Tis the season....

Well, I am not sure what to call this post so I will just call it that. It has been a crazy few weeks. First, two weeks ago today, I was out jogging and my dog got spooked and tripped me. Of course, I happened to be crossing the street so with full impact, I hit the asphalt! Ugh! I knew I was hurt pretty bad but was hoping I was overreacting.  I won't mention that the woman with the dog that scared mine, did not bother to stop and ask if I was okay..... (my best friend from the south swears that would never happen there) I actually hope she is right... It should not happen here. What kind of world are we living in? Anyway, the best friend that I mentioned, just happened to be coming to stay with me for about a week, to teach at a ladies Christmas tea at her old church.  She came in just in time to take care of me.  She took me to doctors appointments, carted my kids with her, not to mention she was teaching two teas and a ladies ministry luncheon.  What a blessing she was to me.  Actually, I had many blessings through my great friends this week.  Meals, prayers and even one friend coming over to do my hair for me. Did I mention it is my left arm and that I am a leftie.  I can't do much of anything.  Right now, I am typing one handed with my right hand.  Also, after almost a week I ended up having to have surgery.  Now I am pretty much starting over with healing.  What a crazy two weeks... 

My children had to decorate the tree without my help.  I just had to sit and watch.  That has been hard.  Just sitting and letting others do things for me.  Did I mention my girl has wrapped every present under the tree? My husband did the Christmas cards for the first time in 20 years. I have been blessed beyond belief.  God has me where He wants me. Just sitting and listening to Him.  I hear Him... loud and clear!

All this to say that things are getting done.  Not always like I would do but it is getting done with just as much heart as if I were doing it but different.  

This may be a little different Christmas this year but Christmas will be a blessing as always.  It is good to sit at the Fathers feet and see what He is doing in my life, my families and friends.

Blessings,

Kim

A Hunting We Will Go!

Oh, I love traditions!  About 6 years ago one of my best friends let me in on one of her family traditions.  We have been hooked every since.  Now, I have to start by saying, most of my entire childhood and then into adulthood we city folks had a fake perfect tree.  So, for my older kids, this is still hard for them.  In fact, we get a lot of giggles come Christmas time when they come over to see our perfect un-perfect tree.  Now, for the younger ones (I have two sets, for those of you who don't know) they love the un perfect, perfect tree.  

Every year we go a hunting in the middle of the forest and sometimes way too deep snow to find our tree that only a mother could love.  It takes about 3 hours, a lot of discussions, some arguments (that is the stuff I want everyone to forget) lots of walking, and then drum roll please..... our perfect tree or not so perfect but we love it.  It is more about the memories, the time together, the food afterwards, the games and fellowship with great friends but it is a tradition that I hope will be around forever!  Next year, I think I have my daughter in law talked into coming.  Then she will be hooked and we can go laugh at their tree! :)

Thankful

I decided to join in on the "One Thousand Gifts" post over at Holy Experience. It is a time that you purposely decide to be thankful.  Every Monday you post gifts that you have been blessed with. Now, I have to say that lately I have been in a funk.  This is why I decided to join in.  I need to be reminded of all the blessings I have in my life.  To see the good and not always the bad in things going on around me.  What a perfect season to start this.

So here I go:

1. My Savior Lives!  and 

2. My Savior died for me!

3. I am redeemed by His blood!

4. Okay, I could stop there.... I mean what else can top that!

5. My husband still looks at me with those eyes that lets me know I am still "it" for him.

6. I have two precious children that the Lord blessed me with.  

7. I am a mom.

8. I get to homeschool my kiddos.

9. I get to stay home with them.

10. I am blessed beyond measure.

11. My baby girl (not really a baby, but she is mine). 

12. My handsome boy  (he is really handsome).

Be Thankful in all things!

Blessings,

Kim

Disney!

This week has been full of adventure in my neck of the woods.  We went to Disneyland at the end of the week, just because!  It was a fun, quick trip and we had a ton of fun!  We did end up going in the park for a second day, because it is really hard to do just one.  What a fun time!  When we got there (without knowing) we actually got to see the Christmas decorations!  Now, Disney makes a big deal about decorations.  They go all out!  What an experience!  As many times as I have been, never once, did I get to see the great Christmas decorations!  It actually snowed on Main Street!  It was also the first trip to Disneyland with my sisters.  We had fun going on some of the rides together.  We made memories to last forever!!  

  

Pumpkin Time

This week we had some fun getting into pumpkins!  Literally!  We went off to the pumpkin patch to pick out some fun cute pumpkins.  It actually turned quite chilly that night and we almost froze but we endured and found a couple of cuties.

The next night we carved out some cute designs and roasted the seeds!  Yummo!  To roast the seeds just rinse them and put them on a cookie sheet with salt.  Roast at 250 degrees for about 1 1/2 hours.  Yummy!

Outdoors

Today we headed out! We needed the fresh air and the change of scenery. We decided to head over to the most unique park in our area. It doesn't belong in the middle of the desert. It is really a beautiful and relaxing park.  

The kids took some of their school work and we also took some friends.  Sometimes we just need to get out and smell some fresh air.

My Brother In Law

We have had a very busy and unusual week. My husbands brother took ill and was admitted to the hospital.  He was in the ICU for two days and passed away.  It was all very quick and we are still shocked. He was only 46 years old. 

All this to say...count each day as a blessing.  Mommies kiss your babies.  Daddies hold tight to your children.  Daughters love on your parents.  Brothers call and love on your siblings.  

You never know what tomorrow brings.  We are here today and need to remember that we are not promised tomorrow.

Blessings,

Kim 

Worship

I am sitting in the back of the church watching my boy practice with the youth groups worship team. Amazing to see the growth of these young musicians after God's own heart. Growth in their walk and growth as musicians. The band is made up of 5 young men ages 13-17. They perform on Wednesday night service and will be performing at our church's Harvest Festival on October 31st.

I love to watch my babies grow. My prayer is that they stay with and grow with Jesus. There are so many pulls and things in the world to take them away from Jesus.

Pray! Pray for their souls, their walk and that their relationship would be real and their own.

Just a reminder to myself and other mommies out there to have skinned knees fo your babies.

Blessings,

Kim

Serve

Today was another busy day.  I think most days are busy. We headed out to our local downtown ministry to serve the homeless.  We started out early. Whatever happened to sleeping in on Saturdays?  We arrived at the church to meet up with the group and then headed downtown to start serving.  The day went well... we set up tents, started preparing food and some of the group (my 14 year old son) went out in the neighborhood inviting people.  I have to say, I did get a bit nervous but I am trying not to hover him as he is growing up (very fast I might say).

The people came.  Around 150.  Men and women.  What a set up.  The ministry is ran as a tight ship.  It is set up in a orderly manner, and the people are fed with food and  most important with the spiritual food.  Food, Worship and the Word of God.  It was a great experience!  God is so amazing that He allows us to serve Him. We get the privilege of serving and we are the ones that get blessed.

Blessings,

Kim

Sonlight Moment!!!

Okay, it has been awhile since I have posted....

Actually, the days have been long and at times I feel like I am drowning. The Lord is gracious and His mercies are new every day. He knows just what I need when I need it. Do I always hear Him? The answer unfortunately is too many times "NO". That may have something to do with my perpetual busyness that I too often find myself in. We will save that subject for another post.

I have used Sonlight Curriculum for about 6 years. Most days I love it! There are the love/hate aspects of it....(those of you who use it, know what I am talking about) but in general it is overall a great curriculum. Anyhow, the idea behind Sonlight is great books. I can honestly say that I have read or listened to some of the best books since using this curriculum. I have cried, laughed and enjoyed many moments with my kids that are irreplaceable. Okay, to the story.....

My sweet girl (not always, but don't tell her I said that) and I were reading her history together. It is a book about William Wilberforce. By the way, second time reading, and I love it just as much. Anyhow, I was reading about how the Quakers decided that slavery was wrong and that if they found out that any of the members of their church was supporting it that they would be kicked out. This of course is all paraphrased... anyhow, she (my sweet girl, which btw is acting very sweet at this moment) blurts out "What!! How stupid! Why would they do that?"

Okay, at this point, I was getting a little concerned.... I calmly ask her what she is talking about and she tells me that if anyone needs to be in church it would be those people who support that kind of stuff. Hmmm...now we are getting somewhere.... So, being the pick it apart kind of mom that I am, I proceed to ask my little sweetie all kinds of questions. Okay, what about this...and what about this....(not going to go into all that) and she tells it like it is...

She nails it. She tells me that we don't need to go up to the people in church and point out everything that they are doing wrong but that God's Word will do that. Just let them sit there and the Holy Spirit will speak to them through His Word. The Lord will change their heart not us. They need to be there Mom... they need to hear it...

At this point, I am crying... she ask "Why" and I say because most adults don't get that.

God is so good! He gave me a reprieve...He let me know that all is not lost. The time and energy that I pour into my children is not in vain. They hear it, they see it and they respond to it. Keep plugging away.

I hope you all (the two that read my blog, thanks btw) understand all this rambling.

Blessings,

Kim

"For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. John 3:17

First Week of School

Well, here it is....the first week of school. AHHH!!! Where did my summer go??? All the plans....All the rest.....out the window. Gone!!! I am actually thinking I need to be back in school to get some rest.

We have had a very busy summer and somehow I have managed to pull it together enough to get curriculum and to get these kids into shape. So, we grudgingly happily started our 10th year of homeschooling!! Yes, I said 10th. I count Kindergarten and on bad days I say 11 years because I did do Pre-K.

We started out the week poorly but we are ending on a better note. You know, I always say the hardest thing about homeschooling is the attitudes. I have to admit, sometimes that it is not only the kids that have attitudes but it is me as well. So, I will reflect on the week and remember the good old days (like Pre K and Kindergarten). No, really First grade was great too!!! Okay, seriously, I have to remember that I was called to do this job! I will do it (most of the time) with a smile on my face. I will look at my sweet baby girls eyes and look at a pre teen! I hate that word. I don't think I ever used it with my son, but my girl sure can make me think she is a teen. And then there is the boy....can anyone say high school?? When I started this thing I thought I would be done by now but here I am plodding along in high school.

Okay, enough rambling.....

We made it through the week. And yes I love homeschooling...most of the time. I know why I do it. I have precious memories (again most of the time) with my sweet kiddos that we all know flies by.

And this....this pictures tells the real story why I homeschool.

GO!!!

Wow! What a week!! My son and I had a great opportunity to go on a short term mission to El Salvador for a week. What an amazing experience to have with your child. I recommend everyone to do this at least once. I say at least once, because I know that we will be going back.

We went to bless, serve and witness to others and we were actually the ones that were blessed, served and witness to. God is amazing!! He is alive and his spirit is with us wherever we go. I loved to see the love of Jesus in some of the people and churches we visited. Oh, and the stories of how the Lord took some of these people out of the dirt, cleaned them up and made them new.

We stayed at an orphanage in San Salvador. Twenty-one boys live and are being taught the word daily. These children are incredible. Everyone on the team was a little worried that I would end up hiding some of these kids in my suitcase to take back to the USA. I have to admit, that the thought did cross my mind, several times.....

The Lord spoke to me in so many ways!!! One thing that really stands out is that we need to witness every where we go. Not just when we are on short term missions, but right here in our neighborhoods, stores, malls etc. Get busy! Time is short!!

Matthew 28:19

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always to the very end of the age.

Blessings,

Kim

PEACHES!!!

Summer is in full bloom around our home. We have a great abundance of peaches and are francticly trying to do many things with them so we do not waste.

We have made a creamy peach pie and homemade peach jam. We are planning on making an original peach pie and also freezing some for smoothies.

Many Blessings,

Kim

Do Hard Things!

Wow! What a weekend! We were blessed to be able to attend the "Do Hard Things Conference" with our Youth Group from church. It was such a remarkable event. I would recommend this to anyone with teenage children. With anticipation, I was hoping that my boy would be inspired and encouraged. I soon found out that it was not only him getting inspired but I was too! I was able to receive from two 19 year old young men. These kids are a testimony to their parents hard work. If you are not familiar with their book and rebelation movement you can check out their website at dohardthings.com

Do Hard Things Mentality:

1. Fight Sin in your life. Our flesh wants to do the easy stuff. Fight it!

2. Battle discouragement and complacency.

3. Do more than that is required! That is a big one in my house! Can I hear an amen!

4. Get over a fear of failing. Anything worth doing is worth doing over and over and over..etc.

5. Focus on the little things: start by doing the small stuff, serving family cheerfully, faithful in devotions etc.

6. Your best life is not always the easiest life. Avoid wasting your life!

Again, check out their website and if they happen to come in the area of your home, attend the conference. You will be blessed!

Itch to Pitch Week 5

This week I had a pretty easy job to do. I tackled the hall linen closet. Really it is just a towel closet because when I was cleaning out my linen/scrap/hall/everything closet on Week 2, I decided to try a new system I picked up on another person's helpful blog. Back to that later....
Okay, here are the before pics:


Honestly, how and why do I live like that? It only took about 20 minutes to do the entire job.

Here is my give away bag. Goodwill is starting to know me by name....

Now, about the cool system for my sheets. I read once, on another blog, about a lady who keeps a set of clean sheets to each bed she has under the mattress of each individual bed. Well, I decided to change it a little and purchase the giant Ziplock bags and put a clean set of sheets in them and put it under the bed. Now, when I change the sheets, I put the fresh clean ones on immediately and I throw the dirty ones in the washer. When they are clean, I put them in the same Ziplock bag and store them under my beds. Easy... I don't have to have a ton of sheets and waste space in my linen closet.

A little tip that may help......

Blessings,

Kim

Itch to Pitch Week 4

This week for the challenge I headed to the school room to ditch some extra curriculum that I have had laying around for several years. Last week, during week 3, I was unable to get to the things I had planned to ditch because we decided to pitch a tent and take the kids camping. We had a great time but the busyness of the week prevented much of anything else being done.

So here are my before pics:

And here are my after:

I was able to ditch a lot of stuff at a used curriculum sale and give away the other stuff that did not sale.

This has been a very productive summer!

Blessings,

Kim

Happy Fourth of July!

We have been blessed in so many ways in this country. Let us take the time to remember the many blessings that the Lord has given us. Let us remember the Veteran's and the now fighting soldiers. Thank you Lord Jesus for the United States of America!
America Bless God!

Kim

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

What a Cutie Pie!

My baby is growing up! She got up and made us pancakes for breakfast. She sure is cute with her hair pulled back and slaving over the stove. She will make a good mommy one day.....

Happy Father's Day!

My daddy came over to celebrate what a treasure he has been in my life! What a wonderful gift to have a sweet daddy like mine. We have lived through some hard times, but I always knew I had my daddy's love. I am so blessed!

Now, I have the privilege of sharing my life with a wonderful man who is a great daddy to my babies!

I hope you all had a great Father's Day to celebrate your dads in your life.

Blessings,

Kim

Itch to Pitch Update!

Wow! What a busy weekend we had......

First, I need to get to the business at hand and update you all :) on the Itch to Pitch Challenge.

After many months, I finally dove head into the hall closet/scrapbook room and cleaned it out! What a challenge... It took me about 7 hours to do the room. I was exhausted but happy when it was over. I have decided or faced facts that I am really a very sentimental person or maybe a little mental. I keep everything! It is hard for me to get rid of all those sweet things that my kids, husband, parents, friends, neighbors or perfect strangers give me! After diving in, and a few too many phone calls to a certain friend, asking "do I need to keep this?" It is done!!

I have the pics to prove it!





Just a little ugly reminder!

In the midst of it!

Did I really need my 14 year olds kindergarten work?
More Trash!!!





My sweet girl could actually get into the room!

Wow, look at those nice organized shelves......

My next project is my shelves in the school room....

BTW, my husband is loving this!

Blessings,

Kim

Taking the Challenge!

Last week, over at TheHappyHousewife.com, I was challenged to get organized. So, now I have the itch to pitch! I plan to tackle my house one room at a time. I started, with all things, the hallway. Why, I don't know.... I just did. Anyway, here are some before pics and some after. How about you? Are you up for the challenge?


This is my next challenge....scary, huh?

My Mom....

Lately, I have been thinking about my mom a lot.....

It is weird how the sadness comes out of nowhere....

Tonight I took my sister out for her birthday a month late. I guess better late than never, right?

As we sat at the restaurant we talked about mom and all her funny and at times annoying quirks. Who knew? Who knew, the things that annoyed you the most, you would miss the most? Funny, how all the things I used to get so upset about seem like nothing!! If I could go back, I would not sweat the small stuff. I would not get embarrassed about my mom's funny southern ways. I would just ENJOY the time I had with her. My mom was my mom.... and I was very fortunate to have her....

It is great to have a mom.....

Don't sweat the small stuff....

There is nothing like your momma's love.......

I miss you mom....

Thank you Jesus for moms.

Missionaries

This last month some of our church missionaries came home from Thailand on furlough. We were happy to hear from them and excited to see the things the Lord is doing through them afar.

As I sat in church watching some of the things they had done over the past year (15 months to be exact). I thought to myself...."that is serving the Lord" and that "I could do that and I want to do that!" Could I? Would I?...

Days later, we had them over for dinner. That is when I got the entire, exhausting, back breaking, long story....

Water...or should I say lack of water....they would have to actually go for days without showers and at times without running water. Come on, have you ever even thought about how much we use water?! Showers, coffee, washing dishes, hands, body, laundry and mopping. That is just a few of the things that I can think of off the top of my head.

Food....if we run out of food we go, begrudgingly, to the store and buy more. They have to grow what they eat. Everything is prepared from scratch....I mean EVERYTHING!

There is much more to their story....but the point I am trying to make is, serving the Lord comes in many ways....they happen to be missionaries in a foreign country. I am serving the Lord at home. Through my children and my husband. I want to serve them with a happy heart and sold out to my Jesus. That would be my prayer. Help me, Lord Jesus, to serve my family like you served while on earth. I want to be more like You.....

The next time you are upset because you have to do laundry or wash the dishes....remember how blessed we are and serve your family with gusto.
Also, remember to pray for missionaries around the world. If your church has sent out missionaries, when they are home, welcome them into your home. Pray about supporting them financially and lastly, serve where you are at. Serve Jesus by serving others.

"Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:19-20 NIV

Growing Up!

Here I am in front of the computer....early in the morning! My kiddos are sleeping in and I have nothing to do....who am I kidding! I have a ton of stuff to do! Today is a big day in our house. We have promotion night tonight at church for our home school group. I have a lot of running around to finish up some small details for the event.

Which brings me to my inspiration for this post....My boy is graduating from 8th grade and my baby from 4th. What happen to those years? It goes by way too fast! I am happy to see my boy growing into a man....and sad at the same time! He is changing in so many ways...Physically he is a man. 5 foot 11 inches and a size 12 foot. Wow! He wants to be a man, but I still manage to catch glimpses of that sweet baby that was put in my arms 14 years ago. At times, it can be fun parenting a "teen". At other times, not so much! I long to see my boy sold out to Jesus! Serving and daily living for Him. I pray that I would help him in this path....that I would not hinder his view of Jesus. I know I am on the cusp here....He will soon be grown...I only have a few short years to disciple him and send him out into this world. I just want to remember how fast the first 14 years have gone and not wither the next 5 years away.

My baby girl...I am trying with all my might to pretend she is still my baby!!! Beautiful, fun loving, sweet girl that the Lord blessed me with....
More on her later....

I would encourage all those moms that have little ones running around...to take it SLOW...and enjoy every moment you have been given... Ladies, it goes super sonic fast!!!

Blessings,
Kim