Menu Plan Monday- Week of Jan 31, 2011

Monday evening-  Baked spaghetti, corn and bread

Tuesday evening- Maple chicken with sweet potatoes, green beans and biscuits (from last week, never made)

Wednesday evening- Leftovers (whatever is left from Monday and Tuesday)

Thursday evening-  Chicken strips, crockpot mac and cheese, broccoli and biscuits

Friday evening-  Pizza pockets, bread sticks and salad

Saturday afternoon-  Leftover pizza pockets and sides
Saturday evening- Chicken and dumpling casserole and peas

Sunday afternoon- Leftover casserole and peas
Sunday evening-  Country fried steak, mashed potatoes, green beans and biscuits


Happy Monday everyone!  :o)  We had an awesome weekend with temps in the 60's and 70's.  The weather made me energized to get out, get moving and get busy, so we did lots of walking and playing outside!  No chores were done, but I did get a bib sewn.  Thats quite an achievement from this last week of neck pain (which is FINALLY gone) and crazy days!

I hope I stick to this menu this week!  I've been having issues with my menu lately.  To read more about my "issues", go here.  On another subject, the sermon yesterday was preached by a man that lives in Maine.  He was loving our weather, of course, since he had just left negative temperatures and came to Georgia to find 60's and 70's!  :o)  Anyway, he preached about conflict and disagreements in different situations.  He was hilarious and a great story teller, but one of the points was this "how you handle a conflict or disagreement shows others what you believe about God".....  of course, that stuck with me.  Thinking back to disagreements or conflicts with others.... even with the kids.....how did I handle myself?  If that other person was a non-believer, what did my behavior look like to them?  Just words that I wanted to have written down somewhere......

Have a happy week!  :o)  We have another semi-busy one, but its gonna be rainy so we'll probably be indoors most of the week!

For more menu tips and ideas, visit Laura here.

A Case of the.......

I don't have a case of the "Mondays" but I do have a case of the FOOD BLAHS!  And I don't think I've ever had it this bad before....  can I blame it on baby?  I cooked something twice last week and when we went to eat it, I couldn't!  I ended up putting it in the fridge and making something else.  I cannot keep doing this.... all weekend long I didn't want what was on the menu.  Its awful!  Oh and I'm having the strangest craving- white bread pb&j!  HAHA!  We don't buy white bread, but man! I might have to!  This craving has been going on for a few weeks.... a white bread pb&j and a bag of doritos!  Yum!  And, for nutritional value, I can add a yummy fruit salad!  I would be set for a few days... just eating that, over and over again!  Isn't pregnancy weird?!  BTW, speaking of nutritional value... the other day I had no desire for ANYTHING in the house for lunch.  The kids had already eaten and were taking naps and I was starting to feel sick, so I knew I had to eat SOMETHING!  I finally grabbed a bag of popcorn.  Bubbie saw me with my bowl of popcorn and asked if I was having a snack.  I said no, that that was my lunch.  He looked at me, frowned and said "Mommy, that isn't very healthy!"  HAHA!  We have trained him well!  It was homestyle popped... not homemade... we ran out of kernels.... but it could have been worse, right?  It wasn't a burger and fries and a milkshake!  Which is another craving of mine lately.... UGH!  Pregnancy weird-o's?  Please be over soon!

Project 365- Day 30

Day 30- January 30

Boring day in picture land.  We had a fun family day- church, picnic, walk along the canal.  It was in the 70s today, sunny and just gorgeous!  I even took our camera with us... and took no pictures!  But I did snap this shot with my phone.  I made this bib for a special little boy!

Its amazing how nervous I get when making these creations for friend's babies.  I seem to put a little bit of myself into each item as I make this... hoping it turns out.... holding my breath while I'm sewing at the machine.... praying that I don't make a big mistake and forget something.  I tend to do things quickly and then kick myself later for making a huge mistake.  Especially in sewing...  

Small Steps...

My father must have cursed me on one of our many family hikes.  I was ALWAYS at the end, fussing and complaining about wanting to go back "home", being tired, hot or not wanting to be around bugs!  My sweet Daddy always stayed at the back of the pack with me, pulling me  encouraging me along the way.  I HATED these excursions and anything that my parents found "educational" or full of "family fun".

Funny how nowadays, I find these excursions fun.... and pointing out "educational" tidbits to my children, such as the spanish moss hanging from the trees, deer tracks or plants along the paths.  I am SO my parents 15 yrs ago and it makes me laugh....

My father must have cursed me on one of our many family hikes, because this past weekend, we took a little hiking trip around town and guess what?  I was stuck in the back, dragging my middle(for now!) child along.  Bless his heart!  If he can run on trails, he does a GREAT job!  He has such little legs and does the best he can, BUT if he has to hold your hands and "be careful"?  All the fun is taken out of the trip and I am at the back, PULLING him along!!!  Towards the end of our fun yesterday he had just HAD it.  He wanted attention, so he just sat himself right down.... IN THE MUD!  He stood up, finally, after his sweet Daddy talked him into getting up.  Guess what?  He had a seat filled with a muddy print!

Once we got home, I wrote the story on my Daddy's Facebook wall.  Guess what he had to say?  "This warmed my heart!"  I laughed all evening about that statement.....  Life has a funny way of paying you back, doesn't it?!  :o)

The Joy Talk... Continued....

We sang this in church this morning.  I love both versions of this song- the hymn and the "new" version, but something about the chorus of the new version gets me every time.  

This made me stop and reflect on the words....
"O the wonderful cross, O the wonderful crossBids me come and die and find that I may truly live"
And think about the post from last week about joy and true abundance in Him....and a light bulb went off. 
How do you find joy in life of seemingly mundane tasks, dirty diapers, cleaning spills and screaming fits?!  
True joy and abundant living in HIM comes from dying to ourselves.  Once we die to ourselves, we find true fulfillment in our daily and repetitive tasks...... because joy is NOT always going to be easy because sometimes we face things that make us feel hopeless.....BUT
"Love so amazing, so divineDemands my soul, my life, my all"

Brusters and Nathans! A Perfect Match!

We've had a Brusters in town for about ten years now!  The first time I ever went was when Hubbie and I were dating!  I had the mint chocolate chip ice cream cone and I still remember that date!  To read more, go here.

Project 365- Day 29

Day 29- January 29th

Our little family, on the trails....  4 1/2 miles down to the river and back up!  We did it!  It was hard in some places and very steep.  My handsome Hubbie carried Bugs almost the whole way.  I was usually at the end, making sure we didn't lose our wild middle child.... or pulling him up the last mountain or two.  

**had to crop out things that made it quite obvious where we lived(!!) that is if you haven't already figured it out**

One of our favorite things to do is explore.  We have always enjoyed going to a destination and exploring... walking, seeing, hiking.... but lately, because of time and money, we haven't traveled, so towards the end of last Summer, we began to research what was around us and we've had some good hiking adventures these last few months!  I love things that wear my children out but doesn't case them to be around sickies!  HAHA! That makes me sound a little paranoid, doesn't it?!  What I mean is, when you know a handful of people either with colds, stomach bugs or THE FLU and then you want to burn some energy, you think of the jumping places or the park... which is where those kiddos played RIGHT before they got sick!  HAHA!  So, I try to go to those places a little less and find "new adventures".  

Bubbie is becoming quite the little hiker!  Did a great job today!  Peanut is learning.  His legs are a lot shorter, which I forget and he wants to be independent i.e. not hold your hands when you are on a narrow path, on the side of a hill, which drops into a nice creek that leads to the River.  Bugs loves the adventure!  Once we got down to the River, he was happy in our laps, listening to the River!  :o)  We need to get a backpack carrier so that he (and Daddy) can be a little more comfy!  

Project 365- Day 28

Day 29- January 29

Today I spent nap time with my back door open, listening to our two oldest boys playing outside and making a menu for the month of February.  Quite an undertaking for me, at times, because its so hard to think about what I'm going to be "in the mood for" in 3 weeks... much less NEXT week!  And I'm all about what "Lu is in the mood for these days"... no cravings but if I want something, I want IT! and nothing else!

I decided to skip e-mealz (I still love it! Sign up!  Use it.....I'm a top 20 referrer!!  Woo hoo!  And I'll probably be sad a few times this next month that we're not doing it!  But going into the store weekly is causing me to purchase the sale items... yes, its cheap sale items, but do we need them RIGHT THEN.... probably not.... so therefore, I am spending more.... gotta stop going into the store so much!  I won't be able to do a weekly trip with 3 kiddos, a newborn and homeschooling, so why get myself on that cycle now!) for the month and just do cheap, good meals that I know would keep us on track for the month!  

And I think I might go ahead and get all the staples/canned goods/pantry items that we need for the month and just go weekly or bi- weekly for produce and veggies, as needed!  :o)  Sure would be nice to have everything we needed for meals again!

Randomness for Friday, Jan 28

Not much news to report... so just randomness from our week....

• Went to sleep on Tuesday night and woke up on Wednesday morning with EXTREMELY pain and stiffness in the right side of my neck.  YOWZER!  Hurt so bad, I didn't get us to BSF that morning.  I had a heating pad on my neck and sat for most of the day (when the kids allowed).  I slept with a heating pad that evening too and had my neck well cushioned.  Thursday was a tiny bit better.  I could at least drive and rotate, but the pain and aches were INTENSE!  I spent the nap time, laying down, with a heating pad.  A little relief.  Thursday evening, I did a bag of cranberries on my neck for about a hour and then went to bed.... oh and I also took some kids ibuprofen, since I don't think we have any.... and I can move my neck a little more this morning.  Guess its a process, but OH MY GOODNESS!  PAIN! 
• Bubbie and I went to a play yesterday morning with our homeschool co-op.  I was in "charge" of the play and was SUPER LATE.  UGH!  Life.... I'm always late nowadays.  The play was good.  My MIL kept the baby boys so that I could go alone with Bubbie.  What a treat!  Just he and I.  We had about 45 mins to kill between the play and picking up milk, so we went to Chick-fil-A for a little date and ice cream.  I enjoyed listening to him.  I am amazed at what he says, how much he says when we are alone and how much detail he goes into..... obviously he gets lost in the chaos of 4 others.  
• So thankful that Buggy didn't cry yesterday!  What a blessing!  He is finally comfortable with my inlaws and my parents!  Definitely a huge relief.  He has definitely not enjoyed being left at church.  Cries as we walk into the door from outside.  And next up is BSF.....  I'm taking him to BSF with me now and I am not looking forward to that!  When you pick him up from care, he is so angry and gives you mean looks afterwards!  HAHA!  
• My husband received some encouragement this week at work.  How much was that needed!  I have been praying for my husband and his job for other a year now.  I know God has a plan, but sometimes its not the most encouraging place to be and..... I could go on..... but I won't......  anyway, he was told some encouraging things about his work ability and attitude and I am so thankful that God answered prayers!  
• We have 60 degree temps today through Tuesday, I think... and sun..... and no rain until Tuesday either.  Cannot WAIT to get the kids out!  And what perfect timing because this is our first Saturday since Thanksgiving without a basketball game!  Woo hoo!  I'm all for sports, but not ones that monopolize your time (like several practices/games a week!).  Thankfully our basketball wasn't like that, but having every Saturday morning be spent at the basketball game got old!  Even though it was great to watch Bubbie play!
• I got Bubbie's winter wardrobe in yesterday.  I spent around $100 and got 16 pieces of clothing.  Definitely not Goodwill prices, but consignment store/sale price.  Most things his size at consignment sales are priced around $7, so if I divide 100 by 16, it comes out to each piece being $6.25, which I will gladly pay per item when it comes from LandsEnd... and one of those items happens to be his winter coat for next year!  Score!  Of course,  I couldn't find jeans for less than $20 (NOT going to pay that!) so I'll still need a few pairs of those and probably shoes, hat, gloves, but I'm happy with my purchases and definitely feel like God helped me out!  I was stressing and trying to find clearance items for him.  All the sales that I had seen weren't "cheap enough" to me.  So I am thankful!  
• On Monday I was able to go to MNO with the co-op ladies.  What a treat! These women are so much fun.  I usually compare this MNO with the ones from MOPS and even though a MNO is exactly what it says "A Mom's Night Out"... something about this group tends to bring everything Heavenward and is just filled with laughter and encouragement.  Just different.  Not just chit chat, but really chatting and helping and encouraging.  I am so pumped about being a Godly wife and mother and about homeschooling every time I go, that its almost a "hafta" on my calendar for the next time!  
• Baby no 4 turned 15 weeks on Wednesday which is exciting.... closer to sono and to feeling movement.  I have felt my babies move... I think it was Peanut....as early as 15 weeks, but I think it took a little longer for Buggy.  Or maybe I was moving so much more it took a while to notice his movement!  3 more weeks until sono and our next doctor visit!  Other than heartburn and sometimes the leg pain, if I'm moving all day and don't rest during nap time, I am feeling good and normal.  Still sleeping a lot.....which I hope lasts until eviction day!  
• I realized this week that whether was have a boy or a girl, the name with start with an "A".  Funny how that happened.  The girls name is a favorite of mine from a childhood book character.  Of course, I had to add to it and make it "my own" but its pretty and I like it.  The boys name is my husband's name... we have always mentioned having a Hubbie III (since he is a junior)and everytime Hubbie hasn't wanted it but I figured it was about time to do it.  The baby won't go by his given name or even Hubbie's nickname.  We have another nickname for him and I like it.  Not sure it goes along with the rest.... so I guess it could possibly change.... its much shorter than all the others and not as "strong"... I mean, its strong, but just different than the other boys.... so I guess we'll see.  I guess I tend to lean towards longer names!  So anyway.... 
• I noticed Buggy dancing this week and he can't control it, but when he dances, he raises one foot up and down and tries to spin around!  Makes me think of line dancing or something!  I crack up every time I see it.  I hope to catch it on video!  
• Peanut was upset that Bubbie and I had a "date" yesterday so he is anxiously planning his alone time with Mommy!  He said he wants to go to Chick-fil-A and get a drink and a treat!  So I guess thats what we will do!  I know its so important for us to spend time with each child, alone, but the more kiddos, the less chances and it just gets so hard to squeeze it in!  Its difficult to squeeze 3 kiddos alone dates in a month with EACH parent..and not to mention a tad bit price..... so we're gonna have to figure out a system, put it on the calendar and stick with it!  

What An Amazing Journey....

Today Kelly, from Kelly's Korner is doing a Show Us Your Life- All About Adoptions.  Families can link up, telling their stories, encouraging one another on their journey.  

This story on Kelly's page is amazing... All I gotta say is that sometimes God's plan may not be in OUR time or what WE are asking Him for.... but man! this just shows us that sometimes, His plan is so much bigger and better!  Gives me goose bumps!  

Project 365- Day 27

Day 27- January 27

Bubbie: "Hey Momma?  Take a picture of us!"  

Hmmm..... not exactly the pictures Mama likes to have of her kiddos! But sweet faces no matter what that finger is doing!!!  

I'm Not A Girl...

Someone called me a girl yesterday and I was highly offended.  My Momma made sure the old lady knew that I was a beautiful boy with a head FULL of hair.  

Momma told me later that I didn't look like a girl and gave me a kiss.

Even if I need a haircut, I still look like a boy... I had a green jumper with an airplane on it.  

Come on old lady!

Project 365- Day 26

Day 26- January 26

It was QUITE cold but it didn't matter to these two!  They stayed outside for about a hour playing with cars and digging in the dirt.  I love that my 3 boys play so well together and really have become best pals!

Where is the Joy?

I recently had a friend email me.  The email was filled with frustrations about life as a young wife and mother.  As I read her email, my heart broke for her.... and for myself.  The things that she had written were all things that I have felt and vented about to friends.  One of the last things in the email was "Where is the joy that Christ talks about?"  And you know, that question has stuck with me almost every day since reading that email.

Where is the joy? in changing diapers, cleaning the floor 5 times a day, bills needing to be paid, cooking meals that people are going to complain about, giving of yourself over and over and OVER again- just to be needed when you're ready to crash?

So, I ask my readers- friends - family-  where is the joy?  

Does today's mother have it worse than ever before?  Or are we just more verbal about the days of bitterness, loneliness, frustration and exhaustion?  

So, since she wrote that email to me, I have been on a quest for finding out where is the joy?  Of course, I know joy comes from the Lord.  But, how do you grab that joy that Jesus offers and put it into your daily life?  While contemplating, I thought about this song, Joy in the Journey....

 There is a joy in the journey

There's a light we can love on the way

There is a wonder and wildness to life

and freedom for those who obey.

And all those who seek it shall find it

A pardon for all who believe

Hope for the hopeless and sight for the blind.

To all who have been born of the spirit 

And who share incarnation with Him 

Who belong to eternity stranded in in time

and of struggling with sin.

Forget not the hope thats bid for you

and never stop counting the cost

Remember the hopelessness when you were lost.

There is a joy in the journey

There's a light we can love on the way

There is a wonder and wildness to life 

and freedom for those who obey 

and freedom for those who obey.

   

Obviously the writer of the song believes that joy comes through obedience in the Lord.  Through dying of oneself, through obedience......  but what about the days when the kids are ALL SCREAMING, CRYING AND FUSSING (like my morning has been like!), your husband comes home in a bad mood or comes home late and is little help, the paycheck doesn't stretch as much as you need it to or whatever?!  How do you find joy in the midst of chaos and life?  

Oprah has an article all about "finding peace in the midst of chaos", go here to read.  There are a lot of things in that article that I believe to be partially true.....  but of course, as a Christian, I will take it one step further.  The writer says that being in touch with inner peace doesn't mean you're happy.  BINGO!  Isn't that what Christ teaches?  Who is happy dying to themselves?  Seriously, think about it.  Life of a Christian, you are constantly dying to yourself....  giving up on something that YOU want in order to obtain something.  Right?  Peace.  Joy.  Everlasting Life.  Our whole spiritual life is to be centered on what Christ is calling us to do to achieve life with Him for eternity.  Jesus never offers happiness or promises it.  Is that the problem with Mommy's(me?) today?  We're searching for happiness and not JOY?   

I do have to disagree with the last paragraph in that article....  I'm sorry, but finding one moment of peace in your day filled with chaos will not make you more joyful.  (In my opinion)

Something that continued this thought process on finding joy in our daily lives was a principal in last week's BSF lesson.   

The life of the redeemed should be characterized by joy.  What is my approach to life?  Fear or trust?  Doubt or peace?  Am I stable in HIM or go with my emotions?  Sing with joy NO MATTER WHAT!  

This has stuck with me the entire week....  so, what is my approach to life?  Do I live in doubt or peace?  Am I stable in HIM or do I allow my emotions to dictate my life?  If I must be honest, that last question, really got me!  You can ask any of my family... I am an emotional girl.  I feel it all.  My brothers joke about my "screaming" and drama-filled rants back in the day.  I am ashamed to say that my husband has seen some of those too.... which is probably why he laughs when my brothers mention life "back then".  I can say that my spiritual growth has definitely been centered on some of this that the statement mentions....  doubt or peace?  fear or trust?  In life lately, I feel like I am out of control and what else can I do but trust? and find peace in Him?  

John 10:10, "The thief comes only to steal, slaughter, and destroy.  I have come that they may have life, and have it abundantly."  

Finding joy in any circumstance is really hard, but I think the alternative is giving satan a foot hold in our (my) life and only allows the discontentment to grow.  

So, finding joy, to me comes through lots and lots and LOTS of prayer.... did I mention prayer yet?!  I mean, seriously, it is our speed dial to the Heavenly Father and I know I don't use it as much as I do.  

Also, we need a mindset on thankfulness and what we need to be joyful for.....  even when life is crashing down, can't we be thankful for eternity with Him...that this life isn't IT.  

Joy also comes from inside- from the Holy Spirit who isn't going to be as sensitive to Christ if we're not filling ourselves up... either from reading, singing, praising, praying or being encouraged through His words.  (DING DING!  Maybe this is young mother's problem today?  We're not feeding ourselves and therefore, satan has a hole to squeeze himself into to start picking at our incapability to please our children and husbands, take care of household chores, etc.  

Another thing that I think I mentioned at the beginning was the wrong focus....  our lifestyle is so focused on happiness... even if we don't realize it, don't we make most decisions based on whether they will make us happy or not?  Like I said, even if you don't realize it.... seeing comedies, because they'll make us "feel good", listening to peppy music, because it'll pick us up, eating at this restaurant because its good and its gonna make me happy, don't want to take this job because its XYZ and I wouldn't be happy..... the list goes on.... but doesn't all just go back to our happiness?  Are we in the world more than Christ wants us to be?  Maybe happiness or our desire to find happiness is killing our joy and turning our eyes away from what we should be focused on?  Seeking His face?

I thought this article/study had some really good points and even address legalism and long term depressing. 

So, please, comment and tell me... maybe I've forgotten a few things... maybe I have something wrong or I said it strange!  :o)   This isn't a preaching... just things that have been on my mind and in my heart lately.

Project 365- Day 25

Day 25- January 25th

I watched this morning as my oldest climbed into the pantry and got his cereal.  Then he climbed on top of the countertop to reach a bowl.  He got a spoon out and set everything neatly on his placemat.  Once he had finished this, he looked and wondered out loud, "What else do I need?"  And he went to the fridge, got out the milk.  "And o.j." he said and off to the fridge for the o.j..  As he grabbed a cup off the counter top for his juice, I had to hide that I was watching.  Once he grabbed everything and surveyed his work, he exclaimed, "Look Mom!  I got it all ready!"

Why did this make me super proud, very amazed and a tad bit sad?

First Dentist Visit

Today we took Peanut in for his first dentist visit.  After our last dentist visit with Bubbie, we decided to switch the whole family to Daddy's dentist.  The last office that we took Bubbie to was a great kids office with lots of toys and things to look at.... tvs, toys, prizes..... everything a kid could want!  This office was an "adult" office with a lot less thrills for the kiddos!  I braved the adult dentist office with all 3 kiddos by myself....and at Buggy's lunch time..... I was a tad bit scared!

The kids were a little wound up when we first entered the office.  Peanut was doing things he didn't normally do- like throw my phone around and jump to catch it (who was that child?!) but thankfully, once the hygienist came and got him, he was a WONDERFUL CHILD!  The dental hygienist just raved about how good he was.  He never fussed about the cleaning or noises or anything!  She cleaned his teeth so quickly that he had to wait on his Bubba!  Bubba also got his teeth cleaned.

We were so proud that BOTH boys had NO cavities!  This is quite a big deal since we have so many mouths to brush everyday!  :o)  We never know if they do a good enough job and we only brush behind them about half of the time!

Bubbie has always had a really hard time getting a good xray.... last time was so traumatic that he really hasn't tried to give it his all since.  I warned the hygienist and again, Bubbie couldn't do it.  He gags something awful when they're trying to get things set up.  I felt bad for him, but know it MUST get done!  He has 6 months to get mentally prepared because we really need those!  Bubbie also has a loose tooth and has had one since Christmas Day.  Unfortunately the new tooth is coming in behind it and the old tooth is NOT getting loose enough to pull it out.  I asked the dentist to pull the baby tooth.  She suggested numbing the old tooth and letting "Daddy have his way".... so thats what we're gonna do!  :o)  I can NOT be around for that!

All in all, it was a good visit!  I am very proud of my boys!

Project 365- Day 24

Day 24

I purchased this wall art (vinyl lettering) a few years ago when we moved into our current rental.  Its funny how we've really grown into these words.  Back then we had 2 boys- 3.5 yr old and a 6 mo old.

Our whole marriage has been about second chances and what God has done for us.

We say grace.  Usually its the preschool prayer "God our Father" but lately we've mixed it up a bit and added a few others.  

We are sinners and therefore, we say a LOT of I'm sorry's because we just can't always do things right.  Constantly trying and striving to do better.

Of course, we play hard....we have 3 boys.... they enjoy being outside and having adventures.  I smile when I see all three little bodies bent over the dirt, digging and making new paths for their cars.  

We do LOUD really well.  I walk into other people's homes or see other people's children out and I think, they know NOTHING when it comes to loud.  We do loud REALLY well..... our children don't know what the word "quiet" means.  Please tell me this will change one day?! 

We give hugs (and kisses).  We enjoy loving on each other and tickling and laughing.  And we do it because we do love.  

And we do all this, because we are a family.  And I love it.  I wouldn't have it any other way.  

Menu Plan Monday - Week of January 24th - 30th

Monday-  MNO for Lu;  Boys will eat- Lentil soup(WildTree box) and beer bread (WildTree box)

Tuesday- Crockpot Night!!  Tex Mex Roast in tortillas with toppings and chips

Wednesday- Cheddar Herb Skillet(WildTree box) with biscuits and green beans

Thursday-  Leftovers from Tuesday

Friday-  Family night!  Homemade pizza, bread sticks and dessert (I'm thinking apple cranberry crisp with ice cream!? )

Saturday- Crockpot Night!!  Maple Dijon Chicken (with sweet potatoes!) with broccoli and rolls

Sunday- Turkey stew(WildTree box) and beer bread (WildTree box)


We've got a busy week ahead of us and I've got some *hopefully yummy* and new recipes for dinners this week!  I'm excited about using our crockpot a little more this week in hopes of simplifying our evenings that always seem so chaotic and crazy especially since I've become pregnant and basically useless for household things once dinner rolls around!  I even went against my "we don't buy paper plates because it wastes money" and have started to buy them!  (GASPING FOR AIR!)  This no-paper-plates-in-the-house might have just become a thing of the past... at least until I come up for air when no. 4 is........ummm?...... 3 yrs old?!?!

As you might have noticed, I made a few purchases from WildTree.  The products are a bit pricey, but a local gal, that sells the stuff, was doing free shipping, a percentage off and a freebie if you order so much, so I jumped at the chance to place a large order!  I love that their products are all natural and the parties are GREAT!  You can try the food and its all so yummy!

For more menu tips and ideas, visit Laura here.

Project 365- Day 23

Day 23- January 23rd

Guess what I've been doing ALL WEEKEND?!  Jealous, aren't ya?!  

Our Quest for a Church Continues

If you're a long time reader, you'll know that we've been through quite an ordeal to find a place to worship.  Our journey began long before we said "I do."

Shortly after I graduated from high school, the church that I grew up in went through a pretty nasty split.  One in which my father was involved (I'd like to say that he was on the "good side"!)  During this process, I began dating and became engaged to Hubbie.  There were a few times that my father suggested I not attend church there because of things that were being said, etc.  Hubbie and I did a lot of church hopping.  Eventually a lot of people left the church and a new normal for the church began.... but it wasn't quite the same for me when I went back.  I had lost my love....  and I know that sounds weird, but its almost as if I didn't belong any longer.  Too much time had passed and it just wasn't home.  Some people stayed and others that I had grown up with, had left.  It was a hard transition for me during a time in my life that should have been filled with joy and happiness.  Now, don't get me wrong, being Mr. Hubbie's wife was still a wonderfully happy time, but there was tension.  People that had been on the "other side" were still people that I had fond memories of, but of course, it was just awkward......  and then lets not forget that I worked in a doctor's office that employed A LOT of church members that were on BOTH SIDES!  Anyway, we got married and continued to search.

Eventually we settled on a large church (I'm sure there is a post with all this already typed out and I'm sure I'm repeating myself to over half of my readers, so please forgive me!!!)  when Bubbie was an infant.  It worked for us and got us back into the habit of going to church regularly.  The longer we went to this church, the more we learned and saw things that didn't sit right with us.....  we were a VERY young couple, but needed a "group".  The young married group was all about being starting out in your first year of marriage, etc.  We had been married for 3+ years AND we had a child, so we settled on a class that we felt like would challenge us and help us grow... yet, it was full of older couples (our parents age!!!) and we didn't quite fit into that group either.  Not only did we not feel like a spot for us was there, but we also noticed some things that we didn't like on a spiritual level....  so the search began again shortly after Peanut was born.

Right after Peanut was born, we heard about a local church starting a new campus out near our house, so we went and enjoyed the service.  It was a small set up and had great music.  The preaching was good and different than we had heard before, so we settled into this new church- serving, becoming members and making friends.  It worked for our family.... we still saw things that needed to be worked on or changed, but tis life- nothing is perfect!  Shortly after we became pregnant with Buggy, the church was closed for lots of reasons.  To me, none of the reasons were valid and the close should have never happened.  I'll still tell that to anyone today.  I know it was by God's design and His plan, BUT I still think a lot of it was man's inability to own up to certain things and be straight forward.

So, the church was closed at the beginning of the summer and we were busy that summer and only had a few opportunities to visit places.  We went out of town a few times, had a few sickies and before we knew it, it was Fall and Buggy was born!  After about a month of missing church, we started out on visiting again.  This process was MUCH harder with 2 little ones and a newborn.  You can't really "skip" out when you have to gather up your children in different rooms, etc.  Around Christmas time, we started attending a church that seemed to be "too good to be true"...

What I mean by that, is that it had everything we really were looking for, I mean, mostly.  It was a place that we could settle down in and we couldn't find any faults.  Hubbie and I weren't sure if there WAS something to look for or if it really was "just that good".  Maybe our inability to get past the church closing or hurt feelings clouded our judgement, but we continued to go....because we really liked the preaching.  (Again, sorry if this is all a repeat!)

So, about a year ago, we decided that we really couldn't find anything wrong with it and that we should start the process on joining the church.  There were a few flags that we weren't sure about, as we went through the "to be a member orientation" but again, we just figured it was because we had been burned and we needed to move past this and join.  Well, the next process in joining the church was to meet with the pastor and we could never meet up.  We set up several times to go and meet with him and talk and the kids KEPT GETTING SICK!  Spring rolled into Summer and it became more difficult to get together and finally I think we both just stopped trying.  I joined a Summer study in hopes of meeting some women that I could make a connection with.

During this whole process, Bubbie made complaints.  Nothing really loud but it was every Sunday morning, he complained or fussed that we were going to X church.  He just wasn't a happy camper!  I was hopping that the summer program (where the classes are divided into larger groups) would be fun and with VBS, that he'd make a friend or two.  I prayed all year long for Bubbie to make a good church friend... someone who would make him want to keep coming.  And no friends were made.  I just didn't understand!  Bubbie makes a friend and talks to ANYONE... why couldn't he find a little boy at church?  My heart hurt and I continued to pray out to the Lord for a buddy.

Finally, we decided that we ought to at least give another church a chance....  and once we went to a few others, we could have a discussion with Bubbie and tell him that Mommy and Daddy have decided on X church and we were just going to have to make it work for our family.  I felt like it could be portrayed as a silly decision by parents.... to allow a child to choose a church, but after becoming "church less", it made a big impact on Bubbie.  He was old enough to grasp what was going on and he was sad.  He had several really good buddies at the other church and he LOVED going to church, so for him to go from loving church and looking forward to it, and then complaining and fussing about church every Sunday, was a big change, so we figured, before we made it "official" we ought to listen and see what was going on.

So, the church hop began again.... and forgive me, I don't really remember when.  Sometime this past Fall.  We visited a few churches....  and I have to laugh.... a few of them had us looking at our watches and wondering why we didn't sit closer to the door!  HAHA!  They were some interesting churches out there and MAN! why don't churches do a better job at welcoming visitors!?!  From a LONG time church goer and someone who has visited,  I would say, about 3/4ths of the larger non-denominational churches in the area, come on folks!  Be prepared for newbies and have things set up!  There were a few churches that had several people wandering around like chickens with their heads cut off, once we entered the building!!!  Not sure if it was the fact that we were a "large" family- needing 3 different ages of childcare or if it was that they had visitors!  HAHA!  Either way!  If you do attend church, make sure y'all have got welcoming down!  It can make or break new members!  (In my opinion!)

Finally, we went to a local Vineyard church.  Bubbie came out BOUNCING up and down and begging to go back the following week.  That was about 2 months ago.  The funniest thing is that we visited this church YEARS ago, before we had kiddos and neither of us can really remember why we stopped going.  I gotta hand it to them, their kids program is pretty good.  Bubbie and Peanut come out of their class every week and tell what what they've learned.  Bubbie wakes up every Sunday morning telling us that he sure hopes we're on time for church that day.  And guess what?  One day during service Hubbie had to step out of the service and he came back and told me that they have a "cry room".  I could have cried (haha! get it!) right then and there! We had JUST found out that we were expecting and God knew exactly what I needed.....  I truly felt loved and provided for.  It may sound silly, but as a mother of several itty bitties that have nursed and tend not to go to the nursery for quite a while (Buggy stayed with us in service until about 9 mos), its so encouraging to see churches provide a place NEARBY the service to nurse or to take a little one.

So, again, on my blog, do I say, I think we've found a place to worship and to serve and to call home.  We have given our first tithe to the church and plan on becoming members soon.  We look forward to becoming involved... as much as we can, with little ones and a new one on the way in 6 mos and making new friends!

Project 365- Day 22

Day 22- January 22

No picture today.  Just an "image" and something that I love.  I may even hang this on my walls.  Its amazing how true this statement is....  sometimes when the kids are CRAZY and I'm stressed to the MAX, I remind myself that "this" is better than having a house full of sickies and I thank God.  I know it sounds odd.... but having a normal day really is the greatest when life is so uncertain.  Ever since having no. 3, I have tried to just embrace today, don't worry about tomorrow and to not fear or worry about things that could be.  Its hard for me since I am TYPE A, planner and a worry wart, but I rob memories and preciousness from today by doing those things.  And its a daily struggle and mindset....... but one that I am working on.

Project 365- Day 21

Day 21- January 21

Ahhh.....nap time...... we love you!  

Sleeping with George.  

He covers part of his face and always had two fingers in his mouth.  

Bugsy is 16 months old!

I haven't written an update on Bugs in a while, so I figured that since he is turning 16 months today, today was a good day!

Bugs is quite a quirky guy!  He is very attached to Mama and screams when we drop him off at church nursery.  I am so thankful that he has formed a great bond with my parents and has really taken an interest in Hubbie's parents!  Last time he didn't even cry with either set!  A huge milestone for this little guy!

Bugsy, Bugs and Bugsy-Boo are the nicknames for our third little boy.  I'm not sure how the name stuck, because we introduced him on the blog at Baby Bean.  He is definitely no longer a baby.  He keeps up with his big brothers as best he can.  He has no desire to be left back because he's the "smallest".  He plays with anything the big boys do and really has no interest in his toys!

Just like his older brother, he began to run away from Mama just at the time another little one started growing inside Mama's tummy!  Makes chasing after him QUITE a chore!  He is quite the little alligator when trying to do ANYTHING FOR HIM... such as comb his hair, dress him, change his diaper......  Sometimes I have to hand him off to his Daddy, because I'm physically exhausted from trying to contain him!  Needless to say, we go VERY little places without a stroller!

We did try to venture to the library on Wednesday sans the stroller!  You did pretty good until we had been there about a hour and I needed to help Bubbie on the computer.  You were NOT wanting to stay with Mama and wait!  Thats when I decided it was TIME TO GO! which was very difficult while checking books out and trying to keep the big brothers in line!  Next time, we're taking the stroller!

Bugsy still isn't talking as much as I would like.... a few new words are "all done" when he signs it at the dinner table and he sings.  He's started to say things like "bye" while waving.  He still says his famous "HEEEYYY!" like he's from the 70's and about to say "Groovy!" with it.. Its hilarious!  We've really been working on animals sounds and identifying animals.  He knows several and really likes ducks and dogs!  I again told the doc that he LOVES to squeal and scream and the doctor was not concerned that his vocabulary is around 10-12 words.  He said that by the time he is 2, he needs to know 20 words and that since he has 4 other people to compete with, its really normal.  I breathed a sigh of relief, but left telling myself to make reading to him more of a conscious effort every day!  He LOVES to read books... he always has a book in his hand, but we don't sit down and read a book to him every night like we do the big boys, so I want to make sure that we're reading to him several times a day... and different things...... because its usually the same 2 or 3 books.....  His favorite is Old MacDonald because at the end, we have to sign the song AND THIS CHILD LOVES THAT SONG!  :o)  He sways to our singing and he KNOWS when we've missed an animal!  Its so darn cute!

Bugs loves phones, timers, computers, TVs... he is definitely a product of his environment!  We finally had to STOP giving him my phone, because it was getting SO bad, that if he saw anyone else's phone, it was a fit until he got it.  Thankfully we broke that habit.... out of sight, out of mind!

Buggy loves food... he eats great!  We've been giving him more "spicy" or flavorful things lately and he has been in love!  I made a taco soup last week that wasn't spicy, but did have some kick! and he gobbled his bowl up before Hubbie and I even sat down!  Same thing with a pasta dish that we made last week.... he was asking for seconds, which he doesn't really do often for his main course!  He loves fruit and veggies.  He is in love with Kashi granola bars and pulls me into the kitchen, points to the pantry door, until I open it, grunts, tries to reach up and then points to the box!  He eats one just about every day.  (And yes, we do talk him through our actions and make sure we tell him what he should be saying.....)

This child LOVES to go outside!  He looks out the window on cold, winter days and points and does this "EH?" like, "Can we go?!"  and kind bobs his body up and down like a pogo stick!  Its so sad when we have to tell him its too cold because outside this child has "no boundaries"!  He's FREE!  And he loves it!  He plays with balls and cars and swings and gets pulled around the yard in the wagon by his brothers!  He loves it!  And this Mama misses it!!!

At his 12 mos (really was 14 mos) he was 21 lbs 14 oz and 30 inches.  At his 15 mos appt (and he was almost 16 mos) he weighed 22lbs and something.... I forgot and their computers were down so I didn't get a sheet with it written down.... and 31 inches.  The doctor is impressed with his walking and running and climbing skills!  His fine motor skills are great and except for some inherited dry skin (from Mama), he's doing great!

Buggy goes to bed every night around 7 and usually sleeps anywhere from 6-7am.  We usually put him down for a nap early afternoon and it lasts for 2 or 3 hours.  I usually leave him in there for 2.5 to 3 hrs but most of the time he's in his bed playing before I get him up.  He doesn't cry or pitch a fit for naps or bed time.  He kinda knows what to expect.  He loves his Curious George doll that Nana and Pops gave him for his birthday.  He didn't show much interest in it when he first got it, but over the last few months, he loves his "George".  He'll go into his room and pull George through his crib slates so that he can carry it around.  When he's getting sleepy, he'll put his 2nd and 3rd fingers in his mouth with the tag of George in the hand that he's sucking on and walk around the house.  I really need to get a picture of it.

Buggy has become very affectionate lately.  He kisses and makes the sound.  He gives GREAT hugs and if he really likes you, he'll kinda hump you while he's doing it.  Sounds gross, but of course, its not!  He also has begun to kiss and hug his favorite stuffed animals.  He is definitely a loving little boy......

BUT WILD!  He is definitely a wild one and 100 % boy!  :)

Buggy, you keep us on our toes!  I never know HOW you do what you do or how you do it so QUICK!  We love you and are excited about the little boy that you are becoming!  :o)  Here is to almost being a year and a half!

Love, Mama and Daddy

Project 365- Day 20

Day 20- January 20th 

Today I'm including two photos of the day, because its hard to just pick one sometimes.  

This year in homeschooling, we are reading aloud "chapter" books to Bubbie and Peanut (if he sits long enough!).  Mom read Charlotte's Web to Bubbie during their visits together.  At home, we started with The Mouse and the Motorcycle and then read The Fantastic Mr. Fox.  We enjoyed those two so much, we read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.  Next up was The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe.  

I have enjoyed reading aloud very much and Bubbie enjoys comparing the book and movie.  He usually says he likes the movie more than the book.  

We are almost finished with the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and one of our projects was to make a puppet Aslan.  Bubbie did a great job cutting, coloring and gluing his puppet together.  Peanut really enjoyed coloring and gluing.  He decided that the cutting was a little too difficult for his skills.  

To see more of my Project 365 pictures, go here.  

Project 365- Day 19

Day 19- January 19th

Today I am 14 weeks pregnant.  

I had someone ask me at the doctor's office yesterday how far along I was and the look on her face and the searching eyes on my tummy made it VERY clear that I was WAY too big for only 14 weeks.  I quickly told her it was my 4th pregnancy and I had little to no stomach muscles left after 3 very large pregnancies!  So quickly tried to dig herself out of the VERY LARGE HOLE that she had dug herself into.  Not something to tell a "fluffy" pregnant woman that is already dreaming and planning of how to lose the baby weight from all 4 pregnancies...

Like I said, I went to the doctor's office yesterday for my monthly appointment.  I was given a new due date (a few days different than the one that they gave me on my last appt).  I am now due on July 20th... although, due dates don't mean much to me... I've never made it to my due date and I'm having a scheduled c-section, so I'll probably have a week old baby by the time my due date rolls around.  The babies heartbeat was around 168... like all of my pregnancies have been.  

The doctor also scheduled my sonogram for the next visit!  This is exciting folks!  I cannot WAIT to find out.... I still have no clue either way.  I am just so stinkin' tired of people asking me if I want a girl or insinuating how "horrible" life must be with 3 and possibly 4 boys.... GEESH folks!  Its not like I have a choice! (HAHA!)  You live with what you've been given and I came to terms with having a large family of boys LONG ago..... I know that my life's calling is to be preparing my boys for a life of Godly living, to be the best husbands and fathers that they can be, to trust in Him fully and I have the awesome honor to be praying for my future daughters-in-love and to be anticipating the day that I can have (Lord willing) 3 (or 4) daughters by marriage.....  Now, having said all this, if the Lord blesses us with a darling daughter, we will be more than overjoyed at the newness and wonder of a new little creature.  The bows and dresses will be icing on the cake, but I also understand the large task that I would have at guiding our little girl into womanhood and teaching her that she was made in the imagine of Him and that love and true fulfillment comes only from Him.  

My husband is praying for a boy.  My boys think we're having a boy.  My Mom and SIL think we're having a boy.  My other SIL and close friends are praying for a girl...... so only God knows!  

More Silly Conversations with the Trio

...well, it was really a conversation with the duo, since Buggy isn't much for speaking his mind these days.....  its more like Buggy likes to screech or scream or babble his mind.....

Wednesdays, we are in the car a lot... driving back and forth across town....  on the way to drop Buggy off, the boys started to talk about our trip to the animal hospital.  Peanut mentioned that he had seen cats (recovering from their "neutering" operation) and that they seemed sad.  I said "Yeah, they probably were sad... they just had their balls cut off."  I kinda said it not thinking that this would spark so much attention from my little passengers!  Bubbie got very interested and said, "Cut off their balls?  Why?!"  I gave the best answer I could come up with while realizing that I had just walked into a crazy conversation with the boys....  I answered "Not literally cutting them off, just snipping a  little bit so that the kitty cats can't have any more kittens!"  Bubbie said, "OH! So thats what the doctor is going to do to you after the baby comes so that you can't have any more babies!!!!!  The doctor is gonna cut off our balls?!"  Of course, by this point, I am LAUGHING OUT LOUD!  Bubbie kept asking what was so funny, but did I really want to get into the conversation that Mommies didn't have balls!?  I quickly said, "Well, sort of... the same concept!"  

Then Bubbie said, "Why do they want to make you stop having babies?"  I had to explain that there were only so many times that a Mommy could be cut open and that the doctors think this is all that my body can handle.  "So, Jesus won't give us any more babies after this one?" he continued..... Sadly, I answered "No."    

"Well, thats OK, because I am going to have 3 pals to play with.  Right now I only have 2 and when I was 4 I only had 1 pal and when I was 3 I didn't have any pals."   

~

On the way home from picking Buggy up, we were talking about one of the boys and the way they drove me crazy when they did something... and being a stinker-pot-toot-head.  Of course, the kids thought this conversation was hilarious.  Then Bubbie said that his Daddy was also a stinker-pot-toot-head because when he pooted, it drove me crazy.  I had to laugh and then the boys said that the is why Daddy has to shower in the morning, instead of at night, because he poots so much...... Peanut finished the conversation by saying, "AWKWARD!"  I was laughing SO hard.....  

Project 365- Day 18

To see what Project 365 is, go here.  

Day 18- January 18th 

We joined a local mom's group today on their field trip to the animal hospital.  I have been wanting to take a field trip to this place for a while and quickly jumped at the chance to take the boys.  

The veterinarians and workers at the animal hospital were so kind and patient towards the children.  Each child brought their special stuffed animal to have the vet give the animal a shot, bandage and some love!  My boys ate this up and were eager to tell the vet all about their stuffed animals.

Bubbie has "bear" that my grandmother gave him when he was only 2 weeks old.  Bear was a lonely bear for about 3 years, but around the time that Peanut showed up, Bubbie started to show an interest in having a "lovey" and Bear became his.  Bubbie cannot sleep without bear and makes up great stories about Bear.  We even buckle Bear into a seatbelt when he joins us on outings!  

Peanut couldn't take his "Bear" with him since his brother took it to the changing table with him and decided to smash it into his poopy diaper!  Needless to say, Bear was having a bath!  So, Peanut decided to take a puppy dog stuffed animal that we received from someone.  

Project 365- Day 16 and Day 17

I didn't really take any pictures these days.  Hubbie had a long weekend off and every free moment on Saturday was spent doing something that HAD TO GET DONE that day or sewing or having two date nights with Hubbie back to back-  one out without kiddos and one at home with kiddos asleep, in my pjs watching a movie!  Both were wonderful, but having no kiddos and we ate food that we didn't have to clean up or prep or anything was FANTASTIC!

 I did take a few pics of my latest and greatest work on my camera and uploaded them to FB, but they were camera pictures!  So, no pics for these days!  :o(  I hope to return on Day 18!

Menu Plan Monday ~ Week of January 17th

What we're eating this week.....


Monday night- Upside Down pizza and bread sticks

Tuesday night-  Spaghetti, rolls and salad

Wednesday night-  Chicken and Wild Rice soup with bread

Thursday night-  Leftover spaghetti

Friday night-  Family night- pizza, bread sticks and salad (?)

Saturday night-  Chicken Fajitas w/ Mexican rice, chips and sides

Sunday night-  Croque Monsieurs with chips/carrots and dip







The majority of the menu items we will be eating this week are from our E-mealz menu.  We are only eating 3 out of the 6 menu items that they sent us.... I added in our usual family night/pizza night and then spaghetti since we have a lot of cow we need to eat instead of purchasing another cut of meat such as salmon or pork chops, which were on E-mealz menu.  :o)

Have a great week!  

Project 365- January 15th

A local gal is doing the Project 365, which is taking a picture every day, for the whole year.  I have seen other bloggers do this and always enjoyed the pictures, but wasn't sure if I was up for the challenge!  Not sure if I am or not, but hey!  I'll give it a try....

Day 15- January 15th 

The only picture I took was this picture of a new bib that I made.  I've been working on trying to make enough to give as gifts.  I am even thinking about monogramming the crumb catcher with an initial or the child's name.  I plan to make a few boy ones today!  We'll see if I have enough fabric/coordinating fabrics.

Maternity Wear

Well, folks, I made it 13 weeks and 1 day and I finally had to say good-bye to my jeans and hello! to maternity jeans.  I was really hoping to make it a few more weeks without needing maternity clothing and I'm sure I could, but the jeans were just a wee bit too uncomfortable.  And when you already feel crummy because you don't look pregnant, but you are, so you just feel REALLY FLUFFY, I figured it was time to take the plunge.

I stupidly sold several pieces of maternity wear back last Fall and threw away several old pieces *clears throat* like bras that I bought when I was pregnant with Bubbie *clears throat*.  GROSS!  And of course, the majority of my pregnancy with Buggy was in the Spring/Summer.  I don't remember REALLY wearing maternity clothes until we went on the cruise and that was at the beginning of May... before then, I can't remember how, but somehow I was able to make due with my own pants and a few tops?!  It doesn't sound right, so maybe that isn't right, maybe a few weeks before, because I'm assuming I wore maternity clothing to my sono (I always remember wearing maternity clothing by that point), but we didn't find out until 18 or 19 weeks.... so maybe I am correct.  Either way, I'm in them and I don't have many!

I started searching Old Navy's website after Christmas, hoping I could find some Old Navy maternity jeans on sale.  I really want a certain kind and in SHORT, but didn't have much luck.  I looked about a week ago and found some, but in REGULAR, but they were cheaper with 20% off, so I went ahead and bought them.  I got a few tops that I thought could be layered for now and will hopefully last until Summer.  I hope it all fits right.  UGH!  I really like Old Navy's clothing, but have the time I get the size that I need from other stores and Old Navy's clothing is WAY WAY WAY too big.  I mean, thats great for a girl's self esteem and all, but I really wanted that item of clothing not an ego boost!  Usually the store doesn't have it and some things on OldNavy.com, I've noticed, have to be shipped back to them and are not able to be returned in the store!  HUGE BUMMER!  So, this may be one of my last purchases from OldNavy.com!  I make too many returns from online purchases!

So, this is what I got.....  I really need to go to a few consignment and thrift stores to see if I can find anything else.  Kohls had NOTHING that I wanted and Target had nothing on sale, so I'm gonna keep searching!  I really hate spending money, knowing this is my last pregnancy - EVER -  (let me take a moment of silence as I try to embrace all the crazies that are going on inside my head! WHEW!  OK) but I need clothing and I want to enjoy this since it is the last.  I can always sell this stuff at another consignment sale or at a yard sale!

I bought this dress- not the outfit.  Its suppose to look cute with leggings and I figured it would be a nice dress that I could dress up or down.  

I bought this top, but I'm really hoping I got it in a different color...right now this looks so dark and I need HAPPY!!  I figured I could wear this until Summer and wear it with lots of different things....

I debated on it, but I figured it would be a good piece to own and could also be worn until we have our warm days.  I thought it would look nice with all my big, sweaters that I love.  I really hope I get some wear out of this one before the weather changes!  

I got jeans too, but jeans are jeans right?!  They serve a purpose! I had to get boot cut (BLAH!) and then I had to get regular (BLAH!) so I really hope I like these.  I have a pair of maternity jeans, but they are so long.  I had a great pair that I loved and fit great, but guess what?!  I sold them!  :o)  Oh well.... I'll only be wearing jeans for a few more months and then it'll be capris, dresses and shorts for this Mama!  

Thanks for reading the most boring post EVER!  :o)  I doubt anyone cares about my maternity clothing!  HAHA!  But if you do, stay tuned!  I'm going to try to get to a consignment shop this afternoon... in between everything else there is to do today!

**Update**  


Got the Old Navy package in the mail yesterday.  Jeans fit- a little loose.  Dress fits nicely.  Tops are way too big around the shoulders/chest.... so back they go!  :)

I did go to a local thrift shop that does maternity wear by consignment and I found quite a few goodies for less than $40.  I was able to purchase a sweater, a few tops, a summer skirt and a pair of pants!  Score!  I will definitely be heading back there!  

Project 365- Day 14

A local gal is doing the Project 365, which is taking a picture every day, for the whole year.  I have seen other bloggers do this and always enjoyed the pictures, but wasn't sure if I was up for the challenge!  Not sure if I am or not, but hey!  I'll give it a try....

Day 14- January 14 

Yesterday I printed this out and framed it.  Took less than 15 minutes and I love it being in our kitchen nook.

I spend the majority of my day in the kitchen.  My children are like camels and hobbits.  I do not joke.

Our oldest drinks as if there is going to be a shortage of milk in the near future and has since he began to drink cow's milk.  Thankfully he's gotten a little better.  Our middle child is a hobbit.... I promise you he is....  he eats CONSTANTLY.  I know people probably think I'm joking, so come spend a morning with us.... I'm not.  He wakes up and the 1st thing he says to us is "Good morning, Mom.  Can I have a snack?!"  I promise you... FIRST THING EVERY MORNING!  I always correct him and say "We can eat breakfast." but the very next morning, same thing.  And that question "can I have a snack?"  continues throughout the day.  10 minutes after breakfast, "can I have a snack?"  I do not lie.  Our youngest (though, not for long) baby boy is our little vacuum.... drinks and eats anything in sight.... we never know WHAT he's gotten into or how much he's eaten......  I've had to start limiting his drink, because he started doing a "spit up" type thing about a month ago and it was always curded milk.  

Gag! me!  

Our across the street neighbors probably wonder about me BECAUSE I'M ALWAYS in the kitchen and our front window gives everyone a great view of the hub-bub (I try not to spank my kids in the kitchen JUST IN CASE!)  I'm in the kitchen constantly because of my three precious youngins' so when I saw this (the framed piece on the book shelf) on Laura's site yesterday, I knew I had to print it out.   Thankfully Laura posted the link to where she had printed it out for free!  Score!  

This little prayer spoke volumes to me yesterday.  It wasn't a great day from the start....  woke up after having a dream that I wasn't carrying one, but two babies in my tummy.  This after stressing and worrying about how to provide for 4 children's needs yesterday and seeing our preliminary taxes being done.  

Then before Hubbie left, he made me feel like poo (I love you honey!) and Bubbie slapped Peanut for taking away a car.  Not a great start to an already long day indoors. 

The morning continued to get worse.  Bubbie wouldn't share.  Peanut was picking on everyone.  And I was still upset over my dream, our future and Hubbie's grumpy attitude that he seemed to have rubbed on me before he left.  

I tried to make the best out of our day.  

I decided to not push some schooling and sat down and played with them or read books with them.  That didn't last long. 

 The fighting continued and I could not get out of my funk!

Then I saw this.....

God is GREAT

God is GOOD

And we thank Him for our food

by His hands (not mine, not Hubbie's, not the government.....HIS HANDS) we are fed

Thank you GOD for our daily bread.  

Amen.  

My funk started going away, then Peanut pee'd on himself......  twice.......  and the second time he wasn't "aiming" so he hit ME and the floor as well...... 

BUT, I walked into the kitchen and out of the corner of my eye, I saw my prayer on our wall.  The Lord will give ME MY DAILY BREAD.  I breathed a quick prayer as I grabbed the disinfectant and paper towels.  

I cleaned up the bathroom, myself and re-dressed Peanut for the THIRD TIME today and quickly got the big boys down for rest... threatening them if I saw them before 3:30!  

I also posted this in my kitchen recently.....

"Commit your works to the Lord and your plans will be established"  Proverbs 16:3

I am continuing to hold on to HIS promises and HIS faithfulness even when days seem difficult and unmanageable.  

I question my desire for more children. I question my desire to keep my children at home.  I question our desire to stay debt free.  I question what we believe and what we know is TRUE.  

And I continue on our day.....  silently praying for peace, joy, faithfulness and abundant provisions......and knowing that in my weakness, He makes me stronger and He is glorified through my dependence on HIM.....

"But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.  That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."