Joyful Homemaking

Oh, the things a mom will do for her child...

2011-06-02T07:50:00.000-07:00

AKA-the search for the missing Lego piece is over.

Yesterday afternoon my 6 yr old came screaming up the stairs and told me he had swallowed a Lego. I asked him why in the world it was in his mouth in the first place. He said he didn't know why. Ok-I was reminded of all of the nonsensicle things I did when I was young..Anyway it resulted in a 4 hour trip to the ER. With x-rays that actually turned up nothing because apparently plastic is hard to see on an x-ray. Josiah told my husband that it was the best day of his life. (What boy wouldn't love spending four hours of uninterrupted time with his daddy? (Even if it is in the hospital)

Well, back to the reason for the title of this post. Which you have probably already guessed. I was the lucky one that got to search through his poo with a plastic fork in search of the runaway Lego. Which in fact I did find. My son thought it was awesome. I was trying not to gag. So, needles to say I have confiscated all the Legos for a while:) and I am very thankful that he is ok, even if it did mean digging through...poo

Summer!

2011-05-31T09:47:00.000-07:00

Lots going on at our place these days! Along with taking care of/teaching/training our little ones, we have had field trips, lost teeth, last day of school parties, and a first haircut to name a few:)Yes....Life is good! :-)

He's Here!!

2011-05-06T08:30:00.000-07:00

Our beautiful baby boy, Caleb James was born at 6:57 on Easter morning. He weighed 7 lbs. 6 1/4oz and was 20in long. He is doing great! The labor and delivery went awesome. There were so many answered prayers through it all. Including the fact that I went into labor on my own!! I usually have to be induced. This was quite a surprise. I was not sure if it was real and if we should go to the hospital or not. But by the time we got there I was already 5cm! We are enjoying having a newborn in the house again and all of the sweet smells and snuggles that go along with that:)

The Duggars talk about Birth Control, Faith and Family

2011-04-22T06:37:00.000-07:00

39 weeks...still no baby:)

2011-04-19T07:30:00.000-07:00

So until I am able to post pics of baby "C" here's some cute pics of the other kiddos:-)

Monday

2011-04-11T06:11:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday everyone!! We have been getting some beautiful Spring weather down here! The kids are already asking when we can get the pool out:) Last night we had our first grilled burger of the year! It tasted so good! Things are starting to wind down for us as far as school goes. Which is good because in just a couple short weeks we will be welcoming baby "C" to our family! We can't wait!! We are starting week 5 of our 12 week grocery shrink plan. We have been so blessed and encouraged so far. God has been so faithful and has been blessing us beyond what we could ask or imagine. Another good thing that has come from this is that my husband and I have not had an argument about money in weeks! (He is more the "saver" and I tend to be the "spender")

Anyway just a quick update from our home! I hope you all have a great week!

Homemade Baby Wipes

2011-03-28T08:39:00.000-07:00

Here is a great recipe for homemade wipes. I did not need to buy anything to make them, and I like knowing they will be gentle on my babies skin. I have never made wipes before and I'm hoping I love them. They are much cheaper, all natural, and they smell great! This recipe is really simple. The hardest part was cutting the paper towels in half! Here is the recipe:

Homemade Baby Wipes

Instructions

things you'll need:

2 cups water
Thick, strong paper towels
Sharp knife
1 tablespoon baby oil
2 tablespoons baby wash or shampoo
Plastic container with a tight sealing lid

1. Boil 2 cups of water. Let Cool.

2. While the water is cooling, cut one roll of paper towels in half with knife. Use half of the paper towels and take out the core so wipes pull out through the center of the container.

3. Mix water, baby oil and baby wash.

4. Put paper towels in container.

5. Poor the mixture over the paper towels and then let set for ten minutes.

6. Turn the wipes over to insure even distribution of mixture.

I should be in bed, but instead I am blogging... :-)

2011-03-27T21:00:00.000-07:00

I am 36 weeks pregnant and have not been sleeping very well, so I have been going to bed later and later. Which does not help very much since the kids don't seem to get the "sleep-late morning memo" :-) Anyway. Just a quick update and then I shall try to get some sleep.

This weekend we are going to our very first home school convention and I am really excited! My daughter is so excited to see the Duggars she can hardly stand it! She is seven years old and knows all their names in order from oldest to youngest! I am really hoping to find some curriculum while I am there. I have used Abeka the past couple years and have liked it but not loved it. I am not sure exactly what I want. It has to be Bible based and affordable. Any curriculum suggestions are welcome!!

We just finished week 2 of The Grocery Shrink 12 week plan! It was good. Our goal is to not eat out or buy any extras for 12 weeks and we have also almost cut our grocery budget in half! I found out that a good plan is to spend $50 per person per month on food and that is what we are trying to stick to. I have never been a huge couponer(I know, not a word) but you can really save a lot just by shopping the sales and using what you have on hand, and making things from scratch!! here is the blog that's been really helpful to me: The Grocery Shrink

We were having such nice weather, but lately it's been gray and cold! I want Spring back!

My kids were hilarious tonight. My hubby shaved his head. Like really. Shaved it. And the kids were so distressed about it. My Lauren and Carson were in the bathroom and I went in to see what they were doing and they said they were talking about how they didn't like Daddy's hair and Lauren was crying...It was so funny. This is an old pic. But it looks like this:

I personally like it. But I guess it was a little shocking at first for the kiddos:-) Anyway. Enough ramblings for tonight/this morning. I really need to get to bed. Good night y'all!

Happy 6th Birthday Josiah!!

2011-03-25T07:56:00.001-07:00

Yesterday we celebrated our son Josiah's 6th birthday! Josiah is such a blessing and has such a compassionate and giving heart, and a passion and love for life. The meaning of his name truly fits him! (Josiah- "Fire of God") Here are a few pics of his special day!

35 Weeks Today!!

2011-03-23T09:51:00.001-07:00

Tuesday

2011-03-22T17:45:00.000-07:00

Its been a while since I last posted! We have had a busy week! March is the birthday month at our house. Carson was the 12th, my hubby was the 2oth (he turned 30!) And Josiah's is the 24th! Lots of celebrating here this month (which also means lots of sweets! Yum:-)

Today I had my 35 week check up! I cannot believe how fast this pregnancy has gone by! I can't wait to meet baby "C" ! His heartbeat was about 152. Everything looked good. I start to go every week now!

My husbands grandparents stayed with us over the weekend. They are headed back up to NY from FL. They sure brought some sunshine and warm weather with them-It has been in the 70's here since they came!! We had a really nice time with them.

I have been reading a lot on the Grocery Shrink website. My husband and I are amazed at how much we have been able to save on our grocery bill and by cutting out all the extras that we think we need! It has been so good for us. I have started doing things like make our own bread,(she has a great recipe on her site) being more aware of how many lights are on in the house, how much water we are using, using half the amount of laundry detergent, etc. Anyway, we are trying to see how much we can save for 12 weeks by just paying for necessities. Things we need to survive! BTW- any frugal tips would be greatly appreciated!

That's all my news for now. Some new pics to come soon!

Spring!

2011-03-15T11:32:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday was BEAUTIFUL! I am so ready for Spring. We spent most of the day outside and the kiddos slept great that night! Here are a few pics of the day.

Happy 3rd Birthday Carson!!

2011-03-14T13:21:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday was our son Carson's 3rd birthday! He is such a sweetheart and such a joy and blessing to our family. Here are a few pics of his special day.

Fun Rainy Day Activity

2011-03-09T11:33:00.000-08:00

I found these at Wal-Mart the other day and the kids have been loving them!!
As you can see Judah enjoyed them too-although he ended up trying to eat them and I think he got more on himself than the window:-) He is a happy camper as long as he can be in the middle of whatever is going on with his big brothers and sister.

Monday

2011-03-07T17:14:00.000-08:00

So, our computer monitor broke Saturday morning! We got a new one set up tonight. I can't believe how much I missed not having a computer! I think the 3 day fast was good for me, but I am glad to have it back:-)

We had a really good weekend. It is becoming a Friday night tradition for us to get pizza or go out to eat and then all head out to grocery shop at Aldi and Wal-Mart. Last Friday we got Mexican food. Yum!

Saturday the kids had their Upward Basketball awards. I am sad bball is over! The kids had a lot of fun playing this year. We will get to watch my hubby play every Monday for a couple months! His league starts tonight! Lauren and I went shopping and the store we went to was practically giving stuff away! (Not really, but they had some great sales) I just love spending one on one time with my girl. There is an awful lot of testosterone in our house!! (and more on the way;-) Here is a pic of our sweet girl with her new Lanie doll!

That's all my news for now. Oh-p.s. I get to go "see" our new baby tomorrow! (Via ultrasound) I am so excited:) Can't wait to meet this little guy.

Tuesday

2011-03-01T05:18:00.001-08:00

This week it's back to school for us! We had a great week off. Bball, playdates, sleepover, park, crafts, playdough, pj days, wii playing. It is always good to get back into a routine though. Yesterday was our first day back and the kids did great. They worked so diligently. I am realizing just how much my attitude effects them and the whole atmosphere of the home!

Last Thursday night we had a huge windstorm, and Friday morning when I looked out our kitchen window, our trampoline was gone! It had blown over our fence into the neighbors yard and got wedged between a fence and garage. Thankfully the only damage it did was to our fence. It could have so easily broken a window or a car or who knows what else. The bad part though is that the frame of the trampoline got bent pretty bad. Poor kids, we had it up for barely a week! John is pretty sure he can fix it though. The crazy thing is that he got up in the middle of the night to check on it and it was fine. Anyway-I guess that's why they tell you to stake them down!

On another note, here's a healthy recipe that we all enjoy. (When I say all I usually don't mean our oldest son. His favorite food is pizza, spaghetti and cookie dough brownies;-)

Chicken Fajitas

3 chicken breast cut into strips
3 Peppers cut up (multi-colored sweet peppers)
1 Medium onion chopped
Salt, pepper, chili powder, garlic powder to taste
2 T Olive oil

Cook chicken in olive oil until done then add vegetables and seasonings. Cover and cook until veggies are tender. Stirring occasionally.

Serve with tortillas, sour cream, salsa, cheddar cheese. Enjoy!

Quite Possibly the Best Cinnamon Rolls Ever

2011-02-25T09:55:00.000-08:00

I have always loved cinnamon rolls. I've been wanting to make the Pioneer Woman's cinnamon rolls for a while, and finally did this morning. They are delish! The recipe makes about 50! So make sure you have some people you can share them with! I sent some to work with my hubby and we still have lots! The recipe is here. Happy baking!

And yes, they are practically swimming in icing. She said not to skimp on the icing...and as you can see I didn't ;-)

Tuesday

2011-02-23T07:51:00.001-08:00

Yesterday it was kind of chilly. The kids asked if they could jump on the trampoline and were out for about 3.2 minutes:-) I decided we needed an afternoon activity, so we made playdough! We had a lot of fun. Even though I have a love/hate relationship with the stuff. It can provide hours of entertainment, but it is SO messy! Anyway, here are a few pics of the process and the recipe.

Mixing the playdough
Here's the recipe:

Uncooked Playdough

Materials:

* Bowl
* 1 Cup cold water
* 1 Cup salt
* 2 Teaspoons vegetable oil
* Tempera paint or food coloring
* 3 Cups flour
* 2 Tablespoons cornstarch

Directions:

1. In a bowl, mix water, salt, oil, and enough tempera paint or food coloring to make a bright color.

2. Gradually add flour and cornstarch until the mixture reaches the consistency of bread dough.

3. Store covered.

February Favorites...

2011-02-20T13:17:00.000-08:00

Sunday

2011-02-20T12:56:00.000-08:00

The weather has been gorgeous here lately! It really feels like Spring! I LOVE that Spring comes early in KY. Yesterday my hubby set up the kids trampoline they got for Christmas! They are having so much fun on it. (so is my hubby:) Too bad I can't jump on it, it looks fun! I want this baby to stay put as long as possible though;-) Maybe if I go overdue(which I usually do, then I can take a turn on it...j/k) Anyway-we are taking next week off of school! I wasn't going to but the "principal" suggested it and I am so happy he did. I think a break will be good for all of us. I was trying to take as little time off as possible and hopefully be done at the end of April when Baby C is due-but that is not going to happen. Besides, My husband said he would do school with the kids while I am recovering!

The end of March we are headed to Cincinnati for the homeschool conference. I am SO excited! So are the kids. The Duggars are going to be there too! This will be our first time going. I have heard it is really good though. I think it will be very encouraging to be around like-minded people.

New reading material

2011-02-15T10:10:00.000-08:00

I LOVE to read. I was really needing some new reading material and for my birthday my parents got me this book. It has been so good and so encouraging! You can order it here

For Valentine's Day, my hubby got me an Amazon gift card!! Woohoo! I have really been wanting to order this book and finally did yesterday. I can't wait till it comes! Has anyone read either one of these?

Our Fun Valentine's Day

2011-02-15T09:48:00.000-08:00

We had so much fun yesterday! During school we had a Valentine's Day party and we made crafts, Rice Krispie treats, and drank out of Valentine cups with heart straws:-)
Here's some pics of the fun we had:

The kids had basket ball practice last night, but after we got home from that and put them to bed, my honey and I were able to enjoy a few moments in a romantic "restaurant" :-)

New product from Pemberley Handmade!

2011-02-13T20:13:00.001-08:00

Last week my sister in law Tiffany and I made sugar scrubs! They smell amazing and work really well. You can even use them on your face. It even tastes good! (Not joking, everything is edible that we use in the scrubs!) Check them out here

Not a Healthy Eating Post ;-)

2011-02-13T20:09:00.001-08:00

I have been doing a couple posts lately about healthy eating...now I am going to share one of the things I have not given up yet. I could literally eat this every day! It is SO good.

Sunday

2011-02-13T15:27:00.000-08:00

Today I stayed home from church with Judah-man since he is still contagious with RSV. I thought I would be able to lay him down for his usual morning nap and get a few things done-but he had other plans:-) He has started this new thing of throwing his binkies and his blanket out of crib and then crying for them...Anyway once he finally got to sleep I made homemade bread and stew for lunch! (I have been watching too much Little House on the Prairie lately) Here is the bread recipe I used. It was really good:

Easy Quick Homemade Bread and Biscuits

1/2 cup skim milk
1/4 cup sugar (or less depending on preference)
3 (1/4 ounce) packages active dry yeast
2 teaspoons salt
3 tablespoons butter substitute
1 1/2 cups warm water
5 cups all-purpose flour

Directions:

Prep Time: 10 mins

Total Time: 22 mins

1 Heat milk, sugar, salt, and butter substitute in small saucepan until butter melts and sugar dissolves.
2 Cool to lukewarm.
3 Dissolve yeast in warm water in warmed mixer bowl.
4 Add milk mixture and slowly add flour.
5 Mix for 1-2 minutes on speed 2.
6 Place in greased bowl, turning to grease top.
7 Cover and let rise next to warm oven for 10 minutes.
8 Put dough in greased loaf pan and leftover dough in greased muffin pans.
9 Let both pans rise in oven (170 degrees) for 10 minutes.
10 Bake at 425 degrees (12 minutes for biscuits and 25-30 minutes for bread).

Read more: http://www.food.com/recipe/easy-quick-homemade-bread-and-biscuits-193354#ixzz1GWdiHjcK

I used whole milk and I also used Agave Nectar instead of sugar, real butter instead of margarine, and half wheat, half white flour. It was very tasty!

It has been gorgeous here today! It got up into the low 60's! I can't wait for Spring. We went for a walk this afternoon and I am tuckered out now! I am definitely thinking tonight is a good cereal and toast night:-) (we usually do that on Sudays anyway-have a bigger lunch and smaller dinner)

Thursday

2011-02-10T09:36:00.000-08:00

Tuesday night our youngest was having such a hard time sleeping. I ended up sitting up with him on the couch most of the night. On Wednesday I took him to the DR. and sure enough-he had a double ear infection and RSV! Poor guy! He is doing a little better today after getting some antibiotics in him, but he's still pretty fussy and pitiful looking:) I hate when they are sick, but I like how much they want to cuddle:)

I declared today Pajama Day and we all sat together and did History, Science, and Health. Usually we do those subjects on Fridays. But I decided since it can be difficult for everyone to concentrate when there is a sick one who's needing lots of attention, that we would do it today.

After school we went downstairs to our playroom and I made a keep box, a give-away bag, and a garbage bag! I LOVE sorting and organizing it is so therapeutic and simplifies things tremendously. I CANNOT stand clutter! I really think in order for me to run a more efficient and pleasant home-It is important to make sure we're not getting over-run with "Stuff" Anyway, we have had a good morning and now the kids and myself are taking a needed break:-)

29 Week Check-Up

2011-02-08T07:08:00.000-08:00

I had a dr. app yesterday. I usually have to wait FOREVER to see the dr. then he's only in the room for about 1/2 a minute. But yesterday I was in and out within about 45 minutes. Anyway, everything looks good. The baby's heartbeat was nice and strong. My glucose test was good. Yay! I have gained a total of 19 lbs. I usually gain between 30 and 40 (closer to 40 when I'm pregnant in the Winter for some reason:) Anyway, I have been feeling great and am getting so excited to meet this little guy! I realized that I don't think I have any belly pics this time (big surprise, seeing as how I love having my pic taken when I'm pregnant ;-) But I decided to have my little girl take one of me, so... Here I am at 29 weeks:

P.S. Last week at walmart my cashier so kindly stated that she couldn't help but notice, I had an "outie" belly button. Indeed I do. :-)

My Latest Goodwill Finds

2011-02-08T06:52:00.000-08:00

We are blessed to live in a town with LOTS of second-hand and consignment shops. One of the places I like to go is Goodwill. They have the best prices and I can usually find what I'm looking for(if I am willing to look through everything:) Goodwill shopping does take some time and patience but I enjoy it and it saves us money! Also, I have found that I rarely can find good, used boys clothes. Most of the boys clothes are ripped or have stains on them:) Recently I have found quite a few things for my daughter for Summer.
These are a few of my most recent finds ($1.50 each)
These are both dresses-but I thought they would be cute with a white shirt and leggings underneath ($3 each)I found these shorts all in one trip! She will be set for the Summer! ($1.50 each)

Swagbucks

2011-02-07T09:55:00.000-08:00

Does anyone use Swagbucks? I started using it around September of last year. I was a little skeptical at first but it has turned out to be a great way to earn some extra $. Well, I traded in my bucks for a $25 Amazon gift card, so it's not actually money but pretty close;-) Go to swagbucks.com to learn more:-)

Basketball

2011-02-07T09:45:00.000-08:00

This year both of our older kids are playing Upward basketball. It is SO much fun to watch and they have a great time. It is a Christian based program through area churches. It is a fun, layed back atmosphere. (Except for a couple parents/coaches who take it WAY too seriously) Our kids have great coaches this year though:)

Healthy eating cont.

2011-02-06T05:21:00.001-08:00

This goes with the healthy eating post I did a couple days ago.
My kids (and myself) really like sweets! Which we try to limit as much as possible. I found these a while back and they taste SO good! They even satisfy my sweet tooth, and the kids love them. The best part is they are all natural/organic. So, I don't feel bad about giving them to my kids.

These are really good too-especially when a chocolate craving hits:-) I found them at Wal Mart.

These are all natural as well, and they taste great!

Healthy Eating

2011-02-04T17:51:00.000-08:00

The beginning of this year my husband and I went on a Daniel Fast.
I ended up stopping early because I was feeling sick and I was worried that I wasn't getting enough calories for me and our baby:-) But anyway, we are always talking about how we need to eat healthier and since the fast we have been eating really well and are trying to eat as little processed foods as possible. For example, here are some healthier versions of what we used to eat: whole wheat pasta. The kids haven't even noticed. Also, all natural peanut butter, and Agave Nectar
is what we use in place of most sugar now. I have also been using Extra Virgin Olive oil to cook with instead of butter. The kids (ages 15 months-7 years) have barely noticed the differences, and I know for myself that I feel SO much better and seem to be craving the "bad stuff" less and less. Here is one of our favorite energy booster/snack foods:

Oatmeal, raisin, PB "Cookies"
These are so good and so easy

1C Old fashioned oats
1/2 C raisins
3/4C all natural PB
1/3 C Agave Nectar

Mix all together and form into balls about the size of a ping pong ball.
I never measure the ingredients I usually just eyeball it so, you may need to add more or less of the ingredients. My husband loves these and I usually make them twice a week.

We are taking baby steps, but making lots of progress! Anyone have any favorite healthy recipes they want to share?? (Vegan and Vegetarian recipes welcome:)

Thursday

2011-02-03T10:06:00.000-08:00

Last night I got to go on a date with my man! We don't get to go out just the two of us very often so it was a treat! We went to eat at a local diner-type place and I had a Reuben (my favorite) and some Broccoli Cheddar soup. It was so good. They are actually a bakery too, so we got some yummy cookies for dessert. I had a wonderful time and we need to do it more often.

Today we were supposed to go to co-op but I was not feeling up to it and Judah was still sleeping when it was time to go and I hate to wake him, and lots of other excuses!

We are headed to my brother and Sister in laws house tonight to make more soap and body butter! On that note-Valentines Day is coming soon! Why not pick up some of our Chocolate Shea Butter soap for your sweetheart? ;-)

I am totally getting to the stage where all I want to wear is sweatpants! I have been able to wear regular jeans for a long time and they are finally starting to get uncomfortable. Tomorrow I have to go get my glucose test done. Yay! I have to drink that disgusting orange carbonated sugar.

Carson and I are finally starting to get our appetites back. Food sounds good again! I have been watching Little House on the Prairie lately and all they ever seem to eat is stew. Well, that has been sounding good to me:)

Lastly, here is a preview for a new video called Divided that Vision Forum has on their site. Worth the watch. (Just click on the link)

Still feeling icky...and other happenings

2011-01-31T12:15:00.000-08:00

Last Wednesday Carson came down with a stomach bug and the little sweetie shared it with me:) This thing is hanging on for a while though and I have yet to feel back to normal, and have completely lost my appetite. I am praying no one else in the family gets it and so far so good:-)

The weather these past couple day has been beautiful! The kids have been playing outside a lot and it makes me want Spring! I love that Spring comes early in the South. Even though I am a "northerner" I think I have some warm southern blood in me.

Baby boy is doing well and growing bigger every day! I cannot believe I am 28 weeks already! We are so excited to meet him and hold him and kiss him! Also, I am pretty sure we have decided on a name!

Pemberley Handmade just had a new product launch which was very exciting and we had a record week last week!

That's all for now-hope everyone is having a great Monday!

January favorites so far...

2011-01-11T20:52:00.001-08:00

These are so good!
Love this! Check it out at ShopRuche.com

Love this version And last but not least:-)

Pemberley Handmade's all natural lip balm

Hello again...

2011-01-11T19:55:00.001-08:00

It has been a long time since I have posted or even really felt like blogging...But! I think I am ready to start again. Life is still as busy if not busier but I have lots to talk about:-) Like for instance how our little man is now walking/running all over, my brother and sister in law moved down south, to our neck of the woods. She(my sis n law) and I started our own business!!! Aaand our family is excitedly awaiting the arrival of another little man due the end of April! See I told you lots of exciting things...Anyway. I can't promise regular or even semi regular posts but I will try my best:-) In the meantime go check out our all natural-vegan-non-chemical-only the finest quality ingredients-Soaps, lip balms and body butters over at Pemberly Handmade Your skin will thank you!!

Awesome giveaway

2010-11-17T08:14:00.000-08:00

The Legacy at Home is having an awesome giveaway! Go here to check it out!

Giovanni's Pizza Power! :)

2010-03-19T08:02:00.000-07:00

Last week after Laurens Upward awards ceremony we decided to go on a spontaneous trip to Richmond for some yummy seafood. Wellllll, when we got there they said that we would have to wait for about an hour and 15 min. Yeah. Right. We had just driven nearly an hour and it was 7:15. We ended up enjoying some delicious pizza (it's is hard to find yummy pizza in KY) It was really good, and there were only two other people in the restaurant, aaaaaand they had ESPN Classic playing on a huge projector:))))) (yes, that is a semi-sarcastic smile.) Anyone that knows me knows that I am by no means a sports fan. Really, I have lived in KY for two years now and have not once watched a Cats game. I know, appalling ;-)

Anyways, I took about 46 pics on my phone while we were there because I wanted to remember our fun, spontaneous time together and I thought I would share a few. Mostly for the grandparents:)

Rouxbe Cooking School

2010-02-23T11:00:00.000-08:00

I recently won a life time membership to the Rouxbe Cooking School and let me just say that I am loving it! It has been so helpful for me. Yesterday I took my first test and got a 91%! I love to cook and I am excited to have an opportunity to become better in the kitchen! It's been a lot of fun.

Beautifully busy...

2010-02-12T11:55:00.000-08:00

I know I have not been posting much these days, but I have had lots more important things on my mind and taking up my time like:

and

My days are beautifully busy and full of, diapers, laundry, school, kisses, baths, reading, cleaning, playing, wiping noses, hugs, prayers, laughter, cooking, and some more laundry:) and I am enjoying every minute of it. So please forgive me, but blogging is just not on the top of my priority list right now:) 1 or 2 blog posts a month is going to have to do for now.

Here's a few things that I've been enjoying these days besides the 4(5) cuties above:

Not necessarily in that order:)
Have a great weekend everybody and Happy Valentines Day!!

Eating healthy (trying anyway:)

2010-01-28T08:40:00.000-08:00

I have been on a health food kick and lately I have been loving avocados! I put them on everything! They have such a subtle, creamy flavor and really enhance other foods. Plus they're really good for you. Some things I put them on are: salad, pizza, sandwiches, and I also like to slice and eat them:) Yum! Another thing I discovered this week are Jicamas! Pronounced: HE-kuh-muh. I just peeled and sliced but you can also cook them or add them to salads and things. They have a really nice subtle sweet flavor with the consistancy of a potato or a water chesnut.

I have been trying to gradually add and omit certain things in our diet. I find when I introduce things slowly and consistently to the kids (especially the picky one/s) they don't mind so much:) I love to cook and experiment with foods. I recently did a vlog on artichokes! Which was very interesting I will share it as soon as I can get my hubby to help me upload and edit:)

What healthy foods are your families favorites? What tips do you have for getting your children to eat healthy?

Here's a pic of a salad I had for lunch the other day. It was SO good.

I took a big handful of spring mix lettuce
added some tuna
a few chopped up grape tomatoes
some chopped avocado
some crumbled feta
and LOTS of cilantro. I love the stuff
then over top I poured 2T of Newmans Own Lite Balsamic Vinaigrette

It is really good. In fact, I am going to go make myself a salad right now:)

New Blog!!

2010-01-15T06:23:00.000-08:00

I am SO excited to announce a new blog that my sis n law and I have started! It's a cooking blog! Yay:) Here's the link go check it out!!

http://countrywifecitywife.wordpress.com/

Happy New Year! and other ramblings:-)

2010-01-02T08:44:00.000-08:00

Hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Can you believe it is 2010 already?! Our family had a very eventful and exciting 2009. The best part being the birth of our sweet little Judah :)

This year we traveled up north to spend Christmas with our families. It is amazing the amount of supplies needed for a family of six. The night before we left was a little crazy. I told my husband I felt like we were in that one scene from Home Alone when they have a house full of people trying to get packed and ready to leave. We are getting a pretty good system down. At least we did not leave anyone home:)

Our first few days in NY were a bit rough as we all got sick! Two of us with a stomach bug/food poisoning! I was praying that I would not get it! I don't believe in moms getting sick!

We had a great time with our families. It was hard to say goodbye. It never gets any easier.

Heres some of what we drove in on our way back down south. I was not sad to be leaving this behind:)

Our poor van broke down when we were an hour and a half from home!! It could have been much worse though. God definitely took care of us. Thankfully we were in a hotel parking lot when it finally died. And some friends of friends let us stay at their house while they put a new alternator in our van!

We are back home and getting settled back into a routine. I have been sorting and organizing trying to find a place for all our new toys and things:)

Happy 2010 everyone!!

Is there any felicity in the world superior to this? :)

2009-12-15T11:20:00.001-08:00

Liz thoughts| on turkeys and growing baby boys

2009-11-29T19:58:00.001-08:00

Anyone else suffering from a turkey hangover? :-) I think I have eaten more this weekend than I have in the past month! Well that may be a slight exaggeration. but you see, I have a growing boy to feed and I always eat a lot when I am nursing. I think that nursing is a wonderful thing. When else can I eat whatever I want and still lose weight? Um...never. So I definitely take advantage of this time ;-) and Judah's getting some pretty cute chubby cheeks too!

I have had one of the best weekends ever! It has been so nice to have John home with us. We have been able to spend so much time together as a family. I love them:) I feel so blessed to have so much laughter and love in our home. God has been so good to us! I hope you all had a good Thanksgiving! Now on to the Christmas season! More fun, laughter, family, festivities, and food!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

2009-11-25T11:06:00.000-08:00

VRP (very random post)

2009-11-21T13:18:00.000-08:00

I LOVE this time of year!!! It is my favorite! It is especially fun having little ones that are doubly excited:-) We have already put up our Christmas tree! Well, we have a fake tree that we put in our basement, where we have our school room/playroom. And we are going to be getting a real tree for upstairs. Here are a couple pics from long ago. Lauren's first Christmas! Time is going by SO fast.

New Jersey

2009-11-16T08:46:00.000-08:00

Last weekend we went to NJ for my brothers wedding. We had a blast!! The kids did so well on the trip. The wedding was beautiful and we got to spend some good quality family time together:) Here are a few pics. Ok a TON!! :)

Rest stop break

Trying to feed J a bottle on the way down. He wasn't liking it too much.

Hershey Chocolate World. One of the stops on our way down! SO much fun!

My hubby looking dashing in his tux:)

L and J

My new sister and brother!

Cool favors at the reception: Jones soda with their pic as the label!

Yay! They were SO happy!

C man!

The beautiful couple!

What J did most of the evening:) Well, most of the whole trip actually!

L and J dancing together. Precious!!

Dancing with grandpa!

all tuckered out after an awesome weekend!

Welcome Judah Daryn!

2009-10-25T04:52:00.000-07:00

Judah was born on October 13th at 4:20pm. He weighed 8lb 2 1/2oz. and was 20 3/4in.
The labor went amazingly well and was the "easiest" so far:) Praise God! Thank you all for your prayers. I got myself so worked up about his birth but God is so gracious and the whole experience was great. I couldn't have asked for better. Judah means "Praise" and Daryn means "Precious Present" His big brothers and sister are loving him to pieces, he definitely will not lack for attention:) We feel so blessed by this precious new life that God has entrusted to us. He is so good!!

Happy due date to me and still no baby :-(

2009-10-09T08:09:00.000-07:00

Every time I tell myself I will not get my hopes up (for going early or on time), but I always do. I had an u/s yesterday and everything looks good, he is a healthy 8lb, 5oz!! If that's accurate he would be our biggest yet! My dr. is going to induce me on the 12th if I have not had him by then. Please pray!

In the meantime here are some recent fun family photos:)

Apple picking fun at Haneys!

awesome

2009-09-23T19:10:00.001-07:00

Yay for Fall!

2009-09-16T07:48:00.000-07:00

here are some of the Fall decorations around our house this year. I LOVE the Fall. It makes me want to bake bread, wear cozy sweaters, watch Anne of Green Gables (I'm not sure why but every year around this time I get the urge to watch the series:) I am going to try and watch them with Lauren this year. I think she may be getting old enough to not be bored with them.

I finally got a hospital bag packed and washed some newborn clothes. I had done NOTHING to get ready for Judah. Poor buddy ;) I think it's because I know I usually go late. So, I figure I still have plenty of time. We are SO excited to meet him! I cannot believe in a few weeks we will have another newborn in the house! I LOVE the hustle and bustle of having a "large" family. The laughs and quirks, and little feet always running around, and silly stories, bedtime kisses and adventure that comes with having little ones at home. John and I feel so blessed and I am trying to learn to enjoy everyday and to always take time to listen to, play with, and hug my little ones. I know they are only "ours" for a time and it goes by so fast.

School is going great! I love it this year. It is awesome to see the kids improving and learning everyday. Lauren is reading everything! It's so fun to watch.

Last week I bought some Red Raspberry Leaf tea. It is supposed to "ripen" the cervix for delivery of an 8 lb. human being:) I am wondering if anyone else has used it, and if it seemed to work at all?

My braxton hicks seem to increase a little after I drink some but I guess I won't really know if it helped until I actually have him.

I hope you all have a great Wednesday! Daddy is home this morning which means music class! :)

Happy 6th Birthday Sweet Lauren! We Love You!

2009-09-11T12:56:00.001-07:00

Follman family update:)

2009-09-10T07:27:00.000-07:00

The Follman household has been very busy and productive lately:) We are almost finished with our second week of school and it has been going great! Have I mentioned how much I LOVE John being able to be home Wednesday and Friday mornings to do school with the kids? It has been great! Lauren has been reading everything she can get her hands on! I just love how excited they are about learning!

We are also eagerly awaiting the birth of our fourth blessing! I still have about 4 weeks left, but I have been having contractions for a while now. My body usually starts early with all that stuff. But it makes it easier in the end;) I am 1cm dilated already and I go back for another checkup tomorrow. We can't wait to meet little Judah! We feel so blessed that God would give another little life to our family! I love the beautiful craziness that sometimes describes our home! There really is never a dull moment!

My girl turns 6 tomorrow! I cannot believe how fast the time has gone! It seems like just yesterday...

And now...

She has truly been such a joy and a blessing to our family!

Please leave me lots and lots of comments!

2009-09-02T18:32:00.000-07:00

So, I think I fixed the comment portion of my blog. You may now post a comment without having an account with blogger. Aren't I nice? :0)

Back to (home) school!

2009-09-01T12:18:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was our first official day back to school! It was great! The kids and I had a blast! Lauren is now in 1st and Josiah is doing pre k. Carson is, well let's just say he is wondering why he is not getting all of our undivided attention anymore! (I guess it is good for him to get used to it as we are excitedly awaiting the arrival of baby #4! in October.) Yesterday I overheard Josiah say "Lauren, school is SO fun!" Here are a couple pics from our first day. The pics on the top are from this year. The pics on the bottom are from last year. (sorry for the poor quality of this years photos, I couldn't find the camera so they are cell phone pics)

Slow down mama!

2009-08-23T19:46:00.000-07:00

Sometimes in the middle of my frantic-ness (made up word:) I will stop and ask myself "why are you in such a hurry?" With my kids I find myself often hurrying them along from thing to thing for no particular reason. My oldest son has even asked me "why do we have to go fast mom?" "Um...I don't know we just do. Don't you know that's the way everything and everyone else are going?" But the truth is, half the time I don't know why we have to go fast! I think it's just become such a habit to rush everything.

I often find myself getting frustrated when my kids take eons to do simple tasks or try to tell me their dream they had last night that ends up being a mini drama/novel. I have been really trying hard lately to slow down and enjoy these precious moments to the fullest. You know I bet these are the ones that I am going to miss the most when they are grown and no longer want to tell me their 17-part dream (with full character re-enactment) or sing me their 459 verse song, or want me to watch how they can stand on their head, while pretending to be a monkey, while singing their abc's in their underwear:)

Laundry can wait, (it is after all, NEVER ENDING) the dishes will still be there in the morning. There are much more important things to be doing.

here is a really neat poem that helps put things into perspective.

Mother, oh Mother, come shake out your cloth
Empty the dustpan, poison the moth,
Hang out the washing and butter the bread,
Sew on a button and make up a bed.
Where is the mother whose house is so shocking?
She's up in the nursery, blissfully rocking.

Oh, I've grown shiftless as Little Boy Blue
(lullaby, rock-a-bye, Lullaby loo).
Dishes are waiting and bills are past due
(pat-a-cake, darling, and peek-peek-a-boo).
The shopping is not done and there's nothing for stew
And out in the yard there is a hullabaloo.
But I'm playing "Kanga" and this is my "Roo."
Look! Aren't his eyes the most wonderful hue?
(lullaby, rock-a-bye, lullaby loo).

The cleaning and scrubbing will wait till tomorrow,
For children grow up, as I've learned to my sorrow.
So quiet down cobwebs. Dust go to sleep.
I'm rocking my baby and babies don't keep.

Ruth Hulburt Hamilton, 1958

Let's resolve to slow down, and take the time to just be...I am sure we will not regret it!

More Voddie (yes- we are on first name basis:)

2009-08-23T19:42:00.000-07:00

Most Christians in our culture live like everyone else. There is little distinction between our lives and the lives of the pagans down the street. We wear the same clothes, watch the same movies, read the same books, send our children to the same schools, and sign the same divorce decrees as everyone else. Furthermore, there ought to be a sign posted in every Christian bookstore that reads, “The views expressed in these books do not necessarily express the views of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” I’m not saying, don’t read Christian books. I’m just saying, read them with discernment.

- Voddie Baucham

He has SO much good material on families. Check out this link for more

2009-08-22T09:17:00.000-07:00

Women who break the unwritten two-child-per-family rule are often greeted with questions like, “Haven’t you guys figured out what causes that?” Fathers who choose to emphasize their sons’ spiritual growth at the expense of their participation in the all-consuming pursuit of sports sometimes find themselves being alienated by other dads. Children who don’t attend the local public high school are often looked down upon because they don’t know the latest catch phrases or wear the latest designs. The pursuit of family driven faith can be costly.

- Voddie Baucham

We've got to weigh the costs. Think of the price of not pursuing Jesus and the biblical roles of men, women, and children. It is a much greater price than I am will to pay. Because we would pay with the very things that are most precious to us...our families.

Submission

2009-08-19T17:44:00.000-07:00

For wives, this means submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For a husband is the head of his wife as Christ is the head of the church. He is the Savior of his body, the church. As the church submits to Christ, so you wives should submit to your husbands in everything. Eph. 5:22-24

I don't think it's an option:) Sometimes my flesh says, "well if he loved me like Christ loves the church then I will submit to, love, honor and serve my him." Sometimes I need to be reminded that I made a covenant before God on my wedding day that I would do those things for the rest of my life. Is it always easy? No. Would loving him only when he was doing "his part" and meeting all my needs really be love? Obviously the answer is no.

It is SO important that as wives we are getting our needs met in Him, Jesus. The only One that can meet all of our deepest needs. We can't forget that He is our first Love. We need to be married to Him first. He is a jealous God. No less than all will do.

God help me to be the wife that my husband needs. In order for our husbands, ourselves and our families to reach our full potential, we need to make sure that we are fulfilling the role that God has designed us for!

I believe marriage can and is supposed to be a little glimpse of heaven on earth and in today's culture with everything trying to rip marriages and families apart we need to fight even harder to protect the oneness and sacredness of marriage.

Where are all of the real men?

2009-08-18T11:09:00.000-07:00

3 kids down for nap/quiet time and what's this mama doing? Sitting in front of the computer with some m&m's and a cappuccino of course!

But seriously I have been wanting to write a bout a very troubling topic. Hence the title of my post. I feel like God has been opening up my eyes to some of my own wrong attitudes and ideas about men/women. It amazes me how much our culture tries to make men/boys into women! Wait, more like spineless, immature, unassertive wimps. Our generation is suffering the effects of a handful of obnoxious, selfish, ungodly women who tried to convince us that we need to raise our sons to be like our daughters. Society has been doing it's best to castrate men and anything masculine to create a sort of unigender. It's sick! It's unbiblical, It's confusing to boys (at best) and it's destroying lives and families. Men and women are different. The man in the head as Christ is the head. He is supposed to lead. He is supposed to provide for, protect, lay down his life for, and cherish his wife and family. I read an excellent book on the subject called Bringing up Boys by James Dobson, Wild at Heart by John Eldridge is also a good one on this topic.

I believe that when women quit trying to be men that we will be helping the "situation" if I can call it that. When we operate and function in the roles that God created for husband and wife/ man and woman, that we will bring Him most glory, and as a result we are most fulfilled and our families (children) are happiest. Bottom line is God's way is the BEST way and it will always be that way.

The next part of this rambling Liz|Thought is going to be on submission and how our men need us to be real women in order to be the best they can be. Stay tuned...

Some excellent thoughts on homeschooling...

2009-08-17T05:32:00.001-07:00

Family picture in Gatlinburg

2009-08-16T13:50:00.000-07:00

We were created to bring Him glory...

2009-08-13T10:00:00.000-07:00

Where are the pastors, teachers and prophets who are crying out for people to repent from their sin? Why do we tolerate so much filth in the church today? Why do we use the world to try and win the lost? Where is the reverence for God? Who is calling out for holiness?

Yeah-Christianity today is great! I don't have to change at all! All I have to do is pray a prayer and I can keep watching the same shows/movies, listening to the same music, wearing the same clothes, and having the same attitudes! Who wouldn't want to be a Christian?!

Sound crazy? It is but I believe that is the popular message among Christians and the church today.

The very reason we were created was to bring Him glory! When I said yes to Jesus, I said no to EVERYTHING else! He is my Lord and Master. I am His slave! I am here to bring Him glory! NOTHING else matters! I give up my rights, my will, my desires. My new Passion, Desire, and Dream is Him! He is worthy of all. When I give any less it's idolatry. Jesus!!

A True Wife

2009-08-05T19:08:00.001-07:00

"A true wife makes a man's life nobler, stronger, grander, by the omnipotence of her love 'turning all the forces of manhood upward and heavenward.' While she clings to him in holy confidence and loving dependence she brings out in him whatever is nobles and richest in his being. She inspires him him courage and earnestness. She beautifies his life. She softens whatever is rude and harsh in his habits or his spirit. She clothes him with the gentler graces of refined and cultured manhood. While she yields to him and never disregards his lightest wish, she is really his queen, ruling his whole life and leading him onward and upward in every proper path.

But there are wives also like the vines which cling only to blight. Their dependence weak, indolent helplessness. They lean but impart no strength. They cling but they sap the life. They put forth no hand to help. The loll on sofas or promenade the streets; they dream over sentimental novels; they gossip in drawing-rooms. They are utterly useless, and being useless they become burdens even to manliest, tenderest love. Instead of making a man's life stronger, happier, richer, they absorb his strength, impair his usefulness, hinder his success and cause him to be a failure among men. To themselves also the result is wretchedness.

Dependence is beautiful when it does not become weakness and inefficiency. The true wife clings and leans; but she also helps and inspires. Her husband feels the mighty inspiration of her love in all his life.. Toil is easier, burdens are lighter, battles are less fierce, because of the face that waits in the quiet of the home, because of the heart that beats in loving sympathy whatever the experience, because of the voice that speaks its words of cheer and encouragement when the day's work is done. No wife knows how much she can do to make her husband honored among men, and his life a power and a success, by her loyal faithfulness, by the active inspiration of her own sweet life."

---JR Miller from Homemaking; a 19th century preacher

2009-08-05T07:54:00.000-07:00

Yesterday afternoon my oldest son fell and gashed his head. Now I do not handle blood well, and as most of you know head wounds bleed...A LOT! My first reaction was to look and make sure he had both his eyeballs! Well he was already crying but when he took his hand away and saw that it was full of blood, he freaked. I wanted to freak too but I had to remind myself that I was the adult in the situation. I had to be calm. Until yesterday I had never had to deal with any sort of gash or deep cut, but I did remember that you are to apply pressure to stop the bleeding. Then I called my husband. I needed some moral support and I knew that he and his brothers had been through many head gushers:) Anyway my wonderful guy came home and ended up taking him to the Urgent Care facility. Thankfully he didn't need stitches and all is right again in the Follman household...for now:-)

Procrastination Post

2009-08-03T11:36:00.000-07:00

This is a procrastination post. Have I mentioned I am really good at procrastinating? I am. What is the dreaded job I am trying to avoid? Taking multiple trips up the stairs carrying 20lb. grocery bags (20 lbs. because I packed them and never seem to buy enough bags:) and then putting everything away. Monday's are usually our errand day, but today was not the day to go to Walmart. Everyone was there. I'm not exaggerating. Down South kids go back to school in Aug. so I guess everyone was school shopping?

I leave you with a before and after pic of my baby's first haircut! I cried. I felt like I went through a small grieving process:) I do love his new cut though.

I love Lazy Sundays :)

2009-08-02T14:17:00.000-07:00

So I just realized that it has been over a month since I’ve posted on here! I am in the process of switching blog accounts. My reason is perhaps a lame one but I am just so uninspired by WordPress’ boring backgrounds!! Blogger lets you choose from all sorts of backgrounds so I am heading over there as soon as I can get some kinks worked out.

Anyway…we have been doing really well. I can’t believe it’s almost time to start school again. Lauren will be in 1st grade!! I only have 9 more weeks left till we get to meet baby judah! We are so excited and are feeling so blessed to be having another son! Carson got his first haircut a couple days ago, and I cried, like all good mothers do when their babies don’t look like their babies anymore It really does look adorable though.

Well, thats all I have time for now. I will try not to wait as long to post again!