The large family feeling hit today.

I got home today and thought to myself, "Why am I so tired?" Then as I reflected on the day, I realized why. I woke up and got 4 boys ready for church and the fifth boy ready to go to the doctor. During our 45 minute wait until we had to leave for the doctor, I called several garden centers to find one that might have icicle pansies in yet. (I just learned these bloom all fall and are the first to bloom in spring.) Off to the doctor all to find out that A6 has Scarlet Fever. I about freaked out until the doctor explained that scarlet fever is simply Strep with a rash. Whew! That sounded a little more normal. But still we are treating it intently! After finishing with the doc, I went by Big Lots, right next to the doc office, looking for something to organize my office wires and such better. We got that done and realized I had N13's and M8's football pads in the van and would need to rush them home instead of getting the perscription filled. I got home, unloaded the organizers, got the football pads loaded in the jeep, got N13's shoes on to make him go with me to take D11 to a Birthday party and get the perscription. I did not want to leave N3 with A6 to get strep also. When we got to the birthday party, I spoke with the parents and got D11 all situated to go home with them since I would still be at N13's football game. I went home with the perscription and found out A6 wanted to go with us to the games. (Because you can buy sour candy there. :-) ) Oh, but before leaving, I could not help myself and organized half the office closet in my new bins. We headed out to catch the end of M8's game. Since M8 only gets to play in the last quarter, we were not in a hurry. We stayed for N13's game immediately following. While at the game, I videoed each play, visited with N13's friend, Zack, that came to watch and tried to keep 3 boys under my wing. M8 was so excited to join the other young brothers on the field and give out water. On the way home we picked up D11 at his friends house, spoke on the phone with Tonya B. while driving about a future trip to FL, and gave Scott a grocery list to get on the way home over the phone. This is when I walked in the door so blessed that Dad had the kitchen clean and dinner ready and was ever so thankful as I also was pondering, "Why am I so tired?" As I sat down to eat and thought of all that had happened today, I thought I'd better write this down so in the future I will remember these days. I ended my day with tucking my boys in, visiting with Aunt Betty on the phone and catching up and turning off the lights so I would not see any mess that needed to be cleaned and am now going to bed. Yae!

The Twins

My cutie nephew & his porcelain sister
(If you do not believe me, click on the picture and you will see!)



Grandma and Papa Steve had fun playing with their only baby girl.

M8's game pants

M8 is getting to sit on the sidelines this year a lot as a newcomer just like N13 did last year. Well after 4 games, I finally have to wash M8's pants. While watching N13's game, he spilt nacho cheese sauce on them! Hey at least he can say he got his pants washed faster than N13 did. :-)

I needed a good laugh!

A6 gave me a good laugh today. Last week at co-op he had 4 different classes to go to. The 4th class was Karate. On our second day at co-op, he started begging me not to send him back to his karate class. I asked what was making him not want to go. He said with a squeaky cry, "My teacher said if we don't listen, we are going to get beat up."

Poor guy, I was laughing so hard just imagining those inocent little eyes getting huge as he heard the teacher say that. I guess that shows he can't quite control that wandering mind and very active body. He did not trust himself to return to that class for fear of the corporal punishment! Extreme corporal punishment! My boys are having fun with that imitating what the teacher might do to you for different bad behaviors.

By the way the teacher thought it was funny too and tried to reassure him there would be no contact with anyone. Too late! A6 has decided to go with the much safer Spanish 1.

News on Home School

Wow! I can’t believe I am saying this, but home schooling all 4 went even better than sending two to school and home schooling the older two. M8 held me to trying it for a week. For one, having the little brothers join us for several subjects like science actually challenged the older boys. They certainly did not want little bro showing them up by remembering what angiosperm and gymnosperm were while they struggled to remember. Second, since we did school from 8:30 to 2:30 with only a 30 minute break for lunch, we were all free to do what we wanted and had time to each do a chore of the day and cook dinner. Last year, without a schedule, we would finish home schooling anywhere from 1 to 4:40, more the latter. The other boys got home from school at 4:10- 4:30 and had an hours worth of homework or more. This was also cooking time! Third, the mornings went much smoother not having to worry about finding shoes, ironing clothes, finishing homework or paperwork, or making lunches.

The schools here are further behind than where we came from. I was too busy to worry with it and let them go at the pace the school was, but I was disappointed to find that in order to buy curriculum for the boys for this year, I am having to buy all the material I bought for M8 in K when we home schooled him for A6 to do for his first grade year. In other words, A6, our 1st grader, will need to learn what M8 learned in K.

Well, I have a great perspective on the matter and am feeling overjoyed to have this opportunity to HS them. I went to school to be a teacher, because I love kids and teaching. I also wanted a career that would work well with the family. I never dreamed I would be teaching my own kids! I also am excited that I am in charge of choosing the curriculum, doing things my way, and have no deadlines as if I were teaching for someone else. I get to pick my own hours and do not have to get my kids or myself fully ready daily. I do not have the drive time, parent time, and meetings I am forced to take. Oh, and I do not have to do "impress the parent or principal projects" ;-) hee hee) Just a few weeks ago, I was with a lady who showed me the one room schoolhouse her mother taught 12 different grades in all her life, so that gave me a good perspective that 4 or 5 is not so bad! Oh, did I mention I get to decide if there is homework!! Woo Hoo!
We are doing a new co-op this year that is run like a school. One day almost every week, we will go to co-op and each of the boys will go to 4 separate classes. It sounds like it is going to be a great year! A6 will be taking Art, Character First, PE, and Karate. M8 will be doing the Tour of the World, Election Study, Character First, and Botany. D11 has a writing class, Election Study, Art and Botany. N13 has a writing class, Taking stock in “the state we are in” (they work in groups and get to do a mock run in investing money online competing with other students across the state), General Science doing the labs at co-op, and art. N3 is attempting the preschool activities.
I am looking forward to our school year this year!

Beth Moore Telecast to 716 sights!

When I heard Beth Moore was coming in town, I bought my ticket right away. It has been sitting in my closet for over 6 months. I had no idea it was going to be telecast to over 716 places internationally. One place was in my mother in law's home church. She was there watching the conference live with over 150 women.

I was with over 8,000 in one church. Over 70,000 people total were watching from all over. Beth Moore has been my favorite bible teacher for ever since before D11 was born. I have learned so many things that I have just felt that people do not need to leave this earth without knowing. Now I am not just talking the most obvious here, like knowing how to be sure you can go to heaven! That of course is most important, but I mean the other jewels in God's Word that connects the dots to many questions we have about the old testament and the new testament and answers questions like "Why did they sacrifice animals" and "How does that relate to us?"

Beth Moore was in Luke 8. ...he told this parable: 5 "A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds of the air ate it up. 6 Some fell on rock, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown." When he said this, he called out, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear." 9 His disciples asked him what this parable meant. 10 He said, "The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that, "'though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand.' 11 "This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God. 12 Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. 13 Those on the rock are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away. 14 The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. 15 But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop. She explained this so well, and I would be happy to share my notes.

Well the challenge of having all 4 on 4 different teams has actually turned out to be not so difficult. Last year only N13 had practice, so that seemed to burden the family when everyone had their different agendas. With all 4 needing to go, it was actually a nice family outing each night.

Here they are at weigh ins from last Saturday. They had a great time caravaning with all the 4 teams in decorated cars on the way for team pictures and weigh ins.

My Brother's Family

God blessed Jason and Amy with these sweet peas earlier this year! Our prayers were doubled! We got more than what we were asking for. And thankfully! They are the cutest little bundles of joy. I know how my heart is overjoyed with one, I can't comprehend how their heart can handle double the joy.

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I am ever so thankful that my brother has found such a great wife and is blessed with these precious babies. They are such a blessing in our lives. I can't wait to see them again!

How to Spice Up Your Blog - Invite Aunt Betty!

Introducing my dear sweet Aunt Betty. I was wondering how I could spice up my blog, and I found out how. I showed Aunt Betty how to comment. She went to town commenting on every post! She has other aliases such as "anonymous", "AB" (for Aunt Betty) and "Me". Sh! Don't tell her I told you. (Although I can honestly say, just because it says anonymous does not mean it is her. There could be impersonaters!) She is so much fun and loves Christ. You can tell by all her comments if you ever get time to read them. All you have to do is click the comment button at the bottom of every post to see what the ever famous Aunt Betty had to say.

She is shown here with her much needed and deserved new, and I mean NEW, car. See, she is saying, "Whoo hoo!" She is such a blessing to me and my family. Thanks Aunt Betty for taking so much time for us, encouraging us and all the other great things you do. We LOVE you very much!!!!

Ear Opening Story

I met a new friend a couple weeks ago that shared a story with me that she normally does not share much. You’ll see why after you hear it. I was so blessed by her story that I thought others may be glad to hear it as well. If you are blessed, either comment or email me so I can share with her that she does not need to keep that story quiet!

She has had to go off and on medication like Prozac a few times due to typical thoughts in her head that we all get that got her depressed. She was told to expect that need for meds to come and go. Well, she was feeling the need for it again and took it to her husband. He said, “No.” She cried and pleaded with him, but he said she needed to pray about it. She knew God wanted her to honor her husband as her leader, so she felt trapped and just cried. Shortly after he left the room, she went to him to pray with her. They prayed for hours until the wee hours of the morning. Afterwards, he fell right to sleep, but she was unable to sleep just yet from all the emotion and just laid there. Soon she heard audible voices coming from her bathroom, from under her bed, then from another place in the house. Scared, she tried to nudge her hubby to wake to no avail and just pulled the covers up quivering. She said she has never heard God speak to her before, but that night, she heard Him. He said, “They never were in your head.” Wow! God allowed her to hear it audibly to show her the truth!

Once light was shed on the truth of what was going on, she was able to know who it was coming from and know it was a lie. She was healed from needing the meds. She still has times that she hears things “in her head” that she has to remind herself of the truth she experienced from God and is able to move forward.

Those voices that may be telling you, “You are no Christian. Look at how you act,” “No one wants to hear you,” “No one really cares about you,” “When will you ever get it?” , or many other condemning words that drag you down. God’s word will never condemn you! God’s words only point to the way out and give you a hope and fresh slate. He will convict you that you need to change, but there is a feeling of hope with His conviction, not feelings of misery.

If you have not heard one of my favorite songs, Voice of Truth, which is listed on my jukebox, now would be a great time to hear it!

And a favorite verse: “Take every thought captive to the obedience of Jesus Christ.” In other words there are thoughts that will take you down roads Jesus does not want. Take the thoughts you get, compare them to scripture and if they are not of God, they are not from God, which means there is no value! Lock it up and move on towards freedom in Christ!

NC with the Bakers

We had a great time with the Bakers. We swam and watched the fireworks at the lake by the cabin, hiked down Grave Yard Fields and swam in the waterfall area, and got to spend the night on the Blue Ridge Parkway (Something Scott's always wanted to do). It was beautiful. The kids always enjoy getting together. They are such the best of friends that they act like they have not been moved away for 2 years. These guys have been very close since M8 and G8 were born, 8 years ago. I am very thankful for their friendship. It works out great since their parents enjoy each others company. The kids don't have to beg to get together. We win too! Thanks for being such great friends, Baker family. Such a blessing!

Granddad's buddy

Not to be confused with Granddad's bud! This may be the enemy that helped him wreck his car a few weeks ago. (If he can travel to NC in 3 weeks.) Thankfully Granddad came out with minor scrapes and bruising, but that car is a gonner. Next time the raccoon will be.

This raccoon was off our balcony at the Pisgah Inn on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The boys had fun watching it.

Here is Granddad's buddy! N3 looks forward to Granddad waking up every morning and taking him outside. Granddad is so patient and plays with him just like my Papa (his daddy) did for me. He would play checkers with me for hours and just was never too busy for me. I prayed my kids would get the opportunity to be loved like Papa loved me. Thanks Dad!

FOOTBALL 1ST PRACTICE

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DADDY!!!!!!!! (SCOTT'S B-DAY)

M8


D11, M8 and A6 had their first practice for football today. D11 and M8 have played flag football, but this is their first attempt on tackle. I do not think they were prepared with how heavy that helmet is. M8 and D11 did enjoy their first practice.


D11 RUNNING (to right)

A6 was not so thrilled with practice. You would have never known. He seemed to really enjoy it. With his injured toe, he got special treatment. Here he is getting to lay the ball down for the guys.

A6

___________________________________N13
This is N13's 2nd year with tackle. He has been counting down the days. He sure has grown from last season.

By the way, they are on 4 different teams!!!! Help!

VBS week

Vacation Bible School was lots of fun this past week. Here is our highlight video which shows N3, A6, M8 and D11. Can you find them?

N13 was the only one who did not get to participate. He was too old. He could have been a helper, but he needed to finish up his Math and a couple other subjects for the year. He is so excited to be done. Me too!

Dad is looking for a car. That has been an experience. We are learning what not to do as we go. Pray we will find an economical car that fits his needs. Scott went with him today, and I went yesterday. Dad needs us to tell the dealer, "No." He is too easy to fall into what the dealer wants.

Now we are looking forward to a trip to the cabin with the Bakers and a visit to Jenny Wiley State Park. When we are back, we will show some photos. So looking forward to seeing our old friends and a vacation!

A6's Big Day

A6 and N3 were hanging out with their friend, Ayden, yesterday when Scott and I attended one of his teacher's workshops. During a break, I decided to call and check on them all to open my phone and find this reassuring picture. I know they had a blast, because they were worn out! Thanks Lindsey!

Poor Lindsey was all worried that I would be upset when A6 had an injury to his big toe. No way! He got to ride in a ambulance, get Xrays, and ride in a wheel chair. It was a great adventure! He is still talking about it. I asked if he is happy he did it and he says, "Yes," because all he remembers is the good stuff. He got candy and one awesome huge turtle balloon. We were glad we showed up on Tuesday for Balloon Day at the hospital.

For those whom I did noy get a chance to tell, he decided to pick up a mini trampoline and drop it on his big toe. He is missing half of his toenail and a small portion of his toe. Ouch! He did not need stitches, because there was nothing to stitch together. It will just need to heal as is.

A Special Visitor

We were blessed by a visit from some new friends, the Main family, this Tuesday. When S2 started singing, I just had to run and get the camera. This is N3's buddy. This 2 year old angel is singing, "We stand and lift up our hands. For the joy of the Lord is our strength. We bow down and worship Him now. How great, how awesome is He! Together we sing. Holy is the Lord......." Thank you S2 for your beautiful song!

our first blog

This picture is of Scott and N13 at Nana & Papa's pond in April 08. I am giving my first blog a shot and practicing adding an image. Scott has no idea what I am up to. Hmm? How can I make this a surprise?


I guess I should note my hottest parenthood memory of the day so far. N3 has been potty training. I took him shopping and forgot all about asking if he needed to go potty. While we were in the Walmart parking lot, and I was unloading the cart, I looked over and he had climbed out of the van and was leaving his mark on the pavement! We quickly had a lesson about where to go potty. I hope it sank in those precious big brown innocent eyes.