More information about the book/received my copy

I follow Rachel Anne @ Home Sanctuary In Summer 2009 she asked her readers to submit photographs that depict friendship and sisterhood. I submitted a picture of my girls.  I submitted a pictured of my girls Much to my surprise my girls were one of over over 50 selected. they are on page 63 of the book Company Girl by Rachel Anne Ridge.

THE BOOK IS OUT!!!

Last year I submitted a picture for a book on friendship. My picture was one of the ones selected for print.

This week I got notified the book is available for purchase. I can't tell you how honored I am that my baby girls are included in a book about friendship.

~A & ~B are good friends and I pray they remain close as they grow older.


Here's the link to the blog about this precious book. Company Girl I can't wait to get my hands on my copy. I was told it will be arriving soon.
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Loosing teeth

In the past 2 weeks ~L has lost a tooth, ~R has lost 2 teeth and now ~B will be losing a tooth. ~B is not yet 5. Last spring she fell down and chipped an upper tooth. Now that tooth is loose. The dentist says it will fall out soon. BUT the permanent tooth won't be in for awhile. I went through 3 boys and never had them lose a tooth like this. Why does it not surprise me that one of the girls is losing a tooth before it's time.

A new school year has begun

Today was the start of school in our house. The boys are in in "6" "4" and "2" The girls are in Pre-k.

We are starting each day with worship/Bible. I am using Bible Study Planet for Bible. Each day we will use a different lesson. If I find this to be too much then we will go to spreading the lesson over two days. The girls get to color for their part of the lesson. Then we have handwriting, language arts, math and science. Our history and geography is Nique's project this year. The boys will be sending and receiving post cards via Post Crossing This week since they haven't received any post cards yet, the boys will do reports, crafts, lessons on where their post cards are going. Leo got California. Reuben and Caleb each got Germany. As they get post cards in, the reports will be come very interesting seeing what people send.

We will be schooling in six week blocks with a week off then back at school. We will be taking a month off of formalized school hours during the holidays. We will also have time off when Brian retires so that it will be less stressed on us as a family.

The day was a good day.

Remembering 5 years ago

There are events in our lives that shape who we and who we become.

Hurricane Katrina was one such event in my life.

I am thankful for my family, friends that knew me before Katrina, strangers that became my friends after Katrina.

I am grateful for for stories of those who are rebuilding and making New Orleans a better place.

I am sad for my friends who lost everything but yet have kept their faith and grown STRONGER from the experience. This event shaped the lives of over 1 million people directly.

My heart grows weary and longs for heaven when there is no more tears, no more death and NO MORE FLOODS. Rainbows hold even more special meaning to me, God promised to never flood the entire earth. He has kept that promise.

I have 5 beautiful children, two were born after Katrina and were the reason we stayed away from NOLA for so many months. I love that the girls will only see the pictures and never know what it was like in the days following Katrina.

I am thankful to people who stepped up to help. Thankful to the communities that took in evacuees. Thankful for ALL time to the Raleigh SDA Church in Memphis who opened their arms to us for our time there. I am thankful to the people who don't even remember us for just being there when we needed them most.

I may never live in New Orleans again but I lived there as a child as an adult. It is my hometown, ya can take the girl out of NOLA but ya can't take NOLA out of the girl.

Katrina will forever be a part of me.

God is watching over me and I can feel His arms.

Conversations with a child

Yesterday I was taking my youngest son for a dentist appointment. This gave us an opportunity to talk just the two of us. He will be 8 next month.

So he says to me, "R only wants a wife no kids"
me "why"
him "he doesn't want to change baby diapers they are nasty"
me "well do you want kids"

At first he said "no"

me "but you love Ms L baby and Ms A new baby"
him "well I want 2 boys and 2 girls"
me "what happens if you have all girls or all boys"
him "well I will name the boys Michael, John and Eli"
me "what about girl names?"
him "I want one girl to be named Emily and the other Sara"

Okay he has put A LOT of thought into this. He's only 8. I love that little boy.

Monday evening relaxation

Friday I finished another semester of school!!!!!!! I have a two week break. So I enjoyed a weekend with my family, church, potluck and then some girly shopping. Oh the cute "big" girl clothes that are out this year. I am so excited. After shopping we met up with some friends for a light snack and to drop off some Pampered Chef products.

Sunday was mostly spent around the house reading and relaxing after the past few weeks I needed the rejuvenation.

Today was a day of doctors appointments. Brian has physical therapy for his shoulder. Therapist says he is doing good. He is still sore but only 3 weeks post op. ~R had a dentist appointment, sealing 2 permanent molars. And then ~E had a follow-up appointment in Boston. A busy day but overall not a bad day.

I am so grateful for being watched over and protected and loved.

July 1st

A year is half gone where has it gone.

It has been a busy year looking back.

My house is a little less crazy yet still just as crazy all at the same time.

Spending more time focusing on God and me each day has helped tremendously.

Reflecting on what is important to me.

God, Family, Friends

Learning Balance is a slow steady process.

Starting a New Bible Reading program that reads through 10 different parts of the Bible each day. It keeps me from being bored and challenges me.

Rejoicing in life's little treasures brings me a glad heart and keeps me positive. My children are growing so fast. This month my oldest will be 11. How did that happen?

Time to go study, I have to take a test on the blood and lymphatic system.

update in our neck of the woods

And yes I sorta do live in the woods. I live 1/2 mile off the main road and it's about 4 miles in either direction from there to get to a store. I am not complaining in anyway trust me.

So, last week we spent a wonderful but busy week with my family both here in MA and then in PA with my sister and her family. My brother-in-law was being ordained into ministry.

It was so much fun to have all the girl cousins together. My niece looks at my girls and says, "you are my cousin, I am your cousin and that's that." It was so cute to listen to six girls giggle together. We camped in a tent. The first night, It was Nique, eight kids and me. I tell you, I never thought the kids were going to go to sleep. I think finally about 1 am, they bit the dust. On Friday Brian joined us and the gleeful screams were amazing. The kids about tackled him.

The ordination was on Sabbath and was a beautiful but HOT day.

The kids have decided that going back to PA for campmeeting is a must. I told them that SNEC has campmeeting. They said "but we have new friends here." "What about your friends at home that go to campmeeting?" "Oh we see them all the time." I think it's because Uncle Bob works in the Junior tent.

We came on Sunday and oh boy I do not like G W Bridge traffic, it was INSANE. But we arrived home safe and sound.

Now to my other updates.

My reading challenges...
I am plugging along. I have only read 13 books FAR behind where I should be on pace for this year. I am not stressing over it, school has taken a lot of my time. The semester will be over August 6th.

Kids finished up the year of Adventurers. We had a good busy year and loved it. Next year the girls will be in Eager Beavers. Not sure which level the boys will be in. Leo has decided to be in Pathfinders.

Brian will be having shoulder surgery in July. After six months of pain, physical therapy and two cortisone shots something more has to be done. Hopefully he will begin to feel a little better after this.

The boys are continuing school throughout the summer. The joys of homeschooling, we get to school year around. LOL. The boys groan, I tell them well when your friends are in school during the year and we have a goof off day you are happy.

Off here for some reading with the kids then study time.

Sometimes life doesn't make sense

On Monday the flower girl from my wedding endured one of the worst pains ever. First of all she is no longer a little girl, she is all grown up, a mother of two. ~F is also a grieving mother. On Monday she delivered a stillborn baby girl at 34 weeks. Now we wait as a family til Jesus comes again and we can see her on resurrection morning. Baby ~Z will forever live in my heart.

A woman who has lost her husband = widow
A man who has lost his wife = widower
A child who has lost their parent = orphan
A couple without children = childless
A parent who still has children but has lost a child = ??? grieving parent

Matthew 5:4 promises Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. That has been my comfort this week. I know that earth doesn't have my answers and that only God knows. Doesn't mean it I have to agree it makes sense to me.

Relay for Life

Went to to my first Relay for Life event last night. This was different than the Making Strides Walk.

I went for a variety of reasons, the main reason was to be there for my friend P~. P~ lost her daughter to cancer two and a half years ago at the age of ten. No parent should have to bury their child at any age. I never had the joy of meeting C~ in person. Yet I wish I had.

My other reason's for being at the walk include
Grandpa S
Grandma S
Grandma Doris & her sisters
Gramp Mert
My Friend Cathy
Dylan diaed at 8 years old
Julia (just diagnosied 4 years old)
Aunt Debbie (defying the odds and battling)
and many many more

The evening started with open ceremonies of why the committee is there and relaying. This isn't just any ordinary committee. This committee is HIGH SCHOOL students who are involved and making a difference. First lap was led by survivors. There was a family kids mini carnival time ~ face painting, cotton candy, tissue flowers. I stayed with my team and just hung out with them and remember C~ and celebrate P~ birthday.

9:00 pm was the luminaria ceremony where our friend S~ is going to talk about C~ and HOPE and why C~ is here today. The track was lined with luminaria bags. After the speech we had a silent lap to reflect and remember and to even celebrate those fighting back. An emotional time for me. Luminarias have ALWAYS held a special place in my life. Grandpa loved them and I remember him decorating at Christmas with them when I was little. Christmas 1981 I think he decorated with over 300 lunimarias and made the local newspaper.

After the silent lap, we hung out some more and visited with P~. S~ helped he celebrate her birthday by getting her cake and pie. Nique and I headed home around 11:30. We debated staying overnight; just wasn't really an option for this years. NEXT YEAR!

Each life is precious. We are faced with different challenges and adversities.

Latex Allergy

Last night I was shopping for some fun pens for me. I wanted fine ball point colored pens. Now that seems simple enough but I got very side tracked. While looking, I noticed some pens said "Latex Free" and these other pens that I currently have don't. That got me thinking about pencils and erasers. WOW I can't just buy any old pencil or eraser. About 75% of the erasers and pencils currently in my house in my house are made with rubber and therefore LATEX. Reuben who is LATEX allergic has a horrible hand itching reaction flare lately. I couldn't figure out why. Now I know. He's been writing and erasing more in school. Every time he erases he rubs latex over his poor hands. The wave of guilt that washed over me last night was horrendous. But as my friend reminded me, it was of those things we just take for granted. I worried about underwear, socks, the fact that he can't eat bananas but never thought about something as simple as an eraser. Just for the record Pentel and Ticonderoga both make LATEX free pencils and erasers. Now the kids are hunting down every pencil in the house to be on the safe side.

Weekly Savings Today

Went shopping today

Bought 14 packs of chicken ~ split chicken breast, legs, and whole chicken, creamer, popcorn and Greek yogurt. Spent $66.38 saved $64.66. Every package of chicken had a $3.00 store coupon because they had a sell by date of tomorrow. That means FREEZE by. The whole chickens were each 5 pound roasters for $0.85 a pound after savings. The legs equaled $0.85/pound after savings and the breasts were $1.70/pound after savings which works for me.

End of the semester

After a 14 year break from college my first semester has come to an end. I survived all online classes. There is a one week break and summer semester starts. I will be taking Anatomy & Physiology 2 & Introduction to Pharmacology over the Summer.

Kids are learning science along with me.

Doing some pleasure reading this week, going to read books 4 Rejoice & 5 Reunion of of the Redemption series by Karen Kingsbury.

Have a great day

Making plans for the future

After 24 years of active duty in the Military, Brian's time in the Navy is coming to the end. He was passed over for promotion so retirement is coming in the year. This brings mixed feelings. Brian & I met when I was 18. I will be 38 when he retires. He was 17 when he joined the Navy and will be 43 when he retires and moves into the next phase of our lives.

Trusting God to open the doors for us. Some things that are in the future for us...Finding a job for Brian, a new place to live, and I am back in school after 14 years. I changed my major from Social Work to Health Management. Right now I am working on finishing my Bachelor's and will begin my Masters Degree within two - two and a half years.

God is in control of where we will live and open the job doors for Brian. We love it here in this area, love Utah, Memphis and San Diego.

Off to study for finals.

Early Birthday Present

About 2 months ago our church put out flyers for a new Bible. A NKJV with Chain Marking, helps a great concordance and several different leather covers. I was in awe. I wanted it but it was 89.95 plus 15.00 to have it thumb indexed. Now I had just bought a 4 version parallel version in the fall so I couldn't stomach the price. I also have about three other Bibles at home in great shape. But Brian and Nique both saw me eyeing the the brochure. So they started saving to get if for my birthday in May. Then church decided to start a Bible Chain Marking class in April. It is recommended to have a new Bible for the class. Last Friday night I got a brand new Bible. It is so pretty and so soft. I think it is has to be one of the softest leathers I have ever felt. It already has chain marking on 20 different subjects. Where I can start at one verse and then it references the next verse. This continues until the topic is done ~ somewhere between between 7-20 verses per topic ~ there is a symbol indicating it is finished. Tomorrow church will start additional chain marking subjects.

I will treasure my early present for years to come.

Earth Hour 2010

At 2030 lights out at our house, we are joining the global Earth Hour. Lights Out. We did this last year too. EarthHour It's kinda cool There are no right or wrong ways to do this. For us we are watching TV in the dark by candlelight. Every light in the house is turned off. All 10 of us are sitting in the living room with only the TV on watching a movie. We are munching on popcorn, cheese and fruit.

have a great evening

Monday catch up

Time has just flown by me...

It's been a while since I have sat down to just blog out my life.

The girls have just been moving and shaking 4 years old.

~E had her surgery for Chiari 1 Malformaion CSF Info She was into the hospital on Monday the 15th and came home on the 18th. The previous week the surgery got moved from the 17th to the 29th back to the 15th in a matter of 22 hours. Talk about a whirlwind. ~E told the doctor I am going to church when he released her. She was annointed with oil on March 4th. Her faith speaks volumes. A Child will Lead them. E loves to sing and dance and will be always.

~S had her 2nd opinion on her eyes. She doesn't need surgery for now. Will need more patching but the doctor said she is focusing near so that is AWESOME news. ~S can draw these amazing smiling faces.

For two kids that aren't mine I sure care about them as much as if they were.

Now to mine own kids.

~A is writing her own name. She loves to play house with her dolls.

~B is drawing and coloring in the lines and loves anything purple and says she is going to be a doctor. She loves my "doctor" school books.

~R went through an eczema flare but it was short lived and has come through it. He loves his gymnastics class.

~L & C are taking swim lessons and enjoying them.

Brian is finishing one class and will take a month break then start his final class "Senior Seminar" for his Bachelors degree. I am working away on school. Last week was spring break which was needed to just plain catch up.

Life is one day at a time. God is teaching me that the battles are His not mine.
2nd Chronicles 20:15

No Electronics

A few weeks ago I was reading an article in Woman's day about family dinners and it struck a chord with me. The article talked about no TV no computer family nights. So we instituted this on Friday night Sabbaths. We have usually not watched TV on Sabbaths unless it was Christian programing. Now we have taken it one step further. This make for a much more family/worshipful Sabbath evening.

The kids seem a lot more restful and ready to begin the Sabbath weekend instead of wired for sound as well.


Working on our Scripture verses for memorization over the weekend. Write them down read them daily until committed to memory. Then review on a weekly and monthly basis.

Anyone want to share their FAVORITE verse for memorizing.

I will share my favorite on Sunday. It more has to do with the memory behind learning it.

have a blessed Sabbath. God Bless y'all.

Amazing times

Life has been so out of control it seems but God reminds me every day He is still there right beside me.

~E will be having her surgery on March 17th if you could keep her in your prayers over the next few weeks as surgery nears and then for recovery. I worry about how her mom, Brian and I will be able to cope with the kids and their questions. How can we as parents to these kids help them adjust and cope and deal with their emotions. My oldest asked if he could go with her when she goes to surgery. This isn't even his sister and he cares for her that much.

But you know what yesterday we celebrated ALL four girls fourth birthday with some great friends. The girls had a BLAST at Build A Bear and eating cupcakes with their friends. The presents were so perfect for them.

Church and Adventurers fills so much spiritual blessing in my life for me and the kids. I really feel that God put me right here right now for all the right reasons. Our church is now working on 40 days of scripture memorization, learning a new verse a day. BUT it's not like just memorizing one verse and moving on, we are going over the verses daily sometimes two or three at a time, til we learn them. I love love this.

God is faithful every day to remind me He made me and knows me inside and out. As I am studying in school I especially am reminded of our creator.

Happy Birthday

Today you two are turning four years old.

~A You are our Rae of Sunshine, so full of Spunk and Tenacity nothing gets by you. You observe and take everything in then give your whole heart into all you do. You are a leader of the girls.

~B You are our Graceful one so full of life and charm. Granny would have been proud of you and loved you to pieces. You look like her and have some of her mannerisms. Your smiles light up a room.

We loved you both from the moment we knew there were two. Every movement every wiggle has been treasured. Girls who have the best gift in the world a twin sister to share and conquer the world.

Happy Birthday our precious baby girls but guess what you two aren't babies anymore; you are growing into little independent girls. We love you both.
                              

God provides

Life is what happens when we make plans isn't that how the saying goes.

This week, school was hard for me but I persevered and ended the week with my case study in medical terminology.

I also got notice that the funding for school has been temporarily suspended. Funding for currently approved program (i.e. current semester is okay but further semesters are a no go). After a brief moment of depression, I realized it's really and has always been in God's hands. Maybe this is God's way of shutting the door at this time. If I am meant to continue school, funding will be reinstated

Today I was blessed with a wonderful sermon. Then we had a seminar on memorizing scripture. I am looking forward to working on memorizing more this year.

God is good and working on me.

Daily verse

Lead me in the right path, O Lord, or my enemies will conquer me.
Make your way plain for me to follow.
Psalm 5:8 NLT

So glad it's Friday

This has been a really long week and I don't see it getting much better BUT I am so thankful it's Friday and tonight is Sabbath.

Monday started out with a Medical Terminology test. Normal family/kid activities at home.

Tuesday was a LONG LONG day. My dear friend has a daughter with cerebral palsy. She need help taking her to the doctor and for X-rays. That was a trying time. ~J didn't like the X-rays or the fact that I was the one helping and not mom. After the initial X-rays, life was better or ~J. We "danced" around the room and had a laughing time of it. Unfortunately the doctor says ~J needs surgery on her legs. A very emotional time.

Now for the Really Really Hard part. Nique had to take Bugalicious into the neurologist. We knew it was to access her and go over the MRI results. But what wasn't expected was how bad the MRI seemed. Bug doesn't just have Chiari Malformation type I she also has syringomyelia (cyst in the spine). She will be requiring surgery. When we don't know yet. We meet with the neurosurgeon towards the end of the month. I know I say we when Bug isn't really my daughter. They live in my home. I take care of Bug and Peanut while Nique is working. I love those two girls as much as if they were my own. The neurologist thinks she still has Epilepsy. Wow was this appointment a lot to take in all at once. My mind is spinning worrying about all the changes for Bug and the rest of the family. Recovery time, limitations on her life for now, knowing trusting God to answer our prayers that He has and will continue to watch over her and us.

Wednesday was a blur just stressing about life I guess you could say.

Thursday we went over to our friends house to watch her kids while she went to a doctor's appointment. That was kinda fun watching the kids play. Then we had our monthly mom's night out twin club meeting. Our speaker was on "health eating with picky eaters." Lots of great information.

Today is cleaning, school work, and Sabbath preparation. I am so thankful that tonight is Sabbath. Tomorrow we have adventurers to look forward to with all the kids.

Have a blessed day

WHO DAT! ~ NOBODY

This was an amazing Sunday for Saints fans. 43-44 years in the making.

We planned a small Superbowl party. When you have 10 people in the house is anything ever really small?  We even had a couple of friends over.

Anyway, we made chicken and turkey sausage gumbo, chicken jambalaya, ordered a King Cake from NOLA.  Tried to get Randazzo but they weren't shipping in time so we went with Gambinos Which was really cool because it came with Black and Gold Sugar:). The kids had black Fleur-de-leis drawn on their faces or arms. Adults were wearing Who Dat shirts or Saints shirts.

3 years ago, I rooted for the "hometown boy" today there was none of that. My loyalties were strictly with my team. 

What a game! The stats were stacked against them but the Saints proved that stats are just numbers. They played with heart and WON!!! Many of the players are players that no other team wanted. In 2005 Brees left San Diego with a shoulder injury. Shockey was injured and couldn't play in the 2007 Superbowl with the Giants. Hargrove battled addiction and came back. Like New Orleans itself, these players are fighters and have given their ALL.

Ya know my favorite pic of the whole night was this one...sharing the moment with his wife and child.

THANK YOU BOYS and NEW ORLEANS for rebuilding and Finishing Strong

I do feel for Payton Manning, I could see the frustration in him.  He's an awesome quarterback. BUT Superbowl XLIV belonged to NEW ORLEANS SAINTS and the whole city and metro area of New Orleans.

Allergies

~A had her follow-up today. Of course after 3 weeks of being cough free she started coughing yesterday. Dr says to remain on pulmocort once a day for duration of winter. If cough comes back up dose to twice a day for 5-7 days. I detest steroids but at least these are lesser quantities than oral.

We did RAST testing to check the IgE levels and Sesame and Latex (as ~R is allergic to those) as well as her levels on the positives on the foods she is allergic to. Anneliese was a champ for the testing only crying at the actual sight of the blood.

School

About a 1/3 of the way done with my classes.

I just took exam 3 in the Anatomy and Physiology class. it was on organic chemistry. Fun stuff, I tell you. But you know what it does, reaffirms my belief in God. I don't understand how scientist can say anything that with such intricacies just HAPPENED. We have more than 1000 enzymes in our bodies and each one has a specific substrate. How can that just happen and not be by design?

This weekend I am studying for Exam 4 in Medical Terminology ~ The respiratory system.

The kids are learning too. I am so thankful for my family.

Happy Groundhogs day

He saw his shadow

This day has long been one of fun for me.

When I was 13 or 14, my grandparents were visiting from Vermont for the winter. We went to the zoo on February 2nd.

As we passed by the groundhogs, I said "I wonder if he saw his shadow today"

Gram says, "Back home Groundhogs day is in February."

"It is February, Gram," I reply.

Because of the much warmer temperature Gram was a little out of sorts. Because we were living in New Orleans it was probably 60 instead of 35 and snow covered.

Every year from then on, it was a running joke, I would have to call and remind her that it was Groundhog's Day. A few years ago I even made her a stuffed groundhog. Last year when she passed away my great aunt asked my dad which of us was the one that always called and even sent the groundhog. So I know it meant a lot to her over the 25 years we had the running joke. February 2nd became "our day". This year she is gone and I am trying hard not to be sad but I miss her more today than any other day over the past year.

most days

Most the winter I really love the cold and snow. BUT the past two days and the next two days are not days I like this weather. It is really cold. As I am typing this the temp is 9 degrees feels like -7. At 6 am it was 1 feels like -15. That is way TOO COLD for this southern girl. Now that being said at least it is only for a few days. I can suck it up stay inside bundle up and just stay warm, at least we have heat. In the summer when it is 75-80 for MOST the summer I am really loving living here and not in the heat and humidity of the South. Guess I take what God has given in all of it's beauty and glory.

Have a blessed Sabbath day. Stay warm and dry

Saints Fan

From the time we moved to New Orleans when I was 9 years old, I became a Saints fan. We are a different breed of fan ~ I remember losing seasons, I remember the 1st winning season, I remember the 1st playoff and loss. I remember the 1st playoff win.

I have been to many a event in the Superdome religious, entertainment and sporting events. It is a dome like no other. I cried 4 and half years ago when Katrina nearly destroyed it. I was fortunate to be able to go to a game there after it reopened. To me the dome represented sadness and HOPE.

Tonight I got to watch my SAINTS play their hearts out. It was a nail biter. But in the end my house was SCREAMING WE ARE GOING TO THE SUPERBOWL. THE SAINTS ARE MARCHING TO MIAMI.

After 43 years New Orleans Saints are making their first Superbowl appearance. Yes it's just football but for a New Orleanean, it is so much more. February 7th, I am not just watching the commercials. lol

Whew

Stopped to get gas in the van. Had ~A and ~B buckled in their car seats. Turned the key to auto so they could listen to the radio while I was getting gas. Pumped my gas, go to get back in the van. OOPS the van door was LOCKED. OH NO ALL and I MEAN ALL the doors were LOCKED. My cell phone was inside. Nique is at home with the other 5 kids. I tapped on the window, hoping that Bekah can unbuckle herself, asking her to get out of her car seat. She manages to do it. Now this is actually both scary and a relief all at the same time. She comes and unlocks the drivers door so I can get back in the van.

Whew!!! Major catastrophe averted

Power outage

Last night I got a text from Brian "power out"

Ok so most the time this would not be a big deal BUT it is 7 o'clock at night and about 28 degrees out. I told him where the candles where. The kids had hidden and run down the batteries in the flash lights. The house was actually fairly warm so that was a good thing. Our house is completely electric ~ heat, stove, water heater, everything. We don't have anything that is gas or oil. He got the girls to bed before I got home. I got more flash lights. When I got home we put the boys to bed in the girls room and shut off the boys room, made sure all the kids had extra covers. The cause for the power outage was a blown fuse down the road that isn't traveled (basically down in the woods). The plow guys got the road plowed and then the power guys got the power back on in the middle of the night.

This morning ~B comes and says "mommy the house works again" LOL the mind of a 3 year old.

I wanted to watch election news last night. It was a HISTORIC election for MA and the US. I kept up on my cell phone as much as possible til the battery died. So today I actually got up and watched the early morning news. It's amazing how things turned out. While I couldn't vote because of not being a MA resident, I am glad that the state spoke. The reports are saying about DOUBLE the normal voter turnout.

I am off to clean and organize a little. Have a great day.

Reading Challenges

So Nique says I should go ahead and join some of the book challenges. I am looking at some of them.

Here are some that I am thinking about

100+ Reading Challenge This is an average of slightly more than 2 books a week If I am doing any amount of these challenges I should be able to do this challenge.

Sunrise ~ Karen Kingsbury
Summer ~ Karen Kingsbury
Someday ~Karen Kingsbury
Sunset ~ Karen Kingsbury

Twenties Girl ~ Sophie Kinsella

Redemption ~ Karen Kingsbury
Remember ~ Karen Kingsbury
Return ~ Karen Kingsbury
Rejoice ~ Karen Kingsbury
Reunion ~ Karen Kingsbury

Fame ~ Karen Kingsbury
Forgiven ~ Karen Kingsbury


Redeeming Love ~ Francine Rivers


Buy One and Read It I am planning on doing the library challenge but I love buying books and some books just BELONG on my shelf. Those are the books that I will read for this challenge

Redeeming Love ~ Francine Rivers

 Support Your Local Library What a way to read and not have to buy my books  If I am going to read 100+ plus books this year I am not going to buy them all.

1 Sunrise ~ Karen Kingsbury
2 Summer ~ Karen Kingsbury
3 Someday ~Karen Kingsbury
4 Sunset ~ Karen Kingsbury
5 Twenties Girl ~ Sophie Kinsella
6 Redemption ~ Karen Kingsbury
7 Remember ~ Karen Kingsbury
8 Return ~Karen Kingsbury
9 Rejoice ~ Karen Kingsbury
10 Reunion ~ Karen Kingsbury
11 Fame ~ Karen Kingsbury
12 Forgiven ~ Karen Kingsbury

 Christian Historical Fiction I love reading historical Christian fiction

Redeeming Love ~ Francine Rivers

 1st in a Series Each series of books that I start would count. I love reading series.

Sunrise ~ Karen Kingsbury
Redemption ~ Karen Kingsbury
Fame ~ Karen Kingsbury

2nd-reading Challenge There are authors I can re-read or read the 2nd book in a series would qualify for this

Summer ~ Karen Kingsbury
Remember ~ Karen Kingsbury
Forgiven ~ Karen Kingsbury

 Finish That Series Finishing the series that I start

Sunrise Series ~ Karen Kingsbury
Redemption Series ~ Karen Kingsbury

Romance Reading A lot of the Christian fiction books I read might fit into this catagory

Sunrise ~ Karen Kingsbury
Summer ~ Karen Kingsbury
Someday ~Karen Kingsbury
Sunset ~ Karen Kingsbury


Redemption ~ Karen Kingsbury
Remember ~ Karen Kingsbury
Return ~ Karen Kingsbury
Rejoice ~ Karen Kingsbury
Reunion ~ Karen Kingsbury

Fame ~ Karen Kingsbury
Forgiven~ Karen Kingsbury

Redeeming Love ~ Francine Rivers

 451 Challenge Looking over this list there are some great books that I have read or have wanted to read, most I should be able to find at the library


 Christian Non Fiction This works to challenge my mind as I read inspiration

 Young Reader's Challenge This works to read more books with the kids


It looks like a lot of reading. But I think I would have a lot of cross over reading and be able to do this. I am going to take a day or two to think about it and go back and look at the links again later to decide.

Will keep you updated.


UPDATE~I am going to do the above.  

Crashing and Burning ~ NOT This Time!!!

I am not going to do that this year!!!

I have tried for years to get organized and stay organized. Most years I crash and burn. Hard to believe for most but I am a perfectionist to the point that it overwhelms me. When I can't do it just so perfectly I end up giving up. I want it done just so RIGHT NOW. Well This year I AM NOT going to do that. I doing this slowly and one step at a time. I am slowly looking at my house and my life and figuring out what works for me, not what works for someone else that they send to me in a bunch of emails that overwhelm me.

Sometime last year I came across Homesanctuary Through her site and words and God's prodding (because I truly believe He led me there) I began to think of my house in a different light. Brian and I have sat down and thought of a Mission statement for our home. This year Rachel Anne is talking about The Secret to Successful Home Management. Each day I am working on her small projects and realistically looking at life and challenges. The prayer and hope is that life in our house gets better for my children and husband. God is calling me to be a better wife, mom, daughter and friend.

Today's topic was about creating a schedule for housekeeping. Take a look at it, if you struggle or even if you just want some good ideas. Housekeeping Schedules I worked on mine today, carved out time for GOD, ME, BRIAN, and Family time, Church, School and cleaning. Our set in stone appointments are on the sheet then the extras fit in around that.

Sometimes we hear the same thing a 1000 times before it sticks. I used to envy those that are naturally organized and keep "perfect" homes but not anymore. I am the way I am, it just takes me a little longer to clean and be organized but I learning to be okay with me. God made me!!!

Have a blessed day

Thankful Tuesday

Today was a day of frustrations but yet I am thankful to be here.
Thankful for the laughter of children. As we were driving trying to chase down a textbook we passed by the BACK of Brian's old office building. The girls start yelling "that's daddy's work, we going to go see daddy." That brought me much joy.

I am thankful a house that needs to be cleaned,
clothes to be washed
dishes to be cleaned
Why you may ask?
It means that we have stuff, clothes to wear, a house to keep us warm, and food to eat.

I am THANKFUL for my Savior who watches over me and reminds me that He is there to keep me and love me.

Daily scripture reading

I will give thanks to the Lord because of His righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High Psalm 7:17

Goals for today

It's Sunday, football comes on it a little while, I have a lot to do before that though.

Minimal Maintenance
Laundry reboot folding during football game
Office Pick up (kids have already started helping)
Dinner plans (looks like breakfast for dinner)

wondering

I am in the process of getting the girls birth certificates. Up til now I haven't had a need for them. The copy from the hospital and their social security cards have sufficed. So I call the lady to make sure she got all the information.
She calls me back. "ma'am are ~A and ~R twins?"
"yes they are." I replied.
"I found ~R in the book but haven't located ~A."
To which I replied, "Well ~A was baby A and ~R was baby B born at ... and ..."
"I will go and look again"
I haven't heard back from her yet. Hopefully she will call me back tomorrow and let me know she found my cute and adorable baby A. LOL Until then I guess I didn't give birth to two cute and adorable baby girls but just one cute and adorable baby girl. Good thing I have her shot record and her medical record from the the hospital and her social security card to prover her existence. The joys of red tape.

School has started

Yep it's official...

I am back in school. I am a Junior but feel like a freshman all over again. It's been 14 years since I have gone to school. Well I did take a chemistry class in 2000 but that was one single class I only had one child. Now I have 5. WOW So Brian has been going to school for the past 3 years but usually taking 1 single class in 8 week spurts sometimes he might take 2. I really do appreciate all that he has done. Now he is almost done.

I am scared crazy with the two classes I am taking, both of which have a lot of information. I won't be sharing grades with anyone because my VALUE doesn't involve my grades. I am not in a competition to be better than anyone else.

Off to read about anatomy

This year is off to a dandy start

So we are snowed in... The "light snow turning into 3-6 inches by 10 pm Saturday night" became 3 - 6 inches over night and still falling. The plow guy came down our street at after 1030. We live on private property not city streets so even when the regular street is plowed we may not be. Anyway we got a message that church was canceled today due to snow which is a mixed blessing. I was really looking forward to church this week after not attending last week. The girls however weren't going as they ALL have the sniffles and coughs.

I got my syllabus for the new semester. OH MY. This is all online but each test is a proctored exam. I called the closest base and basically got brushed off because I am not an AIR FORCE spouse. I will be calling again on Monday to speak to them again. Between the two classes I will be very busy between now and April 22. 20 weekly exams, 2 case presentations, 1 research paper, 1 midterm and 2 final exams. So this equates ONE busy mama. After 14 years of being out of college and having 5 kids and 2 extras in the house, this semesters scares me a little bit. I have to locate a testing proctor site if the base doesn't work out, which I may have done through one of the local community colleges. My books still have to get here which hopefully they will be by Monday or Tuesday.

We are having movie night with the kids tonight, just quietly chilling out at home amongst all the snow, so far I think there is about 6-8 inches now.