So I started a new blog.
I don't really know why. I guess I just wanted something different. I will always keep this blog. At least until I get all of the pictures put into books of some sort. The new blog is going to be a little bit of everything. Sort of like this one. There's a header on there that I hope to replace with an outside shot of our house after its redone(hopefully the end of this month!). I'm still trying to figure out how to run/manage the wordpress site. So please, be gracious. I have no idea what I'm doing over there. I may end up scrapping the whole thing if I don't start loving it after a while.
Sadly, I don't have a lot of spare time for blogging and the time I do have is spent at other people's blogs. Ha! But I do want to blog once a week to start and work my way up to a few times a week. We have lots of improvements on the house that we've been working on and a lot more coming up. Think complete makeover outside and a new schoolroom. (Not to mention making our laundry room more practical and turning our living room into my dream living room.) And let's face it, there will be a lot of the kids on there too.
Anyway, if you're interested:
http://homebeyond.wordpress.com
Have a wonderful day!
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Friday, July 11, 2014
Lull
Seems there has been quite the blogging lull these past few months. I'm not really sure why but it almost seems as if blogging is a thing of the past. I blame Facebook. Ha ha.
It's not that there is nothing happening in our life or that it's unworthy of blogging about. After all, the sole purpose in my own personal blogging is to document our life while the children are at home. I don't scrapbook or even very often print photos, so it has always been a way for me to commit their childhoods to memory.
I think it's just that we are so busy living. It seems there is so much to do and teach and see. Blogging seems like a silly waste of time so often. But then again, its so wonderful for so many reasons. Looking back over the years has been so fun and a little bittersweet. It makes me want to document every second of my children's' lives. But then when would I live it?
So much has happened since my last blog post: a trip to Arizona, our 11th anniversary, a niece's wedding, visits from out of town friends, Rhett's 2nd birthday, Avril's 5th birthday, another 4th of July, the death of a beloved pet, and on and on. I do have pictures of a lot of these events and some things will never be forgotten even without photos. But for some reason I've lost the drive to put them up on the blog. But I want to change that. I want something for my kids to look back on and laugh & giggle and remember. I want them to scoff at the ridiculous clothing and hairstyles. I want them to gleefully exclaim the memory of a cherished toy long gone. I want them to divulge pertinent information about events that was unbeknownst to me at the time.
I guess this is just a plea and a commitment of sorts to blogging. I don' want to stop.
It's not that there is nothing happening in our life or that it's unworthy of blogging about. After all, the sole purpose in my own personal blogging is to document our life while the children are at home. I don't scrapbook or even very often print photos, so it has always been a way for me to commit their childhoods to memory.
I think it's just that we are so busy living. It seems there is so much to do and teach and see. Blogging seems like a silly waste of time so often. But then again, its so wonderful for so many reasons. Looking back over the years has been so fun and a little bittersweet. It makes me want to document every second of my children's' lives. But then when would I live it?
So much has happened since my last blog post: a trip to Arizona, our 11th anniversary, a niece's wedding, visits from out of town friends, Rhett's 2nd birthday, Avril's 5th birthday, another 4th of July, the death of a beloved pet, and on and on. I do have pictures of a lot of these events and some things will never be forgotten even without photos. But for some reason I've lost the drive to put them up on the blog. But I want to change that. I want something for my kids to look back on and laugh & giggle and remember. I want them to scoff at the ridiculous clothing and hairstyles. I want them to gleefully exclaim the memory of a cherished toy long gone. I want them to divulge pertinent information about events that was unbeknownst to me at the time.
I guess this is just a plea and a commitment of sorts to blogging. I don' want to stop.
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Ten on Tuesday
1. 12 days until we leave for Arizona. It's so close, yet, I have so much to do that it feels distant. Tomorrow I will work on compiling a list of the groceries/supplies we need. This involves meal & snack planning as well as activities for travel for kids & adults alike.
2. I have made a decision to join CC Connected for our homeschooling adventures. I have rebelled at the idea and resisted to the point of just being obnoxiously stubborn but was convinced by a friend today that it is more than worth the extra money you spend. We shall see...
3. Adam had to have an abscessed tooth extracted today. It is his third one. Poor guy. I am not sure how to make his teeth healthier. I will start by making sure we clean up our diet a bit. We have also started using fluoridated toothpaste and mouthwash. Ugh. Does that stuff freak anyone else out? I mean, what is fluoride? I asked our dentist and he tried to explain but I don't feel any more knowledgeable on the subject than I did before. Oh pray for my kiddos' teeth. I think Avril's are going to have trouble too.
4. We have finally come to the conclusion that we need to go 100% dairy free as far as our kiddos go. It will take some adjusting but mostly with baked goods and when we are out & about. Those are really the only areas we haven't been very strict. They never drink milk or eat cheese and we get them a non-dairy spread for their toast and such. So begins a label-reading-frenzy for us.
5. That brings me to my next topic. Our children are unhappy. It would seem unusually so. Constant crying, whining, fighting, & grumpiness. I do expect to deal with this as a mother of four but it seems that we deal with it all the time. I would chalk it up to lack of discipline, only, I think our kids get as much or more discipline than most.(We are working on consistency and not yelling at the present.) So we decided that we would make sure they are feeling well and really work on structure as well as taking a sincere interest in them.
6. I started exercising again last week. It makes me feel wonderful & tired all at the same time. Here's to hoping the tired wears off quickly...
7. I finally got new contacts a couple of weeks ago and my eyeballs feel as though they've been on vacation ever since! Now I just need to suck it up and get new glasses. hey, its only been 9 years since my last pair.
8. Still trying to figure out the best routine for school. Ok, actually, I figured out a routine that works really well, when I stick to it. I have gotten into such a nasty habit of being idol. *sigh*
9. Any good daily devotionals out there that will last me more than a week? I need some inspiration and an outline to get me going on my daily devotions again. another thing that I've become idol about. Probably, not surprisingly, the reason everything else is so chaotic & out of whack.
10. Do you have any idea how long its been since I've read a book just for fun? More than two years. How sad!
2. I have made a decision to join CC Connected for our homeschooling adventures. I have rebelled at the idea and resisted to the point of just being obnoxiously stubborn but was convinced by a friend today that it is more than worth the extra money you spend. We shall see...
3. Adam had to have an abscessed tooth extracted today. It is his third one. Poor guy. I am not sure how to make his teeth healthier. I will start by making sure we clean up our diet a bit. We have also started using fluoridated toothpaste and mouthwash. Ugh. Does that stuff freak anyone else out? I mean, what is fluoride? I asked our dentist and he tried to explain but I don't feel any more knowledgeable on the subject than I did before. Oh pray for my kiddos' teeth. I think Avril's are going to have trouble too.
4. We have finally come to the conclusion that we need to go 100% dairy free as far as our kiddos go. It will take some adjusting but mostly with baked goods and when we are out & about. Those are really the only areas we haven't been very strict. They never drink milk or eat cheese and we get them a non-dairy spread for their toast and such. So begins a label-reading-frenzy for us.
5. That brings me to my next topic. Our children are unhappy. It would seem unusually so. Constant crying, whining, fighting, & grumpiness. I do expect to deal with this as a mother of four but it seems that we deal with it all the time. I would chalk it up to lack of discipline, only, I think our kids get as much or more discipline than most.(We are working on consistency and not yelling at the present.) So we decided that we would make sure they are feeling well and really work on structure as well as taking a sincere interest in them.
6. I started exercising again last week. It makes me feel wonderful & tired all at the same time. Here's to hoping the tired wears off quickly...
7. I finally got new contacts a couple of weeks ago and my eyeballs feel as though they've been on vacation ever since! Now I just need to suck it up and get new glasses. hey, its only been 9 years since my last pair.
8. Still trying to figure out the best routine for school. Ok, actually, I figured out a routine that works really well, when I stick to it. I have gotten into such a nasty habit of being idol. *sigh*
9. Any good daily devotionals out there that will last me more than a week? I need some inspiration and an outline to get me going on my daily devotions again. another thing that I've become idol about. Probably, not surprisingly, the reason everything else is so chaotic & out of whack.
10. Do you have any idea how long its been since I've read a book just for fun? More than two years. How sad!
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Dear Lord...
"...I love you. I just love you very much. And I love all the people...except Mommy. And I love myself too, God."
~Avril, February 8, 2014
~Avril, February 8, 2014
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Alone?
So we are going to Arizona in a few weeks and I've been preparing ahead of time.
Yeah, I've been thinking about the food. And I've been thinking about things we need for the 5th wheel. No, haven't been packing. No, haven't cleaned the 5th wheel. No, haven't actually put our time into the vacation schedule. And no, I haven't even thought about mapping out the kids' school work.
But I have been preparing. I've been putting this time to good use. How?
By creating documents of the outfits my kids will wear for certain activities. You know, finding out what they'll need while were are gone for 16 days and then trying to put them all together into weather appropriate ensembles that are stylish & functional. Finding things we can mix & match and have them looking their best all vacation long.
Totally relevant & helpful to a two-week trip to visit family.
I will plan food and entertainment for the 2-and-a-half-days it takes to get there. And I will pack the 5th wheel.
But come on, first things first.
Am I the only person who does this?
Yeah, I've been thinking about the food. And I've been thinking about things we need for the 5th wheel. No, haven't been packing. No, haven't cleaned the 5th wheel. No, haven't actually put our time into the vacation schedule. And no, I haven't even thought about mapping out the kids' school work.
But I have been preparing. I've been putting this time to good use. How?
By creating documents of the outfits my kids will wear for certain activities. You know, finding out what they'll need while were are gone for 16 days and then trying to put them all together into weather appropriate ensembles that are stylish & functional. Finding things we can mix & match and have them looking their best all vacation long.
Totally relevant & helpful to a two-week trip to visit family.
I will plan food and entertainment for the 2-and-a-half-days it takes to get there. And I will pack the 5th wheel.
But come on, first things first.
Am I the only person who does this?
Monday, January 27, 2014
Adam
Time for Adam's birthday post. I know it's late but at least it's still the same month as his birthday.
(I will add pictures later today. I still need to take actual "portraits" of them but I have some of Adam opening his gifts on his birthday.)
Adam Taite
January 6, 2014, 9-years-old
What is your favorite color? Red
What is your favorite toy? Halo Mega Bloks
What is your favorite stuffed animal? My teddy bear, my old one
What is your favorite thing to sleep with? My smelly teddy bear (scentsy buddy)
What is your favorite fruit? peaches
What is your favorite cereal? Cinnamon Toast Crunch
What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? Cinnamon Toast
What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch? BBQ chips with fries & a hamburger with potato salad
What is your favorite dessert? ice cream
What is your favorite drink? soda
What do you want to eat for your birthday dinner? pizza with sausage & peppers
What is your favorite animal? snake
What is your favorite book? The 39 Clues
What is your favorite song? I'm in the Lord's Army
What is your favorite game? Halo
What is your favorite t.v.show? Andy Griffith
What is your favorite movie? Spiderman
What is your favorite thing to do outside? shoot my BB gun
Who is your best friend? Camden
What do you want to be when you grow up? A UPS driver & a police officer but probably just a UPS driver for now.
Adam is still every bit as energetic & mischievous as he ever was. He brings so much fun & energy to our home. Sometimes a little too much but we love him for it! He has really matured in so many ways this last year. We are seeing less temper tantrums. And is magnificent with his baby brother.
He does still like to torment Rowan & Avril though and it is something we are working on.
He is an amazing reader and math almost seems second nature to him. He does so well in school and seems to enjoy it more than years past. Adam started basketball this winter and is LOVING it. I have only seen one of his games but I plan on seeing all of the rest as it is so fun to watch him play. He is aggressive and tries very hard. I think he was built for it as he is so tall.
Adam claims to have accepted the Lord this year as well. We do not know when this event took place but look for the fruit of it daily. It is hard to say whether or not he really understands what it means but we will continue to pray for him daily and ask others to do the same. It is our deepest desire for him to devote his life to Christ and spend eternity with Him.
We are so glad to have Adam and grateful that we get this great responsibility of raising him. We love him so much!
Adam is halfway to being an adult. *sniffle* Sometimes I look at him & still see the "tiny" baby that came to us that first night as parents. The same hairline, the same mouth, the same eyes. Every now & then I even still hold him in my lap, although it is getting hard to do. He is still my baby, my first, my dream come true. Other times, I just see this big, tall, gangly kid that I know so well but seems like a stranger all at once. He just keeps growing & changing. It's funny how you don't notice the changes until you look back and then it's just there, so blatantly obvious. You wonder how you missed the fact that he no longer calls spaghetti "skebbi", and when did he stop getting a stool to brush his teeth, and didn't you just buy those too short jeans like a couple of weeks ago? How do we miss it? Our children growing up. We spend every day with them, and yet we still blink and wonder, "where did the time go?"
I know where it went. It just went. It went in the training, the disciplining, the feeding, the playing, the loving, the frustration, the praying, the weeping, the living. And though it makes me sad that it went, I'm so so grateful that I was there. That I get to be a part of this boy's life. A big part. It's scary and hard and oh so wonderful. And I will strive every day to enjoy what is left of his childhood. No more being sad that the baby is gone and no more wishing away the days that are here now. I am sometimes filled with sorrow over the days that I feel were wasted. The days that I retreated from him & his siblings, the days I yelled & lost my temper, the days I just survived and wished were over. But then I realize that I'm just wasting more time by dwelling on those days. I am done wasting time. I have a family to take care of and to love. Someday they will grow, move away, or even pass from this life. But today they are here. Today we get to love them, pray for & with them, hold them, enjoy them, teach them, and share with them. I don't want to waste it. They grow too fast.
(I will add pictures later today. I still need to take actual "portraits" of them but I have some of Adam opening his gifts on his birthday.)
Adam Taite
January 6, 2014, 9-years-old
What is your favorite color? Red
What is your favorite toy? Halo Mega Bloks
What is your favorite stuffed animal? My teddy bear, my old one
What is your favorite thing to sleep with? My smelly teddy bear (scentsy buddy)
What is your favorite fruit? peaches
What is your favorite cereal? Cinnamon Toast Crunch
What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? Cinnamon Toast
What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch? BBQ chips with fries & a hamburger with potato salad
What is your favorite dessert? ice cream
What is your favorite drink? soda
What do you want to eat for your birthday dinner? pizza with sausage & peppers
What is your favorite animal? snake
What is your favorite book? The 39 Clues
What is your favorite song? I'm in the Lord's Army
What is your favorite game? Halo
What is your favorite t.v.show? Andy Griffith
What is your favorite movie? Spiderman
What is your favorite thing to do outside? shoot my BB gun
Who is your best friend? Camden
What do you want to be when you grow up? A UPS driver & a police officer but probably just a UPS driver for now.
Adam is still every bit as energetic & mischievous as he ever was. He brings so much fun & energy to our home. Sometimes a little too much but we love him for it! He has really matured in so many ways this last year. We are seeing less temper tantrums. And is magnificent with his baby brother.
He does still like to torment Rowan & Avril though and it is something we are working on.
He is an amazing reader and math almost seems second nature to him. He does so well in school and seems to enjoy it more than years past. Adam started basketball this winter and is LOVING it. I have only seen one of his games but I plan on seeing all of the rest as it is so fun to watch him play. He is aggressive and tries very hard. I think he was built for it as he is so tall.
Adam claims to have accepted the Lord this year as well. We do not know when this event took place but look for the fruit of it daily. It is hard to say whether or not he really understands what it means but we will continue to pray for him daily and ask others to do the same. It is our deepest desire for him to devote his life to Christ and spend eternity with Him.
We are so glad to have Adam and grateful that we get this great responsibility of raising him. We love him so much!
Adam is halfway to being an adult. *sniffle* Sometimes I look at him & still see the "tiny" baby that came to us that first night as parents. The same hairline, the same mouth, the same eyes. Every now & then I even still hold him in my lap, although it is getting hard to do. He is still my baby, my first, my dream come true. Other times, I just see this big, tall, gangly kid that I know so well but seems like a stranger all at once. He just keeps growing & changing. It's funny how you don't notice the changes until you look back and then it's just there, so blatantly obvious. You wonder how you missed the fact that he no longer calls spaghetti "skebbi", and when did he stop getting a stool to brush his teeth, and didn't you just buy those too short jeans like a couple of weeks ago? How do we miss it? Our children growing up. We spend every day with them, and yet we still blink and wonder, "where did the time go?"
I know where it went. It just went. It went in the training, the disciplining, the feeding, the playing, the loving, the frustration, the praying, the weeping, the living. And though it makes me sad that it went, I'm so so grateful that I was there. That I get to be a part of this boy's life. A big part. It's scary and hard and oh so wonderful. And I will strive every day to enjoy what is left of his childhood. No more being sad that the baby is gone and no more wishing away the days that are here now. I am sometimes filled with sorrow over the days that I feel were wasted. The days that I retreated from him & his siblings, the days I yelled & lost my temper, the days I just survived and wished were over. But then I realize that I'm just wasting more time by dwelling on those days. I am done wasting time. I have a family to take care of and to love. Someday they will grow, move away, or even pass from this life. But today they are here. Today we get to love them, pray for & with them, hold them, enjoy them, teach them, and share with them. I don't want to waste it. They grow too fast.
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
*sigh*
The kids & I had one of those days that makes you want to jump up and shout, "Do over!"
Adam was very, very sick all day. I think he threw up about 13 times and had the "other" twice. Poor guy. And Rhett decided that he would fight me on the whole nap bit for 4.hours.straight. Jay and our nephew Josh went snowmobiling and I was ok with it until around 3:30 when everything was falling to pieces around me, at which point I proceeded to snap at all 4 of the children and sent Jay a text via my email that said something to the effect of his day better be worth ditching me to deal with everything by myself. Oops. DO OVER!
Then Adam starting feeling better & Rhett woke up from his nap just as Jay & Josh walked through the door this evening. Then we, in a great frenzy, fed the kids and got them ready for be so we could watch a movie.
Here I sit. Jay asleep on the couch. Josh asleep on the floor. All by myself. And the internet is boring tonight.
Snowmobiling makes me so lonesome I could cry.
Adam was very, very sick all day. I think he threw up about 13 times and had the "other" twice. Poor guy. And Rhett decided that he would fight me on the whole nap bit for 4.hours.straight. Jay and our nephew Josh went snowmobiling and I was ok with it until around 3:30 when everything was falling to pieces around me, at which point I proceeded to snap at all 4 of the children and sent Jay a text via my email that said something to the effect of his day better be worth ditching me to deal with everything by myself. Oops. DO OVER!
Then Adam starting feeling better & Rhett woke up from his nap just as Jay & Josh walked through the door this evening. Then we, in a great frenzy, fed the kids and got them ready for be so we could watch a movie.
Here I sit. Jay asleep on the couch. Josh asleep on the floor. All by myself. And the internet is boring tonight.
Snowmobiling makes me so lonesome I could cry.
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