Sunday, we talked about Job at bible time. I can never read the book of Job without crying! I'm not sure if it's because I can't imagine the pain he went through or if I fear what I would do if I had everything taken away that I love! More than likely it is both! After everything was taken from him including his sheep, camels, oxen, donkeys, servants, and ALL 10 of his children, Job fell to the ground and WORSHIPED saying, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord!" Job 1:20-21WOW! He did not doubt God's ways. He mourned greatly I am sure, BUT he continued to look to God and not question why this was happening to him. Sometimes, I feel like I have done a few good things so I surely deserve God's blessing, right? Well, no! Job was blameless before God and feared Him and shunned evil - Job 1:1 says. And looked what happened! I don't believe that what happened to Job was all about him. God knew Job was going to stand strong no matter what Satan threw at him. He followed hard after God and God knew how Job's life would affect others. (US!) We can read about Job and realize that the faith Job has is where we need to be. Please understand, I don't want bad things to happen in my life, none of us do! However, when the hard times come, and they will, we have something and someone to put our hope in! Job's wife even tried to get him to give up on God! Others may see us struggling and say, surely this is not worth it! We must stand up and say, yes, even if it is painful, someday, we will see our reward! (And on this earth, if our faith is in God, He will bless us!) It will be standing before Jesus where if we believe He died for our sins and have faith, we will be saved and spend eternity with him. Life on earth IS temporary! It may seem like life is long sometimes, especially when times are hard, but compared to eternity, it is just the blink of an eye! I want to be like Job, that no matter what I am going through, I am looking to my Jesus. Look to Him today and know He desires a relationship with you because He wants what is best for you, HIM! He will be all you need!

Busy with Lego's

The boys had lego day!
There is no better toy for boys (except for the great outdoors), than lego's!
They work together and the possibilities are endless to what they can create! Tune in tomorrow for their creations!

The Jones Boys

The bookends of the Jones family
All the Jones boys in between the bookends













#7 and #8 helping feed #10

Livi's Garlic Biscuits

Garlic Biscuits:

1 roll refrigerated biscuits
1/2 stick of melted butter
1-2 t. of garlic powder
4 T. grated parmesan cheese

*combine 3 above ingredients in bowl Put biscuits in butter mixture to coat and place in9x13 pan Bake at 350 degrees until golden brown. Enjoy!!
Livi likes to make these with our pasta meals and the whole family loves them! We have to quadruple the recipe for our family so plan accordingly!

No worries!

Our computer is back! I can blog! I am so thankful for today! A week ago, so many things I had to think about and worry about if I would have let myself! Oh, if I only would remember to take everything to God in prayer! What needless things we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer! I look at my kids and when they wake, they do not worry about if mom and dad will feed them or if they will have clothes to wear, they just don't think about those things because they know mom and dad will provide for their needs. That is how I long to be all the time with my heavenly Father. Never worried when I wake about the issues of the day. Just knowing God is there to take care of me. That is my reward for depending on Him and looking to Him. His plan is always best and will never fail. Remember to trust Him even when you are down. He knows what is best for you even if it looks confusing now. He is there, call out to Him! He knows your heart and your desires! Lean on Him!

The heart is good!

Arik, our 3 year old went to a pediatric cardiologist today because of a significant heart murmur. To make a long story short, the doctor was very concerned by listening to his heart, but after an echo-cardiogram, he told us everything was perfect and he has a "functional" heart murmur. Nothing to watch and nothing to be concerned about! God is good! He still would have been good even if something was wrong, but we are thankful! I am typing this on my parents computer because our computer crashed yesterday, so I may not be blogging for a little while. Please check back soon! Until then, keep believing God is a God of truth and He loves you with an everlasting love!

Andru starts to pull himself up!

I'm not sure why God has thought I needed to have a 7 month old pulling himself up already, but here he is! Probably means he will be walking by 9 months! I thought the Christmas tree was going to be safe when Christmas rolls around, I guess that theory is out the window! It is cute and the kids have been so entertained by watching him reach different milestones. What joy a baby brings into a home!

Tips from an amatuer

Just a few decorating tips from and an amatuer. To make
an old cabinet seem like brand new, PAINT!
Also adding new hardware makes an old junky wooden piece of junk,
look like you just bought it from a store! To take off old wallpaper, after
you have peeled off what you can, put some water in a spray bottle with about a 1/4 cup of fabric softner and spray directly to old wallpaper. Use a scaper (credit card works great!) and scrape! It just falls off! It also smells good too! No need to wash off the walls before you repaper, just make sure surface is dry. I would do it the day before you are going to wallpaper. I am a person that likes to get things done in day but it just has not been possible so I have just had to take my time and it actually has helped me. Sometimes just to get it done, I hurry towards the end. Well, with this I just work on it a couple hours a day during nap time and I feel like taking my time and completing it. I do feel like the movie, "Groundhog Day" sometimes when I walk into the bathroom though. I have about 4 more hours to do and I will be glad when it's complete, but what a reward to see the completed project!

New bathroom

Well, I'm back to those who follow my blog daily! I had a very busy weekend and was just to tired to blog in the evening. I redid my bathroom this weekend with my wonderful, helpful, selfless, mother! She helped my wallpaper AND brought us new furniture for our living room! What would we do without our Parents! Even as an adult, their advice and selfless ways are so appreciated! I still have about half a day to finish my bathroom but it sure looks better, and I can say I NEVER want to tackle wallpapering again! I love to paint, but wallpapering, not so much! The thought for the day is to be thankful for all the many blessings our Jesus gives us each day! Don't walk by good things in your life and not thank God for them all! NOTHING happens by chance! We have been given each day as a gift from God and if focused on all the good things instead of the things we don't have, we will always be content and thankful!

Today was a busy end to a busy day. My little Livi broke her arm yesterday and so we have had doctors to see. Today was just the bi-weekly grocery shopping (always a joy!) Actually I am not complaining because when I don't feel like going, I must remind myself that I am so thankful we have a paycheck that will buy groceries and that we GET to go grocery shopping! We have been in the opposite situation and I remember praying I could just go to the store and buy food! So, there is my little tip for the day! Be content! Always a struggle in this materialistic world! I am also thankful that I have the ability to be busy! I was cleaning for an elderly lady today and she was telling my girls and I how she just wishes she could get up and clean her windows herself! She used to love to work and now all she can do is sit! It gave me once again a reality check when I want to complain about all the STUFF I have to do! My part is just praying before I start my day and asking God what He desires from me and that I do nothing less and yes, nothing more!

This Little Light of Mine

Have you ever heard the words, God's Glory? I have said it and heard it! One of the times I remember it is mentioned in the bible is when God brought Moses to the mountain and God's Glory was so bright that Moses could not even look in the direction of God. He had to cover His face because it was so bright! I thought of some words for "God's glory"- brightness, light, perserverence, beauty, lingering brightness, afterglow because of being in the presence of God. Now what does it mean to have others see God's glory in our lives? To have others see His glory means when going through life, be it trials or our convictions, God's "brightness" will shine not only for the moment but others will see the beauty and lingering rements of God in our life. We will make an impact on others because of our faith in Him. So others will not only SEE the Glory of God in our lives, but our obedience will leave an afterglow that will last. Also know, we don't have to do anything to BE in His glory except be where He is. Moses had to obey by going to the cliff, and because of His obedience he was in the presence of God and saw God's glory just because He was there with God. When He returned to the people they saw he had been with God because the brightness and afterglow was still upon him! If we are walking in His glory, we don't need to do anything for others to see His glory in us except obey and trust Him. The path will continue to be "lit" for us to follow. If we truly know what it is like to be in His Glory, to walk away from it would be obvious and painful to our spirit. The darkness would "blind" us and cause us confusion. With God there is NO confusion. Only light! God's glory is ever present. When we try to be proud or boastful, of our faith, (give our own glory to us) it is a struggle to keep it "glowing". WE feel we have to keep doing things to keep the light going. Like keeping a campfire burning. It is work and it takes effort for everyone to benefit from it, however when allowing yourself to be in GOD'S Glory, there is no effort and others will benefit from it just because of Him, not you! You are just there! Allowing His light to be your light. All you do is rest and watch where He desires to lead you. Sing to yourself, 'This Little Light of Mine' to start your day, and remember, it is only because of God, we are light to others! Just obey and trust Him! He loves you with an everlasting love![Photo][Photo]

Our faith, God's size!

Today as my day begins, my life can seem like it has some pretty big obstacles. If I think about them I could get overwhelmed. I am then reminded of Psalm 71:5- For You are my hope Lord God. You are my trust from my youth.
I am to remember that God is bigger than anything I might face today. We should never measure our obstacle's against our own strength but against the size of God. Helps puts things in perspective, huh? Look at David's obstacle! The giant who was over 9 feet tall! He was a small boy and decided to look at the size of God not his obstacle! What lessons can be learned from that example! (Remember though, David was human! He did take 5 stones just in case the first one did not work!) David did go out in faith and put it to the test! Because of that, that little rock hit like a boulder! God was faithful and David's faith was honored! We don'[t stand in victory because of our faith in our spirituality, our victory rests in faith in our GOD! Faith in a living, active God moves mountains, moves our obstacle's, and in David's case, can knock a giant to the ground! Remember that as you face your giants today! But, don't use any other rocks to help you, just the one true ROCK! Jesus!

Say hello!

I have heard this blog has made it's round to some people I might like to contact. Please click on the comment word at the end of the blog and say hello!

It's Apple Day! Yesterday we got about 20 pounds of apples from a friend. We started early this morning and finished around 3:00. The girls and I have decided if we have to cut or slice one more apple it will be to many! We have 8 apple pies, 2 miniuture ones, and 8 quarts of apple sauce. I should have made more applesauce and less pies, but we kept thinking of people who we could give a pie to, so the girls decided that was more important! Only one cut finger and of course that was the adult of the group, me! We have a great Dutch Apple Pie recipe we would like to share:
2 C. flour
1 C. packed brown sugar
3/4 C. butter, melted
1/2 C. quick cooking oats

FILLING:
2/3 C. sugar
3 T. cornstarch
1-1/4 Cups water
3 C. diced peeled tart apples
1 t. vanilla extract

Combine the first four ingredients; set aside 1 cup for topping. Press remaining crumb mixture into an ungreased 9-in. pie plate; set aside. For the filling, sombine sugar, cornstarch and water in a saucepan until smooth; bring to a boil. Cook and stir for 1 minute or until thickened. Remove from the heat; stir in apples and vanilla. Pour into curst; top with reserved crumb mixture. Bake at 350 for 40-45 minutes or until crust is golden brown.

another recipe

Arik would like to contribute his favorite lunch that for the most part he can make himself!

Easy Lunch Quesadillas:

1 softshell taco shell
mozzarella cheese
cheddar cheese
meat of choice (chicken, pepperoni for an Italian flare, hamburger, etc.)

Place in micro until cheese is melted (approx 30 seconds).
*May need to warm meat prior to microwaving shell and cheese

Andru helps out

Andru decides to help us figure out our monthly budget!

A Simple Sunday

Another nice weekend day. The weather was so nice and cool! Gets me so ready for fall! My favorite time of the year is upon me! I like the cool weather and the coming holidays. (Except Halloween!) I dread the hype of the weird, creepy stuff in all the stores! It is something I could definitely do without! I am so thankful to be in a place where all the seasons are enjoyed. I like the change! It must be in my personality. I also like to rearrange furniture often. My poor husband never knows what the living room will look like when he gets home from work. I guess I need a little more excitement in my life. May you enjoy the coming month as the leaves begin to change and the beauty of the outdoors with all of it's colors remind you that God's love NEVER changes! It is the same today, tomorrow and forever! I never have to wonder what God is like! He stays the same! (Unlike my living room!)

Ali enjoys an ice cream cone

Do you want a bite?

making cookies

Big sister likes to bake and attempts to let the little brothers watch. Usually ends up with more dough being ate than actual cookies made!

Here is the recipe for No Bake Cookies:

2 C. sugar
1/2 c. margaring
1/2 c. milk
3 c. quick-cooking oatmeal
3T. peanut butter
6T. cocoa
1tsp. vanilla

In large mixing bowl combine oatmeal, peanut butter and cocoa. Set aside. Bring sugar, margarine and milk to a rolling boil. Boil 1 minute, no longer. Pour over dry ingredients; mix well. Drop by spoonfuls onto waxed paper. Cool. Enjoy!!

Playdough

Play dough is always so fun! It is good for fine motor skills for the little ones and great for creativity for all of them! I do find that with boys, if not watched carefully, pieces of flying playdough will arrive in other rooms of the house! Usuall aiming at a moving target!
Here is a great recipe we use to make our own Playdough:

2 Cups flour
2 Cups salt
2T. cream of tarter
4T. oil
2 Cups water
food coloring

*Cook until mixture leaves side of pan. Dump into heavy plastic Ziploc bad. Knead. (Let children do this part, they love it!)

A nice slow day

Not many things going on today. Well, if you consider 7 boys, 3 girls , a cat, a dog and 5 hamsters, not much! Dad was also home to enjoy a day with all of us. The extra eyes and ears and a living jungle gym around for the boys to climb on, gives us a change of normal weekday activities. IOWA Hawks did win so the moral for the day was a nice pleasant one since dad is a Hawk fan. A couple days of off school for the older ones is welcomed also! I had time to catch up on checking assignments and began to make the plans for next week. I do enjoy weekends. Not really less for me to do, just a change of pace mentally. (Joe did let me sleep in an extra hour, which I am not accustomed to doing!) Little Andru had a rough night. I really don't like sleeping in because it seems like the day goes so fast! Well, it did! I cannot believe it is bedtime for the little ones already! I hope whomever reads this is doing well and like our family heard at bible-time this morning, that you have found something today that you are grateful for that God has done for you!

Just a rainy day!

The rain came down allllllll day today! I received a couple phone calls and one lady actually said to me, "Well, I better let you go so you can back to your war zone!" I felt like at times today fighting in a war might be easier! At least I would have a weapon to defend myself! I was then reminded, I do have a weapon! And not only a weapon, but armor! I wondered if I asked God today to help me put on my armor? I got up not realizing that my children would be enduring some cabin fever! I stopped and asked God to help me put on all my "gear" that I would need for the day. After all, He knew my whole day and what I would face! How dare me not ask Him for my needs! Slowly, at times slower than I would have chosen, things began to fall into place. We got out some play-dough and were entertained for awhile. My younger boys played on our screened in porch for at least an hour! There was just harmony all the sudden in our home. Now understand, not quietness, just harmony! My oldest even cooked dinner for me! I got to sit down with a book for a short time during nap time, and corrected school work and then it ended with a little time on the computer to gather my thoughts for the day. I am reminded to day to start each day asking God to place my armor on me and to fill my day with nothing less and nothing more than what He has for me. He has given me a weapon and the armor to protect me in this scary war zone, called self! Thank you God!

Book Suggestions

Austin is reading the Left Behind Young Trib Force series; He recommends this to all teenagers!

Adria recommends 'The Sophie Series' for all young ladies

Alexa would like young girls to read, 'The Rachel Yoder Series'

Alivia agrees with Alexa!

Akian and Ayden like 'Little Pilgrim's Progress'

Anden likes 'If You Give a Mouse a Cookie'

Arik likes 'If You Give a Pig a Pancake' and 'Where Does God Sleep, Mama?'

Alijah and Andru like anything his brothers are reading!
Labels: books

A True Friend

A True Friend I have been praying for someone particularly hard this past week. I have prayed for them for years but at this moment he is going through some extremely difficult things so I have been reminded to continue to bring him to the throne. When asking another prayer warrior to help me pray for this person, I was reminded by her of a story in the bible. The paralyzed man who was healed. He was carried by 4 men to see Jesus to be healed. He was not able to go to Jesus to be healed himself. He needed friends! Friends who would fight through the crowd just for him. I'm sure it was hot and dusty because of the climate they were in. No easy task to carry a grown man through the long unpaved path. No ambulance with a stretcher with wheels, no comfortable chairs to rest in if they became weary, and more than likely the stretcher was hand made with some material and splintering wood! But because this man who was a paralyzed" meant so much to them and they had heard of this man named Jesus, they choose to persevere and get him there! The way they did this was no simple task! To reach the top of the roof they had to climb several stairs! No elevators! They took some rope and lowered their friend with there own 8 hands through the roof! They knew it was essential for their friend to see Jesus for him to be healed. They were in this together! God did heal him! And the men also! Not only physically but spiritually! 'When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, "Son your sins are forgiven you." Matthew 2:5 And then Jesus said, "I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house." Immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went out in the presence of them all, so that all were amazed and glorified God saying, "We never saw anything like this!" Matthew 2:12 How many times have I "worked" as hard for my friend or someone in need? Do I pray and then give up when I get bored and have not seen God answer my prayers in my time? Do I show them my love and a servants heart when they need love or am I so busy that my life is consumed with me and my "needs"? Forgetting that maybe today, somebody may need to be "carried" to Jesus by me! Maybe they just feel like they can't take another day or maybe they just need a phone call or a letter to let them know I care. Whatever it may be, I need to carry them to Him and show them Jesus love! I want to be that kind of friend! The kind in the bible that will not be afraid to sweat a little, get a little dusty and sacrifice my comfort for someone in need! After all, look what my Jesus did for me!Labels: friends[Photo]

baby brother in a bag

The problem is there is not receipt!

baby in a bag!

The boys think we should make a return on the newest addition!

Crab Apple Jelly

CRAB APPLE JELLY

1 ice cream pail of crab apples
1 pkg. Sure-Jel or Sure-Jel light
Sugar
Water
Canning jars, lids, rings

Pick and rinse apples. Put in large pan with enough water to totally cover the apples. Boil slowly for 1/2 to 1 hour. Strain apples and water until all sediment is gone. Let fruit juice cool down. (Apples can be tossed.) Prepare Sure-Jel according to recipe on box. Add jelly mixture, pour in canning jars.

picking crab apples

Alivia picks the crab apples and Anden holds them!

recipe of the week

PEANUT BUTTER BROWNIES

1/2 cup peanut butter creamed together with 1/3 cup butter. Add 1 cup granulated sugar and 1/4 cup brown sugar. Beat in 2 eggs. Add 1 cup flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Add 1/2 teaspoon vanilla and 6 ounces chocolate chips. Spread in a 9 inch square pan, buttered and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. These brownies are moist and chewy.