas time. We are up to our snowflakes in fun projects. (hehe!)

Blessings to you! You are loved!

Homemade Ant Farm

noreply@blogger.com (♥ilovemy5kids♥) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 20:45:00 +0000

We made this a couple of months ago.

It actually was part of our Ancient Egypt study projects. See our Mummy, Sphinx and of course the Pyramid.

The students had to do a project that reminded them of Ancient Egypt.

My eldest picked an ant farm based on Proverbs 6:6.

Go to the ant, you sluggard;
consider its ways and be wise!

The Egyptians were kind of like the ants building pyramids and making paper-always busy and quite brilliant. They built tunnels that led to fake entrances – so no one could find the grave. Very interesting!

Ants are very busy creatures. They can build tunnels in no time. We actually never saw them rest.

We used 2 8x10 picture frames and took out the glass.

My hubby had leftover wood from an older DIY project. They then cut the wood to make a window.

They then caulked around the two panes of glass.

They dug up an ant bed – all we could find were fire ants. Not the safest idea. But, it did work. Word of warning: ants do sting. They do hurt. This project is not for the weak. Or the Mom who is allergic to ant bites. Or for the neighbor who likes quiet children.

I tried getting a picture of the tunnels. Amazing little creatures.

This is how we fed the little viscous ants. We put water on a Q-tip and honey on a toothpick. They liked both. Eventually, I just added an ice cube. It was fun to see it melt and water the soil.

Update on ants:

They all escaped on my kitchen table. Apparently fire ants can bore through wood. We didn’t caulk the bottom.

Learn from us and go to the ant. And caulk the bottom too.

Blessings to you! You are loved!

Blessings that come from unexpected places…

noreply@blogger.com (♥ilovemy5kids♥) — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 21:05:00 +0000

I’ve been reading about enjoying gifts.

Everyday God gives me little blessings.

I don’t deserve them.

I don’t usually ask for them.

But, they are there.

Some are simple as my child giving me a hug.
A unexpected thank you.
A “I have been thinking about you” text message.
Even a belly laugh with a friend.

When I am grateful and have a desire to bless others –
my entire focus changes.

And it NEVER fails – I’m the one who gets blessed.

JOY unspeakable!

Have a super weekend friends!

Blessings to you! You are loved!

P.S. Where in the World is that P31? will continue after the holidays. Taking a break! Thanks for all the emails and comments. What a super blessing!

13 years ago…

noreply@blogger.com (♥ilovemy5kids♥) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 16:49:00 +0000

Today marks a milestone in our home.

We have wandered into the teenage years.

Our little strong willed, never-conforming, missionary-minded, God-fearing, sister-picking, brother-keeping, organizing-everything, BIG-machine-loving, tiny-machine-taker-apart, walking Wikipedia minded, handsome, mucho loved son turns 13 today.

You talked when you were in the womb.

You haven’t stopped yet.

Everything made you have questions.

God has given you a precious gift.

To find out how things work.

And then to make them better.

Take your time. Don’t rush into decisions.

Stay healthy. Exercise your mind as well as your body.

Be nice to others.

Take time sweet boy to enjoy life.

Be gentle.

Treat life like an egg.

It is fragile.

It will break open in a flash.

Don’t flaunt your height.

Even though you are taller than all the women in your life,
including your John Deere Grandma and Mom.

But keep your head raised high looking to the One who sees Everything!

Be aware of your strength and weaknesses.

When you make a mistake – ask for forgiveness.

When you are feeling weak – ask the Lord to help you.

Temptations will be lurking at every corner.

Hide God’s Word in your heart. It is sharper than a double edged sword.

Finally, my sweet boy,

smile and don’t lose heart during these next few years.

You are a gift from the Lord.

You were given back to Him.

He is your King, your Heavenly Father, your friend, your Refuge, your Everything that is Good.

Trust in Him.

He loves you like no one else can.

Mom (aka Mommy a long time ago) loves you.

Dad (aka Daddy a long time ago) loves you.

We pray for you daily.

Happy Teen Years! (sniff sniff)

Blessings to you! You are loved!

Crafts with Q-tips and lessons from it

noreply@blogger.com (♥ilovemy5kids♥) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 00:58:00 +0000

My kids take their crafts very serious. I mean they will use bananas to hold down their artwork and dare anyone to have a snack.

He made the Golden Gate Bridge. Not bad for never seeing the bridge. Now this artist – she is our patient artist.

She played with the design-over and over again.

She has the snowflake down!

Try it! It is harder than it looks!

Then we have this Princess.

She is all artist. Meaning she has a creative side that doesn’t blend well with crazy rules or directions that her teacher may give her regarding lines of symmetry. She sees what are outside the lines as a pure palette for more color and more creativity.

It took her a long process for her to create her “snowflake.” This was one of the objects she came up with – although I liked it – she had directions she had to follow.

Sometimes we have to start over many times before we get it right.

It is a process.

It is sometimes overwhelming.

It involves do-overs and crying out for help!

But, in the end – the reward is there.

Yeah, I’m not really talking about q-tips anymore.

I’m talking about life.

Selah!

Blessings to you! You are loved!

Got the idea from a Tweet on Twitter! Sometimes I just love hearing a good inspirational tweet! Are you following me, @loving5kids?

Christmas gift ideas that make memories

noreply@blogger.com (♥ilovemy5kids♥) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 10:07:00 +0000

It is holiday time!!!

This is the time of year...

We watch White Christmas while decorating ALL the trees.
This year our television died. Well it still works but it is blind. You can't see the picture -just hear what is on. My diagnosis is the CRT went out. (Yep - call me Dr. Google.)

So we bought this last night....

Not a bad price and it comes to our front door! I love Amazon Black Friday Deals! I just wish they took Paypal

Until it gets here we get to read great stories like...

And

Or we might play with legos.

I would do science if I had this book - I hope my favorite librarian is reading my blog today!

I love good books! Thankfully - so do my kids.

Yes, I know Thanksgiving hasn't even happened yet. But we had ours last Saturday, so now we are in the holly jolly mood - in our shorts and flip-flops.

Blessings to you! You are loved!!!

<\center>
Please know the links in any of my posts or on my blog are affiliated links meaning - I get a few pennies if you decide to purchase anything.

©www.ilovemy5kids.blogspot.com

How to take a picture of a group of children

noreply@blogger.com (♥ilovemy5kids♥) — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 02:41:00 +0000

We have been visiting family thus the lack of posts lately.

Here are the latest pictures…
plus a few tips that might or might not help you in taking kids’ pictures.

Remember why you want the memory. Sometimes I take pictures of my kids when we are visiting relatives we don’t see often. Never are all the children are in a good mood at the same time.

Some are thirsty. Some are tired.
Some are just fussy little critters.

Take pictures anyway. What sweet memories for the future!
(Plus, remember the middle children. Seriously. In most families – the middle child always gets left out. My eldest I have tons of pictures. For some reason – my 2nd born not so many. I’m now making up for that.)

All pictures do not require a smile.
It is nice when kids smile. But, it probably won’t happen all the time. Take the picture anyway. Their future spouse will be glad you did!

Try to capture a story without words. I was a yearbook editor – we had to make a caption for every picture. It had to make sense. Sometimes captions aren’t needed but let the picture do the talking.

Grab a helper. But, only have one person talk to the children. Kids and adults have a hard time focusing on 3 people saying “Smile-Say Cheese-Fuzzy Pickles.”

Use a flash.
Don’t use a flash.
Try different things.
If you have a SLR – learn your camera.
If you don’t have a fancy camera – learn your camera.
(I have a super Pinterest Board that has TONS of tutorials to make great pictures.)

Change off the auto settings and play with your speed, your F-stops, and different lights. The more you play with it – the more natural it will feel – then you’ll want more lenses. (wink)

(I’m not a pro by any means.
I do like to play with my camera in spurts.
Then I will put it away for months and have to re-learn everything.)

Hope that helped!

Here is a story without words.
I will tell you that the little girl in red is my newest niece, 5 of the kids are mine and the rest are my brothers.

That needed a nap, was hungry, was thirsty, had a wet diaper, and was being forced to sit down and told to smile.

Sweet memories! – All sweet cousins.

I love those kids. I take my Auntie job very seriously and will spoil any child who calls me by that name. Amen.

If you put your cursor over the pictures – you can read my story.

Just one more thing: No kids were hurt, put in timeout or given excessive amounts of chocolate while taking the photos. And there was no pie.

Hope you have a super weekend!

Blessings to you! You are loved!

Looking Your Best in Fall

noreply@blogger.com (♥ilovemy5kids♥) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 04:46:00 +0000

Photo Credit: Sprittibee.com by Flickr

As part of the Life Well Lived Panel - I need to answer
"What are my Fall Must-Have Fashion Picks?"

I must say, I live in a Semi-Tropical Climate.
It is comparable to most people's Spring weather - we love FALL in our house.

3 of my favorite picks are:

Boots! I love a good pair of boots to wear with skirts. I do live in Texas. Boots come in so many shape, sizes, and colors. Plus, they just give me feel taller.
I love the color brown. So, I would pick anything with the color in brown in it. Brown shoes, brown shirts, brown jewelry, I LOVE brown! Plus, it goes with soooo much! Plus, dark colors hide a multitude of chocolate midnight snacks. (Wink! Wink!)
Ever have those days, where you don't feel your best? My fave tip is to wear a blue colored necklace. Any blue will do, my favorite is a hand-me-down from my Mom. It is actually green and turquoise colors. It will lift up your face and instantly give you a pretty glow. Plus, it goes with brown.

Feel free to share your best tip over on the Life Well Lived Post plus here - I like real ideas that I could do without a lot of dough!
You can also enter to win Life Well Lived Moments $250. sweepstakes.
If you use twitter - feel free to use the hashtag #PGLWL at the end of the tweet, to tell me your favorite Fall item!

Where is that P31? Oh What a Blessing!

noreply@blogger.com (♥ilovemy5kids♥) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 11:07:00 +0000

This series - Where in the World is that Proverbs 31 Lady? has blessed my heart.

If you have missed any of them - I wanted to showcase them once again! The story behind Where in the World is that P31 - is over here - at the beginning.

Below are their names and the names of the post. I have been so encouraged by their words and of course - the Word of the Lord, I pray you have been too!

There are still more authors but this week - I just felt I should recap.
(Plus, my time got away from me and before I knew it - it was Friday.)

These are in no particular order:

How Does She Do It All?
by: Lisa Pennington at The Pennington Point
Blueberry Cream Streusel Muffins and Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins
by Christina from Butterflies Kisses and Tasty Dishes
A Woman Who Knows the Lord
by: Shelly at Is That You, Lord?
Attitudes of a Virtuous Woman
by: Tracey Brewer from Girls to Grow
You Want Me to Get Up WHEN?
by: Rebecca at Mom’s Mustard Seeds

Feel free to follow our Pinterest Board of the authors and their websites.
Go visit their sites - so much wisdom. Some are devotionals, some are crafty, some are bakers, some are storytellers - all giving Praise to the One who it is due.
I just love these ladies!

Blessings to you! You are loved!

Homemade Egyptian School Projects–The Mummy

noreply@blogger.com (♥ilovemy5kids♥) — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 19:45:00 +0000

My kids loved learning about mummies. (Me – not so much.)

They loved to share with anyone who would listen how the priests got the brain out of the head.

Let me just say, be careful when you blow your nose.

Ugh. I don’t like the thought of any of the above that I mentioned. So let’s just forget it okay?

The Mummy was made by my hubby and daughter.

They used paper Mache (flour and water mixture), newspaper, toilet paper rolls and a fishing bobber for the head. The coffin was out of a cardboard and then sprinkled with glitter.
(I did mention this was my daughter’s project – it had to have bling.)

We also made a homemade Sphinx and a homemade Pyramid.

We have enjoyed learning about Ancient Egypt. Our local university had a tour of Egyptian Artifacts that we got to go and explore. It was so neat to see some of the replicas that we have studied and brought it all together.

King Tut – What an amazing story! My daughter thoughts were “Gross!” and “He was only 19 years old!”

During this study, we found that the Ancient Egyptians needed a savior. They trusted in themselves. They forgot where they had come from. Another reason I want to continue to blog and share about the One who brings true life. Make no confusion – His name is Jesus. He is the giver of Life! He loves us so!

Blessings to you! You are loved!

Where is that P31? How Does She Do It All?

noreply@blogger.com (♥ilovemy5kids♥) — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 10:07:00 +0000

How Does She Do It All?
By: Lisa Pennington

Proverbs 31:10-31 has always been among my favorite verses. I so appreciate that God took space in His amazing Word to give us a glimpse of what a godly woman looks like. While the Scriptures are clear that outer beauty should not be our focus, He doesn‘t ignore beauty in these verses.

Verse 22, “She makes coverings for her bed, she is clothed in fine linen and purple."

God knows that we women enjoy beauty and He reminds us, ever so gently through His Word, that what is really beautiful is what is in our heart.

I don’t have expensive things. In fact, everything I own was either a flea market find, a hand-me-down or some broken down deal that I fixed up, painted or re-purposed. It doesn’t say HOW this woman got her fine linens and purple. I assume she didn’t nag her husband for them or go into debt.

That’s the trick, isn’t it? Finding a way to make a lovely home and clothe the family well without breaking the bank or ignoring other responsibilities.

For me, it works to set aside an afternoon every week (Friday is my day) to do those extra things that make my home peaceful and relaxing.

I have a spot in the kitchen where I set all of the torn book pages, broken toys, etc. In that same spot, I keep a little notebook where I write down things that can be fixed simply, like touching up paint or changing a light bulb (you know the kind…you need a ladder and a special bulb and it somehow becomes overwhelming). I know I will get to the pile/list on Friday so I don’t let it bother me the rest of the week.

Sometimes there’s a bigger project. Maybe the bathroom needs painting or the summer clothes need to be stored for the winter. I will look at my calendar and find two days together that I can carve out for bigger projects. I put them on the calendar and they are set in stone.

I won’t accept any invitations during that time. I won’t get a project finished if I have to stop at 4:00 and go take a shower because of something I have to do that night. Also, knowing it is ahead on the calendar gives me time to casually pick up the materials I will need while I am out running other errands already.

I have taught the children to either help me or play quietly without interrupting. Usually they are all hanging around and we are chatting and playing word games or singing songs together while I work. Often they will help. Last weekend I was spray painting and several of them offered to spray paint too. With their help I could go on to parts of the project that only Mom can do.

I often think of the Proverbs 31 woman when I am doing work with the kids that makes our home beautiful or more organized. Setting aside time to make “bed linens” or “fine garments” instead of hoping time will magically become available helps me find joy in the process. I don’t feel stressed about things that haven’t gotten done when I know they will get done next Friday or two weekends from now.

Planning a time to take care of yourself and your home means that you will be able to focus on what is really important the rest of the week: God, family, friends and neighbors.

About Lisa and her family:

Lisa lives in the Texas Hill Country with her husband of 25 years and their 9 children. They homeschool their kids and 2 of them have graduated. Lisa says don’t let the diploma fool you, they are just as much work at age 21 as they were at age 5.

Her family blog, The Pennington Point has taken the place of scrapbooking in Lisa’s life. She writes about child training, home decorating and whatever else pops into her head.

She has an etsy shop, Shop 24, where she sells handmade, personalized items. The name of the shop is based on Proverbs 31:24, “She makes linen garments and sells them and supplies the merchants with sashes...”

She loves making things for customers, but her favorite part of the shop is spending time sewing with her four daughters.

Most of all Lisa loves the Lord Jesus Christ and her greatest desire, even more than drinking hot chocolate on a chilly evening under a monogrammed blanket, is to honor Him.

Once upon a time...there was a real fairy tale.

noreply@blogger.com (♥ilovemy5kids♥) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 22:35:00 +0000

There is no other book that makes me appreciate my life more than the Word of God. It is a Real Life Fairy Tale.

In my home school curriculum - it suggests that I teach my students to memorize the books of the Bible.

I don't know about you but sometimes I ponder "Why do I need to teach that?" Just knowing the books of the Bible has never helped me in giving birth, washed my dirty dishes, or even helped me pay bills.

Seriously, the knowledge has only caused me to feel more comfortable in a pew of a church, so I'm not still flipping pages while everyone else is reading. Even then, most people in our church carry their smart phones in and their Bible is digital. (I love my YouVersion App by the way.)

But, due to the fact, that it was in my curriculum I still did my "duty" by teaching all 66 books.

Yesterday, I remembered a song by Aaron Jeffery, He Is. I played it for my children and the tears started to flow. (They probably think I'm a crazy Mom.)

From Genesis to Revelation, The Trinity is displayed in every book.

It is ALL about Him!

If you haven't heard the song and can't see the video it explains from Genesis to Revelations, about the character in EACH book. (It is an OLD song but still powerful!)

Okay, you may be reading and say "Duh!"

But, it was a sweet revelation to me.
I love when God whispers to my heart a sweet answer that I didn't even have to ask.

I will not teach my children just the books of the Bible to learn them so they can find something faster than their neighbor - but I want them to learn them because I want them to know the Author of those Words.

I want them to experience the Word of God for themselves and not just be branded as a "Christian" because he/she is a homeschooler or attends a certain church.

One of the books, I received recently is a beautiful book by New Leaf Press called The Family Illustrated Bible.

The inside of the book is gorgeous.

It has beautiful pictures that make it fun to read at bedtime or around the coffee table. My younger children (and even older ones) have loved gazing through the pages. I love that they are getting glimpses of the Lord.

It spurs conversations.

It makes us fulfill Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-9)

Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. ⁵ Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. ⁶ These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. ⁷ Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. ⁸ Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. ⁹ Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.

If you are in need of a gift for Christmas or Birthday, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this book, the Family Illustrated Bible
for any age.

Making a difference for the sake of eternity is never a wrong choice!

Blessings to you! You are loved!

©www.ilovemy5kids.blogspot.com

Note: I was sent complimentary copy for review purposes only. This review has not been monetarily compensated. The review was my honest opinion and views and not influenced by the sponsor in any way.

Homemade Egyptian School Projects: A Pyramid

noreply@blogger.com (♥ilovemy5kids♥) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:23:00 +0000

Yesterday, I shared how we are studying Ancient Egypt and showed the Sphinx. All of my children have been working on some type of Egyptian Project with their Dad. (He loves helping his children and his wife.)

I had no idea what they chose for their project and walked outside to see my daughter cutting wood (with close supervision of her Daddy.)

A Pyramid that sparkles.

You can’t see it well in the pictures but it is covered in pretty glitter!

They used leftover pine wood from another one of my Hubby’s infamous DIY projects.After all the sparkles have settled, I was rather impressed.

It is not every day – that one would have a Modern Day Pyramid in their dining room. The joys of Home School!

Next week, I share more of the Homemade Egyptian School projects.

Tomorrow is Where in the World is that P31 Lady?
Have you seen those posts? Super challenging!

Blessings to you! You are loved!

Homemade Egyptian School Projects –The Sphinx

noreply@blogger.com (♥ilovemy5kids♥) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 16:22:00 +0000

Shameless Plug:
I’m posting at The Homeschool Post today –
“What Home School is REALLY like.”
Please go visit and leave a comment.

We have been doing an Egyptian Study for weeks.

Each child had a project to do without me (the teacher) but they could use their Dad’s help. (Don’t you love how I got out of that one?)

I got to say – Dad is their best ally in making school projects! He is so creative and uses material that I had no idea existed.

My son and him worked for a couple of days playing with salt dough to form the Sphinx just right. It was nice to hear them planning and processing the information to make it look just right.

I love that they also made a sweet memory! I just have to find a place to put this thing!

I would love to hear suggestions where to put “School Projects” after they have been graded.

More Egyptian Projects to come…

Blessings to you! You are loved!

Making Memories

noreply@blogger.com (♥ilovemy5kids♥) — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 05:30:00 +0000

We had a super busy day today!

We carved a pumpkin. Actually, we did two.

We made 4 easy costumes.

A bat. (Super simple to make. 2 Hangers, and a black garbage sack. It was clean.) He wanted to be Dustin from Top Shot but changed his mind last minute. We have tons of Bats flying around and they eat bugs. I’m fine with bats!

A Cheerleader uniform. (It was actually my drill team uniform when I was in high school. And my pom poms! My Mom sure got her money’s worth with that outfit!)

A football uniform. (Dad’s shirt and pants kept up with pony tail holders.)

Morton Salt girl (Umbrella, rain boots, braids, Morton Salt Box, and rain coat.)

We made huge messes.

We made memories.

We dropped off our oldest at our Home School’s Group Mystery Dinner. He wore his first tie. (Sniff Sniff.)

What a blessed day! Whoo! This Mom is tuckered out!

Blessings to you! You are loved!