In Loving Memory

I just received the sad news that a member of our church passed away last night. I didn't know her very well, but I have been praying for her and her family since we started at Mirabeau Chapel in October. You see, Teresa was diagnosed with fatal cancer not too long ago and was told she only had a short time left to live. Thankfully, she lasted long enough to see her Grandchild born, and spend one last Christmas with her family.

I dedicate this post in loving memory of Teresa. Even though I didn't have the privilege of knowing her as well as some, I admired her. God has used her story to touch the lives of many around her, including myself. Her faith and her trust in God through the most difficult time in her life have been a testimony to me that no matter how hard times get, we can depend on God. He is our Rock, our Strength, and our Hope.

I pray that the God of Comfort will stretch out His loving arms and envelope all those who mourn her passing. I am truly sorry for your loss.

Romans 12:15:b ...mourn with those who mourn

Fun and Games

Last night the kids eagerly watched out the front window as they waited for their Aunt and two Uncles to arrive. It's quite a site actually, my five little ones lined up on the couch peeking out into the night! It wasn't long before I heard them all exclaiming together "they're here, they're here!" Our company barely made it through the door before being smothered with hugs and kisses from the kids. I love it!

After things settled down and everyone got some dinner, we moved on to presents. Since my DH comes from a big family, they have a name system for gifts. This year the kids' Uncle Jamie has us. He called me a while back to ask what to get for the kids. I told him to get them a game that they could play together. Well, not only did he listen, but he went above and beyond by getting them not just ONE game, but THREE games, a puzzle map of the United States, and a magnetic chalk/white board with numbers and letters! WOW! Thanks Uncle Jamie!

Right away Hungry Hippos was a big hit. Even my two year old loves it. One of the games is a version of Cranium for Kids. That's a hit with my older kids. I love that they are doing something together, cooperating, and even getting along for the most part. Plus the games (minus Hungry Hippos) are all in some way educational.

I'm so glad that Jamie listened. The games give them something to do TOGETHER besides play the Wii, or Playstation. I limit their time on those. In fact, we've incorporated a system recently where they have to read first, in order to earn their time on the Playstation, Wii, or computer. I'm still working out the details, but I like the idea of encouraging reading. Our kids love to read anyway, but we took it a step farther and have them writing about what they read. Just a short sentence or two about their favorite part, or the characters of the story, or the setting. I think I might even get them each their own notebook to keep track, like a journal.

Yes, there is lots of excitement happening here at our house. It seems like the winter stir-crazies (can I make up my own word?) have been forgotten for now. : )

Christmas Memory and Lots of Snow

Well, Christmas is over. It seemed to come and go all too quickly this year. We've already taken down the decorations and reclaimed the house for our second round of company that is coming out for New Year's. Yet, the true spirit and reason we celebrate Christmas will remain.

My DH and I have been trying to teach our children that it isn't about the presents, or the decorations. On Christmas Eve he read the story of Christ, and we talked about it as a family. We discussed the wise men, and the shepherds, and the celebration of Baby Jesus being born. That was my favorite time this Christmas. That is the memory I will hold dear to my heart as we bring in the new year.

I didn't get cards sent out on time this year because I couldn't make it to the store to pick them up! I think I'll still send them anyway. I'll throw in a newsletter and thank you notes for gifts. In fact, I didn't get a lot done this year because of the snow. I'm still trying to remain positive, because it's still snowing, and it's causing both the kids and me to go stir crazy. I don't know what I'll do if they don't end up going back to school next week!

My DH has been such a help with all the snow and around the house. We got the flu two days before Christmas and the last kid was still throwing up Christmas day. This time I managed to get sick too, and it really knocked me out. It was so discouraging. Despite me being a total grump, DH put up with me, and did what he could to make things easier on me. We spent all this morning working on the house together, preparing for company. I don't know what I would ever do without him! He even shoveled and bailed out the van when I got stuck in the driveway after taking the kids to the doctor this morning!

Well, I'm off to finish the laundry and mop the kitchen. I hope everyone out there that reads this blog had a wonderful Christmas. May the spirit of Christmas stay with you throughout the year. : )

Company Girl Coffee

It's Friday! Come on in for some Company Girl Coffee! Not sure what the weather is like at your house, but here we have snow, snow, and more snow! Two feet of snow, actually. It started snowing on Wednesday morning and didn't stop until late yesterday afternoon. I haven't seen this much snow in 24 hours since I was a kid and they used to close down the road outside my house so we could sled down the hill!

Above is a picture of our front yard/driveway before we shoveled our way out!

The kids love it! They all bundled up in their snow suits and went out to play "Fox and Geese" in the back yard. They burrowed through the snow and made "paths" that they could run on (as best you can run in snow boots.) One person plays fox and chases after the geese. The geese can't change directions but the fox can. If you get trapped by the fox or tagged, or go off the path, you become the fox. Max (our dog) played along too. It was loads of fun. Mom and dad even joined in!

School was cancelled again today so the kids basically got two extra days of Winter Break. This time I think we'll enjoy it indoors because the temperature has dropped quite a bit. RL was supposed to have a cookie exchange at school so we're going to have our own party here to make up for it.

Merry Christmas! Looks like this year ours is definitely going to be white! : )
-Melissa

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

This morning it started snowing, and well, it just didn't stop! By the time I picked the kids up from the bus stop at 3:15pm, there was already about 6 inches. Of course, the kids wanted to go outside and make snowmen, but it is really too cold, and it's not packing snow.

They were so disappointed that I came up with a different idea instead. I printed off a fun snowman project called "Snowman dress-up." Each of my 4 older children got a snowman and accessories to dress him with. They picked their favorite combo and glued Mr. Snowman onto the background of their choice.

Who says you can't build snowmen indoors? We had a lot of winter fun while staying dry and warm!

Christmas Photo 2008

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS!

Good News!

Coffee's on late this week...yesterday I skipped the coffee and headed straight for the tea and throat lozenges. I seem to have caught a bit of a cold. I'm feeling a little better this morning though, so come on in! At least I'm not contagious over the internet!

Christmas is getting closer, and today is the day that my husband and I grab a sitter and go shopping together. Yesterday I was taking a look at what we have in our budget to buy gifts for our 5 children. I have to be honest, it's not much. I think every parent wants their kids to have a special Christmas, but this year I've really been questioning what that means. Does it mean stockings full of surprises and lots of presents under the tree? I don't think so. Sure it's a joy to see the delight in their little faces as they unwrap their gifts, but that's not really what matters. What really matters is being together as a family.

A long time ago in Bethlehem Mary and Joseph started their family together. Times were hard for them too. There was a Census taking place at the time and they had to travel many miles with a very pregnant Mary. When they arrived at their destination there was no room in the inn, so they had to stay in the stable. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born. But wait...there is good news!

"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.'"
-Luke 2:8-12 (Bold emphasis mine)

Did you catch that? Good News! Great Joy! That's what this mother of five chooses to focus on this Christmas. No matter how hard times get, there's always good news. He is Christ, the Lord!

The Hope of Glory

Every month Rachel Anne over at Home Sanctuary gives us a verse to reflect on. This month's verse is Colossians 1:27. Today she asked us to meditate on it and share our thoughts. I have to say, it is a mystery to me how Christ, in me, could be the hope of glory. In ME. He uses me to shine His light, and His hope, into the world. What an amazing concept.

Yesterday our Pastor spoke on how God uses us in these times, especially during this season, to reach out to others and give them hope. Money is tight right now, and for many, like our family, Christmas is going to be way scaled back this year. But there is something far more eternal to look forward to this Christmas than anything money can buy. What I am referring to, are "the glorious riches" in Christ. "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." (2 Cor. 5:21)

What does Colossians 1:27 mean to me? It means that Christ dwells in my heart and His hope wells up in me to spill out into others' lives. His is a love so amazing that I can't help but share the riches of it with others. He is my hope eternal, my righteousness, and my King forever. He is my everything.

The song below expresses exactly how I feel about Christ in me, the hope of Glory. Enjoy the music and have a great week! You'll want to pause my playlist first. Just scroll down to the bottom of my blog.
Melissa

Our Fabulous Five

It's Saturday! Saturdays around here mean lazy mornings and special breakfast. : ) The kids are playing and I'm still in my pajamas. It's great!

While I have the time I thought I would just take a few minutes to talk about my kiddos.

CD just turned two. Believe me when I say this with love...he is my most mischievous two year old yet! He has really entered that stage where he wants to do everything on his own. Even things he's not supposed to be doing at all! He is learning boundaries though, which is good. Yesterday his brother BC was playing with the Christmas stockings and CD kept pointing and saying over and over "Bay, No!" (Bay is what he calls his brother right now.) This was his way of telling BC that he was breaking the rule. It was hard not to laugh while pointing that out to BC, who should have known better. There's another cute thing he does that we didn't teach him, but it works. When he wants our attention, he knocks on us. Yes, I said knock. He balls up his little fist and gently knocks until we acknowledge him. I've never seen anything like it before! It makes me smile every time.

LR is four now. When she turned four she got to move up to "Big Kid" church. She gets to worship with her brothers and sister and then go to her own "classroom." She's very proud of this and we started to see some changes at home as a result. "I'm a big girl now, so I don't need my banana cut" is just one example. When her older siblings are at the table working on their homework, she sits right there with them, tracing letters or working on a project. She loves "homework," and I encourage that!

BC is my buddy at home. On the weekdays after I pick him up from kindergarten, we "download" and then have some lunch. Once I get lunch cleaned up and put the younger two down for naps, we hang out. Sometimes he just plays by my side while I work. Other days, I get down on the floor and play with him. He keeps me company and we spend quality time together until it's time to go get his brother and sister at the bus stop. It's becoming my favorite time of day.

JS is quite the character! He's quick witted like his dad. Get this...he got his first phone call from a girl yesterday! Ever since he memorized his phone number, he's been giving it out to all of his class mates. He's just itching to have "friends" over. Making friends has never been a problem for him. There's a third grader that sits on the bus with him that he invited over this weekend. We'll see if he calls. He seems like a pretty nice kid. I'm not ready to let JS hang out at other kids' houses yet, but they are welcome to come here.

RL is at the head of her class. The only trouble is, she is so shy that she won't speak up in class! Her teacher jokes about getting her a microphone so that everyone can hear her when she does chime in. : ) I don't know what the problem is at school, she is plenty loud around here! She's also very helpful around the house. She's contributing more and more, even without being asked to do so. I love that. It sets a great example for her siblings.

That's the crew! Today we are going to finish up some decorating and pretty much just hang out together. This week we put up the tree but need to put on the finishing touches. Most people are crazy busy around this time of year, but I am the exact opposite. There's nothing more I'd rather be doing than spending time at home with the fam.

Company Girl Coffee

Ok. Here's the deal. I just wrote an entire post and it disappeared on me so I am frustrated. I'll need another cup of coffee just to settle down! I must have pressed something I shouldn't have to delete what I had written. Now my time is up on the computer so I will just share a cute quick story about one of the small things this week and call it good. : )

On Wednesday I recruited my husband to help me for the small thing. As he was headed out the door, I grabbed an apple and placed it in his hands.

Then I said "Here...eat this so I can earn points."

He gave me a funny look and said back "How do you earn points for me eating an apple?"

To which I said in reply "I just do. Besides, an apple a day you know!"

He said thanks and headed out the door. It was only later that I realized that he was referring to a different kind of points. We have a joke around here about "wife points." He jokes about how when he does something really big, he gets wife points. I got an e-mail from him that day and at the end he said "Oh, and thanks for the apple. It was neat." Neat is the word he uses when he thinks I'm crazy. I was asking him to do a small thing for me, and he thought I was going insane! I explained to him when he got home and we both got a laugh out of it. : )

Have a great weekend! I'll be stopping in for coffee here and there.
-Melissa

10 Things Tuesday...What I Love!

I need to keep it simple this morning. I am trying to get back on schedule after a wonderful 4 day weekend lazing around with family! : ) Read on, and you might learn a few things about me that you didn't know before.

1. I love my family and am thankful for them.
2. I love my friends that are there to encourage me and I am thankful when I get to spend time with them.
3. I love God's Word and I am thankful that He cares enough about me to speak to me through it.
4. I love to write and I am thankful when I get the time to sit down and put pen to paper.
5. I love to speak and I am thankful that God speaks through me.
6. I love spending quiet moments with Him and I am thankful that He is by my side every minute of the day.
7. I love bundling up in a cozy warm blanket so I am thankful for the cold weather.
8. I love a good book so I am thankful when I get time to read.
9. I love the scent of vanilla, so I am thankful for vanilla spice candles.
10. I love the way it feels to do something to bless my home and my family...even a small thing...so I am thankful for the will and the drive to keep doing so.

And on that last note, I'm off to put in a load of laundry! Have a great week!

Now That's a First!

Since it's December 1st, I thought I would start things off on a bright note by listing off a few of my favorite 1sts!

• First Christmas decorations...Our tradition happens to be an advent calendar. It's a magnetic Christmas tree and we take turns putting up one ornament a day to count down the days until Christmas. By Christmas morning it is nicely decorated.
• First snow...I love the way my kids get excited when the first snow comes! Even though it only lasted for one day, they were pumped! Everyone got all bundled up in their coats, hats, mittens, and snow boots, and went out to play. : )
• First cup of coffee in the morning...Yes, I'm addicted to waking up to the aroma of coffee in the morning and can hardly wait to have my first cup! Just so you know though, I stop at two.
• First light of day...I am not an early morning person, but this time of year it stays dark longer. On those crisp, clear winter days, I love to watch the sun rising up over the hills.
• First impressions...I love to meet new people. It's important to me to make a good impression when I'm introduced to someone for the first time. Don't ask me to remember your name though, I'm terrible at that until I hear it at least two or three times!
• First try...I love watching my kids do something for the first time. They are so determined! If only I had that excitement every time I tried something new.

There you have it! A few of my favorite firsts. What are some of your favorite firsts? I'd love to hear from you.

Not Me Monday

It's time for another round of Not Me Monday! I'm happy to participate because it gives me a good laugh to look at the things I did not do this past week! : )

I did not spend my time on the computer all afternoon yesterday instead of preparing in advance to start a new week/month today! I did not let my children play the Wii all afternoon so that I could just relax.

I did not get sarcastic with my 6 year old son who has no idea what sarcasm is and then burst out into laughter when he gave me a funny look.

I did not threaten my boys with consequences for arguing all weekend and then not follow through. When I finally did decide to follow through, I did not blow my top and yell at the top of my lungs.

I did not leave one last pile of leaves in the back yard sitting there for so long that it snowed. They are not soggy now that the snow has melted and won't be a pain to rake up before the next snow.

I did not clean my coffee pot and get it all set up, timer on, for this morning but forget to put water in it, nearly ruining my coffee pot. Yawn. I think I need some more sleep!

Lastly, I did not speed up beyond the legal speed limit on my way to church because there was a male driver in the opposite lane who wanted to be ahead of me going over the hill. The conversation with my son did not go something like this:

Son: "Mommy, how fast are you going?"
Me: "I'm just trying to get by this driver, son, it's ok."
Son: "Mommy, you're going to go to jail for going over the speed limit."
Me: "No, son, I would just get a ticket." (You'd think that after hearing the words come out of my mouth, I'd slow down.)
Son: "What's a ticket?"
Me: "You have to pay money for driving too fast."
Son: "Then you should slow down so you don't go to jail and have to pay a ticket!"

Now, my 6 year old son is quite a jokester, so that last part was accompanied by giggles from the entire van load, but I did not join in the laughter and then slow my speed just to make him feel better!

Speaking of feel better, that was fun! Try it! Just visit Not Me Monday and give it a whirl! : )

Psalm 84

Before I head to church this morning I just wanted to get a jump start on my passage memorization for December. : ) Psalm 84 is one that I have come back to again and again, and I think it's time to put all of the pieces together and memorize the entire psalm. I don't have a lot of scripture memorized, but I do believe that God puts the Word in our hearts to sharpen us and help us grow so when a specific passage is on my heart, I try to take time to memorize it.

I'll start today, with verses 1-2 and update this entry as I continue to commit this psalm to memory.
1 How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD Almighty!
2 My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.
3 Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young-- a place near your altar, O LORD Almighty, my King and my God.
4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you. Selah
5 Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.
6 As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools.
7 They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.

A Perfect Thanksgiving

This year I had everything set up (at least in my mind) for a delightful Thanksgiving Day here at home. I decided to keep it easy and just go with a simple menu.

• Smoked Turkey Breast
• Homemade Scalloped Potatoes
• Fruit Salad
• Green Beans
• Biscuits
• Apple Cider
• Chocolate Pie for Dessert

I bought everything in advance and planned out a schedule for prep work and baking time. As the big day drew closer, I was feeling kind of smug. Pretty organized for my first time doing this alone. Little did I know how quickly plans can change.

First glitch...We had company over on Tuesday night. No problem. It was our usual night of the week when we get our family together with our good friends. Dinner was in the crock pot for the evening so it would be a breeze. All I had to do was remember to put the turkey in the brine after they left so it could soak for 24 hours. Oops. That's a problem. I was so tired that I just crawled into bed and forgot all about the turkey. Until 7:00am the next morning when I opened the fridge and slipped into a panic! I'm happy to report, though, that soaking it for 5 less hours didn't ruin the turkey. : )

Second glitch...Tuesday morning I took 4 out of 5 of my kids to the doctor to get a flu shot. (One had already gotten hers) It was time for my two youngest children's annual appointments anyway, so I thought I would just get it all out of the way at once. I wasn't, however, thinking about possible side effects and the fact that Thanksgiving was only two days away.

Wednesday passed with no visible side effects. LR had her 4 year shots, so her leg was a little swollen, but not bad. I woke up early Thursday morning to the wonderful smell of smoked turkey roasting in the oven. Whew! My husband remembered to put it in before he came to bed.

Things were looking good. But wait...what's that I hear? Yep. It's a kid throwing up in the bathroom! Oh no! I went in to comfort him, helped him get washed up, and settled him on the couch with cartoons while I set to preparations. Next thing I know, I hear him back in the bathroom again. Huh? He's still on the couch! Not another one! Sigh.

Despite these little glitches, our Thanksgiving was a happy one. We spent a quiet day watching the parade, napping, and cheering our favorite football teams. Dinner did come together and we sat around the table as a family, sick kids and all. The two that were sick in the morning felt better that evening so even though I can't prove it, I'm pretty sure it was the flu shot.

The turkey turned out great and we have plenty of leftovers. It was nice to have my brother in law at the table with us, knowing that soon he will be going on tour with the military over seas. We'll see him again around New Year's, but then his nieces and nephews won't see him again for a year.

If there's one thing I learned this year on Thanksgiving, it's that there is much to give thanks for, no matter what your circumstances. Glitches happen and plans change, but I am forever thankful for family.

I Thess. 5:18 "Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

He Is...

This morning I was reading Rachel Anne's thoughts over at Home Sanctuary about what it means for God to be "enough" for us. Normally, this would be the day that I would post my 10 Things for which I am thankful. I think that today I will combine the small thing with Ten Things Tuesday, and make a list of verses that speak to me about how God is "enough" for me.

1. He is my provider. "So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, "On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided." Genesis 22:14
2. He is my peace. "And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" Isaiah 9:6b
3. He carries my burdens. "Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens." Psalm 68:19
4. He is my salvation. "The LORD is my light and my salvation-- whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life-- of whom shall I be afraid?" Psalm 27:1
5. He is my strength. "The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights." Habakkuk 3:19
6. He is my rock. "But the LORD has become my fortress, and my God the rock in whom I take refuge." Psalm 94:22
7. He is the one who sees me when I feel invisible. "She gave this name to the LORD who spoke to her: 'You are the God who sees me," for she said, "I have now seen the One who sees me.'" Genesis 16:13
8. He is my hiding place and my deliverer. "You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance." Psalm 32:7
9. He is my father. "Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, 'Abba, Father.' So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir." Galatians 4:6-7
10. He is my guide. "The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail." Isaiah 58:11

God is all of these things to me and many more. He is more than enough for me!

Blessings,

Melissa

My First Not Me Monday

I've been thinking about joining in the fun of Not Me Monday for a while now. What a great way to get a few things off my conscience and laugh at myself in the process! Plus it's fun to read all of the Not Me Monday confessions listed by other moms.

All right, I'm going to start slow...wouldn't want to get too carried away with the confessions right off the bat! : )

I most certainly did not pig out on three different kinds of birthday cake/cupcakes over the weekend! November is so full of birthdays that I did not consume enough sweets this month to last me a lifetime!

I did not turn my back on my two year old long enough for him to squeeze most of the toothpaste out of the tube and spread it all over his hands, face, the hallway walls, and the floor this week.

I did not almost go ballistic on my kids yesterday when they crushed the plastic ball that came with their brother's bowling game after he hadn't even played with it for more than 10 minutes. I did not tell them that if they don't learn to take better care of their toys, I would take them away.

Whew! That was fun. A good laugh is a great way to end my Monday.

Happy Birthday CD!

It's my youngest's birthday! Today he is two years old. I can hardly believe it! Two years ago on Thanksgiving, I had my thanksgiving dinner in the hospital. I guess "what goes around, comes around" would be the appropriate cliche here! Considering that it was thirty five years ago yesterday that my mom had her Thanksgiving dinner in the hospital. : )

I have a lot to be thankful for in my son CD. He is such a delight. He is in that curious stage where he tests and tries out everything. Including my limits! What a joy it is to watch him learn and grow more each day. You just can't turn your back on him for more than two seconds!

Take last night, for example. Everyone was brushing their teeth in the bathroom so I proceded to pick up for a few minutes. The next thing I knew, here comes a very blue CD covered in toothpaste! He looked like Papa Smurf! What happened to all his older brothers and sisters that were helping in the bathroom?

Not a dull moment with a two year old in the house! I love him to pieces though. Some people call it the "terrible twos". I call it the "terrific twos."

Happy Birthday CD...mommy loves ya!

It's a Wonderful Life

35 years ago today on Thanksgiving, my mom was on her way to the hospital. Yes...35 years ago! Get it out of your system...I know you want to tell me I'm old. ; ) I don't feel old though. I feel like I am in the best part of life.

• I have a wonderful husband whom I've been married to for 14 years. I admire him more with each passing day.
• I have 5 wonderful children. Each and every one of them is a blessing to me. We had parent teacher conferences yesterday and I don't mind telling you how great it is to hear my kids' teachers boast about how great they are!
• I come from a wonderful family, and I'm blessed with wonderful in-laws. Even though we live in separate parts of the state, I am close with them and love them dearly.
• I live in a wonderful house. We were blessed to find this house when we moved here. It has plenty of space for our family and a great, fenced in, back yard for the kids and our dog Max to play.
• I am surrounded by wonderful friends. They rejoice with me when I am happy, and pray with me when I am down. I am thankful for the ones that I can call up and meet for coffee, as well as my support network that can meet with me through e-mail, phone calls, and blogging!
• I serve a wonderful God. He has shown me time and again how much He loves me. In turn, I am grateful that He uses me to share His love with others.

Happy Birthday to Me! It's a wonderful life! Thanks for being a part of it! : )

Getting Ahead in the Game

Coffee Break!!!! It's been a busy morning. My day started by nursing a sick kiddo. Funny, didn't he just have the flu last month? If I recall correctly, he's the one who started all this illness, and now, it's come back around to him again. "What goes around, comes around." That's my BC for ya. And since it started last night, he's yesterday's cliche.

Where was I? Oh yah. Today's small thing. After I dropped my kids off at school I took my shopping list and made my way to the grocery store to beat the Thanksgiving rush. It was a great feeling to get just about everything I need for Thanksgiving dinner. I will need a few fresh items from the store as it gets closer, but I'm on the ball for the most part.

Last year I wanted to smoke a turkey but I realized that UH! OH! The turkey needs to marinate in the brine for 24 hours, and then cook for 15! That wasn't going to happen when my turkey was still frozen the day before Thanksgiving. So this year I made sure to plan in advance. My turkey is defrosting in the fridge and I have everything I need for the brine. I'll start the process on Tuesday, and by Thursday, we will have started a new family tradition. Yay! I just hope it turns out ok.

I'm taking a coffee break in between household chores and parent/teacher conferences. I scheduled all three PTC's on the same day because I wanted to get them out of the way and Fridays are my husband's day off. That means that one of us can go to the conference and the other can stay home with kiddos. Somewhere in the midst of all that, we have to pick up my brother in law at the airport. Like I said, busy day. But it sure is nice to stop and have coffee for a few minutes.

Well, it's "back to the grind" for me! Hmmm....maybe I'll go grind some more coffee! That Rachel Anne! Now she's got me doing it! : )

Enjoy your coffee girls! Have a great weekend!

Ten Things Tuesday

This is the time of year that the word "thankful" comes to life. In school, my kids are studying the history behind Thanksgiving. In church they are learning about gratitude; expressing their thanks to others around them. At home, we are talking about being thankful for family, and for a roof over our heads, and food on our table. We are trying to teach them that Thanksgiving is not just a holiday that happens once a year. It is something that needs to happen every day.

This week my list is a little random, but I am thankful for the little things!

1. I'm thankful for my new toaster from my mom. No more burned toast!
2. I'm thankful for gloves, hats, and warm coats in this cold, crispy weather!
3. I'm thankful my husband, who helps me pile five kids into the van in the morning so I can get them to school.
4. I'm thankful for electricity. It's getting dark early here now and it's nice to have lights to turn on instead of using candles like back in pioneer days.
5. I'm thankful for my washer/dryer. I may never be caught up on Mt. Washmore, but at least I am blessed with my own appliances to use while I try!
6. I'm thankful for soap. It seems like we wash our hands a thousand times a day here. What would we do without antibacterial hand soap???
7. I'm thankful for glasses/contacts. I can see so much more clearly with them!
8. I am thankful for trash cans. Where else would all of those used kleenex go?
9. I am thankful for the dishes that we have to eat on, and the dishwasher that cleans them every night. It may be half size, but that means half the amount of dishes to unload every morning!
10. I am thankful for toothbrushes and toothpaste. Two of my kids went to see the dentist yesterday and everything checked out great. The dentist was impressed at how clean their teeth were for a 4 and 5 year old. :)

There you have it. I will leave you with one last thought today. I am thankful for the God-given ability to recognize and acknowledge all that I have to be thankful for! Even the little things.

I Thess. 5:18 Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will]. (Amplified Bible)

Company Girl Coffee

I just have to say, that I have been enjoying visiting all of you for Company Girls Coffee this morning. So much, in fact, that I had to get a second cup! : ) There is a lot of wisdom and insight to glean from all of you! I love the honesty that is put into your posts and really enjoy taking time to look into your lives and get to know you a little better. It makes me feel like I'm not so alone in many areas of my life. Thanks for sharing! This Company Girl is glad you do, and I consider myself blessed to know you!

Yesterday was a very busy day for me, so I didn't get time to post until now. I want to pay special attention to this month's verse. I already posted it once, stating how much I am comforted by it, but I didn't go into why.

Zephaniah 3:17

The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.

My favorite part of that verse is "He will rejoice over you with singing." You see, I am married to a Worship Pastor. He has a lot of other gifts that God has blessed Him with, but I am not exaggerating when I say that he is truly anointed by God to lead worship. There has never been a time when God has not used him to lead me straight into the sanctuary to worship at His throne. Many times over, I have felt God's presence, and known, that even when I felt so consumed that I had no voice, He was singing over me during that sweet time of worship. Comforting me. Healing me. Quieting me with His love. He is so good that way.

I am so blessed to be married to a man who loves worship. I have always loved to sing and make music in my heart to the Lord. Ever since I was a little girl. I know that's why God gave me my DH...So that we could worship HIM together.

Today, in keeping with yesterday's small thing, I'm going to make sure that my DH has a relaxing day of fun! He deserves it!

May you feel God rejoicing over you with singing this week,
Melissa

From Pumpkins to Pie

From This:
To This:

I am no Betty Crocker, but I just had to take a quick minute to share about my recent adventure in cooking with my Sister-in-Law. She and I sometimes like to take on projects together in the kitchen. One summer it was canning peaches. This fall, it happened to be making pumpkin pie from scratch.

Last month I got my kids four small pumpkins from the grocery store to decorate. When I looked on the bottom of them, there was a recipe for pumpkin pie. The recipe said "Easy Pumpkin Pie," but I am not sure it could be qualified as easy. It took us all afternoon to complete the task. The results were well worth it though. When we were done we had three delicious, made-from-scratch-with-love, pumpkin pies!

Thanks for trying something new with me La! Cooking with company is always twice as much fun! : )

10 Things Tuesday

In celebration of my 4yr old's birthday, I will be writing my 10 things about her today! : ) Happy Birthday kiddo! You'll always be my Care Bear! I love you very much.

1. Four years ago today I was blessed with my fourth child. I love her so much. I am so thankful that she was born.
2. I love her smile. There's something mischievous behind it. It's very contagious. I am so thankful that she can make me smile, especially when I'm feeling down.
3. I am thankful that she is content to play by herself or entertain her little brother when I need to get some things done around the house.
4. She's very curious. Always wondering how things work and asking lots of questions. I am thankful for her desire to learn.
5. I am thankful for hugs and kisses! Any time I get ready to go out the door, and every morning when her daddy gets ready to go out the door, she runs with open arms yelling "hugs and kisses!"
6. I am thankful that the first thing she wanted to do this morning after opening her presents was share her puzzle with her brothers and sister. What a sweet thing to do!
7. I am thankful for and amazed at the imagination she has! She doesn't need a lot of toys. She takes what she has and turns it into whatever she wants to play. I love to watch her and sometimes play along.
8. I am thankful for her love of music. She loves all different kinds of music and wants to listen to music all day long.
9. She adores her big sister. I am so thankful that she was born a girl...and I'm sure her sister is too! Even with three years between them, they love to play princess and have tea parties and retreat to their room to play together away from the boys. I'm so thankful they get along the way they do.
10. Most of all, I'm thankful for the God given gift of raising this precious child. She is so dear to my heart, as are all of my other children.

Thank you, Lord, for the gift You've given me in each of my children. I am reminded with every birthday of the incredible privilege of being a parent. You answered my prayers for children, just as You did for Hannah. For this, my heart rejoices in You.

-1 Samuel 2:21 "And the LORD was gracious to Hannah; she conceived and gave birth to three sons and two daughters."

Happy Birthday Grandma!

This is a little late, (due to some unavoidable events this week) but I wanted to say a special Happy Birthday to my 95 year old Grandma! I admire her greatly for her strength and determination. She is 95, but still going strong. She lives on her own, still cooks for herself, knits, sews, and gardens. Those are only a few of the things that I love about her. The more I learn about her, the more I want to be like her.

She's a faithful wife... She stood by my grandfather through thick and thin over the many years they were married. Right up to his death she loved him, and she continues to cherish him in her heart today.

Faithful mother/grandmother/great grandmother... She would do anything for each of her four children and her many grandchildren/great grandchildren. (Mine included) She has taught all of us how important it is that we stick together as a family and take care of one another.

Hardworking...From her days on the farm with my grandfather, to their property on the Oregon Coast, to the plot of land she lives on now, she knows the value of being a hard working woman.

If there is an example of a woman who lives life abundantly, it is my grandmother. I love you grandma! Happy Belated Birthday!

Small Things on the Go

This week, I had a very scary incident with my 7yr old daughter. On Monday night, she began throwing up and she continued well into Tuesday. When it didn't stop and she couldn't keep even a tablespoon of liquid down, I called her pediatrician. On Wednesday morning I took her in to the doctor. From there, they sent us to the ER, where they immediately put her on an IV for dehydration. They drew some blood, and when the results came back, I was told that she would be admitted to the hospital overnight.

There, I stayed with her overnight, comforting her by holding her hand, praying with her when she was afraid, and sleeping by her side on a cot. When she wanted water, I held the cup and straw to her lips. When she was finally hydrated enough that she needed to pee, I helped her by wheeling her IV along side her into the bathroom. I am so thankful for the doctors and nurses that helped get her on the road back to health.

We were able to come home yesterday, and she is resting peacefully. I wanted to take a minute to share this story because I discovered something about small things while I was caring for my daughter. They are not just something that you do at home. By Rachel Anne's definition, small things are the "simple activities" that we do to make our home a sanctuary for our family. I would take that one step farther, and say that small things include anything that we do inside or outside of the home to make our family feel loved.

Thank you, Rachel Anne, for helping me realize that sanctuary is in the small things. Now I know that sanctuary is not just something that happens at home. It exists in my heart, and it's in the small things that I do, wherever I go.

With Gratitude

When I learned the "Virtue of the Month" in church on Sunday for Kids' Church, I could hardly wait for 10 Things Tuesday. This month my kids will be learning about Gratitude. Their memory verse for week one is "Give thanks to the Lord, because He is good. His faithful love continues forever." 1 Chronicles 16:34 (NirV) I look forward to talking with my children about the many ways we can express gratitude. Today I will focus on some of the things I am thankful for as a citizen of the United States.

1. I am grateful for the privilege to vote. Women haven't always been given that right, and although I am only one vote, I take that responsibility seriously, knowing that even one vote can make a difference.
2. I am thankful that no matter what the outcome of the election today, ultimately, God is in control. Proverbs 16:33 "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD."
3. I am thankful for generations past that are responsible for our freedom today.
4. I am thankful for the dedicated men and women that lead this nation today. I may not always be on the same page as them, or have the same beliefs as them, but they are willing to work hard to ensure that our freedom as Americans stays in tact.
5. I am thankful that we, here in America, still have the right to worship in public. There are some countries that do not allow it.
6. My gratitude goes out to the many volunteers in our Church that make Kids' Church happen. It is an honor to team up with them in teaching my children about God.
7. I am grateful for the freedom and opportunity to talk with my kids about gratitude this month. Deut. 11:18-19 "Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."
8. I am thankful for good teachers that work hard to ensure that my children get a proper education, and for the public school system that is still free.
9. I am grateful that even in hard economic times, we still have a roof over our heads, food on our table, and clothes on our backs.
10. I am thankful that not only do I have freedom as a citizen of the United states, but I will always have freedom in Christ here on earth and forever in heaven. John 8:36 "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."

God Sings

I am encouraged by this verse today.

Zephania 3:17

"The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing."

Fall Leaves and Hot Cider

Good morning! Welcome to Company Girl Coffee! This week I will be sharing over hot apple cider instead! It's a beautiful fall day here on this last day of October. Last year we had snow on Halloween, but I'm happy to report that it won't be snowing today. It's cloudy, but not cold enough for snow. Yes, I think fall is going to linger a little longer. The last of the leaves are clinging to the branches waiting to join the collage of colors blanketing our back yard. The ones that have fallen have been raked into piles, jumped into, and thrown in the air only to repeat the process over and over again. My kids have lingered until dark playing in them and then begged to stay outside just a little while longer. Finally, when it's just too cold and too dark to stay outside any longer, everyone barrels inside for a cup of hot cider.

Winter and snowball fights are just around the corner but for now, grab your own cup of hot cider and enjoy a few fun pictures of our family.

Ten Things Tuesday

Is is Tuesday again already? I don't know where my Monday went, but I'm glad that Tuesday is here. We have had sick kids all weekend and yesterday I took one to the doctor to make sure he didn't have strep. Luckily, the answer is no, but he's still home today with a whisper of a voice.

The thing I love about 10 Things Tuesday is that I start my day right, with Thankfulness. Although I am making my list a little late today, I am taking this short break to reflect on things in a positive light.

1. I am thankful for a second cup of coffee this morning! It's warm, it's smooth, and it keeps me going on these cold mornings. : )
2. As I look at the mask on my mug this morning, I am thankful, once again, for the incredible blessing of being able to go see Phantom of the Opera with my mom, sister and husband. It was great! You can never see it too many times.
3. I am thankful for the lunch date I got to have with my husband on Saturday.
4. I am thankful for the brother in law who loves his nieces and nephews so much that he watched them so that we could go out to lunch!
5. I am thankful for Kleenex! I sure have been using a lot of it lately.
6. I am thankful that I am feeling a lot better after two weeks of yuck.
7. I am thankful that we have insurance so that I can take my kids to the doctor when I need to and not have to worry about how I'm going to pay for it. And I am thankful JS doesn't have strep.
8. I am thankful that when my kids are sick I don't have to worry about getting the day off because I am blessed to be a SAHM.
9. I am thankful that my internet and phone seem to be working today.
10. I met another mom of 5 on Facebook yesterday. I am thankful to have a new friend to talk to that can relate to having 5 kids so close together.

Losing My Keys, Or Losing My Mind?

It's Friday, and that means Company time! Company Girl Coffee, that is. I don't have much time today so I thought I would just post a funny story about something that happened to me last week. I tried to forget about it, but today's small thing about keys brought a smile to my face.

Last Friday I dropped off my kids to school, dropped off our dog at the vet, and went to do my usual weekly grocery shopping trip. It was nice to come home to both my husband and my brother-in-law to help carry in groceries for a change. (Usually no-one is home but me so I haul them all in myself.) When the last bag was in hand, my husband asked me if I had the keys. I told him yes, knowing for sure that I had put them on the dining room table with the first bags I brought in. You can see where this is going....

He locked the door to the van and we went inside to put away groceries. Later that afternoon, I needed to get something from the van. I went to my usual "key hook", but found no key. Uh oh. I began to retrace my steps, look in all my pockets, and the different places that the keys may have wandered off to. (I do have quite the mischievous toddler!) No keys. At this point, I'm starting to panic. I even went out to the van and peeked in the windows to see if I had mistakenly dropped them on the floor or something. Nope.

It was time to confess to my husband that I couldn't find the keys. So he and my brother-in-law joined in the search. We looked through every bag that had been thrown out and even in the fridge. We dug through the misc. keys in my junk drawer to see if we had a spare still. No luck. Finally, I had to make dinner so I reluctantly discontinued the search until after we ate.

Sometime during dinner I asked my brother-in-law what he had done with the bag that I gave him to take out to the freezer in our garage. "It's still in the freezer," he said. Huh. Away he went only to re-appear with some very cold keys!

Talk about brain freeze. Am I losing my mind, or just my keys? How did that happen? Oh well. At least they were found. Now I have an incredibly funny story to tell. Go figure.

Anyone else out there losing their mind...um...I mean, keys? I'd love to hear your story!

Have a great weekend!

Taking Care of Mom

Recently I've been chatting with a friend about the onset of another cold/flu season. For some great ideas about how to keep healthy this time of year, you can visit my friend Andrea over at My Life With You.

In this post I want to address a topic that is worth thinking about. Taking care of the caregiver. For those of you who are wondering what I am talking about, the caregiver that I am referring to is any woman out there with the loving title of "Mom."

As Moms, we all too often tend to work sacrificially and selflessly to take care of our family, without considering our own needs. I'm not talking about selfishness here. I'm just talking about learning how important it is to set boundaries and take care of your own basic needs.

A while back I got into a conversation with a friend of mine, who also happens to be blessed with the joy of being a mom. She recently started a detailed program that involves exercise, eating right, and taking care of her body. She expressed how she felt a little bit guilty because it took up so much of her time to go to the gym on a regular basis, plus work, plus managing her household, etc. After talking for a while, she finally came to the conclusion that what she was doing was important SO THAT she could take care of her family.

Since that conversation, I have done a lot of thinking about how important it is to take care of myself, so I can take care of my family. I'm still processing, but here's what I've come up with so far.

1. Fill up on Jesus each day. Gas prices may be soaring these days, but filling your love tank is free. God is the ultimate filling station. All you have to do is go to Him and ask Him to fill you with His love.
2. Take care of your body. It's the only one you have in this lifetime. That means doing a number of things. a) Get plenty of rest. Only you can gage how many hours of sleep you need. Figure it out, and then get that amount of sleep every night. b) Exercise. Even 10-15 minutes of exercise a day or every other day will help. c) Eat right. That means planning out balanced, healthy meals. This will spill over and help your family also. d) Take your vitamins. Everyone needs a certain amount of vitamins in addition to eating right. e) Drink your water. 8-10 glasses of water a day is what most grown bodies need to function properly. f) Be sure to have an annual pap smear, breast exam, and physical.
3. Not only is it important to take care of our bodies on the inside, but it's also important to take care of them on the outside. There is no need to look like a beauty queen, but it is important to take care of hygiene. Cleanliness, neat hair, and at least small amount of makeup should be a priority when taking care of one's self. Also consider clothing that is comfortable, but presentable. A lot of moms that stay at home (myself included) don't consider the benefit of taking time to fix themselves up a bit each day. You'll feel much better about yourself when you do.

This may seem like a lot. It is, really. The list could go on and on. Most days I don't do all of the above. I might remember to eat my vegetables and drink my water, but forget to change out of my sweats and into jeans. On sick days I might just barely survive by taking my vitamins and getting as much sleep as possible. The important thing is that I am trying to take care of myself. I realize that when I do that, I will have more energy, a better attitude, and be more productive throughout the day.

What do you do to take care of you? I'd love to hear from you.

Family Visit

This past weekend my mom, sister, and niece drove over the mountains to come and visit before the snow settles in for the winter. I really appreciate them coming to visit this time of year, because I know it will be several months before I see them again.

We have had this trip planned out for a while now. When I first heard that Phantom of the Opera was coming to town, I called my mom and asked if she would be interested in seeing it again. She said yes, tickets were purchased, and plans were made. My husband even went with us this time. : )

Actually, this was my 4th time seeing it. The first time I was with my mom and sister in Vancouver, B.C. They reminded me how we got lost and showed up late to the theater. I have also seen it twice in Seattle. This time it was extra special to get out of the house to share an evening of entertainment with my mom, sister, and husband at my side. Thanks again mom! I love you!

Sick Days

It's that time of year again. Cold and flu season. With five little ones in the home, it usually hits us pretty hard. Especially now that I have three in school. They bring home all sorts of wonderful bugs!

This past week it happened to be a cold bug. It started with a sore throat. Then it moved into the sinuses and finally, settled into my chest. Every single one of us has it, but this is the worst cold I have had in a long time. I am glad that I am finally on the up side of it. It has really sapped any and all energy out of me.

Some time in the middle of my misery, a friend asked "how do you take care of your family when you feel that crummy?" Well, I stick to the basics. Food, sleep, and clothing. If everyone is fed, I consider that a victory. If they have clean clothes to wear, we're doing good. Then I put everyone in bed, including myself, and start all over the next day. Anything that is not an absolute necessity, can wait.

I also recruit help. Fortunately, I have a very helpful husband. The kids can all pitch in in one way or another too. This weekend I was extra lucky to have my mom and sister around to help out. (Hopefully they don't get what we had!) I've learned not to feel guilty about asking for help when I am sick. It's good to give yourself permission to rest and recover. The important thing is to focus on getting healthy again.

Then, when I am feeling better, I take preventative measures. I keep a stock of disinfecting wipes, hand lotion, and spray around the house and in the car. I sanitize as much as possible, encourage hand washing, and make sure everyone is taking their vitamins along with drinking a lot of water. I'm teaching my kids to cough into their sleeves, and be alert about how easily germs spread. We'll get through this cold and flu season just like we have before...one bug at a time. But it's good to know that we're doing all that we can to stay healthy.

Yet I will be Thankful...

I am keeping with the theme of 10 Things Tuesday this week, and making my own "Yet I" list. Sometimes circumstances can really get me down, but it really helps to find the positive in every situation.

1. Our used car that we bought for cash not too long ago has decided to stop working YET I am thankful that we have gracious friends that let us use their vehicle this week until we figure out what we need to do to fix it.
2. All of my kids have runny noses YET I am thankful for Kleenex and that their colds aren't something worse.
3. We are down to our last $2 in our bank account until my husband gets paid YET I am thankful that he has a new job that is providing for us.
4. I sometimes feel overwhelmed by the amount of time and energy it takes to keep this household running, YET I am thankful for the roof over our heads and all of the family members that live under it.
5. I am really going to miss the women at LCN (our old church) YET I am thankful for the friendships that have been made there and thankful for the opportunity to cultivate new friendships at our current church.
6. I wish that I had more time to read, keep up this blog, and other things I love to do, YET I am thankful when I do get the opportunity to enjoy my favorite things.
7. I would like to get together with friends on a more regular basis YET I cherish and am thankful for the times I do get to gather with friends over a cup of coffee or lunch.
8. I miss my extended family YET I am thankful that they are willing to drive over the mountains to come and visit me and I get to see them this weekend.
9. It seems like I will never be done with my diaper changing days, YET I am thankful that I have made it through potty training four times and will start training my last child within a year.
10. It is getting crispy cold outside, YET I am thankful for evenings spent by a warm fireplace with a hot cup of cocoa or cider, and family story time. : )

What a joy to remember that there is always something to be thankful for!

Penny Pinching Ideas

Hi, and welcome to coffee! Or tea, or whatever happens to be your beverage of choice. Mine happens to be water right now. I've come to really enjoy Company Girl Coffee. I don't get to post all that often, so Fridays are one of the days that I allow myself a little extra time to reflect and blog. Sorry for those of you who aren't ABBA fans, I couldn't resist! Just scroll down and pause if you want. : )

What I want to share today, has come up more than once this week. Usually, when something comes up more than once, I know that there is a lesson involved. This particular lesson has to do with penny pinching. Growing up, my mom really taught me well. She taught me the importance of saving your money, and spending wisely. She is the one that showed me how to make a budget, balance my checkbook, and plan for the future. I love her for that, and I hope to pass on the "good stewardship" lesson to my children.

Here are a few things we do around our household to be good stewards...

• Make out a budget and stick to it. There are all sorts of books you can read and classes you can take to do this. Our family just made my own list of bills and money spending categories on my computer. It cost us nothing and we have it to refer to often.


• Balance your checkbook. Not just balance it, but reconcile it against your statement for anything you may have missed. It's never good to find out too late that you don't have enough money in your bank account to pay for bills. Not to mention the overdraft fees that the bank charges on top of being overdrawn.


• Plan a menu and shopping list, and stick to it. I realize that schedules can change at the last minute, but I try really hard to stick to my menu plan.


• Use coupons! I keep mine categorized so that when I go to do my shopping, I can check to see if I have any coupons that coordinate with my grocery list. I DON'T, however, buy something, just because I have a coupon for it.


• Watch for great sales on regular used items and then stock up on them. Here's where I like to use those coupons that may not be on my grocery list. For example, if cream of chicken soup is on sale (which is a staple in our house) and I have a coupon for additional savings, I will stock up my pantry so that I can then "shop" from my pantry at a later date when there might not be such a great deal out there.


• Don't eat out on a regular basis. We hardly ever eat out as a family, but save it for special occasions.


• Drink coffee at home. You'd be amazed how much "coffee dates", or "coffee with the girls" can add up. I like to invite my girlfriends over to my house and put on a pot here instead. Not only is it more cost effective, but it's more personable too.


• Plan out date nights and save up the money for them. We don't have baby sitting in our budget yet, so we like to take advantage of relatives being here, or swap babysitting with a friend. Then we do something low cost like ice cream, or dinner where we might have a gift certificate. It doesn't have to be fancy to enjoy each other's company.


• Plan family recreation that doesn't cost a dime. Go to the park. Take walks together. Play board games. (Assuming you have as many lying around as we do.) This time of year, we have fun just stepping out into the back yard and watching stars. Keep it simple, and it doesn't have to cost you anything.


• Make a list of things you need and plan to pay CASH for them. If you don't have the money now, then you don't really need it that badly. Prioritize. Pray about the things you think you really need.

I could go on and on, but I've run out of time. If you want to read more about money saving tips, I suggest you visit here. XBOX Wife has a great list of her own. : ) Thanks for visiting! I look forward to sharing coffee with all of you this weekend!

Luke 16:10-11 "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?"

10 Things Tuesday

Boy am I glad for 10 things Tuesday. It really comes at the perfect time, after Mondays! I have a really hard time staying motivated on Mondays. I'm sure I'm not alone. It used to be that before I got married, my sister was my main encourager. When I would have a bad day, she would refer to a favorite book of mine, "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day." Even now, I feel better just talking to her when I'm discouraged about something. So in keeping with Mrs. Brownstone's theme today, I will be listing 10 ways I am thankful for my sister. Even though you live across the mountains from me sister, I am so thankful that you are always in my heart.

1. You love me unconditionally. Nothing I say or do could keep you from loving me, even if you don't agree with it.
2. You take time to gab with me on the phone, even if we don't have anything to talk about!
3. You make time in your busy schedule to travel over the mountains to come and see me so that I don't have to spend 6 hours in a van with 5 small children!
4. You are a great teacher, and you love those kids you teach. I know they know it, and you are impacting their lives in an incredible way.
5. You help me out by saving your daughter's clothes and passing them on to your nieces.
6. Speaking of nieces, you love each of your nieces and nephews deeply and individually, even though there are a lot of them! They know that they are loved by you and look forward to your visits.
7. You came up with the saying "Always remember the magic of a smile and a happy thought." Whenever I think of you, I smile.
8. You know the importance of sometimes just vegging out, watching mindless television!
9. You make an AWESOME brunch!
10. You are everything I could ever ask for in a sister. Not only am I glad that we are sisters, I am grateful to call you friend.

I love you sis! Can't wait to see you in two weeks!

To Do, or To Love?

The other day I visited one of my favorite blogs to read, Simply My Thoughts. She had a post on September 29th that really hit home with me. As a mom of 5 children, ages 7 and under, I sometimes struggle to keep up with the whirlwind of little voices and bodies all around me. It can be very overwhelming to try and keep up with who has P.E. on what day, who is supposed to read 15 minutes a day vs. 20, and what folder/papers I've already signed to be returned to school. And of course, there's the two youngest kids who aren't in school yet, but need my attention just the same. I often feel like I need an interpreter, just to keep up when they all speak at once!

Like my friend over at Simply My Thoughts, (You can go there to read a really good interview about living life on purpose.) I sometimes find myself living moment to moment. As moms, that may be the ONLY thing we can do at times. It's easy to get caught up in the "to dos" of the day, and forget to live the "to love" part of our lives. I'm working on ways to make routine a little easier around here (more on that later) but I just wanted to take a minute and stop to reflect on what really matters in this life. To Love. Everything else will eventually fall into place.

One last thing. If you were reading this and tuning out the song, please take time to go back and listen to the words. It's Steven Curtis Chapman's "One Heartbeat at a Time." He wrote it for his wife, but when I listen to it, it speaks to my own heart as a mom.

I am Thankful...

It's 10 Things Tuesday again! The weeks just seem to be flying by at this point. I sure do have a lot to be thankful for. I don't know if I can narrow it to ten this week, but I'll give it my best shot.

1. I am so thankful that I finally got some restful sleep last night! Sleepy mom doesn't go over very well around here. : )
2. I am thankful that 45 women signed up do be in the Beth Moore Study that I am leading for Women's Ministry this fall. I can hardly believe it! God is going to do big things through this study! What an awesome privilege to be His servant!
3. I am thankful that my husband had 23 leaders show up to his Sr. High Youth team meeting! WOW! I love it when God goes above and beyond our expectations. I can't wait to see what He is going to do through Sr. High Ministry this year.
4. I am thankful that God is showing me how He answers prayer in powerful ways.
5. I am thankful for this last bit of nice weather we are having before the rain and eventually, snow comes.
6. I am thankful for my man, who was willing to spend his free time out in the garage sorting and cleaning this weekend.
7. I am thankful for the safe delivery of my friend Melodi's baby boy, George. Congratulations Mel! What a blessing!
8. I am thankful for the many ways that God blesses this family. He's always taken care of us. May I never doubt or take advantage of His faithfulness to provide what we need.
9. I am thankful for the encouragers God has put in my life.
10. I am thankful for the wonderful privilege of being a mom.

Talking Matters

Well, it's been a long week, and I'm glad it's Friday. I thought before I turn in for the night I would take a little time to have a cup of coffee with some Company Girls. I have decaf on hand for all of you out there who prefer it this late in the day!

This week my favorite small thing was "Talk to Me, Babe!" The idea was to sit down and talk to your man about what they'd like to talk about. This task wasn't too hard for me this week because there is a lot going on in our lives right now to talk about. A new job for one. My dh just got hired on as the new Worship Pastor at a local Church where we live. We also talked a lot about his current job...realty. He's closing two deals right now, while transitioning into his new job. His week was packed with meetings and phone calls. Somehow in the midst of it all though, we connected and I asked him not one question, but several. About his day, his meetings this week, and how he's handling this transition.

He shared his fears with me as well as some of his dreams, plans, and goals for the future. He talked about the difficulties of working two jobs at once, and opened up about the excitement of beginning a new chapter in our lives. What an incredibly intimate time we had together, all because I showed interest in what matters to him. It made me realize how important it is to genuinely show interest in what my loving dh has to say.

From Fantasy Football (which I now have a better understanding of) to job transitions, when my dh talks, I'm going to try harder to open my ears and heart and listen. After all, I am his wife, his helper, and his best friend.

Genesis 2:18 The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him."

10 Things Tuesday

Recently Rachel Anne over at Home Sanctuary started a new thing called Company Girl Coffee. It's a great way for Company Girls to connect and visit one another's blogs. This past Friday I visiting XBOX WIFE, and I came across another idea that I liked. It's called 10 Things Tuesday, and the idea is to post 10 things that you're thankful for each week. The idea of being thankful is very important to me, so I thought I would join in and share the blessings in my life.

1. We made it through our first round of colds and everyone is on their way back to full health.
   
2. Fall has arrived and the leaves right outside my kitchen window are turning beautiful shades of red and orange.
3. It rained yesterday and I love the smell in the air after a good fall rain.
   
4. Yesterday we finally purchased a much needed second car and we paid cash for it.
   
5. Women's Bible study starts this week, which means connecting with friends that I haven't seen all summer.
   
6. Star gazing in the back yard on crisp, fall nights. This time of year we head out to the trampoline and watch stars before bedtime.
   
7. Hot Cocoa, Apple Cider, and Tea. It's good to be in the warm drinks season again! I love wrapping up in a blanket with a nice mug of something warm to drink!
   
8. Fall also means that it's time for soups and stews and using my crock pot more! I love the smell of dinner filling the house with half the work it would take on the stove!
   
9. Football season! Yes, I said it. I am thankful for football season. I love to sit with my husband and watch a Seahawks game. Football makes him happy, and when he's happy, I'm happy! : )
   
10. I'm thankful for making new friends that live all over the place through blogging. I really enjoy learning about their lives and sharing mine. I'm so glad to be a part of 10 Things Tuesday.

Come on in for Special Breakfast!

I love Saturday mornings! Especially this time of year. The kids are back in school, so Saturday becomes our "lazy day". We lounge around in our pjs in the morning cuddling, and watching cartoons together. Then around 8:00am or so, I make "special breakfast." The kids have gotten to where they wake up with excitement, wondering what they're having each week. I like to mix it up with a variety of homemade items, along with french toast, pancakes, eggs, potatoes, and bacon. (Not all at the same time, of course!)

On these mornings I am often reminded of my childhood and our own "special breakfasts" Whether it was in my own childhood home, or visiting at my grandparents, there was sure to be some sort of great smelling "brunch" being thrown together in the kitchen. Some of my fondest memories of my grandparent's house are going out to dig up some potatoes, scrub them, and prepping them for fried potatoes and ham. Yep, we were a breakfast family alright. We even sometimes had breakfast for dinner!

Ok. So my breakfasts aren't quite that homemade. I get my potatoes from the store, not my garden. But I put just as much love and preparation into my cooking. And this morning, I just happen to be using a recipe handed down to me from my grandma. We call it Pull-Apart. Some people call it monkey bread. It's quick, easy, and yummmmmmy! : ) I've been helping to make it or making it myself ever since I can remember.

For Company Girl Coffee this week, (and the small thing for Tuesday) I thought I'd share this yummy recipe with all my friends. (Hope you don't mind, grandma!) I have cut it in half to work in a bread pan, but my grandma used to make it in a round bundt pan. Enjoy!

Grandma's Pull-Apart:

2 cans biscuits

1/2 cup white sugar

2 tbsps cinnamon

1 stick butter or margarine

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine cinnamon and sugar. Cut biscuits into quarters and roll in cinnamon & sugar mixture. Place in bread pan in two layers. Melt butter over medium heat. Add remaining cinnamon & sugar mixture and stir until boiling. Pour over biscuits. Bake for 25 minutes. Flip upside-down on plate and enjoy!

Oh! There's my timer now! I'm off to enjoy some yummy cinnamon Pull-Apart with my kiddos! : )