Last Moving Thoughts

Sitting in the midst of the upcoming move in a few days and I am truly battling some negative thoughts that are overcoming me.  I am having mixed feelings about this move.  Maybe it is because it is a super big thing about to happen and that makes anyone feel uncertain right before it.  I am sure I'll feel better once I am in it and settled.  But, right now, I am a bit overwhelmed.   I am trying to focus on "God will not test you beyond your strength.  But also with that test, He will provide a way out so you may be able to bear it" passage-I did that from memory so it may not be perfectly on. 

Anyway, my kids are going a bit nuts b/c we are basically living as though we are camping...but... we are not.  So....lots of wide open space and lots of creative games of running around the house and kick ball, tag, soccer etc...  We are hitting a bit of a plateau as in...it is not as fun as it was a few days ago!!!

I am about to pack up the rest of my food.  Empty and clean out the refrigerator and freezer is on my list today.  So much for yummy and nutritious food intake around here :)  Oh well, that comes with moving I guess. 

Bathrooms are last b/c who wants to deep clean a bathroom only for it to be messed up a few hours later?   Surely not I!  So...that is the last thing on my list to do.

Hubby painted 3 rooms these last few days and I wonder why we waited?!?! They look awesome!  Now, my job is to make sure they are not scratched up or ruined or marked up with pens/crayons etc...

Thanks be to God for good neighbors.  Everyone should have at least ONE good neighbor to depend on, right!?!? We sure will miss ours.  They are a great Christian homeschooling family and I will truly miss my quick calls to see if they have an extra egg or tape or sugar or yeast or meat thermometer!!! :)  Generosity is their top gig and they outdid us by letting us borrow their camping chairs, some folding chairs, folding table and even some toys to keep them kidos a tad bit occupied.  I hope a new family that will take over this house will in turn bless them with such generosity.

My kids are all talking about what they will like the best and what they are looking forward to the most in our new house.  The consent is that the long driveway is, BY FAR, the top of the list.  They can't wait to get on their bikes and scooters and ride around freely.  They can't wait to run and play outside anywhere they desire.  The horse farm, which is our next door neighbors, is a big attraction too!  Their excitement helps give much excitement in me, which is a good combatter for those negative thoughts rolling around my head.

I will continue to blog and hopefully add pics to keep you updated! 

God bless your day,
Mary @ CHeerios

The Big Move Update

The big move.

Hopefully this is it and we can finally settle in what we hope to be our last home and put this moving every 2 year deal behind us. 

That means packing.  Lots of packing.


You see, in the last move, we had professional packers and movers use their expertise and I just sat and observed and loved every moment of it.  Not this time, though.  So, what am I thinking?  Seriously!  This packing is NOT just packing up boxes and putting them in a pile.  Noway.  It is MORE like "Do I need this?  Why?  or Why not?  Who should I give it to?  Goodwill?  A friend?"  It is more of a reorganization of my entire house contents. 

This new home (which looks similar to The Waltons house--do you remember them?  Yeah, showing my age...) which I love from the start is also a home that is particularly smaller in size than our previous 2 homes.  Mind you, that also includes 4 additional children so.....we are purging as well.  Getting rid of major items like dressers, desks, bunk beds that were about to break any day etc...
We made 3 runs to the dump with our van load of items.  I had to part with a very special piece of furniture that holds so many memories.  That was hard.  It was my grandmothers' little kitchen table and chairs.  It was not big and I thought we could find a place for it...but we couldn't.  It just does not fit inside our new home.  It has nowhere to go.  So, off it went.  Oh, and here is a plug for my grandmother, who is 99 years old!  She is still tickin' away and did not want to celebrate a birthday party since she celebrated her 90th...until she turns 100 years old.  As though, reaching 95 or 98 or 99 was not a reason to celebrate!  Oh, those older grandmothers have been through so much-they are so strong.  God bless her.

Anyway, back to packing.  It is basically ALL ME PACKING ALL BY MYSELF with lots of kidos helping to pack...if you get my drift...helping.  They are doing sort of okay...the older ones.  But the younger ones make my life a bit interesting in learning patience and do-overs. 
1 box packed....2 boxes unpacked....

Up till today, we were right on schedule with our school work, which is a pleasant surprise.  But not today, we will have to double up tomorrow's work to get it all done this week.

Without helpers around, I am resorting to alternative babysitters.  Leapfrog Leapster (hey!  at least its learning!) and little hand held Jumpstart video games (again, learning!) and then Pixtar too.   I hid these away  after finding them at the good ol' Thrift Store that I rave about!  I got them all for under $5 each.  Crazy good deals, huh!??!?!  Well, this momma has to pack.

My hubby, where is my hubby?  you ask?    He is around.  Yes, indeed.  The huge blessing is allowing him to work a few days from home.  It has actually worked out for us.  WE are shocked! But I guess he is just used to loudness on a daily basis so he can learned how to concentrate with it all.  The only tricky part is when he has a phone call to make.  I am a super mean Momma then!!! 

Christmas in October?  Yup!  In this house, it is.  I am resorting to letting them watch Christmas classics, such as Rudolph etc....The classics from the 1950's of course. 

Well, that is the update.  The big move is over a week away and I am ready-mentally and emotionally but not physically ready!  Please pray that we can get this all done in a timely manner-thank you so much!

God bless you,
Mary @ Cheerios

Rocks and Minerals pics

This is a SUPER find at the thrift store for me, last year.  It is "More Fun with Nature" take along guide.  I got it for ONLY $1.40! yeah! 

But at Amazon.com---its only $12.37 and I find that an awesome price.  It is chock full of great info and my kids absolutely love it.  So, keep that in mind for Christmas gifts! :)  The other book, the first one, "Fun with Nature" is also a great one and I also find it at the thrift for the same low price of $1.40.  We have used them weekly and for all ages. 

Remember using egg cartons to hold your rocks when you were younger?  Yeah, me too.  So, I passed along the tradition.  Just imagine that we use 4 dozen eggs a week in our household and just imagine all them filled up with diff. rocks!  Yup, each kido I think has a few.  I guess one can never have too many rocks or too many egg cartons...

Rock Happy! :)

 

 

God bless your night,

Mary @CHeerios

 

Homeschooling thus far

So, this year I made a bit of a change by dedicating a whole day to doing electives.  These are, by far, more enjoyed by my kidos AND ME, than doing 'regular' schoolwork.  Since I have put them on the back burner the last few years, these just weren't getting enough attention.
Hey, a teacher has to enjoy herself teaching too!!!

So, I renamed Wednesdays as "Yahoo Wednesdays"--my children get a hoot out of it, thinking it is NOT REALLY SCHOOL.  HA!!! Love this learning style.  Just my speed.

So, we've been studying the earth and rocks/minerals for science so far and LOVING it.  We are truly learning it while we read about it by hands on learning.

So where else to learn about rocks but by scavenging the beach for them?

We went to to the beach last week (well, its really a lake but they call it a beach.)

Here are some pics.  They had a blast!  TOTAL BLAST!

Why oh why, did I not pack at least towels-of course my kids would not get THAT wet.  HA!!!

Today, we have been enjoying learning about the rocks even more by doing streak tests for them and finding out what minerals they have hidden.

As for the little boys that I dedicate on these Yahoo Wednesdays to teach more in depth...we are on the letter C of the alphabet.  That means baking COOKIES for the letter C today :)  Chocolate Chip Cookies, of course.

This pregnancy, I think I'll be gaining ALOT of poundage!!! yikes.

God bless,
Mary @ Cheerios

Hello fall!

I love the changing of seasons....esp. Fall.  Those chilly mornings turn beautifully warm and sunny.  Perfect for outdoors and breathing in all the fresh air possible.  that means for great sleeping, great eating and great exercise!

Here's a pic of my kids last week that loved the first cold morning of the season...seems we are doing this annually!  Becoming quite the tradition.

This also means I have to stock up on hot cocoa!  I have gotten some my kidos to like hot tea but most still request hot cocoa and since I have kept saying its not cold enough...well, now it is!!! :)  Better go out and buy some!

I just found this one from 2 yrs ago.... I know that I took one last year but can't find it!  I love how little my (gasp!) almost 4 yr old looks in this one!  So cute---as cute as my lil Lady looks in the one above!!! 

Kids are teasing, running around and going nuts while I'm on the computer (I know...surprise surprise! haaa)

God bless,
mary

Modesty spoken from a 7 year old

"Mom?  Next year, for my bathing suit, I want to have a swim dress.  Short sleeves and it goes down like this, all the way to right below my knees.  Ok?"

What could I say?  How could I deny this?  What a beautiful thing.

God bless your day!
C'mon cheer it with me:  TGIF!!! TGIF!!!! TGIF!!!!

God bless,
Mary@ Cheerios

Schooling w/out toddlers

Ok. 

My job is ridiculously tough.  People have always told me so.  "How do you do it, Mary???" they ask, and they demand me to have a superb answer for them as though I am some superwoman or something.  To which, mind you, I don't always have a convincing reason of how I do it.  Reason is b/c sometimes (ahem...most of the time) I do not have any clue on how I do it.

Yesterday, my hubby took my 2 'double trouble' kids (boys age 3 and 5) to the stores with him.  My baby was having her morning nap and so they were out for about an hour.  It was only an hour.  ONLY AN HOUR???? Are you kidding me?  Do you know how much I got done in an HOUR without toddlers around????  Maybe not so much items checked off assignment lists but there were non distracted children in my presence!!!  It was awesome!!! I was actually SCHOOLING THEM pretty well!!!

Now, today....my hubby took 3 of them to foodshopping and errands.  Again! 

I am liking this WAY TOO much!!! 

Now, I really do wonder HOW ON EARTH I can homeschool 4 kids come tomorrow with my toddlers back in my morning school teaching life?

I have no idea how I do it.

I have no idea how I do it.

Did I mention that I have no idea?

Yeah.  I guess I will find out once again, whether I like it or not.

God, help me.

God bless your day!!!
Mary @ Cheerios

School Year 2012-2013

WOW, even writing those years are a shock to my system.  I remember Y2K like it was yesterday and here we are in year 2012...onto 2013.

That means this is my 8th year of homeschooling!

Uh, how did I do that???

Seriously!   Lots of praying and lots of leaning on my husband.  It does make a big difference when Daddy is behind or beside the Momma teacher.  It may even make it or break it, for most families.  I am so thankful and privileged to have him beside me, inspiring me and cheering me on.  My hearts truly go out to moms who do not have understanding husbands.  I feel for them, so much, as I see their struggles.  Let's not forget to pray for these Moms.

This year....
One 6th grader-WOA!  A middle schooler!!!!
Two- 3rd graders
One- 2nd grader
One- Kindergartner
One-Preschooler.
One- Toddler
One - Baby due in February


I still have to get that famous 1st day of school picture done today!!!

Considering that ALL my boys are in the wet woods playing before lunch, this should be some sloppy photo shoot!!! haaaa

This year is going to be so NOT dull.  But, then again, what year is NOT dull around here?!??!!

Homes.....
We had one under contract---that fell through.

then we had high hopes on another house but they could not come down in price---that fell through.

Now, we are on to our (hopefully!) last house that really is the BEST one yet!!!  Please pray that all goes well and that we can be done with this process.

Then, if it goes well...ONLY THEN I will tell you all about our upcoming home!!! God willing, of course.

Best go now.  Boys are rolling in for lunch and I have to get them cleaned up!

God bless your year,
Mary @ Cheerios

A few things I learned this past week.

1.  Our family is not made to do school, as in driving to and from school every. single.  day.  My 4 kids attended a camp this past week.  Not a typical kind of camp you might be thinking (ha ha) but a homeschool camp where they learn now to write! haa haaa.  I'm such a nerd, huh??? They liked it a lot~!  THis was their 2nd year going to it and I didn't shove them into the rooms-they willingly wanted to....so that shows you that they HAD to like it! :P   Well, the kids were in separate groups that met a different times, which made the Mommy Taxi drive 3 different times to this place.  In.  One.  Day.  Ouch.  Naps were messed up, laundry and vaccuming didn't get done, and dishes and pots crowded my sink and kitchen counter tops.  It was a mess.  I was a total mess.  Interesting that their sleeping habits were disturbed too.  Very odd.  I know it was not a random thing.  I cannot imagine having to do this every day of every week of every month of every year.  Wow, kudos go to the mommas that can do this or can do this.  For me, homeschooling is our primary method of life.  Period.

2.  Playing a Saint Memory Game is very fun for kidos.  Keeps them entertained for a while!  I guess you can make your own and it would be easy to do.  But that means time and I don't have much of that right now.
3.  Ok, so we have some big news.  When DON'T we have news?!?!  So, you know about our baby so it can't be that and no, we are not having twins. (ha!).  The big news is that we are moving.  I have eluded to that point a while ago in some post that I am too lazy to  look up right now.  I may have even mentioned it a few times.  Well, it is official.  We are moving as in moving to a new state!!!! Boy, the most stressful things are having babies, moving and it seems we are doing both!  My hubby and I laugh so much at how sometimes we just invite this chaos-it seems it's been there our whole marriage-babies and moving every 2ish years.  This is just ridiculous.  So, we have decided this move if final, albeit God willing.  We are moving and going to settle there, giving the most needed stability to our family.  It is going to be soon and life is a bit uneasy right now with one contract with a house that we really liked and knew it was JUST what we needed, but the day we had our inspection and my hubby was down there-a very questionable future next door neighbor approached my hubby and real estate agent.  It was too creepy to ignore and after lots of talking, prayer and advice from our wonderful agent, we pulled out.  Again, a trial.  Again, a time to trust God's providence.  He knows what is best and we count this as a blessing that we found out now rather than later.  It was a blessing, even though big chunks of money was lost.  God will provide. 

4. Prayer. 
Doesn't God have a way to bring us to our knees?  Why, yes He does!!!  Lots of prayer and prayer in our family lately.  Again, a blessing.

5.  Lastly, Alpacas are super cool animals.  Check out this pic:

This sunshine girl got to give 33 alpacas a bath, feed them, and even take this one for a walk!!!  It was our long awaited special day out together (and it just so happens to be close to her 7th bday too!!! :)

God bless your day,
Mary @ Cheerios

Date nights

Do you have them with your spouse? 

I'm talking the marriage date nights, not the single/dating kind of date nights :)
Oh boy, are we in need of them...big time!!!

It is a mix of reasons why....mostly money and finding the right babysitter that can sit for our bunch of kidos and what can work for both of us.

But, really...if it is not focus on it, it will probably not happen.

If we only wait for the perfect timing, it may not happen.

I know of a couple that picked a night long time ago, early on in their marriage, and really focused on that night as their date night dinner night together at home.  They would watch a movie or play a game or even have a bottle of wine together.  It was scheduled and that was that.  The kids knew it and they knew it and it happened.  They gave the kids some lame dinner but something that the kids loved, they were all happy!  But, that time was the time blocked out for the couple and nothing came in the way.

Woohoo!   What a great idea!!!

A few years ago---maybe just 3 or 4 years ago, that we made it a point to do something and go out as a couple almost weekly that turned into biweekly.  It was wonderful!   But now... it is just awful.  We really want to put our marriage first and go out but instead, we have fallen into the craziness of putting the kids first too many times.  Since we do not have a built in babysitter b/c our oldest is not quite ready and old enough yet, it costs some serious $!  Some months are okay and we can do it, but some are just a tough time and so we need to hold off of the date night.  It's been a long time since we went out and we are soooo due that date night!   We try to get the kids down to bed early enough every night and if we are blessed to actually be awake, then we do try to talk and focus on each other.  That, in its self, as easy as it is, has been a true blessing.  We have had some great talking.  We also have woken up early to talk and pray together.  Again, a blessing.

As a couple, we need to remember that we are unified in this beautiful marriage sacrament and a team so that our children can see and depend on us.

So, right now, we are in the midst of realizing we are in desperate need of serious out date nights and trying to make it happen.

What about you?  Are you lucky enough to get out and about with your hubby for date nights?  How do you do it?   Please tell me and anyone else who may actually read my blog !(haaa haaa)

God bless,
Mary @ Cheerios

Summer Art

Drawn by my 11 yr old artist.

Isn't it great?  I sure think so!!!

God bless,
Mary @ Cheerios

Homeschooling summer blahs

I don't know about you but I am SO not ready to enter into school planning, thinking and doing.

Going to the home school convention back in June was enriching and very useful and helpful to set the tone.  But the reality is that I bought 70% of my curriculum at that convention and I am still at a loss for some very important items.  I am not interested in buying them either anytime soon!!!

Folks, summer is still in high swing at our home!!!!  It is still hot and humid and oh so very very summer-like.

It's only August 14th (which, BTW, don't forget a holy day tomorrow!!!! so go to Mass!) and the pool is still open for us.   We JUST joined only a short time ago and we are trying to utilize it the max!  It's great b/c there is hardly anyone there b/c they are probably just so sick of it! haaaa!  Good for us! :)

Of course my kidos could use some structure in their day.  But, isn't it a wonderful way of learning what to do with boredom?  SO healthy if you ask me.  I remember tons of times growing up moping about wondering what to do with my time....all the while being careful not to let my mom see or she'd be quick to set me to work! Those were my most imaginative and creative times. 

I have seen pics and read of this out pour of homeschooling families beginning school already.  Of course it's their choice and they have that freedom to do so.   I have a friend who starts early and end ends in early May.  Good idea!  But not me.  At least not this year.  I did try to start about 2 weeks ago but my heart was not in it.  I couldn't ask my kids to be on top of things and excited if I was too much in the lazy summer mode.  So, we packed the boxes right back up.  We were all so happy about that.  But, I have to admit that seeing and reading of those families gives me a bit of nervousness and anxiety.  Again, I guess I am not there yet. 

Well, hope you are enjoying your last few weeks of summer bliss and giving thanks to God for all the gifts in your life!!!
God bless, Mary @ Cheerios

Quick Takes-August 2012

Just noticed that the previous post was my 1000th post! wow, how'd that happen?!  Do I really have that much to say? haaaa

We had a bit of tick explosion in our backyard in May and June.  Needless to say, we opted for the children not to go back into the woods anytime soon.  Yes, it was that gross.  Nasty.  A friend of mine told me to freeze the little stinkers in a baggie and write the name/date/location of the tick found so that if there were any reactions, they could test the stinker and find out if Lyme's disease or whatever.  All those ticks on my kids and then finding out a dear friend was stricken with a terrible case of Lyme's along with some bacterial infection due to a tick made me shy away from kids outside.  Finally, as in just a few days ago, I have let loose with them in hopes of a good outcome with no ticks and thanks be to God, we have been tick free so far.  We sure had some time in our house these past few months.

Which leads me to the POOL!  Yahoo!  We have joined our pool, finally.  I do have some reservations about it and the modesty there.   Or rather the lack there of.  Even my kids comment on it.  I am not just talking about the girls/women.  It is also the lifeguards.  Since when is it appropriate for them to wear bikini's?!?!! I mean, c'mon!  I do not think those things would be staying on if someone was to drown.  Life is way more important to save rather than a bikini top or bottom.  Gee wilikers, lifeguards!  We try to go off hours, like when it JUST opens up.  And so far, so good.  But, its too bad that a pool has to be that way.  Bummer.

 My girls are all about dolls.  Still.   And I absolutely love it.  They are learning the best possible home ec class ever hovering over dolls and baby dolls all day.  My heart is very pleased.

Talking about babies...I am 3 and 1/2 months now!  All looks and SOUNDS good!!!  Praise be to God.  What a gift.  Truly a gift.

Also, about babies....remember my dear friend I asked you to pray about?  Sam?  Well, her sweet baby Steven Thomas went to be with Jesus.  See HERE and HERE.

Wasn't that the most sweetest and yet heart wrenching story.  She is a strong woman upheld by Her God, her strength.

We went on vacation a few weeks ago.  It was amazing and exhausting all at the same time.  We were blessed with such great spiritual direction preparing us for what is to come.

Must go now....my children need their Momma!

God bless you,
Mary

Cravings

I've had my fair share of interesting pregnancy cravings....haven't you?

I've had my ice cream pregnancy craving, a greasy pizza one, a cantaloupe preg. craving, and even a specifically Dunkin donut blueberry muffin craving.  Those are not that odd! 

But this pregnancy, I am seriously craving veggies.  Not a bad choice of craving, huh?!?!

I crave just about any veggie but the best fulfillment of my craving goes to this... a whole onion, a whole pepper sauteed with fresh garlic in a ton of olive oil.  After sauteing and placing it on my plate, I add fresh cut up tomatoes and fresh mozzarella.  YUMMY!

Just talking about it, makes me want some right now! ha :)

So, tell me....what are some of your odd cravings or any cravings?

God bless,
Mary

Cabin Fever in the Summer?

I always thought that cabin fever happened in the dreary, cold months of Jan-Feb-March. 

And it did. 

But it's also happening now.  Yikes!  In the summer?  How could that be???

You'd think it is summer and you'd think pool...but imagine no pool access (yet, maybe...we're waiting for the 1/2 off deal and possibly join, maybe...still praying on it.) and it being very HHH---Hazy Hot Humid...and no pool.

So, what to do when there is no pool in the summer with 7 young kids and being a pregnant Momma, besides going totally nuts and pulling your hair out????

Let's see....

• Lots of things break in the house.  Let's face it.  We are just that family that breaks things.   It's just who we are!  When a new toy comes in our presence, we wonder how long it will last.  In that essence, that is why we try really hard to buy things that are really well made and will (gasp! hopefully!) last some time around here!!!
• Lots of kids get hurt and have bandaids all over their boo-boo's.  Why?  B/c its too hot to play and run around outside for more than 20mins... so where is the next best place?  Of course---Inside the house!  Sure!  Just the place where there is plenty of opportunity to offer up boo-boo's. haaa haaa!!!
• Lots of creative and imaginative play goes on here.  Lots.  Stuff I could NEVER imagine up!!!  Love children's way of thinking-it's awesome!  I have had to let them just get the house messy to play and I've seen the fruits of letting 'kids be kids'.  Of course, there is always clean up that ALWAYS takes 2x longer!!!
• Lots of swinging on the hose hanging from our deck that is up 20 feet from the ground.  Yeah.  Imagine Tarzan.  That's right.  Tarzan. 
• Lots of time filling and re-filling our tiny little kiddie pool that the children play in daily.  Just think of 7 kids in one tiny pool.  Kinda hilarious but my kids are such good sports. 
• Lots of matchbox cars deep in dug out dirt ditches in front of our house.
• There's a bit more time for movies and even some youtube clips.  Like this one!

Lastly, there's a lot more of Momma laying on the couch feeling yucko and that equals a messier house, which also means lots of little extra hands are needed to help keep this boat afloat!  That is not very pleasant for them or me nagging them to do it.  We are all trying to hold off of the grudingly help and focus more on the generous help we are called to as we imitate our Lord Jesus and seek to serve Him in one another. :)  Not an easy task but anything that is hard is usually most worthwhile, right???

PREGNANCY UPDATE:  I am 11 1/2 weeks pregnant and feeling just like a pregnant Momma should feel!!! We are ever so grateful and so happy for this GIFT OF LIFE!!!  Thank you for praying for us-Thank you so much!!!

God bless,
Mary@Cheerios

Keep praying for Sam and Steven Thomas!!!

Update from the previous post...

HERE is the recent post from Sam.

HERE is another post too.

Thank you so much for praying for Sam and her baby Steven Thomas. 

Keep up the praying.  They need every bit of prayer and as you can see from one of her posts, she sure has a network of prayer warriors FAR AND WIDE!!!


THANK YOU!!!
God bless,
Mary @ Cheerios

Pleeeeease pray!!!

Can I beg of you to pray for my dear friend SAM???

Go and read her blog entry here. 

Then go on your knees and beg God for a miracle...ok?

OK.
Thanks. God bless,
Mary @Cheerios

Huh? What did you say?

I really think that sometimes they make these things specifically for Mommas with lots of very rowdy kids. 



Enough said.

God bless,
Mary

Summer pics

I'm sorry for not posting more.   It's not that I am not thinking about it but that my lack of energy and my morning/day sickness is just very overwhelming most of the day.  Since I can't seem to think too straight lately, here are some summer pics.  And anyway, don't we all just love pictures!?!?! :)

Here ya go:

God bless,
Mary

I'm positive

As in....positive pregnancy test!!! :)

That's right, we are expecting a baby!!!

It's not enough to just say how thankful we are...our entire family is overjoyed!  We are so humbled by God and His glorious generosity. 

Baby #9!  7 living and 1 in Heaven....

My kids, esp. #2 and #3, who made their First Holy Communion this year, are SO very happy!!! They both asked for a new baby in our family after their received their first Holy Communion and knelt down in prayer.  How my heart melts at the thought of this and the reality of this.  How amazingly generous THEY are!   According to St. Therese, Jesus told her that anyone who makes their first Holy Commuion and after recieving our Lord in the Eucharist, kneels down and prays for anything, that God will answer and grant it.  SO HE DID!!!

My kids have been praying for a new baby since our lil' Lady was about 5 months old...we concieved back in Nov. 2011, then sadly miscarried.  Then here we are again!  How loving my children know of God-how much He grants their prayers and loves them all.  I am so very humbled.  Truly.

I am 8 1/2 weeks along today.  I went and got an ultrasound last week and there is a strong heartbeat.  Oh, how my whole body was shaking as we began  the ultrasound then how is relaxed with such JOY!!!  My hubby was there with me (which has not happened...oh, since maybe baby #2?!) and it was truly a gift that he was there.  Again, he was my strength and my rock.   I held tight to his hand, starring in his eyes until the moment we saw AND HEARD the awesome heartbeat of our sweet little one.  I love that sound!!!

So...the word is out.  I have told my family and friends and now YOU! :) 

Please please add us to your prayers.   We are praying so much for this baby that all turns out okay, but most of all, we are praying to be at ease and at peace with whatever God chooses for our family and sees fit.  B/c His will is ALWAYS the best, no matter what. 

Thank you so much for praying-we appreciate it.

We are so excited, so happy and so very very thankful to God for this gift of LIFE! 

Due date is Feb. 6, 2013.

God bless,
Mary

Alot to think about...

"The goal of all our undertakings should not be so much a task perfectly completed as the accomplishment of the will of God ."

-----St.Therese of Lisieux:

Read Alouds

One of the biggest things that has been different this past homeschooling year compared to others is our read aloud time.  Embarrassed to say, I just never found of tried to find time to read aloud to my kids-mostly the bigger ones.  Yes, I knew how important it was, but my time was focused more on reading little books to the littles.  Last summer, I was deeply convicted  on the importance of reading aloud even to the older and middle children and that was my main goal (along with everything else!ha!).

After praying on how to make this happen, God helped me to see that reading aloud could happen, just not when I wanted it but when He did.  I found that time and now I truly cherish it and miss it if we go without it. 

At night, after I put my lil' Lady to sleep and my 5 yr old (b/c he loves his sleep so he is pretty easy to get down), and after our family night prayers, I begin and it is usually about 8pm. We all hop into my big bed and I lay in the middle while little heads and ears look on and listen.  It really is the sweetest thing.  I know they are listening and understanding b/c we talk about it and they ask questions and they giggle and their excitment peeks at just the right moment.

We have read a lot of really great classics that I never touched upon before....even ones that I did not even read when I was younger.  How sad, huh?  I was not the reading type of kido back then.  I'd rather be outside riding my bike or playing dolls.  But, now that we are reading them, I am so sad that I missed it and it was not a part of my childhood.  I did not want this to happen to my own children. 

We just finished...




While I am reading on my bed, my husband would read to my older boys in their room.  They are in the middle of this book...


As you can imagine, this summer is not going by without read alouds!  We have begun this book....





Happy Reading ALOUD!!!  The kids will love it.  You will love it.  It is TIME spent in the most rewarding way. 

God bless,
Mary

Books Lists for the Littles

I always enjoy learning and finding out what other families are their children are reading.  It gives me fresh ideas about books I never heard of and also books I have forgotten about.  So, I figured that I would share our reading lately.

Littles:


This ABC one is not the exact one that we are reading b/c ours has the "Can you find it?"/search and find along with it that my kids really enjoy:




 

This is just a partial list of what we have been focusing on with my littles.  I do not have the time right now to post on the others...but check back b/c there are some good ones! :)

God bless your summer and happy reading, my friends!
God bless,
Mary

Zoo pics

We went to the zoo with our co-op for our field trip this year.  It was a beautiful day full of memories. We have a great group of moms and kidos.  It is a very pricey zoo to go to and we'd always wanted to go.  But since the co-op  payed for all my kids to go and we just had to pay for myself and hubby, then we HAD to go!!! :)  It would have costed us close to $100 if we went but we only spent $24!!! :) Gotta love good deals.  Best of all---Daddy was there to join us!!!

Here are some snapshots of our outing:

Aren't they cute??? We would love some of those goats!!!

God bless,
Mary