ilovemy5kids

DIY EASY Citronella Candles

noreply@blogger.com (Lana Wilson) — Fri, 25 May 2012 10:07:00 +0000

I'm guest posting over at The Happy Housewife!

How to Make Your Own Citronella Candles.

How to make your own Citronella Candle at The Happy Housewife. Photo by: Lana at ilovemy5kids

They are easy, fast, and super cheap, not to mention pretty to set out on that picnic party for those BBQ's this weekend!

Let me know if you try it!

Feel free to Pin it on Pinterest if you like it!

Blessings to you! You are loved!

©www.ilovemy5kids.com

DIY Office Remodel with 5 kids

noreply@blogger.com (Lana Wilson) — Thu, 24 May 2012 17:26:00 +0000

We've been busy. We have been doing a DIY. (We as in Sweet Hubby, 3 sons, 2 Princesses and me.)

By the end of the day, we are crawling to bed.

This is how it started, I left for a weekend in Dallas a few years ago. I came back and saw this. A wall was partially missing in my bedroom going into the office.

5 kids and a Hubby get in trouble when Mom leaves town.

Lesson learned: Never leave Daddy alone with 5 kids without a to-do list or he makes his own.

Click this link to see the Entire Office Remodel.

We have learned a lot.

Like my kids never wear shoes for pictures.

Please know that our family does follow safety procedures in a reasonable way, although the pictures do not reflect that in some instances and we would never allow our children to be in harm's way intentionally or non-intentionally. Shoes or no shoes.

Then we had this...the finished project. (Almost)

Except we didn't know that we were going to tile our whole house. Tiling is one of my Fave things to do. It is right up there with shopping and drinking coffee.

Since my hubby has been on vacation this week, I'll show you the progress we have made.


No carpet. Cider Toddy Walls.


Adorable Paint Crew - My how they have grown.


A little hands on teaching moments. Our kids love to paint!

Walls are now Glazed Pears.

Before and After Paint

Tile is Almost Complete

We are almost done with this room. Then we start on making our own DIY trim for the entire house. Can't wait!!!

Sign up for email updates to make sure you see the finished project. You can also follow along on Twitter, Facebook or the RSS feed.

Blessings to you! You are loved!

©www.ilovemy5kids.com

Holding on to a memory…like a rock.

noreply@blogger.com (Lana Wilson) — Sun, 20 May 2012 07:06:00 +0000

Do you ever want to hold a memory? I guess that is why we love photos so much.
This is one of those memories.

I was actually sick. Except I didn't know it. I had a minor cough and just a light headache. My husband's aunt had made me some coriander tea and it helped a little.
The next morning, I felt a little better. And off we went to explore New Mexico.

Beautiful. Just beautiful. The mountains, the trees, the desert, the rocks. All of it was beautiful.
We went to a place called the City of Rocks. And we had so much fun climbing and climbing some more.

After a while, I just had to sit down. I really thought it was just the high altitude and all the fun.

The next day, I went to the doctor and had found out I had strep throat. My throat never did hurt - I had never heard of such a thing.

I look back and think I could have been in a lot of pain but God's creation just kept me from dwelling on the flesh.

Isn't that just like how we should deal with every situation? Dwell on Him and all the rest just seems to fall into place.

I'm so thankful for that day in New Mexico.

Blessings to you! You are loved!

©www.ilovemy5kids.com

Remodel - back in session

noreply@blogger.com (Lana Wilson) — Fri, 18 May 2012 19:37:00 +0000

Our Aggie, expressing her feelings.

After traveling to El Paso, having housekeeping, never having to cook, and having housekeeping...did I mention housekeeping?

We are back in our groove.

I miss calling the operator when I needed more clean towels, and poof there they were! It was like having my own Jeannie in a bottle. Oh, I miss that!

Okay, reality!

My hubby, after today, is off for 10 days. Whohoo!

What are we going to do during this time, you ask?
No, we are not going to some exotic place. We are working our bottoms off!

We made a list, last Saturday. It was over 150 items to do. 1-5-0 plus!
I wish I were joking.

This is the longest "DIY" that just seems to get longer. But, there is an end in sight!

Our DIY (part 12) partial list:

Paint Kitchen Cabinets.
Take down the cabinets to paint them. Then put them up again.
Clean Garage. Can you say...not fun!
Clean office. Can you say...not fun...like major not fun!
Tile Office/Master Bath/Master Closet.
Make trim. Paint Trim. Trim the entire house.
Take killer fan down in Girls' Room. Put up nice chandelier.
Make nice chandelier.
Hang pictures on walls. Can't wait for this one. My walls have been naked way to long!
And lotssssss more!

If you don't hear from me in the next month. Send in the troops. I might be hiding in a dark closet rocking back and forth eating my emergency stash of chocolate. (The emergency stash has already been depleted. I might be getting into the "emergency, emergency" stash.)

Blessings to you! You are loved!

©www.ilovemy5kids.com

Sweet sisterly love.

noreply@blogger.com (Lana Wilson) — Wed, 16 May 2012 02:46:00 +0000

My girls are so different.
One is neat. One is artistic.
They both like Claire's.
One likes to sing. The other likes to dance.
They both like to ride bikes.
One likes history. One likes puzzles.
They both like to read.
One likes purple. One likes pink.
I'm so thankful for my girls.

Blessings to you! You are loved!

Best tips for keeping the clutter at bay

noreply@blogger.com (Lana Wilson) — Mon, 14 May 2012 05:35:00 +0000

5 kids NEED organization or at least Mom does.

What are your best tips for keeping the clutter at bay with kids in the house?

How do you help your kids develop good organizing skills?

I have to be honest. This question hurts.
Since we have started this REMODEL - our life has been upside down.

My husband is notorious for leaving tools on my dining table. I'm notorious for leaving books and more books on the coffee table.

We can overlook those quirks. We are the parents.
One thing that is hard to overlook is clutter on the floor. Especially when there are 14 feet in one house and everyone takes off their shoes when the enter the door.

Our solution: our shoe basket.
Each child or adult is allowed to keep one pair of shoes by the door in a big basket.

We hardly ever have a problem finding a pair of shoes when we are in hurry.
What is funny is that when little friends come over, they immediately take off their shoes and put theirs in there, without being told or asked. Makes our life so much easier!
(Once a week, a little guy does have the chore of going through the basket and making sure only one pair of shoes per person is in the basket.)

Some other tips might be our Family Chore Charts.
This has become the only way, I stay sane with 5 kids and no maid. It does NEED tweaking once in awhile, like last Saturday. But, it works for us.

I always have room for "improvement".

Please leave your "BEST" way to get your kids organized here and go see BlogHer to see what other Moms have to say. (Feel free to leave a tip over there too.)

You can also enter the Live Life Well Sweepstakes! Hurry, it ends soon!

Blessings to you! You are loved!

©www.ilovemy5kids.com

My life in Photos this week.

noreply@blogger.com (Lana Wilson) — Fri, 11 May 2012 20:43:00 +0000

I am really following in love with my iPhone camera.

I really love Instagram. It is an App that is so much fun!

If you are using it, feel free to follow my photos.

Here are a few pictures I took this week:


Big Plane. Small Plane.


Enjoying White Sands, New Mexico.

Our hotel view in El Paso, Texas. Miss the Mountains!

Found a Rock Seat in New Mexico.

Home Sweet Home. A storm blowing in.

Blessings to you! You are loved!

Participating in:

©www.ilovemy5kids.com

A Birthday Letter that brings HOPE

noreply@blogger.com (Lana Wilson) — Wed, 09 May 2012 10:07:00 +0000

This is from a dear Pastor friends of ours, Rex Holt, given to me with permission to publish on my blog. I pray that will encourage many! The Lord is so faithful!

There is HOPE!

A Birthday Letter to John Mawuli Holt

May 15, 1981

Dear Son.
Welcome to our family! Your mother and I have been looking forward to your arrival for a long time – 16 years and 11 months to be exact. You are certainly a dream come true in many ways. Let me tell you about it.

We had quite an adjustment to make when 12 years ago the doctors told us how impossible it would be to have a baby. Your mother and I were in seminary at Fort Worth during the time, and watching all our friends with their little boys and girls made us desire a child even more. We finally were able to get on our knees and thank the lord for our situation, knowing that “God is that blessed controller of all things.” We knew that God had a wonderful plan for our lives and that all things were working together for our spiritual good and his ultimate purpose. We believed that he would give us spiritual children. However, in the back of our hearts we pondered this exciting thought – one day God himself will give us a child.

In 1974 we understood one of the reasons why you were so late in coming. God was calling us to be missionaries in Togo, Africa. This was to be a part of the promise of spiritual children that would fill our hearts with joy until you came along to make our joy complete.

We talked to your grandparents about our going to Africa. Their response reveals an important part of your spiritual heritage. After explaining to your grandmother and grandfather Holt the call upon our lives, I asked for their counsel. Your grandfather, fighting back the tears, cleared his throat and said, “I’ll sign for you son”. There was nothing to sign – only the signature his words made on my heart. When your grandmother and grandfather Puckett were told of our commitment they replied, “Before Sherry was born we gave her to the Lord”. They were not about to take her back now. Though saddened at the separation, your grandparents were glad and grateful that we wanted to say yes to God’s call.

Our missionary work in Togo has centered around the home. Our “Glory House” as we call it, came to us with a promise attached, “I will fill this house with glory, saith the Lord of Hosts…and in this place will I give peace”. Couples like Roger and Akoule, Sedjro and Abla began finding peace with God and building their lives and homes upon God’s Holy Word. We became known as Papa Rex and Mama Sherry. A church soon was meeting in our house.

Three o’clock Tuesday afternoon of February 6, 1980 Mawuenyeme, one of the members of the Glory House Church, came to talk. He walks with a limp from a child-hood illness and stutters badly. He opened a small, black French Bible that was worn from constant use. He read slowly and deliberately from Habakkuk, “…for the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie, though it tarry, wait for it, because it will surely come, it will not tarry”. “Pastor”, he began, “I have some good news to announce to you. We have cried with you, but now we will rejoice with you. You will have a child”. He spoke with deep conviction. “The church must now give thanks to God for the promise, God wants the people of Togo to believe that He is alive. You have taught us about the home and about children being a heritage from the Lord. We shall try the Lord in this matter. Do not be troubled, wait upon the Lord…wait with a heart of hope”.

After he left, a keen awareness of God’s presence lingered. I began writing in my notebook, trying to recall everything he said, I told your mother what he said and together we marveled. Mawuenyeme had a dream and saw Sherry holding a baby boy. He said there were other children but he didn’t know what sex they were. All he knew is that the first child would be a boy.

The next night was to be a business meeting at the church. Mawuenyeme took over. He said to the church, “If you send a certified letter to your boss with a certain request and he does not reply, then you do not need to send another letter. He has received it. You can be sure because it is certified mail. If he does not respond immediately you do not need to send another letter of request. What remains is supplication – to plead your case – make an appeal”. He then read 1 John 5:14-15 “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us. And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him”. He concluded, “I am now calling the church to prayer for our pastor and his wife. Let us covenant together to pray each time we meet, and thank God for this vision of a promised child. Let us supplicate without ceasing”. There was silence. The presence and power of God was awesome. Madame Makany, an African woman full of faith, broke the silence. “Let’s pray”, she said intently. They all fell to their knees and poured out their hearts to God in one accord. This lasted about two hours. There was weeping, then rejoicing. It was a deeply moving time that we shall never forget.

Over he next seven months prayer was made on our behalf during each service. The church in the village of Abobo joined them in the prayer project. Just before leaving Togo last September, Roger, the church leader prayed fervently, “Lord, as long as there is breath in my body I will plead with you for our pastor and his wife to have a baby”. At that very moment, without our realizing it, your mother was carrying you.

Mid September the doctors told us the good news. I returned to Togo November 6 and was met at the airport by a singing, cheering church. They wanted to give you a Togolese name. After services on Sunday, church leaders met to select a name for you. There were seven suggested names. I told the group that I like “Mawuli”, meaning, “God is there” or “God is alive”. However, I wanted the church to choose the name. They decided to put the 7 names on slips of paper. We gathered in a circle and prayed. After praying, Verena, a Nigerian student, took one of the slips and handed it to me. I unfolded it and read, “Mawuli”. The room exploded with joy. “Even the naming of the baby is a miracle”, they declared.

On my return trip from Africa last November, I spent the night in Amsterdam to make connections for the U.S. the next day. The next morning I had about 5 hours before the plane left. I opened wide the curtains and sunlight flooded my hotel room. It was a beautiful morning in Holland. I decided to spend it alone with the Lord. Having left my Bible in the airport locker, I reached for a Gideon New Testament lying on a table next to the bed. As I read from Luke, my heart began to sing, “Thou shalt call his name John”. For years this has been the chosen name, “God’s Gracious Gift”. I picked up a sheet of motel stationary and began to copy the verses, “And thou shalt have joy and gladness and many shall rejoice at his birth”. My spirit soared as I continued to read, “and many shall be turned to the Lord…and he shall be filled with the Holy Spirit”. I continued to write, “What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him…and his father prophesied…and the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit”.

John, to be perfectly honest, I was not prepared for the intensity of joy that was to come. Friday morning your mother went into labor. We checked into St. Bernard’s Hospital in Jonesboro about 8:00 a.m. Four hours later the contractions intensified and the nurses quickly rolled her from the labor room into delivery. The doctor was paged. He rushed in and everything happened so quickly. At 12:40 p.m. Dr. Berry said calmly, “You’ve got a big boy”.

When I got up to preach the following Sunday I was overwhelmed with the goodness of our God. Joy unspeakable began to fill my heart. My mind was flooded with things I wanted to say, but about all I could do was to stand and weep.

I love you,
Dad

Blessings to you! You are loved!

©www.ilovemy5kids.com

When scripture doesn't make sense

noreply@blogger.com (Lana Wilson) — Mon, 07 May 2012 19:53:00 +0000

A bird recently got in the house and my son saved it.

Sometimes scripture doesn't seem to make sense.

The recent hail storm devastated more than just our windows, roofs, cars - it changed the way we hear a storm warning, thunder or even the way we hear bird whistles.

The other day, we were under another Thunderstorm Warning. My iPad sent me a warning because it is synched with The Weather Channel.

My daughter was sitting by it and just started crying. She was scared of another storm. Not really scared but was actually in terror. I tried comforting her.

A scripture came to mind but I didn't want to use it for this situation.

Matthew 6:26
Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?

The day after the storm my eldest picked up over 30 dead birds out of our neighbor's and our yard. Right now my kids don't feel like the Lord protected us from the storm. (We had tons of damage as well as our entire city.) Things can be replaced. But, it is hard trying to explain the Lord's Will sometimes to children or adults. (Just being real.)

This is a learning life lesson for all of us.

Things happen that we have NO control over.
Things happen that the Lord has complete control over.
We have to decide if we serve things or the Lord.

The next day, I was just pondering of all the events that have happened and I was reminded of Jesus when He was in the boat asleep traveling with His most faithful followers, His disciples.

A storm came up on them and I can just imagine them saying "Uh, Lord...Gonna wake up now? We are about to DIE! Don't you care about us?"

If you don't know the story, here it is - The Amplified Version.
Mark 4:37-41

³⁷And a furious storm of wind [of hurricane proportions] arose, and the waves kept beating into the boat, so that it was already becoming filled.
    ³⁸But He [Himself] was in the stern [of the boat], asleep on the [leather] cushion; and they awoke Him and said to Him, Master, do You not care that we are perishing?
    ³⁹And He arose and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, Hush now! Be still (muzzled)! And the wind ceased (sank to rest as if exhausted by its beating) and there was [immediately] a great calm (a perfect peacefulness).
    ⁴⁰He said to them, Why are you so timid and fearful? How is it that you have no faith (no firmly relying trust)?
    ⁴¹And they were filled with great awe and feared exceedingly and said one to another, Who then is this, that even wind and sea obey Him?

It wasn't a little storm. It was of "Hurricane Proportions"!

I'm not really a Bible scholar. In fact, most scripture just baffles me. I know how to use a Strong's and I go to my husband for clarification on many passages. When I first read this passage, I was confused at how Jesus was so cold to His followers. Then I read closer.

Where was Jesus in the midst of the storm?
Sleeping.

What did the disciples say exactly?
"Master, don't you care that we are about to die?

Was Jesus scolding the disciples for calling on Him?
No. He wanted them to Firmly Rely and Trust knowing and even in the midst of the storm, He knows ALL. That alone is comfort for me.

He wasn't getting on to anyone for calling on Him. He wanted them to trust and rely on HIM.

We did that in the storm! We called upon Him. We sang His praises! Our faith was not shaken. We knew if we died, He was the prize!

Storms in this life are never over. We still have issues at hand. But, we will overcome! Then when our storms are calm, someone else might be going through them - AND we'll be able to extend comfort!

Blessings to you! You are loved!

©www.ilovemy5kids.com

Traveling Out West…with kids.

noreply@blogger.com (Lana Wilson) — Fri, 04 May 2012 17:56:00 +0000

What a couple of weeks.

We have been living in a hotel.
Eating out for every meal.
Housekeeping.
We have had field trips galore.
We have had a mini-excursion to a minor emergency room.
We have been in a mini-dust storm.
We have loved every minute.

Can’t wait to tell you all about it…next week.

To keep up with us…look at our Facebook Page for updates.

Blessings to you! You are loved!

Boredom Buster: How to make Towel Origami

noreply@blogger.com (Lana Wilson) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 18:25:00 +0000

Ever have those days, where your kids are "BORED"?

Since we are traveling and stuck in a hotel room...we are there!

I'm sharing at The Happy Housewife today - how to make animals out of towels!

It is free and easy! Plus, the kids like to experiment!

Feel free to comment and tell me what you think!

For more ways to fight those awful words "MOM - I'm BORED!" -
go see my 77 Boredom Busters for kids!

©www.ilovemy5kids.com

Traveling in West Texas

noreply@blogger.com (Lana Wilson) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 17:30:00 +0000

My family has been traveling. We are doing Field Trips like right and left, literally. I love when a rest stop turns into a History Lesson.

I had no idea about the Pecos River Gorge. It is gorgeous. Something out of an Old Western. Our daughter, the one in the stripes, was soooo scared. She doesn’t like heights and it was high.

So thankful for little stops that make lifetime memories. Makes me thankful for the Lord and His vision for us…He is the ultimate creator.

My 3 sons…gazing at God’s Creation!

This family just makes me grateful. It is one I certainly don’t deserve.

Blessings to you! You are loved!

Movies for Homeschooling or Sick Days

noreply@blogger.com (Lana Wilson) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 16:38:00 +0000

When my children are sick, we have "a movie day."

When they were younger, they watched cartoons. (I can't stand cartoons. They irritate me.) Now that they are older - unless cartoons are teaching history - they are not acceptable for our "Movie Day."

So I decided to have a list of movies for the "Just In Case..."

Some might not be appropriate for your family, use discretion. I use those "uh-oh" words or predicaments as a learning tool. But, I totally understand if your family does not agree. This is on my "to-see" list. Not all movies have been previewed.

Incredible Creatures That Defy Evolution 3 Vol Gift Box Set
(We have only seen Volume 1. It was very informative. The younger kids liked the different animals.)

God of Wonders

The Perfect Game

(We saw this last week as a family and loved it.)

How the States Got Their Shapes: Season 1

(We have seen some of these. This is one for the older kids. Not ALL episodes are going to be recommended! For MATURE audiences ONLY!)

Flying Tigers
(This was interesting when we got to see some of the actual planes.)

Okay, since I still have little ones - I will put in a couple of animated films.

Liberty's Kids: Complete Series
and
(okay, I could only do one)

The Apple Dumpling Gang / The Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again
(My brother and I loved this series as children.)

Do you have favorite movies? We are always putting new ones on our list!

©www.ilovemy5kids.com

The Ultimate Blog Party

noreply@blogger.com (Lana Wilson) — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 05:40:00 +0000

It is that time of year...a Blog Party with www.5MinutesforMom.com.
I just love their site!

A blog party is where everyone lists their posts and you can visit other like-minded blogs like yours. I'm listed in the Christian blogs, well, because we love Jesus and serve Him.

So, if you are over here visiting for the first time - let me properly introduce myself....

Hi. I'm Lana like Banana. I have 5 kids thus the name of my blog.
I have a huge crush on my husband, who loves to tear down walls thus the ultimate DIYer and brings me coffee each morning thus the perfect husband.

I homeschool my children and love to travel with them visiting the World's Largest Everything. We laugh a lot and study hard words. We sleep in and work late.

We have 2 dogs, 6 chickens and the last I counted 10-14 fish. We also have a caterpillar collection and we have tons of science experiments in our kitchen. I blame it on homeschooling.

I write for The Homeschool Post, The Happy Housewife and here and there.

Hope you feel at home here! Take your shoes off and stay awhile!

Find me on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest!

Blessings to you! You are loved!

©www.ilovemy5kids.com

This TOTALLY WORKS for ME!

noreply@blogger.com (Lana Wilson) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 18:55:00 +0000

I got to say, some days are just blessings. Then other days, there are BIGGER blessings.

A while back, Kristen at We Are That Family sent me an email saying one of my tips was going to be in her newest book, That Works For Me.

(BIG SMILE!)

I was so excited. Not only that my "tip" (Number 800 - SQUEAL!) was being in a book but a portion of the proceeds of her book were going to help a ministry in Africa, a non-profit maternity home called The Mercy House. I love unselfishness. Seriously, it just breathes love.

I seriously love this book!
It is super easy to use and basically written by friends, over 300 bloggers, who are real people with real problems with real fixes.

To buy click on the e-book or HERE!

Regular price is $8.

For the $1 off: SAVE1

Blessings to you! You are loved!

©www.ilovemy5kids.com

Disclosure: I did receive a review copy of this book. However, it was not a paid review. I truly LOVED the book.

Also, if you purchase the book from my website, I receive a part of the funds.

How do you put yourself first? How does taking time for yourself help make you happier?

noreply@blogger.com (Lana Wilson) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 19:24:00 +0000

How do you put yourself first? How does taking time for yourself help make you happier?

I try not to put myself first!

A long time ago, someone shared JOY with me, a song for little ones.

J is for
Jesus

O is for
Others

Y is for

Yourself.

I find when I put others above myself...I'm happier.

That is not to say, I don't get alone and be still. I cherish those moments. But, with 5 kids, 2 dogs, 1 DIY husband, 6 chickens, homeschooling, and laundry...it just doesn't happen often.

Want to know a secret?
When I do start thinking about myself...all the time, I find more things to be unhappier about. I want to cherish the times I do have and not waste more time wanting "me" time.

So enjoy JOY!

If you liked this post, visit the Main Post on BlogHer.com & join me in the comments!
You can also enter in the SWEEPS!

Blessings to you! You are loved!

©www.ilovemy5kids.com

How our life changed…we will never be the same.

noreply@blogger.com (Lana Wilson) — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 16:57:00 +0000

Thursday Night…
Texts to my hubby, who was out of town…

Me: “Tornado Warning in Neighboring County.”
Hubby: “Wow”

Couple of hours later…our texts.

Me: Thundering and Lightening. Lights keep blinking on and off.
Hubby: “Wow! Wish I was there.”

Then our life changed.

My kids had wanted to watch a movie Thursday night. I wanted to paint my nails. My hubby had been gone out of town for work since Tuesday morning. We don’t do well when he is gone.

We had our homeschool co-op planned for Friday morning so I was willing to let the children watch a movie in the guest room so they would fall asleep and I could hope that I could sleep by myself at least once while their Daddy was away.

I had a candle lit in the living room and the t.v. was muted. I went to the bathroom. I noticed through the window that our lime tree was was really blowing like crazy. On the way, back to the living room the lights went out. I thought “Oh brother…now I’ll never get the kids to sleep, I should have charged my phone and my nails are not going to be painted.” Let me just say, I was not expecting what would happen next.

I checked on the kids and gave them my iPad for light. The boys had their flashlights and were such brave souls. I went in circles for a few moments wondering what I should do to get the kids to sleep. So, I grabbed my phone and went to the guest room.

Then the most awful RUMBLE started. The windows in the living room blew out and the kids started to CRY out. I told them to grab my Grandma’s quilt and get on the floor. I called my husband on the phone and tried to hear his voice but he hung up on us. He thought I had accidentally called him and he thought the kids were playing in the background.

So, I called him back. He was in the middle of Carino’s Italian Restaurant with families who were oblivious to what was happening in other parts of Texas. Let me just say, being helpless is a feeling that can cause your heart to grip with pain.

The RUMBLE and pounding of HAIL continued for at least 20 LONG minutes. And continued! Glass kept shattering.

Da Vinci, our new puppy slept through it ALL – should have named him J.J, for “Jesus Jr.” - one who sleep through a storm when everyone else is crying out GOD SAVE US!

I had tried calling my next door neighbor, his family was out to eat in another part of town. He thought I was crazy and playing a trick on him. It was not even raining where he was.
Let me just stop and say, when someone calls you to tell you they are possibly in a tornado or someone they love is, don’t tell them about your day. They are wanting prayers or reassurance!

When our neighbors got home – they saw what we were talking about and told us we could come and stay with them. In fact, I bet he would now believe me if I told him Santa Claus landed on my roof. Lol!

Back in our guest room, our youngest daughter, kept crying out: “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, I’m going to throw up, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, I’m going to throw up!” In the midst of the storm, the rest of us told her, “Don’t you dare throw up on us!” It is comical now…she has no recollection of ever saying it.

Finally, the rumbling stopped. I told the kids to stay put and let me go in the dining room to see the damage. What I saw was crazy!

The curtains were blowing in the living room. The candle that I had lit on the counter earlier, was still blowing and shining light. I opened the front door and saw a winter wonderland. Hail! Lots of it! EVERYWHERE! Glass was ALL over our living room. I couldn’t tell if the fish tank was busted. It was still so loud and my kids were still sobbing.

The bad weather hadn’t stopped. It was still hailing and the wind was still blowing. I called another neighbor friend down the street and he told me another round of it was coming toward us. He said he would come and check on us later. So back in the guest room I went.

I tried calling my husband again and this time couldn’t get through. My kids and I prayed. Then we sang, “Jesus loves me.” Then my kids sang, “Counting on God.” Music in the middle of chaos was delight to my soul.

After a few minutes, it let up. I went back in the living room and saw flashlights coming through the window. My down the street neighbors had come to help us. They helped taped up our broken windows and calm our nerves. We ended up staying the night at their house because they had electricity.

We have survived many hurricanes. This was so much worse. Our entire neighborhood and city looked like it was in a bomb of some sorts. A river of ice flowed

So many blessings. So grateful for friends and our precious, precious neighbors! So grateful for prayers, songs and Psalm 23 during turmoil.

Our backyard:

This was HAIL not snow.

I need a pair of rubber boots! I almost bought some the other day and thought, I’ll never need them – it doesn’t even rain where we live.

Our neighbors house:

Other neighbor’s carport:

The next day:

Our passion vine. Covered in leaves and beautiful blooms the day before…

My “Silver Belle’s mirror” - yes, we name our cars.

Our dining room window…sort of.

The paint was torn off…Hail covered our portico…

Our protected by “Brinks” sign. More like God protects us!

That was our hibiscus. It was beautiful covered in blooms just hours ago.

All my beautiful flowers – gone!

Bird of paradise…looks shredded. Hail is still there.

My Hawaiian Ti Plants…so sad.

Our backyard the next day.Glass is everywhere!

This was my hubby’s Work Vehicle. It would normally been in our driveway but since he was out of town – it was left at his office.
The a/c was even busted.

David flew home. He is here. He is never allowed to leave us again!

We are safe. We are healthy. We need a new roof. We need our car fixed. We are counting our blessings and know that it could have been worse.

Blessings to you! You are loved!

When children experience trauma

noreply@blogger.com (Lana Wilson) — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 17:03:00 +0000

The Lord is my Refuge and Strength, a VERY present HELP in trouble!

When a real live boogie man shows his face…
When life is not all sugar and spice and puppy dog tails…
When a parent can’t be there at ALL times…

Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.

We will ~~call~~ CRY out to the Lord.
We will not rest until there is PEACE that passes ALL understanding.
We will TRUST in Him and HIM alone.

The LORD Almighty is with us!

We will not trust in ourselves or this temporal world.
We will keep our eyes on the prize.
We will overcome by the blood of the Lamb and know that we are loved by the CREATOR of LIFE!

We will hold them a little closer and know that life is fragile.

Blessed be His NAME!

Blessings to you! You are loved!

DIY Heating Pad with kids

noreply@blogger.com (Lana Wilson) — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 16:55:00 +0000

Ever have those terrible earaches in the middle of the night and have nothing on hand to soothe it?

Here is something you can make in minutes with your kids for under a $1.00!

Join me over at The Happy Housewife today as I show you how to make one with your kids!

Blessings to you! You are loved!

Samoa Cake that brings tears

noreply@blogger.com (Lana Wilson) — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 11:07:00 +0000

Have you tasted something so yummy you couldn’t wait to share?

Meet Samoa.

She was my daughter’s birthday cake.

She reminded us of those awful delicious Girl Scout Cookies.

She is no longer with us.

We are going to miss her.

My daughter is still with us – the cake is not. (Just wanted to clarify!)

WARNING: THIS IS NOT DIET FOOD!

I got the recipe from Betsy Life. Go to her awesome site to see how to do it. She explains it well!

One thing I did wrong is I didn’t toast the coconut long enough. No one noticed but me. Next time, I will do that different. It still is gone. Nothing will bring it back.

Okay, thanks for letting me cry on your shoulder mourning our loss of Samoa.

Blessings to you! You are loved!

P.S. No tears were really shed.

P.S.S. – I keep all the ingredients in my pantry at all time. It was really an easy cake.

10 years ago, Princess was born!

noreply@blogger.com (Lana Wilson) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 10:07:00 +0000

This day 10 years ago…

A Princess was needed!!!!!

So God sent the world this sweet adorable doll!

She is fun-loving, energetic, and makes friends easily!She doesn’t like light pink, tuna fish, tomatoes, bell peppers, and Star Wars.She does like carrots, The Waltons, to read, talking on the phone, kissing her Daddy, laughing with her Mommy, picking on her siblings and riding her bike.

This birthday she hopes to get her own e-mail. I’m thinking it will save me money in postage.

She also got a sporty new mountain bike! It is magenta (not like light pink which she abhors).

I can’t imagine my life without her! She truly has been such a God-send to our family!

Welcome to the double digits - Princess! You are now 10!

Happy Birthday!

Blessings to you! You are loved!

God's Litttle Princess Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Lana Wilson) — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 10:07:00 +0000

Giveaway closed: Winner is # 3

My daughters have been called Princess since they were in the womb.

It is a term that reminds us that they are daughters of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

When I find a product that reinforces what the Lord has called them to be - I want to do the Happy Dance!

Since they were little - I have read to them the Gigi stories by Sheila Walsh.

Now they have made them into cartoons.

AND guess what?!?

I get to giveaway 2 of the DVD's!

Yep, I'm doing the HAPPY DANCE!

Some lucky winner is going to be sent 2 DVD's for their favorite Princess.

To enter:

Mandatory Entry:
In the comments below,
please tell me how you think your Princess will learn to be God's Little Princess from the Gigi stories.

A second entry: (Leave another comment.)
As an extra entry in the giveaway, tweet the following:
“My daughter can be #JustLikeGigi thanks to @loving5kids & @TommyNelson”

Winner will be chosen from Random.org.

Make sure you leave a way to contact you in case you are the winner
i.e. a working email. I will pick a winner next Friday.

Note: I was sent complimentary copy since I am a Tommy Mommy. It has not been monetarily compensated. The review was my honest opinion and views and not influenced by the sponsor in any way.

How to decorate a birdhouse! Guest Post: Amy from Modge Podge Rocks

noreply@blogger.com (Lana Wilson) — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 10:07:00 +0000

This is Amy from Mod Podge Rocks, so pleased to be here at I Love My 5 Kids today! I have been blogging for almost four years at MPR, and I am (as you can guess) addicted to crafts and DIY. I love creating, but I also love writing. I co-own Decor Hacks with Heather Mann, and I contribute to Babble.com's The New Home Ec. Not to mention that I have a new book coming out this June called Mod Podge Rocks. You could say I keep busy.

Do you love birdhouses? I do. I love anything to do with birds, including the homes in which they live. I thought it might be fun to decorate a little birdhouse, and it turns out it is very fun! A set of these would look great on a mantle, or make perfect little party favors.

To start, gather these supplies:

Paint the center piece of your birdhouse with Wicker White. Let dry.

Paint the base and perch of your birdhouse with Fresh Foliage, and the top with Glazed Carrots. Don’t worry about overlapping a little onto the white, because you are going to cover it up. Allow to dry.
At this time, use your punch to create some scalloped circles out of the paper. Punch out several so you have many to choose from.

Begin covering the center part of the birdhouse by gluing down the scalloped circles with the Mod Podge Overlap them as you work around the birdhouse. When you get to the edges, cut some of the circles with your X-Acto and place the straight line portion flush with the edge Completely cover the birdhouse center with circles. Allow to dry for 15 – 20 minutes.
At this time, coat the entire birdhouse with Mod Podge. Apply at least two coats, allowing to dry in between coats. Allow to dry after finishing.

You are so close to being done! Cut out the pieces that overlapped the center hole with your X-Acto. It’s not too hard.

To finish, use your Beacon glue to add some paper flower embellishments with buttons. I actually layered a few flowers as well. So fun, so cute and so easy!

Thank you Lana, for having me! Please feel free to visit me at Mod Podge Rocks anytime, or follow me on Facebook or Pinterest. Have a great day!

Thank you so much Amy! You really do rock!

Blessings to you! You are loved!

Do you like Apps?

noreply@blogger.com (Lana Wilson) — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 21:21:00 +0000

I like gadgets.

I have a smart phone. An iPhone. We get along great!

Last year, I won an iPad. We get along even better.

I'm ALWAYS on the look-out for great apps that will make my life more simpler, i.e. education, organization, or photography!

I just found out about app Smitten!
They are not just for Apple products. They also have apps for the Android!

About appSmitten:

*appSmitten hand-selects the best apps and sends recommendations directly to people's inboxes
*appSmitten focuses on finding the apps that are worth downloading - the ones that will keep you organized, entertained and productive
*There are over 1 million apps out there and finding the best ones is like finding a needle in a haystack so appSmitten is doing it for you.
*appSmitten is a free newsletter that covers the best apps for iPhone, iPad and Android
*appSmitten offers bite-sized app recommendations from a trusted source so you don't have to go hunting to find good apps.

Just so you know, I am participating in an affiliate program with appSmitten, and I'll receive a small payment for newsletter subscribers BUT I never recommend something that I wouldn't use or enjoy myself!

Blessings to you! You are loved!

Ever have those days?

noreply@blogger.com (Lana Wilson) — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 19:00:00 +0000

Ever have those days when...

laundry is higher than Mt. Rushmore,
dishes stay dirty,
kids are complaining of a sore throat,
car is green from pollen - after just getting it washed,
leftovers look like what's for dinner, again?

This is when I think to myself...
I can either complain or just try to find the blessings that are all around me.

Laundry - my family has an abundance of clothes. Some are name brand, some are not, some have holes, some are meant to, some are too little, some are too big, yet, we are clothed.
Dishes - My family has a home. We are able to pay our bills on time. Even though we aren't the richest we are blessed beyond measure.
Kids - From time to time my kids get sick. They are not dying from a terrible stupid disease. I have so many friends who are watching their babies fight for their lives – we are blessed and I will NOT complain over a runny nose.
Car being dirty. - We are blessed to be able to have one car. My hubby has a work vehicle but we don’t use it. We are blessed not to have to walk to the store. For that matter, we have stores close by or neighbors to borrow butter from. Not going to complain about going to the store either. Won’t do it!
Leftovers – Praise the Lord! I don’t have to cook!

Are you being thankful today?

Blessings to you! You are loved!