I'm back

I feel like I haven't written in forever. We had a great, but busy, Christmas. I can hardly believe that a week ago was Christmas eve. The kids had a great Christmas. They were excited on Christmas morning thrilled with the presents under the tree. We had a wonderful time visiting with family and friends and I found my new favorite game. Boggle. Never played but my niece got it for Christmas and LOVE IT. That is going on my list of must haves.(well, maybe not must have but REALLY want). We are preparing for New Years Eve. We have a few friends coming over and I am looking forward to ringing in the New Year with them. My friend Pam asked a few questions over on her blog so I thought I would answer them.

1-Did you complete your resolutions that you made this year?
Not completely, but I did lose 20 pounds last year and am hoping to do it again. I did start journaling(here).

2- Most exciting part of 2009
My husband started a new job that was made for him and he absolutely loves it.
Caden is reading and Ethan is reading chapter books and Sophie can (sorta) spell her name.
Made some great new friends.
I have a new niece and nephew coming from Ethiopia.

3-What did you struggle with the most in 2009?
Troy working late hours and being here "on-duty" by myself 24-7
Remember to be Mommy not just teacher

4-What did God do for me this year?
Healed, provided, protected

5-What is your greatest accomplishment?
I think my greatest accomplishment this year would be being a supportive wife(even when I didn't feel like it), changing the eating habits of my family, becoming more educated on foods and nutrition.

Take the time and answer the questions for yourself. I hope you have a Happy New Year.

Merry Christmas

I have not posted a lot of photos lately so here you go.

Our Christmas card picture that I still haven't mailed out.


Our Christmas tree. The kids decorated the whole thing.


visits with santa







How the spent the first snow. The boys out in it for hours, Sophie lasted 15 minutes and came in for hot chocolate.




Always ready to turn it on for the camera.


Wonder where they got it.

Happy Birthday Jesus

Twas the night before Christmas

The children were nestled all snug on a mattress in my floor
While visions of sugarplums danced in their heads

Rejoice

It's Christmas Eve. My hubby has run out to be an elf and help put some toys together with a friend. My monkeys have pulled the mattresses off their beds and are "sleeping" in my room tonight. (As if that is different than any other night minus the mattresses). We have had a great day spent focused on our Lord and having some great family time. I will talk more about our family day later but tonight's post has a particular focus because as great as the day was my heart was heavy all day. You see at 8:30 this morning I got a call from my sister. She had called to tell me that a dear friend of the family, Grace, had died of cancer yesterday and they were holding the funeral today. Grace was not just any "friend" of the family. She was a very special lady. She lived next to me when I was growing up. Her granddaughter(which lived with her) was my best friend. So, she was like another Mom. I spent nearly as much time at her house as I did at my own house. If you are not in the mood for a particularly long post you might want to stop but I need to remember. As today progressed I recalled so many great memories of Grace. She always had a smile on her face, she was ready to take you in and love on you but she would keep you in line. I think she called me Tara Brooke as much my mama did. Dusty and I always got into mischief and I was scared of Grace. She wouldn't think twice about turning me over her knee. I quickly learned to use the basement door to escape punishment. I always knew she loved me. I was with Grace watching the Challenger, home from school with the chicken pox. Grace was always good at putting things into perspective when my parents divorced. She was always very supportive of Troy and I and our relationship. She just has always been there. When I heard the news this morning I was sad, but then I was scared. I wasn't sure if Grace had Jesus in her heart. I had talked to her about it but never gotten a clear answer. But tonight I am rejoicing because in October(not long after I had my last visit with her) she called her pastor and as she would say"took care of business". I am rejoicing tonight because she is feeling no more pain. She doesn't have to worry about the sun on her skin. She is basking in the radiance of Her Lord. I am heartbroken for her family who will miss the matriarch of their family. My friend Dusty I am praying for you as I know you are feeling lost without her. For Ricky who was the only boy and boys and their mamas have something special. For her whole family who is grieving this wonderful woman who played such a big part in their lives. I am praying for you and I am rejoicing tonight because we know without a doubt where she is.

Getting ready

Well, we have finished up all preparations for Christmas. The kids and I spent the morning preparing a puppet show for their daddy for Christmas. It is going to be hilarious. We have wrapped all the presents. The last load of laundry is in the wash and we are packing the bags. I am looking forward to tomorrow. Our family will be celebrating a Day with God. We haven't done this before but think it will be a big hit. Troy and I have planned an age appropriate day to honor God. I'll let you know how it goes. I have 1 out of 3 asleep and two are camping in my room tonight. Daddy is working late so it is just not worth it some nights. I just want them to sleep. I hope that you are all ready for Christmas and will have a relaxing day with family and friends tomorrow.

Some ramblings

I love Christmas. I always have. When I was growing up it was always a fun time. We would go to my grandparents house on Christmas Eve. The house would be packed with 6 kids, 10 grandkids and 10 great grandkids. There was always great food and my Uncle Jesse would play his guitar and we would sing Christmas carols. There was always gift time where I would always get a doll, lip gloss and knee-hi socks. Then all the grandchildren and great grandchildren would line up in front of my grandpa and he would give us all brand new dollar bills. Then around 9:30 we would turn on the tv and see where Santa was a everyone would load up to hurry to bed. Those were great times. As I got older I loved Christmas because it was a time that my mom and dad did things together. Those times seemed to get few and further between as I got older. My grandparents died within a year of each other when I was in high school and my parents seperated the day after Christmas my sophmore year of high school. As much as I love this time of year and as I have gotten older I have truly understood the true meaning of Christmas there are always days or moments that the sadness takes over. Today was one of those days. I know lots of people have gone through divorces but the story didn't end there. You see the divorce of my parents was caused by an alcoholic father. Through the years we have gone through peaks and valleys. Peaks when my dad seems to understand the severity of his disease and he gets help and stops drinking. Then valleys when the drink is more important than anything and he pushes all that love him away. That is where we are today. We have been in a valley for almost three years. Three years ago my dad left on Christmas Eve with a hug and an I love you and that was the last time I saw him that way. The alcohol has totally consumed his mind and his life and because of one event he has chosen to dismiss me and my kids from his life. It hurts. It hurts bad. I know that I am doing the right thing. I know God was honored in the situation, but He's my daddy. There are days when I just want to hear his voice. I just want to hear him say I love you squirt. I think the hardest thing for me is that he is choosing to not have a relationship with me. That I could talk to him if he would pick up the phone. Nevertheless, God has seen me through and I have learned and grown from this. What I have learned in the last 3 years is that my dad is human. That all humans have the ability to disappoint us but I have one who will always be faithful. I have Abba to wrap his arms around me and tell me He loves me. I have Abba to guide me, to protect me, to listen to my hurts and my joys. So on the days, like today, that the hurt is overwhelming I just call on my heavenly Daddy and the hurt starts to ease. The sun starts to shine a little brighter and I get a spring in my step. I go back to playing uno, washing clothes or chasing the cats out of the house and there is a smile on my face and peace in my heart. My Abba is in control and for that I am very thankful.

I did not go on a marathon shopping day with my mom and sister that lasted 15 (yes that is right) hours. Only a crazy person would do that.

I did not buy stocking stuffers for myself because Troy will probably not have time.

I did not stay up until 4:30ish am talking to my sister the day after shopping for 15 hours. I am a responsible mom who always gets enough sleep so she is not a grump the next day.

I am not as excited about Christmas as my kids. Counting down the days and shaking presents. No way I am way to composed and serious for that.

Happy Monday(FOUR DAYS TILL CHRISTMAS)

A great day!

We had about 4 inches of snow yesterday and woke up to a winter wonderland. I know 4 inches is not much for a lot of people but for us a good snow. I have been fighting a cold for several days and so my hubby let me sleep in this morning.(what a sweet man!.) I got up an snuggled the kids while we watched Saturday morning cartoons. Then we hit the snow. Our neighbor has the best hill and she lets us ruin her snow to sled down her front hill. We had a good time. I mainly stood at the top and helped them get on but it was fun to watch. Hopefully the next snow I will feel like participating more. The kids love it. Troy even went down a few times. We had snowball fights and built snowmen. After 2 hours the kids were wet and exhausted. We came in had lunch, I made cookies and we snuggled in front of the fire and played UNO. The kids wandered upstairs where a fantasy land of princesses and knights came to life while Troy and I took a "nap".(Drifting in and out while I listened to the kids play) A good supper, baths and we are winding down for the night. Troy and I are going to wrap some presents and maybe watch a movie online. Getting ready for church in the morning.
Sounds like a great day to me.

How did you spend your day?

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

It's snowing in NC. My three monkeys are out in it and I am getting dressed to join them.
Yea!!! Pictures to follow.

Ethan did not stand in front of the fire and pull down his pants to warm his bottom. We are very modest and would never do that.
Caden did not follow that with a warning to Ethan to not roast his "marshmellows". We never discuss our body parts with cute names.
I did not have my suitcase from Thanksgiving still in my room with clothes in it. I always unpack immediately.
My boys did not unpack it for me so they could zip each other in it and slide down the stairs in my suitcase. That would be insane.
I did not let Sophie eat as many hershey kisses as she put in the bowl as she said,"One for me, one for the bowl." While we were baking last week. I would never let her eat chocolate for lunch.

This week's not me Monday on Wednesday.

Update

For those of you prayed for Ethan and my date here is an update. Ethan woke up on Friday morning with a 103 fever. After a visit to the doc confirmed it was strep throat. Our babysitter works at the hospital so she was unable to come. Completely understandable. So, we got some movies, some special drink for the sick kid and all got in our pjs to spend the night. At 4:30 I got a text from one of the college girls that I do a Bible study with and she said she would come. So needless to say I jumped up, in the shower, calling Troy and we made it to the restaurant 5 minutes late. We had a great time with his co-workers and then had a date. We did some Christmas shopping and Starbucks and a lot talking and holding hands. We got home a little after midnight. It was the start of a great weekend. Today is our 14 year anniversary. We are putting the kids to bed early and watching a chick flick in front of the fire. Thanks for the prayers. God truly blessed our night. And by the way Ethan is feeling much better.

Please Pray

I am a little bummed tonight. This is a purely selfish request but Troy and I have been looking forward to a night out for, well way too long, and we have a babysitter for tomorrow night so we can go to his company Christmas party and do some shopping.
(That was a very long run on sentence). Anyway, Ethan has a fever tonight. Please pray that he will be better by morning and we can keep our plans. I desperately want some time with my hubby.

Thanks
Tara

Cookies, Cookies everywhere

Okay, so I just had the best day. I spent 11 hours baking cookies with a new friend. We talked, laughed, worshiped, prayed, made a huge mess and came out with about 30 dozen cookies. We have them all packaged up and ready for delivery. Where were my kids you may ask? Well, they were helping roll and dip, unwrap Hershey kisses, watching an assortment of Christmas movies, taking turns sneaking cookies and rolling each other down the stairs in a suitcase.(More about that on Monday). All in all a wonderful day. Thanks Kristen! What a blast.

Homeschooling blues

Okay, I just need to get my thoughts down and get all this stuff in me out.

I felt the Lord calling me to home school when Ethan was 3. I remember exactly where I was when it was confirmed. In Ann's kitchen. I read an researched for a year while the boys were in preschool at our church. I was ready. It was going to be a great experience. The days were going to be filled with fun, laughter and learning. Then reality set in. Home schooling is hard. I had hoped my teaching background would help but I think it makes me more uptight and I am definitely not prepared to handle three on different levels. We muddled through last year reading books and taking nature walks. This year I felt we needed to do a little more. It is a constant struggle. Everyone wanting my attention and my focus to be on them. I am frustrated and tired. Where were all my grand ideas? It has been a frustrating day. A day where I was not kind or self-less. A day where I was very disappointed in myself and my kids. A day where I ended up in tears in my bedroom. But then on my knees I found help. On my knees I found forgiveness. On my knees I found strength. On my knees I found comfort. On my knees I found wisdom. So, tomorrow may not be a very different result, but I feel confident that I will remember who called me to this and that with Him I can do anything. Who knows, I may even use one of my grand ideas?

Thank you God that your mercies are new every morning.

I did not suffer from PMS so bad last week that I explained to my boys about hormones to later have my 5 yo ask, "Mommy are you yelling because of those horzones." I would never yell at my children or use PMS as an excuse to be a grump.

Have a great Monday.

I know Monday is almost over but we have been busy. Today was Caden's 5th birthday and we spent the day at the zoo.(I'll post more about that later). I do have a few not me Mondays from me or my kids.


I did not leave Sophie screaming in the bathroom and go upstairs thinking she was pitchin a fit because I told her to go potty and some time later realize it was not a fit but that she had locked herself in the bathroom.

I did not let my kids watch ALOT of tv so I could finish packing for the trip out of town.

I did not pretend to be asleep so I could spend some time by myself while my hubby fixed the kids breakfast.

Last, I did not decide I could get back in shape in one week and was so sore at the zoo that I thought I would die.

Happy Monday

Thanksgiving part 2

My friend Pam Challenged me to give thanks using the letters in Thanksgiving.

T-Troy
H-Healthy family
A-All God has done for me
N-Nothing can snatch me from His hand
K-Knowing(personally) Jesus Christ
S-Sacrifice Christ made on the cross for me
G-Girlfriends
I-Infallible God
V-very energetic children
I-Interesting books
N-Nice home
G-Great Hugs from those I love.
That was harder than I thought.
Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
I hope you have a wonderful day. I thought I would list some things I am thankful for

1. I am thankful for Jesus, my savior, my friend.
2. I am thankful for "Momma" when mine is not available.
3. I am thankful for my wonderful, hard-working, hubby.
4. I am thankful that I have friends that I can be real and honest with and they love me anyway.
5. I am thankful for my warm house and clothes for my family.
6. I am thankful for neighbors who will look after my cats while I am away.
7. I am thankful that I can school my children in the way that will best meet all their learning styles.
8. I am thankful that my family all lives within 2 hours of each other.
9. I am thankful for healthy, active children who love life and Jesus.

I could go on but duty calls. Off to Nana's. It will be a full house packed with love, laughter and children. Sounds like something else to be thankful for

Tara

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

I just have a few but here they are.

My husband did not rake a huge pile of leaves under a tree just in case Ethan falls out of it while climbing way up high. NO way he would never do that.

I did not have a very cost friendly birthday party and then turn around and order pizza for supper because I was too tired to cook. Nope not me.

I did not have to explain to Sophie why we don't wiggle our "girlie" while we dance. My daughter would never dance in such a way.

I did not fall asleep for the second night in a row before 9:00 in front of the fire and proceed to leave dirty dishes in the sink. No I always clean my kitchen before I go to bed.

Have a Happy Monday.

Tara

A life of Thanksgiving

I read was checking in on cfhusband.blogspot.com this morning and Nate had a great idea. I challenge you to participate this week also.


What would it look like if I ONLY spoke words of gratitude the entire week of Thanksgiving? If I went so far as to look at a pile of laundered clothes that awaits my folding and putting up, a task I normally hate, and instead think and speak out loud, “God, thank you for these clothes, for providing covering.” When my daughter voicing her grumpiness, “God, thank you that she has a voice that works and you are shaping her own unique personality.” If every time next week I see a person, I tell them why I am thankful to God they are in my life.

So, starting this Monday morning and going through this Sunday evening, I'm challenging myself to live an entire week full of thanksgiving.

Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.
(Ephesians 5:4 ESV)

Anytime I'm tempted to think/say/do something negative (filthy, foolish, crude or otherwise unthankfull), I will instead choose, in that very moment, to give thanks to God for His blessing in my life.

If you'd like to join me, please leave a comment saying so AND repost this (in our own words, if you'd like...no need to link me) on your blog, twitter, facebook, etc. and challenge your friends to do the same. Even if you're not reading this until after Monday morning, it's never too late to take up a good challenge. And, keep in mind that nobody who takes this challenge is going to make it an entire week without missing the mark...so, when that happens to you, just pick yourself back up and start again!

Thanks!

Pirate Party

The end of the treasure hunt.

Where's the treasure?

Every party has a spill(or 2).

The birthday boy.


Happy Birthday Caden! We Love You!

ARRGH Mateys!!

Today was a full day. Caden turns 5 in a few days and we had his birthday party today. I am a cheap-o when it comes to parties, but my kids seem to enjoy them. We have a great place to play so we just have a giant play date. The theme this year was pirates so we made map-like invitations, the kids and I made a cannonball pinata, we had a treasure chest b-day cake, ate cannonballs(grapes) and fish(goldfish), drank ale(tang), they walked the plank(which landed in a huge pile of leaves), and finished up with a treasure hunt. It took weeks of planning and it was over in two hours but it was so worth it. Caden gave me a big hug and said it was "perfect". The smile on his face and twinkle in his eyes would make me do it all over again tomorrow.
I will be posting pictures later. Time for this matey to hit the sack.

Why Lord?

Well, why not? Have you ever gone through something hard, I mean really hard and thought why me Lord? Then God said well, why not? He says there will be hard times but yet sometimes I feel I should be immune. Not the case. I am thankful that God has seen me through some very difficult things in life. Even when I wasn't walking with Him I can see His hand of protection.

I have a dear friend who going through a desert right now. Her life literally turned upside down overnight. She has had to make hard choices that have broken her heart. If you get a chance pray for my friend. I am not sharing all the details but God knows.

Thank you so much.

She's ten

The beautiful girl above is my niece. She turned 10 last week and I really cannot believe it. I have been writing a post in my head all week but life has been crazy. Anyway, let me start at the beginning. I have a half-sister but honestly writing that seems weird. I have never thought of her that way until someone ask why my sister is 13 years older than me. Then I say, "oh yeah, well my mom's first husband(my sister's dad) died in an motorcycle accident. Then my mom married my dad and had my brother and I. I remember when I was growing up loving to go in my sister's room. She always had lots of makeup and pretty clothes and the best shoes. I liked to go jump on her bed and look at her magazines. She started dating this nice tall man and I kicked him because he took her away. She married him and I cried. The day she told me she was going to have a baby was my 8th grade graduation and when she lost it I cried. Several times over the years I mourned the loss of a niece or nephew. We stayed close. My sister always did special things for me like braid my hair, took me to the fair and when I was in college she worked at a job that had a 800 number or I probably wouldn't have survived. I called everyday. When I got married the 13 year age difference got smaller and smaller. After 15 years of marriage, she calls and tells me she is over 4 months pregnant. I was shocked and so was she. We shopped and painted and got very excited about this little girl that was on the way. My sister was scared about having a baby at 36 but what a blessing she has been. Then 3 years after my niece was born the 13 year age difference diminished once again. I had a baby and now we were in the same stage of life. I know God's timing is perfect and it has been wonderful raising kids with my sister.
Now back to the birthday girl. My niece is so smart and witty. She has a mind of own and a heart of gold. I have always shared a special closeness with her and I pray that this year will be a great year. I love you Tay.

Fall is Fun!!

Fall is my favorite time of year. I love the cool weather and the beautiful changes in nature. I love that it gets darker sooner so that my kids are inside for a little more snuggle time. Things slow down and we read more, play more board games and I get a lot more lap time than in the summer. We have had a fun Fall playing in the leaves, trick-or-treating, carving pumpkins. I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.












As you can see we had a great time carving and I think I had the cutest superheroes and princess around. What do you think?

Pray Please

If you could take a moment to pray for Stellan. He is having a major heart procedure in Boston right now. You can check out his story at www.mycharmingkids.net.

Thank You so much.
Tara

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

I did not find Sophie going potty(#2) and crying because she sprayed her "girlie" with lysol because "It really stink bad mommy." Nope not me.

I did not find all three of my monkeys riding slick sleeping bags down our stairs. My calm children would never do that.

I did not dust bust the big dirt off the carpet before company showed up because I missed my vaccuming day this week.

I did not feed my children PBJ's for 4 out of 6 meals in two days because I had not been to the grocery store. I would never.

I did not grumpily tell Ethan that 6:15am was too early to get up and to please go back to sleep. NO not me.

I did not then get up with Ethan 5 mornings last week by 6:30 and then tell him that my brain was only ready to listen to God speak. If he could please stop talking. Not me I am Miss Sunshine in the morning.

I did not make a game out of smashing semi-rotten pumpkins on the trees behind our house, so I could finish cleaning the bathrooms and then have to give all 3 a bath.

I hope all have a wonderful Monday. I am going to bed because daylight savings time is killing me. It has actually turned out to be a blessing to have one-on-one time with Ethan and he is having a Quiet Time with me as we snuggle on the couch every morning.

Tara

Fight like a girl!

As the last minutes of October fade away I feel remiss at not posting about Breast Cancer Awareness. As I was getting ready for bed I started thinking about the post I have read, the information I have received and I felt compelled to write this post.

When I was freshmen in college my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. I remember the call, feeling that this was not real. I remember the surgery and I remember that it was successful. What I don't remember is my mom complaining. I don't remember her crying. I don't remember any self-pity or why me's. I can't tell you for certain that she didn't do those things but what I do know that whenever I called from school she was positive. When I came home on the weekends she was doing physical therapy with a broom and a smile on her face. My mom has been a cancer survivor for 15 years. Thanks Mom for showing me how to smile through the hard times. To be an encourager even when I don't feel encouraged. To put others needs before my own even when I have a real need. You were such an example of Christ during that time and I didn't even realize it until today. I love you Mom! You are my hero.

Field trip

We go once a month on a field trip with two dear families. We are all new to the home school thing and we all have small children. Recently we went to J Razz and Tazz farms. We had a blast. There a tractor drawn hayride and the had a mountain of hay stacked up for the kids to climb. A tractor made out of hay and a mini corn maze for the little kids. Ethan was so wanting to try the big one but I was afraid we would get lost. I wasn't sure Caden and Sophie had a mile maze in them.
But by far their favorite thing to play in was the shilohs filled with shoepeg corn. They had a blast.
Thanks for the pics Rebecca.


They had so much fun. We were the last ones to leave.

Mommy date

Yes tonight was just a girl's night. The boys all went camping and Sophie and I had a mommy night. I must say 4 years ago when I found out I was pregnant again I was a little(totally) terrified of having a girl. When my friend Marsha and then my pastor said they were praying for a girl I knew I didn't stand a chance. For those of you who know me I am very much a tomboy. But Sophie came and it is so nice to have some pink and lace around. She has completely balanced out our family. I am so thankful God(and Pastor and Marsha) knew exactly what I needed. So back to my one-on-one time .. we made the most of it. We dropped the boys off and what did we do, we shopped of course. Straight to Target to pick up "jewels" to put on her crown to go with her princess costume. We walked hand and hand through the clothes, shoes, books and make-up without having to say don't throw that or don't climb on that. Then we bought sparkly pink fingernail polish. After a yummy meal we went to the pet store to "pet" the animals. Then to Toys and Co. to peruse the aisles. I got some great ideas for Christmas. After that I introduced Sophie to the girl store,Starbucks of course, and we had a smoothie and talked about when she was a baby. Then onto the movie store to get a chick-flick. Nothing with testosterone I assure you. Back home to snuggle and watch a princess movie. Now she is asleep in my bed.

Oh my precious girl. I am so thankful for you. I pray that you find Jesus early, that you know Him, love Him and serve Him with all your heart. Mommy loves you.

I did not post my Not me Monday late Sunday night because I didn't know how to schedule post. Nope not me.

I did not put in a two hour Jeff Corwin video, exclaim this is science today, and come work on my blog.

I did not have to chase Sophie through the corn field at a corn maze. She thought it was much funner to stay off the path.

I did not just use the word funner.

I did not have to dry Sophie off after falling in my sister's pond.

I did not spend the whole day in my pj's on Thursday.

I definitely did not put on a sweatshirt, instead of a bra, to watch the kids ride their bike just in case a neighbor rode by.

I did not watch my 6 yo fall from the top of a pine tree.( No broken bones)

Lastly, I have not been pulling clean clothes to wear from my hiding spot under the bed from when my in-laws visited last weekend.


Until next Monday. Can't wait to see what this week holds.

Check these out

I just wanted to tell you guys about two websites that I frequent. My friend Pam is a doula and this is hers motheringthemother.blogspot.com. She is much better about posting than I am.

My churches women's ministry just started a new blog. It is really neat and has daily post.
cornerstonewoman.blogspot.com

Both of these will bring laughter, tears and encouragement.

Check them out.

Tara

MMM! Smells like a boy.

I love the smell of my boys after a day outside. We went on a mini-trip to visit my mom and sister at the beginning of the week. The weather was wonderful and the kids had a great time playing with their cousin, Taylor. Taylor's house has these great pine trees to climb in and as monkey's will they climbed all day. (Sorry about the broken branches Uncle Bud). At the end of the day I left the kids overnight at my mom's because I had to work on Tuesday. As I was leaving I bent down to kiss and hug them and I was struck by how good my boys smelled.(Not that Sophie didn't but it was just different) They smelled like sunshine, fresh air, dirt, pine and sweat. I love that smell. To me that smell means we had a great day exploring and enjoying God's creation. To me that smell is pure boy. To me that smell is innocence. To me that smell is why I home school. I didn't want to leave. I good have just held them and sniffed them forever. Thank you God for my smelly boys.

Not Me Monday

I did not check my phone messages this week and then proceed to talk to the person,my sister, on the machine. Not me.

I then definitely did not get upset with my sister for continuing to cut me off when I was trying to tell her the answer to her situation. No way, not me.

I did not then realize that I was talking to the message and bust out laughing. Not me.

I did not fill a squirt bottle with water and tell Sophie to wash the windows so I could finish math with Ethan. I would never do that.

I did not teach my children to blow on our windows and then write in the "fog" just to buy some time till supper finished. Nope, not me.

Lastly, I did not hide laundry under the bed because I was tired and didn't want to put it away before my in-laws arrived. I would never do that.

Hope you have a great Monday.

Tara

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day

Today is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. I had no idea such a day existed until my friend Pam wrote about it on her blog. As I sat there and read her entry it all started coming back so fresh that I knew I would have to write about it at some point today. I think it is wonderful to have a day of remembrance. It is nice to think someone knows you need to remember. I am one of those people who remembers. I remember the excitement, the fear, the joy of finding out I was pregnant. The dreaming, the planning the anticipating. The hurt, the pain, the confusion, the anger. I remember seeing other people with babies and physically aching for want of one to hold of my own. I remember barely surviving a good friends baby shower. I remember a hurt unlike anything I have ever felt before. But then the rain stopped, the clouds got lighter and the sun eventually came out. God put three people in my life at the time who truly pulled me through the dark. Katherine who gave me permission to be angry and brought me ice cream. Jan who gave me a goal and new kind of pain through running. Sandy(my sister) who gave me a flower to plant so I would know she remembered. Thank you God for those ladies. Now, the pain is not so sharp. I think about my babies with God and smile that I will see them again one day. I still remember every birthday and sometimes wonder what if... but God has a plan. He always has and always will and today I have 3 children here with me to nurture and love . Who bless me beyond what I ever could have dreamed.
There are many of you that have had miscarriages like myself or have lost a child after only moments with them. I hope you give yourself this day to remember. For those especially close to me, Sandy, Pam, Dana , Cassy, Tiffany I want you to know that I do remember and I love you.

Tara

Hallelujah!

I am so excited that my cousin, who is 36, accepted Jesus a few weeks ago. It was such wonderful news to receive. Honestly, I was shocked. God really convicted my heart. I have a list of people or groups of people that I pray for concerning salvation, but as I searched my heart I realized that I was not praying expecting anything to happen. I think there is a group, depending on age and lifestyle, that I had truly given up on. I just had just gotten tired and frustrated with no results. God showed me. He is still working and changing lives. I am so thankful that He never gives up on me. Hallelujah!!

Pocporn and Icees

Today was THE big errand day. Five places, 3 kids and rain. Once a month we have a big errand day. My kids are not particularly fond on this day but normally it goes pretty smoothly. I have my list. I am organized to try to speed up the process. Today, not such a smooth time. I know my kids say my name 100s of times each day but on errand day it is ten times that. I should have known by the weather we should have foregone errand day and stayed in our pjs. By stop two it is, "he looked at me ugly." Stop 3 "She touched me." By stop 4 I was wondering "how many times can three children need to go to the potty." We had one more stop. Now many of you are wondering why I just didn't pack it up and head home. We live a good drive from most of our stops so I try to be efficient with our gas. Today though I seriously considered throwing in the towel. I had lost my list and my mind. Last stop Target. We walked in and there was my sanity. The popcorn and icee stand. I wheeled it in, placed my order, plopped them all in the cart and shopped till my heart was content. I even found my list.

Still figuring it out

Sorry to be MIA for 2 days. I obviously have not figured out how to write a post and publish it at a later time. I'll keep working on it , so, don't give up on me. I will write a post later today.

Great Day!

Well, I am wrapping up another day. I am a little tired but content with a great day. We started our day with a nature hike before the rain started. We filled up paper bags with pine cones, needles and whatever else they liked. Then we had our morning devotion. We role played the pharisee and the tax collector praying at the temple. It was so neat to see the boys act out the story. It has been so awesome watching Caden start to grasp who God is and what Jesus did for him. Them we sang some praise songs. If you see Sophie ask her to sing Holy, Holy, Holy. Then we rolled out finds from our nature hunt in playdough and talked about texture. We had our reading lessons. Caden is so excited about reading his first words. Ethan played a game with letter cards. Spell as many words as you can in two minutes.(He loves a race). I didn't realize he was going to try to spell every potty word he could think of. Oh well, he did great sounding them out. We did fractions while baking a yummy new cake recipe. Lots of tickling, hide and seek and chase.(That was PE) Great school day for me. The boys spent the afternoon pretending and building with tinkertoys. Sounds like a great day right? Well we hit some turbulence about 5:15. As I was changing clothes and getting ready for my volleyball game Sophie cut her hair again. I had no idea she could reach that high. It had just grown out from the last time. Then we get 10 minutes down the road and Ethan informs me Sophie peed in her panites and on the carpet. I love days like today. I have a great time with the kids. They were excited about their lessons for the day. Found a great new recipe. They played well together, I got all my house work done and got to hang out with my hubby and watch a little TV. Sounds like a great day to me.

Tara

Not Me Monday

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.


I did not tell my boys I was going to snuggle their sister at nap and then fall asleep before she did. Nope not me.

I did not wake up to two boys dressed in their sister's Sunday dresses and blue lipgloss on their eyelids. Nope not at my house.

I did not send said boys to a campout with blue lipgloss on their eyelids. Nope I would never do that.

I did not fuss at my kids about not getting dressed for the day and then realize I was still in my pjs. No way, not me.

I did not cover the kitchen table in flour and encourage my 3 monkeys to "draw" just so I could have five minutes in bathroom. Not me.

I did not leave a bag of chocolates on my desk and find my youngest monkey surrounded by wrappers. Not me.

And there you have it. Have a great Monday.

Tara

My favorite day of the week

I just love Sundays. I sometimes find myself unable to sleep because I am so excited about Sundays. I love to go to church to worship, learn and fellowship with other believers. I especially like to sing. I start most of my days with music and we have worship time every morning for school. I love how God uses music to minister and heal our hearts. Have you ever started singing and felt like every word sung was being branded on your heart? That is how today was. It was a wonderful time of praising God for who HE was, is and forever will be.
I especially enjoyed looking out from the choir loft and seeing my boys singing at the top of their lungs. Their joy and love for God written on their face. They have complete trust and faith in their Creator. Watching their unwavering trust reminds me of how often I don't completely trust God but try to intervene and work things out on my own. What great accountability my children are. They keep me on my toes, not only physically but spiritually too.

Well, we have had taco soup and tickle time on the couch. It is nap time. Sophie is waiting for me in the guest bed to snuggle and I hear the boys snuggling(wrestling) with Dad. Time to go get all my "kids" to sleep.

Tara

I did it.

I finally did it Pam. I have created a blog. Granted it is not perfect but I am up and running. This is for my three monkeys, Ethan 6, Caden 4 and Sophie 3. I regularly send funny, scary or gross stories to my friend Pam. She has been encouraging(nagging) me to start a blog and share my life with others and have a record for my monkeys. I hope that others who read this page will find a laugh, a cry some encouragement or all three. More to come. Please remember I am in process. Be patient.