On again...off...then back on...the homeschooling process

So you know how you have moments in life when you feel you should be doing something, but for what ever reason you just don't do it? That is how I feel about homeschooling. It has been in the back of my mind for so long, but I continue to talk myself out of it.

Reese is doing well

I get a break

She does just fine without me

She is making great friends

etc.

and then there is Dallas....

Now Dallas is the kind of kid that can go off and play by himself. He has no problem being alone. He likes to work and build things and take his time to do it right. I find him to be very smart (not above normal but thinks well) I feel that if he were to go to school in a classroom he wouldn't do so well. I have witnessed this in Sunday School. He get very frustrated and then becomes the "problem". I am beginning to feel it is because he wants to finish what he is doing and he wants to do it right. He has been doing the same thing when it comes to writing letters. So with all this being said I Think this could be a problem when it comes to going to school. From what I have witness at Reese's school they are very Fast and on the go. I could see him hating that and becoming a goof or a problem kid. Yes he may grow out of this, but he has been this way forever....

Well lately I have been reading A Well-Trained Mind It has been eye opening and has really began to do a serious work in me. It has made me really think that I can teach them and in fact already am. The author of the book was a teacher and in her story she said how frightened she was of teaching her own kids. It dawned on me and this is just a THOUGHT that maybe it is because we care so much about our own children that we don't want to fail them. And we feel if we are the one teaching them the possibility is higher?? I say this more for myself because I don't think of myself as a smart person. I cheated my way threw highschool and didn't really try that hard. I am now starting to think that BECAUSE I love them so much I want to be their teacher. (this does not mean if you send your kids to off to school you do not love them please do not read into that). God gave them to me and I am beginning to feel confident that He will give me the wisdom to teach them as well. Yes they do need to learn to get along without me and I still believe we can give them that. But they also need a fair chance at learning and I feel for my kids that will probably be best done at home. Does this mean that I will do it forever?? NO. Does this mean I am going to do this Tomorrow?? NO. I am writing this to try to work it out.

These are just my thoughts this last week so don't hold me to them. I am also one who thinks out loud and I can come back in a couple days and think.......WHAT?? Did I say that?? Sheesh!

So if you have any input let me know what your thoughts are. I know that a lot of you happen to homeschool so I would love to hear about it. Why did you do it etc? Also is there anyone that has homeschool just one kid??

Oh and I forgot to mention that I SUCK at waking up in the morning....8am for school is bonkers for me ;)

Random things...

So I have decided to wean Norah. Although I am very much looking forward to having my body be mine again, I am little saddened by it as well. I don't think I felt this way with any of my other kids because I new that I would most likely have another one. Well that is not the case now. I am really trying to sit and watch Norah grow as much as possible and soak in every moment. Yes kids do grow fast, but they grow even faster when you know that you are going to be having any more. She is just days away from 8 months old and she is such a joy. I have been very blessed with easy babies. I am hoping I will be blessed with easy teenagers as well. (but I don't see that happening ;)

So what else is new??

We all had a great Christmas. I loved how we woke up Christmas morning and the snow was falling. It was like a Christmas fairy tale. The kids of course were spoiled by the family. Collin and I were too. We got some Christmas money and it was fun being able to go out and buy some clothes. I don't think there is a better gift for me ;) I love to shop for sure!! The best part for me though was having my hubby home for 4 1/2 days! He pretty much hung out with us the whole time and it was great! I just love hanging out with him too.

Tomorrow I have my biopsy. The doctor didn't seemed to worried about it, so that makes me feel good. I will let you know the results when I do. Shelby is going to come and watch the kids for me in the afternoon, so that will be nice.

Other than that not too much going on here.......

Vote

Sorry this took so long.....place your vote on the poll. And it case your wondering what the heck I am talking about click here

I love you too.....

Another SHMILY (See how much I love you)

I just love my husband. Went to make the kids lunch and this is what I found in the peanut butter jar. Isn't he just the sweetest?!

Whoo HOO!

The snow fell and my heart is happy. Norah loved it as well.....always a plus when the baby is happy :)

Snow

Snow Snow come today
Mommy wants to go and play.....

the road gets so icy the kids have to crawl across the street :)

pictures are from earlier in the week


Yes I am a die hard when it comes to the snow. I love taking the kids sledding and watching them have fun....not to mention some fun myself :) Snow is a wonderful break from the icky rainy weather. But I wish is would DUMP! I know that makes it hard for the working folk, but it makes my job so much nicer :) So I will try to be patient and wait for the winter blast

Oh and yesterday when they were throwing deicer on the ground.......I was sweeping it away. Such a rebel.....

Victory!!

I received an email from my sister Amber (if you don't know the story on this I will have to explain another time) in Texas. She recieved Jesus to be the Lord of her life! I am so excited I had to tell everyone!! I LOVE how the Lord works. Praise Him with me :)

Keeping with Tradition.....

Ho Ho Ho

Contest......YEP FREE STUFF

I finally did it! Got my first nursing shawl done today ;) Personally I find mine better than the Hooter Hider. Not only does this hide your hooters, but it hides the back fat in back ;) So tell all your friends I am officially in business. More to come soon. If you would like to get one they are 25$ or 2 for 40$ It makes a great gift for those new moms. I will post some more pictures later of different fabrics.

Now for the contest: What should the name of my shawl be?? If I pick you....you get one free ;)

She's done it again!

Oprah is giving away some Christmas Music. You need to download it within 48 hours of Wednesdays Show.

Giving Thanks For.....

Jesus

A husband who loves me

4 Healthy Rambunctious Kids

A Warm House

2 Running vehicles

Friends

Family

No Thyroid Problems

Food for my belly

The Office

Quite Time with Hubby

Sleep (I love it when I get it and want lots of it)

Our weekend away

NKOTB I know is sounds crazy but it was so much stinkin fun!

............

Photo Book

Does anyone know how to redeem the coupon?? I finished my book, but I don't see how to use the coupon.

Random Thoughts

* Weekend to Remember.....You can say I will be remembering it for a long time. It was so great people! Collin and I have not had a weekend together in 5 years! We have had a night, but not a whole weekend. Maybe that is why I like having so many babies?? I get to go spend the night at Hotel Stevens with just me and the hubby ;) Of course the baby, but they usually slept in the nursery. Collin and I really love each other and it is great. We talked about tons of stuff and surprisingly it wasn't all kid stuff. That you so much Nic and Melissa! You put a huge deposit into our Love bank!

*Shedding....I have been in this shedding stage lately. Cleaning closets and getting rid of unnecessary stuff. It has felt so good to be able to look in the closets and not see a bunch of junk piled up. Today I got rid of broken toys and shoes. My kids have so many pairs of shoes and I just think it is ridiculous. I really just want to live simply....simple feels so good!

*Remodel....we are in the middle of finishing up our bathroom downstairs for our friend to move in. I am a little overwhelmed with this because time is against us. Hopefully it will get done in time and turn out okay ;)

*Doctor....finally made a doctors appointment. My lump in my boob (sorry guys if you read this) hasn't gone away. I also am loosing a ton of hair and feeling depressed. Might be my thyroid??

*New Kids on the Block concert coming up :) Looking forward to hanging out with some ladies!

* Ever since this post I have had a quiet time every morning. I have really been enjoying my time in the word. It has also allowed Collin and I to talk about things more deeply.

*I really need to finish that photo book! Only 2 more days!

*I have really been eating like crap lately and want to get better about this. It really effects my mood and how I see myself.

Cleaning house update

Well so far so good. It started out with a lot of complaining and whinning, but I think that we are getting somewhere. I have explained to them that we are a family and families work together. Hopefully this will just be a start of the good "works" we can do. We are now doing dishes together, folding clothes and of course the picking up of toys.
Thank you for all your great ideas! Doing it to music is grand! Hopefully this is something we will stick to. My house doesn't lookany cleaner, but we are getting some time together ;)

Collin and I got a good laugh out of this....

*click picture to enlarge

6 months

My precious Norah is 6 months!! It really is going by SUPER fast. She is such a joy to be around and I just love her to death. She is everyones "baby" in the house and they all love to share in responsibility of taking care of her. Here are just of few of her star qualities:

Sits up on her own

Eats Cheerios

Babbles

Responds to her name

Laughs a lot

Rolls both ways

And Loves looking in the mirror

She also knows that mommy is weak when she cries :) After all she is the last one!

Passing the info along

Just came across this on my friends Blog:
Oprah and Snapfish are giving away free 8x11 custom cover photo books (a $30 value) this weekend!First: Go HERE to get your coupon - you have to do this BEFORE 11:59PST tomorrow, don't forget! I just went ahead and made a new account, or I believe you can log-in to an existing account if you already use Snapfish :)Second: You have to create and order your photo book by 11:59PST on Sunday, November 16th which only gives you a few days.So if you have some time this weekend, and want a free photo book (they make great Christmas presents!) its definitely worth looking into! Snapfish also gives you 50 free prints with each account you have, a good deal if you have any digital pictures you want printed.
I love free things :)

Thanks Christie!

Things on my mind....

I have been caring the brunt of the chores around the house and I have recently decided I really need to get my kids involved in this. I have always thought that they should participate, but I have been very inconsistent with it. Part of me would rather do it myself because it would get done faster. But I am coming to realize that I need to get over that and really get my kids involved.
I would love advice to this if you have any. Do you pay your kids for "chores?" What kind of schedules have you used that work for you? What are things you have your kids do? Also if any of you are successful with keeping a clean house with children....Please pass on to me how in the heck you do it. Do you schedule play time in?

A cup of coffee

"And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors." (Matt. 6:12)

Would you have strength to suffer wrong in the spirit in which Christ did? Accustom yourself in everything that comes to you to recognize the hand and will of God. This lesson is of more consequence than you think. Whether it be some great wrong that is done you, or some little offence that you meet in daily life, before you fix your thoughts on the person who did it, first be still and remember God allowed this trouble to come to you to see if you would glorify Him in it. This trial, be it the greatest or the least, was sanctioned by God and was His will concerning you. Therefore recognize and submit to God's will in it. Then in the rest of soul which this gives, you will receive wisdom to know how to behave in it. With your eye turned from man to God, suffering wrong will not be so hard as it seems.
We are the young sons and daughters of the King and should exhibit that graceful tact and Christian courtesy which can bear and forbear. Don't reprove and find fault, but encourage, bless, help! Be thou the rainbow in the storm of life.

Taken from: Mountain trailways for youth

Who me??

You didn't have to ask me twice ;) In about 5 days Collin and I are heading north to "A Weekend to Remember" I can't even begin to describe how thankful I am. Our great friends decided to pay it forward and treat us to this wonderful affair. Collin and I have always wanted to go to one of these so we feel like we have won the lottery or something. I am screaming inside with joy :)
We have now been married 7.5 years. And the journey continues with love and joy. Here are some things I just love about this guy:

Godly

Intelligent

Listens

Handsome (aka HOT)

Provider

Handy

rubs my feet daily

Helper

Romantic

Hardworking

Clean

Frugal

Tall

Great Dad

Leader

Counselor

Honest

Humble

Blue Eyes

Great Arms

Strength

Fast

Funny

Friend

Faithful

And all mine!

Happy Happy Birthday to YOU!

Honest

Friend

Child of God

Homemaker

Beautiful

Mother

Prayer Warrior

Creative

Truth Seeker

Fun

These are just to name a few.....

18 more days!

What am I going to wear??

I want to make these....

Halloween

Pumpkins

Friends (12 to be exact)

Trick R Treat

Counting the loot

A

N

D

A Rivals Party

(we are paper & plastic)

Fun!!

Redue!

I have tried posting this two times. So three times a charm ;) Last Saturday the kids were invited to a neighborhood Halloween party. They had a blast. They are now counting down the days for the big event. Reese is VERY excited to get a lot of candy. I think I should schedule those dentist appointments now.

Here are the out takes: A group photo for Christmas is going to be challenging ;)

Pumpkin Bread

Today I am on a mission to make pumpkin bread from scratch. I am hoping it is scrumptious. Collin has to bring something for work tomorrow so this should work out nicely. He is in an office FULL of ladies Yep he is the only male So I need to show them who is boss in the kitchen You know the way to a mans heart is threw his stomach Kidding. Okay, may be there is some truth to it ;) Some other things on the to do:

Make a dress out of paper

will explain later

Balance the check book

Babysit for the Mitchells

Get the kids in the bath

Finish painting the crib

relax

Barf!

So it seems when ever I start to think I can handle things life,anxiety etc. something once again gets thrown at us. Collin called me last night coming home from work and to be honest I didn't feel like getting out of bed to answer the phone it was already 9 pm I had an appointment for Reese's conference the next day and being sick I wanted to get a full nights sleep. The teacher had nothing but praise. I just love that girl! Well he called again so I thought it must be important at that point. The truck broke down. Poor guy WAS going to have to walk a few miles home for my laziness to get out of bed ;( But thankfully he tried calling again. I am also blessed with having great neighbors so I wouldn't have to role my kids out of bed. Thanks Matt!

Lord go easy on me because I feel that I am at my max. I don't know how much more of this I can take right now. Help me to see the good in all this. Help Collin today as I know he is dealing with a lot of stress at work.

Repentance....

I have been thinking of the word repentance lately and today I was struck with how I needed to repent. I love going to my church because I am constantly put in my place. I don't have someone coming up to me pointing a finger per say, but God is speaking to me opening my heart. ....he who has a ear let him hear... I LOVE that we go somewhere that really speaks the truth. Instead of giving us warm fuzzies all the time. We all need warm fuzzies here and there...hopefully you understand what I am saying. Anyhow, with our current situation I have just been feeling so much shame, guilt, worthlessness and the list can go on.

Why have I been feeling this way? Here is a verse I read this week in my study of the First Principals. Romans 1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

I have been reacting the very way the world tells me too! I have basically been throwing myself down on the ground kicking and screaming. Thinking it really is the end of the world for me.

Father please forgive me for reacting in such a way that is so displeasing to you. You are God and you are the one who gives and takes away. I am excited to see how you are going to work this out not for my benefit but for Your will to be done. I am excited to grow and rely on You. Help us to endure this trial with joy knowing that you are above all of this. You have done so much for us and forgive me for thinking that it was never enough. Here I am Lord, here I am!

Wishful Wednesday

I wish potty training looked this joyful! We are not even close to getting there, but thought this picture was too cute. She had just gotten out of the bath and looked like she had some business to take care of. Unfortunately nothing happened. Wishing it did :)

Something I don't want to forget....or maybe I do?

Collin and I were in the livingroom talking about the kids. I mentioned to him how funny it is when you have your first child and they seem to know everything thing at a early age. You say "eyes" and they point to them. You ask them all the sounds that animals make and they are able to say them with out skipping a beat. Well then there is Ava. She hardly knows any of them. I feel guilty about this...trust me. Well as we are talking I said "well honey eventually they will know it right?" Dallas figured it out. He overheard us talking about animal noises and he bursts out with cock a doodle doo, cock a doodle doo. I said what animal is that Dallas?? He said as sure as he can ever be: a wolf!


Looks like I have some catching up to do :)

Rewind....

Reese had her first field trip with her Kindergarten class to "the Farm". I was able to be a chaperon which was a lot of fun to put some faces to the names I hear. I was able to learn alot myself....did you know that if you want to get carrot seeds you leave one carrot in the ground and the following year it will grow a plant with seed pods. Pretty cool huh!
And if you were to ask Reese what her favorite part was she would probably say "riding the bus" I personally find those things to be stinky!





We also went and visited Craven Farms in Snohomish. The kids and their dad had a blast! I had a lot of fun watching them roll around in the corn. Collin says if we ever win the lottery he wants one. Apparently he finds it therapeutic. Good thing we don't play the lottery ;)

Also if you are looking for new ways to decorate your pumpkins try this. Reese and I thought it was pretty darn funny! You will also be able to cook your pumkin later....bonus!

www.hulu.com

I just discoverd this website this weekend. It is pretty cool if you like to watch tv shows. It also has some movies on it. Thought I would share it with you all in case you didn't know of it either.

No Soup for YOU!

Just kidding....I am posting this because 'tis the season for warm soup. It is really hard for me to find healthy things that my kids like and this one is a big request for my children. Reese has already requested it for her birthday dinner. That is over McDonalds people! Oh and if you are doing WW it is only 3 points if you don't add the garnish.
Enjoy :)

1T butter
1 Onion Minced
1 Shredded Carrot
4 chicken breast, cubed
1T ground cumin
1T chicken Bouillon
1/8 ground red pepper (leave out if you have kids)
2 cans Chicken Broth 14.5 oz
3 cans great northern beans, rinsed and drained (set one can aside)
1 can green chilies
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1/4 flour (
1/4 milk
Garnish with:
Green onions, sour cream and cheddar cheese

Melt butter add onion and carrot over medium high heat. Cook for 2 min. then add chicken. Once chicken is cooked add seasonings, broth, 2 cans of beans (rinsed and drained), green chilies and cilantro. Bring to a boil.
Drain and rinse the 3rd can of beans and mash. Add the flour and milk and mix. Slowly add to soup and once mixed simmer for 20 min.

It freezes well to if you would like to make a double batch. This is always a hit when I make it for people so if you know anyone who is having a baby bring it on over to their house :)

Shout out to my fellow bloggers!

I was surfing the blog world and to my excitement Sara posted another post! I always enjoy reading hers and seeing what she is up to. Sara and I have been friends for awhile now about 5 years to be exact. The fun thing about our friendship is we have probably only really hung out in person about 5 times or so. We got pregnant around the same time with our first and became instant pin pals. Over the years she has encouraged me with scripture and she can take credit for naming two of my children (Ava & Norah). She has great talent in home decorating and makes awesome signs. And if you continue to Some of you have visited her site. Click here if not.

Anyway back to my story.... well one of my friends was commenting on her post and said that she wanted a sign from herself. And the verse was from phil. 4:8 Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things. DUH! Is pretty much what I said when I read it today. I just love how the Lord brought that to me. I seriously have been thinking about it most of the day. I have so much to be thankful for, but lately I have been dwelling on the not so good things. Tomorrow is a new day. And like another friend said....may I wake up with a song for Him on my lips!

Tired...
tired of life being this way
tired of feeling like I want to scream all the time
tired of crying
tired of whining
tired of complaining
tired of raising my kids all alone

God right now my cup is empty
I need some strength to continue on
I am confused and angry
Be the lifter of my head
Give me hope and purpose
I just feel I can't go on with it being this way anymore

Ta'da!

We rapped it up last week. Took a lot longer than I wanted it to, but thankfully it is done for all those little trick-r-treaters to knock on our door! Sorry for no before pictures....those were wiped off my computer. Now for some grass ;)

Show me Your ways, O Lord, teach me Your paths; guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long. (Psalm 25:4-5)

don't you just want to gobble her up?!

Flashback Friday

A few weeks ago my sister called and wanted to get together. I really don't like to hang out with her because I am always wondering what her motive is. We seem to have a good relationship when we aren't talking. Usually she wants something or whatever. To my surprise I had a really good time. It seems as though she is staying clean and she also got her teeth fixed which is a huge bonus for her! My brother Skylar popped in for a bit too which was nice. I am hopeful that we can grow into a healthy relationship.......again hopeful :)

devistated!

Just got my computer back......all my pictures. GONE.
Does any know if there is a way to fix this?? they were on Picasa??

Sick Computer!

I am having to send my computer in :( So I won't be around for a few weeks.

accountability.....

I have been thinking a lot lately how I depend on coffee. I look forward to sleeping sometimes because I know that it will only be 8 hours until I get to enjoy that sip again. It is like my cigarette. I am drawn to having conversation with my husband which then makes me feel like I can conquer the world. I am able to get a million things done afterwards because of the energy it gives me. And I think it also causes me to sit and just be me. In other words coffee has become my god. I feel as though I can't live with out it. I look to it for confidence, strength and energy. It is the first thing I go to when I wake up and probably the last thing I think about. So after talking about this with a friend of mine today I have decided to do something about it. I am going to seek first His kingdom. I am not going to have a cup of coffee until I have have met with my one true God. I want to desire Him before anything else. I want to have Him know the real me. I want to depend completely on Him and nothing else! So sistas please help keep me accountable in this.

Yep....Collin and I decided to throw in the towel on having kids. And honestly I feel great about the decision. I don't just want to be a mom, I want to be a really good mom. Throw another kid in the loop and it would make it a lot tougher. So I am soaking in the cooing and baby giggles. Thankfully people at our church keep making babies so I know it won't be the last I hear of it. Also Reese told me she is going to have 10 kids! So I will be one busy Grandmother one day.

Thursday it is.....

My random thoughts.....

I was traveling the blog world and came accross one talking about her hairstylist. I have often wondered what it would be like to have such treatment. How beautiful could I actually be? I think it would be so exciting to have my hair and make-up done and someone hand picking an outfit that fits my bod to the T.
My next thought:
Heaven is supposed to be better than this. Do you get your hairstyled there?
Back to folding some clothes......

Lately my mornings have not been starting out so joyful. About 7:49 EVERYDAY we get a call. It goes a little like this......Is Collin there? Who is this? They say *&^&($^$%&. Sorry. We don't have the money today. Dial tone.
I never thought we would be where we are right now, but who does. Frankly I am just flat out embarrassed of how things are.
Well Lord today I am going to try and choose Joy. I pray for Collin to do the same. We are both so weak right now and it is only You that can help us. Help me to bless my husband & children with my words. The weight of the world is to much for me to handle. I am feeling crushed and defeated. Help me to trust in You and not lean on my own understanding.

She is 4 months!

Photos by Dallas

Norah is one sweet little gal! Dallas everyday says how cute she is and tells people that we are going to keep her :) She seems to be a little camera shy because every time I try to get her cooing on tape she stops! We have yet to master the sleep thing. I used to be so good at letting them cry it out but for whatever reason I am weak when it comes to this cute little face. Needless to say by this face I think that we will wait awhile on the rice cereal.