Planning for the New Year

I LOVE the New Year! It just feels like a fresh clean start. And I love getting myself reorganized and setting goals for myself. I thought I'd share a few things I'm using to do that right now.

I still use a home management binder where I keep my routines, schedules, menus, important documents, and articles and printouts I want to keep. I base a lot of it on things I have gleaned from Flylady, Candy at Joyful Christian Homemaking and the book Large Family Logistics.

For my cleaning schedule I still use Motivated Moms. I have been using it for so many years I have lost count. Whenever I decide to try a new system, I always end up going back to MM. I just love it and have started incorporated the kids into it too.

Here is a great printable I recently found. It's where I keep my daily routines. I have it in a page protector and daily fill out the rest using a wet-erase marker. I love how it motivates me to drink my water. It's hard to do that!

I just found this the other day and it looks great! A small decluttering task for each day of the year.

For my other printables, I have gotten them from the Intentional Planner, an old Old Schoolhouse planner I got during a super duper sale (I never wanted to pay full price for it, but it's great. Mine is 2010, but most of the pages are reusable in any year.), and Donna Young.

For my bible reading schedule this year, I am using the One Year Bible schedule. I have the schedule both in my binder and in my bible. The printable schedule can be cut into monthly bookmarks. This year I am going to try to read through the KJV which will be a challenge for me.

For my calendar, on-the-go planner, AND journal this year, I have purchased a Moleskine daily planner. In the front it has your calendars and other forms you may need for keeping track of appointments and days, then it has a whole page for every day of the year. Here I can journal, jot down important notes and numbers, even keep track of things I need at the store, and can refer back to it and know exactly when I wrote it. I think it will turn out to be a great companion, as well a wonderful record of the year. It is very nice!

If I think of or come across any more great resources, I will add them.

The new translation of Psalm 127

Sometimes I wonder when the bible got changed to...

Children are a burden resulting from our own actions;
The fruit of the womb is the consequence of our own irresponsibility.
Like arrows in the hand of a fool are the children born in one's youth--
Overwhelmed and unfortunate is the man that has his quiver too full of them.
They should be ashamed, and will just look like idiots to their enemies at the gate.

Psalm 127:3-5 New Worldly Translation

Don't you?

I Love My Life!

I just read this post I wrote in 2009 and it reminded me of what a wonderful life I have! I forgot about it, but I sure needed to read it!


I am so in awe that God would see fit to give me a life that is everything I have ever dreamed of and that I get to do everything that I love and love everything that I do! If you are looking for someone to gripe with about being "stuck at home" with kids and cooking and cleaning and laundry or to whine about the agony of pregnancy or the toil of caring for babies, you have come to the wrong place! I LOVE my life!

I get to be pregnant, which is the most wonderful state for a woman to be in, not once or twice, but many times! I get to give birth naturally because I want to because it is the most amazing thing I have ever experienced. I get to breastfeed my babies as much as and as often as and as long as I want because I get to stay with my baby 24 hours a day!

I get to play with cute clothes and adorable cloth diapers and beautiful baby carriers and call it "taking care of the baby"! I get to snuggle with the most delicious fat rolls and inhale the most fragrant breath you can imagine all day and all night long.

I get to hang out with the people I love more than anything, having fun and loving and learning all day long and call it "mothering".

I get to snuggle on the couch with them and read books and learn amazing new things every day WITH them and call it "homeschooling"!

I get to blast music and sing at the top of my lungs and dance around the house with the children with our list of chores and call it "cleaning".

I get to do fun experiments in the kitchen, and sometimes my helper and I will pretend we're on the Food Network, and call it "cooking".

I get to pop my delicious baby in a sling, put 2 more gorgeous blondies in a stroller, and walk behind 2 other amazing kids on bikes, and breathe in the evening air and the company of my family and call it "exercise".

At night I get to sit in front of the TV and watch a few of my favorite shows I've DVRed and call it "folding laundry".

At the end of the day I get to curl up in bed with a huge stack of books and call it "research and higher learning".

I also get to curl up in that same bed and feel the warmth and comfort and security and happiness and joy of cuddling up to my husband's sleeping body and call it "marriage".

I cannot even imagine a better life! I can't wait till tomorrow to do it all again!

Seven from Heaven

I guess I somehow forgot to post here that we are having a baby! #7 is on it's way and due in May. I'm 13 weeks today and judging by my growth and having a very rough first trimester, everything seems to be well, but tomorrow is my first prenatal visit and it's always a relief to a mommy's mind to hear that little heartbeat. I'm so grateful to God and excited to have seven children. It seems so perfect. I jokingly say that we will be Jen and Kevin Plus Seven ;)

Seventh
by Jennifer Wilson

I know I'm number seven,
but the fact you can't deny
is that God, Almighty Giver,
is the Author of my life.

My soul is no less special,
and my spirit no less great
than those that came before me--
be they one, or six, or eight!

So many eyes are blinded
by the whispers of this world--
to them, there is no miracle
in a human life unfurled.

A baby's just a plaything,
a burden, or a chore,
and we must proceed with caution
to prevent too many more!

Only a fool would trust the Lord
to give as He desires
and live a life of trust in Him...
whatever that requires.

A new car may be exciting;
a new house may be a prize,
but my new life is better
than any thing that money buys.

So all the world may roll their eyes
when seven now they see--
But I can't wait until I meet
the "fools" who welcome me.

Mother's Prayer

MOTHER’S PRAYER
By Serene Allison

Oh, child of mine
The Giver of life has given you to me
And oh child of mine
The pages of your life we’re yet to read
There’s only so much
I can do in the time He gives a mother

Chorus:
Seek Him, and find Him
Fall fervently in love with Jesus
Trust Him, and serve Him
Live every breath for what He teaches
Then He’ll be close when I’m no longer there
That’s your mother’s prayer

Oh, child of mine
There are so many beautiful dreams I have for you
But oh, child of mine
My greatest desire is for you to know the truth
Whatever you’ll be, maybe a poet or a teacher or a king
Will all be in vain
Unless your friend is the one who died on the tree
(chorus)

Bridge:
Seek Him, and find Him
Seek Him, and find Him
Seek Him, won’t you seek Him and find Him

Family Bible Reading

One of the things about homeschooling that I hold most dear is the amount of bible reading we get to do. That's not to say you can't read the bible with your children if they go off to school, but the amount of time homeschooling allows us is precious to me. We read many times throughout the day: after breakfast, after lunch, during rest time, before bed, and any other time that's a good time. When the kids are getting extra rowdy (read: getting on my nerves!) or mommy needs some extra quiet time, I love to tell the children it's time for a break and then we all sit on the couch for some bible reading.

I'm a big believer in reading children the actual bible and not just bible story books. I also see great benefits in reading lots of it, especially after reading Ten P's in a Pod. When I read this book years ago, it really got me fired up about reading the bible with my children even more. Children will not retain and understand everything right off, but as they hear it over and over through the years they will retain more and more. And of course we talk about and explain things as we go along; and we also study things more in depth in our bible homeschool curriculum. (We use BJU Bible Truths, which I highly recommend!)

I thought I'd share how we go about reading the bible each day. I have a lot scheduled each day, but that doesn't mean we actually read it all every day. We read whatever we get to and have time for. Some busy days may allow for one chapter, while other days may give us hours.

First we read the Proverbs of the day, the chapter that corresponds with the day of the month.
Then we read the Psalms of the day, 5 Psalms that also correspond with the date.
If more time is allowed to us, we pick up where we are in the Gospels. We can never read too much about Jesus!
If we have more time after that, we pick up where we are in the chronological bible (We have the Daily Bible. I LOVE it!)

Here is a calendar showing our bible readings for each day of the month. Feel free to print it for your own use!

If you are not reading the bible to your children, I encourage you to start, no matter how young or old your children are. I started when my oldest was a baby! After all, these are not just words and stories your children are hearing. It is the Word of God and it is living and active! We can never underestimate the power of God's Word getting into our children's minds and eventually their hearts. I encourage you also to have them memorize it. They will likely never forget the verses they memorize as children! Here is a wonderful system for bible memory.

I wanted to add that when my children are old enough to read and follow along, they get a nice bible of their own so that they can follow along and also take a turn reading. Once they learn to read well, I get them a nice copy of the NIV thinline bible with their name inscribed on it. We all use this same bible so that we are all on the same page. The younger children get a practice bible till they can read well. This is also great for learning to navigate the bible. Even the little ones scramble to find the right spot :)

Homeschooling at its finest

Today was our first day back to school--a gentle start with a little bit of kindergarten. Our older ones will start their own thing next week. We ended up having a really good day when a bird's nest was discovered in our hanging flower pot. I forgot to water the flowers (oops!) and they died, but that was a good thing for our new friend. Justin noticed a bird perched inside, then later David discovered her two eggs.


Here is the proud mother, a mourning dove.


After we finally left the scene she returned to her nest and has been there all afternoon while little ones watch from the window.


Just a few feet away we also found an egg that had already hatched. It was a much bigger egg.


We ended up having some good unplanned nature study today. I love surprise lessons! And I'm especially glad we are home to find them :)

Staying connected to God through the day using perpetual calendars

I wanted to share about something I started doing a year or so ago that has really helped me. I use perpetual calendars, or "DayBrighteners" to keep me connected to God throughout the day. The prayers, bible verses, and inspirational quotes in them help keep me focused all through the day. I use ones that are inspired by books that I have loved.

Now I didn't go out and buy these all at once, so don't feel like you have to spend $100 today if you want to start this habit. I started with one and built my collection from there. I have found them on ebay, at thrift stores, on paperback swap, and ok, I splurged on a few as they came out. They are $7.99 on CBD.

In my bathroom I have the Power of a Praying Woman calendar. So it's the first thing I see in the morning. Every time I visit that bathroom I re-read it and meditate on the prayer or verse.

In my bedroom I have the Power of a Praying Wife. I read and pray about it as I'm making the bed, straightening my room, or putting away laundry each day.

In the kitchen I have Nancy Leigh DeMoss's A Heart at Rest calendar. I was dismayed to find that this is no longer available. It is my favorite. If you can find one, I highly recommend it!

On the computer desk I have the Love Dare calendar. I put it there so maybe my husband will read it too ;)

In the downstairs bathroom I have Ann Voskamp's God in the Moment daybrightener. If you read A Holy Experience or have read One Thousand Gifts, you know this is good! This is where I'm usually wiping the little ones' little bottoms, so it's good to have the perspective of God and beauty in everything while I'm in there ;)

In the children's bathroom I have the Power of a Praying Parent. While they are taking their bath at night, or as I'm brushing their teeth, I can pray for them using the prompts and scripture for each day.

Another good place to put one is in the laundry area. I don't have one there, but that is where I keep my copy of a Busy Mom's Guide to Prayer. This really helps me to pray for every area of my life as I'm folding laundry. It is a WONDERFUL book. It is spiral bound so it's easy to keep open to where you are currently.

This is just one of many ways we can stay in God's Word and prayer all throughout our busy days. Keeping little reminders up in every room I am living and working in is a good way to keep my mind focused on seeking Him first.

Titus 2 To-Do List

I have a lot to do each day, but does any of it matter at all if I haven't done my Titus 2 to-do list? I pray that I will concentrate on what really matters. Not all of it is easy, but I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength to do it. If I do, I have a feeling all that other stuff will fall into place.

Titus 2 To-Do List

1. Love God (seek Him, spend time with Him daily, focus on Him)
2. Love my husband (serve him, honor him, make time for him, cater to him)
3. Love my children (serve them, discipline them, teach them, spend time with them)
4. Be self-controlled (for me this means get up a reasonable time, don't waste time, don't yell at the children, etc.)
5. Be pure (for me this means being picky about what I put into my mind through tv, internet, music and books)
6. Be busy at home (no laziness!)
7. Be kind (to everyone....even when it's hard)
8. Be subject to my husband (probably the hardest one, but there it is in black and white)

Can I do all this every day? No. Absolutely not. Can God help me, empower me, strengthen me, give me wisdom, and enable me to do all these things? Yes, He can! God, make me a Titus 2 woman.

Frugal Menu Ideas

Last week I think I set a record on how much I spent on groceries, so this week I went searching for some menu ideas that will save some money. I Googled "frugal menus" and was surprised when I saw my own old blog post from 2007 come up on the first page of results. I thought I would repost it here for my own easy access and maybe to help others too. I don't know how accurate these prices will be in 2011. These are simple menus, but simply having a plan for every meal, including snacks, and cooking from scratch as much as possible saves a lot of money. My life has been crazy busy the past couple years and I've really gotten away from a lot of time in the kitchen. I hope to get back to that very soon. Maybe I can teach some little ones some cooking in the process.

Meals for Hard Times

How to Feed a Family of Four for less than $30 a week...with No Coupons!

$31 a Week Menu

$30 Weekly Grocery List and Menu Ideas

Five Week Menu and Shopping List

$45 Emergency Menu for 4-6

$70 Low Cost Menu

My own cheap and easy menu inspired by Created to be His Helpmeet

Embracing Life

Today I came across an old post of Beverly's and wanted to repost it here. In case you don't know, Beverly is my aunt who raised me. She passed away in 2007 from cancer much too soon, but her legacy still lives on in so many ways. She was an amazing woman of God.

She wrote this post right after I found out I was pregnant with my fourth child. She died only months after that fourth child was born. How I wish she could have seen all the beautiful blessings I have now, especially little Cara Grace Beverly, my little girl we used to dream about together. I know she would be so happy.

What do we say when we find out that some one is expecting a baby? Well, you might say, it depends? Well let me say right off that this someone is married. Does that help you? Now it seems that if the person is married, then we would be rejoicing in that new life. Right? Well, not necessarily. I am going to make some generalizations here, but I am only sharing what I have witnessed in my own life. If the couple has been married at least 2 years, preferably 3, and if this is their first child, then most everyone is excited. Well, if they are having financial problems then maybe some hold back from rejoicing. But for the most part, most people are glad to hear that a married couple who has waited a sufficient amount of time are starting a family.

How about the next child? Well, it seems again that if the couple has waited the right amount of time, maybe 3 years, then again most everyone is glad to hear that the next child is on the way. Now, I am truly going to get controversial. What about a 3rd child? Whew! Well that is different. But, if the first 2 children are the same sex, then most people will go along with trying for that 3rd in hopes that the couple finally has that boy (or girl). But, after three, then you are standing on shaky ground.

Have you ever thought about the message we are sending as Christians when we scorn life that God has created? Scorn life, you say. I would never do that. Well, I have heard it done over and over in my life, and sometimes I wonder whether Christians really think about what they are saying. For example, suppose the couple is expecting their first child only 10 months after marriage. What comment do we hear then? Well I can tell you what I heard (because that happened to us), and it was "Was this PLANNED??" The clear message is that no one would ever plan to have a child so soon after marriage. Or, how about this? Suppose the 2nd (or 3rd) child is due before the previous baby's first birthday. That is not really accepted now days either, unless of course you make it clear to everyone that this was an "oops" baby. Then people might forgive you and feel sorry for you. By the time you are expecting the 5th, or 6th, or scandalously the 10th, then many in the church either think that you are off your rocker, don't know what causes babies, are a saint, or are so rich that you can buy everything all these children want.

We need to be so careful about accepting the world's view of children. On one hand, we are taking a stand against abortion, as well we should. Then on the other hand, we are being critical of married couples who are having children, if they don't do it according to society's standard of 2, maybe 3 children, appropriately spaced of course.

I want to tell you about a 25 year old woman. This woman has been married for 5 years, and she just found out that she is expecting, her fourth. She already has a 4 year old, a 2 year old, and her youngest just turned 1 in September. Now tell me, would most Christians rejoice at the news of another life. Oh friends, I fear that they would not. But I know this woman, very well as a matter of fact. She is my beloved niece, who we raised as our own daughter. And let me tell you, she is rejoicing. The reality of another blessing from God, another life to embrace, another person to raise to love and serve God, another plate at their table, another baby to hold, more memories to treasure, all of these things and more cause Jennifer to behold the awesome blessing of being entrusted with another person to raise for Him. She is not thinking at all how she will buy designer jeans for all those kids, how she will be able to give them all their own room, how she will drive them to all of their lessons when they get older, or how they will pay for college. She knows that whatever God plans for each child, then He will provide. She doesn't have to be able to figure out all the details of this child's life right now; all she needs to do is know is that this child is from God.

I don't want to sound holier than thou because I have 6 children. Oh no, that is not my point at all. Your family size is a something that is between you and God. But, each one of us need to examine our attitude, and before God make sure that we are not accepting the world's view instead of God's. I can testify to you, there is great peace in looking around your table and knowing that exactly who God wanted is sitting there.

Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from Him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate. Psalms 127:3-5

Why would I turn down a blessing or a reward?

Beverly Daffron

Weekly update: God is So Good!

Remember the things I said I was praying for a couple posts ago? Well guess we got yesterday......

A 15 passenger van! And some good friends along the way! God just brought this whole thing about in an amazing way.

A few months ago I became friends with a lady on facebook through a cloth diapering group. I didn't even realize until a couple weeks ago that she lived near me. I saw this van on Craigslist and mentioned it to Kevin a few times but he was not interested in getting anything at the time. But I just kept going back to it and looking at it and finally emailed the seller to ask for pictures. When she got the email she realized it was me and that we were facebook friends!

I showed Kevin the pictures and asked him how we would go about buying from an owner and how we could sell our van ourselves. He was kind of joking when he said, "If you can sell our van on Craigslist, we can get it." Well, you know I went straight over to the computer and listed it!

I soon had several people interested in it and an offer on it, but my friends selling the other van had the best offer for us! They offered to do an even trade, our van for their van. I could hardly believe it. I was just standing back watching God do all this!

A couple days later we were meeting in a parking lot exchanging vans! I still cannot believe that it is ours. I just keep looking at it and thanking God for this amazing gift!

And what is even better is that through all this I have gained a wonderful friend. It's so amazing how God brought her into my life by "chance" through Facebook. She has been such an encouragement to me. God is so good.

"If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" Matthew 7:11 This is the verse I read a couple weeks ago that led me to really lay my requests before God, and He really did prove Himself!

In other news, we will finally be moving into our house in a week. I am SO ready to be HOME. We've been here over a month and I am starting to feel so restless. We are all together and it's a great place, but it's just not home. I am looking so forward to settling in and making a new home for us.

Also, my husband made Tech Sgt. in the Air Force, which is great news for us! The odds of making it are not very high, but he worked so hard and he made it. I'm so proud of him. I am blessed to have such a good husband, so faithful and such a wonderful provider. God has used him to help make all my dreams come true. I'm feeling very undeservedly blessed today!

Living Like a Queen (and a giveaway!)

You all know I love Eternal Encouragement (formerly TEACH Magazine) and all of the amazing resources from Lorrie Flem. Lorrie has had such an impact on my life with her teachings on walking with God, being a wife, mother, and homemaker, organizing, homeschooling, and so much more. She has workshops on mp3 that are just fantastic. Normally I'm a reader and am not much of an auditory learner, but her talks are so powerful. It's like a good friend talking directly to me--encouraging me, challenging me, motivating me to see what an amazing calling I have. I have almost all of her mp3's and I love to listen to them at night as I'm tying up loose ends of the day. Then I like to listen to them again when I can take notes I can go back to to keep to fresh in my mind.

Today I want to tell you about 2 of those mp3's that really encouraged me. The first one is called "Keys to a Queenly Castle". In it, Lorrie lists 12 things, 12 habits of a queen in her castle. Don't you love that analogy? We are queens and our home is our castle and everything and everyone in it make up our kingdom. That means our husband is the king (ouch! Do you always treat your husband like a king? I know I fail to remember that!) and our children are future kings and queens that we need to be training for those future roles. Thinking this way revolutionizes the way we think about our calling as wives and mothers and homemakers. When you think of yourself as a QUEEN governing over the affairs of your home and overseeing your castle and our kingdom, it changes your whole outlook.

I think my favorite quote from this teaching came from #6 on Lorrie's list, "She nurtures". She encourages her children and nourishes them with good food--both physical and spiritual. She said, "Jesus is a name that should be spoken in our homes many times a day." That really spoke to me because as much as I love Jesus and as much as we pray and read His Word and teach about Him, how much do I proclaim His name in everyday life in everything? I really want to remember to keep Jesus in everything we do.

The other mp3 I want to tell you about will really get your attention because I know it is something we ALL need help with! It's called "Attitude Adjustments". The subtitle is "If momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!" Ain't that the truth?! As the lady of the home, we really have the power to set the tone and atmosphere of our homes. And contrary to popular belief, it really is up to us to control our attitudes and make sure the attitude we are spreading around is a good one. She says, "Do your children have bad attitudes?" Well, yes they do! "That's like looking in a mirror." GULP! The way to change your children's attitudes is to change your own.

Lorrie outlines 26 ways to attain and maintain a good attitude--one for each letter of the alphabet. You'll really want to have a pen in your hand while your listening to write all these down to come back to when you really need it. They are 26 practical things you can actually DO to change your attitude and they really work! And once you start doing these things they will become habits and will really change the attitude of your heart. You will think differently and feel differently and that good attitude will rub off on everyone around you.

Can you tell I love these teachings? I hope you will listen to them too! They are very affordable and can be purchased at Eternal Encouragement's shop. But guess what! Tomorrow Lorrie is giving away one free mp3! Here is how you can enter to win:

1. Go to the shop to decide which mp3 you would like to win (this is the hard part!)
2. Go to The Gabby Moms blog where June's review links are posted and comment
a. In the comment mention that you heard about the giveaway from Homekeeping Heart
b. mention which mp3 you want if chosen as winner
c. email contact info
3. Winner will be chosen on Saturday, June 18th via random.org.
4. Winner will be notified by email to contact info left in comments
5. Winner will have 48 hours to respond to claim prize or an alternate winner will be chosen.

I hope you win! You will be so blessed by these audios!

I already had these mp3's because I just can't get enough of them! But I also received this product for honest review from Eternal
Encouragement Magazine as a part of The Gabby Moms blogging program. All
opinions expressed are solely my own.

Finally Home

I thought I'd check in and give a little update on what is going on with us lately.

Kevin returned from his 15-month-long absence on May 14 and almost immediately after that things kicked into gear for us to relocate from Tennessee to Illinois. It is always so exciting moving to a whole new place. It feels like a fresh clean start.

We arrived at our new base in Illinois on May 25. Since then God has made His presence in our lives amazingly clear by answering one prayer after another. I prayed that He would lead us to the perfect house He had for us. We found the one the first day. I won't know what to do with all the space I will have! It is 3 times as big as the biggest house we've ever had! I'm just in awe of how God has blessed us. Our house has every single thing on my wish list (I NEVER thought I'd get EVERYTHING on it!): 4 big bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a large master suite with a walk-in closet and a big tub, a second living room which can be a school room, a large kitchen (which we bought new appliances and an island for), a gas fireplace, a basement, a big yard (which we will be fencing in almost right away), room for both sets of washers and dryers. If you know what I'm used to, you'll understand why I feel so overwhelmingly blessed! Our house is like a mansion to me! We don't get to move into it until next month. Until then we're very comfortable in temporary military housing, but still impatiently waiting to finally get to go home!

I prayed God would lead us to a great church. It was the first one we visited. We haven't even visited another one! It is an amazing wonderful church, better than I could have even imagined.

I prayed that I would at least like this area a little since we will likely be here a while. I more than like it--I LOVE it! It has everything I could want and more. It's perfect (ok, other than the lack of mountains and rolling hills) and I'm thrilled to be settling here for a good while. I also love the base. It has so much more to offer than our base in Montana and is so much nicer.

We are doing great adjusting to having a husband and daddy around again. Yes, it is a big adjustment and we've had our struggles, but we love having him home again. It's so comforting to have such a normal feel to our days, looking forward to daddy coming home every evening and spending the weekends with him. It feels like HOME again.

I'm still praying for a big van that we can all fit in, a great group of friends, and maybe a few more babies to fill the seats of that big van. But I have plenty of time to wait for those answers ;) God is in control and He is so GOOD!

My Favorite Getaway

My nightly bath is something I look forward to all day long. After the house is quiet I start filling up that tub with hot water and bubbles and end my day by relaxing and energizing my spirit. This is also the time I get a chance to savor my favorite magazines in total silence. I especially look forward to this time if one of my favorite magazines is waiting for me, Eternal Encouragement.

Eternal Encouragement??? What is that? Some new gem I've discovered? Nope. Something I have long loved and treasured, but now has a new name. Eternal Encouragement is the new name for TEACH Magazine! I have loved TEACH for a long time and I never would have thought it could be improved, but WOW! It definitely went through Extreme Makeover: TEACH Edition! And the results are amazing!!

Not only has the name changed to Eternal Encouragement (with a slogan of "Inspiring Women to Become More Like Jesus Every Day"), but the format has totally changed. The magazine is smaller now (the size is perfect!) and it's in COLOR! The many articles are organized into three "Departments": "Godly Women", "Godly Homemakers", and "Godly Mothers". This season's issue was a total of 63 pages--63 pages of nothing but meat! Rich, inspiring, challenging, encouraging article after article that make my heart soar with passion for my calling in life!

What hasn't changed about the quarterly magazine is the theme for each issue. This issue's theme was "Time Flies". I cannot begin to tell you how, well, timely this was for me. Using my time wisely, not wasting it, living in the moment, treasuring TODAY. And somehow tying in with all this there are articles on child training, recipes, controlling clutter, marriage, free homeschool resources, product reviews, healthy eating, and SO much more. One of my favorite articles was "10 Ways to Make Today Your Best Day Ever" by Lorrie Flem. It's my new to-do list.

Eternal Encouragement magazine is the absolute best magazine for all aspects of our lives as wives, mothers, homemakers, homeschoolers, and most of all, women of God. It is an investment I have never regretted making. You can subscribe to it at www.eternalencouragement.com.

I already subscribe to this magazine, but I also received this product for honest review from Eternal
Encouragement Magazine as a part of The Gabby Moms blogging program. All
opinions expressed are solely my own.

How a joyful mother answers the people at Walmart

The other day as I was getting my six children and myself ready for our weekly grocery shopping trip, I was mentally preparing myself for the usual onslaught of questions, comments, and stares. "How shall I answer today?" I contemplated. "Nice, polite, and sweet? Sarcastic? Jokingly? Referring to God?" I take many approaches and it gets interesting. But then it struck me. I have never asked God how I should respond. So I did. "Lord, what should I say to all these people? Some are nice, some are shocked, some are downright rude and disgusting. How would You have me answer in a way that glorifies You?"

Nothing came to me that day so I just went on with business as usual. I told people I was lucky, that God had blessed me, that I loved my life, etc. Then yesterday it came to me. "Praise the Lord." I praise the Lord for my children every day, so why not praise the Lord for them then too? Yes, that could answer almost everything:

Are they all yours? Yes, praise the Lord!

You have your hands full! Yes, I do--praise the Lord!

How do you do it? Praise the Lord--I couldn't do it without Him!

Even.... Don't you know what causes that? Why yes I do--praise the Lord!

I realized that praising the Lord is the perfect answer. It gives God the glory for my precious children and it lets people know that I believe they are blessings from Him.

Last night as I was going to bed and smiling about my new answer, a line from a song suddenly popped into my head. "He makes the barren woman become a joyful mother, and the home she lives in is filled with laughter, so praise ye the Lord." Then I remembered Psalm 113:9.

He makes the barren woman abide in the house as a joyful mother of children. Praise the LORD!

WOW! Not only is that the perfect answer, but it is how God WANTS us to respond to this blessing of abiding in our homes as joyful mothers! As we fix our eyes on Him and His Word, our natural response to this calling should be PRAISE THE LORD!

After God brought that verse to my mind, I knew this was His answer to me. How should I respond? With praise to the Lord!


JOYFUL MOTHER
By Pearl Barrett and Serene Allison

Hannah knelt before the Lord
Her lips moved with the anguish of her soul
Grant me my desire Lord
Give to me a son that I can hold
She never stopped asking for her miracle
God was faithful, He remembered her

Chorus:
He makes the barren woman
Become a joyful mother
And the home she lives in
Is filled with laughter so praise ye the Lord

It seemed to be impossible
Sarah wondered how this could be true
God had promised she would be
A mother, but her years had passed too soon
But there’s a perfect timing to God’s plan
The King of Kings would come through her Son
(Chorus)
Bridge:
Who is like the Lord our God who dwells on high
Who humbles Himself to behold
The things on Heaven and on earth.

2011-2012 Homeschool Plans

I know it seems a little early for this post, but we are going to have such a busy summer with my husband getting home for good and a big move that I needed to do all my planning and buying early. Here are our plans for next school year:

Justin--fourth grade:

My Father's World: Exploring Countries and Cultures
BJU Bible Truths
Explode the Code
A Reason for Spelling C
New American Cursive II
Queen Language Lessons for the Very Young 2
Master Skills English 4 (a light grammar supplement)
A Beka fourth grade readers
Teaching Textbooks 5


David--second grade:

My Father's World: Exploring Countries and Cultures
BJU Bible Truths
Explode the Code
A Reason for Spelling B
The Complete Book of Handwriting
Queen Language Lessons for the Very Young 1
Master Skills English 2 (supplement)
A Beka second grade readers
Teaching Textbooks 3 (or possibly MCP Mathematics B, depending on how he tests at the end of this year)


Isaiah--kindergarten

My Father's World from A to Z
BJU Bible Truths
Explode the Code
Queen Language Lessons for Little Ones 2
CLP K readers


Zachary--preK

My Father's World from A to Z
BJU Bible Truths
Queen Language Lessons for Little Ones 1


Cara and Tyson--preschool

BJU Bible Truths
Lauri toys from My Father's World toddler and preschool package. Love these! They will be for school time only!

Ordering your day: Advice from a mother of 10!

I have a very special treat for you today! My friend Edee has graciously agreed to be a guest blogger here today and share some wise words about scheduling. She is the mother of 10 beautiful children and one of the wisest women I know. I hope you will be blessed by her words of advice for mothers.

First, I think the best thing you can do is to ask your husband what he would like for you to do as far as a schedule. What does he want you to accomplish each day? Then, just do what he thinks, even if it's not exactly what you had in mind. I've learned this the hard way. My ideas are usually high and lofty. My to-do list for one day usually takes at least an entire week to accomplish, and I get disappointed and irritated when I don't get it done that day! Shane, who isn't usually dealing with changing hormones, sleepless nights nursing a baby, and all the wonderful things that come during that postpartum time of life, usually has a much better grasp on what I can realistically accomplish.

Next, when we have been on a schedule, it's a very basic, flexible one. It's more of an "order of events" rather than an actual schedule with time slots. Here's what our "normal school day schedule" looks like:

BIBLE TIME WITH DADDY (the whole family): ideally 7:30 but fluctuates depending on sleepless nights, Shane's work schedule, etc.

If Daddy can't do this, we have individual quiet time with the Lord. This may look as simple as reading a simple Bible story with little ones then reciting a verse and singing a song.

BREAKFAST

MORNING CHORES (make beds, get dressed, tidy a little bit)

MORNING WORKBOOK TIME

LUNCH (hopefully around 1:00)

NAPS AND OLDER ONES' WORKBOOK TIME (hopefully 2-4:00 but at least by 3:30 - 5:30) (my youngsters nap until they're 5 or 6, depending on the needs of the child and the mama!)

PLAYTIME/OUTSIDE WORK/MOMMIES' TIME TO PAY BILLS, ETC.

JURISDICTIONS JUST BEFORE SUPPER (each room gets a quick tidy, laundry gets put away, etc.) This is a wonderful way to enter a more relaxing evening with Daddy! We almost always have music playing and often a candle lit when Daddy gets home. We want him to step into our home and consider it a wonderful, aromatic, comfortable, and peaceful haven from the world.

SUPPER

BATHS

READING/FAMILY TIME

BEDTIME - younger ones ideally by 9:30, older ones by 10:00, daddy and mama by 11:00

I hesitate to even put times since they do change so often. However, this "order of events" is almost always the same, unless we have company or needs like a film deadline or farm/garden needs that change it (which is fairly often). Our little ones are very used to the schedule and know what to expect. I still think flexibility is the key - for the purpose of peace, not for idleness or laziness (by the way, taking a nap with little ones instead of doing grammar workbooks is not idle nor lazy!).

When all your children are little, it is so hard to stick with a stringent schedule. We were watching a home video last night, and I was reminded once again of how quickly time flies. My children don't remember or even care what our "schedule" was when they were little, but they do remember the times we played outside together, played play dough, took a walk, or took a surprise picnic to the park. I'm not advocating never doing laundry or cleaning, etc. These things must be done, and we mustn't feel guilty about it. Bring them along beside you to do daily tasks together, and make it fun.

Now that we have so many older children in our family, I'm amazed at the amount of things we can get done in one day, with only a reasonable amount of effort per person. I think that training them to do small tasks cheerfully and well really pays off. Let them do as much as they can to help.

All that said, we do have particular areas that are "scheduled" or at least planned. They are as follows:

We do use charts.

*I have a "table setting chore" chart (napkins, utensils, make drinks, dish out plates, serve the condiments, "Dabney and Delight duty" which means change their diaper, wash their hands, buckle them in their seats), etc.)

*a chore chart with daily chores as well as Friday cleaning chores (we clean the whole house every Friday with only tidying/light cleaning on other days). Each room of the house is a jurisdiction for one person to keep presentable. This chart also includes each person's kitchen clean-up chore and/or farm chore. We change this schedule every Monday so that everyone gets experience with different chores, plus it breaks the monotony.

*Also, I have a bath schedule (during winter time, little ones only get 2 baths per week unless they get unusually dirty). The older ones and myself take turns giving baths, and it usually goes something like this: "Is it my turn to give babies baths tonight? OH Good! I was hoping I'd get to do that tonight!"

*Also, we have a supper schedule - each of the four older girls and myself are assigned different nights of the week to choose the menu and cook supper for everyone. Right now, I only cook supper on Friday and Saturday nights! (reaping the benefits of letting them get in there and cook with me when they were little).

We used to have a laundry schedule, with all the older ones taking turns each day to do laundry. Recently, we've assigned the monumental, perpetual task of sorting, washing, hanging, drying, folding, and putting away laundry, to one older girl for an entire week. She gets one younger helper to assist her. Can you believe that this happens to be their favorite chore??

Okay, I hope this helps somewhat. Remember, having older children makes a huge difference. Breathe deep, meditate on the Word, pray without ceasing, smile and laugh most of the day, and enjoy those little ones God has entrusted to you. What a wonderful stage of life you're in!!!


I just LOVE that last paragraph! Thank you so much, Edee, for sharing with us!! Edee and her family have also made a wonderful film called Children are a Blessing, which I have shared here before. I highly recommend it! I hope you will visit their website at moorefamilyfilms.blogspot.com

The Story of Us

For Valentine's Day, I am remembering the story of us....

I was 18 years old, going to college and working full time at Long John Silver's. He was 20 and working selling Kirby vacuum cleaners. One day he was working in my town (an hour away from where he lived) and stopped for lunch at the Long John Silver's drive-thru. I saw him at the window from across the room and there was an instant reaction in my mind..."I'm going to marry him." We exchanged glances, or maybe long stares, before he got his food and drove away. I couldn't get him off my mind after that.

About an hour later, guess who comes walking through the door. My heart was racing--I just knew he was going to talk to me. But, no. He asked my co-worker for directions to Wal-Mart, cast a quick glance in my direction, and left again. I was so disappointed.

Then maybe another hour later, guess who! This time he ordered a fish sandwich, sat down and ate it while I anxiously waited for him to finally come talk to me. I just knew what he kept coming back for! But again, he left.

After that I thought about that guy every single day. I watched the door, waiting for him to walk though it because I just knew he would come back. I had no doubt. It was just a matter of when.

That day came only a week later. He came in for lunch during a busy time at Long John's. I was very busy working, but my mind was on the cute guy sitting by the window. Then, after the crowds had died down, I looked over and saw him standing at the counter looking at me. Nervously, I walked over and he said what I knew he would say, "Can I call you sometime?" Yes! Of course! I tried not to act too excited as I wrote down my name and phone number. He handed me his: Kevin Thomas. What a perfect name. When I read it, it sounded like home.

A few days later my phone finally rang. It was him. He told me that he had been thinking of me since the first time he saw me and a song was what gave him the courage to finally come back and talk to me. And he sang it to me. The first time we ever talked, he sang to me! He sang this song, which became our song:

Once in Lifetime Love

Girl I know you don't really know me
Still I want you to listen closely
This might sound crazy
But after all isn't love like that
I would be crazy to let this moment pass

What if I don't say what's on my mind
And you walk away
I might live out my life
And never feel this way
What if you are the one
That I'm meant to love
What if tonight is the night
What if once in a lifetime love
Don't come twice

Girl take a chance, time is unfolding
We could be blessed without even knowing
Just for a minute
Close your eyes and don't take another breath
'Cause what if you miss it
And it never comes again

What if you don't say what's on your mind
And I walk away
You might live out your life
And never feel this way
What if I am the one
That you're meant to love
And what if tonight is the night
What if once in a lifetime love
Don't come twice

I don't wanna wake up by myself
Years from now wishin'
That I'd told you what I felt
Your eyes are a window to your soul
If you don't open up
I may never know

What if we don't say what's on our minds
And we walk away
We might live out our lives
And never feel this way
What if I am the one
And you are the one
What if tonight is the night
What if once in a lifetime love
Don't come twice

Listen to this song here.

Well, as you can imagine I absolutely melted. It felt like a dream. I still knew I was going to marry him and as I got to know him, I knew it more and more.

Six months to the day of our first date, he put a beautiful engagement ring on my finger. And five months after that, on May 5, 2001, we began our adventure together as husband and wife. Almost ten years and six children later, I can honestly say I love him more than I ever have. It hasn't been a fairy tale--we still have our ups and downs, but looking at the big picture I can see how much we have grown and how it's getting better and better with every year. The past ten years really have been an adventure and I can't wait to see what the next ten years hold for us.

And the name Kevin Thomas still sounds like home. I love you, Kevin. Happy Valentine's Day.

One Year

(The above photo is a stock photo--not really us!)

February 7 marked one year since my husband left to serve in Korea. He will be home in two weeks. I knew from the beginning that this year was from the Lord. I felt a strange peace about it all. I knew it had a purpose. I thought I knew what that purpose was.

I decided that I would devote this year to praying for my husband. Then when he came home God would have fixed him because of my faithful prayers.

Yes, I did. And I just admitted that to the world.

Now I know the purpose. God fixes what is broken.

****************************************************

I prayed for God to change my husband. God changed me.

I prayed that the Lord would touch my husband and get his attention. He touched me. He got my attention.

I prayed that God would soften my husband's heart. He softened mine when I didn't even know it was hard.

I prayed that my husband would learn about love! I learned what love really is.

I prayed that my husband would see eye to eye with me about my dreams. God showed me how to lay my dreams on the altar and trust Him. He reminded me that He is in control--not me--and that I needed to give Him control....by giving him control.

I prayed that my husband would appreciate me. Then I began to appreciate him.

I prayed that God would show him how wrong he was! Then He showed me how wrong I was.

I prayed that God would make him love me (the way I wanted to be loved, of course). Then God made me love him, with a love deeper than anything I have known before.

I said, "Don't bring him back until he has changed!" He didn't bring him back. Until I changed.

I prayed he would come back a new man! Instead he is coming home to a new woman. A woman who loves the old man just the way he is.

With
all
my
heart.

********************************************************

You had to go away.
I had some things to work through, some things God had to deal with in me. God had a lot to teach me. He had to break me so He could fix me.
Not that He is done with me--there is always more work to be done here on this sin-filled earth. But now it is time for on the job training.
Now I think it's time to begin again. Now you're coming home. I am ready now. God answered all my prayers.

True Treasure winner!

The winner of True Treasures is Millicent, chosen by Random.org. I hope you enjoy the book, Millicent!!

True Treasures--Review and Giveaway!

I just finished this really good book! If I could have I would have devoured it all in one sitting, but since obviously that is impossible, I savored it during my nightly bath. I don't want to sound redundant, but I found so many priceless nuggets of TREASURE in True Treasures.

True Treasures is a collection of some of the best articles from the past 10 years of TEACH Magazine, which recently took on the new name, Eternal Encouragement magazine. I treasure my TEACH magazines (there's that word again!) and keep the ones I have in binders to read over and over again, so it was such a treat to be able to add such wonderful articles from past issues to my collection.

True Treasures is made up of six chapters.
1. Jewels that Make the Heart Sparkle
2. Marriages of Solid Gold
3. Parenting Pearls: Practical and Priceless
4. Homemaking That Dazzles like Diamonds
5. Homeschooling Nuggets of Wisdom
6. Godly Living that Glitters

I loved the topical layout and felt so strengthened and inspired in each area of my life after reading each chapter. One of my favorite passages came from an article by Lorrie Flem and it just spoke to me so much about the season of my life I'm in right now:

If the floor doesn't get mopped, and the clothes are overflowing their umpteen baskets, what difference does it make? Some days, being a Godly mother is all we can accomplish--and it is a BIG accomplishment. After all, I don't plan on taking my baskets of dirty laundry and the dirty kitchen floor with me when Jesus returns. I do plan to take my family! There won't be any quizzes to make sure our children know their multiplication tables before they are allowed entry into Heaven's gates. We've got to keep things in perspective. Housekeeping and homeschooling are important,but there are other things even more important. If we keep the right perspective, the Lord will bless all our efforts: homemaking, homeschooling, mothering, and being a loving wife. Eventually, the undone jobs will get done, but in the meantime, our children have a mother who truly loves and cares for them by spending her time with them.

Doesn't that remind you of what's important? This book reminded me again and again of who I am, why I'm doing what I'm doing, and how to do it--and that it is all about Him!

Now here is the really good news for you! TEACH magazine sent me this book to review, but I had already bought it because I knew it was a treasure I wanted in my home! So that means I now have two, which gives me the opportunity to bless someone reading this with a copy of True Treasures. To enter, go to my Facebook page, "like" Homekeeping Heart on Facebook, then "like" the post linking to this post. How easy is that?!?! This Friday I will randomly choose a winner.

And I have MORE good news! If you don't win the book, you can use the coupon code GabbyMom to save $4 off of True Treasures through May 31, 2011.

And if you don't subscribe to TEACH Magazine, I HIGHLY recommend you do. Not only is the magazine itself true treasure, the books and audios by Lorrie Flem are a tremendous encouragement for wives, moms, homemakers, and homeschoolers. So many good things are available at www.homemakingwithTEACH.com.

I received this product for honest review from TEACH Magazine as a part of The Gabby Moms blogging program. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Top 10 things not to say to a mom

There are more, but these are my personal top 10.

Some of these things are fine if they are honest questions coming from a friend. But if you see a mom in the store or any other public place that you don't know, please do not say these things!

1. You have your hands full. You've got your hands full.

2. Are they all yours? They're not all yours all they? I know those aren't all yours. I hope those aren't all yours. Surely them ain't all yers.

3. How do you do it? I don't know how you do it. I don't see how you do it.

4. Bless your heart. Love your heart. God bless/love your heart. (while shaking head in pity.)

5. You're crazy. You must be crazy. I'd lose my mind.

6. Shhhhhhoooh (while rolling eyes)

7. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6...

8. You poor thing. I feel so sorry for you. Poor you.

9. You're brave. You must be so patient. You're supermom.

10. Are you done yet? Are you going to have more? Are you planning to have more? Do you want more?

Lord of all, or not at all

This is a repost from August 2006. My third baby Isaiah is now 5 and my sixth baby Tyson is now the almost-11-month old. To be honest, it was easy for me to trust God in having more babies because they are my greatest joy and delight and I long for more! Now my faith is tested in that I am having to trust Him in the opposite situation:the possibility of never having more. This is where I really have to remind myself--He is STILL Lord of all, He is STILL in control, He is STILL on the throne. I can trust Him with this just like I always have.


August 11, 2006

Today my baby Isaiah is 11 months old. I seriously can't believe how fast this year has flown. David was only 10 months old when I became pregnant with Isaiah, so now there is officially a longer break before I have my next baby. Most people would probably say, "Your next baby?! Your youngest IS still a baby--and he's your third in three years!" But you'd only say that if you didn't know me Anyone who knows me knows that my not being pregnant yet is not good news OR bad news. If I found out tomorrow that I was I would be absolutely thrilled. And even though there are days I long to be expecting another son or my first daughter, I will be just as happy if my womb remains barren for three more years. Because I trust God's perfect timing.

So although I announce my non-pregnant state thus far with a bit of relief that I'm over the hump of "too soon", what I'm truly amazed by is God's never failing presence in my life. Although I've technically been able to become pregnant for at least six months now, my womb has not been opened because it is God who opens and closes it and it is not His time.

I am so at peace with this area of my life because I've given it over to Him. After all, shouldn't we give every area of our lives over to Him? We never have to worry about "trying" or preventing--we just LIVE and love whatever God brings our way. What freedom and joy! I will never have any regrets. You will never visit a nursing home and hear old ladies say, "I wish I'd never had those last two children. They were just too much on me." No! It's unthinkable. But I'm sure you'll hear MANY ladies lament, "IF ONLY I'd had more children." But I will never have to live with those regrets. I will always know I had the perfect number of children. No more. No less.

Who knows? God may be done with my womb. Three may be it for me. But I truly hope there are many more waiting in the wings for us. I imagine myself at my 90th birthday party, surrounded by maybe a dozen children, scores of grandchildren, hundreds of great-grandchildren, and the beginnings of countless great-great-grandchildren, and looking around at what the Lord has brought forth from our union. He started with two and from that came hundreds of His children, serving Him and doing great things in the world. What a legacy!

Among Christians there seems to be two belief systems. First there are those who believe that God created the universe, set it in motion, and left it to go it's course and let nature happen. It astounds me that any follower of Jesus Christ could think such a thing. Then there are those who believe that God is involved in our lives down to the last detail, that every second is orchestrated by His Divine Hand. I am among these. I've seen Him too much in my life not to know this. He's done and worked out way too many things--from the most life-changing things to the tiniest things that seem to not even matter. Since He loves us so much and is so involved, why not give it all up to Him? Why not entrust every detail of your life to His wisdom and love? In that total surrender is true joy, peace, and freedom. You will never find that in anything else--not in yourself or a loved one, not in material things, not in the pleasures this world seeks after, and not in drowning out life with things that confuse your mind. Only in giving it all to Him.

Starting tomorrow...

Back to School

Tomorrow we are starting school again and I can't wait to get back into a routine. Everything is out of control during so-called "breaks"! My curriculum looks a lot different than it did at the first of the year. I got all those workbooks, textbooks, and scripted teacher's manuals out of my system REAL fast and have since returned to my true love, Charlotte Mason. Most of my curriculum is following the guidelines at Simply Charlotte Mason. For many subjects I have developed my own system of using the Bible. I will primarily be using the Bible for reading, copywork/handwriting, spelling/dictation, and english.

Using the Charlotte Mason approach, we'll be covering all these areas.
Math--using Teaching Textbooks, Horizons, and Singapore (three different kids, three different needs.)
Science--using Christian Liberty nature readers and an A Beka science reader.
Reading--the Bible along with some readers from A Beka and Christian Liberty Press for added literature.
Copywork--bible verses, hymns, poems
English--Language Lessons from Queen Homeschool as a supplement. These are wonderful!
Character--bible and read-alouds, currently reading Everyday Graces. LOVE this book!
History--read-alouds and A Beka history readers
Geography--map books and GeoPuzzles! We'll go deeper into geography later. For now the puzzles are awesome.
Bible--LOTS of bible! We are also still going through BJU Bible Truths that I just can't let go.
Scripture Memory--verse packs from Simply Charlotte Mason.
Literature--lots of books books books! Right now our A Beka readers and Everyday Graces is covering a wide variety of literature for us.
Poetry--we're going through Favorite Poems Old and New.
Nature Study--this involves me actually going outside with my kids once a week. This takes a lot of discipline from me, but I hope to do it with them at least once a week.
Picture Study--currently studying John James Audubon. There are such wonderful children's books for learning about artists and their work. We're also learning a lot about birds through this particular artist!
Music Study--currently studying Bach. We are using books from Vision Forum that study the lives and music of composers. Excellent. This is the first time I have every studied or even listened to classical music (other than being in ballet growing up) and I love it.
Hymn Study--using Hymns for a Kids Heart. We're currently in Volume 2.
Missions Studies--currently reading about Gladys Alyward
Shakespeare--We are reading a children's version of Midsummer Night's Dream. Unsure about whether or not we will move beyond children's adaptations right now.


That looks overwhelming, but it is really very simple, easy, and relaxing--and fun. Many things are only covered once or twice a week so it is not as much as it seems. Just lots of good books and learning interesting things!