"Works For Me Wednesday"

This is my idea for "Works for me Wednesday"
I have 10 soon to be 11 children so inevitably thoughtout the day, kids will leave little things of theirs laying around. So in order to eliminate my nagging constantly to them, I use an inexpensive shelf from Wal-mart and they each have a labeled basket with their name on it. If I notice something laying around that they have forgotten to put away, I simply place it in their assigned basket and we have a pick up time before evening bible time that they must put the contents of their baskets away. 2 things to remember when using this system, make sure they are picking up the majority of their things immediately after they are done, and make sure the basket is not to big! Otherwise it becomes a lazy persons catchall! ;)

This is really useful in teaching little ones the job of tidiness and putting things away at the end of the day. It also keeps little things from gathering all over the house when there is a place to put them.

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"Laughter Lives Tuesday"

My 15 year old does not think it's funny that I am posting this on my blog, but I could not resist! Hope you enjoy it!
Have a laughter filled day!

This post is part of "Laughter Lives! Tuesday" on the Riggs Family Blog. Check our their blog to read everyone else's "Laughter Lives!" posts.

 

 

Rest, NO WAY!

Sore belly and all, I got some nesting instincts this weekend! Not a good time! I just could not sit around! I did not lift anything and I took breaks in between. I know in the coming weeks I will only get bigger and more uncomfortable so I figured I better got things done now!

Friday, we cleaned out the garage. All the kids helped. They were each appointed a task and had to complete it before they could play. We kept 2 rabbits (and as of 3 weeks ago, 8 babies) in there most of the winter and under their cages was a HUGE mess! So in order to clean that out, we had to clear EVERYTHING out first. They are now in their hutch OUTSIDE! It amazes me, how in one winter a garage can become a piling fest of gathered items! Mostly junk! Job was complete.

We are also in the process of turning our breakfast nook into a walk in pantry. There is no possible way we could sit at our 6X4 foot farm table anymore so we put in shelves and are in the process of attaching bi-fold doors. Not complete but should be soon!

Saturday, I started to sort through winter clothes. I HATE this job! It was one thing doing it for 1 or 2 kids, but 10 gets really complicated! (Well, the older ones do it themselves, but 7 is still a challenge!) I really have never found a good way yet. The last couple years, I put away the winter first and then get out the summer a day later. It keeps the mess at bay. I also have to get out baby clothes! So in addition to all the others, I am sorting through those also. That is always a joy for me! I can never believe how tiny everything is! It also helps with my nesting impulse and makes me more anxious to hold my little one! So as of today, boys winter clothes are put away with the exception of 2 pairs of pants and 2 long sleeve shirts for each left out for camping or unexpected cool weather. I always leave 2 pairs of shorts and 2 short sleeve shirts out at the end of summer for each child so they have something until I get the the Rubbermaid's of summer clothes out today or tomorrow. Job half complete.

Saturday, I also arranged my room. Okay, before you yell at me, my oldest son and hubby did that for me! I put all the stuff away and cleaned. I had to make room for the bassinet. We have a very small bedroom because we gave the master bedroom to our kids since they need the room more than we do. So there is only one way to arrange our room for a bassinet. We are also getting a dresser passed down to us so finding room for that for the baby clothes will be the next step. I have a spotless room now and room for the bassinet when decide to get that from the attic. Job complete.

Saturday, I also decided to sand and paint a dresser that was in pretty sad shape. It looks beautiful! I have to get new nobs which I plan to do today and I will post a picture of it this week. Job, completed Sunday evening except for adding nobs.

For now, that is all. I will be out of town next weekend for Women of Faith (It is a womens conference). My mom and oldest daughter will be enjoying ourselves and learning what God has for us. I can't wait! My cough is almost totally gone. My torn muscle is still terribly sore but only really noticeable when I turn quick or walk up the stairs. I am so thankful for that! Once again, thank you for your prayers! I am on the mend! Now making it through the next 6-8 weeks with not to much discomfort is the goal!

'Foto' Friday

To end the week, I thought I would put some "foto's" up. Just for a quick health update, I am still coughing and my torn muscle is still causing me lots of pain, but I am surviving and the weekend is coming so my hubby will be home to help. Hopefully I can rest a little more! Thank you again for the prayers and have a God-filled blessed weekend!

 

 

 

 

Just a little update-the good and the bad

For those of you who let me know I was in your prayers yesterday, thank you! Just to give you a little update. My doctor prescribed an antibiotic yesterday because I was getting sicker and sicker. Yes, more coughing! It is a very strong antibiotic so he said after 1 dose I should notice a difference. I took the first dose at about 2:00 yesterday afternoon and by 5:00 last evening I think every fluid in me started to drain. (Sorry about the graphic details!) About 7:00 I noticed I was not coughing near as much which is what my torn muscle needed! I went to bed early and only woke up 1 time coughing for about 5 minutes. For 5 nights before that I was up every hour for an hour coughing non-stop. So quite a change. I rested quited peacefully! As I sit here now, I have been coughing some, but the cough is different. So, the good news is I feel better and my coughing has subsided the bad news is my muscle is still causing extreme pain. But half the battle is being won!
Thank you for remembering me and keep praying for healing! It is working!

"Works For Me Wednesday"

This is my frugal tip for the week for "works-for-me Wednesday". Hope it can save somebody a little cash! You can read other helpful hints on www.wearethatfamily.com

We homeschool, and I cannot afford to by workbook after workbook, so I tear the pages out of a workbook and use a 3 ring binder with plastic page protectors and insert the workbook pages into them. They use dry erase markers and a paper towel to do each page. This works great for little ones since they can do the same pages over and over and you can pass down the book child to child. This is also a money saver for those who do not homeschool for at home fun. It works great in the car if your children are taught to only write ON THE PAGES, not the car seats! ;)

The joys of the 3rd trimester of pregnancy

I know age makes a difference when carrying a child! When I was 22, pregnant with my first child, NOTHING bothered me. I was as swollen as the Good-year Blimp, had pimples everywhere, my feet grew in width as much as I grew in girth (which was alot, I gained 56lbs with my first), and I was oblivious to it all! I walked around in a cloud with with anticipation for the coming week and just could not wait to see what pregnancy held in store for me! Well, now 15 years later and on my 11th living child, (14th pregnancy however)my ignorance is replaced with wisdom of what is to come. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the joy of carrying a child and helping God with a miracle! I never get over the wonderful feeling of a little one kicking, hiccupping, turning and growing inside of me. Hearing the heartbeat is something that nobody but a mother can exaplain the joy it brings! However, I am now in my 3rd trimester and reality of the coming final weeks has approached me. Hopefully you will find this reality, not a complaint! For now, my feet have not swelled, I have recieved a few pimples off and on, and I am actually losing weight rather than gaining it (the doctor is not alarmed by the way), and now the cloud I walk around in is only filled with anticipation to hold my little one in my arms, not in my aching belly! Here is the problem. I have gotten a TERRIBLE cold in the past week and have coughed so much that I have somehow pulled a muscle, maybe torn it, in my abdomen. It is like a knife slicing me open in one small area to the right of my belly button. The doctor said because of the stage I am in the pregnancy (30 weeks), it will not totally heal until after the baby comes because the baby is only going to get bigger in the coming weeks furthermore,stretching my abdomen muscles that much more. So, the plan of action is no lifting, and no strenuous activivity. Not really an option for a mother of 10 other children! So my pregnancy bliss has some pain involved. I know it is not life or death but 9 weeks of this kind of pain may do me in! I DO know I have a family doctor who can heal me! God! If you could please pray for me this week for my body to be touched and for this pain to subside, I would greatly appreciate it! I have seen others ask for prayer on their blogs, so I thought it might be a good idea for me. I really right now need my cough to go away. And then the muscle to heal. It does not matter what the doctor says on this earth, I know my heavenly doctor can do things I could never imagine. I also know when I hold this little one in my arms, this will all be worth it! I am truly thankful for the gift of being able to carry this sweet child for God. I just am in need of some healing! Thank you for listening to me and lifting me up in your prayers! Also, if you know of anyone else who has had this happen, please let me know. It would be of interest to me know how everything turned out. Have a great day filled with the joy of the Lord! I will keep you posted!

Devotional from Anne Graham Lotz

I have been putting Anne Graham Lotz (Billy Graham's daughter) a lot on my blog lately. They have spoken to my heart lately and thought you might take to heart today's devotional as I did. I thought the point was so simple and so profound. Enjoy!

No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.

1 Corinthians 2:9, NIV

One of the pictures in John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress is of a man bending double from his waist, sorting through a can of garbage, carefully extracting the little bits of tinsel he finds there. Behind him is standing an angel who is offering him a solid gold crown studded with precious jewels, but the man is so engrossed in the garbage he never notices the angel.

When we get to heaven, will you and I be ashamed of our preoccupation with "garbage" in this life-garbage that prevented us from dying to our desire for it, turning around, leaving it all behind, and reaching out for what God wanted to give us? Why is it that we seem to cling so tightly to what we want, and in the process lose what God wants us to have? God wants us to have power and blessing and glory. But you don't obtain it by adding Jesus to your life-He has to be your life!

Blessings,

Anne Graham Lotz

AnGeL Ministries Website


*We have read 'Pilgrims Progress' AND 'Little Pilgrims Progress' to our kids at our family reading time in the evenings and I STRONLY recommend it to everyone! It can be found in book and bible stores or on amazon.com

My "bookends"

Just a picture for my Sunday blog. This is the youngest and the oldest of our family. (For a couple more months anyway!) I just love the tenderness and love that comes through a teenage boy when there are little ones around. It is truly a blessing to witness! Have a HAPPY SUNDAY!

 

How to tell you have kids

1. There is peanut butter all over the peanut butter jar, on the cupboard, and the lid is missing and nobody knows where it is!

2. The jelly jar has jelly everywhere but IN the jar, there is jelly on the cupboard, and the lid is missing and nobody knows where it is!

3. Your car windows on the inside look like they have been painted with peanut butter and jelly after you just cleaned them 24 hours ago!

4. Your vehicle now consists of more than 4 doors.

5. You go grocery shopping and FILL your cupboards and somebody complains there is nothing to eat.

6. Your toothbrush is never where you put it last and it is ALWAYS wet.

7. You have a back-up toothbrush for times when you just are not sure where it has been.

8. Your furniture has a very "cozy" look to it and you have only had it for a year or two and you no longer have a coffee table because it takes up too much play space.

9. You now have a colorful speckled look to your dining room carpet because of past "playdough time".

10. You tell your husband you are going to the bathroom to go "potty".

11. You ask your husband if he went "potty".

12. Your cat is treated like a slinky.

13. Your cat used to stay in the house all the time and since your toddler started to walk, suddenly it enjoys the great outdoors.

14. Your new vacation spot has become a campground.

and last but not least....

15. You look at your life and wish you could push pause because you realize things are for a short moment and you don't want them to pass!

Motherhood is not easy. It is a constant demand on your "self". You have no time to be selfish and even if you wanted to be, nobody would let you anyway! If you have been chosen to this great calling, enjoy it, appreciate it, savor it, and most importantly thank God for the privilege and the opportunity to care for something He created and entrusted you with. It is truly an honor to raise little ones for Him!

Baby Easter bunnies

We have new baby bunnies at our house that were born last week right before Easter. They will ready to sell in 5 weeks if anyone is interested! :) They are adorable!

 

 

 

"Laughter Lives Tuesday"

This post is part of "Laughter Lives! Tuesday" on the Riggs Family Blog. Check our their blog to read everyone else's "Laughter Lives!" posts.

My Laughther Lives entry was said to me by my 6 year old, the comedian of the family.

I was talking to my kids about the woman who gave everything she had to God. She only had one coin left and she gave it...I then asked my kids what could they do for God if they did not have any money to give to Jesus.

My 6 year old spoke up very seriously with his hand on his forehead as if contemplating very hard, "Well, I guess I would have to walk the plank mom!"

So I guess he is going to be a sailor or in the navy or something on a boat to make his money!

Happpy Easter!

The Tomb Was Empty!
Christ died and rose and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living.

Romans 14:9, NKJV

Early Sunday morning, in the inky blackness before dawn, soldiers stood guard over Christ's tomb. Knowing that to go to sleep on duty was an offense punishable by death, the highly trained unit remained alert. Some may have been rolling dice or stoking the fire to keep warm, but there was no question that all were awake and on duty. Their lives depended on it.

Suddenly, "there was a violent earthquake." If, by chance, the soldiers had been distracted in their night watch, God now had their undivided attention! Almost simultaneously, the predawn darkness was split by a light so brilliant it looked like a laser of lightning! The "lightning" took the shape of an angel who seemed to reach from heaven to earth. Against the inky blackness of the night the terrifyingly awesome being fearlessly descended, walked over to the stone that blocked the tomb's entrance, flicked it away as though it were dust, and then sat on it! And the gaping hole where the stone had been, revealed there was nothing inside the tomb! The tomb was empty!

Blessings,



Anne Graham Lotz

AnGeL Ministries Website
For more about The Joy of My Heart

He is RISEN!

This is from my daily devotions I get, thought it might strengthen and remind you again of who Jesus is! Happy Easter!


The JOY of My HEART: April 11, 2009

He's Alive!
That you may know . . . the exceeding greatness of His power . . . which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead.

Ephesians 1:18-20, NKJV

God the Father split history in two when He flexed the divine, eternal muscle of His will and exerted His power on His Son's behalf! How He must have eagerly anticipated and rejoiced in the vindication and resurrection of His Son! His power was so mightily tremendous that Jesus was:

Raised up from the dead!

Raised up without our sin!

Raised up to life!

Raised up through the walls of the tomb!

Raised up past the guards!

Raised up through all His invisible enemies!

Raised up to a position of authority over the entire uNIVerse! Raised up to be seated at the right hand of God!

Jesus was raised up! He's alive!

Blessings,



Anne Graham Lotz

AnGeL Ministries Website
For more about The Joy of My Heart

A Restored Soul

This past week, God has brought a restoration to my soul. The weariness has been replaced with joy and appreciation for what God has allowed me to do. My focus has been on my Savior. The past couple of days with my postings about who Jesus is to me, was a huge part of bringing me back to my first love, Him! My daughter wrote on her blog a beautiful tribute and some wisdom from God that took my breath away and brought tears to my eyes. Please take time if you can to check it out at www.locachicagj.blogspot.com (It is the April 8th entry)

It was a reminder that what I am doing for Him IS getting through to my children. Although I am so far from perfect, God is using me and allowing me to see the reward of clothing my children daily in prayer. I am reminded to not discourage my children, but to lift them up and just let them know by words or actions, what a joy and a blessing it is to have them as my children and that they are valued. Sometimes, as Much as I hate to admit it, I just forget to daily look them in the eyes and tell them how much I love them. It always captures their heart! What an honor to be allowed to share with them that they are created by God and lent to me to care for and teach them about Him! Sometimes I wish He did not trust me so much!;) What an overwhelming thought! But with His wisdom and guidance, I have all that I need!

Remember moms, this is all worth it! It is hard, but God is using you to show your children glimpses of Him. Don't worry about the big stuff and don't sweat the small stuff. It is not for you to carry! Just look to Him, He is all you need!

Part 2- Who Jesus is to me

He is my ALL IN ALL!

His light:
- has made me whole
- has made my darkness light
- has made my path clear
- turned my mourning into dancing
- made my blind eyes see
- revealed His glory in my heart

I will not stop:
- loving Him
- serving Him
- showing Him my heart
- seeking Him
- praising Him
- pronouncing Him as my Lord!

My life is in Him, through Him and I love Him!


*This is something God laid on my heart to do. When I have had a rough day or am going through a battle, I look at my list of who He is to me, and I am soon reminded of Him and His constant love for me. Today, sit for a moment and start making your own list. It will encourage you and your focus will be Him!

Reflections of who Jesus is to me

As Easter approaches this week, I am contemplating who my Jesus is to me. Hopefully you can feel renewed and feel His presence as you read these thoughts.

I praise Him because He is:
-immovable peace
-irreplaceable joy
-constant love
-my "daddy" who welcomes me no matter where I have been
-He holds my tears in a bottle
-He knows my hurts
-He cares about my pain
-He endured GREAT pain for ME!

He never stops:
-loving me
-seeking me
-allows me to seek Him
-gives me His Word to search His heart

Because I can seek Him, I have:
-a reward in heaven
-the gift of sharing Him with others
-a place to lay down my burdens and someone to carry them for me

I have been set free!
I have nothing to fear!
Nothing to dread!
Nothing to worry about!
All I have is HIS!
I do not need to struggle and I lack nothing because of Him in me!

He is for Me so who can be against me?!

Easy Empty Tomb Easter Snack for kids

1 Roll of refrigerated crescent rolls
1 large marshmallow to use for each roll

I begin by telling the Easter story found in Luke 23, (for younger children, I summarize until I reach Chapter 24). As I am telling the story I pass out the crescent triangles and 1 marshmallow to each child and myself. I then place the marshmallow on top of the triangle and roll it just as I normally would with the mallow inside. (Little ones may need a help). I Then put them in the oven at 350 degrees until done. Take them out and let them cool! Finish reading with 24:6 and give them each their cooked crescent roll and have them open them up. To their amazement, the "tomb" will be empty! They love it! It is a tradition and every year it is so fun for them!

The love of a mother

I am reminded today of the true blessing and inheritance my children truly are to me. Only a gift God can give. As it says in Psalms- ..."the fruit of the womb is your reward." How undeserving I am! I am thankful for His grace and mercy!

Don't forget how important your job is!

The past few days, God has been so gracious to me. I have been worn down and just plain tired! I have had guilt because of my lack of appreciation for my job as a mother and help-meet for my husband. Some days, it was just hard to greet their little faces with anticipation. It was more, when is bed-time?! I have felt like a failure. That is when, once again, Jesus showed up in very subltle ways at first, then more obvious ways. Through some other wise women who have been there before, prayer with just plain crying out to Him, and just feeling His love in my heart.

Motherhood is hard, demanding and a dying of yourself everyday. I get tired sometimes of dying to myself! Maybe you have had times like this. Please let me encourage you as I have recieved encouragement this past week. Mothers, your job is the most important and sacred thing you will ever do! You are a very important part of God's one soul desire, to love others. You are helping Him fulfill His plan on this earth! Sometimes it seems as if what we do has little value. Changing diapers, wiping noses, cleaning dirty fingers and faces, many times a day! Those things to God are just as important for His kingdom as missionaries who go to lands far away preaching the good news to thousands of people! HE notices the tedious things you do. HE appreciates the little things that you day in and day out. When you feed those little mouths, you are feeding the hungry just as The Word says. God is holding you and cares about your fears. He sees when you are totally exhausted and yet you stumble out of bed to comfort your little one who is sick. Even if it seems nobody else on this earth ever appreciates the things you do as a mom, God does! You are honored in His eyes and someday when you see Him face to face, He will say, "well done my good and faithful servant!" To all you mothers out there, keep going, He is with you and will never leave you or forsake you!

Blanket time

I have had some people wonder how I do blanket time. They tell me their children would never do this. Here are some tips:
-Start when they are young, about 6 months is when I start. for about 15 minutes 2x a day I put them on a blanket with toys or in a playpen. I don't talk to them, I just let them play by themselves.
-Use a blanket (not to big, fold if necessary. If you get the area too big, the boundary lines are to big and they start wandering as if they were not on a blanket) Carpet squares work well too!
-Gradually increase their time alone by about 5 minutes each month until they are at a half an hour. Until they reach about the age of 3, I never have them on a blanket for longer that 30minutes. 2x a day.
-Be consistent! If you start this when they are older, just stick with it and continue to direct them back to their blankets if they get off. At first, stay in the room with them and quietly read to yourself so they see your example.
-Eventually, you should be able to leave the room momentarily and they should stay on their blanket without problems.
-The single toy that you give them to play with, (I do not let them pick, show them that you decide otherwise they can be indecisive) will become fun for them when they learn to focus.
-My children actually look forward to this time and when I need to accomplish something, it is very useful. Our morning blanket time is 45 minutes- 1 hour, in the afternoon around my dinner prep time, it is 30 minutes. I try to let them up about the time dad gets home so there is peace in the home when he walks in the door.
-I usually read them a book of their choice after blanket time is over. They look forward to this every time.

I hope this helps. I encourage every mom to do this. It is so good in teaching your children discipline and encouraging them to focus. A very important thing to learn as they grow! And it is good for mom to have a few minutes to collect thoughts and regroup!;)