More hours in my day

It seems like I need a few more hours in my day this week. I can't seem to get it all done! It's not like I usually do anyway. It's just that this week seems extra busy. I know God will give me the strength I need to get done what He wants done. I think sometimes (many times, probably) I try to do too much. Lord, help me rest in you and not grow weary. He tells us in His word to "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you".

My Guys

Silas is really enjoying sports. He enjoys playing football in the yard with Michael. He, also, enjoys shooting basketball in the driveway. Michael plays with him a lot. He's pretty good for a 5 year old. I guess it could be that I'm a little partial :) He usually plays with a little child's play ball. Michael came home today with a junior basketball for him to play with. He was so excited! Since the weather was sooooo nice today they got to spend time playing.

Sewing

Our homeschool group has a Girl's Club for 1st grade and up. Yesterday they learned how to sew. They made a little pin cushion. Kayla was so excited! I'd been wanting to show her some basic stitches and teach her a little handstitching, but I just hadn't taken the time. So many times I have lots of good intentions and never follow through with them.

I remembered that today in our homeschool lessons we were supposed to make a patchwork quilt. We've been studying the pioneers and the curriculum suggested making either a paper quilt or a simple doll quilt. I'd planned to go the easy route and make a paper quilt with them. :) I'm kind of spontaneous sometimes. So this morning I decided that we can do this little doll quilt. I went digging around in my fabric scraps and we got to work. First, we put Bethany for a nap and the others watched a little tv. Then we got busy and started cutting and sewing. Kayla does really well pinning fabric and sewing on the machine, especially considering she's only done it twice. She did some of the sewing and I did some. It was a joint project, but I hope she realizes there's a lot she can do now. She is a very excited 6 (almost 7) year old!

Before we even started, she said she wanted to make it a doll quilt for her little sister, Holly. It was well worth it to see her make something to share with her sister. You can tell Holly was proud of it! Kayla is very giving and I hope she continues to want to give to others.

It is the little things that matter to children. I realized today that things like this mean so much to them and I'm teaching her something that she can use for a lifetime. I pray that I take the time to do "small" things with my children more often.

On a side note: I can get very frustrated sewing. I tend to be very picky with my work and so I just never start or get finished with a project. I tried not to be that way with her and just let it be what it was. It didn't matter to her at all. It doesn't need to be perfect to please children. Showing them and working with them is what matters. I need to be reminded of that lesson more often. :)

Routine is nice

It's so nice to be back into a routine after the last week and a half. I so enjoy normalcy(is that a word?) There's so much regular stuff to do and I am finding joy in the small things. I've prayed for several years for the Lord to give me peace, contentment and joy at home. I used to want to get out and go somewhere all the time. I think I finally have that peace, joy and contentment. Thank you, Father, for giving me the desire to keep my home and rest in knowing you. I know that might sound strange, but I enjoy being home, taking care of home and living at home. I pray that I will live this verse through Him. Every wise woman buildeth her house: But the foolish plucketh it down with her hands. Proverbs 14: 1

Another start to the new year

Since I last posted, things have been very hectic. We have passed the stomach bug around our home back and forth. I think it may be finally out of here! Praise the Lord!!! Bethany never got it and I hope she doesn't. I hope to never relive that week again and hope we can try again to start 2009 in a better way. When both parents are sick things around the house get way out of wack to say the least. I feel new and fresh and ready to begin again. We were able to start homeschooling again today after another week of break. It was great to get back into our routine. The kids were excited and so was I. I'm continuing to work on some organizing projects around that I'd wanted to do this year. Things are looking up! I'm trying to memorize some scripture verses from James. Hopefully by the end of this month I will have these memorized: James 1: 2-6 A lot of people think that if you pray for patience you will all of a sudden come into lots of problems, but that's kind of silly. As a Christian we should allow God to lead us and control our thoughts. I felt led to study James and these scriptures so that's why I'm memorizing them. The trials that come my way are for a purpose and not just because I said I need patience. I'm working on a menu plan for each week. I do this sometimes on paper and sometimes in my head, but a schedule would help in my planning and sanity at meal times. I find that the more I plan the less stressed I am. This plan would have lots of flexibility. I can change or tweak it to my liking as the day comes, but it just would save me time and money. This week I'm planning for supper: Mon: Baked Pork Chops, Rice a Roni, a veggie Tues.: Spaghetti, Garlic Bread Wed.: Fellowship Meal at Church Thurs. : Chicken and Dumplings, Cornbread Fri. : Hash(made from diced potatoes, leftover roast& gravy) Have a great Monday!

Wisdom teeth

I had two wisdom teeth cut out yesterday :( I've felt pretty good so far. My cheeks are puffy and sore, but it hasn't been too bad. My mom has been here to help with everything. I am so grateful to her and Michael. She has taken care of our children and the house. He has been patient with me when I am not easy to get along with :) Thank ya'll very much!!!

A New Year

I always enjoy beginning a new year because it gives me a chance to start fresh with different areas of my life. There are several goals I have for this year: read and study my Bible more, develop a better prayer life, read more books, get things organized, focus on serving my husband and children with a servant's heart, and walking at least 3 times a week. I guess I'm being optimistic with all those goals, but if you don't have any goals you'll never reach them, right? I think getting organized and exercising have been my goals for 3 or 4 years. I'm doing so much better with organizing, but the exercising hasn't developed into a habit. This is the year I hope to reach my goals. Hopefully, I'll look back at 2009 and say that I've at least improved on each of those things. I have some books that I am planning to read this year. They are: 1. Lies Women Believe and the Truth That Sets Them Free (Currently reading-Excellent) Nancy Leigh DeMoss 2. A Chance to Die: The Life and Legacy of Amy Carmichael Elisabeth Elliot 3. The Redemption of Sarah Cain Beverly Lewis 4. A Wife After God's Own Heart Elizabeth George 5. The Duggars: 20 and counting (I don't have this one yet, but would like to see if it's in the library.) 6. Jon and Kate Plus 8 (I read this a few weeks ago.) Good read!