tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31999407260034375702024-03-05T04:46:21.991-07:00Ripening On The VineI am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same beareth much fruit: for apart from me ye can do nothing.
John 15:5Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01257608688023328710noreply@blogger.comBlogger151125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3199940726003437570.post-70804040544271711522011-08-10T16:51:00.002-07:002011-08-10T16:54:02.156-07:00Joseph's Story - Our New Baby Boy<div><div>Wow guys! I thought when I came on to announce the birth of our son, it would be a real quick post with a pic of him and his weight, height, etc. and once we had settled into a routine we would post more pics, vids and maybe a short birth story.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Even though I've had some complications with this pregnancy, there was nothing to make me think that the events that occured over the last few days would have happened. Never in a million years did I think it would be a 10 day saga I would have to tell you about... amazing and as always, the hand of the Lord at work in our lives. So, it's a very long story... you have heard a lot of it from John via his posts and videos, but if you want the whole story, here it is... so grab your coffee cup, this might take you a while to read.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Before I start though, I want to say how humbled and blessed I am that so many of you have reached out to us through prayers, help watching our girls, meals, visiting me, encouraging John and just offering to help in any way that we have needed. I can't begin to tell you how much all of that means to me. All I can say is that we THE most amazing friends and family in the world and we love all of you so very much! God has blessed us beyond measure.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Well... this whole story started on Sunday, July 31. John and the girls and I went to West Valley Hospital for the standard non-stress tests that my doctor wanted to start doing on a bi-weekly basis. No big deal, just an hour or so each time to check on the baby and me and then we go home. I had this done during my last pregnancy and it was very routine. So I had no worries... just wanted to get it done so I could get home and rest because I was very tired that night.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>After the nurse had trouble getting much movement showing from baby on the monitor she decided that I was very dehydrated. She said the doctor wanted me on an I.V. for fluids. Strange I thought since I had been drinking water all day. The monitor and ultrasound machine continued to show not much movement on the baby's part and it was showing high blood pressure readings on my part... higher than normal which for me were already high during this pregnancy. The doctor did not like this at all and said I could go home but was to come back in the morning. He was worried I would get pre-eclempsia (sudden VERY high blood pressure which can lead to seizure, stroke or even death in severe cases). We ended up spending 5 hours at the hospital that night.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>The next morning we came back and I was admitted and hooked up to monotirs again. This time they gave me more fluids through I.V. as well as a medication called Magnesium Sulfate. If you don't know what that is (I didn't), it's a medication that lowers blood pressure... it can make you feel really sick too, with flu like symptoms. I was put on the Mag-Sulfate for all of Monday, all of Tuesday and into Wednesday. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>John took the girls home and as you probably saw in his videos, he did an amazing job taking care of them as the doctors were monitoring me. I was willing to do whatever it took for our baby boy. The doctor said maybe he would admit me for the duration of the pregnancy. At that point I just prayed that God would make a way for our girls to be cared for while I rested in the hospital and their daddy went to work. I knew it would be ok, no matter what happened.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>By Wednesday I was so out of it I couldn't even open my eyes. They were dried almost totally shut and I could not stay awake, I kept on drifting off into sleep no matter how hard I tried to stay awake. I had the chills and was dreaming very vivid dreams. A dear friend came to visit me and I didn't even realize she was there until the next day when I had a very slight memory of her there and asked John had she visited and he said yes she had. I felt horrible and was very scared because the doctor was so worried about me. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>When he came in on Wednesday morning he was super concerned. He said all my bloodwork was way worse than the day before and he would have to do a C-Section. He said if he had sent me home the night before there is a very high chance I would have died and he was so glad that I had been cooperative in agreeing to come back to the hospital. He asked me if my husband could be there in an hour because that was when he was going to do the C-Section. He said there was no time to wait, this was the worst case of pre-eclempsia he had ever seen and he was concerned for my life at this point. I had no idea if John could be there that quick but I texted him asking if he could and God provided a another dear friend that offered to meet him at the hospital to sit with the girls while he came to the operating room. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>Now, I know that a lot of people have C-Sections every day. I had even considered that there was a slight chance I might have to have one this time because I know during long labor high blood pressure can be an issue. But I had in no way prepared myself for this. Our baby was not due for 7 more weeks! I had not looked up C-Sections and read about them or even talked to many people who had had them. I had the basic idea of what was going to happen but my mind was not ready to acccept it and know that it was about to happen. How long would it take? What was the operating room like? What kind of anastesia would they use? Would our baby be ok? Could I die during this procedure? There was no time to ask and I became very upset. I was crying. Which caused me to get congested... which made me more scared because I was told this procedure was done flat on your back and of course when you can't breath you don't want to lie flat on your back. It took me a while to calm down, even with John there, I just could not get my mind focused because the Mag-Sulfate was so strong in my system I kept forgetting things and feeling confused mentally. I kept telling myself, just lean on the Lord, He will pull you through this.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>The operating room freaked me out. It was so cold in there and bright white and sterile. My mind kept thinking of movies where people die during operations.. My anastesiologist, although very nice, had a very brusque attitude and was starting to annoy me. I kept telling John my concerns about not being able to breath. He also knows I am very claustrophobic in certain situations and this was certainly one of them. I needed him to know what I was thinking in case they had to put me totally out (which they said they would if I wasn't able to handle the partial anastesia and stay awake). Thankfully I had the most awesome nurse in the world and she was able to help me keep calm. I focused totally inward, praying and thinking about my baby boy. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>Not too long after this our sweet Joseph entered the wrold. His cry was so strong that I gave a huge sigh of relief. I didn't know how I had/was faring but I didn't care, my baby was ok and that was all that mattered. John tried to show him to me but the angle that I was laying would not allow me to turn my head. He brought back the video cam a few minutes later so I could see Joseph. I felt satisfied that he was fine so I relaxed and let the doctor finish his work. Once I was in a recovery room, John explained to me that Joseph was going to be taken to a different hospital to be in the unit for premie babies. His lungs were a little weak and they wanted to give him the best chance for his health since he was born early. They brought him into my room so I could see him before they took him in the ambulance. I couldn't touch or hold him because they had him in this closed in contraption that was keeping him warm and safe. I was ok with this for some reason, I just wanted him to be ok. I didn't even cry at this point, I was just happy there were people that knew what to do to care for him and he was going to be safe. That all happened on Thursday, August 4th...</div><div>
<br /></div><div>The next three days are pretty much a blur to me. I was put back on the Mag-Sulfate as well as Percoset for pain. After three days, we figured out that Mag-Sulfate, Morphine (during the operation) and Percoset are things that I do not react well to. I could not snap out of the stupor that those meds put me in. I kept forgetting things, could not keep my eyes open, my face felt numb, I was dizzy and and light headed and was very emotionally distraught and not recovering the way that they expeced me to. I was lethargic and had not made any progress towards being able to get out of bed or do anything for myself. I was taken off all of those meds and even though I had just had surgery to save my life and the life of our baby, I was put on only 700 mg. of Tylenol every 4 hours for my pain. I couldn't tollerate anything else. And between the incision healing, and some other issued that had developed while I was in the hospital, I was in some very serious pain. I had to handle it though without the strong pain meds, there was no other choice.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>On Monday I was a lot better mentally. I was now able to focus my mind on recovering. I had no idea how I would go home though because I was hurting so much. I had a couple of nurses that didn't bring my meds on schedule which threw me into a complete pain cycle that seemed like it would not end. I couldn't sleep due to the pain and a lot of the needs I had could not be met by the nurses because they were very busy and understaffed on that particular day. I was at the point of total frustration and when John came to see me that night I just broke down. I wanted to get better and go home to prepare for my baby's homecoming. There was so much to do and I needed to be home to get well, not in the hospital! I did have some awesome visitors that day which did help cheer me up but all I wanted was to go home.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>On Tueday morning at 6 am God sent me another super awesome nurse. She came in like a drill instruction with a plan for me to get discharged that evening. I wanted to laugh because I couldn't even go to the bathroom without using a walker at that point but I played along with her plan. Sure I told her my family can come here and help me walk down the hall later on (ha! yeah right! I can't even stand up right now I was thinking). So I called John and told him the plan and he said he would come by later that morning with the girls. I called the nurse every 4 hours asking for Tylenol and by the time John came I was still thinking there's no way they can send me home today. Thankfully and miraculiously I was wrong. Even though the pain was the worst I had even dealt with, God continued to give me the strength to push through it and by the evening the doctor came by and said I could go home. He gave me an order to take to Walgreens for a walker I could use at home, he gave me meds to take at home and he again told us how happy he was that I was willing to do what it took. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>Although I had only slept one hour on Monday night, when I was released, around 5 pm yesterday, I was determined to go see Joseph. It was so very painful to even move but I had to see him. We didn't get to the hopsital where Joseph is until 7:30 pm... John found a wheel chair for me to ride in and we were on our way. It was 5 days later and I finally got to hold my baby boy! By that time of night our phones were dead so I could not take pictures, but tonight I will and tomorrow you all will be able to see him!</div><div>
<br /></div><div>John did post a video of him when he was first born. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91cC7Etku38&feature=channel_video_title</div><div>
<br /></div><div>I have to tell you our little son is so amazing! ... God's creation in action and wow I am amazed at his tiny perfection. I love newborns but wow, he is so small, I cradle his head in my palm and his forearm is the size of my pointer finger... his fingers are like whisps... so small and delicate. He has a head full of dark hair, just like his sister Alisha when she was born. He is a fiesty little one and he was instantly calmed when I held him, the nurse marveled at how his breathing rate slowed to the rate she wanted it to be when he was in my arms. He is like his big sister Kiah, he doesn't like his arms swaddled and tries to push them out. He's not fond of the paci and he tries very hard to keep his eyes open for as long as he can. He coos and gurgles at his daddy's voice and seems honestly upset when he hears the other babies cry in the nursery near him. He likes to stretch himself and prefers to sleep on his stomach. He is love personified. I adore him.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>I guess that's about it for the story. It was a long road and now we turn out focus to visiting with Joseph as much as we can to help him on his road home... to me resting so I can recover to the point to caring for him when he arrives and to honoring God for giving us such a marvelous blessing as this. We are so not worthy yet we were chosen as his parents and we embrace this task with amazing joy.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>We have been asked in recent days by several people if there is anything we need at this time. There is nothing specific as of today although we may need childcare in the days to come because the girls are not allowed in to see their brother at this point. We will be sure to call those of you who have offered as the need arises. Also, meals are a huge blessing to us right now because we are off to the hospital to see Joseph every day the we can and to some medical appointments I have in the days to come so cooking won't be much of an option. Our dear friend @Demetria Elms has set up a Food Tidings page for us for meals. Thank you Demetria!!</div><div>
<br /></div><div>We love you all and thank you all again for the prayers, the help and the love you have shown us through this time. We cant wait for all of you to meet Joseph!</div></div><div>
<br /></div><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/276/3649C80EA759F595580BF3C555F39576.png" style="border: none; background: transparent;" />Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01257608688023328710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3199940726003437570.post-64817925364194814172011-06-16T14:37:00.003-07:002011-06-16T15:03:56.932-07:00It's Been A While<div>Seems like blogging for me comes in seasons. Sometimes I go for a long time feeling like I don't have much to say and then I get a sudden inspiration and feel like it's time to get back to it. </div><div><br /></div><div>Life has been busy lately. Being pregnant has brought about many challenges this time around. We've taken quite an extended break from school and are just about to get back started up again in about 2 weeks. We're a little behind where I would like us to be, but sometimes in life God just has us be still and wait on Him and get our lives in order and that is what has been going on with us.</div><div><br /></div><div>We recently found out that our baby to be is a boy! What an exciting time for us, our girls are thrilled to be having a brother and of course my husband is very happy that he won't be the only man in the house any more :)</div><div><br /></div><div>While on our school break I have gotten into couponing. I'm sure you've all seen or at least heard of the show on TLC called Extreme Couponing. Well, that's what we are doing, but not on such an extreme level. I've been very blessed by some ladies at church that have been teaching me to use coupons more effectively and it's been such a blessing to our family. I'm going to add a couponing section to the left side bar towards the bottom so be sure to check it out if you are interested.</div><div><br /></div><div>We have also had a lot going on with our business in the recent months. It is growing by leaps and bounds and again, we are very blessed. God is so good in all that He provides.</div><div><br /></div><div>If any of you are on Facebook, feel free to add me as a friend. I tend to chat on there on and off through the week. I find it a great way to keep up with all the family and friends that I don't get to see very often. My badge is on the right sidebar, so hop on over and add me :)</div><div><br /></div><div>I pray you have all been well. More posts to come very soon!</div><div><br /></div><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/276/3649C80EA759F595580BF3C555F39576.png" style="border: none; background: transparent;" />Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01257608688023328710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3199940726003437570.post-83225110940927301702011-02-11T15:29:00.003-07:002011-02-11T15:59:37.057-07:00God's Favor<div>It's always amazing to watch God move in our lives, and WOW, He has been MOVING since the last time I posted here.</div><div><br /></div><div>We moved to a new home a couple of days after Christmas. The events that led up to that move showed us that God truly have us in a place of favor right now. We had no intention of moving but knew that God wanted us to relocate. </div><div><br /></div><div>Everything fell into place just perfectly (with only a 3 week window of time to move and all the family sick with the flu besides me!)</div><div><br /></div><div>We are now settling in and loving our new home. We have much more space and are so blessed that we will not be able to host guests more often and share Christ's love with them. This home is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">certainly</span> not just a place for us, but a place to share!</div><div><br /></div><div>Lots more wonderful things have been happening lately, but instead of listing them all, I'll share the best one. We are expecting!</div><div><br /></div><div>Yes, our family is about to grow once again and in September we will have a new little one to share our lives. God is so good and we are so very blessed.</div><div><br /></div><div>Hoping to blog more in the days and weeks to come to chronicle our <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">journey</span> as our new little one grows and arrives into the world.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/276/3649C80EA759F595580BF3C555F39576.png" style="border: none; background: transparent;" />Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01257608688023328710noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3199940726003437570.post-39282388696723833032010-10-03T19:23:00.002-07:002010-10-03T19:29:19.225-07:00Update On Us<div>It's amazing how things always happen in God's timing. I had a lot of second thoughts on starting school extra early this year. We started the last week of July. </div><div><br /></div><div>My husband had knee surgery (arthroscopic - both knees) a week and a half ago and we took two weeks off to care for him. Now that he is semi-mobile again it's time to get back to the books and we are still right on schedule.</div><div><br /></div><div>So far the girls are loving the new books we chose for school this year. My 8 year old is not too fond of math at this time so I am going to try to find some fun math games on line that will help her enjoy it more. My 10 year old now LOVES math (she disliked it when she was 8 too). Our 6 year old is learning to read and we're so proud of her. She's had a lot of pauses in her reading instruction due to life happening along the way but she's still keeping up and doing great.</div><div><br /></div><div>Since Daddy is off for the next couple of months it's going to be an awesome time for us to include him in some of our schooling. He always has wanted to participate more in our day to day school schedule but his work schedule prevents him from getting as involved as he'd like to. We are going to take advantage of this time as much as we can.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/276/3649C80EA759F595580BF3C555F39576.png" style="border: none; background: transparent;" /></div>Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01257608688023328710noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3199940726003437570.post-33819630600053024552010-09-09T16:39:00.003-07:002010-09-09T16:52:09.254-07:00One Down, Lots To Go<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV7OQqfNqHy64c18fajd8U55PkNhPkvj2dR1_Wr9nWBuYu2SauM1XRZwk4s_CKTxxB2mcTrflnoJjfJ-IKpprmEI-1kJDOEhnDqKQJaxsemTiSO-bWFG9a0kIARhuflyd3Z42F7ErAiQ/s1600/100_0487.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV7OQqfNqHy64c18fajd8U55PkNhPkvj2dR1_Wr9nWBuYu2SauM1XRZwk4s_CKTxxB2mcTrflnoJjfJ-IKpprmEI-1kJDOEhnDqKQJaxsemTiSO-bWFG9a0kIARhuflyd3Z42F7ErAiQ/s320/100_0487.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515065059818775842" /></a><br /><div>Making a little progress on our to-do list. I did all the school bookshelves today. I think they look great and I can think a lot more clearly now that I know where to find everything. Let's see how long we can keep them this way! On to the next project tomorrow.... :)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/276/3649C80EA759F595580BF3C555F39576.png" style="border: none; background: transparent;" />Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01257608688023328710noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3199940726003437570.post-3581087060725883012010-09-02T16:06:00.003-07:002010-09-02T16:18:46.524-07:00To Do List<div>Ever have one of those days when it seems like there is just not enough of you to go around? That is what today was like. I have all 4 girls sick with colds today so you would think it would give me more time to focus on other things since we are not doing any school work today. But it was quite the opposite.</div><div><br /></div><div>I walked around and felt almost overwhelmed looking at all the projects that I need to tackle. Most of them are long past due. So where do I start?</div><div><br /></div><div>When I am in a situation like this, I like to make a list. Or should I say LISTS. Having a list of what needs to be done always motivates me and keeps me on track. Even if I have a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">hounded</span> things to do, I feel accomplished if I have a list and get to one or two things each day. So, that being said, I have added me "To Do List" to the left sidebar here. I hope to get the majority of it done by the end of this month. My goal is to tackle one item (at least partially) each day.</div><div><br /></div><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/276/3649C80EA759F595580BF3C555F39576.png" style="border: none; background: transparent;" />Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01257608688023328710noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3199940726003437570.post-53163748251398061582010-09-01T14:14:00.003-07:002010-09-01T14:29:14.687-07:00Reading to Children<div>One of the main parts of our <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">homeschool</span> day is reading. My girls love to read and to be read to. And I love to read to them. Reading is one of the best ways to develop language skills, both written and oral. The art of writing a sentence, telling a story and comprehending what is told all come from being read to from an early age. Here are some tips that I have picked up about reading to children that have really paid off for us.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Read at least two hours a day</b>. I know that sounds like a lot, at least to me it did. I could not imagine spending that much time reading when we had so much more to do with our school work. However, now it often doesn't seem like enough. We always read at breakfast and lunch and if daddy is working late, we read a dinner as well.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Go above and beyond</b>. I always choose books that are above my children's reading level. I don't pick books with popular <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">characters</span> like Dora and Elmo for read aloud. Those books do exist in our home but they are for one on one time when a child gets to pick a favorite book. When I read to the girls as a group, I always choose something that would be a bit of a challenge even to my oldest to read on her own.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Read it again.</b> One of our favorite book series is Little House On The <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Prairie</span>. My girls beg me to re-read those books over again and I always do. They learn something new each time.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Require them to listen.</b> I make sure all my girls sit and listen while I read. They are allowed to color or work on a craft during this time if they are finished with their meal but they are not allowed to wander off or choose to skip listening. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Ask Questions.</b> Each day I ask re-cap questions about what we read the day before. Often I just allow them to tell the story back to me without any specific questions.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Instill a love of reading.</b> Once your child can read on his or her own, take them to the library and book store often. If you have a reluctant reader, don't start off with difficult or classic books they might not go for, let them choose what they enjoy and build from there. Have them tell you what they read or write what they recall in a book report.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Teach them to read aloud.</b> Have your children read to you or to each other. Encourage reading aloud as much as your encourage them reading to themselves.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Incorporate</span> other subjects</b>. If reading seems to take up too much of your school day, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">incorporate</span> other subjects into their reading. Instead of dry and boring text books, have them read "living books" about <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">various</span> times in history or about science <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">topics</span> they are studying. It is much easier for a child to recall information told in story form than bland statistics listed in a standard school text.</div><div><br /></div><div>Reading is the true basis for education. If a child can read and has good comprehension, he or she can learn anything.</div><div><br /></div><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/276/3649C80EA759F595580BF3C555F39576.png" style="border: none; background: transparent;" />Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01257608688023328710noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3199940726003437570.post-57652952037439267842010-08-29T22:37:00.002-07:002010-08-29T22:45:19.571-07:00Homeschool Progress<div>Our first month of school has passed by in a flash. So far things are going very well. We started off in review mode, using the same materials we has from last year and continuing on. I wasn't prepared to buy everything we needed at the start of this month, so I thought it would be good to pick up where we left off. This was a good idea. It really helped me see where the girls were at in math as well as get them back in the mode of school without the confusion of a bunch of new things that are not familiar.</div><div><br /></div><div>Yesterday I finally ordered all the new books so those should be here in a few days. The girls are very excited and so am I. Our 10 year old is going to be getting into more formal geography lessons this year which she is really happy about. She loves maps and is very good at learning to find things and memorize them as well. Our 8 year old is especially happy to be learning cursive this year. Our 6 year old is really getting the hang of reading and is so proud of herself. And baby girl is quickly learning letters, colors, shapes and so much more. They all love school and I am so happy that they do. :)</div><div><br /></div><div>I made a list of what we are studying this year in the left sidebar. </div><div><br /></div><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/276/3649C80EA759F595580BF3C555F39576.png" style="border: none; background: transparent;" />Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01257608688023328710noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3199940726003437570.post-63736797696751986862010-08-10T16:50:00.001-07:002010-08-10T16:50:00.179-07:00Our Daily Schedule - Revised<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">This past school year we were very scheduled. It was necessary for various reasons, but honestly I find it more stressful to operate in such a structured way. It just doesn't work well. In my opinion, life doesn't fit into a "box".</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">This year we have chosen to go with a more natural schedule. So far it has been working very well and the kids and I are all more relaxed because of it.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">We don't have a particular starting time in the morning. We have set goals for each day. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Unless we have a specific appointment I don't set an alarm in the morning. Sleep deprivation has been a big issue for me personally the past couple of years so sleep is high on my list of priorities. When I get at least 6 hours of good sleep the whole day is better for everyone.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Generally I am awake by 8:30. If the girls wake before I do they play or read until I am awake. Then we move in blocks.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Block 1 - Morning</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">- Wake up/Grooming</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">- Chores/dinner prep</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">- Breakfast</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">- Bible Study</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">- Table clean up</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">- Start school (2 subjects)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Block 2 - Afternoon</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; ">- lunch/read-aloud</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">- table clean up / quick house clean up</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">- play outside time</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">- back to school (2 more subjects)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Block 3 - Evening</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">- project, computer or TV time for kids (varies by day)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">- baths/dress for bed</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">- dinner</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">- family time</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Block 4 - Night</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">- kids prep for bed (brush teeth, get a cup of water, book, etc.)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">- tuck kids in</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">- time with hubby</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">- my computer time</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">- bed time</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Two things that I really need to work into the schedule somehow are sewing time and exercise. Those will be added in (somehow) in the weeks to come. </span></div><div><br /></div><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/276/3649C80EA759F595580BF3C555F39576.png" style="border: none; background: transparent;" />Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01257608688023328710noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3199940726003437570.post-10812048271019277352010-08-09T16:44:00.003-07:002010-08-09T16:49:45.010-07:00Back To Homeschool!<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">It's that time of year again, time to get back to the books and learn some new things :) We started "back" to school last week and things are going great! We still have quite a bit of material to cover from the books we have from last year so we will be working on those for the next couple of months. Then it will be on to more new things.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">At this point our main focus is.......</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">10 year old - work on handwriting, more focus on composition writing, computer skills.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">8 year old - work on all math facts, handwriting practice</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">6 year old - mastery in reading and remembering all numbers to 100 by sight</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">3 year old - learn colors, numbers and letters by sight</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">We will be working on a much looser daily schedule this year but I am still scheduling in blocks. I'll post that schedule tomorrow.</span></div><div><br /></div><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/276/3649C80EA759F595580BF3C555F39576.png" style="border: none; background: transparent;" />Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01257608688023328710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3199940726003437570.post-2648953342748673082010-06-06T21:34:00.003-07:002010-06-06T21:44:43.053-07:00Diet Update<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I have been making progress on my journey to better health. I am still striving to lose more weight but have been making great progress. 12 lbs. down and 20 to go. Praise God for His faithfulness, without Him I could not do this!<br /><br />So, here's what I have been doing in an effort to lose weight....<br /><br />* I quit eating sugar. Except for natural sugars like honey, agave or pure maple syrup. And I use those VERY sparingly.<br /><br />*I cut down my food portions.<br /><br />*I cut way back on bread. I rarely eat bread now, I used to eat it very often but now not so much.<br /><br />* I quit eating packaged and processed foods and junk foods. I stick to whole foods, foods in their natural state as much as I can. Shop a lot at Sprouts, buy organic, etc.<br /><br />*I gave up whole milk for almond milk. which has not only helped me lose weight but has also helped my allergies a lot! Dairy is really bad for any type of allergies.<br /><br />*I don't eat any artificial foods (fat free, low fat, artificial sweetened, trrans fats, hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup, etc.)<br /><br />*For cooking I only use real butter or olive oil or coconut oil.<br /><br />*I only drink water or herb tea. No sodas or sweet drinks. Wine on a very rare occasion. Almond milk. Coconut water.<br /><br />*I only eat beef about once a month.<br /><br />* I don't eat pork.<br /><br />*I take Extra Virgin Coconut Oil daily. 1 Tbsp. in the morning in oatmeal or in a green smoothie. There are two excellent books on the benefits of coconut oil for weight loss and health in general. "Eat Fat, Lose Fat" by Sally Fallon and "The Coconut Oil Miracle" by Bruce Fife. Also, <a href="http://www.nourishingtraditions.com">www.nourishingtraditions.com</a>.<br /><br />*More recently I have been trying to transition myself onto a "high raw" diet (50% or more raw foods on a daily basis). That, I think, has been the biggest contributing factor to my loss and especially my increased energy and overall well being. I found a lot of great info on-line about this kind of a diet/eating lifestyle. A good place to start is to Google Phillip McKlusky and Angela Stokes-Monarch.<br /><br />*I've been drinking green smoothies for breakfast most days, which seem to keep me full till past lunch time. I can give you recipes if you are interested, they are awesome and easy and very filling.<br /><br />*I have been working out 3 - 5 days a week, 30 minutes to an hour each time. Walking, doing the Gazelle Glider, workout DVDs,... This has really helped boost my metabolism.<br /><br />*I drink a lot of water.<br /><br />*I try to eat dinner before 6 pm.<br /><br />*I don't take any prescription or over the counter medication unless absolutely necessary.<br /><br />*I take a few supplements (Fish oil, Vitamin C, Bioflavinoinds, Probiotics, B-12)<br /><br />*I eat three meals and two very light snacks (usually fruit or nuts and raisins or a few corn chips and salsa). For breakfast if I don't do the smoothie I will have a bowl of oatmeal with the coconut oil mixed in, lightly sweetened with honey and stir in some pecans, coconut and ground flax seed. Or an omelet with spinach, mushrooms, onions, tomatoes and a little cheese topped with salsa. For lunch I do a salad with turkey or tuna or chicken and a little cheese and a few crackers on the side. Or maybe a raw soup or fruit salad or raw cereal. For dinner it varies but I try to stick to one serving of each item on an average sized plate (1/4 grain, 1/4 meat (chicken or turkey or bison or fish), 1/4 fruit and as many vegetables as I want) This portioning of the plate came from The Sonoma Diet and seems to work well.<br /><br />Now, I do have to say I have not been perfect in sticking to this plan. I would say I eat this way about 85 - 90% of the time. There are days when we are super busy and eat out and I do the best I can on those days... or then there are the days when the hormonal cravings hit at certain times of the month and I give in and eat late at night or eat something sweet. But in general this is what I do and it has been working!<br /></span></span></span></div><div><br /></div><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/276/3649C80EA759F595580BF3C555F39576.png" style="border: none; background: transparent;" />Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01257608688023328710noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3199940726003437570.post-72550916947995184722010-06-03T12:22:00.003-07:002010-06-03T12:34:01.033-07:00Our New Business - Finally! :)<div>I have continued to mention a new business that my husband and I have been working on in my previous blog posts but am jut now getting time to explain :) Please excuse my tardiness in blogging, it's been a busy time here.</div><div><br /></div><div>The new business is called <a href="http://www.highervisionwellness.com/">Higher Vision Wellness</a>. As of now we offer one primary product that has really helped us both in bettering our health. It is called <a href="http://sonoranbloom.com/content/shop/products.aspx?tref=13375876"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Nopalea</span></a> and you can read all about it on our brand <a href="http://www.highervisionwellness.com/">new website</a> and <a href="http://highervisionwellness.blogspot.com/">blog</a>. We offer some other great products as well and more about those can be found here. We pray that God is going to allow us to continue to build up this business and offer more and more products that will help enhance the lives of others in bettering their health. Getting fit and healthy is a passion of ours... a new road we are embarking upon and we want to share all we have learned and found with others. I also share my own personal testimony by video on our new site. You can view that video <a href="http://www.highervisionwellness.com/about.html">here</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Aside from business, we are about to kick off a busy summer. We have a week long <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">VBS</span> program for the kids, a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">homeschool</span> convention to attend, a new niece about to arrive into the world in August and many other things like planning the next school year, sewing projects... the list goes on! I am hoping to share lots of photos and news in the weeks to come.</div><div><br /></div><div>Praying you are all having a blessed and safe summer!</div><div><br /></div><div>In Christ,</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/276/3649C80EA759F595580BF3C555F39576.png" style="border: none; background: transparent;" /></div>Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01257608688023328710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3199940726003437570.post-70288536634184802552010-05-08T18:37:00.004-07:002010-05-08T18:50:40.637-07:00Raw Foods Are Amazing!<div>I've been doing a lot of reading up lately on the raw foods diet. What this means, in case you have not heard of it, is eating all of your foods raw. No cooked food at all. The healing that many people have experienced from this type of diet just amazes me. There are lots of sites and articles out there on the net, just hit up Google if you want to find out more.</div><div><br /></div><div>That being said, I began to think I wanted to try this way of eating. As you can imagine, my kiddos were not amused at this suggestion. It's bad enough that mom has taken away most all the junk food around the house. And my second oldest daughter HATES most all fruits and veggies. My husband was on board mostly but not 100%. I was <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">disappointed</span> but not <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">dissuaded</span>. I decided to works towards a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">more</span> raw way of eating on my own.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, at this point I am about 50% raw in what I eat. I begin most days with a <a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=3199940726003437570&postID=7028853663418480255" wmode=""opaque"" src=""http://static.ning.com/socialnetworkmain/widgets/index/swf/badge.swf?v=" flashvars=""backgroundColor=" textcolor="0x336666&config=" width=""206"" height=""104"" bgcolor=""#FFFFFF"" scale=""noscale"" allowscriptaccess=""always"" allowfullscreen=""true"" type=""application/x-shockwave-flash"" pluginspage=""http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer""><br /></a><a href="http://ripeningonthevine.blogspot.com/2010/02/green-goodness.html">green smoothie</a> of some type, veggie juice or just a couple pieces of fruit. For a snacks I eat some type of nuts and dried fruit or some type of veggies. If I am in a hurry I will do salsa and corn chips or carrots with dip. For lunch or dinner a salad of some sort. The other meal will be mostly cooked and although some of it is cooked it will contain mainly veggies.</div><div><br /></div><div>I can't begin to explain how much healthier I feel since I started eating this way. My energy levels are soaring and I actually crave vegetables which normally I have to remind myself to eat. I don't know that I will ever go 100% raw, just for convenience sake (not having to prepare two meals 3 times a day when I am the only raw foodie here) and also due to the high cost of produce. If we lived in a more garden friendly environment I could change my mind, but for now I will continue to eat a "high raw" diet.</div><div><br /></div><div>Our new website should be up in about a week or so. More info on that to come soon. :)</div><div><br /></div><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/276/3649C80EA759F595580BF3C555F39576.png" style="border: none; background: transparent;" />Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01257608688023328710noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3199940726003437570.post-66230336751866265492010-04-30T11:32:00.003-07:002010-04-30T11:58:35.747-07:00Can't believe how long it has been since I have posted! There has been a lot going on in our lives. We are finally getting caught up on school after a long winter of various illnesses. We are planning to continue school through the summer on a part time basis. We are also planning to move within the next couple of months. We have outgrown our house and are going to be moving to a larger one. We have also been working on a website for our new business. That should be up and running in a couple of weeks. So, lots in the works around here but it is all a good kind of business. <br /><br />I'll be planning out our <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">homeschooling</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">curricula</span> for next year during May. We usually start our school shopping in June or July. Next year will be a bit different because not only will I be helping my husband with our business but we will have a preschooler in the mix as well. I am <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">going</span> to try to find something that we can use that will allow me to teach all the girls together for most subjects. I have always wanted to try this method of teaching so I think it will be fun.<br /><br />I will be starting a new blog after all. Not to replace this one but a new one that will be for our new business. I will add a link here for it as soon as it is up and running.<br /><br />I hope all of you out there in blog land are doing well!<br /><br />Blessings,<br /><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/276/3649C80EA759F595580BF3C555F39576.png" style="border: medium none ; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-origin: padding; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous;" />Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01257608688023328710noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3199940726003437570.post-11751401476813449752010-03-06T14:08:00.002-07:002010-03-06T14:10:32.168-07:00A Chance To Win!A sweet sister in Christ, DeNiece, is hosting a give away at her blog today. If you have a chance, drop by <a href="http://organizedhomemakingforchrist.blogspot.com/">Organized Homemaking For Christ</a> and enter. Hope everyone is having a great weekend!<br /><br /><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/276/3649C80EA759F595580BF3C555F39576.png" style="border: medium none ; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-origin: padding; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous;" />Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01257608688023328710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3199940726003437570.post-18013214529784403012010-02-25T22:08:00.002-07:002010-02-25T22:15:11.688-07:00Praising GodOur 5 year old daughter was baptized this past Sunday. It was such a blessing, our children's pastor and my husband baptized her and it is just beautiful to see the happiness and love of the Lord in her shining eyes. God is so good! She has such a deep love for Christ. Her faith is so strong for one so young.<br /><br />We also had a birthday party for our 8 year old this week. Her first party just for her :) She and her sisters and friends has a wonderful time. <br /><br />To finish off the week, I caught a cold that the girls and my husband has last week. They have blessed me so much by taking care of everything around the house and allowing me to rest up. I feel much better tonight. About to go to bed and get a little more rest.<br /><br /><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/276/3649C80EA759F595580BF3C555F39576.png" style="border: medium none ; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-origin: padding; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous;" />Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01257608688023328710noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3199940726003437570.post-38854913621514143642010-02-19T14:59:00.002-07:002010-02-19T21:54:37.802-07:00Green GoodnessWhen I first heard of "green smoothies" my first thought was "Yuck!" I could not imagine putting spinach into a drink with bananas and honey. Then I finally got up my nerve to try one and I am so glad I did! Not only is this smoothie really good, it gives you so much energy. If you can't stand the sight of it, just close your eyes and take a sip. You'll think you just took a trip to your favorite smoothie bar for a tropical treat :0)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Michele's Favorite Green Smoothie</span><br /><br />1/2 c. vanilla almond milk<br />1/2 c. cold water<br />1 large handful of baby spinach leaves (not frozen spinach)<br />1 frozen banana<br />1 c. frozen strawberries<br />1/2 c. frozen mango chunks<br />1 Tbsp. extra virgin coconut oil<br />1 Tbsp. honey<br /><br />Put almond milk, water and spinach in blender. Blend until fairly well blended. Add remaining ingredients and blend until smooth. Drink immediately.<br /><br /><br /><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/276/3649C80EA759F595580BF3C555F39576.png" style="border: medium none ; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-origin: padding; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous;" />Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01257608688023328710noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3199940726003437570.post-15560900673097828252010-02-17T14:36:00.002-07:002010-02-17T14:57:00.379-07:00I'm Still Here :0)I have been in a blogging rut for a while now, hence the lack of posts. I thought I should at least poke my head in and let any readers I still have know that I am still alive, LOL! :0)<br /><br />We have had a A LOT going on since the year began. Praise God all of it is good and He has been blessing us beyond measure. <br /><br />We have a new church home. Actually, it is our original church home which God has lead us back to after many years. We are very happy to be back there as it has been obvious to us that is where God wants us to be.<br /><br />Our 5 year old daughter is going to be baptized this Sunday. We are so blessed to see the work that God is doing in her life. She has such a love for Jesus, it is a blessing to see her grow in Him.<br /><br />My husband and I have become involved in a new on-line business (more on that later on) which has also been a great blessing for us.<br /><br />As I mentioned in my last post, I have been really focusing on our family's health lately. Due to various health conditions, I felt it was time that I really delved back into the world of healthy eating. We are not only aiming for weight loss but for general health and well being. <br /><br />If you visit me here regularly, you will be seeing a lot more posts related to that topic. I felt that instead of starting a new blog I would keep posting here ... vary the topic as life's seasons change for us. After all, that is what life is all about... God growing us and changing us. :0)<br /><br /><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/276/3649C80EA759F595580BF3C555F39576.png" style="border: medium none ; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-origin: padding; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous;" />Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01257608688023328710noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3199940726003437570.post-2111967024606390342010-01-06T19:05:00.003-07:002010-01-06T19:09:45.844-07:00ChangesThere are so many changes that are upon us right now. I haven't blogged much because I haven't had much new to say. I have been focused a lot on food lately, with trying to lose weight and trying to make healthy eating choices for my family. I feel led that maybe I should start posting on my old blog again but unsure of where to go with that. Maybe a new blog? I'm not sure. A bit confused right now... If I don't post much just know that I am still here, just taking a little break.<br /><br /><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/276/3649C80EA759F595580BF3C555F39576.png" style="border: medium none ; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-origin: padding; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous;" />Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01257608688023328710noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3199940726003437570.post-57746577210250497032010-01-04T12:23:00.004-07:002010-01-04T12:34:16.149-07:00Happy New Year!It's been a wonderful start to 2010! Although we are only into this year by 4 days, each one has brought it's own special blessings.<br /><br />Today we are back to school. The girls are excited to be back to our normal routine after a couple of very hectic months with lots of illnesses and other things that took out time away from learning. They got right back into the groove of things with out any problems and the day is going quite smoothly for us all.<br /><br />My husband and I have been busy creating a family plan for the year that is really going to help us stay on track with organization, planning and school among other things. This is always our favorite time of year because it always feel so great to "start anew" with everything in our lives.<br /><br />One of my goals for the year is to lose weight and keep it off. I tend to be able to easily drop 5 lbs or even 10 if I really work at it but after that I just level off and stop losing. I know that exercise is key so I am making a very big effort to work on getting in shape as well. Not such an easy thing for me as I am not naturally a very active person... I tend to love to do things that involve sitting like sewing or reading. So getting in shape will be a challenge, but well worth it I know! I lost 10 lbs. in November when I was sick and have kept that off so I am aiming for another 20 lbs. <a href="http://myblessedhome.blogspot.com/">Candy</a> is hosting a weight loss challenge on her blog so if you are on a weight loss journey too, drop by and join in. It's great to have partners when facing a challenge :)<br /><br />Some of the other things I am hoping to accomplish this year are:<br /><br /><ul><li>to finish up the girls quilts for their beds</li><li>to teach my older two girls to use the sewing machine</li><li>to read a couple of books on homeschooling that I have been wanting to read</li><li>to finish cleaning our our master bedroom closet and garage</li><li>to find a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">permanent</span> place of service in our church</li><li>to stick to my daily Bible reading plan</li></ul><br />Hope all of you are having a great start to your New Year!<br /><br /><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/276/3649C80EA759F595580BF3C555F39576.png" style="border: medium none ; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-origin: padding; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous;" />Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01257608688023328710noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3199940726003437570.post-66068284720606572072009-12-23T07:25:00.005-07:002009-12-23T07:42:32.128-07:00Merry Christmas!I'm so excited! My sweet husband got me a new camera for Christmas!<br /><br />Now I can blog with pictures again! And video too, this camera takes great videos. I hope to have one to share soon. In the meantime, here is a photo of my 'lil girlies.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKrl6eeREC-ETjae2xEUIGxm_3nx-_419Q2OPIc2GdOFs6q1ZYR7StYICH8djbjLAm8G0MEdiOxACuYvOAl2cjsi_VUrp2UfkDxGMrtJYWcz4gpMZzZyIda1hK5Qf9hxomlptau_iM8g/s1600-h/100_0034.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 282px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKrl6eeREC-ETjae2xEUIGxm_3nx-_419Q2OPIc2GdOFs6q1ZYR7StYICH8djbjLAm8G0MEdiOxACuYvOAl2cjsi_VUrp2UfkDxGMrtJYWcz4gpMZzZyIda1hK5Qf9hxomlptau_iM8g/s320/100_0034.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418441700911984418" border="0" /></a><br />A Merry and BLESSED Christmas to you all! I pray you all enjoy celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior with your families!<br /><br /><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/276/3649C80EA759F595580BF3C555F39576.png" style="border: medium none ; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-origin: padding; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous;" />Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01257608688023328710noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3199940726003437570.post-71342259259586879192009-12-05T07:50:00.003-07:002009-12-05T07:57:59.334-07:00Preparing for ChristmasWow, it sure has been a while since I blogged! Unfortunatly I spent the entire month of November sick. I won't go into the whole long story because I am just praising God that I feel very good today and am back to life as usual. I will say that my girls and husband have been so wonderful taking care of me and the house and all that needed doing here at home.<br /><br />Today we are getting back to our furniture moving project! The bedrooms are at the point where we can begin moving the furniture today. The girls are so excited and so am I! This morning after breakfast we'll move the beds. Then after I wash and braid the girls hair (if my energy level is as high as I think it is, LOL!) we will then move the toy boxes and other things. This project might take another day or two to finish, but just getting it going again is a happy thing for us.<br /><br />We will be getting some much needed school work done in the week ahead. Then we will start Christmas preperations. Since I was sick for such a long time, we won't be doing as many things as I had hoped this year, but we are just praising God that we will be together as a family and enjoy celebrating the Lord's birth together. <br /><br />I hope everyone is enjoying a blessed holiday season!<br /><br /><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/276/3649C80EA759F595580BF3C555F39576.png" style="border: medium none ; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-origin: padding; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous;" />Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01257608688023328710noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3199940726003437570.post-27285818885131611042009-11-25T17:59:00.002-07:002009-11-25T18:05:39.556-07:00Happy Thanksgiving!We'll be taking it slow here for Thanksgiving day... I've been sick for the past 2 1/2 weeks and am still not 100% yet. I've been fighting off a sinus infection, cough and thrush and now am waiting to see if I have mono. Should know by Monday... praying and believing for healing and trying to rest as I was told to by my doctor. That's always hard with little ones around :)<br /><br />We are so thankful for so many things... our lives, God's provision and mercy, our wonderful children, family and friends. There is just too much to name. I pray that everyone has a truly blessed Thanksgiving!<br /><br /><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/276/3649C80EA759F595580BF3C555F39576.png" style="border: medium none ; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-origin: padding; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous;" />Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01257608688023328710noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3199940726003437570.post-55014137701770575072009-11-18T08:19:00.001-07:002009-11-18T08:21:45.795-07:00Psalm 19I was reading through Psalm 19 this morning and this past just touched me so deeply I wanted to share...<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">7 The law of the Lord is perfect, </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">reviving the soul;</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">the testimony of the Lord is sure,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">making wise the simple;</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">8 the precepts of the Lord are right,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">rejoicing the heart;</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">the commandment of the Lord is pure,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">enlightening the eyes;</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">9 the fear of the Lord is clean,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">enduring forever;</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">the rules of the Lord are true,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">and righteous altogether.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">10 More to be desired are they than gold,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">even much fine gold;</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">sweeter also than honey</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">and drippings of the honeycomb.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">11 Moreover, by them is your servant warned;</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">in keeping them there is great reward.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Psalm 19: 7-11</span><br /><br />Be blessed today!<br /><br /><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/276/3649C80EA759F595580BF3C555F39576.png" style="border: medium none ; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-origin: padding; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous;" />Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01257608688023328710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3199940726003437570.post-15359242028560389232009-11-14T14:35:00.004-07:002009-11-14T14:42:07.473-07:00Step Two Is FinishedWe finished step two of the big reorganizing project yesterday. The computer is now in the master bedroom. I was happy that I was able to get it all unplugged, moved and put back together without calling tech support. Usually when I move the computer to a new location the internet doesn't work when I am finished. Monday we will move the desk in here and I'll do the final round up unplugging and reconnection. Right now it's all set up on a card table. <br /><br />The girls cleaned their room pretty well so it should not be a very big job to get all of their things moved. We really need to shampoo the carpets but that is going to have to wait till after the first of the year. <br /><br />It's funny how just moving things around can make it feel like you have a brand new living space.<br /><br />I'm now making a list of the things we will need to buy to fill in the new empty spaces left from reorganizing. A couple of table lamps, a couple of throw rugs, curtains, and a humidifier for the second girls room. Otherwise everything is set. I will get some pictures up when it's all done. <br /><br /><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/276/3649C80EA759F595580BF3C555F39576.png" style="border: medium none ; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-origin: padding; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous;" />Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01257608688023328710noreply@blogger.com1