Awww Look....

...we all gathered for a picture.

I am usually the one taking the pictures therefore I am hardly ever in any of them. But last week before the Christmas parade we gathered around for a picture. Isn't it great? All of us bundled, Judah hardly able to move, and the girls holding their Ziploc bags. What? Don't your kids carry around Ziploc bags just in case they over heat and need to throw up? Oh... well, neither do mine; they're for the candy from the parade ;-) What kind of a freak do you think I am?

ha!

Now, go take a picture with your family.

One Year Ago Today

Her soul mate said goodbye to this world and hello to Heaven's gates.

Meet Daniel's Grandma, Grandma Wilson.


On this day one year ago Grandpa Wilson, took his final breath.

I can't imagine what it is like to lose someone you share your life with. Someone who has held you tight for so many years, shared your joys and sorrows. Someone who has loved you for better or worse. I don't know what it is like to go from a home filled with conversation to a home of silence. This I can not relate to, but it must be so very hard.

We had the opportunity this summer to go for a visit back home. While there, we stayed with Grandma Wilson. Every night before bed she would talk about Grandpa. She would talk about what they use to do before bed each night, or how they would spend their mornings. She talked about how they kept each other warm at night. She told us about how she still does things his way..."Grandpa thought it best to leave those kitchen lights on... so I still leave them on all night long."

But at the end of each conversation she would say something like: "But you know what? He is in a much better place now" or "Can you believe he is already there?... oh, how I wonder what it must be like." with her sweet smile. Then with that simple, sweet, little girl smile on her face she would say to me, "now you dry up those tears hun, you're going to make us both tear up."

But you know what? Thinking back, I don't think they were those kind of tears. I think the reason I would tear up was because every night she would talk about him and I don't think she ever realized she was doing it. She was just happy to have someone to share in conversation with right before bed. She just loved talking about his life, their life. Isn't that so amazing? Their life. It isn't just your life anymore is it? It is a life together.

I'll never know why I am so blessed to share in a life together with such a wonderful person. I don't know why some people are so sad, some lonely, some left behind; yet others find a life full of happiness. It makes me sad.

I do know this however, if I ever experience a life lived with out my wonderful husband, I pray I will be as strong as Grandma Wilson; living and loving like Jesus and leaning on Him for comfort and friendship. After all, It is He who hears her conversations before bed now.


And yet, her joy fills the room each day.

Blessed

Can you believe I get to go to bed and when I wake up there will be fresh clean laundry waiting for me in my laundry room? It's a funny thing: we put the clothes in, they wash, we switch; they dry and then we put them away.

We sure are blessed.

Happiness, I've found, comes from the way we look at things.

The other night I was cooking dinner for my family and another family. When straining the noodles a big portion of them fell onto the floor. I was already running late so cooking more noodles was not what I needed. After a short pause, it was as though a little light bulb went off in my head. I said aloud "Oh look, the food we are so very blessed to have just fell on our nice clean kitchen floor, in our nice warm home... what a bummer."

Funny, huh? Sometimes something as simple as noodles spilling on the floor can be the straw that breaks the camels back after a long day; but maybe we should just step back and observe the situation:

1. Noodles cooked over a hot stove
2. In crystal clean drinking water
3. In a warm home
4. For delivery to friends and my healthy, wonderful family to enjoy.
5. Where that food will nourish us and we will sleep comfy and cozy in our warm beds.

We have so much to be Thankful for, if we just stop and look around us.

Life Happens

Someone asked my children the other day, "Do you raise your hand for your mommy when you need something just like you would in school?"

Now, do NOT get me wrong, the person asking me this, I dearly love but still... I couldn't help but smile when I replied, "Ummm no, we are verrrry relaxed; they usually call me in from the kitchen or come hunt me down when they need help."

Then they asked, "So, do you plan daily outdoor activities for them to get in their physical education time" my answer was: "Well, anything we do as outdoor activities can count as physical education." =)

How in the world would I get all the things I get done in one day if we were set up like a classroom? No wonder so many people who have not home schooled are scared to death of it and think you are some kind of super hero for doing it. I am so blessed God has helped me get over the "what other people think" thing and just love and enjoy my children every day. I think I would go crazy otherwise.

Today not one workbook was opened. Oh yes, we planned to. But when I came home from an 8am appointment and the kids wanted to redo their bedroom, make curtains and little decorations I just couldn't resist a good Home EC lesson =)

By the time we were finished with our girly fun my girls had learned how to totally transform a bedroom using just fabric, ribbons, tying bows, and using imagination. They had also learned how to have patience with a little brother in the midst of all the decorating. They learned how to work together, use each others ideas and make them come to life. School doesn't get much better than that folks =) And what's even better is, I was learning right along with them.


Side Note: Remember my no sew protest? yep, not one single stitch took place in our craftiness today =)

Then after that we made lunch, read some books and the little ones took naps. During naps Alli and I did some chores and had some girly talk. By the time the little ones woke up it was time for our little Sweet Time (oh, I haven't introduced that yet have I... hmmmm I need to do that ;) Today, since I had to run to the store we had our Sweet Time at McDonald's. We redeemed four free ice cream cone coupons, selected a little spot to sit and finished up our Little House on the Prairie Animal Adventures Chapter Book. Afterward we headed to the grocery store.

Now don't get me wrong I think kids need structure. I know my kids THRIVE on structure. We are a very type 'A' house around here; agendas, planning, check lists, schedules etc. But when life happens, we like to go with the flow. Otherwise like I said: I would go crazy when things like this happen...




(click play to view)

Yep, the girls and I were in the school room having a sweet little time; Alli doing work at the table, Jordan and I working with letters on the floor when I noticed it was very quiet in the house. About that time he came tip-toeing over to us covered in white. I considered myself lucky he only grabbed a random thing from the pantry since I had been baking bread earlier that morning and the flour was still on the counter.

BUT it was a great learning experience for the kids, I said: "see, mommy could choose to be very angry right now, especially since I just swept and mopped, but I am choosing to find joy in the situation instead."

But as for that little man...

He sat right here...



...until I was totally finished cleaning it all up ;) Just because I find joy doesn't mean he gets away scott free.

You Might Be a Homeschooler If...

Yep, it's all true. =)

Welcome To The World, Little One

I just got off the phone with my dear friend Ginny.

Many of you might remember I requested prayer for her pregnancy early on. Well, I am very blessed to announce that little J.T. Andrews has entered the world as healthy as can be and right in time for Thanksgiving I might add. =)

He will be making his way home tomorrow, Lord willing to join his new little family. His big brother Caleb and big sister Hannah anxiously await his homecoming.

Here is a picture of our little ones this past summer:

Left to right: Jordan, Caleb, Alli, Hannah, and Judah.

Pictures of the new little man to come soon. We just cant wait to meet him!

Prayers of thanks!!

Why Buy Toys...

when kids love doing things like this?




And yes, if you came to my house I would serve oranges, those oranges :-)

Case and Point

This would be the reason I am afraid of the dentist.

Last TUESDAY (yes, over a week ago) I went to have a filling checked because it had cracked. I have never been to a dentist in this area so I was venturing into uncharted waters.

When he told me I was going to need a temporary filling and then come back for 2 CROWNS I started to cry my little head off. Then he told me, "It's going to be ok, we have Dental Credit" (WHAT?!) he continued: "today we will do a temporary filling to relieve the pain and then I can prove I am gentle."


ummmm, Mr. Dentist... my face is bruised, and I can only open my jaw 1/2 way.



Case and Point.

Have Either of You Seen Your Brother?

There he is!



Uh, oh, what are you doing little man?



We've caught you red handed...



Silly boy, the evidence is running down your chin.

A Weekend With The Girls

Well, have it be said... I have had a weekend out with the girls ;-) A hesitated weekend taken, I might add.

By hesitated I mean...A 'ladies' retreat is not something I really *ahem* deem necessary. Notice the *ahem* (clearing of my throat) because I know that can step on some little ladies toes. I could go into all of the details of why I feel that way but really, it is not something worthy of discussion. Now, if you are really curious for reasons of personal growth, feel free to ask :-)

But, to a ladies retreat/weekend I did go. And it really was a wonderful time. (ha! aren't I so funny) Let me tell you why it was so wonderful. It's not all of the bells and whistles that make it so great, it was the time together. And it is sad that we do not take the time to be in fellowship, spurring each other on more often. It should really be more of a priority.

While at something like that, with the opinion I have, often times I can become very judgmental or critical and that can take over my joy. So many times in scripture Jesus and many others spoke about the importance of finding joy. So a critical spirit I left at the door with the help of the Lord.

Paul says in the book of Philippians,

1If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

5Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
6Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
7but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
9Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

The truth is, we live in America where a lot of ladies need those bells and whistles to hear God sometimes. Well, I wouldn't say need... maybe I would say 'conditioned to need' and when Paul says

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others...

I have to look at that and choose joy for where I am. Making the most of every opportunity for discussion with the ladies, sharing stories, struggles, getting closer to each other, all the while; considering others better than myself and realize I don't have all the answers, yet praising God for the wisdom he has chosen to bless me with. And not the kind of wisdom for "teaching people" but the wisdom, to actually put to practice what Paul is saying in that text and loving others more than myself. Because, even though I have the convictions I have about such events, that could very easily ruin any relationship building I could be doing while God does have me in that situation.

So, with that said: We giggled so much, shared so many stories; some heavy, some light, some absolutely hilarious. We enjoyed coffee together, we ate meals together, stayed up late talking together, encouraged one another, and... hmmmm what else? oh, yea... heard a few speakers. Isn't that funny, it's the time together you remember the most. It's no wonder Jesus did most of his teaching, not from a pulpit (or a rock/mountain, ha!) but rather at a table, a party, or just walking down the road. I sure am glad he took that time to build relationships because like it said:

[Christ] 6Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
7but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.

Human likeness we don't always have to agree with it, but we still need to have a Christ like attitude and do with what we have, never becoming stagnant but always taking the most of every opportunity to make yourself nothing.

With that said, please be like Jesus and forgive my typos tonight, it's late. :-)

Just Another Reason...

... I love having a school room.

Because when the school room looks like this,



The dining room table looks like this.


Now we can eat dinner without having to clean up all of our school work. Then after dinner, the kids can resume our crazy 24hr schooling! yippee! =)

Wait a minute, are those school books on the table? That Jordan, I just don't know what I am going to do with that child. ha! I'm lovin' it.

Some Days It Seems Like Too Much

Juggling it all sometimes seems hard. House to clean, laundry to do, three meals to cook, phone calls to make, schedules to keep, appointments to make, groceries to buy, training to do, character building to do, family to love, many responsibilities at church, relationships to nurture, people to meet with, parents and family to show love to, holidays to plan, thank you cards to mail, lessons to teach, records to keep, wife and mother to be and so much more. And above all of that, being sure to live by the fruit of the spirit expressing love, joy, patience, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control not only to my family but also everyone else.

I am always feeling like I just didn't do enough. I didn't say hello to this person, or tell that person thank you. I could drive myself crazy worrying about making sure everyone I know, knows I care about them or appreciate them.

My husband once gave me some of the best advice I have ever been given pertaining to this topic. He said:

"If you are being the best daughter you know how to be; then how can you not be the best wife, mother, and friend."

I thought it was so profound. At that moment it was exactly what I needed to hear. If I am being the best daughter to the King than how can I not be the best wife mother and friend to everyone else?

It should be an outpouring, and overflow of our heart. If God is being put first, then everything else should fall in place. Who cares if the house is messy? The relationships are strong.

Then above all, I am constantly reminding myself: It is because of all my blessings I run so short on time. Be thankful you have people to appreciate, a house to clean, a family to serve. Be thankful, very thankful... you are blessed.


I am blessed.

The Making of a School Room

Now first off, I should start off by saying we do not have "school" at home. We live here, learn here, have fun here, find shelter here, share stories here, share tears here, share life together with others here. And somewhere in the mist of all that something in the form of "school" takes place. This morning it was taking place at our kitchen counter while momma baked bread. Yes, you're right... It's Saturday; we don't care what day it is around here. =)

With all that said, I have always (well, since I fell in love with teaching at home) desired a school room. A place where it is quiet and peaceful. A place where there is something in each corner to explore. Paintings on the wall, and crayons scattered across the table.

Well, with our new home came such a room. And I must admit, it's something I thought I would only day dream of. I never thought I would actually have one. In fact, I had convinced myself it was silly to want one. BUT now it is a reality! I still cannot believe it!

It all started here...


All of our fun 'hands-on-stuff' had been packed up in storage since the middle of July. Man, it was so wonderful ripping into those boxes, the kids started playing right away.



Yesterday, our little school room was made complete with this great reading couch our Nana and Papa bought us. We found it at a yard sale for $40! Thanks Nana and Papa!


Before too long the walls will be covered with writings, drawings, and learning hints, then it will have even more character.

Now, on the side I am taking the picture from is the reading corner with our library book basket and our hands-on-corner is on the opposite side; with puzzles, games, paints, etc. Sorry, I didn't get pictures of that.

Do you see that TV in the corner?

Well, it has a great little curtain on it hiding the V-Smile console underneath. I'll tell you what, I can fix just about anything without sewing. Give me some ribbon and cloth and I'm set to go. Do you remember those cutsie little aprons?

Truth is, I am hoping to get a sewing machine for Christmas so I am determined not to hand sew anymore until then. =) We'll see.

Anyway, look at this cutie pie curtain...


All I did was use some scrap fabric, double it over a small tension rod, cut holes in three spots, and tie pretty bows. And actually now that I think of it, those bows aren't made out of ribbon; they are made out of scrap fabric from the windows I covered last week.

This is what it looked like before...

and after...

ahhh, the sweet smell of tidy organization...beautiful. ;-)

Nana's Party Won!

I posted a request of prayer for our Nana and her boss. Prayers for God's will to happen.

Praise the Lord, she won!

Thank you so much for your prayers.

Votes Are In!

Well, the votes are in.

The results of the poll taken here:
30% Obama
70% McCain

Obama was not the preferred president for those of you who polled here at Our Glorious Days; however he was the elected President outside of "bloggerville."

How do you feel about it?

Sisters in the Kitchen

We spent the afternoon in the kitchen slicing apples, sharing giggles and little stories while our house filled with wonderful Fall smells.






Do you see this little apron? Very simple, the girls made 'em themselves.

Let your children choose their fabric, cut it to size and fold it over. They can, or you can, (depending on their age) cut small holes under the fold and thread ribbon through the holes. Tie in a bow behind their back. Simple and sweet.


What were we baking you ask? Well, this Delicious Apple Crisp:

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups all purpose flour
2 cups rolled oats
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
1 1/2 cups butter
2 quarts peeled, cored, and sliced apples

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, oatmeal, cinnamon, nutmeg and brown sugar. Cut butter into mixture until crumbly.
3. Take half of the mixture and pat into the bottom of a 2 quart baking dish.
4. Cover crumb mixture with apple slices, then sprinkle apple slices with remaining crumb mixture.
5. Bake at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes or until apples are tender.

Serves 18

Absolutely delicious!

When Laundry Becomes a Bore...

...turn the music up loud, put little clean panties on your head and dance like crazy people.

Your kids will love you for it! (and your 1 1/2 year old will beg you to wear them all day long) =)

Well, It's Finally Election Day

Presidents aside, there is yet another reason this election is very important to us.

Our Nana.

Nana's boss is up for re-election as Court Clerk, if she doesn't get re-elected Nana may be out of office. She has worked in the same office for over 20 years but this election it could switch hands for the worse.

Normally we would be safe but this is a big election and some people vote strictly party on areas they are not even educated in so that poses a little scare.

So if you don't mind to say a quick prayer for Gods will for our Nana's office we would sure appreciate it.

Thanks!

A Trip to the Library

The Library is about 1/2 a block away from our front door. Yep, I know... you're totally jealous.

Well, I'm really not doing that to you on purpose. Forgive me, I had to say something before posting these stinkin' cute pictures of my little ladies racing for the bike rack.




My kids think they are in heaven.


And this is a picture of our home walking away from it, towards the Library.


I'm big, I know Heaven will be much better than this. But man, I sure am grateful.

Internet restored, one phone replaced... we're climbing back up the communication ladder. :-)

It's the Way It Should Be

This is a picture of the last note the Simpson's left for us the weekend we moved out.

For those of you who don't know, we just vacated the Basement.

Carl and Judy Simpson were people we hardly knew before we moved into their basement and stayed for almost three months. :-) BUT by the time we left, we were good friends. And I think that is just the way it should be. It sheds a new light on the old saying "come as strangers, leave as friends"

Carl came over the other night to watch some football with Daniel. You should have seen those boys dancing around the living room, it was a site.

Mind you, Carl has daughters older than me.

I hope you have a Carl and Judy in your own life... if so, you are so very blessed.

Should Have Known...

...my internet would go out right after I say:

"more posts, more often"

I would call to get it fixed but my cell phone has gone missing. What? Use Daniels you say? Well, funny thing is, his has gone missing too.

Yep, I don't know what is going on.

Hopefully the world of communication will return to us shortly.

But as for now, I am having a sweet little time with my children at the Library so I must say:

Ta, Ta!

A November 1st Resolution

Ha! That is like the worst title I have ever came up with. It's suppose to be a pun off " A New Year's resolution" I know, I know... It's nothing like a pun.

Point is, I have a new resolution: More Posts, More Often.

I just have too much wonderful stuff to share! When I don't do it more often I get overwhelmed and don't know what to write first. SO, now that we are settled in, it's back to business baby! I know, like you care. But hey, it's coming your way like it or not! :-) smiley faces and all.

Do you need a random picture to complete your day? Well, wait no more! I have one for you...

This is my kitchen window seal, one of my favorite places in our new home. A wonderful welcome home card from a friend and a beautiful piece of fabric tied into a bow.

Simple and good.