Vision Forum Contest AGAIN!

I got to go "play" shopping once again. KimC at "in a shoe" is holding ANOTHER Vision Forum contest. This time it is new and improved with the prize being $250.00 worth of your favorite VF products. So heres my wish list! See the details here.

Thoughts for Young men (52014) $8.00
Wise Fatherhood (78553) $15.00
Home Maker (34801) $20.00
The wise womans guide....(68221) $16.00
Develop character in your children (20758) $10.00
Keep children from becoming bitter(20752) $10.00
Expect from a 12 yr old (20760) $10.00)
Pass on convictions to children (20762) $10.00
Influence of older/younger children (58785) $10.00
Maidens of Virtue (68538) $20.00
...A family that will stand (10176) $30.00
Masters plan for fathers (43752) $35.00
Be Fruitful and Multiply (84325) $15.00
Blue back speller (51030) $13.00
New england Primer (12755) $10.00
Dominion Mandate (58771) $10.00

With a total of $242.00

Fingers crossed, again.......

Family Table

We have been needing a new "bigger" table for a while now. Ours sat 6, so the kids ate at the table and Rob and I would eat at the coffee table.

Those days are long gone. Rob has had some free time lately and this is what he has been doing with it.

We now have a table that will seat up to 14 people. His next project will be the benches to go along either side. I figure at leats 5-6 little tooshies can fit on each bench. I am so happy! Its a bit large in the dinning room, but we will adjust to walking around it.

Who doesnt love a contest?

Kim at In A Shoe is having a Vision Forum contest.....and who doesnt love Vision Forum ;-)

Heres the scoop. You browse through the 2008 catalog and choose $150.00 worth of V.F. products. Post them on you blog and cross those fingers. Heres my list. I am a book addict as you will see below.

Passionate Housewives desperate for God $16.00
Family Man Family Leader $15.00
Thoughts for young men $8.00
Raising maidens of virtue $20.00
Home making $20.00
What the Bible says about scorn and mockery $10.00
The wise womans guide to blessing her husbands vision (boy do I need this one right now) $16.00
What to expect from a 12 year old (Yikes only 8 days away) $10.00
The influence of older children on younger children $10.00
How to pass on convictions to your children $10.00
Who controls the womb (always wanted to read this one) $15.00

$150.00 exactly!

.......fingers are now crossed ;-)

Time Together

By the looks of it, it would seem we spend most of our time lately at the park. Yesterday Rob had a bid to give about 45 minutes from our house, near Cooper State Park. So we all loaded up and drove to the house he was putting the bid in for.

North west of Greenville, actually right behind our house is nothing but small towns and farm land. Its beautiful.

The town we went to yesterday had one street going through it with a population of probably 200. The family was super sweet. I got to talkinging with the lady of the house and she was one of 15 children. Yet she only had 3 herself. The children got to play in her chicken coop with brand new baby chicks. We just swang on the back swing and watched the kids play while the men talked business.

After that we headed to Cooper State Park. We saw a box turtle and weird wild melons growing all along the trees. Last time we were there they had a sandy beach area. so we were hoping the kids could go swimming, but the water level was so high it was not possible. Funny considering last year they couldn't swim there because there happened to be no water in the swimming area. Nature is such an ebb and flow isn't it.

I have really been enjoying Robs time home. It has been slow the last few weeks and he has been home quite a bit. There is such a peacefulness around our home right now, even though I should be a little nervous about getting the bills paid. He is providing though, sometimes on the very day the bill is due. Yet HE is providing! Thank You Father!

Rob has been helping around the house, with the kids. Its as if before he was so caught up in work, because they had him working so many hours, that the house was mine to care for and run and work was his "job" Now we both talk about the things going on in the house, he gives me tips, keeps me on my toes with schooling the boys. We are a team both in the house and with the Construction Business. It is worth the trade off of having a steady pay check, to having my hubby here. We got home last night and cooked dinner together. So nice!

The greatest thing to watch is how he has been able to laugh at all the kids antics. Being home with them he really is able to watch them and interact with their day, and smile with them. When he was home, usually only Sundays, he had to catch up on his around the house chores, then it was off to work again. I realize a living has to be made, but I can truly see the benefits of a father being home more than he is away. If the family can work together to make a living that is a real blessing.

Some pictures of our day at the park

Jordans sand castle

Rob and Devon seeing who can swing the highest

Eve pushing her toes in the sand

Jordan running

Our Stick Family

Letisha found a fun website called our stick family. It was alot of fun creating this. So here is mine. No, I am not alluding to anything, just figured this represented what I look like more often than not.

Delighting in...........

Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young— a place near your altar, O LORD Almighty, my King and my God.
Psalm 84:3

..........gathering

...........exploring

.............waiting

.............reaching

............watching

Thank You Father for my heart and all that You have placed so deeply in it.

Goings On

We had a nice weekend. The weather here has just been exceptional all summer long and the fall is proving to be just as lovely. We have a large pond about 4 minutes from our house, so Saturday I decided I would take the oldest three fishing (yes , I love fishing). It had rained during the morning and afternoon, so when it finally stopped we headed out. I pulled into a section that we normally pull into and lets just say that was a mistake. It was VERY muddy! I pulled forward and realized that my truck was sliding tOwArD ThE PoNd!! I put it in park and we stopped, but I quickly realized we had a big problem, when I stepped out of the truck and saw that I only had about 4 more feet to slide before I was in the drink.

So, we found the nearest park trash can, emptied it out and filled it with wood shavings from the city compost pile across the street. We put as much of it around the truck as we could and I put it into 4 wheel drive and tried to drive out. It took me about 20 minutes to pull out of the muddy area. We just kept putting wood chips under the tires until we were able to get all the way out. After all this fun the boys were able to fish and caught quite a few fish.

School is going well. It is taking up quite a bit of the day now with all 5 of the boys doing some type of learning. The youngest two have started reading and are doing really well. It never ceases to amaze me how they can all be so different in their learning styles.

I am excited to have my Extend-A-Bibs being sold in another boutique. Gissy Bella has added them to her line of fun and neat products. Go take a look at all the things she has over there. Us Mommy's are an inventive group of people aren't we!?!

I know I don't post as often anymore, I do apologize! But life has become so full. This is not a bad thing at all, it just leaves me with less time to blog here. I do think of and pray for my bloggy friends often. I hope everyone is having a great school year, filled with excited, bright eyed children. Praying also for all the "babies in waiting", I cant wait to see them in "person"

I am off, have a great day!

The sewing corner

Here is a cheap, fast and fun project that takes almost no real sewing "skills". In our home we have colors for our children. This helps them know what is theirs to keep up with and it helps mom know who to tell to pick their towel up off the floor. Today I made the boys pillow cases.

It took me under an hour because there was no cutting and minimal sewing. One yard of broadcloth is all you need. I got it at Wally World for $1.87 a yard. Keep it folded in half and sew up the one open long side and one of the end sides. Turn down the other open end twice over and sew. Turn right side out and your done.

Now I just have to wash them so that they are soft and fresh smelling, for my little men to rest their tired heads tonight.

The Horror

Here lately Ava Rosa has been pestering us while we eat. She will come up to Rob and just stare at him. If I am at the table eating and she is in my lap, she pulls at the plate trying to get what is one it. She is also notorious for picking up ANYTHING off the floor and eating it. So I thought well, maybe the poor girl is just hungry. I sat her down in the high chair with smashed carrots in hand.

Lets just say that she HATED "real food" She couldnt get it out if her mouth fast enough. Even resorting to gaging after the 3rd bite or so. I was laughing so hard I had tears rolling down my face. I guestemate that only about a tablespoon made it down her throat before I pulled the plug on the whole thing.

So at 8 months old she is perfectly content with what Elijah calls "mommy milk" or "tea" depending on what side shes on ;-)

1 John Chapter 2

My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Yeshua (Jesus Christ), the Righteous One.

He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. The man who says, "I know him," but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him.

This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.

Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old one, which you have had since the beginning.

Additions to the store

The first round of dolls are finished and available here. You will also find the Extend-A-Bibs here. I hope you enjoy them!

Seths Party

We had a famliy over yesterday that lives down the road from us. They have seven children as well. Here is a picture of twelve of the fourteen,the baby girls where not in the picture. . Needless to say when she and I go anywhere with the children we are a group to be reckoned with. LOL

They are all lined up for relay races.....ready....get set.....GO!

Three legged race..................................................
Trampoline time, followed by swimming..........lots of fun was had by all.

Double Fun Day!

Twelve years ago today, my true love took my hand in marriage. I was nineteen and he was twenty four. Our life has been blessed!

Then on the same day four years later, we welcomed our third precious son Seth.

Happy 8th birthday my sweet young man.

My week in pictures

It has been a very good week. Every day that you are breathing is a good day, right! ;-) I have changed my diet a bit. I have been suffering with achy joints and just feeling like I am 100 years old for the past year now. Which isn't fun considering I am only 31 years old and have a long road in front of me (I hope). After talking with a naturopath (sp) and a few other health folks, the conclusion was made that my body needs a good detoxing. A 21 day fast and cleansing was prescribed, BUT I cant do it, BECAUSE I am nursing (as always) LOL!

I thought about weening Ava early so that I could get in this detox before my next pregnancy (Lord willing) The more I thought about it, the more I hated that option. I figure if God doesn't give me time in between, well that's His decision. So I am NOT going to ween Ava early, BUT I am going to try and bath my body in nutrients for the next few months. Juicing, drinking lots of water, eating no sugar (that will be hard), and steering clear as best as possible from all processed foods. Below is a picture of breakfast. Courtesy of Jack La Lane, I had two carrots, two celery sticks, a peach and a beet.

LOOK at ALL these eggs. The chickens have been doing great. We found a nest under the house last weekend that had 10 eggs in it. Somehow one of the chickens keeps getting under there and laying her eggs. Silly Girl! Now what to do with all these eggs?

I have taken the term baby maker to a whole new level, LOL. I am almost done with 7 of the Little Blessings Babies. They just need their faces put on and they are ready to go to their new homes. These have been alot of fun to make!Last Saturday was a perfect day! The weather was beautiful and that prompted us to lay out a blanket on the ground and enjoy the backyard. The ladies were happy to join us as well.

Until they received hugs o-plenty, then they decided to go back to their side of the yard.
My blanket buddies where Eve and Elijah. They had fun sitting with mom on the blanket and reading. Jumping on the jump-o-leen and swinging each other on the swing set.

The "Big Boys" decided to put on a show for us as well. Hooping and Hollering, and showing us how strong they were.

I received three dress orders over the weekend, so I will be busy making those this week. I also have 80 bibs to make LOL for a rep that is going to begin carrying them in her store. School is also in full swing. Lots to do! Everyone have a great week.

Extend-A-Bib Giveaway Winners

The winners were picked out of a hat this morning by the first child to rise and come downstairs. The winners are Heather from Running to the cross and Johns Wife. Alright gals let me know if you want a boy/girl bib and where you want it sent.

I am also going to give away one more bib as a huge THANK YOU! To Michelle B. As a result of her posting my giveaway on her blog, through the rabbit trail that is the Internet, I have been givin an opportunity to sell on another website.

Marina with Gissy Bella LLC www.gissybella.com the creator of Comfy Crawlers has asked if she can sell my Extend-A-Bibs on her site. I am hoping that this will be a great resource and hopefully the start of a trend to sell on many websites as well as retail. So thank you again Michelle for helping me make that connection!! Let me know boy/girl and where you would like it sent.

Contest

Well, I suppose its not really a contest as there are no hurdles to jump over, creative poems to write, cute pictures to take. You just simply need to leave a comment and you will be entered to win one of our new Extend-A-Bibs©

I will pick two winners on September 12th (one week from today). These come in both genders, so all can join in this give away.

If you link to this post on your own blog or website, I will add your name to the hat twice.

This will be a sticky post until the 12th, scroll down for new posts.

This and That

Well, Its been pretty busy around here. Rob has been working ALOT and it seems as if we are to take that next step and begin hiring employees. If we do not do this we will have to begin turning down jobs. God has blessed us so much! I find myself in awe sometimes, that we deserve nothing and yet He has given us everything!

Many of you remember the nightmare I went through about a year ago with my mother. It was quite painful and we ended it in a harsh way. Well, Wed and into Thurs I had been hearing that I should call her and reconcile. Not start a relationship again, but to simply forgive, ask forgiveness and let go. I of course fought this direction tooth and nail. "Lord you really cant want me to do that....don't you remember what she did to me?"

Then last night the phone rings and it is my mother. I was floored. She said that she thought something might be wrong because she couldn't get me off of her mind. She wasn't going to call, but decided she had to. I must say I was happy that we said our peace and laid it to rest, yet unnerved that this happened. Of course I keep thinking why was it so important for us to speak to each other so quickly? I know that Our Father in Heaven is in complete control and His way is the only way!

Around the house: we have built a very nice chicken coop and they are apparently getting the hang of it. We tried trickery and it seems to have worked. Putting eggs from the store into the laying boxes to try and get them to lay in the coop instead of hiding their eggs in our yard. I have learned that chickens are much like children, and if left to themselves will bring shame to their parents. Letting them free range and live like semi-wild chickens brought us no fruit (eggs). So now we must re-train them.

We decided that Eve was ready to potty train this past week, and she has been doing very well, especially today. Considering she has been sick and has a touch of the stomach bug, she has been getting to the toilet rather well. She will be our earliest potty trainer at the ripe young age of 27 months. The boys were all between 3 and 4 years old.

Ava had her first bite of baby food today and that was all she had because she couldn't stand it. So we will continue to solely nurse. I wanted to wean her a bit early maybe at 9 months so that I can detox before (if the Lord is willing) we conceive again. I was thinking about it last night and that is (if like all the rest) only 3 months away. Yikes, time flies! My body definitely needs a good detox and fast to get back in tune. It is so hard though when you overlap nursing and pregnancy and never seem to get a span of time in between. So I guess I will have to carve some out this time. I hate to wean her though, sigh, what to do?

Well that about wraps it up I need to get some things done around the house while the girls are napping. Have a great weekend!

Portraits and chickens

I took the kiddos to the portrait studio today to get their summer group photo. Lets just say that it takes an act of huge proportions to get a GOOD picture. We pulled it off last year, this year though it looks as though we will be making another trip back in on Sunday to try again. There just weren't any good pictures to choose from today.

Ava was in for her solo shot, to add to the baby wall. Miss smiles all the time just was not having a photogenic kind of day. She kept making weird faces or had her hands up in the air. Alas not all was lost. When we got home I sat them all down on the front porch steps and took some photos. One turned out OK.

Funny thing is when I look at pictures of all my children together, it just doesn't seem like there are alot in the picture. But I catch myself looking at other family photos and saying "wow, they have a house full." Then I will count and go "oh, they have 1 less than me" Am I the only one who does that?

Stucker Brood

Miss Sunshine

We were elated to have our first egg yesterday! After 4 long months they have finally started laying. Maverick, the chickens keeper and eternal pesterer, brought it to us in his mouth. He didn't eat it or squish it. How he picked it up and carried into the house without breaking it, I don't know. It was really small, which after reading up on it the first few eggs from a chicken are small. Now things get interesting as I figure out if we should build a coop and house them at night, so that finding the eggs will be easier, or if we just continue to allow them to completely free range and then who knows where they will lay those eggs. The kids ran out first thing this morning to hunt for eggs. They had such fun. Seth made a "dew angel" and had to come in and take a shower. I sware sometimes that testosterone cracks me up. So far nothing on the egg front today though, we keep checking every few hours.
The chickens roost in a low lying branch of a tree. Is that not just the weirdest thing. Apparently this is what they do in the wild, sleep in trees. I'm not sure how conducive this is to laying eggs.

Ava Rose

Just a little proof of her deliciousness. She has ringlets so they wisp off to the side. Just precious!