A time such as this...

Day 2

2010-04-06T17:49:00.000-07:00

French toast with pumpkin- Excellent!! I found some raisin bread in the back of my bread box and that with pure maple syrup on top was fabulous. I am noticing a funny pattern developing. Andrew likes to help be cook. When I get the purees out of the freezer he wrinkles his nose and says, "Eeewwwww!! Gross. I would never eat that." Then he helps me pour it into the batter. He stirs. I bake. Viola!! He eats double portions, then comments, "I am glad you were just joking about making me eat that gross stuff."
It's true. We have been eating well. Breakfast was great. For lunch I served the leftover soup and applesauce muffins. And for dinner we had meatloaf and mashed potatoes. We topped everything off with berry frozen yogurt pops. My kids ate it all with out a complaint. I was surprised by that because usually my kids don't/won't eat mashed potatoes, but with the motivation of the pops for dessert, they cleaned their plate.
So let's review.
I give the french toast a 10.
Mashed potatoes with cauliflower rates 10. I used 2% milk instead of skim and real butter due to the fact that I have some skinny kids running around here.
The meatloaf with carrot I will rate an 8. The flavor was excellent, but the consistency was a little lacking. Instead of firming up upon cooking, it stayed creamy. It's true that I used ground beef instead of ground turkey, so maybe that effected the results. I don't know.
So, according to my estimation my kids and I have eaten 6 different kinds of veggies today. That is a new all time record!! Way to go, me!!

Applesauce Muffins

2010-04-05T22:02:00.000-07:00

Day One!!

2010-04-05T21:43:00.000-07:00

Well, today I am happy to report that we ate 3 servings of vegetables...and we liked it!! The applesauce muffins were a big hit. I made them last night and of coarse I made them mini muffins because mini is more fun. This morning all the kids just gobbled them up. I added orange juice and bananas and called it breakfast. One serving of carrots down.
Dinner was a bit more tricky. We had meatball soup, which I must say was delicious!! I really must recommend it. All of my kids scarfed it down and Andrew (who is my notoriously picky eater) said, "Mom, I like this soup. Finally you got one that doesn't have any yucky stuff (veggies) in it!!" I just smiled and graciously accepted the compliment. What he doesn't know....
Anyway, a few comments about the soup. The instructions say that prep time is 20 minutes. I found that to be a gross understatement. I think the next time I make it I will try to have the meatballs already cooked and in the freezer. It was labor intensive to boil the noodles, soften the onions, puree the tomatoes, and prep the meatballs at the same time. Just add a few needy children into the mix and I was about ready to toss dinner out the window. But I am glad I persevered. The recipe calls for carrot puree but I accidentally added yams (hey, they are both orange and I was preoccupied with the kids). It all worked out ok. In fact I think I liked it better. The yams thickened the soup and made it more like a chili consistency. Oh, and I also used ground beef and beef stock instead of ground turkey and chicken stock. The meatballs were supposed to be added to the soup cooked upon simmering. Well, they did not keep their shape, but that was ok. It kind of was just a hearty meaty pizza-y yummy soup. I give it an 8. It would have had a 10, but that prep work docs it 2 points. Oh, by the way, the meatballs had sweet potato in them.
Tomorrow's menu:
Breakfast: French Toast (pumpkin)
Dinner: Italian Meatloaf (carrot), mashed potatoes (cauliflower)
Dessert: Frozen yogurt pops (berries)

Thanks for reading and enjoy!!

Purees

2010-04-04T21:33:00.000-07:00

Deceptively Delicious

2010-04-04T20:21:00.000-07:00

Hello All, I know it has been awhile since I have updated my blog. To be honest, I kind of forgot about it. I was tempted to shut it down. But recently I have been inspired to pick it back up. What is the source of my inspiration, you ask? Simple...vegetables. I guess I should say my realization that I really don't like vegetables. Yes, it occurred to me as I was cleaning out my vegetable drawer in the fridge. I spend lots of money on vegetables only so they can get moldy, squishy, and runny. Yuck!! Not only is it an inconvenience to clean out....it is also a mega waste of money. Something had to be done. I couldn't just stop buying vegetables!! The check out person at the grocery store will look at me funny, I just know it!! As I stand there with four growing boys, the checker will know that I am neglecting their major nutritional needs. Dilemma. What to do? Then the answer came to me as I was sitting with my girlfriends in a Chinese restaurant. They told me about the movie, "Julie and Julia". Apparently (I have never seen it) a woman decides to take a year to cook through Julia Child's cookbook. Well, a few days later when I was pondering my dilemma and trying to prepare my grocery list it came to me. I will cook through Jessica Seinfeld's cookbook, "Deceptively Delicious." It was a perfect solution. My mom gave me the book for Christmas. (I think she secretly suspected my snubbery of green foods. Moms have a way of knowing these things). The book's premise is to sneak vegetable purees into normal foods. The audience doesn't realize they are eating vegetables, which presented openly would certainly cause immediate choking, burning, or one's eyeballs to fall out. Since I am one, along with my kids, who frowns on eyeballs rolling around on the floor, I quickly devised a plan to eat my vegetables without really having to "know" I was eating my vegetables. Here it is: I will cook through as many recipes as I can in a two week period. I start tomorrow!!
Prep. work so far. I sat down and wrote down a 2 week meal plan including breakfast, lunch and dinner. I excluded any recipe that I knew we wouldn't like; for instance the Tuna Salad. No one in our family likes tuna. Then I prepared my grocery list. I decided that since I was going to commit to eating these vegetables, I was going to invest in really good veggies. I went to our local whole foods grocery store, Huckleberry's, and bought very fresh, very ripe, organic produce.
Next I spent some time this weekend prep-ing the veggies. I steamed or roasted them, then blended them in the food processor to make beautiful purees. Then I sealed them in freezer bags in 1/2 - 1 cup portions. Labeled them, then stacked them in the freezer. I am happy to say that I currently have yams, sweet potatoes, carrots, beets, and broccoli ready to go. I still have cauliflower, spinach, and acorn squash that I will work on tomorrow.
As a side note, my kids have really enjoyed being involved in my little adventure. My oldest, Isaac 6, enjoyed accompanying me to the grocery store. I let him pick out which veggies we should get. I think we both were a little amazed and disgusted at what beets really look like. They are really ugly!!! ...more on that later. Also, they have enjoyed the processing of the veggies. Today I had my 3 older kids and 2 neighbor friends all helping me peel carrots and mush potatoes. It was really fun!! But I would avoid this if you are one who enjoys a tidy kitchen.....yeah, about that.
So, anyway. If you want to join me on this little adventure, tomorrow we will be eating Applesauce muffins (carrot) for breakfast, and meatball soup (carrot and sweet potato). I will be adding my own sides, but these are the recipes in the book that will be attempted.
Now, one last observation before I sign off for the night. What is the deal with beets!! I don't understand how they became something that humans were willing to eat!! First of all, they are incredible ugly when you pull them out of the ground. They have these long roots that grotesquely resemble rat's tails. I admit they are choked full of nutrition and during recessions, famines, or great depressions people are forced to do desperate things, but I am quite surprised at their staying power during these fairly affluent times. OK, it's true that when you puree them they have a beautiful color that reminds me of a blackberry/raspberry sauce....but the smell!!! The smell reminds me of a pungent cross between dirt and YUCK....about a 30:70 ratio. I am sorry it I am offending any beet farmers of America. I am sorry. I can not give my endorsement to the beet. Not until they make it taste a lot more like what it looks like. Yeah, lets make the beet taste like a blackberry/raspberry hybrid. I think then we would really see a serious upturn in consumerable beet market.

A little different this year.

2009-12-20T15:57:00.000-08:00

Last year on this day, we had record breaking snow. This year....well, it looks a little different.

This time last year

2009-12-20T15:55:00.000-08:00

Snow snow snow.

2009-12-07T09:25:00.000-08:00

Christmas tree 2009

2009-12-07T09:24:00.000-08:00

2009-12-07T09:21:00.002-08:00

2009-12-07T09:20:00.001-08:00

2009-12-07T09:20:00.000-08:00

2009-12-07T09:19:00.001-08:00

2009-12-07T09:19:00.000-08:00

Politics

2009-11-24T17:53:00.001-08:00

I hate to write a political post...but I think this one is deserving of all of our attention. As you all know, there is a major push to pass the health care bill . Please take a few minutes to listen to Focus on the Family's broadcast on the Manhattan Declaration. It is very informative and calls for true Christians to make a stand.
Let me make my stand perfectly clear. I strive to be a law abiding citizen. I will pay taxes and join health care plans if it is required by law. BUT!!! I will not become an accessory to murder. I refuse to willingly pay for abortion services. I am convinced that would be breaking God's law. I am willing to stand by my convictions and ready to face the consequences for my actions. I will render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's, but I will never render unto Caesar that which belongs to God.

http://manhattandeclaration.org

This is the link to Focus on the Family's Broadcast.
http://listen.family.org/daily/A000002319.cfm

This is a link to just one of the blacklash responses to the Manhattan Declaration. Christians are called the "American Taliban", and words like "ChristeoFacist" are used.
http://www.newshounds.us/2009/11/24/bill_oreilly_and_ann_coulter_endorse_radical_conservative_clergy_position.php

Thank you for taking the time to educate yourselves and I hope you choose to join with me in standing up for our Foundational Christian Values.

Sarah

2009-11-06T15:53:00.000-08:00

Sammy J. 4 months

2009-11-02T19:53:00.000-08:00

Picture by Andrew Keevy. Model: Samuel J.

Funny faces

2009-10-29T16:22:00.000-07:00

Brothers

2009-10-29T16:20:00.000-07:00

Another cute, cute, cute!

2009-10-29T16:17:00.000-07:00

Sammy James 4 months old.

Endurance

2009-10-07T19:28:00.000-07:00

Do you know that an Ironman Triathlon consists of a three mile swim in ocean water with hundreds of people swimming over the top of you, then a 100 mile bike ride, only to jump off your bike to run a marathon....that's right....22 miles!!! Most people don't have the ability to do 1 of those things, let alone all three in one day!! There is a time limit. The race starts at 6 in the morning and the finish line closes at midnight. The point is not to win, but just to finish. It just boggles my mind that people voluntarily sign up for such a grueling event. But they do!!
There comes a time during the race when the glamour has worn off. The excitement is gone. You are all alone in the dark. Your body hurts and you have expended all of your physical resources. Your brain is numb from the pounding of the pavement and you can't think of any good reason to keep going. Infact, the logical option is to quit. The pain and persecution would stop if you would just quit...just lay down and wait for something to come and scrap you up off the pavement.
But you keep going. Why? Because you have fixed your hope on the finish line. You are determined to finish the race because you have your eyes bolted to the One who is waiting for you . You run with endurance for the sake of hearing, "Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into my rest."
So, I am running my Ironman of life. The Christian walk is not an easy journey. It is an endurance event. Sometimes it is dark, sometimes it is painful, sometimes I just want to quit. But Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Dear God, Let me throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let me run with endurance the race marked out for me. Let me fix my eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of my faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross."

Tim Butcher

2009-09-22T19:19:00.000-07:00

You Know...Tim Butcher and I never really got the chance to know each other very well. I just barely arrived on the scene when he so suddenly departed. But, even though we were friends only a short time, he has had a lasting impact on my life. Let me share just some of my memories of him.
* He looked really funny wearing a water floaty "island" as a sombrero.
* He invented the word "motate" while playing a game of taboo and he couldn't say the word "drive". "we were motating in our car". Motate is still used often in our home.
* Any time Tim ever was around me he gave me a great big hug.
* Any time Tim was around me, he made me laugh.
* Tim is still making people laugh. I haven't met a person yet who can talk about Tim very long before they are telling a story that makes everyone in the room fall on the floor grabbing their stomachs laughing.

Tim was Cheyne's very best childhood friend. We miss him. And can't wait to see him again.

2009-09-15T21:12:00.001-07:00

I am too tired tonight to "wax eloquent", so I will just say it plain. I try my best everyday to do right by my husband and kids. It is my goal every day to labor for the benefit of my family. This often and literally requires sweat blood and tears. And this is my conclusion... if it is up to me and only me to be everything for my family... then my family will surely fail. My 100% is nothing compared to what they need. I can not heal them. I can not save them. I can not protect them. I can not change them. I can only do very little. All I can do is point to Christ, and hopefully reflect Christ. Praise be to God, who is actively employed on behalf of my loved ones. He doesn't fill in the gap of what I lack. I fill in the hairline crack that he allows. Thank you Jesus.

Homeschool

2009-09-12T19:24:00.000-07:00

Homeschooling is a new territory for me. If you know of any helpful web sites on the subject, could you let me know. I will post them on my blog. Thanks.

Isaac made breakfast!!

2009-09-09T20:19:00.000-07:00

Isaac made breakfast for Daddy!! And Daddy was so appreciative and proud of his son that he ate the whole thing!!

Lov'n Life.

2009-09-09T19:01:00.000-07:00

Riding the Rail!

2009-09-09T19:00:00.000-07:00

Here is Grandpa Craig's sandrail. The kids loved riding on the dunes with him.

Summer fun

2009-09-09T18:56:00.000-07:00

littlest big brother

2009-09-09T18:55:00.001-07:00

tiny

2009-09-09T18:55:00.000-07:00

the difference of 2 months

2009-09-09T18:54:00.000-07:00

Yes, we shaved his head!

2009-09-09T18:53:00.000-07:00

His hair was receding quickly. In fact, the only thing holding his hair on was his cradle cap. Now he looks like Mr. Clean.

Andrew in the Sink

2009-09-09T18:52:00.000-07:00

Levi and Andrew

2009-09-09T18:51:00.000-07:00

Kindergarten SVLA

2009-09-09T13:30:00.000-07:00

Today is 9-9-09!! Isaac's first day of kindergarten. We will be homeschooling him 4 days a week, but on Mondays he goes to Spokane Valley Learning Academy. Mrs. Mackey is his teacher. Isaac, Davon, and Nathan make up 3 of the 4 kids in his class. The other is a girly named Macy. He had a great time. They read stories, practiced their letters and numbers, drew pictures in their jounals, and played soccer (which was Isaac's favorite part). Tomorrow we are starting up our homeschool consistently. We are looking forward to a great year!!

2009-09-09T13:23:00.000-07:00

2009-09-09T13:22:00.001-07:00

Isaac 9-9-09

2009-09-09T13:21:00.000-07:00

Mommyhood

2009-09-04T18:50:00.000-07:00

This mommy stuff is really exhausting. Exhausting in 3 ways. 1.) Pure physical stamina. It is exhausting going all the time. 2.) Mentally. You always need to be teaching, training, explaining, encouraging, rebuking...and all of it biblically. My mind does mental gymnastics when I am rebuking one, comforting the other, and just trying to keep track of the other two. 3.) Did you know that being constantly overwhelmed with joy is sometimes very exhausting? You know, like when you smile so much your face hurts. My mind often is often in a cramp due to all the wonderfulness my kids bring into my life. And I wouldn't have it anyother way.

rub a dub dub...

2009-08-09T17:35:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday, Old Guy!!

2009-08-07T11:10:00.000-07:00

Today we celebrated Cheyne's 30th Birthday! I don't have time to write all the sentimental mushy stuff that he deserves, but let me just say....Boy am I proud to be married to that guy. In the 8 years that I have known him he has amazed me in so many ways. Thank you, Cheyne, for loving me, taking care of me, laughing with me, and showing me what "Christ like Love" looks like. You are the love of my life!!

2009-08-07T11:09:00.001-07:00

2009-08-07T11:09:00.000-07:00

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2009-08-07T11:07:00.000-07:00

Cutie!!

2009-08-07T11:06:00.000-07:00

So, here is a picture of my cute baby!! I was supposed to be taking pictures of Cheyne opening his presents, but I got distracted by Sammy James instead. Can you really blame me?

A good looking couple!!

2009-08-07T11:00:00.000-07:00

Here is Karmyn and Jerry.

First whole family portrait

2009-08-07T10:59:00.000-07:00

I think this is the first "official" family picture where we are all in it. Look at me...I am surrounded by good looking guys!!

SAMUEL is HERE!!

2009-06-18T16:51:00.000-07:00

We had a suprising night tuesday night and Wednesday morning!! Our new little guy decided to join us. It was kind of funny. I was laying in bed thinking about him and wondering when he would be born. There had been no contractions or anything exciting for a few days so I concluded that this would be the first baby of mine to make it to full term (another 3 weeks). Just as I thought that thought, pop....my water broke!! Funny, huh? Off to the hospital we went, and at 7:45 am, little Samuel James was born. He weighed 6lbs 8oz, has a full head of dark hair, and is sweet in every way. Welcome to the world, little guy!! You were worth the wait!

Adorable

2009-06-18T16:42:00.000-07:00

Welcome, Little Brother!!

2009-06-18T16:39:00.000-07:00

Here is the brotherly introduction. All of the boys were fascinated with the new little guy and couldn't believe just how tiny he was.

Cupcakes for the Chippy-Do!!

2009-04-08T19:34:00.000-07:00

Look At You, Birthday Boy!!

2009-04-08T19:33:00.000-07:00

When did he grow up? He was just the little guy!! Now he can put his shoes on by himself, eat more pancakes than his big brother, and be big like daddy.

Happy Birhtday, Andrew!!

2009-04-08T19:28:00.000-07:00

All Andrew wanted for his birthday was to go to Chuck E. Cheese's, and have cupcakes!! So, here we are...celebrating our favorite 3year old. Happy Birthday, Andrew. We Love You!!

Happy Birthday, Isaac!!

2009-04-08T19:25:00.000-07:00

Just yesterday, you were just my little 6 lb baby. Now you are so grown up..acting more and more like your daddy everyday. I can't believe you are riding your bike without training wheels and getting ready to start school. You are quite a little man, and I am so proud of you. Happy Birthday, Buck a Roo!!

Here's the cake

2009-04-08T19:19:00.000-07:00

In case you can't tell....it's supposed to be a fire engine. It was my first attempt at a fancy cake. It would have been a disastorous if it had not been for my friend, Laura, coming over to save the day. The kids loved it and it tasted good. That's what counts.

Pinata

2009-04-08T19:14:00.000-07:00

After the cake and icecream, we sent them to the garage for the pinata. Everyone had a good time and went home with a bounty of candy.

It's good to be an only child...for the day!!

2009-03-06T20:51:00.000-08:00

Isaac and Andrew spent some time with Grandma, so Mommy and Levi had some fun. Levi loves brownies!!

Top 10 things I have me excited right now!

2009-03-06T18:53:00.000-08:00

10.) WE HAVE A BACKYARD!! All the snow has melted from our backyard. It is so refreshing to look out there and not see an ocean of white.
9.) I CAN FEEL SPRING COMING!! OK, it's not here yet... but the sun has broken through a couple of times and we have had a few days of mid 40's.
8.) THE KIDS ARE HEALTHY!! YEAH...I have finally broken the bad habit of visiting the doctors office or urgent care at least twice a week.
7.) I AM RESTED!! or at least I get rest at night. Everybody is currently sleeping through the night.
6.) NEW BABY IS HEALTHY!! and I am over half way done....YEAH!!
5.) I CAN SEND THE KIDS OUTSIDE TO PLAY!!! and my house is cleaner, my nerves are calmer, and I have time to sit and crochet a new blanket.
4.) I AM THE CEO OF MY OWN HOUSE!! I am currently reading a book that applies business techniques to running a smooth and well organized home. It is very practical and has me inspired!!
3.) MY FAMILY EATS BROCCOLI!! I am on a nutrition kick. I am changing our eating habits and my family is adjusting nicely. We have introduced things like sprouted grain, hummus, lots of raw veggies, and fish. So far none of us has starved to death.
2.) MY HUSBAND LOVES ME!! Self-explanatory.
1.) DESPITE HARD FINANCIAL TIMES GOD IS FAITHFUL AND PROVIDING FOR US!!

GRAND PRIZE WINNER WHY I AM EXCITED RIGHT NOW IS........

***THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST!!!****
I am enthralled with the knowledge that the God of the universe is a perfect God. He is Holy in all He does. He is the Sovereign King and the perfect judge of man. Because He administers perfect justice He has to condemn sinners to punishment. To do otherwise would make him a corrupt judge. This brings a great dilemma to man, because all man is sinful. Not one of us upholds God's perfect standard. All of us has broken God's law. In God's great court room, all of us can look forward to condemnation and punishment. It is the only fair and just verdict.
And then to realize that God, in his great mercy, sent his only son, in whom he loved dearly, to come to earth. He did this out of great love and compassion for us. Jesus went to the cross to bear our guilty verdict. He bore our sentence. God poured his wrath out on Jesus, so that I can stand justified. My sin is paid for. I am blameless in God's sight. I am guaranteed heaven.
My friends, this has me very excited. Please understand, I am not trying to evangelize people who don't know this (although that would be ok), but I want to remind you...my friends....the Christians of this. Our salvation was bought at a tremendous price. It is precious. I urge you to evaluate your life and make sure you are walking in a manner worthy of the high calling you have received. "Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 1:10-11

Congradulation To Us!!!

2009-02-12T21:30:00.000-08:00

It's a BOY!!!! We had the ultrasound today and found out that I will continue to be the minority in a growing population of men. Everything is healthy and doing great.

Homeschooling Help!!

2009-02-01T10:51:00.000-08:00

Hello Friends. I am once again asking you to participate in a discussion. I am currently researching homeschool curriculum and it is really overwhelming!! Every options has pros and cons. If you have any ideas or have tried something, would you let me know? I have looked into Veritas's phonics museum ,Sonlight for kindergarten, Math U See, and Tapestry of Grace. They all look good on the Internet, but all of them have negative reviews somewhere. It is hard to tell with out trying them all out. If you have any experience with any of these, or have liked something else, I would really appreciate a comment. Thanks.

Time to clean!!

2009-01-24T19:17:00.000-08:00

I decided I can't do it all the time, all on my own. So I had a brilliant idea.....Why don't I get my little minions to help me? I went out and bought them each their own pair of cleaning gloves (they thought they were superhero costumes), and we had a cleaning spree. It was great!! I highly recommend this for little boys. Because, as you know if you have more than one, if they are not being productive....they are being destructive. And they are really good at both.

Helpers

2009-01-24T19:12:00.000-08:00

Here they are scrubbing the floor. They did really well, and they thought it was fun!!

What would you do.....

2009-01-09T18:58:00.000-08:00

My friend and I were talking on the phone the other day and she brought up an interesting delima. It is one that I'm sure all mothers of little kids experience. I am writing this blog to get your input on it. Let's have a little discussion. OK, here it is. An acquaintance of my friend called her up and asked her if she likes "drop in" company or if she prefer advanced notice. Now being the sweet person that my friend is she wanted to be available for ministering to anyone just on a whim. But... the reality is that she is a mom of little children and you know that it is impossible to keep your house "company clean" all the time. She was in a pickle. She wants to be available for people whenever, but struggles with the embarrassment of surprise visitors seeing her dust bunnies. We are called to love people, but we are also called to be keepers of the home. Don't you think a lot of of see our untidy houses as a reflections of ourselves personally? What would you say? Is it ok to say you would prefer a call first? Anybody have any good ideas on how to manage housekeeping and little kids? What do you think about this tension in general? Is it pride, is it legitimate? Got any solutions? Love to here from you.

It's so fun to play in the snow!!

2009-01-05T20:37:00.000-08:00

More snow

2009-01-05T20:36:00.000-08:00

Today we hit 76 inches of snow accumulation in Spokane. That equates to approx. 3 feet of snow on the ground with 7 foot snow banks.

This is a lot of snow!

2009-01-05T20:34:00.000-08:00

Cute, Cute, Cute

2009-01-05T20:33:00.000-08:00

I think I already have a few other blogs with the same title. But really, there are no other words that sum it up so well!

Brothers

2009-01-05T20:32:00.000-08:00

Here I am desperately trying to get a serious picture...and Isaac thwarting me at every turn. Look at Levi....He's like "I can't help ya mom, you are on your own with these nutty guys"

New Sweatshirts

2009-01-05T20:29:00.000-08:00

Real Life

2008-12-22T18:53:00.000-08:00

I was just reviewing my last blog and had a strong desire to erase it. That would be nice because then you would think my life is just icicle bouquets and sweet other things. But that isn't real life...at least not my life. I started this blog to talk about the real, the nitty-gritty, and the not so pretty. I think if we were honest with ourselves we would have to admit that there is enough to go around. The truth is that EVEN as a Chistian woman there are still those moments when I struggle intensly to walk in a manner worthy of my calling. Even as a child of the Most High, I still have days were I have been up all night with sick kids, have morning sickness, and stuck inside for days on end due to a raging snowstorm in the middle of the Christmas holiday!! It wouldn't be far from the truth to say that I have almost as many lows as I do highs with long bouts of middle ground to trudge through. During the Highs it is so easy to rejoice and praise Him. It is during middle ground where I just try to remain faithful to the tasks that God has given me. Just remain faithful. And during the Lows...well, I just hang on...and I open my eyes. I start looking for what God is going to do... because if he doesn't do something then I am going to die (that pretty much sums up my prayer life during the lows). And what do I find? He is always faithful!! He always provides!! He always rescues!! He always takes care of me!! Sometimes he gives my husband the afternoon off so I can rest. Sometimes he sends a friend to bring me dinner. Sometimes he gives me the strength to do it myself. Sometimes Grandma shows up to babysit. It is always perfect timing and happens so often that I know it is not coinedence. It is God's providence. I am very thankful I belong to a benevolent God who understands that I am weak and loves me always.

2008-12-21T20:21:00.000-08:00

I don't know if you can picture this in your mind. I really doubt you can because I am sure you are a better mother than I am...but give it a try anyway. The kids and I were sitting at the table making some sweet homemade Christmas gifts for our beloved Grandmothers. I am deep in concentration trying to tie a string of beads and can't seem to get the plastic string to cooperate. Levi starts yeowling. Isaac is talking a mile a minute and demanding I help him with his string. Andrew is pawing me, trying to climb into my lap, pulling my leg, bumping me, all while saying, "Mommy? Mommy? Mommy? Mommy? Mommy?........? " and me getting frustrated because I can't get that Knot tied.... realize that my blood pressure is high and the kids feel like they are pressing in against me...and I need room to breath...I need to get away......................
So I run to the bathroom and shut the door claiming, "MOMMY NEEDS SOME PRIVACY!!" Then they start clawing at the door. The door knob begins to turn. I can hear them just on the other side. The odd sensation that I am in one of those below budget horror movies where the poor helpless women is trapped in the last room of her house and the zombies/aliens/creatures from the swamp are oozing in through the cracks in the door. It's only a matter of time...She puts her fingers to her teeth and lets our a window shattering scream!!! See, I told you you were a better Mother than I. Instead of screaming, I did get down on my knees and ask the Lord to help me, because I obviously needed it. He gently reminded me that 1.) I needed to stop trying to parent in my own strength (because who am I kidding if I think I have any of my own) 2.) Cheyne was on the his way home and he will help...so be encouraged and 3.) When Cheyne gets here I need to take a nap (for the health and sanity of all of us)

So, is there a moral to my story? When your little creatures from the swamp rise up and start to overtake you...seek help and take a nap.

A little snow...

2008-12-20T19:52:00.000-08:00

Here is a picture out our front door.

Icicle Boquet

2008-12-20T19:50:00.000-08:00

This is my husband's creation and artistic side showing. He made me an icicle boquet.

Isn't it Beautiful?

2008-12-20T19:49:00.000-08:00

Winter wonder land

2008-12-20T19:48:00.000-08:00

This is off the front of our house.

New Addition

2008-11-30T19:06:00.000-08:00

We had a great thanksgiving. We spent it with family and friends. It was especially special because we announced that we are expecting a new family member. He/she will be arriving in late June.

We are Lovin' Soccer!!

2008-11-22T13:10:00.000-08:00

Isaac started Peewee soccer. It is a lot of fun. I think we could really get into this. Once they figure out which one is their goal, I think they will be unstoppable!!

Soccer

2008-11-22T13:07:00.000-08:00

Going for the Goal!!

2008-11-22T13:06:00.000-08:00

Kickn

2008-11-22T13:05:00.000-08:00

Here He Goes!!

2008-11-22T13:04:00.000-08:00

Stridor

2008-10-28T22:11:00.000-07:00

Apparently, Stridor is an inflamation of the esophogas (Sorry about my spelling). Stridor causes extreme difficulty in breathing and is quite scarry at 2:00 in the morning. And, the only thing that relieves the inflamation, besides going to the emergency room, is cold air. So, here is a picture of us saving ourselves from a monsterous medical bill. Cheyne and I took turns holding this little guy all night long. Happy to report Levi is doing great....we are still trying to recover.

Fall fun.

2008-10-28T21:13:00.000-07:00

Today we discovered the joy of falling leaves.

Isaac in the leaves

2008-10-28T21:12:00.000-07:00

Andrew in the leaves

2008-10-28T21:11:00.001-07:00

Levi in the leaves

2008-10-28T21:11:00.000-07:00

The best family night yet!!

2008-10-28T21:09:00.000-07:00

WE have been talking about kindness and why we as Christians are kind to people. We are kind and loving because Jesus is kind a loving to us. So, for tonights family night we made carmel apples. It was sooooooo fun. We turned up the music, snacked on a few of the candies, and made beautiful apples. Then we got all bundled up and delievered them to our neighbors' across the street. Talk about out of my comfort zone. It took bravery on all of our parts, but it was so fun to see their faces when we handed them a big plate of those beauties. Our original idea was to make 10, give 5 away and have one for each of us, but after we delievered the five we decided it was so much fun, we kept going. We walked 1 over to our bachelor neighbor, then we marched another 3 over to a family we had never met before. All of our neighbors were delighted and very friendly. After all of the deliveries we came home, sat at the table and sliced up the remaining 1 apple. As we maunched our delicious treat, Cheyne opened up the Bible and read about generosity. It was very meaningful. This so far was my favorite family night. It will be hard to top.

Levi Helping

2008-10-28T20:55:00.000-07:00

Andrew Helping

2008-10-28T20:54:00.000-07:00

Isaac helping

2008-10-28T20:53:00.001-07:00

Yummy!!

2008-10-28T20:53:00.000-07:00

Off we go.

2008-10-28T20:52:00.000-07:00

We delievered our carmel apples to a few of the neighbor families.

Our family is together again

2008-10-28T20:51:00.000-07:00

The goats came to live with us on Saturday. They are doing fine...adjusting to lots of grass and lots of kids. The neighbor kids are loving them and I am considering it an answer to prayer. I have been praying for a way to further relationship with our neighborhood friends. Now they are over everyday after school to pet our exotic pets.

Daddy's Little Helper

2008-10-28T20:48:00.000-07:00

Here is Cheyne Building a gate to keep the goats off the porch. Levi was eager to help.

A picture says a thousand words

2008-10-14T19:19:00.000-07:00

This is our Andrew!! Not much more to say.

When did he grow up?

2008-09-29T15:09:00.000-07:00

So, I'm in the kitchen...minding my own business....when I turn around and see this!!! A little boy standing up at the counter talking to me!! When did he grow up? Wasn't he just a little tyke just yesterday?

What a big boy!

2008-09-29T15:06:00.000-07:00

More of the cute

2008-09-29T15:05:00.000-07:00

Family Night

2008-09-29T15:01:00.000-07:00

Chenye stepped out in faith this year and said "no". He said no to extra cirricular activites, including church "ministries" to stay home and nurture his family. He has decided that now is the time to be investing into the diciples God has placed in our home and make that his primary ministry. One of the ways we have activley persued this is by establishing a weekly "family night". We chose Sunday evenings. This is a time where we turn off the phones, put off the dishes and chores, and have a fun purposeful time with just us. We felt this was important for a number of reasons. Just a few are: 1.) we want to model Christian truths. Spiritual imput should not come from just outsiders. We want it to be normal in our daily living.
2.) Spiritual imput doesn't have to be boring. As someone put it, "Christian truth can be alive, effective, and can blend with other forms of family sharing. It doesn't have to be closeted off in a holy zone of formality." 3.) We want to develope relationships and keep influence. As the kids get older we see a battle for their affection. Either the world can have them, or we can fight for them. We want to be a fun family where they are comfortable sharing themselves and secure. We want to have a solid foundation of trust and respect by the time they reach the teen years.

A few rules we have put on the Family Night is:
1.) It has to be just us, and all of us.
2.) The activities have to be fun, and fun for everyone.
3.) All conversation has to be interesting to everyone. (Parents not discussing politics at dinner, etc.)
4.) There must be short purposeful spiritual topics peppered through out the evening.

I have to tell you. It has been tremendously fun. We have enjoyed our family more than ever before. And I believe we have already seen spiritual fruit. Isaac is taking more of an interest in the bible and spiritual things. The motivation seems to be that he is interested in what we are interested in. "Daddy likes it, and so do I" mentality. Another benifit is that the kids are more imaginative. Because we have spend time playing with them, they learn more ways to play on their own. Another thing is that the family relationships are sweeter. Since we started, Cheyne has made many comments about how neat his kids are, how much he loves them, how fun they are. He always loved them, but taking the time to get to know them more and have fun with them has just made it all the better.

I highly recommend this to any family with kids in the house. The blessings are many!