God is sooo good!!! I am Pregnant!!!!!

http://youtu.be/UGwGiIWESyg

Just in case any of you didn't know, we have 3 other children so this will be baby # 4. Daddy & I are sooo excited! (& a little scared too of coarse)

This pregnancy was very unexpected. To give you all some back history, my husband & I decided about 9yrs ago for him to go through a procedure call a vasectomy.  At that time we had a almost 5yr old, almost 3 yr old & our youngest was a month from being 1. Our youngest had several medical issues that we were dealing with & our middle child, he had jumped into full terrible two mode. We decide we should do something because we didn't think we could handle any more. So after talking to a doctor, my husband (barely 23yrs old) had surgery. It didn't take me long to wish I could take it back. But at the same time money was tight & we had a lot on our plates so several years went by. 

A couple of years ago we decided we wanted another child, knowing we had already made it permanet, and knowing there were tons of kids in the foster care system we decided to start there. We did everything we needed to to adopt a child, but sadly it never happened. We were going to become foster parents right before we made a different life change. We moved out of state, which we knew would mean starting all over in the system. We decided to hold off for a little while.

After several months of living in our new state & life, I started not feeling very well. I already have a history of acid reflex & constipation so I figure it was partly from that. I also have always had irregular periods & hadn't had one for some time. Plus I was feeling tired & a little down. Which I thought was depression or being homesick (I had just left all my family & friends) So after a while I decided I needed to see a doctor. I search the area for gynecologist & gastrologist  . I could not find a gastrologist so I went to see the first gynecologist I could find. (With little hope I always say a prayer every time I skip a period) 

When I went in the office, they made me pee in a cup. With my (homeschooled) children in the waiting room also hoping for the best. They placed me in a room after a few minutes, the doctor & nurse came in & announced I was pregnant. I was in shock! After so long of longing for another child, it was going to happen?? I asked if they could be mistaken! I was so excited but didn't want to get my hopes up too high. Then they had me go to the lab to get a blood test that also was positive. 

I am in such amazement  After almost 9 years after my husband's surgery, we are going to have our dream come true! My husband is soooo excited!   

That is the beginning of our new amazing adventure!  I am about 12 weeks! My other children are ages 13, 11, & 9. They are all very excited too! 

THANK YOU GOD!!!!!!!!

Excellent Wife/ Proverb 31 woman/ Titus 2

I have been reading a new book

Large Family Logistics

by Kim Brenneman

I have read others & I will share some of them with you but I will always be looking for more on being the best I can be. Woman wear many hats & we do need help learning to do the best we can. 

So I want to give you a little from our manual (The Holy Bible)

Titus 2:3-5  *Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. ⁴ Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children,5 to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.

Proverbs

The Wife of Noble Character

^10 [b]A wife of noble character who can find?
    She is worth far more than rubies.
¹¹ Her husband has full confidence in her
    and lacks nothing of value.
¹² She brings him good, not harm,
    all the days of her life.
¹³ She selects wool and flax
    and works with eager hands.
¹⁴ She is like the merchant ships,
    bringing her food from afar.
¹⁵ She gets up while it is still night;
    she provides food for her family
    and portions for her female servants.
¹⁶ She considers a field and buys it;
    out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
¹⁷ She sets about her work vigorously;
    her arms are strong for her tasks.
¹⁸ She sees that her trading is profitable,
    and her lamp does not go out at night.
¹⁹ In her hand she holds the distaff
    and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
²⁰ She opens her arms to the poor
    and extends her hands to the needy.
²¹ When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
    for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
²² She makes coverings for her bed;
    she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
²³ Her husband is respected at the city gate,
    where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
²⁴ She makes linen garments and sells them,
    and supplies the merchants with sashes.
²⁵ She is clothed with strength and dignity;
    she can laugh at the days to come.
²⁶ She speaks with wisdom,
    and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
²⁷ She watches over the affairs of her household
    and does not eat the bread of idleness.
²⁸ Her children arise and call her blessed;
    her husband also, and he praises her:
²⁹ “Many women do noble things,
    but you surpass them all.”
³⁰ Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
    but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
³¹ Honor her for all that her hands have done,
    and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Proverbs 31:10-31 

An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands. She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar. ...

1 Peter 3:1 

Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives,

1 Peter 3:2-6 

when they see your respectful and pure conduct. Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, ...

The Bible says so  much about what kind of woman we should be, it is the 1st book everyone should open when trying to be better. Don't forget to pray! Talk to God as a friend, cry out to him. He is listening & he knows you want to your best to please him. (& your husband)

The Bible says a lot about married, parenting, & being a Godly female. 

I think my very favorite verse is 

Then the LORD God said, "It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him." So out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to the man to see what he would call them; and whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name. The man gave names to all cattle, and to the birds of the air, and to every beast of the field; but for the man there was not found a helper fit for him. (Genesis 2:18-20)

~I tell my husband all the time I was made for him! He always smiles & agrees. It is so true  I was created to help him! I am here to help him & to help him reach his goals. Yes I have to still have goals too & I do but my main purpose is to be his helper so I try to figure out what I can do to make his life better. 


Some other books you may enjoy that I have read are.....

, 

But there are many more! 

Help! I have too much I have to do!!!

Looking for tips to share :)

We all have tons on our minds & I would love your input on what you do when you feel like you have too much on your plate.. 

Things to think about:

Parenting, marriage, eating healthy, house work, jobs outside the home, homeschooling, church, being a good christian, reading enough books, finding new recipes, children, schedules, school, friends, family, hair styles, make up, your skin, shopping, coupons, in-laws,  diets, having more kids, being a good friend, helping others, cooking, cleaning, pet care, keeping up with long distance family & friends, getting another pet, your community, sex,  flowers, gardens, money, time, blogging, Facebook, the planet............ the list is never ending. So when you feel  like you have to much to do, what do you do.

Your answer may be shared on my blog :) Happy Commenting!

Thanks!

Remember your community heroes!

Today is the 11th anniversary of the attack on our country. Sept. 11th, 2001, many of us remember where we were the moment we found out about the twin towers attack. Well last year some friends of ours went to the fire stations around our town to give them some homemade sweets (cookies, cupcakes, etc.) So there I had decided that every year we would deliver & present our community heroes treats & cards on Sept. 11. Today we went to our  fire department in our tiny new  neighborhood  and since it is a volunteer department we were unable to speak or present them. Also because of area being so small the police station was also empty : ( the good thing is we know that they check in there & we left the cookies & brownies with the cards in ziplock bags in front of the door hoping someone will see them. I hope they realize how much we are grateful for them. After 9-11 I would think of all the terrible events that happened and would morn all over again. Having a tradition like this helps me and expresses how thankful we are. We will never forget!

Thank you to our US Troops, Police, Fire, & EMTs!!!
 Please  do what we do & take some time to pray for the families of the heroes past, present & future. living & no longer with us. And also take some time to thank a hero if not every day than on a day like this.

Kids- God's gift to a parent!

When my children were still babies, I had an experience I don't think I could ever forget. A family from my church had lost a child. I couldn't imagine the feelings the parents had & I hoped I would never have too. Since we were pretty close to our friends, and their children, my husband & I  went to the little 2yr olds funeral. I wanted to show our friends we were there to support them. I wanted to be strong for them but inside I felt like there is no way I would be able to go through this. Seeing his little body in that pretty little box, he looked like a porcelain doll. As beautiful as he was made me cry even more. He looked so at peace as though he were only sleeping. I hugged my friend trying to hold myself together since she seemed to be doing better than me. When it was over my husband & I got in the car to leave I lost it completely. I kept thinking what if that was my child. Since the little boy had drowned & I already had a huge fear of the water & my children being around it my fear only got worse. Some how over the years of growing closer to God & going through our own experiences, I have learned to trust God & listen to my gut. I have finally came to a place where I can feel content and relax a little bit. All of my children can swim and I still am cautious about the safety of my kids though. It breaks my heart every time I hear of a child abuse case. I can not comprehend how in the world a parent could do the things they do sometimes. I want to remind you that we only have a time with them just like everyone else their life will end someday & you will not be able to get them back. My friends who lost their little boy were wonderful parents and continues to be wonderful parents to their other children. Remember we are told to train up our children in the way they should go & when they are old they will not turn from it Proverbs 22:6. What ever way you treat your child now will affect the way they are as adults. I just read a book called 

"A child called it" By Dave Pelzer.



To pick up this book and read it, it just reaffirmed the fact that I want to adopt. I want more children. I have always wanted a large family. My husband & I have a heart for child & our heart has been pulled to the area of foster care in America. There are so many children out there that need a loving home. How their parents could abuse or neglect them is beyond me but I am going to continue in the direction to adopt. No matter how many children you have remember to love them, hug them, encourage them, teach them. I am not saying I am a perfect parent or that I haven't ever made any mistakes. I know I have & I have learned from them. So I guess what my point is..... Your child is a gift please treat them with kindness & respect. I have 3 gifts in the shape of children & I would take any others he would place with me.



Your child loves you & looks up to you!

The benefits from Basil

FRESH SWEET BASIL

My daughter has been growing some herbs and I want to share with you some of the benefits from using some of them. The 1st one I want to talk about is Basil. I love the smell of fresh basil. Although it is pretty strong smelling, it is still very wonderful. In case you have no idea what basil is here is some information.

Description

Basil, also called sweet basil, is the dried leaves of the herb Ocimum basilicum, a member of the mint family. Basil is a small, bushy plant that grows to about two feet tall. Its botanical name is derived from the Greek, "to be fragrant."

Uses

Basil is used in tomato sauces, pestos, pizzas, and cheeses. It is used in green Thai curry blend, bouquet garni, and Italian seasonings.

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Origins

Although basil is cultivated worldwide, Egypt is the principal source, followed by the United States.

Folklore

The early Romans made it a symbol of love and fertility. Through the centuries, it became a custom of young Italian suitors to wear a sprig of basil as a sign of their marital intentions.

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Color

Uniform green color

Flavor & Aroma

Fragrantly sweet

Sensory Profile

Basil is characteristically tea-like, with green/grassy, hay-like and minty notes. It is slightly bitter and musty.

Some Yummy Recipes:

Four Cheese Margherita Pizza

Prep Time: 15min

Cook Time: 10min

Ready in: 40min

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 8 Roma tomatoes, sliced
• 2 (12 inch) pre-baked pizza crusts
• 8 ounces shredded Mozzarella cheese
• 4 ounces shredded Fontina cheese
• 10 fresh basil leaves, washed, dried
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

Directions

1. Stir together olive oil, garlic, and salt; toss with tomatoes, and allow to stand for 15 minutes. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2. Brush each pizza crust with some of the tomato marinade. Sprinkle the pizzas evenly with Mozzarella and Fontina cheeses. Arrange tomatoes overtop, then sprinkle with shredded basil, Parmesan, and feta cheese.
3. Bake in preheated oven until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, about 10 minutes.

Cherry Tomatoes Stuffed With Pesto

I've been serving these appetizers for decades. You can also make a warm side dish with medium-size tomatoes (see variation below).

1 or 2 garlic cloves, to taste

1 1/2 cups fresh basil leaves

2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds or Mediterranean pine nuts

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/3 cup (2 1/2 ounces) freshly grated Parmesan

1 pint cherry tomatoes

1. To make the pesto, turn on a food processor fitted with the steel blade, and drop in the garlic. When it is chopped and adhering to the sides of the bowl, stop the machine and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula. Add the basil, pumpkin seeds or pine nuts, salt, pepper and olive oil to the food processor, and process until smooth and creamy. Add the Parmesan, and pulse until well combined.

You can also use a mortar and pestle. Add the basil leaves gradually, and mash with the pestle. Add the pumpkin seeds or pine nuts, garlic, salt and pepper. Mash to a paste with the basil. Work in the olive oil and the Parmesan.

2. Using a paring knife, cut thin slices from the tops of the cherry tomatoes. Use a grapefruit spoon or small spoon to scoop the seeds and flesh from the center of each tomato. Lightly salt the hollowed out tomatoes if desired, and place them, cut side down, on a rack to drain for 15 minutes. Fill with the pesto, arrange on a platter and serve. Refrigerate or freeze any excess pesto.

Variation: Warm stuffed tomatoes with pesto: Use six to eight medium tomatoes. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Cut the tops off the tomatoes, and scoop or gently squeeze out the seeds. Fill with pesto, and place in a lightly oiled baking dish. Heat through for 15 to 20 minutes until warm; the tomatoes should still be intact. Serve.

Yield: Serves 12 as an hors d'oeuvre, six to eight as a side dish.

Advance preparation: You can hollow out the tomatoes several hours ahead; the filled tomatoes will hold for an hour or two in the refrigerator. The pesto will keep for weeks in the refrigerator if you cover it with a film of olive oil. It freezes well without the cheese; mix in the cheese when you thaw it.

Nutritional information per serving (cherry tomatoes serving 12): 67 calories; 6 grams fat; 1 gram saturated fat; 2 milligrams cholesterol; 2 grams carbohydrates; 1 gram dietary fiber; 39 milligrams sodium (does not include salt added during preparation); 2 grams protein

Nutritional information per serving (stuffed medium tomatoes serving six): 139 calories; 12 grams fat; 2 grams saturated fat; 4 milligrams cholesterol; 6 grams carbohydrates; 2 grams dietary fiber; 76 milligrams sodium; 4 grams protein

I guess this post has been SHORT & SWEET lol
Hope you find this informative 

The Public Library! FREE RESOURCE

Ok I am sure everyone knows about the Library, but does everyone utilize it. When I lived in Florida I was a book pack rat! I had tons of books in every room. I never had enough shelves. I had a dream of making one room a library with a big ladder & everything.

But making a big move to Ohio, I had to downsize a lot. It was a little crushing. I mean I LOVE books! Even though I felt like I gave up a lot, our moving helpers thought I was crazy for bringing sooooo many books with me.

My husband just laughed since he knew how much I had before. So, now that I am moved in, I have organized my books (one of the 1st things on my priorities list lol) I have a new re-found love for the library. (Thankfully walking distance from our new house) I have placed holds on tons of books! They get transfer to our library where I can pick them up. We can renew them if we want to keep them longer & when we are done, I don't have to find room to store them. We just take them back to the library.

The librarian knows us very well. She has commented on how punctually we are in returning the books. I love to hear the compliments she give me about how well behaved my kids are & how she just loves the enthusiasm they have when it comes to books. I passed down a great gene. My husband has even picked up on his reading which I love because he is a great role model for our children. His excitement about books makes me so proud. Books are extraordinary things. They can teach you anything or take you anywhere! I love books a great deal! I think my love for books is right up there with music which I would love to talk about in a later post! As a home school teacher to my children and as a parent, I love watching my children totally lost a book. It really does help in everything else in your life if you enjoy reading. It helps with the way you speak, spell, handwriting, confidence, and the knowledge you can have of so many subjects. I believe the younger children are exposed to books the greater love they have. It will help in how well they read & how early they start reading. Along with so much more! Pick up a good book today! Go try your public library! You will be glad you did! They will be happy to see you & your kids! :)

Living a Self Reliant Life!

(a youtube that I came acrossed & liked) http://youtu.be/rq_Gt5GIznI

What does self reliant mean?

self-re·li·ance (slfr-lns)

n.

Reliance on one's own capabilities, judgment, or resources; independence.

---

self-re·liant adj.

self-re·liant·ly adv.

Basically-

I take it as kinda being your own boss or having complete freedom. Not always depending on someone or something else.

I have been working on this for several years now, trying to learn to be more self reliant (which I started so I could save money) 

I guess I started by making my own cleaners, taking my children's education into my own hands, then cooking more from scratch. (I am sure there are more) Along with all that I starting reading more. The main book I picked up was my Bible. It has really helped me rely on my God & myself for making decisions that I could have had low self esteem (which I have always struggled with) But this way, I feel so good when I have accomplished something I took on for myself. I think what has helped me take off with living more self reliant was moving to a small town in Ohio. (I am not telling everyone to move) For me, it took me out of the hussle bussle of the Florida life I had been trying to keep up with (& LOVED!) But now instead of running to the store for everything all the time, I think & research (gotta love the internet) (although gotta watch the clock while on it) If I can make it myself, I would much rather!

One of my other favorite books was 

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3421541-made-from-scratch 

That was one of the reasons I stopped just "being bored" with all my "extra time"

We already have a garden of vegetables, herbs, flowers, & we have been looking into berries & grapes. But I also wanted to start making even more "homemades" so I started making more bread at home (which I started before we left Fl) & I looked into sewing & crocheting more. I know the basics & plan to keep learning more. Why pay someone else for something you can make yourself. I have made my girls some aprons & dresses and my crocheting projects are coming along. I have made a "hot plate" just to get back in the swing of things. Now I am starting on a scarf for everyone for winter. 

The best thing is because I homeschool, I have more time with my kids to teach them everything I am learning. My oldest could probably make our laundry soap with her eyes closed LOL We use a lot since there are 6 of us. The mountain doesn't stay down too long. 

We cook as a group of I have one or two helpers at a time. They learn the joys of cleaning goes along with the fun stuff too. Cooking seems to be appealing to them all but the clean up doesn't put the smile on their face as much! 

We also love entertaining ourselves. Aside from playing board games (which they all love) we listen to the radio or listen to the children playing their instruments. Teaching them more & more instruments (including their voices) is a great joy.  My son doesn't like to be in the spot light though as much as my girls do so he does a lot of the behind the scene work, like taking pictures or video-graphing. I love to document everything. I tell the kids those pictures & videos are going to be my hobby when they marry & move out. LOL

Also we love to be outside, weather we are playing with the dogs, taking walks, riding bikes/scooters, rollerskating/blading, or just reading  a good book under a shade tree. If it is cool enough, not in the 90s but warm enough too the you can find us outside. We like to take school outside then have a picnic or do some nature study. 

Since I stay home & don't make a paycheck, I am also looking to save money as much as possible. So when we switched to homemade cleaners or starting to eat more at home, I felt like I was not earning money but spending less of what my hardworking husband makes at his job. Being at home is the best job for me to be able to live the life I have always dreamed of but it doesn't bring in monetary rewards so we have to be creative. 

I hope to add more to this topic soon! Until then take this homework- Look around your house what can you do to be more depended on yourself??