Of course, life is very busy and time gets away from me. The good news, for me anyway, is that my big kids will be home in 3 weeks! I can make it that long, I suppose! And there's no bad news. Well, other than I exposed my children to chicken pox yesterday. Yes, on purpose. It's so much better to get it young and have a natural immunity. We'll deal with it if it happens. I had them when I was about 9. Weird thing, we were on a family vacation when I came down with them and neither of my 2 brothers got them. And we rode in the car from FL to Iowa together. You never know, do you? Well, we're off to visit my parents for the weekend. My boys are hoping to make it to the beach. I'll try to post pics when we get back. TTFN!

Memories...

Here is a picture of me from college. (I'm the one in the flowery dress.) I have a goal to lose weight--10 pounds by the time the kids come home in 3 1/2 weeks. Of course, I have a lot more to lose than that! This is my inspiration. Great picture! Those were the days!

Sometimes you feel like a nut

About a week ago I posted about some of my favorite things. I mentioned boiled peanuts. Well, Stu stopped at a roadside stand yesterday and bought 2 bags of them. Woo hoo! So we ate the first bag up, yum! We're just going to hang around home today. Stu's parents are coming to visit the children. His mother is undergoing chemo. Since everyone is currently well, she can come over. Please pray for her. She is 78 years old and is fighting cancer a second time. Now it's time for me to go feed Eden some breakfast! TTFN!

Blurry

As I sit here looking at the screen I am thinking it's a little blurred. Okay, only with my left eye. I picked up contacts today after not wearing them for 10 years. I suffer from terribly dry eyes, so many years ago quit wearing them. Well, wouldn't you know it, my Optometrist is out of town until July 9th. This is a sample pair that they had to order. Anyway, the R is comfortable and clear. The left is blurry and feels like there's a rock in it. I go p/u another pair next week--different brand. Maybe that'll be better.

Anyhoo, I'm going scrapbooking tonight. It's the first time in 6 months. Way overdue! I have a feeling my hubby is going to be home late, though. Bummer! I need to go feed Eden. She's crying at me from her jump up. Have a super weekend!

Out with the old...

Our old stinkin' washer...
The Sears guys bring in my new one this morning...YAY!
My new Kenmore Elite HE2 Plus!

This is a little review by me, your above average (with family of 8) consumer. In December of 2004 we moved into our new home. At this time, I purchased a new washer and dryer. They are both Fisher & Paykel Ecosmart units. Over time we were having many problems with the washer. It would leave streaks of black on our clothes. It turns out it was build up on the inside of the stainless steel drum. I had to use Cascade dishwasher detergent to clean it out periodically. Also, I have replaced at least a dozen shirts in the past year because simple stains would not come out. (Read: clothes are not getting clean.) Fast forward to going almost full time with cloth diapers for Eden. I tried everything to get the smells out and it just wasn't working. I realized several things after examining the wash cycles of the F&P: It only uses cold water on the cycles (except permanent press), it doesn't fill up over the clothes even if you set it to do so, it only rinses the clothing for 1-2 minutes! Then I went and read reviews on Epinions. Oh my goodness! SO...my husband bought me a new HE2 washer that was on SUPER sale at Sears. WOO HOO!

Things that make me happy...

Okay, I am trying to concentrate on thankfulness today. If I don't, then I may have a complete and total meltdown. Here are some things that make me happy:

Boiled peanuts
Giggling babies
taking pictures and making slideshows
Scrapbooking
playing card games
Reeses
A good glass of champagne
Hummingbirds
Going to the movies
Sleep
The Beach
Hugs

Giveaway

Check out the cool giveaway at 5 minutes for mom. There is a link in my sidebar, but I don't think it's working, so use the one here! It's for an ice cream maker and bowls...kewl!!

9 months old today!

Eden Joy is 9 months old today! Oh, how the time just flies by us! She is such a delight for me. Currently, Eden is not crawling, but rolls around and scooches a bit. Also, she only has 1 tooth--she's had it for about 6-7 weeks. That second tooth should be in soon...I can feel it. I took her in for a check up this morning and here are her stats:

15 pounds, 13 ounces (10th percentile)
27.5 inches (50th percentile)
45 cm head (75th percentile)

We can see that she is obviously doing a lot of work in the brain area right now. I am hoping this means she'll be a smart one--read: easy to home school! She is my smallest baby ever. So petite! Other goings on are: Tommy has been sick the past couple of days. He had a high fever yesterday (103) and is eating very little. He's a bit better today. Dan and Max are bored, of course. We've been doing a little school here and there. We miss Celeste and Jamie terribly. (Momma cries.) They are at a camp this week in IL, so we can't even speak with them. 6 weeks to go until they come home. Hope you have a blessed Thursday!

Joy Inexpressible '07

Just got back from the Sovereign Grace Ladies' Retreat in Orlando--Joy Inexpressible. Had fun...wish you were there! Very tired now... Will try to blog more this week! I will post a link to the wonderful messages on how to have Joy in Christ when they are up. Smiles! Your hope is in the Lord!

**Update: the messages from Joy Inexpressible are available now. Go here to find them!

News

I've been following the story of the Morrisons and their sextuplets. The babies were born very early (just under 23 weeks gestation) on Sunday (my birthday!). Please be praying for their well-being. You can find the story here.

It's my 39th birthday. I am thankful for many things:

*My hubby, Stuart
*All of my precious children--they are truly gifts from God Himself
*My Savior, Jesus Christ
*Hummingbird feeders, Vera Bradley wallets, and a good steak dinner on the grill at home!

It's also my younger brother's birthday. His name is Jamie and he's 36 today. I hope to reach him by phone. I love you Jamie!! Thank you, God, for the gift of life You have given me. May I use it to glorify Your Name.

Last Day

Celeste and Jamie leave today for the summer.

They are headed for a week at Disney and then back

to St. Louis. Please pray for safe travel for them and

for their Mom not to be too sad...

Just a quick note to let you know that I've been getting ready to send my older children off for the summer. They go to spend time with their father in the St. Louis, MO area. Celeste and Jamie will be leaving on Friday around noon. Their family is taking a Disney vacation, so for the first time they will be picked up here in North FL. Things have been crazy (as usual). Maybe I'll have more time to blog late at night after my littles go to sleep--or early in the morning! Please pray for me. Life changes dramatically overnight when my teens (Wow, I have 2 now!) are not here and the adjustment is not always smooth. Dan, Max, and Tommy miss their big sister and brother a lot. It's hard for them. I need ideas to keep a toddler busy. Anything would be appreciated!

Happy 13th Birthday, Jamie!

Today is my oldest son's 13th birthday! I can't believe it! Now I have 2 teenagers in the house. We had a party for him last night. We cooked out and the boys (14 of them) shot off water balloons, played football Frisbee, and ran around with squirt guns.

Stats:

Clifford James

Born June 2nd, 1994

9 lbs., 2 oz.

21 inches

We named him C.J., but in 2nd grade he changed his name to Jamie. Also, I was induced 5 days early because my first baby was 9 1/2 pounds. I love you, Jamie!

Renewing our strength

"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the Everlasting God, the creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40: 28-31

Please join me in praying for Nattie, a fellow member of Women at Home (sidebar). She has inoperable stomach cancer, is a single mother of 2, and needs your fervent prayers.

Orlando Quick Trip

We went to visit my best friend, Valerie, in Orlando yesterday. It was a last minute thing. She has 5 children and I have 6. There were 3 additional friends over to make a house full of 14 children. (10 in the pool!) I made a little video of our little trip. I can't get it to post to Blogger, so you have to go here to see it!

Never Dream of It

Being a home schooling mother of many has its challenges. I have had a very hard time finding balance in my life since the arrival of baby Eden--who is a delight! I'm always trying to improve my approach to schooling and home life in a wise way that is pleasing to the Lord. Many times I fail miserably. Thank God for Jesus' saving grace! Girl Talk had a wonderful post a couple days ago that really encouraged and renewed me. The message was very simple, but profound. Read it here and just trust Him with the details. Our children are such gifts to us!

Bully Bully

Here are a couple pics Jamie took of Eden yesterday. He just loves her to bits! She turned 8 months old on Monday. I can't believe it. It's going too fast! She makes a cute little "bully" face frequently. He caught her doing it. Blessings!

God's plans, not ours

Check this out! I have been following their blog, too! And praying for them!

Oops, I forgot one! This one is done in "retro" color.