Finally I have Freedom!

I have never been one to be bothered by peoples opinions.. it is the unspoken things I think they are saying that have kept me trapped for years. Whether it be what I wear or what I do I'd wonder what it is people were thinking! NO MORE! I AM FREE! I am who I am solely for God! This life is but I blink in eternity and I need not worry what it is peolpe think about my actions in any form!
To lead people to Christ is my only goal! In every action I make or choice I choose I want others to say... "I want what they have"! I want people to ask "how can you handle all those kids?" I by no means will boast! Only the Grace of God is the measure by which I function every day!
Our faith enables us to recieve all that God have given to us!

New Discoveries!

Lots of new discoveries today! Having 10 versus 7 kids has really made me realize a lot now. God has in a sense proven to me i am capable of much more than i ever thought! Yes me the mother of 7 can do more! Lol! Honestly I can! Getting rid of selfish behavior is often so hard yet the proven evidence of growth gained from not being selfish is so worth the effort! In the true effort of things God is showing me i can really do all i've done today on a daily basis... it is my choice! Truly God is Great! Walking in love is such a key for me... for example is watching a tv show love or fixing a meal for my kids... okay so that's obvious... how bout washing a load of clothes or playing a game with the kids? They are both in love yet truly one could wait! So often i find myself wanting to choose the easier one of any two and yet i should choose the one in love! Thinking bout today i've been two steps ahead of the kids and usually i'm two steps behind! I really am learning and seeing how God is using me daily! Blessed beyond measure we are called to be blessings!

Seven to Ten!

We are priviledged to be keeping 3 wonderful kids tonight! A very good friend of ours is in the hospital and his wife is staying with him... soo Javier, Emmanuel and Jireh are spending the night! So now we have children ages 13, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 7, 6, 4, and 1! The noise level went up a few decibals lol that just about says how excited our kid were!
Pizza was on order for supper.. though I expect tomorrow's meals wil be just as easy... what's 3 more mouths when you already feed 7 on a daily basis!
This is the first time I will say I have a complete peace in keeping 3 that are not my own! God truly has a plan for us and I am excited to see where God takes us next!
Stop for a minute and see the little things that God does for you!

My Unproductive Day!

My unproductive day just became even less productive because my phone has decide to only post the topic of each of my posts:( Let's hope it works this time! I did accomplish school and chores today! I seemed to have so much planned for today and really got very little done today! Least i can try again tomorrow if my Jesus does not come back:) I hope all my friends out there in cyber land had more productivity than i today and many blessings flowed your way! I have been blessed beyond measure and i am learning to thankful for each and every one!

Happy Birthday Daddy!

My daddy does not do the Internet or Facebook thing... yet somehow it seems fitting to say... Happy Birthday to my wonderful Daddy for almost 35 yrs! I LOVE YOU!

Sunday with a "Son" Reaction!

I thought my title was very fitting for today! I awoke to having a horrible rash wherever the sun has even touched my skin even a little. Fortunately, it is only on a few little spots! I am very, very itchy! I thought it was funny because the pastor talked this morning about having a response versus a reaction to the things around us! I have really been thinking about how I react and all the ways I can change it! Think today how can you change your reaction to a "Son" reaction!

Weekend Memories!

I've really enjoyed this weekend.. It's one I'll remember for a long time! Today is going to be Awesome to add to it all! God is so good! What a blessing today!

ALL THINGS!!

All things are possible with God! What an Awesome thing to know!

Worn out!

I'm so worn out this may be the only blogging I get done tonight! Had so much fun with the ladies at the Retreat! Back with my family feels good though!

What I've Learned...

I've learned it just one short day i love my kids more time than i could ever imagine! My hubby ... my love just keeps growing and growing! In reality i need lots more of these getaways... the to reflect ... time to relax... time to rest! It amazes me how i don't often enough see this and see how good it is for me!

midnight fun!

Yes i'm up but headed to bed after and awesome day! Tomorrow will be great too! Having a getaway is such blessing!

Loving it?

So far my trip away has been glorious... Other than I feel like I'll burst into tears at any moment...still fun:)

Early Weekend Start!

Today I gave the kids a break on school because my nerves are on high alert! I am headed for a weekend of fun tonight at 8 with a bunch of friends! This is a new conference I have never been too and I am excited to see what happens! Leaving my husband with all 7 kids is a peaceful thing... however I am just not sure he will remember the diaper bag! LOL no being serious he is so great with the kids! I know he loves them and takes great care of them! this is going to be a great weekend! I know this opportunity is God-sent!

People and Pizza

Wednesday nights have become my highlight in the week! Today i spent the day not doing much... if that's even possible for a mom of 7...anyway i managed to get the kids bathed and dressed early which turned out great! At 5 John called with a favor to see if i could pick him up from work and we were out the door by 5 thirty! After a great church service we too all 9 kids to get pizza and that was fun! Now we're headed home so i can try to sleep as my excitement builds for my weekend away! 2 nights and 2 days with no men or children! I'll be ranting for days so be warned my blog will be full of all i learn!

Prep Work!

I was thinking yesterday of all the things i do that are prep work for something else! For instance... I wash dirty clothes so they can be worn again. I wash dishes so we can eat with them. I cook a meal so it can be eaten. I teach my kids so they can be prepared for the future! Funny how so much of what we do is to prepare things for something else. The children and I have been preparing the ground for our new pool. I have even spent time out of comfort zone and put in back labor for the effort! I am reminded of how often when indeed the work is done to prepare for something better! Seems like when the result is something we like it makes the work alot easier.. sometimes or at least it helps our motivation! God prepared me for motherhood along the way and with each child came the experience for another! I am so very thankful I can use the Prep Work to my advantage and learn from it so each day is better!

School Week... Not School Weak

I've heard it all when it comes to homeschooling... some think all we do it entertain our kids! I say NOT! Today i homeschooled 6 of my 7 in some form... today happened to be paper. Other days we use cooking or crafts or cleaning or organizing... the list goes on and on! Kids learn through so many areas and in so many different ways... In fact i've learned each of my children learns in a different way! Some learn through sight, some learn through hearing and others through touch or actually doing the project not just reading about it! I'm not saying it is easy though it far out weighs the stress of school and it is way more flexible! In homeschooling we can adjust the curriculum to fit each child's needs! For instance i have on child who reads very well and one who reads below level and each is different in math learning. I love being able to bump them up or set them back according to what they need! Not only do they learn they also teach ... i often set for the older ones to read to the lil ones or even help them do activity pages! So for sure our homeschooling is a strong week and not a weak one! Filled with blessing we learn to walk by faith and see the evidence in the fruit of our children!

New Friends!

Or my here i go again... my first attempt would not post for some reason:( Today we had some New friends over to our house to celebrate the birthday of the mom! we had a very unusual lunch which included steamed shrimp... i even had a few kids that ate some! We later tried to teach them how to play phase ten and it was a hoot! I am often more and more amazed at how God puts the right people in your life at the right times! Our children played so well together another example of God's peace at work! Truly today has been beyond blessed!

Short Story

Short story today... long wonderful saturday! Levi went to a birthday party and them John and i went on a date! We managed to spend money we did not know we had ... don't ask how!We're worn out now and have to get up very early for 2 services at church! I love my church! Well now off to bed! see ya tomorrow!

No Computer!

So i thought this whole post had been up for hrs now... oh well... our computer is completely down! I'm very thankful for having internet on my phone... least till i can get our computer back up and running! I've been under the weather the past few days and it has made me aware of so many things i have been given! God has given me so many blessings how little is the computer not working in the scheme of things! I'm blessed beyond measure!

Final Paper Mache Results!

Here is the Results of our First Attempt at Paper Mache Animals! I made the bunny for Ruth. Levi's is the Tiger. Selah's is the Pink Pig. Grace's is the Duck. Titus' is the Frog. John Russell's is the Green Pig. Micah's is the Owl. Mine is the Penguin!
We really had lots and lots of fun! The mess was worth the results!

Well...

Not much happened today... I did not get up early.. the projects are still drying and I am facing some physical issues that will keep me home from my loved Encouter service tonight!
On top of that my "unlimited" internet is threatenting to go out again! I am very tired for the above reasons I cannot control... Guess today will have to be a well... day one where prayer is on the forefront and it really matters little if I get anything done but the needs!
See ya tomorrow friends!

Paper Mache!

Today we spent 6 hrs making paper mache animals.. well let me rephrase that I worked for that amount of time, lol! Really the kids did help they just got bored faster. I learned quickly it is a very long process... Today we just covered the balloons in paper with 1 part water to 1 part elmers glue. Some do look like animals already others stil need work! I had alot of fun though and I loved seeing how the kids enjoyed getting messy!
I'll most likely find glue in so many places for days!
I also paper mached an old plastci box lid to use a paint canvas... we'll see if that works! I may come up with a few more ideas tomorrow though I'll wait till Thursday to pull the stuff out... it really does make a mess!
I can't wait to show you pictures of all the animals !

To break or not to break...

I am torn as to wether we should indeed take our spring break when all the other schools are! Since we homeschool I know it is easy to take breaks and I am really torn as to whether we should keep doing school or not!
Today I did give them a break... I got my room cleaned a little more and got a vraft in the works to surprise them this week! I'll post more later on what it is and how it goes! "It" is going to be fun and maybe even messy... a way to let the kids get in to their creative sides!
Getting messy and creative and is a true love of mine and as the kids get older I love including them! So maybe that is my answer after all... maybe we'll have a a craft week! So as I once again talk myself into an answer I am headed for my quiet night time!

How Compassionate Are You?

Today I heard a word from God through our Pastor's Wife! So often when I hear of the news of someone in trouble because of thier own actions I immeadiately judge and forget the compassion for good! How would I feel if that were my child or family member?
To get through a bad day we often need to as a dear friend once said... " Lift our Vision"! When we are looking at the others needs around us we do not focus on our needs and soon we see the answers!
I often find that praying for anyone who might be going through the same issue I am facing reminds me I am indeed not alone and most certainly not the only one with problems!
Even with my children I see how my compassion needs to improve! My goal this week is see more compassion moments!

Saturday Somethings!

We've cleaned up a little and had a few moments to rest... I am waiting on hot water to get my bath before tonight! Relate Group is Awesome! We just sit and fellowship and let the kids run wild... in a manner of speaking!
2 weeks from today I will be in Mobile, Alabama at a women's conference.. my first one since John Russell was a baby.. so over ten yrs ago! I am SOOOOOOOOOO Very Excited!
Spring Break is this coming week... for the schools anyway... we may contiune to do our school.. we can take breaks anytime we want!
If the weather stays pretty we may go to a park to do it or have a picnic! Mississippi weather can be so funky at times... all we can do is wait and see!
Off to get ready for tonight! Have A Very Blessed Day My Friends!

The Weekend Fun Begin!

As Friday has come and gone I am so thankful for being able to get up early! Today was major problem free.. just a few tiffs here and there! I am learning to take each day moment by moment! Tomorrow we get to relax! I may get in a little organizing...
After a Great Chili and Mac~n~Cheese Supper...For tonight is an old Star Trek Movie Marathon for the oldest boys with Hubby and I!
You know there are so many times I need a boost and before I know it I am seeing a child smile or hearing them laugh! I see more everyday why I was chosen to be the mother of so many!
Let me ask... why is it easier to be the mother of 7 than the wife of 1? Just a thought! I love my hubby... sometimes he loves me in ways I do not understand... I'll learn!
Movie time! See ya!

First of Many!

Today was the first of many I actually got up and got busy before 7a.m.! It felt good to get a few moments with John in before he left for work! Then I was able to have an hr or so alone to have my quiet time and to straighten up a little bit!
I know there was less fights today and less arguing.. proably because I was not on edge near as much too!
My sweet hubby came home and made supper for me! I am very blessed!

The children have been doing so well in their school that I am trying to think of some way to reward them soon! maybe a special field trip or a new game?
So for tonight I will be signing off early and hitting the bed early... early to bed, early to rise, now I feel I'm becoming wise!

At times our faith can be overwhelmed by what we have seen or by what we know as having been true...Praying I can walk in complete faith in every area!

Early to Rise?

I have been trying for over a month to get up earlier than the kids and still to no avail I am not! I have ALWAYS been a night owl and love my sleep... I just need to make a few adjustments! I want to have at least an hr to myself before kids awake and before I start the full day of managing a house of 9!
I am praying that soon I will see it as a need and not as just something that is so flexible! On nights that we have things to do I am even more in a struggle to get up and get moving!
John gets up every morning by 5 at least and I wish I could see him off to work.. maybe even start to fix him breakfast?! If you know my husband he does not ask very much of me at any time... this is just an idea I am seeing as one that really needs to happen!
I know for a fact my days run more smoothly when I do get up for whatever reason! So why,I ask is it not easier to motivate myself? I can see how so many get up and get moving... I think for sure whenI start moving I will begin to see a difference!
In fact... starting today I am going to start a challenge to myself... I am going to get up no later than 7 am every morning for at least 6 months! If in this time I do not notice a difference in my family and my experiences as a mom I will give up on doing it anymore! I will give in to the fact that I love sleep and not try this for a very long time! I am betting that in 6 months time I will adjust and grow to love being ahead on my day!
I will check in here through text every morning to see if truly I have been up and update on my progress daily! Keep checking in on me and any encouragement is WELCOME!

Liquid or Soft!

Here is the sequel to yesterdays late edition!

It has been a very interesting day... the big boys have eaten mostly soup and pudding! I am believing tomorrow will be better! Getting used to braces has really hit us hard in some areas... for instance I am TERRIFIED of dentists even though I do not believe in fear as a healthy thing for most! I know seeing the Boys in pain has brought this fear to light and I am praying for answers through JOY!

The boys are discovering they like different foods now.. like baked fish! They know this is best for them.. it is just very hard to see that in the midst of the pain. My heart goes out to them especially when there is nothing i can do more than make soft foods!
So as our Braces Adventure begins...

Braces for Boys!

I almost completely forgot to even write today! what a day! My 13 and 11 yr olds got braces today! It has been very interesting learning all the dos and don't now! It's late but i promise to post our more tomorrow!

Friends and Fellowship!

I love my Sunday Traditions! For years now we have spent our Sunday afternoons with good friends and good food! I am amazed at the peace between children when wse get together anywhere God tells us to! I am in awe at the meals we have and how far the food we make has gone... sometimes very little has fed so many!
Even meals with new friends have been so blessed! Maybe Sundays are just our time to visit and fellowship!
Our time is usually spent around a game of Phase 10..BTW(by the way) I lost at both games today.. in fact the men dominated... a rare occasion.. one I am sure will be a long time coming again... Just saying...
All in all it is a very fun time and we always create many memories to last a lifetime!

Shopping!

Shopping for groceries for a family of 9 is not an easy task! I have grown used the stares at the 2 or 3 buggies loaded with food... not to mention the look when they see our bill! I think the hardest part is loading and unloading the groceries... one day i may just install a conveyor belt! I love the day after buying groceries though ... an abundance of choices and so much ease feeding the kids! well, hubby is cooking hamburgers so i'd better go! Loving my adventure in life!

Titus' Tenth Birthday

There comes a time in your life when you can truly see God's plan for your life! Ten years ago I had one of those times! I was in a very different time ion my life on March of 2001... a time of pure faith at every step! God allowed me to be pregnant during this time in my life and a lot of people did not understand why.

I knew God had a plan for us and with the birth of my third son Titus I began to see it unfold! By far he was the hardest to deliver.. the first of three to be delivered face up! Let me say first hand it is not easy yet I promise if you've done it once it does get easier! On to more pleasant topics though... Titus is our funny man! He honestly can make anyone laugh and he is LOVED by girls of all ages! Some have said he is MR. Personlity!

He has a very high pain tolerance, one I wish I had!
We really saw this and how God works miracles when he was 5. Shortly after Christmas of 06 he became very ill and something in my heart said it was more than the bug the whole family had experienced! John took him to the Hospital and the next morning he went in to surgery for a ruptured appendix! We later learned it had been ruptured over a week earlier due to a malformed appendix at birth. By a miracle his colon wrapped around his appendix stopping the deadly infection from invading his little body.After a week in the hospital he was back to his normal happy and very energetic self!

The past recent years he has grown even more in his personality and loving self!
Truly God gave us a wonderful blessing in a great time of Faith in our Titus!
Happy 10th Birthday Titus! We love you so much!

Really?

Yes it has been one of those days!


You know the ones where you always see something that makes you wonder what could possibly be going through thier heads? I think my kids do things just hear me say huh or what were you thinking?!


I have so much to do this weekend... before Sunday my room needs to be completely cleaned out and organized! ... before Sunday I must find the kid's camp forms and fill them out! ... before Sunday I need to find all of our bills and fill them out for our church wide vision service! ... before Sunday I need to prepare a lesson for my first time teaching a class of 2 yr olds! Wow that is just a few of the things needed doing!

Well, tomorrow my 3rd son is tunring 10 and I can hardly believe he is in the double digits! Yes my post wil be all about him!

For now I am off to tackle my list of things to do... or try at least... Fun!

Wild Wednesday!

By far Wednesday is not my favorite day of the week yet I am thrilled that mid week is here and I can go back to church for a boost!
Our week has been so different with my back pain and other issues! However today has brought much relief and a new day! I am excited to continue with my house work and all the organizing that needs to be done!
The children I have been blessed with have only made me realize even more why they were given to me and why I am blessed to homeschool them! They are always a big help and really bless me daily with all that needs doing to keep a house a float with 9 members!
I am seeing each day how God is blessing me!
Today my Baby Ruth is 20 months old! Wow how she has grown! I love her as my baby of the family and letting her grow up is so hard! Praise the Lord that God gives me the grace needed each day to raise the Blessings I have been given with all the mercy needed and all the love shown to me!

Ignoring or Annoying?

I am often laughing these days, especially with a four yr old and a 20 month old! Levi, who is the 4 yr old in question, always says now that things or people are Ignoring him! He really means annoying him but in his little voice he is so funny to hear him say it! When you ask Ruth what she is doing she lovingly and sweetly says, nuthing! I am loving being a mother! Even when you cannot do more than stay in bed you are still wanted and loved by so many in my case! Ruth has climbed in my bed and loved on me several times today!