Welcome and Blessings!

Thank you so much for stopping by! I have named this blog "Running to the Cross" because that is what I often find myself doing...running to be with my Lord Jesus! I often cover many aspects of life on my blog, as it is my journal. I used to write things down in all sorts of notebooks, but my writings would soon be lost. So I decided that it was time to start a blog and share my thoughts and ideas with others. Many topics you will find here are prayers, homemaking and organization, children and pregnancy, funny stories, and the challenges of parenting and motherhood. If you enjoy my blog and leave me a comment, you are likely to have me visit! I love meeting others and gleaning from the lives of others. May you be blessed! Your friend in Christ, Heather

Wednesday, February 28, 2007

My First Visit to My Midwife

I am so elated right now! For the first time I heard the baby's heartbeat! God is so good!
I am greatly anticipating the day that I get to hold this new little one. I know the baby will be here in the blink of an eye, but I am soooo anxious!

Little fingers,
little toes,
little mouth,
little nose!

The tiniest cry you've ever heard.
Such peaceful sleep,
more powerful than words.

This little being sized just right,
fits in you arms,
So hold him tight.

God gives precious gifts,
with arms of love,
and hands them to us
from Heaven Above!

I am so amazed at the wonderful gifts that our children are to us. It amazes me, still, that God has chosen to bless me in such a way!

Blessing!
Heather

My Testimony

I was raised going to church every Sunday, which included Sunday school and a very brief, watered down worship service. At age 11, during Vacation Bible School, I decide that I wanted to go to heaven, so I went to my pastor and prayed a prayer with him and I was "saved". On my way home that evening I felt like I was floating in the clouds, although I really don't think anything changed in my heart.

At age 14, I liked a boy who was in my church youth group and I didn't want him to think that I wasn't a member of the church, so I ignorantly got baptized so I could be a member of the church.

Each year, I grew slightly in the knowledge of the Lord. I attended a co-ed church camp every summer for a week and I learned a little there, but I was mostly interested in meeting boys. I never really read the Bible much as a "Christian", but it was never demonstrated in the home. I didn't know you were supposed to be "ever fervent in prayer" and reading the Bible daily.

Then I went to college. For the first 2 years, I called myself a "Christian" but always found myself with the wrong boyfriends and in the wrong situations.

However, my life was changing. I attended a Christian college where you had to take a New Testament class, an Old Testament class, and another Bible class of your choice. That is when God began to speak to me in volumes. I had to read the Scriptures for class & write my thoughts in a journal. These times I hold precious in my heart, time spent wisely with God. However, I never doubted that I was saved.

My junior year, I wrote an I-Search paper where you pick a topic and explore all the aspects of it. My topic was "Finding a Mate for Life". It was then that I decided I was sick of dating, and that I would write a paper that described the man that I would marry and trust that God would place that person in my life.

My senior year I met my husband (I am going to cry, I love him dearly). One day I sat down next to him at dinner, I was only acquainted with him, but I began to discuss a Biblical issue with him that I dealt with earlier that day. He was able to answer my questions and a friendship blossomed from there. Little did I know that 2 days earlier he had prayed for a "companion".

We began to meet every evening for devotions & prayer in the Chapel below the cafeteria. We were both against "dating" at that time, and we did not allow ourselves any physical contact. My relationship with God continued to grow, I read my Bible every day at 5 a.m. Also, my husband met all the criteria of my I-Search paper (Yeah!).

Soon it was time for me to graduate and leave college. My husband continued the next year in college, and we both struggled greatly apart, he also proposed to me that year (I said "yes").

We married in '96, (1 year after my graduation), and had our first baby in '97. My second son came along in '99, then a devastating miscarriage. God carried me through, I knew at that time I was saved, I'm not sure at what point in my life I was converted, I just knew I was saved. Another baby, then another miscarriage, again God picked me up and drew nigh unto Him, my faith once again strengthened. During my 6th pregnancy (4th child), I was rebaptized because I wasn't convinced that my first baptism was legitimate due to my foolishness as a 14-year-old. My 7th pregnancy was a true miracle to me, I had some bleeding about 12-15 weeks into the pregnancy, I was sure miscarriage was inevitable. But in the ER the dr found a heartbeat and discovered I had partial placenta previa. Once again, God drew me into His arms and renewed my faith. He gave me my baby girl, whose middle name is Grace because of the grace God showed me by giving her to me!

God blessed us again with another baby and then a little over a year later a TEST. This test was an ectopic pregancy. Once again, God was there holding us up, making us realize how much we love Him and our family. He brought us through and strengthened our faith. He showed my husband and I that, "Nothing happens outside of the will of God. God is faithful. He has complete control and He guides every little detail of our lives. Blessed be the name of the LORD!"

As life goes on, my testimony grows.

And as the title description on my blog says, "Though I am far from being a perfect mother and wife, I find that each day I count on Him just a little more. God is truly faithful, even in the small stuff."

Tuesday, February 27, 2007

Dressing Modestly

A few years back, six to be exact, I was convicted to do away with my shorts, my sleeveless tops, and pants. Instead, I planned to wear skirts, modest blouses & shirts, jumpers, and dresses.

I was brought up in a family that pretty much dressed for comfort. If it fit, you wore it. If it was hot outside you wore shorts, sandals, and a tank shirt or short sleeved shirt. If it was cold outside you wore a sweater or long sleeved shirt and jeans. You wore what was in style and what was comfortable (or so you thought it was because that was all you knew).

There were a few girls in the public school that I attended that wore skirts all the time and they never cut their hair. We all knew that they did this because of their family's religious beliefs, but we never even gave it a second thought that they were also teaching modesty in dress. Life went on, I continued to dress as I pleased, although I was careful of my choices by not choosing the low cut blouse or the very short skirt. Still, when I look back at those days I cringe at the thought of wearing those too tight jeans.

When I began going to church with my husband (then future husband), things were still the same. The church never questioned my choices of clothing, in fact they (all the women) wore jeans also. They, too, dressed for comfort and were oblivious to the way that jeans and slacks show almost every detail of a woman's shape.

It wasn't until I visited a dear family from the classical Christian school my husband taught at that my eyes were opened to the way I dress. We had moved 1100 miles away from the school my husband taught at (and my old stomping grounds) 3 years earlier and this was our first visit back "home". We were visiting friends and family on this trip and we were invited over to the home of a family that had attended the classical Christian school (the one that my husband taught at).

Upon arriving at the family's house, the lady of the house approached me and pulled me aside. She then said to me, "I am glad that my husband is not able to make it for your visit because you are wearing shorts. I would not feel comfortable with him here because he might be tempted to look where he ought not look (mostly at my legs for they were bare)." I then apologized and told her that I had planned on wearing a dress, but I wasn't able to change in time. (The comment hit me square in the eyes, I had never thought of it that way, and I wasn't offended, rather embarrassed of my clothing choices that day.)

As we ventured inside the house our conversation continued and I learned why she wore dresses. I also learned about the magazine Above Rubies and how they were in support of large families. She also gave me a sermon on The Purity in Clothing that I listened to on the way home from our trip. It spoke to the very depths of my heart. From there, I was convicted to no longer wear jeans and shorts. In fact, I began cutting all of my jeans and jean shorts into little squares for a patchwork quilt (that still has to be made). ;o)

Clothing has taken a whole new perspective for me. Now I dress to cover my body so that other husband's eyes are not tempted to look where they shouldn't. Now I don't wear shapeless bags of dresses that hide my feminine figure completely. That's no better than wearing a pair of baggy sweat pants and an over sized T-shirt! I wear long dresses that define the waist, but not the bust. They are modest in the neckline and are not too short (that is, between my mid-calf & ankles). I wear dresses that look feminine and provide adequate coverage in all areas that might attract attention. Some of my favorites have a pretty floral pattern on them and when I put them on they change my whole attitude for the day.

On one occasion, I was 8 months pregnant and feeling really down. A friend of mine at church had loaned me a few of her maternity dresses (since I had so few at the time). As I was trying on dresses, I got to this one that I wasn't sure about. It was very feminine and it had blue roses all over it. I wasn't sure if I would like it, but when I tried it on, I didn't want to take it off!!! I felt so pretty and feminine in it that I made a pattern off of it and made my own!!! My whole countenence changed by this one act of putting on a pretty and feminine dress.

Wearing dresses only is a conviction that has changed my life. I see things in a different light now. However, I don't go around telling other people who are NOT dressed as I am that they need to change. I simply tell them my story of why I wear dresses. If they don't change from my story, then so be it. I am not going to stop being their friend just because they don't have my same convictions. I may encourage them to consider wearing dresses, but if they don't change they will at least be more aware of how they have choosen to dress. If God wants them to change, then ONLY God can change them.

So, why did I choose to wear dresses only?
1) I was convicted to do so. God changed my heart on the matter of dress.
2) I view clothing now as a covering not a trend.
3) I don't want to tempt anybody else's husband to look where they shouldn't, as jeans define the figure showing every nook & cranny.
4) I want my husband, and him only, to see my shape, my whole shape.

There are many scriptures that support my convictions, but I will get to them in a later post.

May you have a Blessed and Fruitful Day!
Heather

Sunday, February 25, 2007

Why Have So Many Children?

Everywhere we go as a family, we have people staring and counting heads. "One, two, three, four, five, six!" (And we are pregnant again.) They may not ask us why we have so many children, but some do come by and speak to us. Amazingly enough they usually comment on how well behaved they are, as our battles are fought at home. I am very blessed to have such well behaved children, because I struggle greatly in my parenting skills, at times. I give the credit to God only.

"Why have so many children?"

Before my husband and I were married, we said we would take 10 children if the good Lord saw fit to give us that many. Four months into our marriage, I found myself expecting our first son. The funny thing is, around the time that I learned of my pregnancy, we had agreed to meet with one of my husband's college professors (who is also a minister) about the very topic of having children. He was going to speak to us on the matter of waiting to have children until my husband was finished with college. We didn't end up meeting with him and my husband ended up taking a break from college. We both worked full-time jobs for a while, until my boss ended up laying me off (probably because of my pregnancy).

My first son came without any complications, except for the cord wrapped around his neck twice. I found my pregnancy to be somewhat easy and the delivery didn't hurt as bad as I thought it would (I didn't use any meds).

With my first pregnancy behind me, I went back on the "pill" which I now don't agree with. When my pill ran out, I asked my husband what his thoughts were about me not using the pill anymore (we came from families with 3 children each). He told me this, "This may sound bad, but it doesn't matter to me how often you are pregnant, afterall we want 10 children, right?" I agreed with him and with that said, we no longer worried about controlling our ability to have children, we left it up to God. He has blessed us with six children with #7 on the way. Each pregnancy and delivery has been relatively easy and uncomplicated for me, only by God's amazing grace.


"So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them."
"And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth." Genesis 1:27-28

" Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward."
"As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth."
"Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate." Psalm 127:3-5


God has shown us through pregnancies and miscarriages, that children are truly a blessing. He controls our ability to conceive, He controls our ability to not conceive, and He decides the lifespan of each child he creates.

We still say that we will take 10 children if the Lord gives them to us, and if He gives us more than that, our van is a 15 passenger van so we can hold 13 children!

And for those who have not been able to have children, we have also seen God miraculously provide them with children through adoption. We've seen others who have had sterilization procedures done, prayfully conceive; or provided with the means for a reversal. And then others, who have not "controlled" their ability to conceive, only have 3 children. With this said, not everyone who gives the control to God has 10 children, and if He does give you many children, He will provide the strength you need to care for them, and the means to provide for them...for God is with us ALWAYS.

"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." 1 Corinthians 10:13

"Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father."
"But the very hairs of your head are all numbered."
"Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows."
Matthew 19:29-31


Blessings!
Heather


Friday, February 23, 2007

Taking Time to Lovingly Correct Our Children

I made an amazing discovery today! My daughter (rosey cheeks), who is almost 5, was at the table playing with playdough. Her little sister took her cutter away, so she (rosey cheeks) began to cry, no, she actually began to scream. Usually I get very upset with her and very loudly tell her to stop screaming (otherwise she can't hear me). But, today, I did something different. I walked over to her, got down at her level, made her look me in the eyes and something amazing happened! Once her eyes met mine, she stopped screaming. I then proceeded to tell her that she needed to stop screaming and that everything would be okay. Now it seems that all is well, in fact, she has not had a screaming fit since (we are going on about 20-30 minutes).

Many of you who may be reading this may have already discovered this "trick". But I have been at my whits end on how I am going to correct this problem with my dear daughter, rosey cheeks. From now on, I will know what to do.

"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
Proverbs 22:6

Parenting is not easy. Our children did not come with a manual. However, our parenting manual should be our Bibles. We cannot rely upon our own strength to be loving parents, we must rely upon God. He is our strength, He is our refuge, and He is our guide in all matters of our lives.

"As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him."
"For who is God, save the LORD? and who is a rock, save our God?"
"God is my strength and power: And he maketh my way perfect."
2 Samuel 22:31-33

"In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. "
"Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah."
Psalm 62:7-8

Psalm 139:1-18

1 O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me.
2 Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.
3 Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.
4 For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.
5 Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.
7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?
8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.
9 If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;
10 Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.
11 If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.
12 Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.
13 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.
14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
15 My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.
17 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!
18 If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.

Thursday, February 22, 2007

Feeding a Crowd

Company Chicken

4-5 split chicken breasts (cut up & uncooked)
8-10 medium potatoes (cleaned & cubed)
3-4 15 oz.cans cut green beans - drained (or 16 oz. frozen)
4 10 oz. cans cream of mushroom/chicken soup

Place all of these ingredients in a chicken roaster pan or a roasting bag & cook for 1 1/2 to 2 hours at 350
° F. Serve with your favorite bread & sides & dessert.


We did two-way chicken for our company last evening because I have a daughter with a milk allergy. I fixed the
Company Chicken and BBQ Chicken. I took 3 more large chicken breasts (raw) and cut them in serving size pieces, then I placed them in a 13 x 9 in. pan & smothered them with BBQ sauce. I cooked them uncovered in the oven for 1 1/2 - 2 hours at 350° F. (She was able to eat the vegetable side and the bread.)

The Company Chicken is also a nice and large main dish to bring to Fellowship meals at church. In fact, I had so much left that I put the leftovers in a 13 x 9 in. aluminum lasagna pan and put it in the freezer. Now I have a quick easy meal for the family, company, or a main dish for a Fellowship meal at church! ;o)

Have a great day!
Blessings!
Heather

Monday, February 19, 2007

Company is Coming in TWO Days!!! Emergency Cleaning is in Effect!

My husband just called to tell me that we are having guests for dinner on Wednesday night at 6:30p.m. AAAcckkk! Between homeschooling and fatigue from this pregnancy, I am in a PANIC! But not really...I have a plan. ;oD

This evening, I will clean up the KITCHEN to sparkling by:

  1. Clearing the counters & wiping them down.
  2. Washing all the cookie sheets & dishes that can't go into the dishwasher.
  3. Sweeping & mopping the floor.
  4. Clean microwave.
  5. Wipe down refrigerator & stove.
  6. Putting dishes away in the dish drainer.
  7. Scrubbing the sink.
  8. Wiping down the water cooler.
  9. Cleaning off the portable dishwasher.

Tomorrow, I will super clean the BATHROOM:
  1. Pick up floor.
  2. Scrub toilet & tub.
  3. Wipe down changing table.
  4. Wipe mirror.
  5. Clean vanity & sinks.
  6. Sweep & mop floor.

Wednesday, I will clean LIVING AREAS (living room & children's living room):
  1. Pick up the floor.
  2. Clear all bookshelves of clutter.
  3. Clear off piano.
  4. Clear off all other surfaces with clutter.
  5. Dust.
  6. Vacuum.

If all these things get accomplished the house will be ready for company. And for those of you who a wondering, YES I will be printing out this list so that I can use it to STAY FOCUSED! :o}

Blessings to ALL!!!
Heather

Finally Sewing Again!!! Yeah!!!

I love to sew, but lately time hasn't allowed. However, this weekend I was finally able to get a new jumper done for my oldest daughter who is 6. This last summer I made her two dresses that she has already OUTGROWN! She has grown 4 or 5 inches since summer! Unbelievable!

Anyway, one of her only play dresses ripped leaving her with practically nothing to wear. So I found three A-line maternity jumpers that a friend had given me (she actually acquired them from someone else and they were too small for her, so she gave them to me). I had loaned these jumpers to two different friends and neither one of them used them either, so I decided that since I wasn't planning on using them myself I would make them into something that would be used. (Afterall, they were barely worn.)

Here is what I did:

  1. I laid the jumper that had ripped out onto a large piece of paper (a paper sack works well) & traced the bodice making sure to include about 5/8" extra around the edges for the seam allowance.
  2. I cut out the bodice "pattern" making sure to fold it in half to make sure both sides were even. I always cut the bodice out on the fold, so I only need half the pattern anyway.
  3. I measured my daughter from her shoulder to her waist and transfered that info to the pattern.
  4. I folded the maternity dress exactly in half and laid the back bodice pattern piece on the fold (the front and the back bodice are the same with the exception of the neckline) and cut out the front & back bodice at the same time. Since I used the back bodice piece, I then cut the neckline for the front piece & keeping the back piece the same. Remember, if you try this yourself, to put the bodice pattern piece as high up on the jumper as possible so you will have enough fabric for the skirt.
  5. I measured my daughter for the skirt length, & cut the skirt piece out making sure to only cut the skirt at the top so I could use the hem that was already in place at the bottom of the skirt. The skirt was practically finished since the side seams were already sewn and it was already hemmed, all I had to do to it was gather it.
  6. I then sewed the front and back bodice pieces together at the shoulder seams & side seams, pressed the seams open, created a keyhole in the back so the "new" jumper would fit over my daughter's head, rolled & sewed the edges to finish the bodice. You can also attach bias tape around the edges, which is much easier. I then pressed the finished edges.
  7. After gathering the skirt, I attached it to the bodice with pins & sewed it. I then made a loop for the keyhole on the back bodice & attached it. Then I sewed on the button of my daughter's choice. Finished!
It took me less than two hours to do, since the hem was already done, and I have a ruffler foot to do my gathering (although I had to adjust it a few times to get it just right). I still have two more maternity jumpers to recreate into jumpers for my daughter, but that will have to wait.

If you try this yourself, looking at a jumper pattern may help to clarify any questions you may have.

Have a GREAT DAY!!!
Blessings!
Heather

Friday, February 16, 2007

Preparing for the LORD's Day

Here is a list of things that I do during the week in preparation for the LORD's Day:

  1. Wash dark church clothes with tights, put away one pair of tights for each of my girls..
  2. Gather church shoes & put in a special place.
  3. Wash whites with socks & put away one pair for each of my boys.
  4. Pack diaper bag & make wet wipes if necessary. I try to pack the diaper bag with the following items: change of clothes for baby, change of clothes for the one who's potty training, diapers, 2 pull-ups, wet wipes, books for baby, snack for baby, 3 drink cups if fellowship Sunday, water & snack for mom for low blood sugar (if pregnant), allergy medicine for child w/milk allergy if fellowship Sunday, bags for stinky diapers, diaper rash cream, mini baby powder, towel & receiving blanket (if nursing).
  5. Press dresses, shirts, and pants to make ready for Sunday.
  6. On the first & third Sundays we have fellowship meals, therefore one hot dish & one cold dish or dessert needs to be made (I generally make something that my daughter with the milk allergy can eat). Usually this is done on Saturday & the hot dish is put in the crockpot.
  7. Gather Bibles, pens, sharpened pencils, & notebooks; put these items in Dad's briefcase.
  8. Saturday evenings ALL the children get showers or baths.
  9. Sunday mornings, after I have dressed, I fix the girls hair, & get them dressed after breakfast, which is usually cold cereal. The boys get themselves dressed and when we are ready to go, they help the little girls with their coats and get them in the van.
  10. I try to take a shower or bath during the day on Saturday so my hair can dry naturally.
The goal is not only to get to church on time, but to have a peaceful morning getting ready as well. When we are well prepared, our LORD's Day morning is much more relaxed and goes more smoothly.

Have a great weekend!
In Christ Alone,
Heather

Encouragement from the Proverbs

  1. Be considerate of how you speak to those you love.
    “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”
    Proverbs 15:1
  2. Go about your tasks with thankfulness and delight.
    “Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.”
    Proverbs 16:3
  3. Encourage little ones to be obedient to your instructions.
    “The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.” Proverbs 29:15
  4. Be diligent in all matters of the home and strive for orderliness.
    “She looketh well to the ways of her household and eateth not the bread of idleness."
    Proverbs 31:27
  5. Manage your time wisely; be not a waster of time.
    “Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.”
    Proverbs 19:15
  6. Be not angered by the ways of a child, but take every opportunity to teach him the straight and narrow way.
    “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6
  7. Put your trust in God, and lean upon His every word.
    “Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.”
    Proverbs 30:5
  8. Seek after the wisdom of God.
    “Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.” Proverbs 4:5
  9. Happiness affects the entire home, as does the sadness of the heart.
    “A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.” Proverbs 15:13
    “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.”
    Proverbs 17:22
  10. Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.”
    Proverbs 18:22

    “House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD.” Proverbs 19:14


Blessings!
Heather

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

Several Things You Can Do in Five Minutes

  1. Wash a load of diapers.
  2. Wash plates from last meal.
  3. Fold blankets in living room.
  4. Bring down dirty clothes from upstairs bathroom.
  5. Bring down dirty clothes from children’s bedrooms.
  6. Start a load of laundry in washer and put washed laundry in dryer.
  7. Sort one load of laundry for next wash load.
  8. Put away dishes in dish drainer.
  9. Change a wet diaper.
  10. Strip sheets from one of the beds to be washed.
  11. Clean off high chair.
  12. Wash pots and pans.
  13. Fold a load of clean laundry.
  14. Put away a load of folded laundry.
  15. Wash mirrors in bathrooms.
  16. Wipe off kitchen table.
  17. Quickly dust living room furniture.
  18. Put away unnecessary things on the piano.
  19. Make wet wipes.
  20. Put away unnecessary things on the entertainment center.
  21. Pick up toys in the living room.
  22. Pick up toys in the girl’s and boy’s rooms.
  23. Clean off one kitchen countertop.
  24. Put away spices on kitchen counter.
  25. Pick toys up off of the kitchen floor.
  26. Pick up shoes and put away.
  27. Start a batch of bread.
  28. Lay out frozen food for supper.
  29. Straighten sewing table.
  30. Take out trash.
  31. Pick up trash off floors in one room and throw away.
  32. Swish toilets in both bathrooms.
  33. Wipe counters in one of the bathrooms.
  34. Write down a weekly menu on calendar.
Many things can be done in five minutes, these are just a few. Not everything gets done everyday. But here's a start. These things can be done between homeschooling subjects and to make them go faster involve your children. Not only do you feel like you accomplished something, but you are teaching your children that if you break things down, the task doesn't seem quite so overwhelming.


Trust me, if you struggle with home organization & time management, I'm right there with you. These are my struggles as well. I've created this blog to try and motivate myself organizationally, as well as to let others know they are not alone.

Have a fantabulous day!!! And don't forget to SMILE!!!

Monday, February 12, 2007

Our Precious Children...

This is a poem that I wrote for my cousin's first babies (twin girls) that tells a tale of how it really is with new babies..

Nothing is more precious...
than your babies first smile,
their first laugh,
their first coo,
And don't forget...
their first kisses,
(They try to eat your face!)
And when they get teeth,...
their first bite!
(OUCH! right on your arm,
in the middle of church!)
When they say Mama and Dadda,...
your heart sings with joy!

Cherish these moments,...
because they grow up too fast!
Ask anyone who's been there,
they'll tell you the same.

Oh, and something else...
When they realize that
the diapers have velcro,
and the jammies have zippers,
and they are stinky...
What happens, you say?
Well, they unzip their jammies,
& unvelcro their diapers...
And WHOA!!!
What a stinky, rotten MESS!
(All over their brand new crib!)
Straight to the bathtub with you!!!

Enjoy these precious moments,
take loads of pictures,
and enjoy the rollar coaster
of PARENTHOOD!!!

Children are a blessing from the LORD.
They are our gifts from God.
Kiss your babies,
Hug your babies,
Cherish every moment,
for in the blink of an eye,
they will be too big for your lap!

Have a Blessed week in Our LORD!
Heather