Gratitude

60. Christian radio- so uplifting alone in the car 59. Good report from pulminologist 58. Smiles from my children 57. Watching the sunrise while driving my son to track practice 56. Sharing conversations with him on these drives 55. Watching my husband and son working together on car repairs 54. My son wanting everyone to rub his fuzzy head after his haircut 53. The first spring flowers coming up 52. A good nights sleep 51. spring break

The Perfect Christmas Season..... or Not

I LOOOVE Christmas. I love the traditions, the smells, picking out the perfect gift, decorating, Christmas carols and everything else that goes along with it.

Usually for Christmas I am very organized. I have a holiday jourmal where I keep my menus, (they are usually the same from year to year) keep a list of everyones gifts- so I don't forget where hid it and who it's for, and our lists of daily things to do for the holiday. Yes, everyday we do something Christmasy. I have a list of things to do on each day of December- make first snow cocoa, read different Christmas stories, decorate ?, bake, go on Holy Walk, see Madrigale singers- you get the picture. This year I have done none of that. NONE! We do have a tree up with some decorations but that is about it in the decorating department. I am not sopossed to add things that can collect dust. I have barely sewn because I can't find the pedal to my sewing machine. I have lost my gift list twice now. But mostly because people have been sick. And it hasn't even been me for a change. We have had colds, broncitis, 3 children with pnemonia and now the stomach flu.

So instead of baked goods it's been tea, 7-up and chicken soup. A lot of movies in bed, some of them Christmas instead of going away. And snuggling instead of activities. I do wish the children hadn't been and still aren't ill but it's okay to let go of expectations and let real life come in. I miss some of the extras but I find out a lot of the things I have thought I was doing for the children make me happier than them. And they really want to use paper plates instead of china.

Dad's Little Helper

Zach wanted so badly to help change the tire, but it was all he could do to push on the jack.

Gratitude

50. My Mom is Here Visiting!!!
49. Cool showers
48. Looking forward to family together on Thanksgiving
47. Japanese cooking
46. My son and grandaughter cuddled up for a story
45. Sunday Dinners
44. Being able to go shopping with Mom
43. Comfy shoes
42. Listening to my 7 year old read to me.
41. My husband's meatloaf

Gratitude

40. Pumpkin pie
39. cookies in a jar
38. Scrabble
37. cinnamon sticks
36. my laptop
35. coupons
34. getting ready for company
33. my husband takes such good care of his parents
32. a good nights sleep
31. make ahead meals

Confessions of a bad housekeeper

I saw the funniest cartoon once. A mother walked in with a basket of clothes and said"Now the laundry is all done." The entire family were just wearing towels. I have felt like that mother, it seems impossible to get it all done.

I don't think I have had all the rooms in my house clean at the same time . If we work on the upstairs it trickles down. And all the laundry is never all done. Even if I get caught up in the morning once 11 people take showers it piled up again. Oh my, if the flu hits, its time to go to the laundry mat or risk never catching up.

I started cleaning out my kitchen cupboards a month ago. Each time I start I straighten up what I have done and then hopefully proceed before time runs out. I'm still not finished.

Our dishwasher runs constantly. Do you know how many dishes it takes to make a meal for a family of 11? I know holiday meals that people have are not that many. My children went to the dentist this week and the hygienist was so nervous about making dinner for 6 it was hard not to say anything, let alone not laugh.

I love having a large family, but I love having a clean house too. I am wondering if the two are incompatible? Especially with a sick mom and children doing most of the work at this time.

I am much better than I was. My dh lived by himself when we got married. I had two children. So he went from himself to a family of 4. When we moved stuff he took down my Christmas tree. It was the last week in February. We had boxes for aisles for months. At least I knew how to cook. He gained weight our first year.

So I am working on decluttering and cleaning. I have seen Don Asslett videos, Flylady's email list, read the Speed Cleaning book and the messies manual. I keep seeing improvement but I have definitely not arrived. Maybe one day.

My children have asked again what I want for Christmas. I have the same answer for Mother's day and my birthday and Christmas. The house all cleaned and no children fighting. They usually laugh. I do know one day it will happen. But I think the house will be clean, but also too quiet. There won't be as many dishes or laundry because there won't be as many home. The floor won't have to be swept several times a day because there won;t be as many small or big feet running on it. So I'll still work on getting my house cleaner but I will remember why it's so hard to keep up.

Minimizing books

Since I have been having trouble with my asthma and allergies I have been trying to minimize, declutter, get rid of stuff, etc. We started by moving all the books out of our room. Still allergies. So I have been getting drastic.

We got rid of all the books and one bookcase.

Full. Hundreds of books.

This bookcase was 8 feet tall and 6 feet wide and full top to bottom with books. It was so hard. I love books. But I love being healthy more.

And you know what? It looks great. So much more spacious.

I have decluttered the rest of the room too. Dvd's pictures, knick knacks. It is so nice and clean and I am glad to have done it

I do still have one bookcase with books in it. But all the new books are kindle so no dust.

Gratitude

30. Mom's Night Out
29. Red Paint
28. Smell of hot bread
27. Sharing jewlery with my daughters
26. a clean living room
25. Shiny waxed floors
24. A running hug that almost knocks me over when I get home
23. A beautiful fall day
22. The smell of fresh sheets off the line
21. A new book

The power of touch

It is so easy to go through the days with the hugs and kisses from the little ones in the house and be so overwhelmed with kisses that I can neglect it with the older ones unless I am thinking about it. My 3 that are 10 and under come up to me every day with hugs, kisses and cuddles. Right now my 7 and 4 year olds are there a lot since they are a little insecure about Mom being sick and have been in the hospital and away from them. Serene would sit most of her time right next to me, on top of me even to be as close as possible. So I have been making a point of giving my older children extra attention too. My 2 older sons 12 and 14 next week aren't as demonstrative unless I initiate it. I pat them on the back or shoulder, give them hugs, ask for a kiss and give them one when they or I am leaving, ruffle their hair. I can see them responding even thought they were still at first. How did I get out of the habit? By not making it a priority, I was getting all the hugs from the younger group and didn't notice. I have to tell you though it isn't as easy as it sounds. I have checklists to get thought the day, right now I am very forgetful. So I have my children on a checklist for me too. Did I say something positive to encourage this child today? Did I hug him or her? Which one needs some special mom time? I have to write it down or I forget. Some would thing it is because I have 10 children but I wasn't always this forgetful. My husband thinks it's all the meds I'm on. And yes, I have him on the list too. With older daughters it is easier, they accept hugs easier although one daughter I always have to point to my cheek at night after I hug and kiss her for a kiss back. She just grins and kisses me. I know she loves me , she is my daughter who is always bringing me hot tea too. So try and make the effort if you've gotten out of the habit. Older children need this too but just don't want to show it. I have so many things pulling at my time and energy this can easily fall by the wayside if I don't plan for it.

Gratitude

20. A hot cup of tea

19. Wonderful healthy meals

18. God's written Word

17. Chocolate

18. Listening to my children read

17. 7 wonderful daughters to laugh with and talk to

16.3 wonderful sons who are so helpful and kind to their mother

15. Sunrise

14. A beautifully set table

13. Smelling the fragrant banana bread my daughter is baking

12. Naps ( for me not the children) :-)

11. My Mom's daily phone calls

Gratitude and Blessings

These are some things I am so grateful for.

10. Being able to read to my children

9. Watching my 4 year old sleep (it's the only time he's still)

8. Little arms wrapped around me in hugs to make me well, (big arms too)

7. To be able to sing even if I can not long always follow the tune, or talk afterwards

6.10 wonderful healthy children

5. The ability to take a deep breathe this morning without coughing

4. My husband who in the last year has had a wife in much more sickness than health

3.My family

2. Christ's sacrifice

1. God's Love

Counting my Blessings

I have had a lot of time of last night, this morning, to think... pray...(iv steroids are not conductive to sleep :-).) My daughter even suggested counting sheep. When I got to 1009 I finally thought I could do a lot better than that. One song I remember my Grandmother singing is Count your Blessings. I have so many even in the midst of this health crisis I can look for the blessings. My daughter has made gifts of gratitude journals so I have decided to do the same. I thought if I could count sheep there had to be at least that many things I am greatful for. Don't worry I won't list them all at once. But first,



Count Your Many Blessings

When upon life's billows you are temptest tossed,
When you are discouraged thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name then one by one.
And if will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Refrain
Count your blessings, name them one by one.
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one.
Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care,
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly.
And you will keep singing as the days go by.

Refrain

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold,
Count your many blessings- wealth can never buy.
Your reward in heaven, nor you home on high.

Refrain

So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and confort give you till your journey's end.

Refrain

An Attitude of Blessings

I have a choice on how I decide to view whatever happens. I can chose to look at it as a blessing or as not. This weekend I spent 2 evenings in the ER. That was not how I would have chosen to have spent them but I am choosing to be thankful that medical care is nearby and available should be needed. I am thankful at how kind the dr's and nursed were there. And that I could go home and spend tonight in my own bed. I would, should be sleeping but one of the meds causes insomnia so I guess I have time to write this blog. Our circumstances may vary but each one of us can choose how to view them. Is your glass half empty or full. I have a member of my family that this is hard for and I am accused of walking with rose colored glasses. But I like the color rose so I think I'll stick with it.

Filling My Own Tank

Because You are My Help. I Will Sing in the Shadow of Your Wings.
Psalms 63:7

I love early mornings. I am a "morning" person, I do naturally wake up early and get a lot more done then than any other part of the day. But that is not the main reason I like them. This is the time I fill my own tank.

I rise early, get dressed and a cup of hot tea and have time with the Lord. I read my Bible, prayer for my family and even sing, although quietly. Many times people have heard I have 10 children and ask "How do you do it?" This is how, I make time for me, before anyone else is up and fill up, so I have something to give to my family. Sometimes I have time for other things, exercise (although not right now), email, writing, phone calls; but I make time for me first, before any one else is awake. I have been learning if I don't take care of me I can't do a good job of taking care of anyone else. So I put this first.

My Refuge and Strength

God is my refuge and my strength;
an ever-present help in a time of trouble.
Psalm 46:1

I spent 4 days last week in the hospital. Severe asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, iv steroids. I have had enough steroids to make the Incredible Hulk seem benign. And this is the 2nd time in the hospital in just over 3 months. The hospital was a safe place to be and recuperate, a refuge. But my refuge, Who I run to over and over is not a place but a Person. My God. I have not been strong through this but He is. I struggled simply to breathe. God can do all. When I struggle to breathe the thoughts are fairly consuming with all God can do. That even though hospitals are a great help, He is my Healer. Jehovah Rophi- God Who Heals.

Ever-present- I need to make God present in every thought , not just when sick or in times of trouble, although that is an easy time to think of Him. Didn't we as children run to Mom or Dad when we had a problem? Why is it so easy to just go on with our days without a thought when things are going well? Why do I want to be so self sufficient? What about God sufficient?

I plan on using this time to be more ever present of God, His Strength; my refuge.

Schedules and order- mine or His

I love lists and schedules. You can ask my family; I have numerous notebooks. My documents has files just for past schedules. I have a palm pilot, a datebook and a calender. I have post-it notes and clipping inside my cupboard doors and taped to doors. I love the order of it. Of having plans made and followed? But they don't always work. Kids get sick, or in our house Mom is the one to get sick more often. Interruption's happen; the phone rings, someone stops by or a child just has to show you this right now! But these are my plans, my lists. I have been pondering a quote from a book for a few days now and trying to piece this into my life for what God wants. But maybe that is what is wrong. I can't piece in what I want from God, He wants the whole pie!





"The Lord is beckoning to me to rest in Him--to cease striving and allow Him to order my day. I had unknowingly placed more trust in my ability to manage than in God's plan for my life. I had allowed schedules and expectations to replace the assurance that God's Grace was sufficient - always and no matter what."



Lorraine Curry-Easy homeschooling Companion

So as a busy wife, mom, homeschool teacher, daughter, and homemaker as I juggle all these roles I must also remember I have a role as a follower of Christ. And even though it is the quietest, it is also the most important. And while He doesn't clamor for attention, He still wants it but just quietly waits until I come to Him. And rest.

When I'm an Old Lady

I heard this poem on a Nancy Cambell cd and was able to find it. I love it, It reminds me of all the busy and wonderful things they did and I have told mine repeatedly someday when I am old I am staying with each of them 5 weeks a year. ( 10 children times 5 weeks just about covers that) Please enjoy this. Maybe, I shouldn't show this to them just yet.

When I'm an Old Lady

by

Joanne Baily Baxter

When I'm an old lady, I'll live with each kid.

And bring so much happiness just as they did.

I want to bring back all the joy they've provided.

Returning each deed! Oh, they;ll be so excited!

(When I'm and old lady and live with my kids.)

I'll write on the walls with reds, whites and blues.

And bounce on the furniture....wearing my shoes.

I'll drink from the carton and then leave it out.

I'll stuff all the toilets and Oh, how they'll shout.

(When I'm and old lady and live with my kids.)

When they're on the phone and just out of reach

I'll get into things like sugar and bleach.

Oh, they'll snap their fingers and then shake their heads.

And when that is done, I'll hide under the bed.

(When I'm an old lady and live with my kids.)

When they cook dinner and call me to eat,

I'll not eat my green beans or salad or meat.

I'll gag on my okra, spill milk on the table.

And when they get angry...I'll run...if I'm able.

(When I'm and old lady and live with my kids.)

I'll sit close to the TV, through the channels I'll click.

I'll cross both my eyes, just to see if they stick.

I'll take off my socks, and throw one away.

And play in the mud "till the end of the day.

(When I'm an old lady and live with my kids.)

And later in bed, I'll lay back and sigh.

I'll thank God in prayer and then close my eyes.

My kids will look down with a smile slowly creeping.

And say with a groan, "She so sweet when she's sleeping."

(When I'm an old lady and live with my kids.)

We The People

The roof - think and improvise

Well, we now have boys that know how to put on a roof. Although it is a very small one compared to a house, the skills are the same. My husband taught them to tear off the old roof. Then they had fun using a chalk line to mark the rows for shingles. The only part they found hard was the peak as it was quite steep. Both for getting the roof off and getting the new one on.
We went out to this sight. We only caught a small part on video but when asked what he was doing- he said my husband's favorite saying; think and improvise!
He has a tie down strap that he fastened to the telephone pole to keep himself from falling off the roof! btw, it was his very thoughtful big sister who was giving him such horrid advice. And all from a distance.

Our "Free" Playhouse

We got this wonderful playhouse for our children on craigslist. It just needed a little TLC. Translation-$$$$

They are having so much fun fixing it up.

Here are the before pictures. We gutted the inside and the windows since it had lead paint. The boys pulled up all the carpeting and next step the roof.