And we have

a Teenager!

Dear Lord,
I am a little, ok a lot, nervous, about this stage of life. I love the relationship I have with my son right now, please give me wisdom to keep our relationship healthy.
Help me not to be controlling, over bearing, annoying, embarrassing...
instead help me be a Godly mom.
A source of wisdom.
A woman who can model qualities his future wife should have.

A few things I've learned...

• Never, I repeat NEVER, refuse the help of a child. If you do, they won't be as anxious to help in the future. I know what you are saying, 'It takes 10x longer!' 'You don't know my child!' 'They make a huge mess when they help!' Yes those things are all true, but in the grand scheme of things, you will be thankful you taught them someday. And they will be too.
• Accept a compliment. Don't belittle your self by saying you aren't worthy of someone's praise.
• Treat strangers with respect & politeness. You just might be the only 'Jesus' they meet that day.
• When the still small voice whispers a command in your head, Do It! It might not make sense & you might not understand, but the Lord knows what He is doing.
• Do something crazy with your kids once in a while... declare a PJ day, eat ice cream for breakfast, invite them {with a hand written invitation} to a slumber party in your bedroom... just enjoy your kids!
• Let your friends know you appreciate them.
• Love your husband, even in the unlovable moments.
• Keep perspective. Everything has a season.
• SmILe
  

Making your Home a Haven

My oldest is rapidly closing in on the teen years, and creating a haven for him, (as well as for his friends) is important to my husband and I. Lynn Cowell posted an article Monday I thought was incredibly good.
I thought you might like to read it too! I have posted part of it below for your reading ease, however I strongly recommend you head to her blog & check her out. Plus get a chance to win the book, You can Raise Courageous & Confident Kids by Mary DeMuth.

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It’s our job to create a home they are wildly enthusiastic about. A haven. A place to let down and be themselves. Here are ten ways you can create a haven in your home.

1.Let kindness reign.

Determine to treat your children and spouse with the same sweetness you'd give a stranger you're trying to impress. Remember it's God's kindness that leads us to repentance. What makes us think anything different would evoke our children's repentance?

2.Welcome hard questions.

It's okay to question. You did it, didn't you? Give your children the same leeway. Let them vent. Let them worry. Welcome their wrestling. Don't give pat answers; instead, let them work through their questions. Love them through a period of questioning.

3.Be there.

Give your children the rare gift of your focused attention. Look into their eyes. Ask great questions. Relax alongside them. Dr. Ross Campbell says, "In short, focused attention makes a child feel he is the most important person in the world in his parents' eyes."

4.Limit media.

Steer your children away from mindless interaction with the TV or video games. Set limits and stick to them. Dare to believe your children are creative, innovative kids who can create instead of idly recreate.

5.Go outside.

We've lost the importance of outdoor play. Even if it means walking to the park with your kids, or swimming alongside them, or taking a nature hike, dare to move beyond the four walls of your home to venture out to see God's creation.

6.Weep and rejoice at the right times.

We are to weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice (Romans 12:15). When a child has a difficult day, scoop her into your arms and cry alongside. When she makes a great grade, jump up and down and celebrate with ice cream.

7.Cherish childhood.

Our kids grow up so fast in this crazy culture. Keep them kids as long as you can. Let them play, run, stretch, linger. Limit activities when they're younger so they don't become little stressed-out adults at age ten.

8.Read together.

The most haven-producing thing I do as a mommy is simply to read to my kids. I still read to my fourteen year old! Discover books on CD as a family, lessening the tedium of car rides without popping in a DVD. My kids have stayed in the car to listen to a story finish.

9.Laugh hard, but not at another's expense.

Joking and laughter are blessings you can add to create a fun-loving haven, but be cautious not to laugh at your kids' expense or allow them to laugh at yours or others' expense. Watch funny, clean movies together. Tell jokes. Tell funny family stories over and over until they become ridiculous. A lighthearted family that doesn't take itself too seriously is a haven-home.

10.Practice God's presence in the mundane.

Require chores of your kids. It teaches them important life skills. Even so, introduce joy as you work. Turn on the radio, dance, laugh. By learning to practice the presence of God during the chores of life, you create a productive, gratitude-based home.

Oh Boy

what a day it has been & it is only 11:07 AM.

The avocados I mashed, to make our favorite chip dip, had an odd taste despite the fact they looked fine. Needless to say, I didn't notice until after I put them on top of the beans.
Tossed it all.
Only then did I realize I didn't have any more handy canned refried beans. Determined to make the dip, I blended some pinto beans I had cooked up, and remade the dip with two new avocados.

My littlest girl is a growly bear.
Nothing is going her way.
Her tears are flowing freely at every little thing. Her yogurt spilled, the box she way playing in ripped, she bonked her head about 4 times, I won't let her go 'owside' by herself, her shirt is dirty, & now, she can't find her milk.
Oh the hardships of a child.

I have a headache.
I'd really like a cookie. I have no sugar & no cookies.
I have a bizillion things I should be doing.

My youngest son, is still working on math.
I won't tell you how long he's been at it.

I'm washing sheets today, and I forgot to start the dryer. Let me tell ya, the dryer won't dry unless you turn it on.

A few cows decided to play in my back yard at 5:45 AM this morning.
I am too scared to go see if they went into my garden.

I think I need a little fresh air.
I'm strapping the girls in Bob & going for a walk.
Maybe the cleaning fairy will stop by while I'm gone and clean up the mess the girls made...

It's My Life

Up at 5:30AM some days before.
Little girls with princess dresses & dart guns.
School in the kitchen.
Fresh flour grinding.
Papa stops in to say 'Hi".
Laundry.
Boys who make up BIG stories to scare their sister.
Non stop chattering from my 4 & 20 month old.
Tea, lots of garden tea.
Daily sack lunch making for my hubby.
Bible time.
Laughter, giggles, belly rolls.
Rocks in the washer.
1 boy who would shower once a week if I would let him and the other who would shower 4 times a day if possible.
Joy, smiles, fun.
Turtles, frogs, lizards in tanks in the garage.
Milk spills, food on the floor & sticky fingers.
Weed. Plant. Mow. Harvest.
Toothpaste on the counter, mirror, floor, wall.... How does that happen?
Running, walks, bike rides.
Bills to pay, check books to balance.
Prayer.
Missing toys, socks & treasures all located under the beds.
Flies in the freezer, it is a' boy' experiment.
Mop. Vacuum. Dust.
Oh, yes, sometimes there is shaving cream in there too!
Snuggles, kisses, crayon pictures, dandelion bouquets.
Basketball. Baseball.

I love my job.

Last week in pictures

Mix cheesecakes - 3 for church

Don't forget to put blender lid on tight.
Melt chips.
Make crust.

Playdough.
Lego.
Finish Hair Clip Holder.

Laundry.
Pull back out the boots.
Laundry.

Shred 20# of cheese.
Cut veggies.
Buy more milk.
Package 20# of cheese.
Encourage veggies & fruit for snacks.

Laugh.
Smile.
Love.

Things every mom must know

1. Where the other shoe is
2. How to get gum out of hair
3. When treats are needed for various events, without being told
4. How to get underwear out of the central vac hose
5. Why hamburgers are called 'hamburgers' where there isn't any HAM in them
6. What every sign along the road means, after it's been passed it and can no longer be seen
7. Where the missing toy is
8. The childs name in class who was wearing the green shirt
9. What time it is in Yugoslavia and what those children ate for breakfast
10. Who Trevor Bayne is, how old he is, what he just won & what his NASCAR number is
11. How to answer the phone, change a diaper & explain a math problem all at the same time
12. The art of making Mickey Mouse pancakes
13. Where the snow glove is hiding
14. How to untangle hair, without making it hurt
15. Why Oranges are called Oranges and Banana's are not called Yellow's
16. What makes thunder & lightening
17. How to quiet an inquisitive child about the wrinkles of the elderly man in front of us
18. Why you can't cook an egg, in it's shell, in the microwave. Sometimes supervised experiments are better than telling :)
19. That song
20. Why it is not wise to use a sheet as a parachute when jumping from a tree

and many others.

What talents have you gained from being a mom?

TTT Praying

Do you pray for your children?

If not, you need to.
It will make days like thisgo better.

I love the month long calendar by Mom & Loving It. If you struggle with what to pray, it will guide you. It gives a scripture based prayer for each day & the scripture reference.

It's Fabulous!!
Here are the first 10 days to give you an idea...

1 SALVATION
Lord, I pray that my children would obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. 2 Timothy 2:10

2 GOD’S GRACE
I pray that my children may grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
2 Peter 3:18

3 LOVE
Father, grant that my children would learn to live a life of love, through the Spirit who lives in them.
Ephesians 5:2

4 INTEGRITY
Lord, may integrity and uprightness protect my children because their hope is in you.
Psalm 25:21

5 SELF-CONTROL
Father, help my children not be like many others, but to be alert and self-controlled in all they do.
1 Thessalonians 5:6

6 LOVE FOR GOD’S
WORD
Lord, may my children regard your Word as more precious than gold and sweeter than honey.
Psalm 19:10

7 JUSTICE
God, help my children to love justice as You do and act justly in all they do.
Psalm 11:7 &
Micah 6:8

8 MERCY
Oh Father, grant that my children would be full of mercy and compassion as you are Lord.
James 5:11

9 RESPECT
Lord, help my children to show proper respect to everyone, as your Word commands.
1 Peter 2:17

10 SELF-ESTEEM
God, help my children develop a strong self esteem rooted in the realization that they are Your workmanship.
Ephesians 2:10

You can print your own calendar
here , then start praying for your children today.

P.S.
Mine is hanging on my bathroom mirror.
Where will you hang yours?

2011 Resolutions - A Childhood Worth Remembering

When my children grow up and become parents, I want them to have memories of
inexpensive
enjoyable
simple
activities we did while they were growing up.

Why? Well, for starters I want to give my children a childhood worth remembering. I want them to enjoy being a child, to enjoy their carefree days, and to be able to look back and be thankful they were apart of our family. I also hope their memories will act as a starting point in creating their own activities when they have families.
I want my children to learn, fun comes in all shapes and sizes. It doesn't matter what corner of the world they are living in or what their living conditions are; laughter and a joyful heart can be found anywhere.

My 'bucket list' of activities is listed below. Many of them we currently do or have done, some are new ideas I plan on starting this year.

*Daily Devotions
*Sledding/tubing behind the four-wheeler as a family
*Personalized notes from dad & mom
*Building with Boxes
*Frequently have their friends over
*Put candles on cinnamon rolls,pancakes,casserole,muffins, to celebrate a great test score, newly mastered skill, or simply that it is Monday
*Have an indoor snowstorm, canceling school for the day. (I've been dreaming about this one, I'll be sure to post pictures when I do it!)
*Sponsor 4 children, one for each of ours. We recently started this, we will be doing a Unit Study about the culture and country where our children are living. More to come later.
*Movie Night~ allow eating in front of the TV, something we rarely do
*Game Night
*Celebrate: Valentines Day, St Pat's Day, Presidents Day... incorporate activities into our school work
*Pray Daily for my children by name~ Not only when we tuck them in, but during my personal prayer time
*Have secret siblings (sometime other than Christmas) where no money can be spent, only good deeds will be given
*Try foods from other cultures, allow the children to help pick the menu
*Make their birthdays a holiday, no school at our house!
*Dinner backwards, start with dessert
*Head somewhere for the first week of school to kick it off
*Roast Smores & marshmallows on the beach
*Take our school work: outside, to the woods, in a barn, to grandma's basement... just to mix it up
*Go out for breakfast in the middle of the week, simply because we can
*Take a 'field trip' to see dad at work


I'd love to hear what YOU do or what your parents did to make
'A Childhood Worth Remembering'
So don't be bashful, please share!

Schedules- Keeping Things Moving & HHH

Welcome to another Tuesday with Hip Homeschool Hop!
I hope you click the link below to be connected with other homeschooling families.


Schedules overview:

Mornings are {by far} the most productive time of my day. I have a plan orchestrated in my head, from the minute I jump out of bed. Or, more accurately, before I fall asleep the previous night.

I have several 'tools' that help me through the week. These 'tools' add structure to our day, help organize the chaos, and keep things running smoothly. I take my job as CEO of the Daily Grind very seriously.

First, let's define 'Tools': items used to shape, form, finish

shape: I am shaping our home into a safe, welcoming environment for all who enter and creating an atmosphere of organization. But more importantly, I am teaching my children life skills and responsibility. Shaping them into Godly adults who will be able to function on their own.

form: I am forming routine, which I believe creates security in children. I am forming little brains to see what needs to be done and do it. I am slowly putting the frame work up so one day I can let {my children} stand on their own.

finish: I am instilling within my children the importance of doing their best in everything and sticking with a job until it is complete. I am working to create little people who are thorough and don't try to 'just get by' so one day they will be able to be a good manager of their day and of the skills and blessing the Lord has given them.

My Tools:

Lists- I keep a notebook on my counter of things I need to do for the week. I LOVE to cross off each job. It gives me great satisfaction. My children also have chore charts in which they can visually see what they must do each day. We tend to utilize the charts more during the summer months, but recently, I am thinking we need to pull those back out to help with responsibility issues.

Daily Chores - Daily we: sweep, pick up, wipe counter tops, straighten

Constant Washing - My washer and dryer run 3 -4 times each day. We also put laundry away every afternoon. The boys (11 and 7) put their own laundry away, I help the girls (4 and 18 months).

Weekly Chores - Weekly: bed sheets are washed, house is dusted/vacuumed, garage cleaned, car wiped down and vacuumed, trash hauled, and bills get paid/checkbooks get balanced. I have divided my kitchen into 4 areas so each week one receives a good scrubbing.

Cleaning as we go - If I see a mess, finger smudges, poor potty habits, tooth paste on the counter/faucet/wall/floor, mud tracks, dirty dishes, boil overs... I clean it up instead of putting it off until later.

Discipline - I struggle the most in this area, but, I am trying very hard to be consistent. My goal is to not let little naughty acts get unnoticed. If I don't want it to happen once, I shouldn't allow it at all, even if discipline is inconvenient at that moment.

A school Schedule - you can see ours here.

Freedom - Freedom you ask? Yes, freedom to not get an item done in an overly chaotic week. When I know it was done last week and I know it will get done next week, my mind is a little more at ease. :)

No, I do not do all of these things my self. My job is to oversee, teach, delegate and work along side my children. I am not their maid and they do not live in a 5 star hotel. We are a family and we live and work together. Our work often involves listening to Jonathan Park, upbeat music, giggles, and good conversation. We have a good time here!

I'd love to know how you keep things moving at your house.
Do you have any scheduling tips that work great for your family?
If so, please share!

2011 Resolutions - School Time

Every year about this time, it becomes evident, somethings just aren't working. My energy and focus have been rejuvenated by Christmas break, life is slower and the bitter temperatures leave us primarily indoors. School takes center stage once again.

With two weeks of school under our belts, it is time to start making a few changes.
Changes I will be making concerning myself:

• Reading from the Bible will start between 8:30 and 8:45 am. It will be done daily without exception.
  
• I will focus my mornings primarily on school work. This means I will not be trying new recipes, talking on the phone or on the computer during the morning hours.
  
• When my older children are working independently, I will be looking over school work schedules, grading, familiarizing myself with their lessons or working on curriculum.
• I will talk with my child about his lessons and not allow him to 'get by' without truly understanding what he is doing.
• My child will not be allowed to move on to the next lesson until the current lesson is fully understood. If this puts us behind my schedule, so be it. It is more important the concept being worked on is understood.
  
• I will fully embrace the calling God has given me to teach my children. December was a busy month full of activities, mostly extra church work, but my first priority must be my children. I failed in that during the month of December.
  

Other changes involving me, the children and work time:

• Bible memorization will be due each Friday without exception. The younger children will have workbook time with me for their Bible memorization. I am ashamed that this is the first thing I tend to skip when things get crazy.
• Writing in complete sentences and handwriting neatness will be required.
  
• Words that are continually misspelled will be added on to their spelling lists.
• I will not raise my voice, the children will be required to listen the first time. If they don't, extra writing, drill sheets, or a run outside to burn energy will be given.
  
• The girls will have quiet reading time in separate parts of the room or in separate rooms. They have gotten far too chatty, giggly, and silly to have quiet time together. Don't get me wrong, they are hilarious to listen to, but they have become a big distraction!
• We will take the time to have coffee & cocoa game mornings, with friends. School does not have to be done by noon.

How have you revamped your school?
What changes will you be making for the second half of the year?

Don't push your luck

Yes, I'll admit, walking through the mall yesterday I was thankful numerous children were NOT mine. I am sure every single one of them had the possibility of being a great kid. I believe all children have that potential. However, many of the children I saw were; still high on Christmas cookies, sleep deprived, Christmased out, desperately needing to get back into their normal routine, had tiredwornout parents who could care less about discipline or a combination of all of the above. I prayed for one mom as we walked by. No joke.

Don't get me wrong, my children were not perfect. One whined because she wanted to buy a book, my toddler toddled away, as fast as she could, while I was assisting another try on boots. And yet another said he was sooooooooooooooo hungry he almost couldn't handle it, only to be suddenly full when he saw the food line. However, I knew when it was time to leave. And that is what we did.

Mom's, don't push your luck.

Your children can only take so much stimulation (think: late nights, no naps, parties, extended family, being spoiled by grandparents, events, sweets, Christmas high...), and allowing them to eat cookies, left over pie or candy from their stocking for breakfast isn't the brightest best idea, especially, when your planning on going out of the house.
Let's be smart mom's, ok?
I promise, you'll be a much better mom in the end and you won't do something you'll regret later.

Thursday Thoughts

• Did Mary know what it meant to be the mother of Jesus? Do you think she ever questioned her 'mother skills' as she punished, praised, and raised Him?
  
• Do you think she punished Him?
  
• God's faithfulness amazes me. The way He offers complete forgiveness overwhelms my entire being.
  
• It hurts me to see dear ones in pain.
• Miracles still happen.
• Do I, Don't I... that is the question of the day.
• I love snow.
  
• Planning and executing any Holiday while keeping everyone happy {Christmas included!!!} (with both sides of our family close) is H.A.R.D.
• I need to be thankful all of my family is SO close
  
• The cookies in my freezer are going to make me gain 10 pounds if I don't find a home for them soon.
• The problem to the above thought it... I'd really like to try a few {MORE} new recipes. It's just so FUN!
• Homeschooling and wrapping Christmas gifts is a real challenge. My kids are always home!!!
• I realized this week, I haven't shown my girl friends know how important they are to me. I've been too engrossed with my schedule I've neglected my friendships.
• I am so blessed to be called mom.
  
• Hope. There is hope for everyone.
  

TTT & Everlasting God

I will not lie...
Homeschooling has the potential to make me weary.
Especially when I try to do it on my own.
It{homeschooling} can be overwhelming sometimes.
However, I serve a big God.
I believe He will give me strength to do what He has called me to do.
Just listen...

We sang this song Sunday.
Tears welled up in my eyes and I heard God's still small voice saying, 'Wait, Annika, now is not the time.'
I am not waiting for anything big, just the go ahead from God saying, 'Now is the time.'
As I wait patiently, or not so patiently most days, God keeps reminding me, it is in His time, not mine. He can see the whole picture. I can only see my piece of the puzzle.
I love the fact that God doesn't grow weary of my humanness, my inability to always be content, or my lack of faith when I can't see the end. He simply waits, with open arms, for me to come running back.

Whatever you are waiting for; a child learning to reading, a husband coming to Christ, or results to a test, know God cares.
He will give you strength in everything you do:
BIG or SMALL

Fulfilled vs Fun

My son and I were having a conversation in the car a few days ago. He asked me what job I would pick if I could have any job in the world. I told him I already had the job I wanted. He then clarified; a job in which I would get paid.

I honestly didn't have an answer for him. Sure, there are things I would enjoy doing, and many things that would be exciting, but would they fulfill me? Yes, maybe for a time I would be satisfied, but I don't think long term I could find true happiness in doing something other than what I am currently doing. My 'job' has plenty of challenges and excitement. The rewards of being my husbands right hand and watching my children grow in Christ and learn are endless.

Listening to my three year old effortlessly say Bible verses before bed brings tears to my eyes. Suddenly, the white out painting she did on the wood work, doesn't seem so bad. She was listening! I am getting into that little brain... my job is important.

I didn't always think this way. It wasn't my dream to be a stay at home mom. I had plenty of wit and ambition, I was going to change the world. And trust me, it wasn't going to be from a small town in the Mid-West.

Then something happened, I surrendered my life to Christ, not when I accepted Him in my heart, but when I finally gave everything to Him, my perspective was changed. My eyes were opened and I saw the worth in God's plan for my life.
'I saw the worth in God's plan for my life'
How childish I was to think my plan was more important. I would have gone the rest of my life searching for fulfillment had I not surrendered to where He has placed me and the job He has given me.

We live in a selfish, sinful world. God did not put us on earth for our glory, but for His. Until I acknowledged this fact, my life was empty. Don't get me wrong, I still struggle, I still mess up, I still have empty moments. But, I am able to find my focus much quicker than before. I am able to push those selfish thoughts out of my mind and regain direction, on His road map.

I don't care what you 'do'. You are worthy because He created you.
Don't forget that.

So much to soak in

We had mom's group at church yesterday. I wish every morning I could go to mom's group. I always leave feeling refreshed; like I could conquer the world, or at least my kids for the rest of the day.
Yesterday I took so many notes I ran out of space on my piece of paper. I truly desire to be a wife-mom-friend-womanonthestreet whose face shines radiantly because I have the love of Jesus in my heart. I long to be a Woman of God clear through to my core. But I have sinned, I've messed up, and my thoughts are not always pure. My human nature says I'm not good enough, I don't deserve Him. And the truth is, none of us do. But read these verses...

'Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.' Psalm 34:5

'If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.' James 1:5

Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.' Psalm 55:22

God longs for me to run to Him, to confess my sins and to cast my burdens upon Him. I first must clean my inside, then my outside will be clean, and radiant.

How am I going to do that?
I'm starting with 5 ways, maybe next week I'll add a few more.

1. I am going to lower the expectations I have for myself. Meaning: My quiet time, might not always be quiet. It might not always be 30 minutes of solid reading in His Word. Instead, I will grab Bits of God all day long. I will relax and allow God to speak through 'Bible Time' I have with my kids. Often times He has brought me to tears during this time, but I have not allowed it to qualify as being good enough for me.
   
2. I am going to start a 'Between You & Me' journal with my 11 year old. (more on that in another post)
3. I am going to make a conscience effort to get on my knees as I roll out of bed each morning.
4. I am going to post verses or short phrases in around my house for me to see. Ex: Rejoice in the Lord, Joy of the Lord is my Strength, Whatever I do do for the Lord... so that those words reiterate in my mind all day long.
   
5. I am going to pray for my husband as I pick up the things he leaves all over the place.
   

'Teach me your ways, O LORD, that I may live according to your truth! Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor you.'
Psalm 86:11 NLT

I think we have a problem

Teaching Tip Tuesday - Prepare

What makes my week run smoothly?
Being prepared!

A few things I do to prepare for our meals and keep us eating healthy are:

Scrub and cut veggies /fruit within a day of buying if not as soon as we get home.
I am a huge veggie and fruit pusher. By cleaning and cutting our produce in advance I can easily add them to every meal.
Whole apples and bananas get left on the counter in a bowl for easy access. The other veggies are cut and put in the front of the refrigerator so they are easily seen and eaten.
This will be gone before the end of the week.

When you are cooking hamburger or sausage, cook several pounds at once then put the extra in the freezer. The frozen meat can quickly become taco's, spaghetti, sloppy joes, chili, burritos, pizza toppings...
If you bake bread, rolls or muffins for your family, bake a double batch and freeze the extra.
By cooking and baking extra, you will be saving time, in the end, as well as creating 'fast food' for your family.

I also keep my pantry stocked with items such as tomato sauce, canned beans, burritos, chilies, sauerkraut, pasta, and rice. Always having these items leaves no excuse for ordering out which means my family eats healthier and we save money. Yippee on both accounts!

For those of you that asked for recipes, I will try to get them posted this week. I will also be answering your 'ask me anything' questions soon, so if you have anything your dying to ask you still have time :)

Words from our week...

Read the words, not what you think the picture says.
Shhhhhh! It's quiet reading time.
Boys! What are you doing with that pencil?
Yes!!! You've got it!
Ashlynn, do not climb the pantry shelves.
The door, close the door! Ashlynn's coming!
Why are you in the shower with the water running and your brother over your shoulder like a sack of feed?
I'm hungry mom, it's been an hour since I last ate.
Where is your sister?
Who left the potty lid up!?!? The TP roll is unrolled and water is splashed everywhere!!
Your pencil is to write with, it is not a weapon.
No, we will not be blowing things up in science today.
I'm HUNGRY. (10 minutes after breakfast)
Ashlynn, do not climb up the fridge shelves.
Get your finger out of your nose!
Very good!!! Keep it up!
Gabrielle, what are you doing in the closet? ohhhhhh.......
Ashlynn, get off the table!
Stop whining.
School is not an option, it is a requirement AND no, you may not become Amish and quit at 8th grade.
I need food. I think I might starve!
Plug your nose, the beans are coming through. {hahahaha}
The fly swatter is NOT a toy.
You want to hear how loud I can burp?
Spoken to a child after finding the new electric pencil sharpener...Please do not sharpen your entire pencil at once!!

True words from our house this week.
Yes, my friends, this is why I asked for your prayers :)

Holding on

Do you ever feel like this?

Like you're holding on for all your worth?
I do!
'Back to School' isn't always a breath of fresh air for me. It's a period of adjustment and figuring what works.
My children are 11, 7, 3 and 1. Homeschooling the older two and occupying the younger two are a challenge to say the least. The one year old was easy to keep busy last year, she wasn't mobile. This year is another story. If I can make it through the first 30 days, I know I will be able to survive the year :)

I've got a few tricks up my sleeve. We'll see how they work this week.
You can pray for me, I'm sure I'll need it.