Simple Heart

I Heart Faces Photo Challenge : Beautiful Eyes

2011-08-14T22:35:00.000-07:00

I adore this boy.... even with his Puss and Boots look

The Blame Game

2011-07-12T07:00:00.000-07:00

If you've ever had one of "those" mom days, you understand the blame game. Let me give you a recent example. A figurine that my grandmother had given me was recently decapitated in a Wii accident. I understand that was an accident and we were all fine. The head was in pieces on the coffee table next to the hollow body. A short while later, my habitual tattler tells me "someone poured water in your broken thinggy." (yup.. we need to work on vocabulary this summer) I line the children up, knowing it was likely one of the younger two, and ask who did it. I wasn't upset, or yelling, or even raising my voice. I was using none of my mommy intimidation tactics to get the answer. Amazingly, NO ONE put the water there. It just appeared. Each child blamed someone else, so no one could possibly have done it. Because it is the rule, they have to work together on a punishment when "no one" caused a problem. I never found out who actually did it. I'm often amazed at how quickly they blame each other. To be completely honest, it made me realize how often I'm making excuses blaming people, things, and circumstances for how effective I am in my tasks.

source

My humanity gets in my way more often than I'd like it to! It started with Adam... After Adam and Eve ate of the forbidden fruit and God questioned why they were cowering in the foliage, Adam started the blame game. Adam's response? "The WOMAN (blaming Eve) whom YOU (blaming God) gave to be with me, she gave me from the tree and I ate." Gen 3:12 NASB

Really Adam? You had nothing to do with it? And so it begins... the blame game. I'm learning to stop myself when I begin to blame others or circumstances for how I am feeling, acting, how effective I am in my tasks, or even how I parent, so that I can take the responsibility. I am responsible for myself. It's that simple. I hope that as I live this example from the lesson I am learning, my children see that taking responsibility works much better than the blame game.

Blessings,

Mandy

Under construction

2011-07-07T20:19:00.000-07:00

I'm working on the blogging thing.. I know I keep saying I'm going to be better about it, but I've decided to use the time in a week that I normally watch tv or zone out looking at OTHER people's blogs for blogging... we'll see how it goes. I'm trying to fix the format and pictures and stuff... We'll get there. What do you think.. is the background too busy?

By the way...

if you are reading this...

YOU ROCK!

Thanks for peeking in and seeing what's new!

Blessings,

Mandy

I should have died...

2011-06-21T19:09:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking about perspective. It's so easy to get caught up in the busyness of each day and the emotions that come with being a mother and Army wife. Sometimes, it's not easy to step back from a situation and see what God has planned for us through the situation. I can see that I am who I am today because there have been key situations that have shaped my life. It also occurred to me that the Lord has used some pretty major situations in my life to get my attention. I don't know why it has taken so much in the past to get my attention, but you can be sure that I am listening now. The thing is... I shouldn't be here. Maybe that isn't the right way to say it, I almost wasn't here, I should have died.

When I was 7, I was so overwhelmed with abusive situations in my life, I swallowed 14 high dose prescription strength pain relievers. It was 1 hour before my mom realized I was acting funny. I was rushed to the hospital where I told them I took 10 of the regular dose pills. My heart rate was dangerously slow and my stomach was pumped. My mom happened to come into my room that night to ask a question. I could have fallen asleep and never woken up. I should have died.

When I was 8, we were driving in Australia and were at a stoplight. After it turned green a car cut in front of us and a truck going well over the speed limit T-boned that car. The passenger side was crushed straight through to the driver side. If that car hadn't sped in front of us and cut us off, if there had been 3 more seconds, that would have been me. I should have died.

When I was 9, I would sneak out of my bedroom window and hang out with some friends that were older and in a gang. I was present at a drive-by. I tripped while running and was grazed with a bullet. I never told my parents. I should have died.

When I was 12, I was such a perfectionist that I had several ulcers that would bleed. I put so much pressure on myself that I soon became bulimic. I did a lot of damage to my body those Jr. High years and my metabolism has never been normal again. My heart was damaged, but it's still working. I should have died.

From the time I was 13 until I was 19 I tried to commit suicide 6 more times, even cutting my entire forearm down to the bone (which is the biggest scar I still have). Each time, I knew I should have died.

I was a drug addict from age 9-18. I did it all.. I overdosed. I lost people I loved. I hurt everyone around me. I should have died several times.

This is just a tiny bit of things that have shaped my life. I have no idea how I didn't see the Lord reaching for me in each situation. Now that I am firm in my faith, I can see His Hand in each of those events. From little things like christian music playing in the background at a hospital, to muscle spasms causing me to loose the use of my hand I was cutting with. My past isn't pretty. It's filled with hurt and anguish, but I can also see how many amazing people with strong faith He put in my path. I wasn't raised in a Christian home, but I've gone to church most of my life. My parents encouraged me to listen to christian music and read christian books. I've been prayed over in school parking lots, Burger King, at the bowling alley, and even at a party in the woods. Just because we can't seem to see the Lord in the situation we are in, doesn't mean He isn't there. When we are overwhelmed, He is there. When we feel like there is no reason to live, He is there. When we've selfishly hurt everyone around us and we feel alone, He is there. He is there in the good and the bad times.. ALWAYS. Philippians 1:6 says "for I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Even if I should have died, I didn't. He had and has a plan for me, and no matter what mess I make of my life wielding my free will around like it's all about me, He will bring me back and focus me on what His Will is.. What a glorious thing to have a God who loves us in our weakness and strengthens us as we walk in His purpose. I don't want to ever have a day that I don't wake up praising the Lord for each breath I take. He's given me a precious gift and I can't wait to use it for His glory. As the amazing Chris Tomlin song goes.. "Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see. My chains are gone, I've been set free. My God and Savior has ransomed me, and like a flood, His mercy reigns, unending love, amazing grace."

blessings,
Mandy

school schedule

2011-02-06T07:30:00.001-08:00

Time is ticking away...

Do you have a strict school schedule, or a general guideline, or perhaps, a basic list that determines the order of your school day? I'm a schedule kind of girl. I really love routine and enjoy making lists and schedules. When we lived in Ca, we did a virtual academy that had all of the subjects and all of the assignments organized. J was just able to log-in and do whatever was on the list for the day. Now that I have put together my own curriculum, I've spent half of the year figuring out what time of day to do each subject, and which order causes the least amount of stress with maximum productivity. I thought I would share my schedule with you.. On paper, it has general time references, but we generally work on each subject until it is done. Here's our homeschooling day

7-8am Breakfast and Responsibilities
8-8:20 Pledge and Handwriting
8:20-8:45 Bible Study
8:45-9am Character study MWF, Citizenship T, TH
9-9:15am Break
9:15-10am Math
10-10:30 History/Geography MWF, Science T,TH,S
10:30-11:15 Make up work, Reading, or Break
11:15-12 Lunch and Recess
12-1pm English and Literature
1-2 Review and Catch-up

Homework: Spelling, Spanish, and Art

:)
Blessings
Mandy

Rules, Responsibilities, and Rewards Part Three

2011-02-05T13:54:00.000-08:00

It occurred to me that I should be spending more time showing my family how very important coming together to make decisions and learn about the Lord is. I considered just continuing our family night, but making sure that it's a priority. I thought about maybe doing a family Bible study. Maybe doing some of both? When? We have been doing family night on Friday, but for some reason, a lot of things are scheduled on Fridays, so I needed another day of the week. INSPIRATION I could do both, I could do even more than that. Mondays are almost always free. We burn out during the day on Monday, but need inspiration, direction for the week. So here's what I came up with..

Family Council

A meeting every Monday with all of the family.

We have elected positions. Beloved always remains president, and I the VP, but the children will elect their positions.

Older 2 can hold a position as Treasurer (in charge of family fun money and goals) or Activity Director (in charge of planning an activity/lesson with me for our meeting).

The younger 2 can hold a position as clean up or snack helper.

Any issues with discipline or family procedure can be brought up at a meeting during new business time.

Arguments that have been tabled previously can also be discussed freely.

Family rules and established at our first council meeting can be changed or discussed at council.

Chores (not established responsibilities) will be chosen.
Lists of chores worth $$ will be discussed and posted.

Once a month, we will have a game night.

Once a month, we will have a meeting about a character trait we are working on.

Twice a month, we will have a Bible lesson. One will be lead by myself, one by the activity director.

Elections will be on the last council meeting of the month.

So far it's working. It's a great way to discuss schedules, plans, expectations, frustrations, to apologize again for being a less than perfect parent (forgiveness is big with us), and to start our week in unity.

Do you have a family meeting, or family night, or home evening?

Blessings,

Mandy

Beauty.. inside and out

2011-01-31T06:25:00.000-08:00

Please Vote for this picture on people's choice on I Heart Faces!

I'm entering this photo, even though it is from July of last year because it was on a memory stick that I had lost, and didn't get to see until a few days ago. It's my favorite picture that I've printed this month.

Rules, Responsibilities, and Rewards Part Two

2011-01-22T14:05:00.000-08:00

Ok, we've established our rules and consequences. Great! What about responsibilities and chores in our home? That's part 2..
We have decided to give tickets for several things in our home. Our children really appreciate having a tangible reward for their positive behavior. I know my older children should probably just be responsible, but again... didn't I tell you I was really terrible about consistency?! Anywho.. This is another project that is waiting for the purchase of pretty paper. I'd show you what we use, but it's all on plain printer paper and handwritten. I want you to see the "pretty" version. Paper is coming.. so pictures will follow.. soonish.
Each child has daily responsibilities. We decided on them as a family and broke them into morning, after school (only one child is homeschooled), and evening.

Responsibilities

Make your bed

Open curtains/blinds

Get dressed

Brush teeth/wash face/brush hair

Change into play clothes

Do homework

Put school stuff away

Evening

Pick up living room/school room

Pick up bedrooms

Put on PJs

Bath

Brush teeth/bathroom

Am responsibilities = 1

Pm responsibilities = 1

Evening responsibilities = 1

Ticket = 10 min entertainment

Entertainment=watching a movie, playing on the computer, or wii time

A ticket is given when each task has been done to the best ability of the child. We explained, and showed the children exactly what was expected. I expect the older boys beds to be made very neat, while my daughter might not have it perfect. Each of them did their very best, so they have completed the task to my satisfaction. We don't subscribe to any television programming, and don't allow the children to watch many movies that are over a pg rating. PG13 movies are allowed if they are documentaries, which we watch an awful lot of, or have been pre-screened by adults. We only have a few Wii games, but were noticing the children fighting about who had more time, or whose turn it was to play. Now, they must turn in a ticket to play, and there is no more fighting. In fact, the children spend a lot more time playing with toys, dress up, and spending time outside. It's been wonderful to see them move away from the television and DVD player and spend so much time using their imaginations together.

Chores. Doesn't everyone hate that word. It makes children groan, parents who have to supervise cringe, and if you've tried every system on the planet to organize it.. I'm sure it makes you want to throw things.. or is that just me? Because we have an election every month to elect positions in our Family Council (again.. more to come later), we take the opportunity to assign chores on election day. In our home, we define responsibilities as tasks required for each individual to enjoy a healthy and happy day. Chores are defined as tasks necessary for the effective continuation of family life. The children are given tasks in 2 age groups. The older boys have a different set of chores to choose from than the younger children. Each older boy will work with a younger child in the room they have chosen. Chores must be completed within a certain time frame also. For example, a chore assigned for twice a week must be completed once on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday and once on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. Confused yet?

Here are the chores:

Bathroom: Chores must be done 2 times a week

(1) Scrub entire toilet, including floor surrounding toilet.

(1) Wash mirror using cleaner

(1) Scrub shower and tub using vinegar

(2) Empty trash can and put in a new bag

(2) Clean sink and counter using vinegar

Backyard: Chores must be done 2 times a week

(1) Scoop dog poo and dispose of it in the big trash can

(1) Care for the compost. Dump into, wet, and stir the compost.

(2) Clean up toys and return them to the toy area

(2) Sweep the walkway and rake the yard

Pet Care:

(1) Wash water bowl daily and fill with water

(2) Feed the dog in the morning and at night

Shoes, Games, and Entertainment: Chores must be done daily

(1) Make sure all games have been put away properly each evening

(1) Straighten the entertainment center

(2) Straighten the shoe closet

(2) Dust entertainment center

Those are all the chores we have for them right now. Each child will pick 2 areas to work in. The (1) is for my 7 and 9 year old boys. The (2) is for my 6 year old boy, and 5 year old daughter.

Because the children pick their chores, they won't get stuck doing the same chores over and over again. They are able to complete their chores and still have plenty of time to do the things that they enjoy each week. We do not pay them. We expect them to do these things because they need to contribute to the proper running of our household. They do a good job on their assigned chores and we give them a great deal of positive feedback. If chores are done exceedingly well, or without a reminder from mom, the children get a happy ticket. If they get three of those (and there are a lot of ways to earn them), the children get a treat of my choosing. Everyone tries very hard to earn these tickets.

I hope that all made sense. I will continue this series with an explanation of our council meetings as well as pictures of our rewards and our accountability system. Thank you for reading.. I hope you have a happy chore week!

Blessings,

Mandy

Rules, Responsibilities, and Rewards Part One

2011-01-22T13:27:00.000-08:00

Every Monday we have a family council meeting.. More on that to come.. It is a board meeting for our family. We have elected positions, we have to prepare presentations for the meeting, and we accomplish an awful lot at our meetings. This past Monday we decided to make some family decisions about rules, responsibilities, chores, and discipline. As a family, we decided what our family rules would be. Here's what we came up with:

Ferguson Family Rules

Love one another

Obey Dad and Mom

Laugh often

No fighting or hitting

Help one another

Respect the house

Speak with kindness

Don’t waste water or electricity

Show respect to others

Don’t steal or lie

Now, these are the rules we all decided on, and are really rules that apply to our family in THIS time. We may change many rules as the children grow older, and are more responsible. We may add or subtract from the rules in the next few months. We just wanted to set a basic guideline for the family to base our rewards and discipline on. We also wanted to focus on some positive things that are important to our family, as well as character traits we value. Armed with our rules, and our council meeting snack, we decided to tackle consequences. I will admit, I have a HUGE HUGE HUGE problem with consistency in my discipline. I had my family work on this together mainly because I needed something to keep myself accountable with. We took each family rule that could potentially be broken often and decided a consequence. Again, because my children are 5,6,7, and 9 their suggestions weren't entirely creative, but the punishments they decided on work for them.. Warning: there is a whole lot of poor grammar in the following section. It goes on a chart that I am hoping to make soon. The grammar won't be as much of an issue when that is completed. Here's what we ended up with:

If/Then

If you fight with your sibling, then move to a different place and write an apology.

If you disobey dad and mom, then you get one warning. If you continue to disobey, then you go to a think about it spot.

If you disrespect the house, then you will do a cleaning chore.

If you speak unkindly, then you will write an apology.

If you waste water or electricity, then you will clean light switch covers (electricity), or sinks and bath tubs (water).

If you steal, then you will have to replace what you stole, apologize, and you will lose your stuffed animal for one week.

If you lie, then you will lose a ticket.

Pretty basic, but that's the stuff that matters to them! It helps me because the children all know what to expect when they have broken a rule. Did you catch the ticket at the end? Read Part 2 to find out what that is about!

Blessings,

Mandy

Legos are awesome!

2011-01-15T18:03:00.000-08:00

I love love love Legos. My children love them as well. I have so many memories of spending hours building and creating with them. My boys have been getting Legos for their birthday's and Christmas for a few years now. My daughter even got a pink and purple set for her birthday! I won't even go into how many billions of Legos reside in my home, or what Frankenstein-ish creations they've become since we've first put the sets together. And maybe we're the only ones that get all giddy when we find the cool animal Legos, somehow I don't think so. They're just awesome.. enough said!

Thank you to all the family members who lovingly support our family's Lego addiction!

You know you want to go build something...

blessings,

Mandy

2011-01-14T09:59:00.000-08:00

Do you ever feel like it's just easier to vicariously live through other people? I will admit that I love crafts. I love quilts. I love fabric, felt, and yarn, and all things created with them. I adore embroidery.

I, however, am not very good at doing any of these things. I follow a lot of blogs with incredibly talented crafters, seamstresses, and decorators. I save link after link of ideas with things I "could do" or want to do. I have not yet done any of these things. I can't possibly be the only one who has the best intentions, but never gets around to doing these things... I always make plans to do things, but never follow through.. So for the rest of the month, I am going to try to focus on sharing my favorite blogs with you and then, just maybe, I'll actually get a few projects done. I want so desperately to express myself in ways that don't involve singing English jingles or scrubbing toilets. I really hope that this blog gives me that outlet! Join me in the journey. I would love to see your favorite blogs, or projects.

Today.. If you have a moment, head over to the 2 blogs I read daily...

House of Smith's

Today's Creative Blog

Blessings,

Mandy

No resolutions this year... but...

2011-01-04T09:27:00.000-08:00

When we used to have satellite, I would watch the BYU channel a lot. No, I'm not LDS. It was one of the only channels I could watch and not be horrified at what I was seeing. Anywho.. One night I was watching a speaker from an old relief society event who read this poem. It's been on my mind and heart to make this the focus of 2011...

If Jesus Came

If Jesus came to your house to spend a day or two,

If He came unexpected, I wonder what you'd do.

Oh, I know you'd give your nicest room to such an honored guest

And all the food you'd serve Him would be the very best.

And you would keep assuring Him you're glad to have Him there

That seeing Him in your own home is a joy beyond compare.

But when you saw Him coming, would you meet Him at the door,

With arms outstretched in welcome to your Heavenly Visitor?

Or would you have to change your clothes before you let Him in,

And hide some magazines and put your Bible where they had been?

Could you let Jesus walk right in

Or would you walk about and choose to greet with cheerfulness or quietly just pout?

I wonder if the Savior spent a day or two with you,

Would you just go right on doing the things you always do?

Would you go on saying the things you always say?

Would life for you continue as it does from day to day?

Would your family conversation keep up it's usual pace?

Would you find it hard each day to say a table grace?

Would you sing the songs you always sing, and read the books you read,

And let Him know on which your mind and spirit feed?

Would you take Jesus with you everywhere you planned to go?

Or maybe, would your plans change for just a day or so?

Would you be glad to have Him meet your very closest friends,

Or hope that they would stay away until His visit ends?

Or would you sigh with great relieve when He at last is gone?

It might be interesting to know the things that you would do

If Jesus came in person to spend some time with you.

Unknown

I don't want to be the kind of person that says one thing in public and does another in private. I don't want the person I am and my behavior to be different around different people. The Church is being scrutinized... as it should be. It's time for authenticity. It's time to live transparently and to cling tightly to our faith. This year my focus is to change my home, my activities, my attitude, my words, and my thoughts so that I would be joyfully ready for an encounter with the Lord.

Are you ready?

Blessings,

Mandy

Ready to dive into 2011?

2011-01-03T10:45:00.001-08:00

...but WHAT are you?

2010-12-08T17:14:00.000-08:00

People can be a bit strange sometimes. I got in to a conversation with an adorable lady who asked me if I was a believer. I told her I was, and she asked me what I was. I answered "a christian?!?" Was that the answer to the question she asked me? Nope. My response was met with a "yes, yes, but WHAT are you?" That's when I realized we entered into a denomination discussion. I am not a confrontational person, and when the issue of denomination comes up, that sets my senses on high alert. There have been so many pointless discussions, arguments, needless hurt, and confusion about denominations. I don't even know if I could answer that question sufficiently these days. What am I... I was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church (Missouri Synod :) ) I spent a lot of time in all of the churches in my hometown including, but not limited to Baptist, Southern Baptist, Evangelical, Protestant, Methodist, and Latter Day Saints. It was important for me to understand different points of view before I made a commitment to a church. I finally settled on a more Evangelical church with Lutheran roots and heavenly worship. It was a good fit.. THEN Beloved joined the Army and after 3 years of training and a tour in Korea, we moved to Fort Irwin. I had no idea where I fit in with the church system there. They had no Lutheran church, and their main service was not exactly what I was looking for. We found a Sunday night service (which I guess is no longer there) and joined that group. Because of PEWS (Protestant Evening Worship Service) I made all of the church-ish connections I still rely on today. I was able to join PWOC (Protestant Women of the Chapel.. aka my socialization and corporate worship connection). I associate myself as a woman of faith.. a believer in Christ. I suppose, when you really, really get down to it.. my faith-filled heart will always lean a little more to the Lutheran side, but I don't think denominational labels really should matter. I love seeing a group of women, of all different walks of life, denominations, ages, and ethnic backgrounds getting together to learn about, love on, and praise, praise, praise the Lord. So lady... I am a child of God. He knows what I am.. and loves me anyway!
Blessings,
Mandy

still here... moving

2010-10-23T15:08:00.000-07:00

I'm so sorry for being a terrible blogger.. The Army just sent us to Fort Bliss in Tx. We are moving in to our El Paso house on the first. I have ever so many things to tell you once we get settled. Perhaps I will finally do an update post from our RV (that we've lived in since the end of September) soon. Thank you for your patience.
Blessings,
Mandy

Wordless Wednesday

2010-06-09T07:14:00.001-07:00

How many times a day do I have to tell you....

2010-06-08T21:53:00.000-07:00

TO CLEAN UP YOUR ROOM???!!!! I would really like to stop saying this or to stop raising my voice all together. Chores. I never had them when I was a kid. I was a manipulative snot who never did anything for myself because I could convince someone else to do it. Because I never had this training, I am struggling enforcing it in my home. I realize I am finally to the point in my life when my relaxed consistent schedule needs to become a more structured consistent schedule. I need to take the time to teach my children how to do the things expected of them and then enforce it. To be completely honest, I haven't done it yet because I knew how much time it would take to teach, check, and reteach if necessary. As we were struggling with another late night of panic cleaning, I had a verse in my head that completely stopped me and struck me speechless.
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4 NASB
By not taking the time to teach them, enforce a routine and rules, and then follow through I was frustrating the holy heck out of my children. I have been creating the chaos that I am so frustrated about. Where is their heart in all of this? Am I turning them to the Lord by setting them up for failure and then disciplining them for it?! What is their motivation? These are things I never considered. Yes, you veteran or even sensible moms are screaming DUH!!! Sometimes I can't see what is in front of me. I'm a detail person, the big picture is difficult for me to grasp. Yet another failing mommy moment followed by confession and grace. BUTTTTTTTTT I printed out chore cards and will create a schedule tonight. Thanks to the Maxwell family's manager of their chores, I have a plan and will follow through. Tomorrow I will post the chore board and will explain the system and begin teaching. Eek. Pray for us!
Of course, now that my children will be held to a much higher standard, I guess I'm not going to get away with putting the dishes off until hours after we've eaten... and folded clean laundry will have to be put away. Ohh maaaaaaaan!
Have you ever had a moment where the Lord just smacks you upside the head and knocks some sense in to you? I am SO very thankful for those moments!

oh the Lord's been good to me and so.....

2010-06-06T10:26:00.000-07:00

There is screaming, serious screaming going on in my house today. Can you hear it from wherever you are??? It's not violent or angry. My youngest two are screaming our prayer songs at their tea party upstairs. Nothing like hearing a sweet prayer screamed over and OVER and OVER! Here's the thing... Every time they see a flag, I do mean EVERY time, they say the pledge over and over until you ask them quite loudly to stop. Every time they see gummy bears, they sing the gummy bear song their preschool teacher taught them over and over until you run over the gummy bears with your car (HA lesson learned there! bad, giggling mommy). Every time they sit down to eat, I love that they sing a prayer. The older boys have learned to pray without song, but the younger two still sing when they lead. Someone tell me this repetitive stuff will stop soon. It's not so bad when it's one kid, but when you have your loudest two doing it a lot.. eesh. Do you think I could embellish ear plugs? Surely there is a way to make them pretty.. and discreet.. then I could just smile and be encouraging. There's the solution!!! Brilliant. The key to better parenting is pretty ear plugs! :)
no wait... that goes against the rules.. anything that is illegal to do while driving is also illegal to do while parenting... that's right, no talking on the cell phone all day, no turning without a signal, and no ear plugs.
Another plan foiled again. bummer

A trip to the ghost town & Easter!

2010-04-11T06:28:00.000-07:00

Post egg hunt (N in the cars hat and A in the flower sweater high 5ing) and home egg hunt!

We have a great little ghost town about 3o miles from post here. They do fun things for the holidays, so we thought this year we would check out Calico Ghost Town at Easter! M,N,A and I went with my friend Tiffany the day before Easter to hang out and have a bit of fun! Beloved is still recovering from surgery, so J stayed with him and they spent some good father/son time.

M who wouldn't let me take his picture without paying him first! He's wearing necklaces he made for Beloved and J. He's wearing his medal from the Cub Scout Pinewood Derby. He wears it everywhere, even months after the derby!

N had a lot of fun in the school house. I totally want to fill my school room with those desks! He introduces himself as "Rico Eswabey." lol My cuddly ladies man!

A was cute as ever. This was her first outfit from the big girl section of the store. She's moved out of toddler clothes. :( Im so happy for her, but sad that my baby is so big. The profile picture was taken by M. They had gold panning, petting zoos, egg hunts, and all kinds of activities.

It was a great time and I was happy to be able to share it with a friend. I hope you all had a wonderful Easter.

Blessings,

Mandy

HE IS RISEN!!!!!

OHHHH Grosgrain fabulous giveaways

2010-04-01T07:54:00.000-07:00

Spicey Designs GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

The Cuppycake Boutique Bubble Dress GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Leila and Ben Patterns GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Flirty Aprons GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Romeo & Mae Sewing Patterns GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Why am I posting giveaway links??? Normally, Im not all crazy for giveaways, but over at the grosgrain website, you can find super cute purses, crazy adorable bubble dresses, and rediculously cute patterns on her giveaway list. How could you NOT particpate?!

Criminal vegification

2010-03-19T08:45:00.000-07:00

I confess... I did something DASTARDLY. Better lock me up, because I did the UNTHINKABLE... Last night.. I put vegetables in the potato salad. *insert horror scream here*

Can you believe it?! My husband and children looked at me like I had 3 heads.. YIKES! I loved it though! Why terrify my family? Well.. I am taking a nutrition class, and it has totally changed the way I look at foods and what I choose to buy and cook for my family. Oh how I would love to tell you all about my school... I'm taking Nutrition, Cultural Anthropology, Child family community Sociology, and Comparative Religion... all in 9 weeks.. soooooo I have no time to post. boo! So I'll show you some of the things that have made me happy this last week.. and go on my merry edjumacated ;) way! Any thoughts on getting an education later in life??

N&A going tilt crazy, my latest business supplies packed and signed by my company's president, M actually letting me take a picture, A's heart hair :)

Blessings,
Mandy

A pep talkish post..

2010-03-13T19:14:00.000-08:00

I'm going to say it over and over again (perhaps if for nothing other than convincing myself this week)... I am dedicated to homeschooling and I will do it as long as my children benefit from it.. no matter how hard it is.. no matter how time consuming it is.. no matter how many times I see this face...

It is worth it. I will not be a quitter... even when planning for the week makes my exersewcrafstoraclassroom look like this...

because doing what is best for my children is rewarding...

(please ignore the messy mess)

They truly are a blessing.. a gift from the Lord. This has been a challenging week.. a VERY challenging week, but tomorrow is the Lord's day and we're starting it with joy!

I hope you (whoever you are) have had a week that you can look back on and see the Lord's hand upon your life! Thank you for taking a moment to peek into our lives and see what's new.

PS: Check out the super yummy cookies I posted on my cooking blog if you're looking for some crazy wonderful treats!

Blessings,

mandy

Wordless Wednesday

2010-03-10T17:27:00.001-08:00

Interviewing the children

2010-03-07T10:29:00.000-08:00

I meant to post this yesterday. I had remembered when Josh was little and used to ask me if I was drinking "hot poffie." I'm glad I've kept a notebook with cute things they've said. Its hard to watch them grow up so quickly. SO, I decided to quickly post a short interview with them, but they were distracted. I'll get a more in depth one next week. I hope you are having a lovely Monday :)

Things the children have said that made me giggle this week:

A: Mom, mom, I know how we get milk. Yup, we squeeze the cow and there is milk then. Only if the cow has milk. That's why we have it. Squeezed cows.

J: Could everyone give me space. I'm having contemplative time today.

An interview!

What is St. Patrick's Day all about?

J: I don't know
M: *squeeked and shook his head*
N: I dunno
A: Green to St. Patrick's Day

What happens if you don't wear green for St. Patty's day
J: you get pinched
M: no you don't
J: yes you do
M: why
J: I dunno

What do you want to be when you grow up?
J: fire fighter
M: Police officer
N: fire fighter
A: teacher

What is your favorite thing to play with?
J: I don't really play, I read
M: I wii
N: fire trucks
A: My boo (her bunny)

What is your favorite food that mom makes?
J: Pepperoni pizza
M: I don't know, there's tons of things, uhhhhh, salad
N: A pizza
A: Macaroni and cheese

Do you like spending time with your mom and dad?
J: Yes
M: Yeah
N: No
A: Yes

What do you like to do with mom the most?
J: Read together
M: Have time together playing board games
N: Play Mario
A: Love her. Tea parties!

What do you like to do with dad the most?
J: uhhhhhh..... ummmmm... have him being happy with me
M: Work on the cars with him
N: Hug him
A: Love him too. Play with him.

Are you happy with your life?
J: yeah
M: yeah
N: yeah
A: yeah, but no one lets me play wii fit

How old are mom and dad (we're the same age)?
J: I don't know
M: 28 (wrong)
N: 611 (wrong)
A: 70 (wrong)

Which is your favorite dog? (beloved and I each have 1)
J: Tobey (yay)
M: Tobey
N: Diesel
A: Diesel

What does the Lord want you to do?
J: Praise Him
M: Obey Him
N: Have love
A: Be nice to people

I love asking my children questions all the time. I love to hear their different answers, and sometime surprising changes in answers. Does anyone else love to do the 20 question drill often with their children?

blessings,
mandy

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2010-03-01T09:02:00.000-08:00

FOR TODAY

Outside my window....
There is a crispness in the air that suggests winter wants to linger. I can see buds on the trees though that suggest spring is on it's way. This has been a peculiar season. We've had an incredible amount of rain, which will no doubt give us the most beautiful spring we've seen in this desert, but has made it unusually cold. I am not a fan of heat, so I'm not complaining about our lingering winter. I'll cherish anything that holds our summer off!

I am thinking...
I really need to get going on all my sewing projects. I keep adding more to my list, but don't get any other projects done. Enough with the procrastination!

I am thankful for...
Time with my family. I love time in the morning when all of the children trickle downstairs and cuddle a bit. I'm so glad they aren't at the age when hugging mom isn't dorky! I hope they stay snugly forever!

From the learning rooms...(if this applies).
All of J's K12 CAVA school supplies and books should come today. Until then, we're working on science and focusing on weather. We're using it to help with cub scouts. We will work on math concepts and handwriting. I don't know if they even required writing at school, but it doesn't seem like J's handwriting has improved since last year when he was homeschooled. I am doing sequential spelling, handwriting, science, Bible study, and history with all of the children!

From the kitchen...
I'm hoping to make bread today. I need to make banana bread for sure. I am taking a nutrition class, so I am sitting down with cookbooks and working on a different menu for this week. Bring on the veggies!

I am wearing...
A sweater.. I love being able to wear sweaters. It feels like I'm being wrapped in a hug when I wear them. I've got my favorite jeans (thank you mom for the Target jeans!) and the softest chenille socks. Apparently, today is all about comfort. I may end up making soup and salad for dinner to match my comfort theme!

I am creating...
Easter decorations. I am looking for paper to make a banner. I really want to make Easter a BIG deal in this house. When I was a little girl, my family and I would go to our beach house for Easter. My parents would hide the eggs in the sand behind the house, and would always have toys and lots of candy and chocolate in my basket. That's all it was though. Even younger than that (think 2-5), Easter was all about my grandmother sending a fancy dress and purse. I'd get dropped off at church (who watched me while I was there I wonder) and show everyone my pretty dress. Later in life, I played one of the Mary's in the play at my church.. Now, I want it to be a party, a huge celebration for my family. A day of reverent joy. What a gift we receive! Why is Easter not celebrated like Christmas?!

I am going...
To run usual errands and do preschool drop off/pick up. We've got bear cub scouts but not tiger scouts tonight!

I am reading...
The book of Daniel. I'm doing the Daniel study by Beth Moore again.

I am hoping...
That I am creating good memories for my children. I want them to look back and remember joy, creativity, love, togetherness, and fun. I hope they don't look back and see regimented schedules, lengthy cleaning times, and monotony.

I am hearing...
My daughter making gifts for the boys. She is taking orders for bracelets and pictures. That girl loves art! Even more than that, she loves to create things for others. I love love love her giving heart. There's another thing I am thankful for. ALL of my children are extremely giving.

Around the house...
The usual Monday activities... Cleaning bathrooms, finishing washing bedding, dusting, cleaning glass, doing the floors, and decluttering.

One of my favorite things...
is when beloved is asleep and I hold his hand.. he smiles. I tend to go to sleep hours after him, so he is almost always asleep before me. It's good to know that even in his sleep, he still loves me. :) It makes me feel cherished.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
PWOC program day tomorrow followed by a meeting in town with J's school provided teacher. After that meeting, we'll rush home to pick M,N,and A up from school. PWOC again that evening. Wednesday and Thursday I have friends coming for coffee, hopefully. That's about all though. I really want this week to be about completing projects and maintaining the home and homeschooling.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...(add your picture here)

Want to read more daybooks like mine? Head on over to The Simple Woman's Daybook website

at http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/
or in theory, you can click the picture at the top.

Blessings,
Mandy

1000 words or less

2010-02-26T18:34:00.001-08:00

Do you remember when you came back from summer and your teacher asked you to write a summary of what you did that summer in 1000 words or less? I feel as if I owe either an apology or some kind of lengthy explanation for why I haven't blogged in so long. It's not that I don't enjoy it, or don't spend time on my computer... I just haven't really known what to write. How do you decide what to write when you have a million things going on? It's been crazy here, absolutely nuts in fact. I don't know if even a year ago I would be able to say it, but I am very thankful that we've gone through the trials and drama we have. Have you ever noticed what people in the Bible have to go through when they learn humility? It's never a quick or easy lesson. I won't go into details about the path we've been on, but would love to share some of the end results with you. A situation with J's school arose about a month ago. Because of this situation, he is now back at home doing the K12 California Virtual Academy. I am so glad he's homeschooled again. It's been tough for J because he doesn't learn the same way the teachers here in CA have to teach. He does a lot better when he is able to move around and do hands on activities. Having someone show him math problems off of the page definitely makes it easier for him to learn. We love the K12 history and language arts classes. I will be substituting Abeka handwriting (rather than handwriting without tears), concepts from Touch Math, and Charlotte Mason style nature study for the regular handwriting, math, and science. We will also be using our homeschooling curriculum to help him earn belt loops for Cub Scouts. Back to the story... After the "incident" I had a group of women come and help me to restore my home to it's previous freakishly clean state. *disclaimer* I hate admitting that I had friends in my home cleaning with me, as it makes me sound and feel very much like a failure. I needed it though. I needed someone to help give me a fresh start. I needed someone to help me snap out of my depressed slump. I needed someone to CRUSH the humility back into me. I'll tell you, if you're ever feeling prideful, have a group of women that you admire and esteem as ideal christian wives and mothers come over and clean your children's bathroom... after a panic attack, I finally realized how it felt to be on the other side. I've cleaned a lot of people's houses, made meals, taken care of children without ever thinking of what it was like for them. Now I know. It is hard. It's hard to let someone see you venerable. It is hard to let someone help you. It is hard to show someone how thankful you truly are. I got it though.. I learned the lesson. AND since my house was sparkly clean, I have picked up my old OCD cleaning habits. HOORAY!!!! I can't stand to see dust, items out of place, or dishes unwashed. Those things didn't bother me so much before. I don't know why. It feels like after I had A, I just didn't have the passion and drive for a perfectly clean home any more. I injured my back when I was pregnant and then got behind when my back would go out and never seemed to catch up. But now, NOW dear friends, I dream about clean, I think about clean, I won't settle for anything less than clean and orderly. A place for everything, and everything in it's place. *sigh* peace is back in the Ferguson home. I have more time for my Bible studies (I'm doing the Beth Moore Daniel and Stepping Up studies and Honor's Reward by John Bevere), activities with my children, my hobbies, and for my college classes.. and YES, I am back at school full time :) What's one more thing right?!!! Other than my cleaning obsession (I'll have a review of cleaning goodies.. got a new mop and named her Lola.. I heart that mop) I have to brag on what the LORD has done in all this.. I have had incredible peace and hope in the Lord through these trials. I panicked for a day.. Which, truly is saddening. I want for my first reaction to be to pray, and to expect, fully expect the Lord to answer. I know that my God is looking our for me. I know that He knows the desires of my heart and wants the absolutely best for me and my family. It's encouraging and exciting to know that my God, who is involved in every detail in the world and beyond, hears me and cares enough to protect my heart. I feel like I was taught humility in a way that I understand.. It was VERY clear that I was being prideful about what I had and had not accomplished. I'm not always paying attention, so subtle doesn't always work for me. I also feel that because of the peace and hope and even joy that He gave me, I was able to minister to my husband and my family in a new and exciting way. I really hope that my faith leads beloved to seek a personal relationship with the Lord. The Bible says that husbands will be won by the example of faith in their wives. I pray that I am that light in this house. Anyever.. side tracked again! OHHHH We had the blue and gold banquet for the Cub Scouts this last weekend. J got his bear patch, whittling chip, and his art belt loop and pin. He'll get something for the 70 electives we've completed at the next pack meeting. M got his tiger patch along with 2 belt loops and 8 (as in he did 80) elective recognition bead thinggies. I'm pretty sure that's not a technical term, but for now, it'll do. We also got to see the Webelos cross over and become boy scouts. That was wonderful! Next year, I'll be leading the Webelos with a dear friend. I'm very excited! After frustration about the start up costs dwindled, we've realized how much we all enjoy cub scouts. I hope my boys stay in scouting until they become eagle scouts!
So now.. if you've read all that blithering and such.. Thank you. Thank you for taking time to hang out and hear me go on and on about our lives. Thank you for checking up on us :) Thank you for support, prayers, and for rejoicing with me after we made it through the drama. Things are better than they have been in years. It's scary to say that, but I know that no matter what we have ahead of us, my God is bigger and He's with me.. That's all I need.. We'll make it through. :)
I have a billion pictures I would love to share... more serious and even more funny stories to tell... and FINALLY.. crafts and organization pictures, tips, and projects to share.

so much for 1000 words or less ;)
blessings,
mandy

Saving for Savings

2010-01-15T10:55:00.000-08:00

I've had a lot of people asking me for suggestions and help saving money. I don't know that I do anything special to save it. A lot of saving money is loathing spending it in the first place. At one point, I learned how to use coupons, and some day will put that to use. I made sure to find people who were successful at spending less and having more, especially in the ever constant grocery shopping department. A lot of what I know about saving money came from the AMAZING women of the Prairie Homemaker site. This is a forum group of mostly Conservative Christian women (some are head covering, some read only KJV, some only wear skirts and dresses, and some don't.. It's a diverse and WONDERFUL group) helping each other through tips, wisdom, and encouragement. A lot of my attitude and my home-based skills come from discussions with these women. It is a paid forum (for safety purposes mostly) but they have a special area for us military wives and I truly would not have made it these last few years successfully without them.

Here's a quick tip before I run to drop my children off at school:

Make your own laundry detergent!
Mix 1c borax
1c washing soda
1 grated bar of washing soap
These can all be found in the laundry section. Store in an air tight container. Use 1-2tbsp based on the size of your washer/load. Smile when you do laundry and know that you are saving money!!

Keep track of how much you spend AND how much you save!!! Keeping track of your savings will encourage you to keep it up and make spending less and saving more a lifestyle!

ALSO.. Keep in touch as I am quitting all of my facebook games and will spend that time posting tips/recipes/and resources here!
Thanks for stopping by!

Blessings,
Mandy

Menu Plan Monday

2010-01-04T08:36:00.000-08:00

Trying to hold myself more accountable, here is my menu for this week.

Monday:
B: Eggs and fruit salad
L: Grilled chicken pasta salad
D: Beefy Cornbread and salad

Tuesday:
B: Cereal with fruit
L: Making hubby a sandwich as I'll be at a PWOC TEA
D: Harvest Ragout

Wednesday:
B: Coffee cake and apples
L: Tortellini vegetable salad
D: Ham hocks and beans and polenta with salad

Thursday:
B: Toasted banana bread and fruit salad with cranberry reduction
L: Leftovers
D: Steak, cauliflower mash, cinnamon candied carrots, whole wheat rolls

Friday:
B: Cheesy grits and eggs
L: Steak and salad
D: Pancakes, poached pears, and homemade turkey sausage

Saturday: M's half birthday
B: Baked half and half oatmeal
L: Halved hot dogs (in buns with toppings) and chips
D: 4 Half pizzas - meatball, peperoni, cheese, and veggie

Sunday: Church!!
B: Cinnamon rolls and fruit
L: Ferguson Mac & Cheese and ants on a log
D: Apricot glazed pork tenderloin, sweet potato and carrot mash, challah bread

I'll work on getting recipes over on my cooking blog for my weekly menu.

Just for kicks, leave me a comment and let me know how much you think I paid for all of the groceries for this menu. (I actually did 2 weeks worth in this budget) Your clue is that it will be much less than you think. More to come on why we save so much money on groceries. :)

Blessings,
Mandy

Challenge: 365 to a new life

2010-01-03T20:59:00.000-08:00

Happy new year to you! It's hard to believe that this year has flown by so quickly. It's been a year full of ups and downs for me. I am thankful for each experience though. We are often placed in difficult or uncomfortable positions so that we draw closer to our Lord. What a wonderful opportunity each perceived negative experience is if we choose to look at the deeper purpose. I was considering making resolutions, but since they are usually goals that get lost and ignored early in the year, this year I have chosen a challenge for myself. If you truly know me, you'll know that I am fiercely competitive. Anything that I can use to manipulate that competitiveness into a life long change is a GOOD THING, as dear Martha would say. This year I am going to change my life. I won't be doing it alone, thus giving me a real chance at victory. I am going to make changes, gradual life altering changes to become healthy. I am not doing some kind of weight loss program. I am educating myself and putting in to practice healthy life skills. For example, I am learning how to convert many of my favorite "recipes" into healthier options, simply by exchanging a few ingredients. I have done research on the best way to exercise to strengthen each muscle group along with protect and strengthen the heart. I don't want to get burned out quickly, so I am adding another activity each week. By the end of this year, I still may not be anywhere near my goal weight, but I will be healthy and modeling healthy habits for my children. I want to get back to a healthy balance of clean and organized in my home. I tend to be an all or nothing kind of person. Before I had A, I was an absolute perfectionist. My home was constantly spotless, there was always a meal ready when my husband was hungry (and snacks enough to share with his co-workers), and I made enough time to do things in my community while directing a great deal of time to my children. Now, I feel like I am constantly behind in everything. The house feels like it is always a mess. I never feel as if I have enough time to spend with the children. I realize that I am the one to blame for my shortcomings at home. This year will begin with a great shuffle of our belongings. I am sorting through every item we own with great scrutiny. By the end of this year, we will have a clean and organized home. It may not be perfect, but if someone wants to or needs to come over, I would like to be able to accommodate that. How am I to completely serve the Lord if I am not ready in every aspect of my life. Who is to say that hospitality isn't one of the greatest gifts one can give. We will have a lot less possessions to reduce the clutter, but our house will feel like a home. I complain a lot. Sometimes I don't realize I am doing it until I hear myself talk for a while. By the end of this year, I will have spent a great deal of time focusing on the positive side of things. With a heart of gratefulness, I want to speak kindness, joy, love, patience, mercy, and peace rather than negativity. I want to cherish my children. I have not been consistent in my schedule, expectations, or training of my children, so they too are struggling. By the end of this year, I will have taught what is expected, how to do it, and reinforced positive/negative consequences. In doing this, much of my frustration with the children will be put to rest and I can spend more time enjoying who they are. I have amazing and wonderful children. It is time I made their childhood something they look back on with fondness and joy. I will treasure and serve my husband. I want to focus on doing whatever it takes to make his life easier and to encourage him in his career. I want nothing more than his happiness. By standing behind my husband, I hope to be able to show him the love of Christ. Perhaps my obedience in serving my husband will draw him closer to the Lord. I want to dedicate this year to my Lord. To HIM be the glory for each success and what comes of each failure. He will sustain me through this process, of that I have no doubt.
SOOOOOOO.... I have a count down on the bottom of my blog, and I will make more of an effort to continue a more consistent blogging. I am changing my life this year, and I am thrilled to be able to share that with you. :)

Leave a comment and tell me what you're doing differently this year!

Blessings,
Mandy

9 Things

2009-11-11T11:18:00.000-08:00

9 Things I am thankful for this Veteran's Day

1. Freedom. I love being able to worship my God without fear of persecution. I am thankful for having had the freedom to choose to homeschool my children in the past.

2. My family's military legacy. My mother's side of the family is filled with service members from each branch. I am able to enjoy a picture of my amazing Uncle in a fighter jet flying in Japan. My grandfather told some interesting war stories toward the end of his life. Generation after generation, there are heroes! I want my children to understand that their family had a part in giving them the freedom they enjoy today.

3. My husband. I am so thankful that he is a good soldier. I am so proud of his decision to stand up for his soldiers even if he is punished for it. I am thankful that he chose to do something with his life that makes me smile every time I think of it. He has chosen to take care of his family, serve his country, and get an education. I'm awfully proud of him.

4. No deployment. I always feel weird around spouses and soldiers that have gone through the deployment thing, maybe even many times. Beloved hasn't been deployed. He went to Basic, AIT, Korea, then here to Fort Irwin. He has never been in a unit that deploys. I'm trying to make myself focus daily on the fact that I am fortunate to have any time with him stateside. He may be gone half of the month, but he's still here sometimes. I'm so glad the children have had so much time to get to hang out with and get to know their dad, without the years of missing him.

5. Being an Army wife. I LOVE BEING AN ARMY WIFE. There.. I said it. I love it. This lifestyle suits me perfectly. I can adjust to being in control of things and doing everything alone, or moving aside and giving my husband back the reigns when he is here. I love the community, the sense of camaraderie you have in this kind of a situation.

6. All of those who have served before. As we educate ourselves more about the many sacrifices and heroic acts performed in previous wars, I am in awe of the strength of our military. I am proud to say I'm American because of those who have served before us.

7. American support. I love to see flags being displayed, stars and striped donning our businesses, and pro American bumper stickers even. I love to see people rally together in support of the troops.

8. Family time. I am thankful that I have the day off and have had the time to explain what today is about and why we are celebrating.

9. I love America. I love my freedom. I will support all of our military. I love our Army life. I am blessed to have an amazing soldier of my own.

HAPPY VETERAN'S DAY! Thank you to all who have served.

Blog World Tusday

2009-11-10T08:24:00.000-08:00

Great things in Blog world this week!

Kelly over at Tidy Brown Wren is making some Crockpot Apple Butter. I've used the same principal to make pumpkin butter this time of year. It makes great teacher/postal worker/church authority/hostess gift :) Take some time to poke around her blog, it's full of GREAT organizational tips.

Laurie at Tip Junkie posted some wonderful ideas for your Thanksgiving centerpieces. I love this blog because you can find out how to do/save on/make just about anything!

If you have a love affair with all things fabric as I do, Grosgrain is the site for you. Check out great tutorials, giveaways, and adorable clothes. This is modern homemade! She's got an amazing giveaway for the cutest dress patterns right now. Check it out here
Even if you don't sew, I'd encourage you to take a peek. It's a wonderful blog!

Kim's Today's Creative Blog has a link filled treasure trove on Tuesdays. She calls it Get Your Craft On Tuesday. I check this blog every day before bed. She's helped me find a whole lot of blogspiration for my home.

A brilliant idea featured on The Shabby Nest is a service that sends your children letters from Santa focusing on the TRUE meaning of the season. What a wonderful way to deal with the Santa issue (for those of you that do the Santa thing).

It's So Very Cheri packs so much creativity into each post, it's a wonder her blog hasn't exploded! Monday's post is full of links from creative people and features a great gift tutorial. This is a wonderful blog to spend a few hours on! Warning.. Cheri's blog is super addicting!

The queen of decorating at the Nesting Place always has great tips, how tos, ideas, and pictures. You can get a free e book from her to help you get your home decorating wings :)

Directionally challenged when it comes to blogging? Check out the Simple Woman's Daybook. It's a great starting point for regular blog activity.

One of the most creative women I have ever met resides at Design Intervention. She is an Army wife and an inspiration to all who have had the pleasure of meeting her! Check out the quilt she is making for her husband!

Want to find info on EVERYTHING family/marriage/homemaking/children related? Want to find the most amazing and talented blogging women? Want to know more about what it is like to thrive with a large family? If yes, then 11th Heaven's Homemaking Haven is the place for you! It's a recent find. Yes, it is a site that discusses things from the LDS church. No, I am not Mormon, but I have spent enough time in a LDS community to know that THIS is a good place for advice on running a home and leading a life/motherhood pleasing to the Lord. (I don't really want to fight about my endorsement of this blog. It's wonderful. Enough said!)

That's all for now folks. I need to get back to my real life! I hope you all find inspiration and do something creative today. Have a blessed day!

Mandy

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-11-09T21:08:00.000-08:00

November 9, 2009
Outside my window...
Barking dogs and the blinking lights of helicopters flying past

I am thinking...

about the tremendous amount of things that need to be accomplished before Christmas can happen. Making lists and schedules in my mind before I put pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard.
I am thankful for...

The privilege of staying home with my children, shaping their character, and watching them blossom into amazing people.
From the learning rooms...(if this applies)

Five in a Row adaptations in progress. If we can't find the books, we are using books of similar themes. It has been a bit more lesson plan work, but you don't have to use the exact same books. The children are still not reading twaddle, but enriching books of different titles :)
From the kitchen...

I made bread today. I forgot to add an egg, so it ended up being a bit less dense than we like it, but it had a nice flavor and lasted almost half a day! I took pictures of the whole process, so there will be pictures and a recipe tomorrow. It's the best bread recipe I've used yet!
I am wearing...

Clothes that I'm not sure the thrift store would sell. I'm not a big fan of my frumpalicious style these days. Nothing feels "cute" anymore. Hopefully soon, I'll be back into my fun clothes :) I did get a bunch of super cute socks though. Some for the Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes and some for myself. They make me feel like my old self sometimes. That's a nice thing.
I am creating...

A quilt for my mother, cross stitch ornaments, and aprons/capes/crayon holders etc for Christmas presents. I'm not sure our children will be getting anything that I don't sew this Christmas. It will be a good opportunity to reinforce the importance of being happy and content with what one has.
I am going...

to spend much more time finding small ways to express my adoration to my husband and my love to my children. My family is such a blessing, I don't want to waste any time not letting them know that.
I am reading...

Titus in the Bible. It's for PWOC. I am also reading A Walk With Christ to the Cross by McAllister. It's a really interesting book.
I am hoping...

That I'll be able to teach my children gratitude and selflessness this holiday season. Also hoping that we'll find out information about Beloved's next duty station. I love the people at Fort Irwin, I'm just ready to see and do something else. At least, I think I am.
I am hearing...

silence, and it's weird. All the children are asleep and Beloved is doing 24hr duty. Silence just doesn't feel as comfortable as it used to.

Around the house...

Things are being sorted for the yard sale and moved to prepare for Christmas decorating. Floors haven't been mopped in almost a week and walls haven't been cleaned in almost 2.. ICK. Stuff just seems to pile up all the time. I need to rethink our paper flow plan.
One of my favorite things...
Is the smell of my yankee oil plug in thinggy. I have a harvest refill in there and it smells so nice when I come home.

A few plans for the rest of the week:

clean, clean, clean, toss, toss, toss, organize, strategize, sneak in the huge Christmas boxes somehow, and start cutting snowflakes.
Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

sometimes soldiers do strange things

What is The Simple Woman's Daybook? look HERE

Blessings,

Mandy

Dinner with the Fergusons

2009-11-08T17:53:00.000-08:00

Want to come for dinner? I was repeating a meal we had at our PWOC conference. I got the pork right but had to settle for less than wonderful ingredients for the rest of the meal. One of these days, I'll be able to make everything fresh and wonderful and it will be beautiful! Tonight's dinner was herbed pork tenderloin with an apricot/orange puree (not the apricot chutney I wanted to make) on well doctored canned yams (not the yummy fresh mashed sweet potato/carrot mash I wanted to make) with brown gravy and peas (because they actually sounded yummy tonight, but again, not the intended vegetable). Don't forget.. cupcakes for dessert!
Please excuse our craft tablecloth that was still on the table :(

Beloved's to-go plate (he's got to babysit another soldier tonight)

One of the children's plates

The children together

J havin' fun

Caught in the act

Now they are all playing Mario Kart on our game cube thinggy.. Giggles and squeals. It's been a tough week, but I am so fortunate to have such neat children!

Hope your dinner was lovely :)

Blessings,

Mandy

Edited to add a recipe of sorts.

I'm not too good at recipes. There's the warning. I look at pictures or taste things and then can usually make them. I have a hard time following instructions in my kitchen. With that said, here's the projected recipe-ish plan for the next time I make this meal..

Pork Tenderloin

marinated in cold press olive oil

rubbed with kosher salt and boquet garni from Penzeys Spices

Sear Pork on all sides then bake at 325 in a shallow roasting pan for 1 1/4- 1 1/2hrs or until core temp reaches 160 degrees

Allow to rest covered for 15 min before cutting and serving

Mash

Steam and mash 3 sweet potatoes and 3 full sized carrots. Season with celery seed, salt, white pepper, and butter or chicken stock.

Chutney
Finely chop dried apricots and mix with orange marmalade (recipe here) probably a 2 to 1 mixture. I found an interesting recipe for apricot chutney here though.

Brown Gravy

Drippings from roasting pan

can of reduced sodium chicken broth

about 1cup of red wine (I have cooking wine from people who have left and given me the contents of their pantry)

1/4c flour

1/4 palm full (maybe a heaping Tbsp) of fresh parsley (chopped), thyme, and oregano.

Salt and pepper to taste

Over med. heat deglaze the roasting pan using the red wine. Add the chicken broth. Whisk in flour and herbs. Bring to a boil then simmer for 2 min. It will thicken as it cools.

Serve with asparagus (or peas ;) )

I warned you.. I'm not great with recipes, but I hope you were able to understand that muddled mess :)

Blog world

2009-11-03T22:15:00.000-08:00

It occured to me today that there is a blog world. It's a place with it's own unique culture. There are those who we would consider blog royalty or even blog divas. There's the average bloggers. Don't forget the bargain or idea hounds. I'm a fan of the free fanatics and thrifty bloggers. There's a lot of wanna be bloggers... and THAT is the category I would consider myself. I was checking out a friend's blog when HOLY COW!!!! I realized the Nester visits her blog.. on a regular basis. WHAT?!!!! Talk about blog royalty! Oh yeah, they inspire each other! To me that's amazing.. surely all people in the decorating blog world know The Nester. How very cool. THEN who should appear on my blog?? Cheri from It's So Very Cheri! The knock off master, incredibly creative woman herself!!!! One of the blog divas is reading what I have to say?? CRAZY! Then it occurs to me.. these are just people too.. they probably are just as inspired by other people's blogs as I am. They probably have days when they don't know what to say, or don't feel very cleaver. Just people... with a gift.
SOOOOO I'm wondering, which blogs do you visit the most and why?
Blessings,
Mandy

PWOC West Conference

2009-11-03T08:11:00.000-08:00

First of all, I am thrilled, or whatever is way, way beyond thrilled that I got to go to Colorado period. It's my favorite place in the whole world (and yes, I've seen some of the world). It just smells fresh, even that close to Denver. From the mountains to the rolling hills, it always looks perfectly beautiful! Enough about my crazy love for the darn state. For those of you NOT in the military loop, PWOC is Protestant Women of the Chapel. The name is a little deceiving because it's more of a non-denomination (protestant only to distinguish it from the catholic women's group, I suppose.. and don't get mad at me if Im wrong on that one) women's Bible study ministry. ANYEVER, I've been going to PWOC here at Irwin for 5 years, and have been able to go to the leadership conferences the last 2 years. Last year was the International conference, and quite possibly the most fun I have ever had, ever. This year was our regional conference. It was a much smaller group, but still, the conference room was filled with beautiful worshiping women of God. What a sight to behold. It was just amazing to come into worship and see women hands raised, or kneeling, or in prayer, or weeping, or holding hands, or hugging allllllll at the same time. Surely the Lord was looking upon us and smiling that weekend.
My first class was about living a life of worship. A dear and amazing friend was teaching it. I am so pleased I was able to enjoy it! If you know me, you know I am a quote collector and I take copious notes. Here's some highlights: "If you miss out on (true) worship in your life, God will not be disappointed in you, He will be disappointed for you." Stewart McWilliams "Worship is: bringing glory to God by every means possible in moment by moment recognition and use of everything God has given us to give Him glory: our minds, hearts, souls, resources, gifts-----ultimately by God's design and not our own." Michelle Taylor "worship is my active, all-of-life response to the worth of God, who He is and what He does." Pastor Woodmen
When I went into a second class, I realized very quickly that the Lord didn't want me in there, so I went into the prayer room, then up to talk to a friend in her room. She's a beautiful and wise woman, who the Lord has used several times to speak to my heart. She filled me in on the class that she had taken and really got me wondering about my identity in Christ. In that class, the teacher (our PWOC pres.) had said that having Christ is like our marriage with our husbands. When we get married, we are entitled to everything our husbands have/had. It is the same with Christ. We are entitled to everything He has/had. If we can even begin to wrap our heads around that, WOW, what freedom we'd experience.
My third class was on the power of words. I realized that I had been speaking shame words over and at my children. It's really changing how I speak to people, even in jest. The teacher opened with a story her friend had relayed to her. There was a woman and her daughter in the bathroom. The little girl finished first and went to wash her hands. She was having a grand old time with the soap as the mother impatiently hmmmph ed in the background. Finally, the mother grabbed the little girl by the arm and said something like "look at the mess you're making, you're so stupid, you'll never amount to anything." Just hearing that was enough to make me bite my lip almost every time I am about to scold my children for their behavior. Sometimes, in our anger, we get awfully careless in our words. I've decided to consciously speak more kind and encouraging words to and about my husband and children every day. It may take a while not to blab and whine about ugly behavior or my husband's lack of participation in things, but, it isn't building their character or mine to talk about it!
My last class was a class about freedom of expression in worship. I don't know if I can explain anything about the class, but I can tell you.. I AM FREE to be and do whatever HE calls me to. I will no longer hold on to my worry about what others think of me during worship. I am learning to obey the Lord instantly. This class changed the very nature of my heart, and I hope, my life forever!
There was a lot of great fellowship, some female drama, and even.. gasp.... SNOW!!!!!! It snowed on the last day. I'm pretty sure the Lord did that JUST for me (don't burst my bubble on that one). So there's the ramblings.. It's hard to put into words, a work that is taking place in one's heart. I am discovering who I am in Christ, and embracing freedom and joy! I pray you will too!
Blessings,
Mandy

Just a quickie

2009-10-31T20:58:00.000-07:00

Pictures people... pictures... I'm not getting into a debate regarding our personal beliefs with halloween.. J says it's a "party for Satan" (a careless mommy statement from several years ago)and I'm all into fall and pumpkins and gourds... Here's the family at the chapel's harvest celebration and walking around our street (since there were people with candy and only a couple of costumed kiddos walking around). J is a soldier in the field. The soldiers here go out and play Iraqi townspeople.. so he's dressed like his dad in the field. M is a pterodactyl and hates having his picture taken.. so I don't have many of him. N is a doctor, and A is a gorilla ballerina of course! ;)

We were afraid people wouldn't understand J's costume and we'd be in trouble for it.. Thankfully, no one said anything about it. The picture of M is at the cake walk. I had to trick him to get it, and you can't see the head of his costume, but at least it isn't of the back of his head!

Check out N's cute mater slippers.. I don't know how he made it out of the house with those things on!

Hard to see, but Beloved made a doxin pumpkin and I glittered a bird cage and an American flag. The children painted and glittered their pumpkins. I'll peel everything but the doxin one and can it soon.

Beloved walking Tobey and Diesel, and our children.

You can see N, our muscle boy, struggling with the weight of his candy.

As a tradition, we all lay on the driveway and look at the stars on halloween night.

M makes the craziest faces. There's my beautiful boy and his crazy mom!

N showing the fan that says Smile God Loves You.. (I think)

This is what happens when you have really really cute kids. The big bowl in the middle is what I use to make 4-6 loaves of bread dough in, just so you have an idea of how huge that bowl is!!! Most of the candy will go to a cub scout Christmas thing. Most of it was from Anah's bags!!

Blessings,
Mandy

BLOWN AWAY

2009-10-28T16:40:00.000-07:00

I'm waiting for this house of ours to just blow away! After two days of crazy wind, it's still standing firm and stubborn. Thank goodness they took time making these houses. The newer houses on post have gone up too quickly and are creaking already. YIKES! Tonight is the Halloween party at beloved's work. They cleared out all the trucks and painted on the floors and set up hay bales and everything. It looks like a lot of fun. The children will be able to get candy, do a cupcake walk (that's the 300 cupcakes I made yesterday), and do a maze. I think there will be a haunted house type thing, but my kiddos and I will abstain from it. This year we are serving a baked potato bar. BRILLIANT! We're totally into it, as we love love love baked potato bars. I'm not sure I'm all excited about this Halloween thing, but I am glad we were able to support Beloved and show the people he works with that we are willing to invest some time. I can't wait to get all my pictures developed.. hopefully soon. Beloved has been holding onto the wallet lately, only spending money on his vehicles (which we totally need to take care of!!!), so Sooooooon I should have pictures from J's b day, our pumpkin patch trip, and all of our halloween activities. Maybe I'll take some pictures of my white pumpkins. I have a serious thing for mini white pumpkins and have stuck them on everything. They look great on candlesticks, in dessert glasses, on cake stands, and stacked just about everywhere else. It's going to be awfully hard to toss these new beautiful friends at the end of the season. Any ideas on how to preserve them? I would love to somehow dry them and use them next year. My conference was WONDERFUL WONDERFUL. God is ever so good and faithful! I'll have a good old fashion testimony on my next post, but for now, I just wanted to say.. it was good.. or great! I got to breathe Colorado air, which smells and feels better than any other air, and see early Colorado snow, which is the pretty clumpy flakes... ohhh I HEART Colorado!!!
I'm off to go find a tutu for a gorilla and fix a surgeon mask! Have a BLESSED day!
Blessings,
mandy

Book and Planes and Scouts oh my!

2009-10-20T22:12:00.000-07:00

So, this is a crazy time of the year. That's no surprise right? I don't know why things always seem to catch me off guard this time of the year. The oldest boys have after school programs and activities most nights of the week now. How did we go from homeschooled and 2 nights a week activities to constantly out of the home?! It makes me sad because I don't get to spend as much time with them as I used to. I'm glad they have to opportunity to do some things they wouldn't have at home though. J is joining a running club open to 3rd graders. He's interested in learning to play the piano or violin as well. Interesting instrument choices, but it would be neat for him to have that opportunity. I think he'll quit Good News Club and go back to AWANA to accommodate new activities. I just don't want him to give up on the Christian fellowship. He still misses some of the kids from the homeschool room at PWOC. I'm glad he's made friends of all ages at the church, no matter how often he sees them. Have I mentioned that he's reading at a 6th grade level now and polishes off dozens of books every week.. Not too shabby! M is staying in Good News Club, but starting an art program. He draws pretty cool horses, as that's his favorite animal. I really think that he should explore more creative things while he is young, since he's a very logical individual. My little math fan needs to see that he can create as well. Both big boys are doing cub scouts. J is a bear scout and M is a tiger. They are doing popcorn sales *let me know if you'd be interested in purchasing some online ;)* for scouts right now. It's good to see them actually play with other kids. I'm going crazy trying to make sure that they are working on their badges and beads and other goodies every day. Of course they have crazy things like go to a television studio or zoo or professional sports activity that can't be done out here in the middle of nowhere! It's a good thing, and I'm glad the boys are investing time. It makes beloved awfully happy too, as he was a scout back in the day. In fact, I used to spend all my time at the church his scouts met at. My bestie and I used to clean up after their meetings. Small world huh?! N and A are loving preschool this year. They have a great teacher, who gets mad at me in Korean when I'm late on Tuesdays, and a great class. A gets to hang out with some of the "cool" girls that she was good friends with last year. N is making a lot of progress and is reading first grade sight words. They both get mad that they aren't doing activities like the boys, but I'm doing a homeschooling program with them while I have just two at home. We're doing Five in a Row before school (sometimes after), and they get more mom time because of it. It's so exciting to watch them learn and grow. Beloved is crazy busy. The Army still doesn't make sense most of the time, and he's still always exhausted. We're working on moving to another post next year... we'll see. Most military families don't stay in one place for more than 5 years, so we must be due to see somewhere new. If not, I'm happy here because I have PWOC. I'm hoping there's something Beloved can enjoy here. He's agreed to start coming to a home group, so that's HUGE... I'm crazy excited to be doing home group WITH him! Praise the Lord for answering a major prayer. He's even coming to church when he can. I'm off to Colorado on Thursday for a PWOC regional conference. I am ever so excited! Beloved is watching the children. What a wonderful husband I have to allow me this opportunity! The coolest blessing is that the conference was paid for by PWOC and the chapel, so I am able to attend guilt free. I plan on soaking in as much info as humanly possible. It'll be a wonderfully refreshing, worship filled experience, and I know I'll return excited and grace-filled! OHHH I just finished my first quarter back at college. I took multi cultural mythology, which was fascinating, and got a 102% :). I also took art history and appreciation, which was terrible, and have no idea what grade I ended up with. I don't think he's graded the final, so who knows! lol This quarter I am taking sociology and a survey of western civilization. It should be an interesting quarter. Hopefully, I can stay on top of that and PWOC Bible studies (am and pm), and my children's activities, and my husband's needs and activities, and FRG stuff (making 300 cupcakes the day after I get back from CO), and the house, and everything else. I don't know how people who are WAY more busy than I am do it all! I'm glad the Lord doesn't have plans for me to handle much more than I already am.
There it is.. our update. I hope it made sense. Hopefully, I'll have some great things to share after conference!
Blessings,
Mandy

Fabulous Friday!

2009-10-16T12:37:00.000-07:00

Don't miss out on this weeks giveaway over at Today's Creative Blog!!

blessings,
Mandy

To further procrastinate..

2009-09-20T22:57:00.000-07:00

Is it possible that I haven't blogged in over a month?! Where has the time gone?! I have ever so much to catch you up on, but in the mean time.. Please take a minute to check out my 2 FAVORITE blogs :)

These are unbelievably creative and talented women, whose blogs have provided me with endless entertainment and inspiration!

Blessings,
Mandy

FIrst Day of School

2009-08-09T10:41:00.000-07:00

The children all had their first day of school on Thursday. It's definitely a change having everyone gone for a little bit of the day. They were all a bit nervous the first day, but all had a wonderful time!
Here's a few photos of our day :) M is dropped off first to FIRST grade.. doesn't he look excited?
in his chosen seat.

J is next, starting 3rd grade. They don't have desks, just tables. Weird. He sat at the table with all the books! That's my boy!
N and A are in the same classroom this year again for preschool. If we sick around Irwin until next August, they'll be in the same class for the rest of school! N was feeling awfully goofy that day and A was showing off the backpack I sewed for her.

Blessings,
Mandy

P.S. Check out books written by Patricia Polacco. They are fantastic!!! Our Favorite book of the week is: The Brave Little Seamstress by Mary Pope Osborne. It's a cleaver tale of a woman who uses wit and humor to overcome a great many things.

Read me another....

2009-08-04T21:40:00.000-07:00

It seems like reading is all we accomplish successfully these days. I know that it is wonderful to have children who would rather read and look at books than watch television, but I have to tell you... reading out loud for hours isn't as easy as one would think! Every time I sit in the living room, they begin to bring the books in. Each child brings me a stack and fights over whose book I'll read first. By the end of the day we end up reading between 18 and 30 picture books and 1 or 2 chapter books. I bet we spend a good 3 to 4 hours a day reading. Could it be that my passion for and obsession with books has intensified in my children?! I've decided to start reviewing books one day a week *if I can be more disciplined with my blogging that is ;)* In addition to reading to my children, I am doing Bible studies and reading a novel at night after the family goes to bed. I'd appreciate suggestions for future reads, but hope that we may be able to suggest some books that you'll enjoy. Our book list will be updated for August tomorrow... With school starting on Thursday for all the children, I'll have lots more news, and hopefully uber cute pictures to post, but for the time being... good night whoever is out there... I'm off to go finish a book!
Blessings,
Mandy

Wordless Wednesday

2009-07-29T09:39:00.001-07:00

Months later...

2009-07-28T07:10:00.000-07:00

I apologize for the length of time between posts. It seems as though things always happen in large clumps of time here. What a wonderful summer vacation we have had though. At the end of June, we were all able to go "home" to Arizona and visit for two weeks with our family. My in-laws let us use their travel trailer as an extra guest apartment type place. Beloved and the children took turns sleeping in it while it was parked outside my mother's house. It was an adventure to them. They enjoyed it so much, that we ended up purchasing a 33ft travel trailer of our own. It has a bunk room with 4 bunk beds for the children and enough space for us all not to be on top of each other. Beloved and I argued for days about it's purchase, but in the end, he thought it might be a way to reconnect with his family. His parents and grandparents have trailers, so he was hoping that they might want to be more a part of his life if he provided a way for us to do activities with them. I don't think that spending a large sum of money will bring a family together, but we are at a loss for what to do to change things, so I'll stand behind his decision. Who knows, we may have many more adventures because we own our own traveling vacation home ;). We had a wonderful time visiting with my mother and Beloved's family. We were able to spend time with both sets of his grandparents. I hope we'll be able to make more time to spend with them next visit, as I have no grandparents of my own now and want to make sure the children have lots of memories of these amazing great grandparents they have. Beloved's grandmothers are amazing. One of them is a master cross stitch artist. I have a wall hanging that she gave me for Christmas years ago in the hall downstairs. It makes me smile every time I see it. His other grandmother is a quilter and quite talented. My Mother-in-law showed me the quilts that she and her mother had made, and there is an awful lot of artistic talent that my children should inherit from that side of the family!! A special treat was seeing all of Beloved's sisters and their children. I thought my children grew fast, but it seems that theirs have aged and matured all too quickly. They are beautiful, and sweet children, and it was lovely to be able to spend a little time seeing their personalities up close. Beloved's sisters are all beautiful and I am thankful my little girl looks like them. All in all, it was just a fantastic vacation and I'm sad we don't get together more often.
We're gearing up for school in our house this week. Beloved and I are signing up for college classes, J will be preparing for 3rd grade, M for 1st, and N & A will be beginning their second year of preschool (with our favorite teacher.. who had J and M in previous years). School begins Aug 6, and what a new adventure it will be! I hope to use some of my children-at-school time for keeping this blog updated with our activities, more recipes, free stuff, and other goodies. For now, I'm off to finish morning chores and sign my J boy up for school.
Thank you for taking the time to read... our lives may not be filled with exciting and daring things, but what a blessing it is to be able to speak of time together as a family! Pictures to come tomorrow hopefully ;)

Blessings,
Mandy

Things they say...

2009-04-04T19:43:00.000-07:00

I was hanging out with M today because J and Beloved went out for a father/son bonding day. He looks over at my ring and says.. is that a wedding ring? Here's what followed:
Me: Yes, it's the ring your dad gave me on the day we got married. When you get married you'll give your wife one too.
M: Ewwwwww I don't want to get married, that's nasty.
Me: Don't you want to have a wife and have your own children some day?
M: Ewwwwww nooooooooo
Me: Don't you want someone to love and adore you and bake you cookies?
M: Yes! NO! I can't get married.
Me: Because??????
M: I want to live in the barracks.
Me: And you can't live in the barracks if you are married?
M: NO. It's against Army regguuation.
Me: Well, after you are done living in the Barracks?
M: Then I'll get married and someone will bake me cookies.

How precious is that?!

A lifetime

2009-03-26T09:46:00.000-07:00

It's amazing. This plays just like a review of what my life has been!

Blessings,
Mandy

Non-changes and control

2009-03-19T13:21:00.000-07:00

After much frustration, then repentance, then prayer, I have realized that I should be rejoicing that we aren't moving away from Fort Irwin. I had anticipated a move to Fort Bliss in Texas, but because of M's heart we had to wait for the doctor's evaluation so that we could update our EFMP (helps the Army send you somewhere that facilitates special medical/other needs) paperwork. Off went our orders to someone who will be moving there soon! Then we thought we would be going to Colorado. I was SO excited because I love Colorado. Nope, that's not going to happen either. I don't understand why I am so compulsive when it comes to planning. I am sure this is part of the lesson I haven't learned at Fort Irwin that may be keeping me here. Every time we have decided YES we will do this, I get all excited and check out schools and map things out and find activities and look for houses and then when I find out plans have changed I just feel so let down. Control. Every problem I can remember in my life has to do with control. I always want to be in control of everyone and everything. Of course there are all the aspects of my life that I lost control of. There are things in my past that I have spent years working through (and still am) because of loss of control. The problems Beloved and I had for years were mainly because of my constant need to control. How ridiculous is it to let something that trivial keep me from living an abundant life. Have you ever felt like you want to shake yourself? I know what I need to do, why not just do it? So that's what I have been working on. If you really know me, you know my weekly schedule revolves around PWOC (Protestant Women of the Chapel). It is my refreshment, my socialization, and a time of great learning for me. I missed 5 weeks of PWOC due to a calling to stay home and reprioritize, then we all were sick.. life happened. It threw my schedule off completely. I had a hard time keeping things straight. I'm shaking my head while typing this because it sounds ridiculous even to admit it. The break gave me a great chance to spend more time living in worship. I have learned and experienced the difference between worshiping and living in worship. I had the most amazing music playing through my mind for weeks. I'll tell you, it is a lot easier to keep your eyes and your mind focused upward when you have praise songs playing constantly. It was like a beautiful conversation with the Lord. I would start singing a song in my head (or out loud when the children knew it), then the Lord would convict me of something directly related to the song and I would repent and with another song, I would praise Him. It's the most painless upheaval of unrepentant sin I have ever experienced. I came out of my PWOC hiatus feeling more clean, a deep filling clean, and refreshed than I have in a long time. I have been spiritually recharged many times, but to be continually brought to my knees and convicted to change major aspects of my life for weeks gave me a complete spiritual reset. I am determined to fight the enemy with everything that I have because I know, I KNOW, who has my back! I have committed to wait for the Lord's answer before making decisions. I am so darn excited every morning when I get to do my Daniel (by Beth Moore) Bible study. I have a new set determination to live my life pleasing and in worship to the Lord. So to come back to my staying at Fort Irwin... I am glad to be here. I am starting to get excited about what this next year will bring. We obviously need to be here for something, and I'm making sure I don't miss it! Our PWOC is picking a new board right now. I am happy to be in prayer for the committee and I am looking forward to seeing who will be leading next year. I can see big things happening and many changes in the future for PWOC, Fort Irwin, and my family... and I'm not planning anything for it. I don't have to be in control. The creator of the heavens and the Earth, the King of Kings has already taken care of it. What could be more comforting than that?!

I'll leave you with the song I woke up with every day in my head...

Surrender by Barlow Girl (should play first automatically this week on my playlist)
My hands hold safely to my dreams
Clutching tightly not one has fallen.
So many years Ive shaped each one
Reflecting my heart, showing who I am.
Now youre asking me to show
What Im holding Oh so tightly.
Cant open my hand; cant let go
Does it matter?
Should I show you?
Cant you let me go?
Chorus:
Surrender, surrender
You whisper gently
You say I will be free
I know but cant you see
My dreams are me, My dreams are me
Say you have a plan for me
And that you want the best for my life.
Told me the world has yet to see
What you can do with one
Thats committed to your call.
I know of course what I should do
That I cant hold these dreams forever.
But if I give them now to you
Will you take themAway forever?
Or can I dream again?

Blessings,
Mandy

Facinating Womanhood?

2009-03-16T20:07:00.000-07:00

I have always wondered if there was a guide to living like the perfect housewife from the 50s era... Here's proof that one exhists

How to be the Perfect Wife.This was taken from Helen B. Andelin's Fascinating Womanhood, published by Pacific Press in 1965. The course was designed to teach women how to be happy in marriage. The "Fascinating Womanhood" Way to Welcome a Man when He Comes Home
from Work -->

GET YOUR WORK DONE
Plan your tasks with an eye on the clock. Finish or interrupt them an hour before he is expected. Your anguished cry, "Are you home already?" is not exactly a warm welcome.
HAVE DINNER READY
Plan ahead, even the night before to have a delicious meal, on time. This is a way of letting him know that you have been thinking about him and are concerned about his needs. Most men are hungry when they come home and the prospects of a good meal are part of the warm welcome needed.
PREPARE YOURSELF
Take 15 minutes to rest so you will be refreshed when he arrives. This will also make you happy to see him instead of too tired to care. Turn off the worry and be glad to be alive and grateful for the man who is going to walk in. While you are resting you can be thinking about your Fascinating Womanhood assignment and all you can do to make him happy and give his spirits a lift. When you arise, take care of your appearance. Touch up your makeup, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh looking. He has just been with a lot of work-weary people. Be a little gay and a little more interesting. His boring day may need a lift.
CLEAR AWAY THE CLUTTER
Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives, gathering up school books, toys, paper, etc. in a bucket or wastebasket and put them in the back bedroom for sorting later. Then run a dustcloth over the tables. Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order and it will give you a lift too. Having the house in order is another way of letting him know that you care and have planned for this homecoming.
PREPARE THE CHILDREN
Take just a few minutes to wash the children's hands and faces (if they are small) comb their hair, and if necessary change their clothes. They are little treasures and he would like to see them look the part.
MINIMIZE ALL NOISE
Especially give heed to this if your husband has to join rush hour traffic. At the time of his arrival eliminate noise of washer, dryer, dishwasher or vacuum. Try to encourage the children to be quiet at the time of their father's arrival. Let them be a little noisy beforehand to get it out of their system.
BE HAPPY TO SEE HIM
Greet him with a warm smile and act glad to see him. Tell him that it is good to have him home. This may make his day worthwhile. If there is any romance left in you, he needs it now.
SOME DON'TS
Don't greet him with problems and complaints. Solve the problems you can before he gets home and save those you must discuss with him until later in the evening.
Also, don't complain if he is late for dinner. Count this as a minor problem when compared with what he might have gone through that day.
Don't allow the children to rush at him with problems or requests. Allow them to briefly greet their father but save demands for later.
MAKE HIM COMFORTABLE
Have him lean back into a comfortable chair or suggest he lie down in the bedroom. Have a cool or warm drink ready for him. Arrange his pillow and offer to massage his neck and shoulders and take off his shoes. Don't insist on this however. Turn on music if it is one of his pleasures. Speak in a soft, soothing, pleasant voice. Allow him to relax - to unwind.
LISTEN TO HIM
You may have a dozen things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time. Let him talk first, then he will be a more responsive listener later.
MAKE THE EVENING HIS
Never complain if he does not take you out to dinner or to other places of entertainment. Instead, try to understand his world of strain and pressure, his need to be home and to relax. If he is cross or irritable, never fight back. Again, try to understand his world of strain.
THE GOAL
Try to make your home a place of peace and order where your husband can renew himself in body and spirit. Then add to this the application of all the principles of Fascinating Womanhood and your husband will want to come home. He will rather be with you than with anyone else in the world and will spend whatever time he can possibly spare with you. Try living all of these rules for his homecoming and see what happens. This is the way to bring a man home to your side, not by pressure, persuasion or moral obligation.

Who does the woman talk to then? Interesting.

Random randomness

2009-03-08T15:24:00.000-07:00

It's been a long time since I posted anything, so I'll just throw a bunch of stuff out there... I don't know how many people actually read this blog, so I'll just tell you a bit more about me.

I was born in Colorado, not far from where my husband was born.
I hated the color brown for most of my life. I think it's because I was born in the early 80s and everyone had brown all over their houses... I still don't like orange for the same reason.
I have a serious book problem. I could spend all my time and money reading and forget that I have a family to take care of.
I haven't had coffee in 2 weeks.. So to all those people who called me addicted for drinking several pots of coffee in a day.. Take that!
I hate being taken advantage of, but I let people walk all over me.
My favorite color is red, but I am the only one in the house who likes red, so I get frustrated having to accommodate all the blue obsessed people in the house.
I wish I knew anything about interior design.
The sound of dogs barking drives me crazy.
I am going to learn how to ride a motorcycle next week. Pray for the bike!
I am a perfectionist. I won't try something if I know I won't be good at it.
I hate disorder.
People who schedule in "random" fun scare me.
I love the mountains, trees, and snow, and think it's twisted that I live in the middle of the Mojave desert.
I often worry that I have nothing interesting to say, or am just not interesting because most of my life is kid-oriented right now.
My Starbucks drink is never the same twice. I alternate between tea and coffee. I have no idea why. Right now I love the vanilla roobois or however it's spelled.
I worry a lot that I am going to mess up my children and that they will resent me for the rest of their lives. I remember a lot from early on in my childhood. I have a feeling they will too.
I often regret not continuing college after I had J. I don't want my kids to be embarrassed about their uneducated mother.
I have a sister I have never met. I don't know if I do want to meet her.
I am excited about the possibility of moving back home. I'm a little bummed that means I have to stop looking at homes in CO springs.
I have a sister in prison. I have no idea what to say to her.
I was a teacher's aide for my sister-in-law's kindergarten class. She is graduating from High School this year. I feel old!
I love the smell of gasoline and fresh cut wood.
People that I used to babysit are in college. What is that about?
I want to learn how to sky dive.
I would love to start a half way type house near military bases for people who's spouses are KIA, so that the transition from military to civilian life is made a bit easier. I have no idea what to do with that idea though.
I watched my grandfather die this summer. It's a creepy image that stays in my head.
I am learning Latin. It's a lot more complicated than I thought it was.
I have a weird obsession with fabric. I need to get back to my quilts before I have more fabric than quilting ideas.
I love having a daughter who wants to be just like me. It's nice to have help with all of the domestic things.
I taught myself sign language and find myself signing when I listen to music. I have no idea why.
I am terrified of disappointing my husband. It's my motivation to do a lot of things each day.
I don't want my children to be people pleasers.
I have no idea how to make furniture, but I plan on getting some power tools and teaching myself. I watch HGTV... how bad could it be?! lol
I want to drive one of the tanks my husband works on. You don't think the government would mind, do you?!
I really don't understand the female obsession with purses and bags. Just give me a good old backpack and I am fine.
I love being out in nature and wish I could get my family to go hiking and exploring more with me. It's a challenge with the younger ones though.
I say no a lot more than I would like to.
I say yes a lot more than I have time for.
I miss singing for my old church AND I lost the cd of the guy I used to sing with... I'm bummed.
My grandmother was the most amazing woman... ever. I am lucky to have had so many strong women in my life.
My mother thinks the fact that I submit to my husband means that I am crazy and weak. That bugs me.
I know more about religions than most people. I had to do a lot of research before I decided on what I wanted to believe.
I read an encyclopedia last week because I couldn't sleep. I learned a lot about plate tectonics ;)
I would have never guessed that I would be married with four children at this point in my life, but I have no idea what I would be doing if things were any different.
That's all for today.. Hopefully I can post something useful soon!

Blessings
mandy

Wisdom from the Military!

2009-02-18T20:40:00.000-08:00

I received this from a Fort Irwin yahoo group. I thought I would share it. It's got some good ones!

WISDOM - FROM THE MILITARY MANUAL
"If the enemy is in range, so are you."- Infantry Journal

"It is generally inadvisable to eject directly over the area you just bombed."- U.S. Air Force Manual

"Whoever said the pen is mightier than the sword obviously never encountered automatic weapons."- General MacArthur

"You, you, and you ... Panic. The rest of you, come with me."- U.S. Marine corps Gunnery Sgt.

Tracers work both ways."- U.S. Army Ordnance

"Five second fuses only last three seconds."- Infantry Journal

"Any ship can be a minesweeper. . Once

"If you see a bomb technician running, keep up with him."- USAF Ammo Troop

"Though I Fly Through the Valley of Death , I Shall Fear No Evil. For I am at 80,000 Feet and Climbing."

"You've never been lost until you've been lost at Mach 3."- Paul F. Crickmore (test pilot)

"The only time you have too much fuel is when you're on fire"

"Mankind has a perfect record in aviation;We never left one up there"

Blessings,
Mandy

25 randomish things

2009-02-14T07:45:00.000-08:00

Since I finally did it on facebook, I figgured I should do it here. Here's the random 25 things about you list.

1. I was born in Colorado, not far from where my husband was born.
2. I lived in Australia from age 5 - almost 10. I am finally starting to remember more of my time there, but couldn't remember a lot of it for years.
3. Before living at Fort Irwin, I only had 3 female friends that I got really close to. I never really understood how the female group dynamic worked. Turns out... It's not so bad! I don't know what I would do without my PWOC friends! Love ya ladies.. and yes I can give you hugs now!
4. If I don't go to PWOC (our women's Bible Study group) on Tuesday morning, I can't keep track of what day it is for the rest of the week. It's weird, but I loose track of time more as well. What's up with that?
5. I have been trying to use the word wonky every day for a week to drive my husband nuts. I like to say weird words a lot until he catches himself saying it. It's payback for all the strange times I find myself speaking military-speak.
6. I truly think that my husband saved my life. He's my hero in every sense of the word.
7. I can't make food that comes out of a box. I mess up pudding and instant pancakes even. Maybe it's the Lord's way of making me learn how to make everything healthier and from scratch.
8. I was pregnant 7 times between 2001 and 2008 resulting in 4 amazing children. During that time, the longest I went without being pregnant was less than 1 year. I still dream of one more baby boy (a little more on the days my special needs kiddo isn't having an off day) someday.
9. My favorite colors are red and silver.
10. I was a wreck in high school (and a few years after), but I can really see how God has used that in my life. I am happy to be a completely different person.
11. My grandfather came from Italy... so I'm part Italian, but I have really light pink pigmented skin. That never made sense to me.
12. I read everything I can. I love history encyclopedias and historical fiction the best though.
13. I DVR a lot of the BYU late night programing to watch during my breaks. I'm not LDS though.
14. I love cloudy days, rain, and snow. Sunshine drains my energy levels!
15. I am constantly singing songs in my head. I rarely sing them out loud because my husband made fun of me a few times. I have a hard time singing for church or PWOC because of it.
16. I listen to classical music when I clean. It helps with productivity.
17. I secretly want to be a librarian. Not the Noah Wylie movie kind, but the geeky dark rimmed glasses and sweater set kind.
18. I didn't know how to cook 6 years ago. My poor husband had so many sandwiches and so much ramen he still doesn't like either!
19. I love decorating cakes, but I'm a perfectionist about it. I'm getting over the hives I got when practicing (and worrying/panicking) for a friend's wedding cake. I'm a dork.
20. My organs started to shut down last year because of lack of sleep. No one knows why I can't sleep much.
21. My ultimate dream is to own a book shop that has a coffee/bakery section. I have a book supplier already... I just need everything else.. maybe someday!
22. I love to find people I knew "back in the day" and see what wonderful things have happened in their lives since the last time I saw them. I don't watch chick flicks or read romance novels, but love blogs.. I love to read about happy endings.
23. I have had a personal relationship with the Lord for 3 years (today). I didn't realize what I was missing out on before.
24. I still feel a strong pull towards the LDS church and am not sure what to make of it.
25. I really didn't think I could come up with 25 interesting things about myself to do this note thinggy. Having said that, what was written may not be all that interesting... well.. it's done at least.

Hoe What?

2009-02-12T19:31:00.000-08:00

Hoecakes. Oh my goodness. I had no idea these little gems even existed until recently. If you don't know what they are, hoecakes are kind of like a cornbread pancake of sorts. They are brilliant. They take very few ingredients and are very versatile. I think back to the days when beloved was off at basic training and we were living off of canned green beans and cornbread. It would have been wonderful to know about these things! What can you do with a hoecake? You can serve it on top of, below, or with chili or bean soups. You can serve it as a snack with preserves, honey, agave syrup, molasses, pie filling, fresh fruit, peanut butter, butter and cinnamon sugar, or just plain butter. It can serve as a warm bread for any meal you would serve cornbread with. It's so inexpensive as well! I make an extra large batch and freeze the ones we will not eat within 2 days. I highly recommend you try some!

This recipe has been tweaked a lot and hopefully is the final recipe I will use. It makes about 4 dozen hoecakes.

Mandy's Hoecakes

4c yellow cornmeal

1c all purpose flour

1c wheat flour

2T. and 2t. baking powder

1t salt

2t sugar

1/4c oil

4 1/2c milk (we do soy or rice for the kiddos)

Combine cornmeal, flours, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. Stir in the oil and milk and mix to create a pancake batter consistency. Pour the batter by 1/4c (or an ice cream scoop) onto a greased griddle. Cook the hoecakes until they are golden brown on both sides. Serve warm and enjoy!

Blessings,

Mandy

9 Things About My Friends

2009-02-11T15:02:00.000-08:00

9 Things I Love About My Friends

1. My 3 best friends are truly people I know will never let me down... even though one is in AZ (hi mom), on is on the complete opposite side of the country (Rene.. time to move closer), and one is in and out of the house so often these days we can't keep up with his schedule!
2. My friends always seem to know what to say or do to cheer me up when I am down.
3. I can always call a friend living here and go get coffee.
4. Even though a lot of my close friends have moved all over the country or even to *gasp* Alaska, Hawaii, and Korea, I can still pick up a phone or drop an e mail and still feel like I see them every day.
5. All of my friends (sans my mom) share my faith, and that is such a blessing and encouragement to me.
6. I have learned a lot about trust and worth from those I spend the most time with.
7. They are the coolest, smartest, funniest, most amazing people I know.. I have been blessed to surround myself with the best of the best.
8. All of them know I'm a little over-caffinated and quirky and love me anyway.
9. God has sent each one into my life for a specific purpose, which thankfully has been revealed, and I am sooooooooooo grateful that I have had the opportunity to even be a fly on the wall of these amazing people's lives.

Blessings,
Mandy

9 Things About Baking

2009-02-09T19:13:00.000-08:00

9 Things I Love About Baking

1. It's almost instant gratification. I love that I can make something that can make others happy in less than 30 min.
2. Gingerbread boys are super easy and fun to bite legs off of.
3. It gives me an opportunity to use my massive collection of sprinkles. I'm only slightly obsessed with sprinkles.
4. It's art that I don't mind giving away.
5. My house smells wonderful during and after baking.
6. Cinnamon and nutmeg should have their own food group.
7. If I mess up, my husband has no problem eating my imperfect creations.
8. I have an easier time coming up with impromptu baked goods rather than cooked items.
9. It's a great way to meet someone. So bust out the baking items... make some cookies and share them with a neighbor!

Blessings
Mandy

9 Things About Cloudy Days

2009-02-08T20:15:00.000-08:00

9 Things I Love About Cloudy Days

1. I hate sunshine. So it takes care of that problem ;)
2. It makes me stop and stand in awe of the beauty of nature.
3. I found a bunny slipper shaped cloud. We found a kimono as well. It really helps you practice stretching your mind a bit. Nothing like a little mental exercise!
4. It makes everything you look at a pretty bluish color.
5. Cloudy days energize me.
6. It makes me want to be outside.
7. I get almost giddy happy when it's cloudy. I don't know exactly why.
8. I am a lot more productive on cloudy days. Also a weird mystery.
9. Sometimes... even if there isn't actual precipitation... cloudy days smell like rain *sigh*

Blessings,
Mandy

Blogger Friend School Assignment #118

2009-01-30T08:29:00.000-08:00

All You Add is Love
Posted By MrsKerri on January 26, 2009
Memory Verse: Psalms 127:3 (New Living Translation)
Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.
IIntro: This week we continue with shaking things up a bit. Children are often so pure in what they say. There is no sugar coating it, they just say it as they see it. Their thoughts can make us laugh, touch our hearts and open our eyes.
Assignment: This week are going to do an “Interview With Mom” and post it to your blog. There are a list of questions below to interview your children with. Feel free to add your own questions or remove any question you don’t want to use. You will then ask your children the questions and post the answers that they give you.

WHAT DOES MOM ALWAYS SAY TO YOU?
J-"get your schoolwork done." N-"go play with leggo". M-"clean up the room." A-"you're so stinkin pretty"

WHAT MAKES MOM HAPPY?

J- "the house being clean." M-"kids being good here." N-"kids being happy." A-"starbucks"

WHAT MAKES MOM SAD?

M-"kids being naughty." J-"kids not obeying." N-"not obeying." A- "to not clean up."

HOW DOES MOM MAKE YOU LAUGH?

J-"tickle, cuz Im ticklish everywhere." N-"ummmmm tickle." A-"to be hungry" (????). M-"I don't know"
HOW OLD IS MOM?

J-"27." M-"I don't know." N-"26." A-"26" (how did the youngest 2 know?)

HOW TALL IS MOM?
J-"I don't know. Maybe 15 feet." M-"5 foots."(close.. I don't know about foots though) N-"6 feet." A-"little"

WHAT DOES MOM LIKE TO DO?

J-"go to the beach." M-"go swimming with us." N-"open books." A-"play with tobey" (my dog)

WHAT IS MOM’S JOB?

J- "to clean up the house. To make food for dad. Take care of us." A- "to clean up the floor." M-"do laundry." N-"to clean up this house."

WHAT IS MOM’S FAVORITE FOOD?

J- "salad... wait is coffee food?" M-"masketti and meatballs." N-"salad." A-"coffee. Hot chocolate."

HOW DO YOU KNOW MOM LOVES YOU?

J- "she says I love you a lot. She gives me hugs." M-"because she gives us hugs and kisses." N-"rubs my back." A-"ummmmmmmm gives you kisses and giggles and hot chocolate"

Didn't think I was that weird about the house being clean.. Hmm perspective!

Blessings,

Mandy

9 Things about homeschooling

2009-01-29T19:58:00.000-08:00

9 Things I Love About Homeschooling

1. I get to watch my children grasp concepts for the first time.
2. I can have control of what they are exposed to at different ages.
3. We can have party/pj days more than once every other month.
4. I can experiment with different learning/teaching combinations, as well as curriculum choices.
5. I have really gotten to know how my kids think and feel about a lot of subjects.
6. I can pass on my passion for knowledge and reading.
7. I don't have to do our family council meetings at night every week anymore.
8. We have more devotional time together. It gives us a lot more time to discuss and do projects.
9. I get to spend time shaping my children's character before Beloved makes me put them in public school again. If I build a strong foundation, it will be much harder to shake my children's moral compasses.
Blessings,
Mandy

9 Things About Books

2009-01-28T19:42:00.000-08:00

9 Things I Love About Books
Surely you knew this one was coming!
1. I have an unquenchable thirst to know everything about everything, and they fulfill that need.
2. I never get frustrated by books.
3. A whole new world awaits my imagination with each new novel.
4. Each novel I read (a new one each night) is like a dear friend.
5. I am often inspired and motivated to action by books.
6. It's something I love to share with people through my Usborne business.
7. Stories can be shared with each of my children or all of them at once. These memories of reading to them are priceless. I hope that they remember me as a reader, as I remember my mother fondly as a consistent reader.
8. It doesn't matter what I look like when I spend time with the characters of a book.
9. and the one I want to linger.... It's how the Lord speaks to us today.
Blessings,
Mandy

Hearts gone wild!

2009-01-27T12:52:00.001-08:00

I wanted to make time to post about my precious second son today. He's a tough cookie and you can expect to see him running for President in 30ish years! What makes him medically special is that he was born with heart defects. When he was 4 months old (and Beloved was stationed in Korea), he was sent to the pediatric cardiologist because he had an enlarged heart. He was diagnosed with an Atrial Septal Defect (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patent_foramen_ovale). It was big, but didn't need immediate surgery. After we moved to Ft. Irwin (almost 5 years ago) we had another set of echo cardiograms done and he was diagnosed with a Ventricular Septal Defect (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ventricular_septal_defect) as well. The good news was they were both smallish and closing. Because of his heart issues, he hasn't been allowed to do regular P.E., play sports, or run for an extended period of time. He has grown slowly and remained in the 2nd-10th percentile for both height and weight (he hit the 30th percentile this month in weight, and the 11th for height YAY). He hasn't had a lot of energy and tires easily. I'm sure he is frustrated because he can't play as long as his brothers and sister can. I digress...
This summer he started having weird "episodes" in which he would start sweating and his heart would race, with chest pain. I was terrified he was going to have a heart attack. I was scared he was going to die. We were sent to a cardiologist who spend a ridiculously small time examining and testing him who said he was fine and dismissed us, so we requested he be sent to the pediatric cardiology unit at Loma Linda Hospital. Loma linda is the place he was diagnosed with the VSD along with the ASD years ago. They are competent and WONDERFUL! https://lomalindahealth.org/sem/heart/?utm_source=Lomalindahealth&utm_medium=SEM&utm_campaign=General The good news is, his ASD and VSD holes have closed! Praise the Lord! That is a true miricle. The other good news is that the doctor didn't just blow us off and may know what was causing his weird symptoms. M is currently wearing a heart monitor for 30 days. We are hoping to catch one of these episodes and record it for further diagnosis. He may have something called Supraventricular tachycardia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supraventricular_tachycardia which is treatable! He's doing a temporary homeschool thing so that I can supervise him with his heart monitor, but isn't bothered by the heart monitor at all! He's also free to play and do sports and have fun like all the other kids once the monitoring is over.
Thank you to all who have been praying for our boy. He's one of the most amazing people I have ever had the privilege to spend time with, and I hope that we are nearing an end to all this heart craziness.

Hooked up for an ECG Taking off the "stickies"

He was so proud of his card-o-stickies
Wearing the heart monitor
Blessings,
Mandy

9 Things about my husband

2009-01-26T20:01:00.001-08:00

9 Things I Love About My Husband

1. Despite my innumerable flaws, he loves me anyway.
2. He makes me laugh.... a lot!
3. He understands me without me even needing to say a word.
4. He is everything I am not.. He fills all the gaps in my skills... in my life.
5. He is ridiculously patient.
6. He has been working so hard at becoming a better father.
7. The kids adore him. (that still counts as something I love)
8. He is a wonderful provider.
9. He's a soldier.. my best friend... my hero.

Blessings,
Mandy

9 Things About Being a Mom

2009-01-25T18:04:00.000-08:00

9 Things I love About Being a Mom

1. I have 4 beautiful/talented/crazy smart/maybe just crazy children
2. On the good days I have someone to make me smile in any activity I am doing.
3. My life has more purpose.
4. On the bad days, they'll hug me even if we are all crying.
5. They think I'm hilarious!
6. I get to see these tiny babies grow up and become people.
7. There's never a dull (or anything remotely close to dull) moment.
8. I can see my passions and hobbies shining through their own.. It's funny that 2 are very much like me and 2 are very much like Beloved.
9. I melt every time I hear "I love you mom." Which is dozens of times a day.

What are your favorite aspects of motherhood?

Blessings,
Mandy

Personality type

2009-01-24T08:31:00.001-08:00

Have you ever done a personality test? I have done several kinds before, but something this morning got me wondering. My children are all so very different. M and A have been drawn together since A was born and I'm wondering if that's a personality thing. J and M since they are the oldest tend to stand together and A and N since they are the youngest tend to play with each other. N doesn't particularly mesh with any of the other children though. It'll be interesting to watch and see what becomes of these pairings when they grow older.

I took a quiz on http://www.personalitytype.com/quiz.asp and the results were impressive. I don't know if they could have been more dead on with their description. If you read the description below, you'll really see a picture of who I am. Even down to the career choices they offered. It's everything I am interested in! It almost validates the point that I'm not the only one like me, and than I may be a bit more "normal" than I thought! Shhh don't tell beloved... He won't believe you ;) If you do take the personality test, come back and leave a comment. I would love to see what everyone else is!

The following portion was taken from http://www.personalitypage.com/INFP.html
Portrait of an INFP - Introverted iNtuitive Feeling Perceiving(Introverted Feeling with Extroverted Intuition)
The Idealist

As an INFP, your primary mode of living is focused internally, where you deal with things according to how you feel about them, or how they fit into your personal value system. Your secondary mode is external, where you take things in primarily via your intuition.

INFPs, more than other iNtuitive Feeling types, are focused on making the world a better place for people. Their primary goal is to find out their meaning in life. What is their purpose? How can they best serve humanity in their lives? They are idealists and perfectionists, who drive themselves hard in their quest for achieving the goals they have identified for themselves

INFPs are highly intuitive about people. They rely heavily on their intuitions to guide them, and use their discoveries to constantly search for value in life. They are on a continuous mission to find the truth and meaning underlying things. Every encounter and every piece of knowledge gained gets sifted through the INFP's value system, and is evaluated to see if it has any potential to help the INFP define or refine their own path in life. The goal at the end of the path is always the same - the INFP is driven to help people and make the world a better place.

Generally thoughtful and considerate, INFPs are good listeners and put people at ease. Although they may be reserved in expressing emotion, they have a very deep well of caring and are genuinely interested in understanding people. This sincerity is sensed by others, making the INFP a valued friend and confidante. An INFP can be quite warm with people he or she knows well.

INFPs do not like conflict, and go to great lengths to avoid it. If they must face it, they will always approach it from the perspective of their feelings. In conflict situations, INFPs place little importance on who is right and who is wrong. They focus on the way that the conflict makes them feel, and indeed don't really care whether or not they're right. They don't want to feel badly. This trait sometimes makes them appear irrational and illogical in conflict situations. On the other hand, INFPs make very good mediators, and are typically good at solving other people's conflicts, because they intuitively understand people's perspectives and feelings, and genuinely want to help them.

INFPs are flexible and laid-back, until one of their values is violated. In the face of their value system being threatened, INFPs can become aggressive defenders, fighting passionately for their cause. When an INFP has adopted a project or job which they're interested in, it usually becomes a "cause" for them. Although they are not detail-oriented individuals, they will cover every possible detail with determination and vigor when working for their "cause".
When it comes to the mundane details of life maintenance, INFPs are typically completely unaware of such things. They might go for long periods without noticing a stain on the carpet, but carefully and meticulously brush a speck of dust off of their project booklet.

INFPs do not like to deal with hard facts and logic. Their focus on their feelings and the Human Condition makes it difficult for them to deal with impersonal judgment. They don't understand or believe in the validity of impersonal judgment, which makes them naturally rather ineffective at using it. Most INFPs will avoid impersonal analysis, although some have developed this ability and are able to be quite logical. Under stress, it's not uncommon for INFPs to mis-use hard logic in the heat of anger, throwing out fact after (often inaccurate) fact in an emotional outburst.

INFPs have very high standards and are perfectionists. Consequently, they are usually hard on themselves, and don't give themselves enough credit. INFPs may have problems working on a project in a group, because their standards are likely to be higher than other members' of the group. In group situations, they may have a "control" problem. The INFP needs to work on balancing their high ideals with the requirements of every day living. Without resolving this conflict, they will never be happy with themselves, and they may become confused and paralyzed about what to do with their lives.

INFPs are usually talented writers. They may be awkward and uncomfortable with expressing themselves verbally, but have a wonderful ability to define and express what they're feeling on paper. INFPs also appear frequently in social service professions, such as counselling or teaching. They are at their best in situations where they're working towards the public good, and in which they don't need to use hard logic.

INFPs who function in their well-developed sides can accomplish great and wonderful things, which they will rarely give themselves credit for. Some of the great, humanistic catalysts in the world have been INFPs.

Jungian functional preference ordering:
Dominant: Introverted FeelingAuxiliary: Extroverted IntuitionTertiary: Introverted SensingInferior: Extraverted Thinking

INFPs generally have the following traits:
Strong value systems
Warmly interested in people
Service-oriented, usually putting the needs of others above their own
Loyal and devoted to people and causes
Future-oriented
Growth-oriented; always want to be growing in a positive direction
Creative and inspirational
Flexible and laid-back, unless a ruling principle is violated
Sensitive and complex
Dislike dealing with details and routine work
Original and individualistic - "out of the mainstream"
Excellent written communication skills
Prefer to work alone, and may have problems working on teams
Value deep and authentic relationships
Want to be seen and appreciated for who they are
The INFP is a special, sensitive individual who needs a career which is more than a job. The INFP needs to feel that everything they do in their lives is in accordance with their strongly-felt value systems, and is moving them and/or others in a positive, growth-oriented direction. They are driven to do something meaningful and purposeful with their lives. The INFP will be happiest in careers which allow them to live their daily lives in accordance with their values, and which work towards the greater good of humanity. It's worth mentioning that nearly all of the truly great writers in the world have been INFPs.
The following list of professions is built on our impressions of careers which would be especially suitable for an INFP. It is meant to be a starting place, rather than an exhaustive list. There are no guarantees that any or all of the careers listed here would be appropriate for you, or that your best career match is among those listed.
Possible Career Paths for the INFP:
Writers
Counselors / Social Workers
Teachers / Professors
Psychologists
Psychiatrists
Musicians
Clergy / Religious Workers

Blessings,

Mandy

9 Things about the desert

2009-01-24T07:02:00.000-08:00

9 Things I love about the desert (since Im not particularly fond of the desert to begin with)

1. The sky is amazing because you can see so much of it.
2. Sunsets couldn't be prettier.
3. You truly appreciate rain after living in the desert for a while.
4. Flying a kite is easier with less obstacles.
5. It looks so alive after even the smallest amount of rain.
6. It helps people get a different perspective on things.
7. Low 70's in the winter make playground time more fun.
8. You can see all the different colors in the dirt/sand for miles and miles.
9. It doesn't make my hair curly ;) .

Blessings,
Mandy

9 things about being an Army wife

2009-01-23T18:15:00.000-08:00

9 Things I love about being an Army life

1. Life is never ever boring
2. I meet all kinds of new people.
3. My children are exposed to a diverse group of people.
4. I get to be married to a real hero.
5. I really love BDUs, DCUs, and ACUs.
6. I get to witness true courage in families.
7. I might (eventually) get to see more of this country.
8. Financial stability in an unstable era.
9. I couldn't imagine my life any differently.

Blessings,
Mandy

Overcoming obstacles!

2009-01-20T11:47:00.001-08:00

I am really being taught a lot about perspectives this month. I have realized how many things I take for granted. I found this video, which made me wonder if I could be positive in his situation... What do you think? Could you be so positive and encouraging with so many obstacles?

BFS #117

2009-01-20T10:32:00.001-08:00

Memory Verse: Genesis 1:14 (King James Version)
And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years.

Intro: This week the other Teachers and I want to shake things up a bit! We wanted for everyone to have some fun and have an assignment that would be easy and enjoyable too. This is a creative blogging assignment but hopefully it will offer help to some newer bloggers still trying to learn “how” to add pictures to their blogs and also help learn your classmates names to easily identify them…and it’s just FUN!

Assignment: This week you are to use your Blog Name (or your own pen/real name) and create signs. There are two ways to do this and you can do one or both ways.Here are my banners and signs that I’ve made to share with everyone. I have my two of my favorite verses within the signs! They should be easy to spot! Go to this location and use the Create tab at the top of the page to select All Templates or go to the bottom of the page and on the left choose Banners to make your project. Then follow the directions to copy the code and post it on your blog. Have Fun!!!

Interesting assignment!

BFSA #116

2009-01-18T07:31:00.001-08:00

#116 Now You’re Playing With Power (Nintendo)
Posted By MrsSombra on January 12, 2009
Memory Verse:
Genesis 7:24 The water held power over the earth for 150 days.
Introduction: The only witnesses to the Flood are Noah, his wife, his three sons and their wives - 8 people. And then there’s the animals, 2 of every unclean animal and 7 pairs of every clean animal. When Noah and his family emerged from the ark, they offered sacrifices and praised the Lord for preserving them.
Assignment: What kind of catastrophe have you lived through? Weather? Fire? Car crash? Did you feel the oppression of the power of the disaster, or the protection of the Power of the Lord? Tell us the story of how you rejoiced and praised Him through it and after it.

In 2002 we were evacuated from our home due to 2 fires that had joined together in Northern Az. J was a baby. We ended up staying overnight in a dome stadium with hundreds of other people. We slept on cots on either side of J's playpen. I was terrified someone would steal him. We ended up finding a cabin owned by some friends from a church I used to attend. Beloved, J, my mom (her cats), and I all stayed there. It seemed so surreal. The sky was just darkened from the fire.. and we were hours away. It ended up burning more than 500,000 acres of Forrest. We made it back home safely after the evacuation was lifted. I didn't realize how much I would be affected by that event. Now, being able to look back, I can see that God was there the whole time. I didn't see Him but how could He not be? We received food, clothes, shelter, formula, bottles, other baby stuff, and books at the dome. When we returned there were Baptist groups that had traveled with a food trailer and cooked meals for those who had a more difficult time financially. Every need we had was met. I can now look back and say WOW, things were okay, and praise Him for that.

Blessings,

Mandy

BFSA #115

2009-01-10T10:16:00.000-08:00

Memory Verse: Ecclesiastes 3: 1, 2 - To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven; A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted.

Assignment: Tell about your prayer box, if your family has one that you peruse at New Year's Eve or New year's Day and share those prayers, thoughts and acts of faith on the next year.

I don't have a prayer box. I am not sure if I have ever heard of one, but it sounds like a good idea. I am starting a prayer journal. I have a gratefulness journal which has been a great tool for me this last year... Especially when I have been in a particularly unpleasant mood. It's always wonderful to pause and think about all the wonderful things we have that we should be grateful for. I am hoping that at the end of 2009, I will be able to look back and see what wonders God has worked in our lives.

As people have come in and out of our lives here at Fort Irwin, I am so glad that no matter what season we are in, whether it be joyful or filled with hardship, we can always count on Him. I'm sad that so many people have moved away, but at the same time I can rejoice with them in their new assignments and adventures. It's just an odd life and I'm so grateful to be along for the ride!

Blessings,

Mandy

My Heart's Desire

2009-01-10T10:11:00.000-08:00

online tour of homes!

2008-12-22T00:08:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it. There is an online tour of homes! There's some truly beautifully decorated homes. I'm a little more drawn the the eclectic and budget friendly decorations though.
Check it out
http://boomama.net/2008/12/15/christmas-tour-of-homes-2008/
blessings,
Mandy

BFSA #114

2008-12-21T19:56:00.000-08:00

Memory Verse: 1 Corinthians 10:13No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

Assignment: Tell us about something that you can’t get enough of and what scripture(s) in the Bible you cannot tear yourself away from.

First of all.. My translation says that God will provide THE way out. The only way out. As in if you choose any way but that way you are sinning and things won't go well for you. This is a nice convicting verse this time of the year! We are so tempted around the holidays to eat things we shouldn't or eat more than we should. We are also tempted to focus on just about anything but Jesus. I can't believe how distracting the holidays can be. Satan's really got a grip on our society... Christmas seems to have become more about stuffing our faces and buying off our family and friends than being thankful for the gift of Jesus and the blessings in our lives. I may just be a little bitter because I was out today getting some craft supplies and I saw how greedy and ugly people are getting. I couldn't believe how angry and stressed everyone is. That doesn't seem right. I'm guessing that most people have no idea that they are being tempted to be angry, stressed, bitter, greedy, selfish, and rude... It's just assumed that's what happens this time of the year. Stand up and say NO people. This is not what the Lord wants during the Christmas season. This is a time for hope, forgiveness, thankfulness, and love. Spread the news... people seem to have forgotten.

Something I can't get enough of? Books. I could read from sun up to sun down and be the happiest girl in the world! I read a novel after the kids go to bed before I go to sleep. One novel every night. My head just hurts when I am not able to read. I really hope that my children inherit the passion and love for reading that I have!

Scripture I can't tear myself away from? The entire book of Isaiah. It's like reading a good mystery to me. I just can't wait to see what happens next. I get really excited because the book of Matthew just confirms a lot of the prophesy given in Isaiah. I love reading proverbs too. Nothing like an entire book of knowledge nuggets to read! It's a great place to pick up quotes to work on my character too! The Proverbs 31 woman just leaves me in the dust though. I'm getting there... God will honor my obedience and perseverance.

This says it all for me: Isaiah 41:10

10'Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. NASB

What in life can master us if we cling to the Lord? NOTHING!

Blessings

Mandy

Christmas Past

2008-12-20T09:16:00.000-08:00

My sister in law did a post that had pictures of their family from past Christmases. I hope she doesn't mind me stealing the idea, but I thought it would be neat to show friends and family our older Christmas pictures (that we have online at least and they are all at the end of the year.. not necessarily Christmas). We don't take "family" pictures, but I'm really hoping to start that as a tradition!
CHRISTMAS 2007 J&M, A, N

2006 GGpa, AuntB, Beloved, J,M,N,A

2005 J,M,N, baby A

2004 Beloved, J, M, baby N

2003 Beloved, J, baby M

2002 Beloved, little J

Blessings,
Mandy

Snowmen and soup

2008-12-20T09:01:00.001-08:00

Today I'm grieving the fact that my 2 coffee buddies Brandi and Autumn both live so far away. How I wish I could bring them here for their good company and their friendship. If by chance you read this dear friends... I miss you more than I can express in a dinky blog!
It's hard to believe that Christmas will be here in a few days. The year has blown past me and I'm struggling to recall all of it's joys and struggles. It's been a wonderful year all in all. The cold weather (and the Post being closed so no one can go anywhere) has had me inside reflecting on the months past. I'm so thankful to be as blessed as I am. Everything that I have needed this year has been made readily available to me. We've had some hard times, but every time we fall down, the Lord has dusted us off and picked us up. He restores us not only financially, but spiritually and emotionally. What a blessed family we are. These are the things on my heart these days. I'm just so grateful for the friends and family we have. I can't imagine life without so many wonderful people. It may sound cheesy, but this time of year always makes me want to build snowmen and eat soup. Well.... not so easy to accomplish in the desert, but this year things are a little different. The soldiers down the street rolled snowballs up and down the road the other night and we awoke to see a 7 foot snowman! How my children's eyes lit up! This holiday season has just been magical for them! We've also been able to enjoy lots of yummy soup! Beloved enjoys potato, so here's one I made (for 6 cents per person). All we need to do now is make hot cocoa and finish doing gingerbread. Christmas is coming, you can almost feel it near! Blessings, Mandy

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

2008-12-15T20:29:00.000-08:00

Pictures L-R & top-bottom: 1.Our house at night, loved it with the snow. 2. more of our Christmas house. 3. The kids and tobey outside in the back yard. Weird to see snow on the fence. 4. A standing next to a sign we got thinking of the irony. No one would expect snow in the middle of the desert. Joke's on us evidently. 5. J,N,A playing out front while M was at Kindergarten. (beloved rescued him from school early today). 6. J looking awfully mischievous.

I wouldn't believe it if I didn't see it for myself... SNOW in the middle of the Mojave desert. I measured 5.5 inches at the end of the snowstorm. I've lived here almost 5 years and am used to our dusting of snow one day a year that melts before sunrise. N and A didn't have school this afternoon.. it was a snow day! They even closed the post. It was just the craziest most wonderful day ever. God must have known how much I miss the snow because I was jumping for joy excited about today and our snow! The kids got out and had snowball fights and made mini snowmen. It was wonderful. Poor beloved froze his soldier behind off though. I wish they had them working somewhere insulated. We're wondering who will have school tomorrow... could it be?! A snow day on Fort Irwin?! What a Christmas miracle! Last night we made paper snowflakes and I told the kids that snowflakes always multiply and you can't have just one around.. You just never know when God is going to do something special for you!

Here's a few pictures of the inside of our home this season.

Pictures L-R and Top-Bottom: 1. Our main Christmas tree with my ornaments. 2. The kid's tree in the dining room with A who wouldn't stay out of the picture! 3. Another view of the kid's tree. 4. A before going to bed tonight. She's definitely not camera shy! 5. J with his Nye Nye.. a cocker spaniel he's slept with since birth.

Happy Christmas preparations!

Mandy

Attention Black Friday Shoppers!

2008-11-26T09:30:00.000-08:00

For those of you heading out to do black friday shopping:

Our Usborne Black Friday deals:
http://www.ubah.com/ecommerce/BlackFriday.asp?sid=D2291&emkt=117

Blackfday.com - Blackfday presents not only the sales info for the traditional brick & mortar stores, but also all of the big online retailers.
Black-Friday.net - Offers some discount codes beyond the standard Black Friday ad scans, but that is the extent of this site.
BFADS.net - Keeps you posted on current hot deals as you wait for all of the Black Friday ads to roll in. Also has a message board for users to trade experiences and ideas related to the day.
BlackFriday.fm - Partnered up with DealsPlus, BlackFriday.fm brings you the latest circular ad scans as well as a video explaining what Black Friday is.
BlackFriday.GottaDeal.com - GottaDeal offers up chances at bargains every day, but for Black Friday they have a dedicated section. Besides the standard method of looking up the sales by retailer, you can also look them up by product category to quickly see who has the best deal on your desired item.
BlackFriday.info - This Black Friday site brings you hot deals and coupons throughout the year, but for the actual big day they not only show you the ads early, but provide you with a shopping list of what will be available.
BlackFridayAds.com - Lets you look up deals by store or category, as well as prepare shopping lists so you are set to go on Black Friday morning.
DealTaker.com - DealTaker offers information for Black Friday and Cyber Monday along with tips on how to make the most out of both events.
TGIBlackFriday.com - TGIBlackFriday puts up circular ad items and lets you compare the Black Friday price to the everyday price from PriceGrabber.
TheBlackFriday.com - Offers pretty straight forward listings of stores in alphabetical order. Will be updated as ads come out

HAPPY THANKSGIVING
blessings,
Mandy

BFS Assignment #109

2008-11-19T13:48:00.000-08:00

Memory Verse: Philippians 4:8
In conclusion, brothers, focus your thoughts on what is true, noble, righteous, pure, lovable or admirable, on some virtue or on something praiseworthy.

Intro: We Bring Good Things To Life. (Marketing credit: GE)
The passion to sing, the passion to draw, the passion to build, the passion to ride, the passion for reading, the passion for nature… the list is endless. Some children exhibit their passion from day one, others need an experience to spark that passion
Assignment: Share a field trip/lifestyle learning experience where you really felt you were bringing good things to life for your children, where something came alive for them, or ignited a passion.

A field trip/lifestyle learning experience I felt I was bringing good things to my children? I truly believe that Sea World has changed how we all see nature. My children have watched the live Shamu show many times (we have the dvd.. it's great if you can get it!). I am surprised to see that my children are as in awe of nature as I am. We enjoy finding out a new fact about each exhibit every time we go. We are able to do lapbooks and other unit studies before during and after we go. I am still learning things every time. If you have gone to Sea World recently, you probably have seen the Believe Shamu Show. The story is that a little boy finds his passion for Orca and then eventually becomes a trainer. Every time we see it, my boys ask me if they could be trainers. It shows them that with hard work, you really can be ANYTHING... Not just soldiers, or fire fighters, or police men. If I could follow them around and just photograph their discoveries, I would. I am too busy staring at the amazing animals to catch it all though!

Jeremiah 29:11 (New American Standard Bible)
For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.
Blessings,

Mandy

Twitterpaited!

2008-11-05T20:54:00.000-08:00

I finally heard from beloved. He is doing well, and has had a chance to check out the housing in the area for us. Yay! The funny thing is.... I let the kids talk to him first, and I almost couldn't stand the wait. I got off the phone a minute ago and my heart is still pounding, I can't wipe the silly smile off of my face, and I want to have a twirling on a mountaintop singing my heart out kind of moment to release the excitement. I remember this feeling.. It's the IN LOVE feeling. Ahhhhh I missed that. Hello friend. Where have you been hiding?!

Blessings,
Mandy

BFS # 108

2008-11-03T22:42:00.001-08:00

BFS #108 - Quality is Job #1

Memory Verse: I Timothy 4:12-13 - Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

Intro: Quality is Job #1 (Ford)
Assignment: My family and I rarely do anything apart from each other. We don’t really have quality time together because all our time is together. We feel like the more special moments are when we have dinner together or when we worship God together. For this assignment, tell how you and your family spend QUALITY time together.
Photo Op: Show pictures of you and your family spending time together or where you spend time together that means so much to you. Examples: vacation time and places, park, church picnics, family reunions.

We spend a lot of time together as well! We try not to do or experience things unless most or all of us can attend. I suppose our quality time would lie in our "one on ones." Once a week beloved and I choose one child to go do something special with. This may be running errands and picking up something special to share, going to the park, or going somewhere the child chooses. I try to spend a little bit of time each day alone with each of the children as well. Often that special time is story time or meal preparation. The reason I choose these activities is that reading is very important to me and I want the children to be able to connect positive memories with reading, so they always associate books with happiness. My mother did the same with me and Iam ever so grateful for her persistence in making me feel treasured by reading to me. I also want the children to be able to cook. It surely won't hinder them in the future to be able to prepare meals with ease. Each day I have one child I spend more time with than the others. That sounds awful, but when you factor in 30 min for each of the 4 kids in alone time on top of family time and regular activities... an extra 30 min or so with an individual doesn't make it seem like I am playing favorites. I go by birth order so on Monday J (the first) gets more than normal one on one time. Tuesday is M, Wednesday N, then Thursday A. Friday is our family night. We make pizza and watch a movie or play board games. Whichever child/ren made extra effort to show kindness to another family member that week gets to help make the pizza or choose the toppings. The boys are even beginning to memorize the recipe for the dough! Other than that... the children and I often enjoy our morning and afternoon story times. We like to snuggle all together and read until my throat gets sore. J and I enjoy morning devotions together and praying together. It is something special that we both cherish. J, M, N, and A and I love being able to sing together and dance together. We all love music, and M, N, and A have great singing voices! J and N have definite potential when it comes to playing musical instruments. Beloved and I like to watch movies together after the kiddos go to bed. We don't have babysitters more than 2 times a year, so we date late at night. We have some of our most meaningful and wonderful conversations in the car on the way to town. We are usually in the same room in the house when we are both home. It seems like we don't need to be doing the same thing, but we always feel like we are doing it together. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful husband. As a family, we enjoy going to explore new places around this post... especially any way we can get in on and around the tanks that beloved works on. There is so much in nature to experience no matter where you live! This picture is of rainbow basin. It is about 20min from post and it's a place our family enjoys spending time. The variation in the colors of the rocks is just beautiful! Beloved and J and M went camping there this last summer. I'd post a picture of that, but they are on beloved's phone in Tx. We go to sea world every year. That's the highlight.. It's always something we all enjoy. I don't know how one could watch the shamu show and still be able to deny that there is a God. How else could so much beauty and power be so graceful and intelligent?! That pretty much sums up what our family does for quality time. We enjoy each other, that's what makes our family so strong. That's what make our marriage so wonderful. That's why I love being a part of this family!

Blessings,

Mandy

Blabbity bits

2008-11-03T14:59:00.000-08:00

Well, beloved is in Texas at Fort Bliss doing NCO warrior leadership course training... He'll be gone for the better part of the month. I am thankful that he has this opportunity. It will help to have it on his Warrant Officer packet. Sorry if I am speaking too much military.
I am off to Texas as well for a few days for the PWOC (Protestant Women of the Chapel) fall conference. I am so excited! My mentor is teaching a class on mentoring, and one of the ladies in the study I am facilitating this semester is teaching some really neat classes there. I feel like I have finally "made it" as one of the leaders in the church. I can't wait to get some more training. I pre-registered for some great classes that should stretch me as a Christian! The children will be staying with a dear friend here on post. She's also a homeschooling mom and has 2 wonderful children of her own. Im still a little freaked out about 1.flying on a plane again (been a while) 2. being in a different state than the children. If you read my blog, and you think about it, please pray for us.
Today has been a particularly tough day doing school.. It certainly reminds me that I need to stop and seek the Lord before turning to my children in anger and frustration. I guess some days just need to be tough so that we can appreciate the easy ones! We started our thanksgiving lapbook though and I think we all learned new things about pilgrims! I am putting together folder games for N and A to do while I am schooling J in the mornings. I need to find a better routine so that everyone can participate in a learning activity, then do a quiet on your own type activity. It's such a balancing act. Time to reevaluate the whole week's schedule again!
I've been watching a lot of the BYU channel lately... I wonder what that is about. It's always int he back of my mind though. There's been some GREAT stuff though.. especially after 11 pm when all the other non-secular channels have just music or weird stuff. Im off to help J with his math. Too bad I can't stand math either. It's awfully hard to be positive and cheerful about something I struggle with as well. Im glad that I can understand his frustrations though. Hopefully we will find a way to make it more accessible to him though.

Im off to declutter, deep clean, and have some music therapy after the kiddos go to sleep. I can't think of anything I'd like to do more on a Monday evening! Can anyone guess this artist? It's my all time FAVORITE (I could listen to them every day for the rest of my life) band.

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog.. I hope you have a wonderful whenever!

Blessings,
Mandy

12 rules for raising delinquent children

2008-11-02T18:20:00.000-08:00

TWELVE RULES FOR RAISING DELINQUENT CHILDREN
DOWN IN HOUSTON, TEXAS, the police department has issued a leaflet entitled "Twelve Rules for Raising Delinquent Children." Here they are, as printed in the local Chamber of Commerce publication, "Business";
1. Begin with infancy to give the child everything he wants. In this way he will grow up to believe the world owes him a living.
2. When he picks up bad words, laugh at him. This will make him think he's cute. It will also encourage him to pick up "cuter phrases" that will blow off the top of your head later.
3. Never give him any spiritual training. Wait until he is 21, and then let him "decide for himself." 4. Avoid the use of the word "wrong." It may develop a guilt complex. This will condition him to believe later, when he is arrested for stealing a car, that society is against him and he is being persecuted.
5. Pick up everything he leaves lying around--books, shoes, clothes. Do everything for him so that he will be experienced in throwing all responsibility on others.
6. Let him read any printed matter he can get his hands on. Be careful that the silverware and drinking glasses are sterilized, but don't worry about his mind feasting on garbage.
7. Quarrel frequently in the presence of your children. In this way they will not be too shocked when the home is broken up later.
8. Give the child all the spending money he wants. Never let him earn his. Why should he have things as tough as you did?
9. Satisfy his every craving for food, drink, and comfort. See that every sensual desire is gratified. Denial may lead to harmful frustration.
10. Take his part against neighbors, teachers, policemen. They are all prejudiced against your child.
11. When he gets into real trouble, apologize to yourself by saying, "I never could do anything with him!"
12. Prepare yourself for a life of grief. You'll surely have it.

Just a little food for thought. There's so much going wrong with this world. I often wonder how much of it could be fixed by parents taking the responsiblity of actually training their children. People may pick on me for "sheltering" my children, but I am PROUD to shelter my children and give them a chance to build a foundation of faith and good moral character!

Blessings
Mandy

BFSA #107

2008-10-30T21:14:00.000-07:00

Memory Verse: Ecclesiastes 1:13-14
I devoted myself to study and to explore by wisdom all that is done under heaven. What a heavy burden God has laid on men! I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind.

Assignment: We only have today. Should God take you today, have you accomplished everything that you wanted to, needed to. Have you said all the things that needed to be said? Let’s have no regrets, let’s make sure we get to those things, so that when we’re standing before the Lord, the only thing we need to do is to worship him.. and not regret not getting to that thing on our to do list. Stop - go take care of that thing…. then, come tell us what you choose to share. Don’t embarrass yourself or any of your loved ones

Answer:Deep topic this week! I would like to say, YES, I have said everything I needed to say. I'd like to think that I have hugged my kids enough, told my husband I appreciate him enough, thanked my mother enough, but I don't know if there ever is that "enough." God has really put it on my heart to spend time learning how to live a life that is pleasing and glorifies Him. I am so thankful for this hunger He has placed in my life. It took me a long time to realize that submitting to and respecting my husband, loving my children, and honoring my mother is a way to serve and glorify the Lord. He takes each tiny step we take and makes it a journey. Imagine if we could see things from His perspective! What would we learn about ourselves? What would we learn about our willingness to serve Him? My active response to living a life without regrets? I apologized to my husband and children for my negative attitude and my anger. I have asked for forgiveness and am seeking the council of the Lord for wisdom and strength in changing. I am learning to follow the lesson in Phil 4:8 "Finally brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things." NASB My attitude is a model for my children. I will focus on being the kind of person I want my children to be. I don't remember hypocrisy as one of the adjectives describing the Proverbs 31 woman... I don't want it to be one of the adjectives describing me when I die.

Want to see my heaven on earth? What does the future look like?

Children laughing and enjoying life... Little boys who want to be just like their dad....

You can click the pictures to see the full size versions

Beauty in nature:

Wonder:Blessings,

Mandy

Giveaway!

2008-10-27T07:33:00.000-07:00

It's Bloggy Giveaways Quarterly Carnival (Fall, 2008)! I am giving away a $10 gift certificate for Usborne Books! Please leave a comment stating your favorite fall tradition to enter. For a double chance to enter please tell me which Usborne Book is your favorite.. www.ubah.com/d2291 Once a name has been chosen, I will contact that individual with instructions on how to redeem the gift certificate. Winner will be chosen on November 1st!
Good Luck!

Mandy

******Congrats Danielle Wiermeir from Virginia*****

BFSA #106

2008-10-26T21:39:00.000-07:00

October 20Th, 2008 at 2:58 pm

Memory Verse: Isaiah 40: 1- Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God.

Intro: “Have It Your Way” (Burger King) - As cooler weather approaches and the winter eases into our doors I like to lounge by the fire after a hot shower. I love to make soups that are brimming with a rich and full flavor. In our home there’s nothing better than a hot bowl of soup or and a hot cup of coffee or cocoa on a cold winter night.

Assignment: Tell us all about how your have “your” relaxing time, more especially how during the cooler months you take time to curl up with your favorite movie, book, Bible study, and what your favorite warm drink would be.

I am so glad that this week's assignment has a verse from Isaiah chapter 40. What an awesome book... what a fantastic chapter. I hope you read it. I LOVE the end of the chapter:

29He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power. 30Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, 31Yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.

How exciting is that?! Whatever we lack, He will make up for it. If we put our faith in the Lord, we will truly be awesome new creations, full of strength and perseverance! It's a daily decision to trust Him. It's a minute by minute decision to do it all for the glory of God. What reward we have in store for us if we only trust and obey Him!

How do I relax? I love to curl up with a soft blanket and a good book. I love to wake up before sunrise and make myself some chai and read my Bible. I am doing the study A Woman After God's Own Heart by Elizabeth George right now, so that is what my quiet time consists of most mornings. At the end of the day I love to grab a cup of coffee (my favorite creamers are french vanilla, cinnamon bun, and pumpkin pie spice.. also my favorite candles which I burn daily) and my Amish or historical non fiction and read a novel start to finish. I love feeling as if I know each character. I have some characters that I feel so akin to, I have read the series several time each year since high school! Relaxation to me is always a multi-sensory experience. I love LOVE love candles. I am burning either candles or wax warmers every day. I love to have my home a bit dark, I love to read by candle light. I turn on some beautiful classical music, and enjoy my stories! There is nothing in the world better than some time in my Bible in the warm, comfortable living room surrounded by sights and smells I love. Well... maybe hugs from my kids. ;)

Blessings,

Mandy

mid October reviews

2008-10-18T21:40:00.000-07:00

People know that I like to try new things... I am very opinionated about the things I try. When I find something I like, you can bet that it is a GREAT thing. None of the that Martha Stewart good thing stuff.... This is Mandy's GREAT things!

My number one:

Holy Cow

Holy Cow is the ULTIMATE in all purpose cleaners! It is biodegradable and non hazardous. It's safe enough to use around kids and pets. There are NO toxins, it's not citrus based (that ruins plastic), oxygen based (that burns when mixed with water... trust me), or solvent based. It's WONDERFUL. What do you use it for??? EVERYTHING! I use it to clean the bathroom, kitchen, floors, laundry, carpet, walls, kid's toys, dog cages/accessories, dining room, walls, ceilings (which are surprisingly dirty), appliances (the outsides), and a lot more. I ALWAYS have some holy cow on hand. We can only get it at our Wal Mart, but I usually pick some up when we go. It's less than $2 and worth..... well to me.. priceless! I can even let the boys clean the table and chairs and not have them wear masks and gloves. Try it.... You'll love it!

Number two:

Pumpkin spice latte. This drink has improved a lot since the original debut. It is served with whipped cream...so watch out if you aren't a whipped cream kind of person. I get mine with nonfat milk which lets you taste more of a coffee taste than a creamy taste. If you aren't a hot coffee person. You can get a pumpkin spice frappuccino. It is a coffee based Frap. It is also super yummy. The kids had a sample today and we got 4 thumbs up! For you frappuccino fans... Try a chai frappuccino. It's cream based and a wonderful treat. The chai flavor is really muted. Beloved even likes it.

Number three:
Harvest King Gold Unbleached Bread Flour. It's great! In a perfect world, I would be making all of our bread from scratch, but as we tend to go through a loaf a day, I have been cutting back. I love this flour because I have great results with it. I have tried a lot of different flours and this seems to work the best for me. I use it on my pizza dough as well on Friday nights. I love that sometimes I can get a 5lb bag of this flour for under 90 cents. The cashier must wonder when I'm putting 10 of them up on the counter.

Resources

2008-10-18T21:25:00.000-07:00

I thought I would share my favorite resources. I do my best to find as many free resources for our homeschooling as possible. Here are a few that I use the most often:

LAPBOOK/NOTEBOOKING TEMPLATES AND CLIP ART:http://www.homeschool.consumerhelpweb.com/subjects/unitstudies/lapbookfolder.htm
http://www.homeschoolshare.com/lapbooking_resources.php
http://www.vickiblackwell.com/makingbooks/index.htm
http://www.hslaunch.com/mypage/files
http://www.abcteach.com/directory/theme_units/
http://teas2dine4.com/4templatelinks.html

FREE LAPBOOKS AND NOTEBOOKING PAGES:
http://www.homeschoolshare.com/Lapbooks_at_HSS.php
http://www.lapbooklessons.com/index.html
http://www.homeschoolingonashoestring.com/lapbooks.html
http://www.homeschoolhelperonline.com/
http://www.notebookingpages.com/
http://www.busyteacherscafe.com/teacher_resources/mini_offices.htm#sheets

BLOGS AND OTHER RESOURCES FOR LAPBOOKING/NOTEBOOKING/UNIT STUDY:
http://www.homeschoolinthewoods.com/HTTA/timeline.htm
http://www.ilovejesus.com/school/handmaiden/lapbooks.shtml
http://www.geocities.com/gibsevengang/lapbooks.html
http://homeschoolblogger.com/jaminacema/Lapbooks/
http://www.lynns.lapbooklessons.com/
http://devildogfamily.blogspot.com/search/label/Lapbook
http://www.ourlapbooks.blogspot.com/
http://www.notebooklearning.com/search/label/Astronomy
http://www.thehomeschoollibrary.com/sugarplum/lapbook1.html

GREAT ONLINE RESOURCES FOR HOMESCHOOLING (free lessons and resources):
http://oldfashionededucation.com/
http://www.fieldtrip.com/
http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/
http://www.notimeforflashcards.com/
http://www.hsunlimited.com/
http://www.homeschoolhelperonline.com/
http://www.learningtreasures.com/
http://www.justkidsrecipes.com/inxkcr.html
http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/weblinks/lessons.htm
http://www.familyeducation.com/home/
http://www.schoolexpress.com/

CHARACTER STUDY, BIBLE STUDY, AND BEHAVIOR/GOAL CHARTS:
http://www.freebehaviorcharts.com/charts/
http://www.chartjungle.com/schoolhome.html
http://children.calvarychapel.com/site/curriculum.htm
http://www.doorposts.net/details.aspx?id=91

CHARLOTTE MASON AND CLASSICAL HOMESCHOOLING:
http://ldshomeschoolinginca.org/cm.html
http://charlottemason.tripod.com/Christmas.html
http://members.aol.com/BeeME1/bookstore.html
http://www.amblesideonline.org/
http://simplycharlottemason.com/home/

VARIOUS GREAT ONLINE RESOURCES:
http://www.donnayoung.org/
http://www.homeschool-curriculum-savings.com/
http://www.teachinghome.com/
http://www.homeschooldigitalid.com/
http://www.titus2.com/
http://www.momsminivan.com/
http://www.alumnicruises.org/index.htm
http://www.sitesforteachers.com/index.html
CONVENTIONS AND LEGAL INFORMATION:
http://home.kc.rr.com/milhmschlhq/index.html
http://www.cheaofca.org/
http://www.hslda.org/Default.asp?bhcp=1

HOMESCHOOL CLOTHES AND OTHER RESOURCES (NOT FREE):
http://www.visionforum.com/
http://www.doorposts.net/details.aspx?id=91
http://www.christianhomeschoolers.com/hs_gear.html

PRESCHOOL RESOURCES:
http://bensguide.gpo.gov/k-2/alphabet/a.html
http://littleblots.ning.com/
http://onelittletwolittle.wordpress.com/
http://www.preschoolrainbow.org/
http://preschoolexpress.com/
http://www.tlsbooks.com/preschoolworksheets.htm
http://www.learningfromatoz.com/home.html
http://www.letteroftheweek.com/preschool_age_3.html
http://www.preksmarties.com/
http://www.preschoolprintables.com/
http://preschoolbystormie.com/
http://www.preschoollearners.com/

KINDERGARTEN RESOURCES:
http://1plus1plus1equals1.blogspot.com/
http://www.kidzone.ws/kindergarten.htm
http://www.starfall.com/

ELEMENTARY AND UP RESOURCES:
http://www.edheads.org/
http://freetypinggame.net/free-typing-lesson.asp
http://www.homeschoolingadventures.com/k3.html
http://www.spellingcity.com/
http://aplusmath.com/
http://www.agclassroom.org/teacher/tours.htm
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/military
http://www.free.ed.gov/subjects.cfm?subject_id=19
http://www.americanheritage.org/index.html

Reference
Ed Helperhttp://www.edhelper.com/
School Expresshttp://www.schoolexpress.com/
Learning Pagehttp://www.learningpage.com/
Tools for Educatorshttp://www.toolsforeducators.com/
Britannica http://www.britannica.com/
Discovery School http://school.discovery.com/
Homeschoolers Reference Deskhttp://www.geocities.com/homeschooldesk/
Internet Public Library http://www.ipl.org/
New York Times Learning Network http://www.nytimes.com/learning
Enchanted Learninghttp://www.enchantedlearning.com/

Miscellaneous
Autism Todayhttp://www.autismtoday.com/
Ideal Liveshttp://www.ideallives.com/
Study Stackhttp://www.studystack.com/
Study Spanishhttp://www.studyspanish.com/
How Stuff Workshttp://www.howstuffworks.com/
Living Spanishhttp://www.livingspanish.com/
To Learn Englishhttp://www.tolearnenglish.com/
Songs for Teachinghttp://www.songsforteaching.com/
Education Creationshttp://www.educationcreations.com/freestuff.htm
Lesson Plan Centralhttp://www.lessonplancentral.com/
Time Savers for Teachershttp://www.timesaversforteachers.com/
Great Resource for K-8http://www.kids.gov/
Time4Learninghttp://working.homeschool.com/newsletter/090108/12
Kbteachers www.kbteachers.com/

Math
The Math Worksheet Sitehttp://www.themathworksheetsite.com/
Math Goodies.com http://www.mathgoodies.com/
Math Playgroundhttp://www.mathplayground.com/
Math Drillshttp://www.math-drills.com/
Math.comhttp://www.math.com/
Algebra Helphttp://www.algebrahelp.com/
WebMath http://www.webmath.com
Cool Math Gameshttp://www.coolmath-games.com/

High School
High School Acehttp://highschoolace.com/ace/ace.cfm
Homework Spothttp://www.homeworkspot.com/
Explore Learninghttp://www.explorelearning.com/index.cfm
Best Collegeshttp://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/college
Preparing Your Child for Collegehttp://www.ed.gov/pubs/Prepare/index.html

Science
BrainPOP http://www.brainpop.com/
Chem4Kids http://www.chem4kids.com/
Exploratorium http://www.exploratorium.edu/
InnerBody http://www.innerbody.com/
Science for High Schoolhttp://www.scienceforhighschool.com/
Cosmeohttp://cosmeo.com/
NASA for Studentshttp://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/index.html
Astronomy for Kidshttp://www.astronomy.com/asy/default.aspx?c=ss&id=127
Nine Planets http://www.nineplanets.org/
StarChild http://starchild.gsfc.nasa.gov/
The Electronic Zoo http://netvet.wustl.edu/e-zoo.htm
Smith Life Sciencehttp://www.smithlifescience.com/
The MAD Scientist Network http://www.madsci.org/
Try Science http://www.tryscience.org/
Science & Technology Educationhttp://www.ftexploring.com/

Arts & Crafts
Art Lessons for All Gradeshttp://www.princetonol.com/groups/iad/lessons/lessons.html
Kinder Arthttp://www.kinderart.com/
Crayolahttp://www.crayola.com/
Draw Spacehttp://www.drawspace.com/
Draw Your Worldhttp://www.drawyourworld.com/index.html
Drawing/Sketching Lessonshttp://drawsketch.about.com/
Kids Arthttp://www.amazingmoms.com/htm/kidsart.htm

Reading
Starfallhttp://www.starfall.com/
Reading A-Zhttp://www.readinga-z.com/samples/preview.html
TLS-Bookshttp://www.tlsbooks.com/
Project Gutenberg http://www.gutenberg.net/
Wowio.comhttp://www.wowio.com/

Writing
ABC Teachhttp://www.abcteach.com/
Scholastic – Student Activitieshttp://www2.scholastic.com/browse/learn.jsp
Online Writing Guidehttp://oswego.org/staff/tcaswell/wg/para.htm
The Write Site http://www.writesite.org/
Spelling Cityhttp://www.spellingcity.com/
Teacher’s Labhttp://www.learner.org/teacherslab/

Geography, History and Virtual Travel
Colonial Williamsburg: Electronic Field Tripshttp://www.history.org/trips
Natural Wonders of the Worldhttp://www.field-guides.com/sci/natwon/index.htm
Teacher’s Guide Virtual Field Tripshttp://www.theteachersguide.com/virtualtours.html
CyberBeehttp://www.cyberbee.com/
Global Online Adventure Learning Sitehttp://www.goals.com/Index.htm
The Jason Projecthttp://www.jasonproject.org/
Virtual Field Tripshttp://www.uen.org/utahlink/tours
Xpeditions @ National Geographichttp://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions
K-12 Africa Guide http://www.sas.upenn.edu/African_Studies/Home_Page/AFR_GIDE.html
States and Capitals http://www.50states.com/
Life in the Middle Ages http://www.kyrene.k12.az.us/schools/brisas/sunda/ma/mahome.htm
New Perspectives on the West http://www.pbs.org/weta/thewest
The American Civil War Homepage http://sunsite.utk.edu/civil-war
The Civil War Homepage http://www.civil-war.net/
The Oregon Trail http://www.isu.edu/~trinmich/Oregontrail.html
Geography Worksheetshttp://homeschooling.about.com/od/freeprintables/qt/geogprintables.htm
White House for Kids http://www.whitehouse.gov/kids
Lewis and Clark http://www.pbs.org/lewisandclark
-------------------------------------------------------
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Homeschooling
Homeschool.com http://www.homeschool.com/
Homeschool Reviewshttp://www.homeschoolreviews.com/
Homeschool Bloggerhttp://www.homeschoolblogger.com/home.php
Homeschool Buyers Co-Ophttp://www.homeschoolbuyersco-op.org/
Homeschool Freebie of the Dayhttp://www.homeschoolfreebieoftheday.com/
Homeschool Classifiedshttp://www.homeschoolclassifieds.com/
The Well Trained Mindhttp://www.welltrainedmind.com/

Educational Games
Family Funhttp://www.familyfun.com/
Teach With Movieshttp://www.teachwithmovies.org/
Fun Brainhttp://www.funbrain.com/
Discovery Kids http://kids.discovery.com/games/games.html
I Know Thathttp://www.iknowthat.com/

Pictures and Texas

2008-10-08T09:17:00.000-07:00

Here's beloved and J,M,N,A at Sea World. It was our "yellow" day on the trip with beloved's family to San Diego.

Texas? Maybe! We might be moving to Texas next summer. I'm on the fence about it. We'll be 2 hours closer to home than we are now. I'll be within 200 miles of my bestest friend. It could be something new and wonderful for us. I'm going to make myself a list of positives about the area and the move just to make sure I keep a positive outlook for beloved. He's treated so poorly here lately. The man is a wonderful soldier, a great leader, yet he isn't given opportunities as such. It's frustrating. I want to throw things at beloved's command, but that wouldn't particularly help, so I suggested that we move. Fort Bliss was on the list, so today he'll request it.

I thought I would put up a few pictures of the kiddos. I can't believe how big they are growing. We are working on preschool at home today. The little 2 do a modified version of J's school. He does handwriting, they practice tracing. It's wonderful!

Here is J doing a science experiment in the dining room. I don't know why he has such a weird expression on his face. We made a "foamy green slime volcano" to discuss chemical reactions. It was a lot of fun. We sure do enjoy doing school at home!

J and M are the last two in this WWII half track. We had a great time at the museum on post with our home school group

Here's A in her cheerleader pose. My cousin sent the dress and bows and it's her FAVORITE outfit. Little princess is just so pretty!

Here is M with beloved's sister. Don't they look related!!!! I think that A looks a bit like her. Hopefully A will grow up and be beautiful and intelligent like beloved's sister.

I had to post this. I love this picture of J at one of the "book nooks" in our Fort Irwin home. He's sitting on a 200 year old trunk that I got from my grandfather's home. It just seems like a few months ago he was a baby and now he looks like a kid... I looked at him the other day and I swear he was 13! I'm not ready for my children to grow up so quickly.

Tick tock

2008-09-08T17:03:00.001-07:00

View my page on Lapbook Lessons

tick tock

2008-09-08T16:22:00.000-07:00

Time has flown for me here lately. I apologize for anyone who checked in only to find the mutant bugs still stealing the show. Here's the update...
Beloved is still looking into Warrant Officer possibilities. He is a SGT now WOOO HOOO. He is still taking college classes, aiming for another AA. He is busy, but spending a lot more time with the family than he used to.
J is doing k12 again this year for school. He and I are doing lap books as well to keep ourselves interested. Sometimes you just need to go more in depth with things. He is looking forward to turning 7 at the end of the month. We'll have a small family "ancient Egypt" birthday for him.
Makes me wonder about these kids... M had his calculator birthday, J is having an ancient Egypt birthday, A is having a mother daughter tea (which may not be normal for her age), and N is having a wheel birthday. If we exposed them to the world as much as most kids, I bet it would be transformers, and other action figures, but it's pleasantly quirky that we have educational, practical, and formal birthdays. But J's biggest news is that he asked Jesus into his heart this last week. We are praying together and reading Psalms together in the morning. I can totally see him growing up to be a pastor.
M is in kindergarten and doing well. He likes his class and is known for being cute, quiet, and polite... shocker.. My little 35... I mean 5 year old republican. He has watched the Republican convention and likes McCain, but not his running mate. I don't trust women politicians either. His latest pediatric cardiologist consult left us with this information: his heart is supposedly healed, and he may have an autoimmune disorder. We're looking for a second opinion. He's getting sicker though, so keep him in prayers please.
N is in the same preschool class as A. The teachers kindly grit their teeth and refer to him as "busy." He's going to be getting speech services and occupational therapy for his Sensory Dysfunction. We're backing off from the milk again as he seemed to improve greatly when we took it out of his diet. He's learning how to read and already knows some sight words. He loves books and loves flash cards, so it is easy to get him to participate. He's spelling out road signs now. It's wonderful
A is a happy and crazy little girl still. I don't know if I have ever seen anyone smile as much as she does. She makes me so happy..... and so frustrated. She's stubborn like crazy, but a sweetheart. She loves preschool and is quickly learning her numbers. She learned her alphabet and phonics last year when I did school with M.
I am staying a bit too busy, but doing well.. I am doing the study A Woman After God's Own Heart by Elizabeth George. It is wonderful. I am learning to be content and to appreciate the wonderful life I have. I am seeing my Lord throughout my day in every experience and I am thankful. He is so good.
Hopefully there will be pictures and other goodies soon.
Blessings from my home to yours.

Bugs be gone!

2008-08-04T19:57:00.001-07:00

Oh my, I can't believe how long it's been since I have been at my blog! So much has happened since the last time I posted. The drama! I was at a PWOC meeting and in the chapel parking lot when a police officer comes asking for Mandy.... I wasn't sure if I really wanted to admit my name at that point. He tells me that beloved is in the hospital and that I need to go there. The new chaplain's wife follows me to my house to watch my kiddos while I rush to the hospital. Once there, they say "please take a seat and we'll get to you soon." Now, I don't particularly think of myself as rude or pushy, but I went up and told them I needed to be back there with my husband. They said he is stable and told me to sit. Apparently my staring at them for the 2 minutes they left me there prompted the granting of permission to go back. Beloved had kidney stones. No more soda for him. While he is home and in pain, I found out that my only living grandparent had 24hours to live. I drove overnight to Az to pick up my mom and then to Co to be with my grandfather. Here's the begining of the cool "GOD things" that happened. The car was wobbly for the last 30 min of our trip. After staying overnight in the room with my grandfather and mother I noticed my tire was flat. When I went out to change the tire I saw that it wasn't just flat, one side had shreded. I was going 80mph on a shreded tire and it didn't do any damage to the car... or us! Then when I was almost done changing the tire (which by the way, why is it noone will stop to help a woman change a tire???? I know how to do it, but I really didn't want to do it) an Army National Guard chaplain comes over and tightens the lug nuts for me. He asks why we were at the hospice and my mother explains that my grandfather has hours to live.... He prays. It was a beautiful prayer. THEN my athiestish mother thanks him and says... that's what he needs to pass on. (insert mandy with mouth agape here) We went back and knew it was time.. I read several Bible passages then sang and he passed. The next crazy thing was cleaning out his house. The man had locked boxed in locked compartments built into the walls that had rocks and receipts in them.

saved it... didn't finish it... but publishing it

mutant bugs

2008-05-19T14:57:00.001-07:00

Fort Irwin has the most creepy bugs!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Imagine waking up to this.... We had one the size of a softball in our pool. EEEEEEEEEEWWWWW

These wicked spiders actually chase you! Better run because they are quick and they can jump. ICK!!!!!! I want to live somewhere with normal bugs. These ARE camel spiders. They are sometimes known as sun spiders. They aren't too dangerous. The little ones may bite, but the only side effect is that everything tastes like vinegar for a while. The big ones however will chew on you a bit. yuck. I found one climbing up the wall the other day.

The end of school and activities

2008-05-19T14:17:00.001-07:00

The end of school is rapidly approaching for M. He finishes on Friday. J will finish in June. It's hard to believe that this school year has gone by so quickly. Next year we will have a second grader, kindergartener, and 2 preschoolers! wow!!! It should be an interesting year. We're going to have a small party with M's class to end his year, then we'll take the family to John's Incredible Pizza to celebrate J's.

Beloved's college graduation is rapidly approaching as well. He's finishing another class on the way to his second degree this week. He is going to the promotion board as well this week. Think happy SGT thoughts for him! Once he becomes a Sargent, he'll hopefully be able to start the process of becoming a Warrant Officer. He's a great leader and the Army would be crazy (C-R-A-Z-Y!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) not to want him as an officer.

All of my activities have ended. No more MOPS, PWOC, or AWANA until next month or fall. :( It's weird to be home on Tuesday mornings or Wednesday afternoons. Im not quite sure what to do with myself! Im catching up on Bible studies that I haven't finished. Im grateful for the time to do that. I've been spending more time sewing and crafting lately. I got a new sewing machine last night. My other one was broken and probably would have cost too much to repair. This one has the prettiest stitches. Im going to try it out on the quilt that I am making for Beloved tonight. I've been hand quilting in a stippling manner that has taken hours and hours and hours!

ohhhhhhh There is a new coffee creamer flavor: cinnamon bun. Pared with plain old coffee, it tastes better than anything I have had at Starbucks! Try it if you can find it!

Sea World

2008-04-19T16:34:00.000-07:00

We went to Sea World for spring break! What a fun trip it was. My mom came into town and we got to show her our AWANA routine and hang out for an evening. The next day we conquored Sea World. The flowers were so beautiful. The preferred parking is totally worth the extra $5 by the way! We had a diaper emergency that could have been ugly if we hadn't parked so close! The kids had a BLAST! We spent a day looking for t-shirts and hanging out at the beach in Oceanside. N conquored his fear of sand and water. A collected a TON of rocks and shells, and my mom and I got a bit of a beach fix in. It was beautiful, and I would love to be able to go there every weekend. We didn't get on the road until early evening. There was a lot of Starbucks consumed on this trip! I still get tired thinking of everything we did!

Here's a bit from J. "It was really fun. I got to see Shamu. When we were under the tank he swam up close to me, and "kissed me." The dolphins did cool tricks too. We went to the penguin place with grandma. We saw penguins and a man cleaning the penguin tank. It smelled ohhhhh like fish. The man had a bucket and the penguins were pulling on the bucket and the bucket had a life raft (like one of those ones you throw to save someone... I think... I don't know... ) I loved Sea World so much. The next day we went to the beach and had fun. I got to play in the water and by the water. There were big water pools in the sand that I had fun in. Every time the water came in, it would make more water in the pool."

It has begun!

2008-03-11T21:51:00.000-07:00

We finally started our K-12 CAVA schooling. It was crazy intimidating seeing the tons of material they sent. It takes up a whole bookcase. I need to keep reminding myself that it's a years worth of material, but eekers, it's a ton of stuff. We have to double up on things to make sure that we finish where we need to. J did almost 5 hours of math work today. That kid is such a trooper. We're doing several hours (rather than one) of math, phonics, and language arts each day to catch up to where we should be. It's a lot of prep and a whole lot for J, but if we keep changing our study location, we seem to do better. I'm excited, nervous, and frustrated already! J is feeling pretty much the same... maybe a bit more frustrated.
M has been coloring a horse coloring book this week. he uses LOTS of colors and is very careful about where he colors. This kid certainly has an artistic streak. I love watching him pick out the colors he uses. Everything is so purpose driven with this kid. I know he'll be something great someday, I hope I am around to see him become great.
We're looking forward to my mom coming next week. She is taking everyone but Jason (he has to work :( ) to Sea World towards the end of the week. We are all very excited. We've been 2 times since we moved out here, since it's free for military families. We've figures out how to do every activity in the park in a day. It'll be busy but fun! Mom is staying for Easter as well. The kids are going to dye eggs with mom and Jason. It's a crazy busy week next week... I'm having a root canal on Tuesday.. mom on Wednesday... Sea World on Thursday... Beach on Friday... shopping on Saturday... Easter on Sunday. I'm hoping to find the camera and actually take pictures.
I got pictures from 2 friends this week... My (not to sound geeky and teenager-ish) BFF's 3 kids are all huge.. I can remember them being little and even when her youngest was born.. Where does time go? My other friend Hi... since you read the blog... her beautiful little girl is missed awfully by A. I miss having a friend to talk to as well.. Both of you.. COME BACK!!!!!
I can't believe how much people's kids change and how much I miss entire families when they leave here. I often wonder if anyone will feel that way about us.
Well... Beloved is freaking out because I type too loud and he wants to go to bed. So good night and blessings to you from our home.

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