my family is sharing. . . . .the flu bug. . . .this is one thing I would appreciate they not share! Its been a long week; there are still 4 more of us for the flu to possibly attack. Thankfully most of the laundry is done, including all bedding (I wash all the bedding of everyone thats been sick), on my last load; my class work is uploaded and complete until Monday and the house is pretty much in order, so. . . .if the flu finds me I think the house will still stand! I did pick up the kids homework and they've been working on it slowly tonight, our diningroom table looks like a battlefield, papers scattered everywhere. I don't care the kids know whats what and thats all that matters. I'm outta here, gonna enjoy the rest of the evening, the fireplace is pumping out wonderful warmth, and I hope to find something on our tv that will interest me until my eye lids droop (which probably won't be too long, since I got up at 4:30am). No school tomorrow, scheduled day off for my elementary kids and my high schoolers have a half/day so today really feels like Friday. Still working through my Beth Moore Fruits of the Spirit as well as working through some other things God has laid on my heart.

a little room re-do~~

This past weekend I decided to sell the girls white trundle bedroom set. Den and I discussed that getting a queen set for their room would, not only benefit us (we can get Tori out of our bed), but both girls since, they like sleeping together. I put the set on Craigslist and in less than 24 hours it sold and I purchased a queen set. Brett and I made the trek to Lansing late yesterday afternoon and picked up the queen set, which also came with a beautiful headboard/footboard that is iron. Jacqueline wants a bit more sophistication to her room (from little girlish to tweenish) and wants the bed to be black (uh-huh that's what I'm talkin' about, a girl after my own heart). Hopefully, baring anymore sickness, I can get the bed sprayed and put together, before the new bedding arrives next week. My sweet girl gave me all her birthday money to put with the left-over money to purchase her bedding. She's so excited and I'm so excited to do this for her! I will post before and after pics (I love that don't you?) once its all complete, though we aren't repainting her room, since we do hope to move SOON!

My speaking engagement was cancelled today. North Dakota has been hit with one of its famous blizzards and I have been rescheduled for March. I'm a bit relieved, not because I was nervous or apprehensive but because I've got two sick kids with the flu, both of which require my attention 100%. I am excited and honored that they asked and am looking forward to March when I can share my story with them.

Tomorrow morning I am speaking to a "moms group" at Faith Church, Wahpeton, North Dakota. Due to modern technology I get to share, with them, from the comfort of my home, via skype! I was emailed the topic of my little video chat, "how to raise, manage and organize 12 children." It should prove to be a fun and interesting morning.

last night, well really, in the wee hours of the morning Scottie's dog would not quit barking. I think he barked and howled for almost an hour. Of course we are on the side of the house where he is so we "always" hear him bark. I finally got up about 2:30am and came downstairs to see if I could pinpoint what exactly he was irritated about, but could see nothing. I made my way back upstairs and knew that it was pretty much pointless to go back to sleep. I laid in bed and began to pray when Den quietly asked me if I wanted to join him downstairs and pray together. We made our way down to the sofa, in the quietness of the early morning (at this point even the dog was quiet) and began to pour our hearts out to our Savior. Throughout the life-lessons we walk through Den and I need to stay connected, especially in our prayer time. I was so touched by his willingness to get up (I'm sure it hadn't been too long since he had come to bed) and pray with me. Its rare to have quiet moments together, and even more rare that we can spend those quiet moments in prayer.

tripping and falling

as in life, when you choose to move off comfortable; when you choose to change something for the better; get rid of something that's been holding you back Satan is right there, immediately tripping you! Not only does he not want us to follow God but he doesn't want us to even attempt to follow God. The very thing(s) you want to rid yourself of, you find yourself doing! why is it so hard to push him away and hold tight to God? why do we so easily trip? I'm so tired of stumbling, of tripping of falling, yet I'm so very glad God never tires of me either, because right now I'm pretty tired of myself. . . . .so I'm off to memorize Galatians 5:23-23; praying God embeds these into my heart and visible in my life.

only God. . .

as I sat in Bible Study today, with my book in front of me, I glanced over the name, "Living Beyond Yourself" without even realizing just what the study was about. A few minutes later our leader begins talking about the "fruits of the spirit" and I look down and the phrase under the study name says "exploring the fruits of the spirit". How shocked I was, even taken back as I had wanted, longed for, a study on this very topic. Only God . . . .I leaned over and said to my friend, Veda, "this is just too cool, I've been wanting to do this study for so long!" Isn't it just like God to answer us even when we really don't ask Him? I'm excited and a bit nervous (especially after watching the video) as to what God will help me get "beyond myself" in. Oh I know there's a huge list that needs tackling and I'm praying that whatever He chooses my heart will be open, eager and ready for the purging.

I'm excited! Today is our first morning of Bible Study. I have no clue what study I'm doing as I'm going with a friend, from another church. I totally trust her judgment and happy to spend the morning, not only with her, but especially learning truths from God's word. I've been dry for far too long, so this morning I'm praying God makes me like a sponge. . . . .

this "sweet little thang" is 12 today~ where did those years go? What a blessing she is to our family, a precious little jewel! Happy Birthday Princess! I sure love you!

 

 

 

 

"one drop at a time. . . "

Check out my son's new website. Save a life by giving the gift of water. Dipsao

a Tori-ism. . . .

Last night as I was rocking Tori, out of the blue, she leans up and across me and says to her two older brothers (one a senior in high school and one a freshmen in college), "Hey guys I gonna wear bras someday" then she sits back and looks up at me and says, "is that right mommy?" of course Brett and Blake are trying not to bust-up laughing and she just snuggles back down into me and commences to go to sleep! Gotta love the thoughts of an almost 3 year old little girl!

Finally........

Branden, Victoria and Ox having some fun in the new fallen snow we received today! It was a bit cold but it was such fun spending some time outside. I even managed to shovel the drive, with a little help from Branden :)

Blake and Brett shoveling last Friday on our first "official" snow day of the school year!

Colson, Victoria and Jacqueline enjoying the snow! They had a blast and didn't want to come inside!

a "new" year and a "new" start

I can't remember the last time I made a New Years Resolution. If I did, in the past, I'm sure I didn't follow through on whatever I happened to resolve to do that year. Honestly, for me, it has to come totally from my heart before I follow through. It has to be extremely important, something really worth changing for........so as I pondered, thought and agonized over this "new" year and "new" start that God has given me I wondered what I could do that would be "pleasing" to Him instead of it being about "me". Frankly I'm a bit sick of "me" and decided that I want my life to be about "HIM". Serving-seeking-living....totally for HIM!. . . . . NO MATTER WHAT! through whatever, wherever, whenever! not a resolution but a life-choice!

Our "Family"