My Thoughts

Months of Memories pt 2

2026-08-27T09:45:34.823-07:00

Memories 2006

July - December

So the first week of July is always busy for us. We went camping with all the dogs. Celebrated 21 years of marriage. Our beautiful V celebrated turning 16 and just wanted a family picture on the water. So Brian rented a paddle boat and we went out on the water. They had fun jumping off the boat and watching all the wildlife. Was an awesome adventure with fireworks over the lake on the 4th.

Our eldest announced her elopement, and they got their first apartment. That's been an interesting journey to say the least. Love her dearly and just glad she's close by while she figures out this new chapter in her life. We've hiked the river trails, getting the puppies used to the water and walking on a lead. Another camping trip down to Lakeview to visit family. Encountered a cow who wanted to chill in the middle of the road and had a staring contest for a bit. Best place to stop and see the stars in the sky by far. Beautiful adventure and girls got to spend time with their Great Grandma and peruse her library.

Girls got a new youth leader and church who took them to Sahalie Falls, she was so confused why no other teens showed up at 7am in the middle of summer. I think this is her first time working with teens. V found a pile of knotted roots that looked like a throne and knighted her sister. Fun was had by all.
The rest of the summer was followed by prayers for rain as fire's consumed much of Oregon. We took in a family member for a week for fear of evacuation and road closures and watched as another lost a lot of farm land. Thankfully everybody came through ok. Another smoke and fire season for the books. Then our youngest had her 14th. Pool party with her friends and an ice cream bar (because neither of these kids like cake?) And that was just July.

August

We started off this month with the girls going off the youth camp. At the end of a busy day and my amazing husband takes me on a surprise picnic and hike off the north side of town. <3 <3 <3 We'll have a week to ourselves and this is an awesome way to start it off.

From there, it was busy cleaning the pool and setting up the hot tub. Another adventure to see another Great Grandma and help build a fence. A neighbor even had the girls driving tractor. Samantha loved it.
Following week was all crafts as the girls practiced wood burning which turned out to be nobody's cup of tea and absolutely a WINTER project And resin making. Learning all the quirks of how the stuff sets and what to do with the projects. Fun for sure, especially for our miniature collector. Lastly, we had a trip to the coast for our budding marine biologist. Got to see the town she's potentially going to school in. Just two short years away.

Month's of Memmories

2026-06-24T15:40:14.331-07:00

I want to do like a scrapbook of memories. Like where did the year go questions. I absolutely love Google Photos for this very reason. This might be long, till I decide if I want to do a month by month version but for this so far it's the year as is for. Also, it's been a coons age since I really did anything with this site and I don't like the formating so bear with me.

2026

January:

Jannel started her adventure with the Navy.

February:

After Jannel moved out, girls each got their own room, so painting was in order. Followed by a hiking adventure where dad and uncle went fishing.

March:

(14th) Added these two to the family and V started playing Tennis.

April:

Everyone's busy with puppies, track, and tennis. That and my love and I going out to Mountain Burger (Highly recommend!)

May:

Samantha made district for Track! Running the 400. And did a cleanup project at Mirror Pond for her 8th-grade project. We were devastated to see how bad it had gotten, both with land pollution and climate issues, trash was everywhere as well as dead fish and the pond was much lower than normal. We also went to Emma’s Wedding.

Uncle Joey came by and gave Samantha a bunch of tips on wilderness survival. On the last day of the month, we took all the dogs and the new camper for their first trip to grandpa’s. Planting tomatoes in his garden and took several plants home. Puppies and kids loved playing in the orchard. They ended up playing a riddle-type of hide and seek with their phones to give the other person clues. It was kinda cool.

June

Schools out! Samantha finished middle school, Veronica finished sophomore year at BSHS. We started holding church at the local movie theater, that has been an interesting opportunity to share with people who would never even think about going to church. Jannel's home, seemingly done with her Navy adventure due to medical reasons. She's majorly bummed, praying God will direct her onto whatever lies next.

We all went to Alpenglow for concert in the park event. They were playing tributes to Eagles and other bands of that area. It was really amazing.

Went to South Twin to meet up with some friends and took the puppies for their first paddleboarding adventure; they were not fans. Kids had fun, though. The day after, I made myself sick on Sparks Lake with a 2nd degree burn and had some weird muscle reaction where I could hardly walk for a week. Wear your sunscreens, people! That was crazy weird. God prayed over a week after and healed. Some friends of ours moved and they didn't take their hens, Brian became the chicken whisperer, and we enjoyed a flock of fresh eggs and a bigger coop.

crazy day

2019-11-05T22:44:00.001-08:00

Wow, the day started out so calm and relaxing.

So starting off yesterday my teenager had a coughing fit at school. So hard that it made her upchuck a bit. As per school policy that means she goes home and gets 1 day off school to make sure she's better and not spreading the yuck. So this morning she's trying to convince me she is better and can go to school. She's still coughing bad but either way, the school said no and I had already written emails to her teachers. They offer some sort of prise for perfect attendance and she wanted it but was not getting it. Well, she tried and when I went to take a shower she snuck out...and made her way to school.

LOL I know my daughter well enough. I knew where she was and what was up but figured I should do the responsible thing and call the school. Well, 9am - no answer. I left a message with my phone number. By 10am I was getting a little annoyed. So I tried a different number. This time with success. They were none to pleased when they realized what was going on. Nobody checked any of their records and noticed that she wasn't supposed to be there. The attendant said she'd email to teachers to see if she was there. By 11 o'clock I finally get a call and they want me to come get her. So here we go.

At home I'm cleaning around the house telling her to focus on her work. When my husband who stayed home sick decided we would go pick up this chair that was offered to us. He's not feeling great but it needs to be done. There is a major accident ahead of us and what should have been a 20-minute drive took about an hour one way. We get there and realize this large piece of furniture is left for us...on the second floor of a tight apartment building with a twisting stairwell. And for some reason they took the leg stubs off so there was nothing to grip on. How fun! But it was a cool looking chair.

Then on the way home, it becomes clear we're not going to make it back in time to pick up my littles from school. I call one of their friends who's sick and thinks it's totally ok to just let them play at the park by the school till I get there. Might be a little to free-range for me. But I found an angel who just got free at the time I needed to pick them up. So blessed!

We finally get home and I'm zonked but it's my hubbys B-day so I need to make dinner. Then stay up till almost 10 making sure my teenybopper actually does her homework because she's kinda just taken the day to chill and stare off into space.

It's been a long crazy day, I'm beat but loving it. Love my hubby, my kids, my family. & my awesome save the day at the last minute friends. Ya life is ok.

Diet foods

2019-09-26T13:19:00.000-07:00

Ok, I've done this more than once but sheesh it's a pain in the butt losing weight. I'ts been suggesting I have hypothyroidism, I'm unofficially prediabetic (just by measuring my fasting glucose levels) and anemic according to the red cross. (I know I need to go to the doctor and get actual blood work done don't judge me, it's on the to-do list...somewhere)

Anyways I'm logging my food, joined a few dieting/fitness social media groups to help keep my on track. And today as I'm eating a cucumber out of my garden I get to wondering what other veggies or food items can I just snack on without feeling guilty.

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/20-most-weight-loss-friendly-foods#section21

This is a great guide but it all depends on what your goals are.

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/low-calorie-foods

Ok lets see what this says.

1) Oats
Um I'm sorry for me oats are not filling AT ALL and often leave me more hungry than before.

2) Greek Yogurt
Maybe, but I can't stand the taste of it. Any of it. At all. I guess that's one way to lose weight lol.

3) Soup
Well if that's not open-ended. I think they mean mostly broth vegies soups. I can see how that would help but unless you're in the mood for soup it's not that satisfying. Many I'm getting finicy in my old age lol. Let's keep going.

4) Berries
This is hard because I associate berries with dessert. I'm not fond of munching on blueberries. Most of them also contain a bunch of sugar. But it's something. Maybe if they are run through a dehydrator they could make a good snack food. Otherwise, they go bad to fast.

5) Eggs
Well ya, we knew that. They're like the supper food. But how often can you eat them? I had a crazy lady (who worked in the health field) try to get me to eat 20 eggs a day. I don't have many cravings for eggs any more. Though amazingly I still like them.

6) Popcorn!
Oh, WOW! Healthline I love you. Though this is air poped unseasoned and unbuttered...I love you slightly less. Still, this is something I can actually do.

7) Chia Seeds
Unless you have a very specific plan this is hard to do. They have to be incorporated in something. I would think making muffins with them would be cool but then you're eating a muffin. They do make good puddings though.

8) Fish
Love me some fish, always!

9) Cottage Cheese
Isn't that dessert in most places. Love the stuff but it never lasts long because so does everyone else.

10) Potatoes
This is a hard one. They are one of the most filling foods and are better than processed stuff because they have good nutrients. But are high in calories.

11) Lean Meat
Well, that's a good thing. We've fond that cutting up a chunk of meat into bite-size pieces and searing them made quite the tasty snack.

12) Legumes
I hate this word. How on earth is it pronounced? Beans, Peas, and lentils (another weird word). So soup!

13) Watermelon
When I was pregnant with my last child I could eat a whole watermelon by myself. I loved it! It was the middle of summer and I was doing a lot of juicing. That being said I don't find it filling and it's rather sweet. So where my blood sugar is the problem it may not be that helpful.

While it's better than potatoes in calories it's still high and who only eats one cup of watermelon?

Well, that's what suggest anyways. As for now, food is my enemy and I'm not sure what to do about it. It's a constant struggle but at least it's a push to learn something new. Keep fighting the good fight and stay active and healthy.

Peace

A daughters first love!

2019-06-29T13:48:00.002-07:00

I have begged my husband to invest time with his daughter. Today bout made me cry. I hope and pray this continues to grow. He doesn't know how important he is but he is and always will be her King.

Why I love social media

2019-06-03T10:03:00.001-07:00

So many people are complaining about how toxic social media is and there is hardly ever any fight back. I'm at a loss because I can't see it. It's like saying food is toxic or water even. If you don't use it right then, of course, it will cause problems. Drink to much water to fast and your blood cells will explode. Social media is the same way, you have to learn how to use it.

If something is addicting, remove it, set a time for it. Moderate the way you use it. Make it something that fills you with joy. Unfollow, defriend, ignore all the things that make your head hurt and fill them back up again with blessings.

I have social anxiety, I overthink every conversation multiple times and have a hard time getting my thoughts and feelings into words during a conversation. So how do I stay in contact with friends and family who aren't close by? Honestly, I love nothing more than sitting quietly with loved ones over a cup of tea just to absorb the morning air. I can't do that with family and friends that live many miles a day.

That's where social media and google images quotes come into play. Monday is my favorite day to send a personal message/blessing/inspiration to loved ones. It just says "Hey, I'm thinking of you" sometimes it starts a conversation sometimes I simply get a smile back. Either way it fills me up and makes me feel a little more connected. I so wish I would have had this when I was younger.

Learn to love the age you're in and make each day a blessing for yourselves and others.

Mommyhood random thought

2019-04-30T10:42:00.000-07:00

Enjoy life!

I saw this post today and I know it's just for fun. But did you realize that you can accomplish so much WITH your kids?

Lets look at this realistically.
1 & 6. Pee and shower alone, now it did take me many years to actually do this but lock the door. They'll get it.

2. Sleep 8 hours, instill a good sleeping schedule for them first. I highly recommend the no cry sleep solution for any age.

3. Hear myself think, honestly do you really want to? Well if you do remember that time for you is very important because if you don't you are not giving your kids the best either. Rather it's walking around the back yard after they've gone to bed or before they wake up or going for a relaxing hike during the day. Take time for you!

4. Wear non stretchy pants...again do you really want to? Most people I know don't. But I prefer real jeans myself. Get your self back in shape, it's important for your own health. A healthy you helps keep them healthy as well. Set good eating and exercise habits and chances are your little ones will have less of struggle with it when they are older because of it.

5. Drink hot coffee. This is a simple and fun one. I have three girls (two of wish are very much tomboys so it's not all princess). But we do tea parties on the regular. What is a tea party and how girly is it? It's not. In English gentlemen would regularly break for tea time as well. It's basically snack time. Pour them some tea or cocoa or whatever hot beverage you like in little cups, teach them to take their time (that's why I suggest always serving something warm). It's time to take a few breaths and enjoy your coffee.

The before list has a lot of travel involved which if you are able to do with or without kids, that's awesome. We Oregon(ized) it a bit though.

1. Climb Smith Rock, in fact, take the kids on lots of hikes, it builds both character and strong muscles. It will help you get into those "non-stretchy" pants.

2. Learn French, Spanish, German, Hebrew or any language. It's so much fun to do with the kids. Try a phrase a day. Common sayings you would use. Zeit zu gehen. It's time to go. Is something we use often. Duolingo is awesome for this and even the kids can use it.

3. Swim in the river or the Ocean, take the kids work those muscles and have a blast. Go down the rapids and pray you don't need to swim but have fun knowing you can.

4. Hike, hike everywhere. Download AllTrails app and find the nearest hike, make a list and tackle them all.

5. Ride a horse, go out to one of the many ranches and sign up for horse riding or volunteer at some of the places like healing reigns that use horses to help kids.

6. Run a marathon, well you can, you can totally do that with kids as well, run/walk marathons go on all the time. Practice, train, a little every day and take the kids with you. After they have gotten use to it you can all go and give it your best!

2019-02-09T15:31:00.000-08:00

So I saw this post,

And it really ate at me. We are a society that is lacking community. Face it, we need each other! Not a blanket! Although weighted blankets are helpful to those who can benefit from them, that's not the point. We have pulled so far in the direction of I'm ok, I don't need help, I can do this on my own, that we miss the point of what relationships are for. We are built for, created for relationships. Do you need a hug? Should not be answered by a piece of material but another person responding...I'm here for you.

Talk to each other, don't be scared of the dark stuff, love on one another, be patient for each other. When I was younger I hated physical contact and saw it as a point of weakness. I've had three girls and quite honestly got over most of that. I have broken down in front of people I barely knew and been comforted by the most unlikely of people. Nobody looked down on me, or thought less of me because I couldn't handle what I was going through without a few tears. I am so thankful for those people in my life.

Sometimes it's not about the deep heavy things though, sometimes we just want to know that we are worth your time. My middle daughter, my little cousin and some dear friends of mine give the best hugs just because. Just because they love me as I love them. It's a way to say 'hey! you matter to me' without a bunch of awkward words. So, don't be scared to love on each other, it's worth it.

What do I want to teach my children.

2018-09-29T14:19:00.000-07:00

What is a parent suppose to teach their children? When I homeschooled the answer was simple, everything! Now that my kids are in a public school I struggle a little more with what I need to spend time on. There are things that I still need to impart on them but I also recognize that they have very busy/full days and don't want to overload them with the extra curriculum. Now based on this particular school where one teacher told me they simply don't have the time to teach grammar and spelling in 2nd grade and my 6th grader wasn't assigned a single reading book all year, not to mention seeing no science or history being taught to the elementary kids at all. I do have some work to do.

I'm still using Ambleside Online as a base and I love it. I'll be working on a check-off sheet to help guide me through some topics. I also want to coordinate with what the school is doing. For instance, my 3rd grader is studying the planets right now, so we picked out a bunch of books to help her with her reading. I require each child to read for 20-30 minutes a day and then I will read to them for about an hour. Then about 10-20 minutes on math. They don't get homework for the most part from school so I use this to help with their personal study skills.

Then the fun comes on the weekend when we practice cooking, budgeting, meal planning, sewing, handy crafts.

Grade 1-4 book list https://www.scribd.com/document/389745650/Grades-1-4

As the kids are in school I'm going to adjust this and use it mostly as a resource guide and have left space to add in.

Hopscotch Olimpics

2017-10-19T08:32:00.003-07:00

Sometimes I wonder about my kids, are they not as creative or are they just more logical? Maybe it has something to do with having 3 sisters together. We just don’t have a whole lot of “Kids say the darndest things” conversation moments.

However, waiting at the bus stop I get to hear plenty of them. This kindergartener was on a roll this morning. He says “Dad watch this!” as he jumps back and forth over the lines in the sidewalk.

His dad then remarks that it “looks like hopscotch, do you play hopscotch at school?”

Kid responds, “No, I don’t play sports.” We both start laughing, well they don’t have it in the Olympics. Then the kid remarks something about hockey hopscotch. We come up with all sorts of sports of this playground game. Who knew all the adventures one could have with chalk and a stone.

Well, I’m not sure how that would play but it sounds fun. It was rather entertaining. Either way, I think it’s time to pull out the chalk.

Bus stop moments, gotta love them!

You can do it!

2017-08-05T10:36:00.000-07:00

You can do it, you can do it, buckle down and put your mind into it!

Oh my goodness, I am so happy I could fly! Was going to write in my journal but can't find a pen so here I am! I have been struggling with my weight for a long time. After three kids (gained 40 with each) it's been a long road. I've struggled with fatigue, back pain, hip pain, my hands swell, my legs go numb. The thing is I KNOW that when I lose the weight just a bit I feel 10 times better. Here's the thing, I have 3 full-time kids in the house, I'm normally busy just trying to keep my sanity.

Then there's the food. Come on! My Oma's German, My father's Italian, we know good food! That's something I'm not going to lose but I can totally control when and how much of that awesome brot, wurst, sourkrout, and pasta I consume.

So what am I so excited about. Well, today is the first in many milestones to come. I've dropped to 90.54 kg. That might seem odd but in pounds (the thing my husband keeps switching the scale to read) it's 199.6 - the first time I've been below 200lb's in about 11 years, when I was pregnant with my first child.

I really love my goals, I set them to right about where I am and slowly increase them. I want to be able to attain them with a little stretch each time. I've been using a fitbit this year, my husband got it for me as a gift. I wouldn't waste my money on such a thing but I do love the goal features.

So what are those goals, well now after 6+ months of doing this, updating my goals most every month to push myself a little more. My goals are:
Steps: 16.000
Distance: 8 miles
Calories: 3200
Active Minutes: 110

Now, fit bit has a cool feature to see your 7 day summary. What I'm averaging in my goals.
Steps: 23.167
Active Minutes: 158

So I'm always pushing for more, I have felt really sluggish because I don't always get my morning training in when my husband is home so that kinda sucks but I make up for it the best I can. Put on some electronic dubstep and jump around (you can call it aerobics) put some metalcore/rock in my ear buds and hit the pavement. Keep busy till the pounds start sliding off.

I still have a long way to go. I think my fitbit said another 18kg to reach my final goal. I might just celebrate at every 5 though! Now, a key to success is knowing your weaknesses, so what are mine? Besides food? lol well, pair food up with winter when getting out isn't as easy and you just want to snuggle up next to the fire and read a book drinking something warm and sweet. Russian Tea is my fave. A salad just doesn't seem as fitting, so I'll need to figure how to work that. Either way, it's a goal and an adventure. Come join me! See you off the trail!

Little Big Planet Review

2017-01-10T15:56:00.002-08:00

Ok, have you ever played Little Pig Planet? My husband got it once when there was a sony crash and it was part of a reward pack for faithful subscribers. Or something like that. Anyways it's not what he was expecting and I have a love/hate relationship with it. This game seems simple and fun but it quickly gets very challenging. That being said there is a two player option (which all games SHOULD have!) Just my personal opinion. Games are so much better when you can share them with people IRL.

So after playing in the snow on a cold January day I come in to find my kids have already started a game of Little Big Planet and are working together and doing rather awesome! My 10 and 6-year-old are not always the best of friends. They are very competitive against each other, so I was really surprised to find them working together and helping each other through rather difficult parts of this problem-solving game.

If you haven't played the game it's a rather simple concept. There's a simple and often silly story line that leads you through and you simply have to get to the other end. There are stickers and accessories to collect, bombs to blow up walls, things to grab on and go under over or behind objects all in an attempt to get to the other end.

I haven't seen them get along and work together this well over much any project. So I'm giving this game an A+ in my kids category. What do you think? What's the best games to incorporate teamwork. PS3, PS4 or non-console?

Standing on my own feet

2016-09-14T18:15:00.001-07:00

This may seem crazy but I just had to put in writing to see for myself. I've been on a big search lately to find some meaning to this whole crazy thing we call life. Call it a not quite mid-life crisis lol. No, I just want to be able to stand on my own two feet. I've been watching a lot of blogs from some really talented people and think "Man, I wish I could do that." But that's just not my thing. There are so many things in this world that I want to do and accomplish and the last thing on my list is to be a financial burden to my spouse.

My amazing partner in crime has been supporting me for 10 years now and yes it drives me crazy! I have always been good and just doing the dirty work. I've done some prep painting, a lot of cleaning toilets and such and some assembly line work. Not much of that requires talent of any specific kind. I have patients and can work with children and I'm not horrible at ordering people around if I know what I'm doing. But as much as my mom has tried to convince me, none of that is really a profitable skill. Unless you want to run a daycare, which I don't. Been there, tried that, not my cuppa tea.

I would love to do something with music but I can't even play an instrument. I would like to do the blogger thing but I suck at speaking. I don’t know, what’s a profitable talent?
What’s something I could do to earn a living with three kids at home. I don’t really want to do the 9-5 seen. So what else is left?

http://gamingfamilyof5.weebly.com/food--life

http://www.onlinecoursereport.com/30-most-lucrative-skills-you-can-learn-online/

Aweomse learning resource!

2016-08-30T16:01:00.000-07:00

The more I look the more I find. I'm hooked on inexpensive ways to have learning at my and my children's fingertips. I was looking for more ways to teach music ( a subject I'm not exactly fluent in ) when a lady in my local homeschool group told me about This Old School House. I've seen the magazine before but didn't know their website had such a plethora of material. Currently, we have started with an Art Techniques and guitar class for my middle schooler, Everyday copywork and spelling for my elementary, and a class on accounting 101 and homesteading for mom. Bonus for a limited time you can purchase the first month for $1 and after your purchase a year you get the second year for FREE!

When children say "I can't"

2016-08-05T22:14:00.002-07:00

When children say "I can't" it so important to show them they can!

So we have taken in some new roommates. A family of 6 and 1 puppy to be precise. Yes, it gets chaotic. Yes, my introverted self would like to hide now and again and I do miss the days of every one sitting with their nose in a book, just chilling quietly. However, I LOVE IT! I love these little kiddos almost as if they were my own. Mom and Dad are awesome parents and wonderful people who are working their butts off to get back on their feet. Houses were meant to be filled with love and laughter and the easiest way to do that is add more people.

Anyhow, there is this little girl who is a ball full of energy and as loud as the day is long. I taught her preschool in my spare room years ago. I love this girl! Now it's summer (she's going into 3rd grade) and the first thing she asks me as her folks are moving in is, "Mrs. Chris, can you teach me." Well probably not grammar but YES! I would love to. We're doing Easy Peasy because it's simple and fun. She'll most likely be in public school or online public school in a short while but for now she's mine. Out of the blue she says one day "I can't read cursive". Not sure where that comment came from but I'm looking at her like "Beautiful you CAN do what ever you put your mind to, wanna learn?"

So we finish day 1 of EP and I tell her she can start with learning the ABC cursive (as I'm teaching one of mine) or you can trace this memory verse I happen to have an extra off (from teaching another one of mine). She chooses the memory verse and in pen traces the whole sheet beautifully! Now it is tracing but she's never done cursive before and she did an amazing job! Then she read it! On her own. She need help identifying the s, f, and b. Other than that she got it perfect!

Okay, I'm a tad excited. I know. She went from "I can't" to "I did it!" It's amazing what kids (or anybody) can accomplish with the right tools.

Love my crazy days!

2016-07-22T18:06:00.001-07:00

I love my crazy days, especially when they are over!

I started my day off paying bills. I had done most of the accounting last night but I had one more that had to be done this morning. As I log in I noticed that my bill is way more than it should be. I look into it and come to find out 2 months ago I had an extra charge and I just kinda bypassed it until now not noticing the difference. Way to feel like a failure right in the morning. I ROCK!

Ok grabbing the kiddos up and lets get school going. My kindergartener rocks her reading and math while my middle schooler drags everything out as long as possible. Mom can you help me? With what, your writing definitions? I look over at my kindergartener and she has busy spilling a whole bottle of mom's only lemonade (crystal light) all over the floor next to bag. Why was that hidden over there... sheesh. Ok clean up and finish up. Back to helping my reluctant studier. Oh whats that tinys snuck out and are eating all the snacks out of the pantry? Why I guess it's time for lunch hu?

Alright, daddy's home! Time to relax a bit - oh wait he's headphoning/gamming to relax after a hard day. As I turn around and see a bare butt out of my classroom. Chase her down to find out someone has hidden ice cream salt in the bedroom and filled cups with it and water. Clean up crew in isle 2 please!

Mom, my friend will be here anytime to take me to lunch? Where is she? Call please, please, please? Ok calling...oh didn't your hubby tell you, car problems we're doing dinner instead. Ok. Door bell rings, dogs go off. See ya honey. She may be my biggest helper but one less child and the house quiets down a lot!

Then hey mom, why won't this dvd play? Because you rubbed it across the floor! Honey, why is the front door wide open? and where is the toddler? oh my. Ring ring, hey can you teach Sunday school this week? Oh crud, I can't log into the program. Ok, got that but I don't have Microsoft windows. Ug, I need a coffee, oh wait that's not coffee I poured into my creamer, that's water for the tea we had this morning. Mom, don't forget to go shopping for the triple birthday party tomorrow. . . mom, mom, mom!

Is it Monday yet?

You know but the blessing is, we don't remember all that. We remember the fun and the love we share. Like how my oldest helped vacuum and mop last night because she wants to earn enough to pay her own library fines. How we did the shake and make your own ice cream and each kid got their own bag and loved it! How blessed we are to HAVE snacks and be ABLE to throw a birthday party. My kids are happy, healthy, loving, kind, and smart as a whip. What can I say, life is good!

Anniversary Week "Your Sweet to Me!" cupcakes

2016-06-30T10:05:00.000-07:00

Apealing to my husbands sweet side

Anniversary Week "Your Sweet to Me!"

Monday - Milk Shakes
Tuesday - Coffee and cream cheese cupcakes
Wednsday - Coffee German Chocolate cupcakes
Thursday - Vanilla cream filled chocolate cupcakes
Friday - Chocolate cream with cherry filled cupcakes
Saturdsay - Kit Kat cupcakes

and then

Sunday - VV's Birthday Blue and Purple swirl cupcakes

aaaahhhhh So I made a batch of Paula Dean's coffee chocolate cupcakes on monday and have them sealed in the fridge and every day I fill and decorate a couple of them so it's something fresh and new every day.

I would have posted a picture but I lost my memory card this week

End of a hard day

2016-06-29T21:04:00.002-07:00

Its been a hard day. From the heat to my mood, wild running kids, and fighting with my husband. I've cried more tears tonight over the thought of not being good enough than I care to remember. Little ones are still bouncing off the walls 2 hours after bedtime. Sometimes I think I'm losing my mind.

Then the words come. My oldest gets home from her first day at youth group. She's ahead almost 2 years from others in the same grade as her so she is by far the youngest there. I wasn't sure how it would go but she had an awesome time. She starts talking about trusting God in hard times and the introductions. They all got in a circle and said their name, the school they went to, and their favorite place. Her favorite places were: 1 -anywhere not in the coner, 2 - the pool 3 - Home.

Her favorite place to be is home. Out of all the places she could be she prefers to be home, where she feels safe, surrounded by a family who loves her, where she knows where everything is. Maybe, maybe even though I feel like I'm totally screwing this parenting thing up sometimes. maybe it's just a hard day. One day, not the rest of the days. Tomorrow will be another day and we'll make it a better day. God is good and so is the family he's given me.

Just my thoughts at the end of a hard day.

Speaking a good word puts goodness in you

2016-06-21T22:45:00.000-07:00

There's little that brings me down more than when my Husband is angry or upset for any reason. Though it doesn't happen often, it did tonight. He went to run some erronds and his temper showed in his eyes. He said he was angry but didn't really know why.

I knew, there were several little things from a hot long day at work, kids fighting, dinner not on the table, kids bunk bed broke again, couldn't buy what he wanted to buy because the wife said those dreadfull words. We can't buy more stuff right now, we're broke. I knew the knew, all those things add up real quick in one evening. But what it is that God works in our lives when we leave our front door.

When he comes back that spirit had left him, he was still tired from a long day but something was at ease about him. Thats when I saw the daisy next to a coffee for me. There was able to get a little something for me. When I asked him where he got the flower he told me the story. While he was at the drive through coffee shop a man called out his name from the other side. He was an old aquantaince ridding bikes with his daughter. He stayed there for a moment chatting about why we changed churches and invited him to our new found family and the mens group that they have. He turns to the attendent at the window and appologises for taking so long, she doesn't care she was listening. Besides it's 10pm not a lot of people are out getting coffee.

That's it, that's all it took. Breath out, breath in, connect with the world around you, share in the blessings you have found. God is so good.

I know it may be a silly little thing, but it made my heart sing so I wanted to share it. May your day be lifted and your burdens made light.

When the bunkbed breaks. Multiple kids/one room.

2016-06-17T20:35:00.000-07:00

So this happened the other day. Our three girls share a small bedroom, which isn't a big deal. However, when the bed starts to sway back and forth several inches and bangs against the wall. There's an issue. We've seen triple bunkbeds but they are normally $500+. We just don't have that right now so this happened.

We took the beds apart, left the risers on the top bunk and used the toddler bed like a trundle bed. We're thinking about making our own bunkbed or at least bracing this bed with wood. Our youngest is about ready for a twin bed which will fit directly under the low (newly made) loft bed. This is not a permanent solution but it's a start. Just to prove anything is possible when push comes to shove. PS the kids love it. There's something about having a central reading spot when each child can see the story book from their own bed.

Feeding a family, healthy, without breaking the bank.

2016-06-17T20:08:00.002-07:00

I've seen so many people complain that its just not possible to feed a family healthy food without breaking the bank. I'm sorry but I call bullocks. I have 3 children who seem to eat constantly.

I will try to log several easy meals to prove my point. We are out of our grocery money of the month which is about $300 four our family of five. Dad was out of town for the night so we had something a little special.

General Tso Chicken - Normally I would make plain chicken with my own sauce but I picked up this bag for $4 and like a I said it's a special occasion.

Left over rice with a variety of seasonings mixed with broccoli

I purchased a 25lb bag of rice several months ago for about $15. I used 2 cups which equals pennies on the dollar.

The bag of broccoli I bough was $2 for 2 lbs of large florets, I only used 1/3 of it.

So that makes our dinner $5 for 3 kids and 1 adult, with each kid having seconds. Yes we serve kinda small portions because I'd rather them have seconds than waste the food on their plate.

While I admit there could be more nutritious in this, it wasn't junk food and it's still something I'm working on. We're working on salads, steamed vegetables and stir fries. More often than not I can make a meal for between $5-10 depending greatly on the amount of meat in it. Lets face it, your basic meat and potatoes (with a vegetable) are cheep and easy as you get.

More to come.

Make your own Granola - simple as it gets.

Homeschool PE

2016-05-12T15:23:00.003-07:00

Whenever searing for PE ideas for my classroom, I always come up short. Turns out 'kids fitness' is the term more widely used. Well after some searching I have some. I'm still looking for a decent wellness book because, after all physical education is more than just moving around. I'm looking at A Beka's health books but haven't made the purchase yet. Maybe I can find something from the library.

We started with www.discoveryk12.com and their idea. Which is simply 20 jumping jacks, 10 sit ups, 10 push ups, and 10 lunges. That takes a whole 5-10 minutes. Wile it's a start it doesn't meet the goal. Then we found fitness blender for kids. BINGO! It's not quite 30 minutes but they aren't sedentary anyhow. I am hoping to get mine in soccer and gymnastics but here's some ideas until then.

For a mix up grab some notecards and write down simple 30+ minutes ideas.

Hiking
Swimming
Tennis
Wii Just Dance kids
Wii Fit
Fitness Blender workout video
Obstacle course at the park or back yard.
Circuit: rotate between 3 or more activities for 30 minutes.

running in place
sit ups
jumping jacks
push ups
jumping rope

Then pick one (or have kiddos pick one) to do for the day or for the week.

Probably the easiest thing to do though is begin a workout routine of your own and join them into it. It shouldn't be just a school thing but a personal goal to keep fit and be healthy. Have fun y'all. What programs do you use to keep kids fit?

Doing something right - seeing the fruits

2016-03-09T13:11:00.002-08:00

Oh my goodness, just when I feel like I'm failing at everything, my kids pull me for a loop.

My oldest was VERY tardy to her lessons this morning, she was working very hard on a surprise. I was a little lenient as I worked with the other two on their lessons. Then she calls me and beggs me to please come see. For some reason she decided the clean the room she and her sisters share. Head to toe, vacuumed, under bed dirty laundry up and out, beds made. Everything. It was beautiful. Then she hurried off and still finished her lessons on time. Somethings got into her though I don't know what, I like it. Hopefully its my good example lol hey ya never know.

My second student did very well even though her lessons came much earlier than normal. She did is very proud of her writing and studied her words well. She gets a little frustrated but doesn't give up. Then she has a choice to make (hey that's what her devotion was about this morning, making good choices). anyhow, I tell her to pick a movie from the table. There is one about wild animals and another about learning how to tell time. You know what my little 5 year old chose? How to tell time. She went and put it in and watched it.

While I came out from checking on her I find my oldest who has mostly finished her studies, cleaning the kitchen. Scrubbing the stove washing the dishes. Even layed out a new towel for drying. Not sure what I did to deserve this but that's ok. It's been raining all day so not sure what the rest of the day holds but so far this is awesome! I can handle knowing they have a desire to learn and serve others.

I know I'm not very consistent in anything except that I'm consistently trying. I tell my kids why I want something done, why I'm working on something even if I don't enjoy doing it. I think it's important because if they see a purpose behind something it might motivate them to do something similar. To work hard at things that need to be done. I don't always give them chores to do independently, but we work on things together often. I wash you dry. I load the wash you empty the dryer. You sort the darks I'll sort the whites. I have found the key to many a child chore is to not go it alone, not demand that something be done and then walk away. Its OUR home, we work TOGETHER. Then sometimes they surprise me and see something needs to be done and go for it, without me saying a word or even being present.

Well that's a day in my crazy life. I have some studding to do of my own so over and out!

Home School Adventure: What an awesome yet regular day looks like.

2016-02-16T19:40:00.000-08:00

I usually figure a day when I've been up and down all night isn't going to be a blast. Thank goodness that's not always the case!

My oldest pulled out her Geronimo Stilton cookbook that she HAD to have. Most of it looks like wasting food for decoration purposes but I let her try anyhow. I don't know what her issue was but the kitchen was full of smoke. I snuck out some orange slices and yogurt parfaits for her and her sisters in case whatever she was making didn't turn on. Then we talked about the best way to ventilate and the proper temperature to cook eggs on.

Soon after breakfast the two little ones sneaked off to the back room for a morning cartoon session. I had a decision to make, get upset because they are suppose to ask and I normally don't like tv of any kind being on before noon. Or ... enjoy the peace. I sat down with my chef in training and started our daily lessons. Amazingly we got through everything including an odd discussion about step parents and split families. As she ran outside I pulled my next victim from the play room, she really stepped it up. Got her math facts down and did her reading all on her own! Win, Win. We watched a documentary about eagles over a lunch of broccoli chowder and then everyone went outside and enjoyed the beautiful February day.

It's funny how they either have double socks and snow boots on or refuse to cover their feet at all. Oh well I had a few minutes to do dishes and a few loads of laundry. While they played in their forts and ran crazy around the yard I restarted my computer and ran a few scans and sadly deleted my newly downloaded warcraft II game, need to find the CD or a safe site to download from.

Then everyone came in and digitized out on tablets and movies. My youngest and I make some awesome colored and heart shaped rice crispy treats that we all had with our tea that afternoon. Followed by a jumpathon on the trampoline (Mom included! I'm still out of breath lol). Cleaned out a bit of the garage (trying to find the bike pump) which after half an hour my oldest comes in and points to it right of the bat. Go figure. Then outside we go trying to inflate the bikes that have been sitting outside all winter (how did we end up with so many kid bikes?) Dinner and a bath for Miss Pee body... grrrr. Now time for stories and hopefully a goodnight sleep. Hey it's only Tuesday :)

Always time for art

2016-02-03T09:20:00.002-08:00

I was hardly awake when my oldest daughter came into my room and saw the wonderful sunrise. She asked if she could paint it. I'm rubbing my eyes wondering what she's talking about.

I mumble "sure after your studies are done." Thinking work before play, every day.

Well maybe not, so as I get up I hear her doing her chores and making her own plan to get her studies done in a very short amount of time. Wow cool some self motivation! What I didn't realize is she didn't want to paint a sunset, she wanted to paint this sunset. She quickly noticed that it had gone and she'd have to try again tomorrow. At least that's the plan I heard.

A little while later I'm busy getting her sisters up and going and my nose is stuck in a book. Hum guess I don't apply that work before play very well to my own life. That's when I notice that she is no where to be found. I check all the rooms and everything is silent. Where did she go? This is why I keep the front door bolted, I know no one went out the front door because you can't bolt it from the other side without a key.

Then I see her, she's outside sitting in the yard, its snowing and cold. She has her paints and is painting the morning sky. I almost wanted to yell at her to get in the house, put a coat on for goodness sakes. Didn't I say wait! But I didn't, this moment isn't going to last all day. I'm tired and cold and not exactly on the ball myself. Let her in joy her moment. Some peace that she doesn't have to share with her little sisters. We'll get lessons done soon enough. The laundry will get folded eventually. Sometimes we just need to sit back and enjoy the morning, whatever that means for you.

I greeted her back in with some hot coco and oatmeal. Ok, now we can start our day. No yelling about how things need to be, just reading, discussing, learning and growing in all that there is to learn. Seeking all God has for us right here, right now.

Good morning.