October 6th-wow!

So. I just now realize that my last post was September 29th-a week ago. Hmm, i've just been really busy. I had every intention of blogging at some point, but I guess my POINT is now. :) 

I am actually looking forward to tomorrow so much. I DO NOT have to leave my house unless I really want to.  Then, of course, I am thinking of something that I will probably have to leave for...but  not a biggie. Tonight was our AWANA night. The kids, yes all three of them, go to AWANA for a glorious hour and a half.  They all seem to really enjoy it and we use their story and memory verse as our "bible" for school. :) I just hit on each key thing and help them with memorization. What I didn't realize is the perks that this guaranteed hour and a half would have. (Man, how glad I am they talked me into enrolling M!) 
  So far, I have: been to dirt cheap and chinese with a bf, met for milkshakes and girltalk with another bf, spent time on the treadmill exercise, praying and praising, met with my MM for girltalk and spent time with my husband when is off on that particular Wednesday. So, not only do I know my kids having a great time...I am too! Who'da Thunk? :)  I had a great time with my MM tonight and can't wait to schedule more of those moments! What a blessing she is and how thankful I am for her!!


We have been busy with alot of this:

And this:

And this:

And this:

This, of course, does not include homeschooling, church, meetings, and basic home duties! I stay tired-alot. :) 

So, for the WEEK worth of spin-down's...I shall just do one big one on this day. I am really not in the mood to try and recall every though of the last week.

Outside my window: Is a glowing pumpkin that my kids just adore. I love how glittery and sparkly it looks. I love the fall and all of its harvest-ness.

I am thinking: of how busy my next week seems to be. And, how much I have no desire in the world (okay, maybe just a slight bit), to go to my high school reunion this weekend.  Will I regret not going and "What's the worst that could happen?"  I still, at this point, have no desire to go. Oh well, one day and a few prayers later could change my mind.

I am wearing: PJ's

I am remembering: How badly my knee hurts when the weather starts to get cool. OUCH!

I am going: To bed and read!

I am currently reading: The Yada Yada Prayer Group #3

I am hoping: for world peace. Seriously.

On my mind: How lovely the silence is after a long day.

Pondering these words:  "I don't want to gain the whole word and lose my soul..."

Praying about: Lifting up two MOPS moms that (1) is in labor now and (1) who will be induced tomorrow.

In the kitchen: Cleanliness..aaaaahhhh. :) Gotta love a clean kitchen. We had BBQ "muffins" tonight. It was an E-mealz meal. But, since (like usual) I burned my muffin pan up, I had to just lay the biscuit dough out and top it with all of the ingredients. It was good, but not very healthy. Oh well.

Around the house: It's semi-clean...and I don't care. :)

One of my favorite things: Is reading the kids' bedtime bible to them and praying with them.

From my camera:

Sunday, September 26th

I don't follow many blogs.  Mostly, the ones that I do follow, I will just find something interesting on  blogs that they follow and read those, etc, etc. :)
I am not quite sure what the writer of: The Simple Woman's Daybook is all about, but it did inspire a blog.  So, with that-thanks Simple Woman!

Today is Sunday, September 26th 2010:

Outside my window:  I see my big, red van in need of a washing. Also, the weather is quite dreary which isn't good for a girl that wants to go for a walk. But, I guess the much needed rain never melted anyone either, so what's my excuse?
I am thinking: That I need to go change Makennah's diaper.........now...that smell is in the trash. :) Moving along....I am thinking of how blessed I am to have the friends I have. I had lunch with one of my closest and dearest today..oh how I love her! I am thinking...of how incredibly forgiving and loving God is. Love...so amazing.
I am wearing: Ha. A blue tshirt and exercise capri's..no shoes-of course.
I am remembering: That I need to clean out my closet for the yardsale next weekend. Today really is my last chance.
I am going: to really enjoy myself at tommorrow's Sort and Shop! :)
I am currently reading: I am not reading anything right now. Well, I am reading the bible and using my Life Application Study Bible...but I  will start (probably today) reading "The Yada Yada Prayer Group".
I am hoping: for word peace. Seriously.
On my mind: What isn't on my mind? Um, I need to make a schedule for school this week, menu plan for the next payday, and get myself together for what this week's schedule (activities ) are going to be.
Noticing that: My E is really, really growing up.
Pondering these words:  Really, just all of the book of James.  My Life Application Study Bible describes the PURPOSE of the book of James as: To expose hypocritical practices and to teach right Christian behavior. 
Praying about: A vast array of things.
Around the house: Yard sale stuff is everywhere. Makennah's room is so nice and tidy, though. :)
In the kitchen: Tonight for supper, we are having hotdogs. Fun times. :) Haha!
One of my favorite things: My kids laughter and worship on Sunday mornings.

From my camera:

Recently, I celebrated my birthday. I am seriously overwhelmed with all of the wishes, calls, cards, gifts and surprises. :) I am so blessed to have incredible family and friends!

Favorite Things: Kid's Books

Next week ends the summer reading program at our local library. Last year was the boys' first time attending and they loved it. This year has been no exception.  They really enjoy all the library has to offer. I really should go more often with them-without M.  We have been checking out some really good books lately and I fell compelled to share two that we read tonight (and I am sure will end up reading again and again.)

The Cat in the Hat's:On Beyond Bugs! All About Insects
by Trisha Rabe

If your kids love bugs as much as mine, this is a wonderful read.  They learned about the similarity between skunks and ladybugs, the spittlebug, bee's, moths and so much more. This book is actually educational and super fun for the kids. It may just be on my list of  "books to buy" !!!!

       Shiver Me Letters: A Pirate ABC   
by: June Sobel
Oh how entertaining is this book!  My boys really enjoyed the pirate "talk" and search for letters in this fun tale. The Captain sends his crew out to find all the letters of the alphabet or they will be forced to walk the plank!   Fun illustrations and catchy pirate rhymes keep any little shipmate's attention. :) This is possibly another "Book to Buy" for me!!                                                               

ECCLS: Books-By-Mail Program

Recently, a friend of mine told me about our local library's "Books-by-Mail" program. I was skeptical at first figuring it would be lined with red tape.  After our summer reading program last Friday, I stopped by the front desk to inquire about this program.  The guy at the front has never been overly friendly, so I was glad to hear he was going to get the "girl in the back that knows about this program".

Out came a smiling, sweet young lady (that has ref'd my sons soccer games at the Y) that was very happy to see our interest.  She gave me all of the information (there is even a program for ADULTS, too!!!)  It is totally free and I am pretty excited! Basically, you choose four books from a catalog that they give you. Then, you send in your card (or give it to her in my being a first timer) in and they will send you a big green bag full of your choices. :) It is THAT easy! 

Here is a snapshot of the cards that are included in your "big green bag". You choose the books you want out of the catalog and fill in the requested information!

The "big green bag" our books were mailed to us in. :)

Here are just some of the books that we got. Isn't it cute how she put a post-it note on each stack with each kid's name? :) I thought that was pretty cool. She did the chooing this time because my kids forgot their inside voice and she offered to pick something out for them, but I looking forward helping the kids pick out their next set.

The best thing about this program is that I don't have to try and drag my three kids in the library each week to check out new books. I don't mind taking my children, but with a two year old that doesnt want to play computer games or sit and read-it is a challenge. So, I think this program is fabulous-not to mention it is all year long-not just the summer.

For more info contact Escambia County Cooperative Library System OR just got to the front desk at APL and ask about the "Books-by-Mail" program!

The Beginning

My very first blog post-how exciting! I have been thinking about starting a blog for some time now. I actually opened this account a week or so ago-but never posted anything until now.

One of the biggest reasons I hesitated is because of my laptop. Even though only six months old, I feel like I have it it forever. You see, my poor little laptop had a fall a while back and during the night (not knowing it had fallen on the floor beside my bed) I got up to check on M and STEPPED ON IT. Yes, that is right. I STEPPED ON MY COMPUTER. With the screen cracked and a big black tadpole-looking smudge going down the right hand side it made things a bit difficult to read. I then had a second incident causing another big black tadpole-like smudge down the left side.

So, how can Chaos be so Wonderful?

 Well, it is how I choose (though I struggle) to see my every day life.

I am a stay-at-home, homeschooling Mama. I enjoy reading (though I never have the time). I LOVE a schedule and have been known to map out an entire month at a time. I like to think of myself as organized though I often refer to it as...you guessed it: ORGANIZED CHAOS. :)  I am really into trying to make healthier snack alternatives for my kids (and for myself, too).I'd love to have thick, long, movie star eye lashes. :) I make my own laundry detergent.  I love the color pink. When I was younger, we thought I had epilepsy. Thank God, it was never ruled out.    I am always exhausted. I am so much more of a cat person, though we own a dog. I have battled with my eight all of my life and I am unhappy with myself at the moment (regarding my weight).   I love a good worship song. I am a very emotional person and often times exhaust myself trying to hold it in. I am a constant work-in-progress. I battle every day with myself. I am learning that if I give this battle to my Savior, He will happily carry all of my burdens. Why not just hand it over?  Well, there is that part of being human that kicks me in the butt-every time. I am a Jesus-follower, I am a sinner and I fall short. In spite of everything, He loves me. He has done so much for me and has incredible works for me and my family yet to come.

My Wonderful Family

I am a wife to Chris of seven and half years. He works nights on a 12 hour shift schedule, so our family dynamic is vastly different than most of my friends.  We are parents to three super children. Elijah and Noah are our six year old twin boys (who were 10 weeks premature-more on that later).. Makennah is our two year old sweet girl. They are exactly three years and 11 months apart.  Chris birthday is on the 7th of January, E & N (I often refer the the kids names with initials) are May 7th and M is April 7th. Pretty cool, except they left me out of the mix with September 23rd!!! :) 
We have chosen to homeschool our children. This past year was our first time trying it out and I found it to be stressful yet very rewarding (especially when they read their first word, sentence, short story). I am looking forward to what homeschooling experiences we will have this year! We belong to an awesome homeschool group on our area and I am so blessed to have quite a few friends that homeschool. They are such a huge encouragement to me!!

So, this will end my very first every post. I am looking forward to this journey!!! :)